Qian Renxue: Only today did I learn the true nobility of an emperor!

Chen Feng didn't take the emperor's promise to "marry a princess" to heart at all.

Is this pancake edible?

Yes, you can eat it.

However, after consuming it, the benefits were completely disproportionate to the costs.

I'll say it again.

Unless absolutely necessary, Chen Feng didn't want to get involved personally; he had neither the interest nor the time to engage in a battle of wits with those bureaucratic Nobles.

He has more important things to do, whether it's researching technology or cultivating himself, which are more meaningful than the infighting in the court.

Therefore, his first choice is to assist someone, and he will only choose to take over himself when there is no one else available.

Compared to that, whether someone is a prince or a princess is secondary.

Moreover, anyone who understands the emperor's promises knows what they're talking about; as the old Daoist Jiajing once said, it's quite true.

No one's promises to you count; only what you can decide for yourself counts. Chen Feng doesn't have the initiative yet, so he won't pay attention to the promise Xue Ye makes.

However, he couldn't show indifference on his face. Instead, he feigned flattery and said, "Thank you for His Majesty appreciation, Your Majesty. I will certainly do my utmost to help the empire develop. However, I am still engaged, so I can only go against His Majesty Majesty's wishes regarding the princess."

In fact, Chen Feng originally wanted to say "I will devote myself to the cause until my dying breath," but he felt that his actions were only slightly better than those of traitors and rebels, and he was too ashamed to utter Zhuge Wuhou's famous saying.

After listening to Chen Feng's words, Xue Ye sighed softly, "Indeed, you are a junior of the Sword Douluo, and it would be most appropriate for you to marry that young lady from the Sect Master Ning's family... Well, it's fine this way, after all, you are a subject of the empire."

"Speaking of which, I once promised that the team that wins the Spirit Master Tournament would be granted the title of Earl and ten thousand acres of land. Xiao Feng, what do you and your friends think about this?"

Chen Feng hesitated for a moment, then looked troubled and said, "Your His Majesty, my companions and I are eager to serve the Empire, but we are worried that granting land will cause us to scatter and become separated, making it difficult to meet again. We really don't know what to do."

"Haha, what's so difficult about that?" Xue Ye laughed. "I'll just divide your lands closer together."

"But Your His Majesty, I'm afraid this would be of no benefit to the country." Chen Feng shook his head, his troubled expression undiminished.

"Hehe, I understand what you mean, but to put it bluntly, compared to the kingdoms and duchies that the empire has granted, you are really not a big problem."

"So, having too many lice makes you feel less itchy?" Chen Feng thought to himself, then said, "But regardless, I still don't want to increase the empire's burden. How about we be assigned to the empire's borders, like the other kingdoms and duchies? That way, we might be able to keep other countries in check for His Majesty."

Xue Ye was somewhat tempted by these words and nodded. "In that case, you may choose any border region of the empire. I can also provide you with the food you need for a period of five years."

Thank you, Your His Majesty.

After bidding farewell to the emperor, Chen Feng returned to the Heavenly Star Hall.

But before he could go inside, an elderly man in white robes stepped forward and said, "Mr. Chen, His Highness the Crown Prince requests your presence."

Having anticipated this, Chen Feng nodded. "Then please lead the way."

After leaving Heavenly Star Hall with the old man, they walked for a while to another, slightly smaller palace. The old man pushed open the palace door and gestured for Chen Feng to enter, "Mr. Chen, His Your Highness is inside."

"Thank you for leading the way." Chen Feng nodded to the old man and then walked into the hall.

Behind him, the old man silently watched his retreating figure, slowly closed the palace door, and then turned to stand guard at the entrance.

Upon entering the palace, Chen Feng discovered a large collection of books, suggesting it was a "royal study" or similar space.

Xue Qinghe was sitting casually in a chair in front of the bookshelf, smiling as he watched Chen Feng walk in.

"You're here, Xiao Feng." Xue Qinghe slowly stood up. "I noticed you didn't like the atmosphere at the banquet, so I took the liberty of having someone bring you here. You won't blame me, will you?"

"Of course not, I was just wondering where to find a quiet place, Brother Xue has been a great help to me." Chen Feng walked up to Xue Qinghe and sat down across the desk from him.

Xue Qinghe also sat down, picked up the teapot and teacups on the table, poured a cup of tea for each of them, and then took a sip.

"Golden Thorn Flower Tea has invigorating and beautifying effects and was once a royal tribute."

Chen Feng picked up the teacup and smelled it, feeling a fresh and elegant fragrance lingering in his nose. He drank the tea in the cup in one gulp and immediately felt refreshed and relaxed.

"This tea... is good."

He could only describe the tea as "good," and couldn't say anything more, because he didn't understand tea at all, and certainly didn't have the ability of a literary figure to write a thousand or eight hundred words of commentary on a single type of tea.

