One: Forcing Yongxing to abdicate would be simple, but maintaining stability afterward would be no easy task.

Huaiqing expressed her opinion through private communication.

“You locals just don’t get my references. At this point, you should have replied ‘All we need is the east wind’…” Xu Qi An habitually grumbled to himself before writing back:

Three: Your Highness speaks wisely. With your rich experience, what suggestions do you have?

Forcing Yongxing to abdicate would be easy—after all, he had dared to kill an emperor, let alone force an abdication. The difficulty lay in stabilizing the situation, getting the court officials to accept this matter, and ensuring they would maintain the court’s operations and support him, Xu Qi An.

One: We must first stabilize the officials. I have already privately contacted Wei Gong’s former subordinates and ensured everything is foolproof.

After reading this message and recalling Huaiqing’s earlier description of the negotiations, Xu Qi An had a revelation: No wonder the Wei faction had remained surprisingly silent and observed the negotiation results with cold eyes—they had already coordinated and secretly planned the rebellion.

“Liu Hong, Zhang Xingying, and those old foxes from the Ministry of War… Huaiqing’s ability to control them and secure their loyalty truly shows her masterful skills in managing people.” Xu Qi An wrote:

Three: Wei Gong’s former subordinates alone cannot stabilize the court.

One: Correct. Therefore, I hope you can persuade Prime Minister Wang. Combining the forces of the Wang and Wei factions would be sufficient to stabilize the court. The remaining factions will make their choices based on the situation.

Have you approached Prime Minister Wang yet, Xu Ning Yan?

Three: Ah, well, I’ve been focused on cultivation lately and forgot about this matter.

Dual cultivation is still cultivation… he muttered to himself. At this thought, he held the ground book fragment with one hand while supporting Mu Nan Zhi’s soft bottom with the other, lifting her slightly to prevent her from sliding down.

The nearly forty-year-old, voluptuous Flower Goddess let out a soft “mmm” as she dozed on his shoulder. A warm energy circulated through her meridians, inducing drowsiness.

This was why Xu Qi An had been taking cold baths in the dead of winter—to cool them both down.

Cultivation? Your cultivation hit a bottleneck long ago. How can you cultivate without removing the demon-sealing nails… Huaiqing frowned, sensing Xu Qi An was deceiving her.

Three: I will handle this matter.

Based on his understanding of Wang Zhenwen and his assessment of the current situation, he was certain Wang Zhenwen would choose to cooperate with him.

First, Wang Zhenwen was a scholar who might compromise on minor matters but never on major principles. If there was a feasible plan to save the country with considerable hope of success, he would certainly risk trying it.

Second, the Wang family’s young lady had a marriage arrangement with Er Lang. Conspiracy between in-laws was far more reliable than mere allies.

After receiving Xu Qi An’s affirmative response, Huaiqing relaxed. She didn’t inquire further, just as Xu Qi An hadn’t asked how she had convinced the old foxes of the Wei faction to join her rebellion.

This showed their mutual trust in each other’s abilities.

One: Next is the military issue. After taking action, I will seize the palace gates as quickly as possible to force Yongxing’s abdication. Once the dust settles, you won’t need to worry about the Imperial Guard.

The five battalions of the Imperial Guard were loyal only to the emperor and followed only his commands.

Even with Huaiqing’s extensive influence, it would be impossible to turn all the Imperial Guard commanders. Being able to turn even a small portion was already quite remarkable.

However, while the Imperial Guard was difficult to win over, gaining the support of the twelve city defense forces would be much easier.

With Xu Qi An as the cornerstone, Huaiqing was confident she could occupy the palace city in a short time.

Three: What about the royal clan’s attitude?

One: The royal clan now wants nothing more than to drag Yongxing from the throne. Having them acknowledge the Yunzhou line as legitimate would be harder for them to accept than death.

After settling the details, Huaiqing expressed her concern:

Even if we stabilize the court, once the Yunzhou rebels have rested and regrouped, we still won’t be able to hold Yongzhou. Ning Yan, do you have any solutions?

Though Huaiqing prided herself on her wisdom and strategic abilities, when it came to dealing with superhuman cultivators, she had pondered long and hard. She had considered seeking allies like the Gu Tribe or the Southern Demons, but they were either constrained or otherwise occupied.

They couldn’t help Da Feng.

Three: To be honest, Your Highness, I have already removed the last demon-sealing nail and advanced to Second Rank.

The other side remained silent for a long while before Huaiqing replied:

How… how did you manage that?

She couldn’t find words to describe her current emotions—joy from heaven, bewilderment… Her feelings were incredibly complex, but one thing was certain: she felt a refreshing sense of hope like a traveler in dense fog finally finding a clear path.

Three: I can reveal some details to Your Highness, but it must remain secret.

