She came at him directly… Xu Qi’an gazed at the young masters in the portraits for a few seconds before looking back at Huaiqing, whose beautiful eyes burned intently, her expression serious.
Huaiqing was proud, reserved, and had a strong sense of self-respect—a completely different personality from Lin’an.
There were things she wanted but would never speak of.
In this regard, she exceeded even Luo Yuhen who “hated dual cultivation.”
From Xu Qi’an’s perspective, he knew Huaiqing’s temperament was prouder than Luo Yuhen’s and more unyielding than Li Miaozhen’s.
A woman with ambitions for the throne would likely find it difficult to accept her husband loving other women, which was why Xu Qi’an had never made a move on Huaiqing.
Unexpectedly, she was now making the move herself.
Thinking it through, peace now reigned across the four seas, commoners were busy with spring planting, and the grain supply issues were gradually being resolved due to the new tariffs. Huaiqing herself had become the supreme ruler, with no more concerns or obstacles.
What she would pursue next was obvious…
Xu Qi’an sighed:
“What a pity, what a pity…”
Huaiqing raised an eyebrow:
“A pity?”
Xu Qi’an spread his hands:
“In all of Great Zhou, who could be worthy of Your Majesty except this Imperial Enforcer? If you wanted to marry, you should have said so earlier—I could have married both you and Lin’an together. What can be done now? An elder sister can’t become a younger sister to her sister.”
His sighing manner suggested he had missed some great opportunity.
The seal-bearing eunuch and minor eunuchs all lowered their heads, not daring to breathe.
They desperately told themselves—I heard nothing, I heard nothing!
When hearing such “high-level secrets,” it was best to consider oneself a disposable tool who would forget everything immediately, thinking and saying nothing afterward.
This was the way of survival.
Palace eunuchs feared encountering such matters most, because the more they knew, the shorter their lives became.
Huaiqing was stunned, not expecting such a response. She stared at Xu Qi’an for a moment before snorting:
“Imperial Enforcer Xu jokes. Lin’an is Our sister. Since you’ve become the Imperial Son-in-law, you should restrain yourself and not be fickle. Treat her well.”
Her gaze was no longer sharp, and her tone had softened. She appeared very satisfied with Xu Qi’an’s answer.
After Xu Qi’an apologized for his “slip of the tongue,” Huaiqing made an “mm” sound and said:
“Today Minister Wei is tied up with trivial matters and can’t come to the palace to play Go with Us. Imperial Enforcer Xu shall take Minister Wei’s place in accompanying Us for a game.”
I only know how to play Chinese chess and five in a row… Xu Qi’an agreed nonetheless.
…
Righteous Qi Tower!
Wei Yuan unfolded the secret letter. Its contents concerned recent developments in Mahayana Buddhism in the Western Regions. As expected, the Buddhist sect had forbidden Arhat Du’e from spreading Mahayana Buddhism and planned to hold a Buddhist assembly after autumn. They were currently gathering followers from the Western Regions.
The Night Watchmen had many undercover agents in the Western Regions, all local people scattered across various countries, specifically collecting intelligence on Buddhist activities.
The secret letter also mentioned that although Alanda had forbidden various countries and classes from promoting Mahayana Buddhism, once the seeds of thought took root, they spread like wildfire and could hardly return to how things were before.
Mahayana Buddhism had gone underground, deeply revered and pursued by the impoverished masses and slaves.
According to the description from an undercover agent with slave status, followers of Mahayana Buddhism revered Great Zhou’s Imperial Enforcer Xu Qi’an as the Supreme Buddha of the Three Thousand Worlds. His will had descended upon the Nine Provinces, spreading Mahayana Buddhist ideals, with Du’e being the first person he enlightened.
Arhat Du’e was influenced by him, understood the dharma, and also became a Buddha.
The Supreme Buddha could help all living beings in the world escape from the sea of suffering, allowing everyone to achieve Buddhahood.
Wei Yuan pondered briefly, spread paper on his desk, picked up his brush to write, and then sealed it with his stamp. He summoned Nangong Qianrou and said:
“Take my written order to requisition thirty thousand taels of silver from the Southern Border Market and send it to the Western Regions, delivering it to our agents there.”