Watching Chen Feng gulp down his tea like a cow chewing on a peony, Xue Qinghe's lips twitched slightly.

He had originally intended to use the tea as foreplay before gradually getting to the main event, but who would have thought... sigh, what a tasteless man.

Xue Qinghe put down his teacup and decided to get straight to the point, saying, "Xiao Feng, do you still remember the promise Father made to you during the Spirit Master Tournament?"

"Of course I remember, His Majesty just spoke to me about this."

"Oh? So what do you think?"

"His Majesty is so kind as to grant me fiefdoms on the imperial borders."

"The border?" Xue Qinghe frowned. "Why the border? Wouldn't it be better to stay within the empire?"

He was planning to spend more time with Chen Feng in the future; if he were to be assigned to the border, wouldn't it be very inconvenient for him to find people later?

Chen Feng shook his head and said, "Because I don't want to be separated from my companions, but if we're within the empire, it's inconvenient to have everyone's Fief connected, as that wouldn't be good for the empire's rule. So I took the initiative to request His Majesty to place our Fief on the border, and His Majesty agreed."

"I see. Xiao Feng, you're very understanding. I've really wronged you." Xue Qinghe sighed softly.

"It's not that I'm feeling wronged; it's good enough to be with my friends."

"Haha, that's true. But if that's the case, it might be a bit difficult for me to find you again in the future," Xue Qinghe said in a joking tone.

Chen Feng smiled as well, "I dare not accept the title of 'noble person,' and it wouldn't be difficult for Brother Xue to find me. Although I am not convenient to travel after being granted a title, I am still a member of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Your Highness can use this connection to contact me, and we can also communicate by letter."

Talking to Qian Renxue, who is disguised as Xue Qinghe, in the palace like this always makes Chen Feng feel very unsafe, because although this place is not entirely Qian Renxue's territory, it is not far off.

Therefore, we need to change locations and go to Chen Feng's territory to discuss matters.

Moreover, distance creates beauty; maintaining a sense of mystery and ambiguity, making Qian Renxue yearn for him but not obtain him, is the most suitable approach.

Pulling and tugging

Qian Renxue, of course, had no idea what Chen Feng was thinking. Wearing Xue Qinghe's appearance, she looked thoughtful, and after a while, she nodded and said, "It seems that's the only way. Alas, Xiao Feng, I really want to keep you by my side forever."

Chen Feng felt a jolt of fear, thinking, "Why does this have a hint of yandere about it? [Caption: Imprisonment in a locked room. jpg]"

Qian Family traditional arts, right?

His mind was racing with all sorts of thoughts, but he maintained a smile on his face and said, "Brother Xue, I will definitely help you if you need anything. However, it wouldn't be ideal for both of us to stay in Heaven Dou City. It would be best if we could support each other from the inside and the outside."

"Hmm, that makes sense." Qian Renxue thought about it and agreed; you can't put all your eggs in one basket. "Then we should keep in touch more often in the future."

"Of course, but every communication needs a theme." Chen Feng tapped the table lightly twice, a playful smile on his face.

"May I ask Brother Xue's aspirations?"

Qian Renxue was slightly taken aback, then said, "Naturally, it's to help Father Emperor govern the Heaven Dou Empire well."

"Sigh." Chen Feng sighed, a look of disappointment on his face, clearly dissatisfied with the answer.

"Is there something wrong with it?" Qian Renxue asked, puzzled.

She is now the Crown Prince the Heaven Dou Empire; isn't this the most appropriate answer?

Chen Feng shook his head. "If Brother Xue only focuses on the Heaven Dou Empire, he might only be able to become a Preserving Ruler, or even Preserving Ruler."

"What is Preserving Ruler'?" Qian Renxue asked curiously.

"I divide monarchs into six types. By observing these six types of monarchs, one can discern their virtues. The Preserving Ruler' is one of them."

"I'd like to hear the details," Qian Renxue said, pouring Chen Feng a cup of tea.

Under her helpless gaze, Chen Feng downed his drink in one gulp, then said, "The first type of ruler is one who, while ruling, is inherently benevolent, clear-minded, and resolute. All his actions are for the benefit of the people, not for his own selfish gain. He acts according to the noble principles of the Way. This is Kingly Ruler."

"Your Kingly Ruler..." Qian Renxue's eyes lit up as she secretly savored the two words, finding them increasingly meaningful.

"The second type of ruler is one who can restrain his desires, is tolerant and kind, is not ashamed to ask questions of those less knowledgeable, practices what he preaches, acts based on morality, does not act on personal feelings, and is not swayed by emotions. This is the Ruling Ruler."

Qian Renxue lowered her gaze slightly, "She's Kingly Ruler."