Huaiqing’s spirits lifted as she replied:

Please tell me.

Three: Number Eight removed the demon-sealing nail for me. He is Asura.

Huaiqing stared blankly at this message, nearly dropping her jade mirror.

Number Eight is Asura. Of course—Number Eight had been in seclusion, and Asura had recently returned. After Asura’s return, Master Golden Lotus emerged from seclusion, and shortly after claimed Number Eight had emerged as well. The timing matched perfectly… Huaiqing felt both delighted and frustrated.

She had been careless not to connect Number Eight with Asura.

“If Number Eight is Asura, not only did he help Xu Qi An advance to Second Rank, but being a member of the Heaven and Earth Society himself makes him an ally. Da Feng suddenly has two powerful martial artists known for their combat prowess. Master Golden Lotus’s hidden piece has completely changed the game. Impressive…”

As a skilled strategist, she believed Master Golden Lotus’s low-key approach proved him to be one of the world’s finest chess players.

True masters often executed moves that weren’t immediately impressive but laid the groundwork for developments thousands of miles ahead.

In this regard, Huaiqing maintained a mental ranking. The Supervisor undoubtedly held first place, with Wei Yuan and Xu Pingfeng sharing second and third.

Now there were two more: the First Generation who could outmaneuver the Supervisor even five hundred years after death, equally ranked at the top. Master Golden Lotus shared the same rank as Xu Pingfeng.

Next, Xu Qi An explained how Asura practiced the Three Pure One’s technique, using split avatars as “coordinates” to counter the Buddhist “All is Void” technique.

Huaiqing’s doubts were cleared, except for one:

Why did Ning Yan tell only me about this?

While keeping it from other Heaven and Earth Society members.

Because you’re the only one who hasn’t experienced social death, so telling you won’t make much difference… Xu Qi An explained:

This matter requires Asura’s permission, and I shouldn’t casually reveal others’ secrets. But with Your Highness, I’ve always been completely open and honest.

In Huaiqing’s residence, in the afternoon study, she sat at her desk and wrote: I almost believed that…

She didn’t send this message, erasing it to write instead:

It’s because they all mocked Asura extensively in the group chat…

After consideration, she erased this too.

Finally, she formally replied:

I understand.

Three: Your Highness, one last question…

At the Celestial Observatory.

Xu Qi An stood up from the bath, supporting Mu Nan Zhi’s bottom with both hands. She instinctively wrapped her legs around his sturdy waist and her arms around his neck, resting her head on his shoulder.

Their contrasting skin tones—one fair and crystalline, the other bronze—created a striking visual impact.

He gently laid Mu Nan Zhi on the bed and withdrew the power he had granted her.

The Flower Goddess made a soft “mm” sound in her sleep, her delicate brows furrowing slightly.

This woman is more potent than any aphrodisiac… Xu Qi An reluctantly covered her with a cotton blanket, then picked up the bracelet from the floor and placed it back on her snow-white wrist.

This transformed the Flower Goddess from the world’s most potent aphrodisiac into an aunt who calmed one’s heart.

Next, Xu Qi An took out the Taiping Sword and placed it on the table, instructing:

“Watch over your mistress. Don’t let anyone enter, understand?”

The Taiping Sword hummed in response, conveying its understanding.

The Taiping Sword had grown stronger; most Fourth Rank experts were now like lambs before it.

Xu Qi An opened the door to leave, his fingertips lightly brushing the door, applying a paralyzing poison.

At the Wang residence.

Wang Zhenwen had just sent Qian Qingshu away when his steward quietly entered the outer room to report:

“Master, Sir Xu the Silver Badge has arrived.”

Wang Zhenwen, who had been feeling somewhat tired, immediately perked up and said:

“Quickly, invite him in.”

The steward withdrew, and shortly after, the door to the bedroom was pushed open. Wang Zhenwen saw a tall, handsome young man in cyan robes enter.

Seeing the cyan-robed figure beyond the curtain, Wang Zhenwen’s gaze became distant for a moment. After clearly seeing Xu Qi An’s face, he let out a sigh that seemed both emotional and regretful.

“For a moment just now, I almost thought Wei Yuan had returned.”

Wang Zhenwen looked at the young man who had entered and said with a smile.

“What’s wrong with Prime Minister? Why are you ill?”

Xu Qi An walked to the bedside and took Wang Zhenwen’s wrist to feel his pulse, while also listening carefully.

This… his brows furrowed tightly. Wang Zhenwen’s body was like a machine that had reached retirement age, with severe deterioration in all parts.

“Even celestial beings face five types of decay, let alone an ordinary mortal like myself?”

Wang Zhenwen smiled dismissively:

“The Celestial Observatory’s ritualists have already said that with peaceful rest, there might be hope for recovery. Beyond this, there is no other way.”

