Now Fu Ling Chuan understood why she had still treated him with courtesy during the annual banquet, but now coldly rejected him:

The country was peaceful, and both existing and foreseeable troubles had been resolved. She no longer needed him. Therefore, she couldn’t even be bothered to pretend anymore, directly discarding him like an old shoe.

Such a woman—heartlessness permeated her to the bone.

Such a woman—men simply couldn’t control her, yet they would still be deeply captivated by her.

Fu Ling Chuan had long told himself that in this life, he would devote all his energy to the great cause of restoring the country, governing with diligence, and avoiding romantic entanglements. But now, his heart was in turmoil.

Who knows how much time passed before a voice came from behind: “State Preceptor?”

It was his confidant.

“It’s getting late. Would you like to return to your residence?”

Fu Ling Chuan turned his eyes and suddenly realized that it was dark all around—twilight had already passed.

He had been standing here for at least three hours.

“Let’s go back,” he said hoarsely, turning to leave.

His confidant, seeing no one around, suddenly lowered his voice: “Is the master troubled by the sovereign’s marriage matter?”

Fu Ling Chuan laughed self-mockingly: “Am I that obvious?” As a leader, one’s emotions should not be displayed.

The confidant’s voice dropped even lower: “Her Majesty has become increasingly assertive. According to my observation, this might be because Her Majesty has confidence.”

“Confidence?”

“Her Majesty is a cultivator, not a weak woman. With cultivation backing her, she doesn’t fear you—that’s her confidence.” The confidant whispered, “If her confidence were drained…”

Then Queen Chang Le would just be a beauty raised in the deep palace, much easier to manipulate.

He dared not say this aloud, but Fu Ling Chuan understood perfectly.

“Impudent!” he rebuked in a low voice. “Withdraw!”

The confidant responded and quickly left, though without fear.

The State Preceptor had scolded him for being “impudent” but didn’t say he “deserved death,” which meant that Fu Ling Chuan remained standing in place for quite a while.

Chang Le’s indomitability and fearlessness indeed largely stemmed from her cultivation. Her cultivation was profound, and although she hadn’t used it for a long time, that dazzling strike on Luo Fu Island had left a deep impression on him. If her cultivation were removed, no matter how stubborn or proud she remained, she would ultimately be a queen confined to the deep palace, with no capital to oppose him.

One under the eaves must bow one’s head. Moreover, Chang Le was an intelligent girl who knew what was best for herself.

He could refrain from forcing her to marry, patiently waiting for her to agree, but why shouldn’t he first remove her claws and fangs?

This was the second time his confidant had made this suggestion; Wang Qian had also spoken similarly before.

Thinking of this, Fu Ling Chuan was suddenly startled: the various problems he and Chang Le faced when they first returned to New Xia had now been resolved one by one. At that time, they were comrades, needing to support each other, but now?

Unknowingly, he had become a stumbling block on her path to the pinnacle of power. Only by kicking him away could she truly be the Queen of New Xia!

If she had no affection for him, then…

In the cold winter months, Fu Ling Chuan suddenly felt chilled to the core.

Perhaps he should wake up.

Fu Ling Chuan sighed heavily, turned, and strode away.

No one noticed a tiny spider perched on the trunk of the plum tree behind.

It was cold, and no one remained in the garden. The spider quickly jumped to the ground and disappeared in an instant.

These days, many new faces appeared in the Royal Court.

According to the ultimatum previously issued by Fu Ling Chuan to powerful clans across the country, all clans had to reduce their military personnel before the fifteenth day of the twelfth lunar month, and then come to the capital to report.

This was a naked move to reduce military power and seize authority. Not only were military forces being reduced, but the leaders of local powerful clans also had to enter Wussel City. This way, little disturbance could be stirred up in the localities.

Within just six days, leaders from twenty-three regions had an audience with Queen Chang Le, received her kind reassurance, and were granted titles and rewards. Queen Chang Le enthusiastically invited them to establish residences in Wussel City. Although she didn’t make it a mandatory requirement, it represented the royal intention.

It would be best if these leaders all remained in Wussel City, which would eliminate destabilizing factors in the localities.

This was the treatment exchanged for military power, and no one could be entirely pleased. But the New Xia Queen had already won the people’s hearts—who would be willing to rise against her?

Most importantly, the Royal Court was powerful and wealthy, easily inspiring thoughts of submission.

However, everyone also noticed an interesting phenomenon:

Many clan patriarchs brought their promising young men to report for duty. Some were heroic and magnificent, some were tough and resolute, some had red lips and white teeth, and some were elegant and graceful.

In short, they were all talented and handsome.

With so many handsome men suddenly gathered in the royal capital, the court and society became lively. Wussel City transformed into a fashionable place, with many young women coming out to stroll, hoping to chance upon these beautiful young men.

Even Feng Miao Jun praised New Xia indeed nurturing remarkable talents. After the court was dismissed, she joked with Fu Ling Chuan: “The numbers are sufficient.” Beautiful men were pleasing to the eye. Who wouldn’t be cheerful seeing such handsome men?

The State Preceptor’s face darkened on the spot.

These noble families were indeed well-informed. Once the Queen showed a slight dissatisfaction with marriage at court, they sent their sons to the capital! Heh, they hoped their sons might catch Chang Le’s eye, rise rapidly thereafter, and bring supreme power back to their families.

She was stirring up trouble!

The so-called “numbers” referred to these handsome men being enough to fill her Imperial Harem, didn’t they?

Snow fell continuously overnight, but the next morning was mild with bright sunshine—a rarely seen clear day.

Feng Miao Jun had just finished her breakfast when a maid reported: “The son of Imperial Historian Yu Shi Zhang, painter Yu Lin Lang, has arrived and awaits Your Majesty’s summons.”

Feng Miao Jun just remembered this matter and nodded: “Go to the East Qing Pavilion.”

Having ruled New Xia for over a year, it was time for her to have her portrait painted and archived. However, a few days ago, when the Northwestern Garrison’s Historian Yu Geng Qing came to have an audience, he immediately recommended his youngest son, Yu Lin Lang, to enter the palace to paint the Queen’s portrait, claiming that Yu Lin Lang was a master of painting, far surpassing the palace painters.

Seeing his confidence, Feng Miao Jun also sent people to inquire. It turned out that Yu Lin Lang was only seventeen years old this year, yet he was famous in his youth. Some evaluated his artistry as “approaching the Dao,” and his painting skills were unrivaled in the old capital of Lubo City.

Feng Miao Jun certainly understood Yu Geng Qing’s intention to curry favor and draw closer, but she gladly accepted, scheduling Yu Lin Lang to paint her portrait today.

She had just seated herself on the brocade couch in the East Qing Pavilion when a maid led a young man in.

At first glance of Yu Lin Lang, Feng Miao Jun understood why his father had strongly recommended him:

This Yu Lin Lang was indeed a beautiful young man with red lips and white teeth, like jade and orchid. His eyes held wisdom, his skin was like porcelain, and he possessed a refined, elegant air. Although Wussel City now had many handsome young men, and some might surpass him in appearance, in terms of aura, he was unique.