"Yes, but having such a monarch is already quite good," Chen Feng continued. "The third type of monarch diligently protects the legacy of their ancestors, daring not to slacken or neglect it in the slightest, and prioritizes public affairs over private ones when handling matters of state. This is the Preserving Ruler."

"No wonder... But this is certainly a qualified monarch, isn't it?" Qian Renxue realized.

"That's right."

"What about the other three?"

"A ruler who acts contrary to the right path, vies for power and profit, blurs the lines between public and private interests, and experiences both gains and losses while in power is Declining Ruler; a ruler whose selfishness outweighs justice while in power, whose systems are completely contrary to the law, and whose politics and education are disordered, is Perilous Ruler; and the last type is Ruinous Ruler."

"Ruinous Ruler? A monarch who lost his country?" Qian Renxue asked.

Chen Feng nodded. "A monarch who flatters and fawns upon sycophants, drives out and persecutes loyal officials, indulges in personal desires, acts absurdly and dissolutely, fails to distinguish between rewards and punishments, bends the law for personal gain, covers up his mistakes, and refuses to listen to loyal advice..."

"Even the greatest empire cannot withstand the ruin of such a person. The title of 'Ruinous Ruler' is truly well-deserved," Qian Renxue sighed.

"So, Brother Xue, what kind of monarch do you want to be?" Chen Feng asked with a smile.

"Of course I will be the Kingly Ruler, the emperor's king!" Qian Renxue said with great pride, her emotions stirred by Chen Feng's words.

Chen Feng toyed with the porcelain teacup in his hand, shaking his head slightly. "Kingly Ruler isn't so easy, being an emperor..."

... What does Brother Xue think defines an emperor?

"Hmm... the ruler of a country?" Qian Renxue said uncertainly.

"That could only be considered a king, not an emperor."

Please enlighten me, sir.

"A true emperor should possess lofty ambitions, profound wisdom, a heart that encompasses the universe, and a will that can swallow the heavens and earth."

Seeing Qian Renxue's stunned expression, Chen Feng smiled and said, "If one doesn't have the ambition and achievements to make all the land under heaven belong to the king, and all the people within the realm serve the king, how can one be worthy of being called an emperor?"

Qian Renxue took a deep breath, feeling a surge of excitement and exhilaration.

So this is what an emperor is like!

It encompasses the universe and swallows the heavens and earth!

Under the whole heaven, all land belongs to the king; on the shores of the earth, all people are subjects of the king!

Compared to that, her previous actions and thoughts seemed so petty.

For that woman's so-called plan, she came to the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace to lie in wait since she was a child, until today, more than ten years later.

During this period, she spent the best ten years of her youth, using insidious methods such as poison to kill other heirs to the throne, all in order to seize the Heaven Dou Emperor's throne.

But what happens after she succeeds? She didn't think about that question, because as long as she successfully seized the throne, her mission was already complete.

Next, it will be that woman's stage, and it will have nothing to do with Qian Renxue anymore.

Having paid such a high price, used so many underhanded methods that he despised, and even squandered his prime years here, all he ended up doing was becoming that woman's stepping stone to advancement?

No, this is not what I want! Qian Renxue clenched her fists subconsciously.

Chen Feng poured himself a cup of tea, held it to his nose and gently inhaled the aroma, enjoying its fresh and delicate fragrance while secretly observing Qian Renxue's reaction.

He saw Qian Renxue's expression change and her eyes fluctuate. Although she controlled herself well, he could still sense a hint of resentment in her eyes.

Chen Feng's lips curled up almost imperceptibly as he finished his tea in one gulp. After setting the cup down, he sighed softly, "Although I categorize monarchs into these six types, throughout the history of the Douluo Continent, there are many Preserving Ruler or Declining Ruler, and monarchs in Perilous Ruler or Ruinous Ruler are not uncommon. Ruling Ruler only appear occasionally, and as for Kingly Ruler, there has never been one in history. I wonder if I will ever see one in this lifetime."

Qian Renxue's lips trembled, but she ultimately did not utter a word.

Chen Feng felt the time was right, so he stood up and said, "Thank you for the tea, Brother Xue. Judging by the time, the banquet should be almost over. I need to go to the Heavenly Star Hall to find them."

Qian Renxue also stood up, her expression now devoid of any other emotion.

"You've really controlled your emotions well," Chen Feng silently praised.

The two arrived outside the hall, Chen Feng said to Qian Renxue, "Brother Xue, please leave me here. I can go on my own."

"Okay, then be careful on the road."

After Chen Feng left, the old man beside him asked, "Your Highness, did you have a pleasant chat tonight?"

Qian Renxue watched the young man's retreating figure silently, then uttered a sentence that astonished the old man. "Only today do I truly understand the nobility of an emperor!"