Xu Qi An nodded, secretly transmitting several streams of energy to help nourish his blood and qi.

The Celestial Observatory indeed had many magical medicines that could raise the dead and heal wounds. The Human Path also had numerous premium pills.

But the higher the grade of the medicine, the stronger its power and this was not something an uncultivated mortal could withstand.

Take the Blood Pill for example—though it contained abundant life force, its level was so high that even a Fourth Rank expert would face certain death upon consuming it.

Therefore, reviving a high-ranked expert might not be too difficult, but reviving an ordinary person without any foundation… well, since Song Qing created the human refinement technique, it wasn’t too difficult anymore.

As long as you had the Nine-Colored Lotus Seed that could transform all things, even mortals could be reborn in a new shell.

“You must have heard about the peace negotiations,” Wang Zhenwen got straight to the point, staring at Xu Qi An sitting by the bed:

“Tell me truthfully, what are your plans?”

His gaze was intense, like a person in desperation awaiting their last hope.

If I tell him I have no solution, the old Prime Minister might not be able to hold on… At this moment, Xu Qi An suddenly felt grateful for delaying his visit. If he had come to visit the old Prime Minister right after discussing with Huaiqing.

Then, a single “I can do nothing” might have caused this struggling old man to fade away.

Xu Qi An’s expression became serious as he said each word clearly:

“I have reached Second Rank.”

Wang Zhenwen’s hand tightly gripped the bedsheet, veins bulging on the back of his hand. He looked deeply at Xu Qi An, then suddenly burst into hearty laughter.

The laughter was bold and unrestrained, sweeping away the gloom.

He had sensed strong confidence from Xu Qi An.

He was reassured.

Xu Qi An sat quietly, waiting for the old Prime Minister to release his pent-up emotions.

“What’s your plan?”

Wang Zhenwen slowly composed himself, returning to his experienced and steady demeanor.

Xu Qi An spoke directly:

“I want to change the emperor!”

Surprisingly, Wang Zhenwen’s expression remained calm, showing no signs of shock.

The old Prime Minister sighed and said:

“Yongxing is a preservative ruler, unable to bear this tottering empire. Even if this peace negotiation is successfully resolved, if there’s a second or third unfavorable situation, he will still retreat.”

“Sometimes, troubles from the rear are the most fatal. If the court wants to compete with Yunzhou for the nation’s fate, we must have a stable rear.”

After a pause, he looked at Xu Qi An and asked:

“Who do you want to enthrone?”

Xu Qi An didn’t hesitate:

“Prince Yan.”

The Prime Minister relaxed upon hearing this:

“Good, this is good. Prince Yan is the legitimate son, born of the Empress Dowager. His ascension would be proper and legitimate.”

After their discussion, the old Prime Minister grabbed the bell from his bedside and rang it.

The steward entered from outside.

Wang Zhenwen instructed:

“Go invite Prime Minister Qian, Minister Sun, Vice Minister Zhao…”

He listed six or seven names, all core members of the Wang faction.

Xu Qi An took the opportunity to stand:

“Junior shall take his leave first.”

At Prince Li’s residence.

“Yongxing is confused!”

The elderly Prince Li, hearing the news, shakily stood up supporting himself with a cane, and repeatedly struck the table.

In the hall were various princes and dukes.

“Rebels and traitors are considered legitimate, so what are we? What about our ancestors?” Prince Yu spoke in a low voice:

“His Majesty is too fearful. Yunzhou wants money, grain, and land. Even if we firmly refuse to give in, I don’t believe Jin Yuan would dare to leave the capital.”

“Who made him emperor?”

At this moment, someone spoke softly.

The princes and dukes turned to look—it was Prince Yan who had spoken.

Prince Li glanced at him and said flatly:

“Enough. Yunzhou is using force to pressure us, what can His Majesty do?”

He swept his gaze across the indignant princes and dukes, and said in a deep voice:

“At present, we must feign compliance and wait for spring. Once the court catches its breath, everything can be discussed. As long as our line secures the throne, what’s black is black when we say it’s black, and what’s white is white when we say it’s white.”

Although he was extremely resentful of Emperor Yongxing, Prince Li still decided to prioritize the bigger picture and stabilize the emotions of the royal clan.

In matters of state, the emperor could make decisions, but in matters of the ancestors, it wasn’t for the emperor alone to decide.

Emperor Yongxing’s decision was pushing everyone’s ancestors toward injustice.

Three days later, the negotiations between Yunzhou and the court concluded, and this peace talk entered its final stage.

Regardless of the attitudes of mid and lower-ranking officials in the capital, the common people, or the scholars.

In everyone’s view, this peace negotiation was already set in stone.