Xiao Mo's consciousness withdrew from the Hundred Generations Book.
For nearly two months, Xiao Mo had been obsessed with "cultivation," paying almost no attention to matters of the Imperial Court.
When Xiao Mo got hungry, he would have the Imperial Kitchen send over meals.
After all, as an Emperor, even a Puppet Emperor, he had people to wait on him hand and foot.
Xiao Mo figured that not even the legendary Emperor Longevity had been as much of a shut-in as he was.
"Wei Xun," Xiao Mo called out.
Wei Xun, who had been waiting outside the palace, heard the call and hurried inside. "Your Majesty..."
At first, Wei Xun had thought His Majesty's pursuit of cultivation was just a ruse to lower Yan Shanao's guard while he made secret preparations.
For example, there was the story of a Prince from the Chen Kingdom who, after being sidelined by a powerful minister, secretly trained elite assassins and did all sorts of things to lull the minister into a false sense of security.
Then one day, the Chen Kingdom's Prince summoned the powerful minister to the Imperial Palace, where the assassins lay in ambush. They killed him and reclaimed power.
But his own Majesty truly seemed to be focused on cultivation lately...
He would meditate for an entire day at a time.
'Has His Majesty really given up on seizing power?'
At this thought, Wei Xun couldn't help but sigh, a sense of disappointment washing over him.
But on second thought, maybe it was for the best that His Majesty had given up.
Killing Yan Shanao was easier said than done. The man himself was a Dragon Gate Realm Cultivator.
If there was even the slightest slip-up, His Majesty wouldn't just fail to reclaim his authority—he would likely end up dead within the palace walls.
"Wei Xun, you look so grim. Is something the matter?" Xiao Mo asked.
"Answering Your Majesty, thank you for your concern. Nothing could be wrong with this servant. As long as Your Majesty is well, this servant is well," Wei Xun said with a fawning smile.
"Alright, alright, stop with the constant flattery. Have someone bring some food. I'm a little hungry," Xiao Mo said.
"The Imperial Kitchen has already prepared it. It's on its way to Your Majesty now."
Ever since His Majesty started cultivating, Wei Xun had gradually figured out his meal schedule.
"Mm," Xiao Mo nodded. "What has the Imperial Court's opinion of me been lately?"
"Well..." Wei Xun hesitated.
"Speak freely," Xiao Mo said, looking at Wei Xun. "The truth!"
"..." Wei Xun organized his thoughts before speaking, choosing his words carefully. "Many of the ministers... have reservations about Your Majesty's cultivation. They feel that Your Majesty should... should..."
"Should focus on state affairs?" Xiao Mo chuckled. "Are they also cursing me as a fatuous ruler behind my back?"
The moment Xiao Mo's words fell, Wei Xun dropped to his knees before him. "Absolutely no one would dare say such a thing about Your Majesty!"
"Alright, alright, what are you so nervous about? I didn't say it was you." Xiao Mo said coolly. "Get up."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Wei Xun stood up, trembling, and wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.
'Those ministers who criticize me are mostly just putting on a show of being "loyal subjects".'
'Everyone in the Imperial Court knows that Empress Dowager Yan and Prime Minister Yan control everything, one from without and one from within.'
'I have no power left, so how could I possibly manage state affairs?'
'Besides, if Yan Shanao ever felt I was a threat...'
'That guy might actually replace the Emperor.'
'And for an Emperor, being forced to "resign" from the job has only one outcome: death.'
'So, until I have enough strength, I have to lie low.'
'It won't be long before my first life experience in the Hundred Generations Book is over. I'll see what kind of rewards I get then.'
"Your Majesty, the Prime Minister requests an audience," a Palace Maid called from outside the bedchamber.
"Quickly, invite the Prime Minister in," Xiao Mo said.
"Yes." The Palace Maid curtsied outside the bedchamber, then opened the door. "Prime Minister, please come in."
"This subject pays his respects to Your Majesty." Yan Shanao, a sword at his waist, walked into the bedchamber and bowed to Xiao Mo.
"Prime Minister, there's no need for such formalities." Xiao Mo scrambled off the bed without even putting on his shoes and went forward to greet him. "Prime Minister, what brings you here?"
Yan Shanao eyed Xiao Mo's Daoist robes. "Your Majesty has been cultivating for nearly two months. This subject came to see how you are and to ask how Your Majesty's cultivation is progressing."
"Hahahaha... It's going alright, just alright," Xiao Mo said with a laugh. "I feel that the affairs of the Imperial Court are too complicated, too taxing. Ever since I began cultivating, my mind has been clear and refreshed every day. It's just that all the various matters of the court must trouble you, Prime Minister."
"Your Majesty is too kind. Easing Your Majesty's burdens is this subject's duty," Yan Shanao bowed again. "However, Your Majesty, in about a month, Elder Huang of the Wanjian Sect will be coming to our Zhou Kingdom. The Wanjian Sect is the world's First Sword Sect. At that time, Your Majesty will need to personally receive Elder Huang."
"That's no problem, of course."
'The original owner of this body didn't know much about the Cultivation Realm. He'd vaguely heard of the Wanjian Sect's reputation, but nothing beyond that. He didn't even know the name of the Wanjian Sect's Sect Leader.'
"Furthermore, Your Majesty is no longer young. This subject has selected some women to enter the palace. They are all ladies from prestigious families. In particular, my own Yan Clan has produced a talented lady named Yan Ruxue. She is a woman of both talent and beauty, and I'm certain Your Majesty will be fond of her."
"..." How could Xiao Mo not understand his meaning? Yan Shanao had all but said, 'You must choose Yan Ruxue as your consort.' It wouldn't even be long before Yan Ruxue would become the Empress.
"I have long heard of the famed talent from the Yan Family. I will certainly pay her close attention!" Xiao Mo nodded, appearing completely obedient.
Seeing Xiao Mo so compliant, the corners of Yan Shanao's mouth curved up.
In the past, Xiao Mo would still struggle against him a little, even attempting to take back power. But now, it seemed he had given up completely.
This was for the best. Otherwise, replacing the Emperor would just add unnecessary complications.
"Since all is well with Your Majesty, this subject will take his leave."
"Take care, Prime Minister. You should look after your health. Wei Xun, see the Prime Minister out."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
After Wei Xun had escorted Yan Shanao away, Xiao Mo's brow furrowed. 'What goes around comes around. You old bastard, just you wait!'
...
「Qinghe City, World of Ten Thousand Laws.」
This place was merely thirty li from the Zhou Kingdom's border.
On the streets of Qinghe City, Elder Huang was followed by two "disciples" dressed in Wanjian Sect robes.
During the past few days of travel, being with them had kept Elder Huang on pins and needles.
Although they were wearing the uniforms of Wanjian Sect's Inner Sect Disciples, if he actually treated them as such, Elder Huang felt he must have a death wish.
These two people.
One of them was his own Sect Leader, the world's number one Sword Immortal.
The other was the Sect Leader's Sword Attendant—Qiu Ye.
To be honest, Elder Huang had no idea what his esteemed Sect Leader was doing accompanying him to the Zhou Kingdom.
His own mission to the Zhou Kingdom was just a routine affair. He would go through the motions and accept the Zhou Kingdom as a vassal state of the Wanjian Sect.
But he never expected the Sect Leader to tag along, and what's more, to do so by concealing her identity and posing as an Inner Sect Disciple.
'Is there something special about this Zhou Kingdom?'