The feminine Nangong took the order, frowning:
“Foster father, this is…”
Wei Yuan spoke in a tone of compassion for all beings:
“The people of the Western Regions suffer too much hardship. Sending some silver will help improve their lives. Mahayana Buddhism can not only cleanse their hearts but also ensure they don’t want food and clothing.”
Nangong Qianrou was clever and immediately understood her foster father’s meaning.
If believing in Mahayana Buddhism meant getting silver, it was obvious how those who were hesitant or neutral would choose.
“Hmph, it’s fortunate to have you planning behind the scenes, foster father. That crude warrior Xu Ning Yan only knows fighting and killing, how could he think of such things?” Nangong Qianrou took the opportunity to disparage her rival for attention.
Wei Yuan shook his head:
“If even these matters required Xu Ning Yan’s painstaking planning, Great Zhou wouldn’t be worth saving.”
Nangong Qianrou knew when to stop, changing the subject:
“Foster father, why didn’t you go to the palace today?”
Usually, at this time, the foster father would be in the palace discussing state affairs and playing chess with Her Majesty.
Wei Yuan sighed, “Her Majesty sent word today telling me not to come to the palace. I expect she won’t need me to play chess with her anymore in the future.”
However, this secret letter still needed to be sent to the palace and delivered to Her Majesty.
…
After that, Xu Ning Yan received palace messages daily, with Emperor Huaiqing inviting him to the palace for games and discussions of state affairs.
Apart from properly playing chess and discussing politics in the first few days, in many subsequent visits, Huaiqing often invited Imperial Enforcer Xu to tour the Imperial Garden, climb heights for distant views, and even spar together.
Imperial Enforcer Xu had become the female emperor’s favored minister.
Seeing how frequently the Xu fellow entered and left the palace, ministers gradually reduced their memorials urging Her Majesty to marry and “establish an emperor consort,” maintaining a wait-and-see attitude.
Xu Residence.
That morning, Xu Ling’yin was running circles around the courtyard with Bai Ji perched on her head. Bai Ji constantly adjusted her four limbs to maintain balance.
This was a game they often played—whoever lost, either Bai Ji falling off first or Xu Ling’yin running out of breath first, would have to give their chicken leg to the other person that night.
But humans and foxes never seemed able to determine a winner.
Passing by the inner hall, they saw Ji Bai’qing, Aunt, Xu Lingyue, Lin’an, and Mu Nanchi drinking tea and chatting in the hall, the atmosphere harmonious.
“I feel the atmosphere in your family is somewhat strange,” said Bai Ji, standing on the human cub’s head, speaking softly.
Xu Ling’yin rolled her eyes upward and responded in an adorably naive tone:
“What?”
Bai Ji said in a sweet voice:
“I can’t explain it clearly, it just feels odd. The way your mother looks at my aunt is strange, must be jealous that her aunt is prettier than her. Princess Lin’an gave me food yesterday, trying to probe about my aunt’s identity.
“Mm, Sister Ye Ji suddenly told me that children should be honest…
“But I still didn’t tell Imperial Enforcer Xu’s wife.”
Beast folk were skilled at reading expressions and behavior, an innate survival instinct.
After listening, Xu Ling’yin’s expression was blank:
“What are you talking about?”
Bai Ji thought for a moment, tilting her head:
“I don’t know either… but it just feels strange.”
Xu Ling’yin then suggested:
“Let’s go ask my master, my master is very smart.”
So the two went to find Lina, who was stealing food in the kitchen…
Xu Ling’yin blinked her innocent big eyes:
“Master, what are you eating?!”
Lina wiped the oil from the corner of her mouth, “Stop the nonsense, jianghu rules, split it half and half.”
She pointed at the smoked chicken on the plate.
Xu Ling’yin happily walked over, tore off a chicken leg, thought for a moment, then tore off the chicken bottom and handed it to Bai Ji on her head.
The three quickly began eating. While chewing with puffy cheeks, Xu Ling’yin said:
“Master, I dreamed about the big bug again.”
Lina’s attention was all on the smoked chicken as she casually asked:
“What big bug?”
Xu Ling’yin said:
“The Insect God…”
…The chicken meat in Lina’s hand fell to the ground. Her pupils dilated slightly as she stared blankly at Xu Ling’yin. After a good while, she lowered her voice and said:
“Did He teach you fighting again?”
Xu Ling’yin shook her head, “He just talked to me.”
“What did He say?” Lina asked loudly.
Xu Ling’yin tilted her head, trying very hard to remember, then announced:
“I forgot!”
“You idiot!” Lina felt like she was going to cough up blood.
To think she had been clever since childhood, how did she end up with such a stupid disciple?
Without another word, Lina grabbed Xu Ling’yin’s wrist and rushed out.
Bai Ji happily watched their departing figures, pouncing on the table to gnaw at the smoked chicken.
It’s all mine~~
…
In the palace’s Imperial Garden by the clear pond, Huaiqing wore a plum-colored palace dress, sitting on green rocks with a pair of fair, well-proportioned calves showing beneath her skirt hem, her feet soaking in the clear rippling water.
Beside her was a small table set with wine and fruits.
Xu Qi’an sat in the pavilion behind her, pondering deeply over the Go board before him.
Huaiqing put a piece of cut sweet melon into her red little mouth, eating it slowly and methodically before smiling:
“The spring scenery is lovely, perfect for soaking feet and appreciating flowers. Come sit with Us, Imperial Enforcer Xu. No need to obsess over the Go board.”
Who are you looking down on… Xu Qi’an flatly refused:
“I can figure out how to break through this position.”
“…” Huaiqing ignored him.
After a moment, the female emperor teased:
“The Holy Child says the Xu residence is in flames.”
Xu Qi’an didn’t look up, staring at the Go board as he smiled:
“With more people in the residence, naturally there are minor conflicts and clashes. How could it be completely harmonious? By the way, give me that list Prime Minister Qian gave you. I saw some decent young masters in there, who could look for a husband for Lingyue.”
Huaiqing made an “oh” sound:
“Xu Lingyue should indeed marry. If she’s taken a liking to any family’s young master, We can bestow the marriage.”
Xu Qi’an pursed his lips:
“I plan to use this list to frighten her. This girl has been too arrogant in the residence lately, suppressing my mother, suppressing Lin’an. I need to make her restrain herself.”
Huaiqing laughed:
“After Er’lang and Simu marry, it will be even more lively. Do you think they’ll fight individually or form alliances?”
“Who knows!”
Xu Qi’an imagined it, feeling both headache and anticipation. That scene would be more entertaining than theater plays.
Thinking of shows made him suddenly remember his disciple Miao Youfang.
“Miao Youfang is in the Imperial Army, right?”
Huaiqing nodded.
Miao Youfang was now Commander of the Second Infantry Battalion in the Imperial Army, holding a high position.
She was grooming Xu Ning Yan’s disciple as a trusted confidant.
“Send him to scrub latrines for a month,” said Xu Qi’an.
Just then, a blue-robed eunuch hurried over, stopping outside the pavilion and announcing loudly:
“Imperial Enforcer Xu, your residence has sent word requesting your return immediately.”
…
Xu Residence.
In the study, Xu Qi’an stared seriously at the little bean.
The little bean stared seriously at the pastries on the table.
“You forgot what the Insect God said to you?”
“Big pot, can I eat…”
…Xu Qi’an sighed:
“Go ahead!”
As Xu Ling’yin walked to the table to get pastries, he pressed his finger to her nape, activating the beast-controlling power of the heartworm.
Whether it was the Seven Ultimates Worm in his body or the Seven Ultimates Worm embryo in the little bean’s nape, both could be seen as “bridges” to communicate with the Insect God. However, the former was suppressed, preventing the Insect God from freely transmitting thoughts or descending.
But the Seven Ultimates Worm “embryo” in the little bean had no such restrictions for the Insect God.
What he needed to do now was use the little bean as a medium to reconnect with the Insect God and hear what nonsense He was spouting.
Suddenly, darkness appeared before Xu Qi’an’s eyes—endless, pure darkness.
In the darkness, a pair of blood-red eyes emerged, silently meeting his gaze.
“Autumn dew…”
“Without becoming a worm, cannot escape the great calamity…”
The blood-red eyes slowly closed, and the darkness shattered with them.
Xu Qi’an opened his eyes, his brows furrowing.
“Autumn dew… Without becoming a worm, cannot escape the great calamity… What does it mean? What was the Insect God trying to say?”
He immediately took out the Earth Book fragment and transmitted:
[Three: Everyone, just now the Insect God transmitted two sentences to me through Ling’yin. I don’t quite understand.]