Great Xia's Prime Minister, Meng Changzhong!

Chu Yun saw clearly the complex relationships within.

Just as his maternal uncle, the Asura Venerable, had said, the current Emperor of the Great Xia Dynasty, his Imperial Father!

One had to ask, how could a reigning emperor tolerate his own son currying favor with all the powers that be within the Imperial City right under his nose?

It was absolutely impossible!

If it truly came to that, the Grand Commander of the Shadow Guard, who had been in seclusion for many years, would likely have to reappear and let the people of the Imperial City see some bloodshed.

Meng Changzhong and the others deeply understood this point. The reigning emperor would not allow his son to consolidate power; such behavior was already endangering imperial authority.

Therefore, they had not agreed to the Crown Prince's overtures, and instead made the most appropriate and suitable choice.

However, if it were Chu Yun, things would be different.

If he could gain the support of these people, he could not only counter the Crown Prince in terms of his foundation within the Imperial City's relationships.

Moreover, the Emperor would absolutely support his actions, and even secretly assist him!

As the Emperor, he absolutely would not want to see only one of his many sons dominating, with the others forever relegated to being mere foils.

"Because of Imperial Father's reasons, they cannot agree to Chu Rong. Because if they did, it would be equivalent to endangering Imperial Father's imperial authority, something he cannot tolerate."

"But if they were to support me, the meaning would be completely different."

Consort Shi and the Asura Venerable agreed with Chu Yun's words.

The latter said, "But the problem is, how will you win them over?"

"Those fellows are all shrewd individuals. Standing on your side is equivalent to making an enemy of the Empress's faction."

"Since ancient times, in the struggle for imperial power, the winning side naturally achieves boundless glory and makes history, but the losing side... will die a terrible, terrible death."

"What will you present to prove to them that you have the strength to contend with the Crown Prince and the Empress's faction?"

Chu Yun's expression turned serious: "What if I told them that I am Xiao Yan?"

The Asura Venerable heard this and pondered seriously: "This is indeed a very good condition, but if it's only this, it might not be enough."

"Even if you prove you are Xiao Yan, possessing such heaven-defying, terrifying talent, you still haven't fully grown."

"Not having fully grown means uncertainty for them."

Chu Yun carefully considered these words. His maternal uncle was indeed making sense.

They weren't fools. Even if he proved he was Xiao Yan, at most it would shock and amaze them, but if that was all, trying to get them to follow him would still be somewhat difficult.

If he truly wanted to impress the leaders of these factions, he would likely need to reveal some of his trump cards.

"Imperial Mother, Uncle, I understand."

"I will go find Imperial Father first. I think it's necessary to inform him about this matter."

"As for how to win these people over, I will think carefully about it."

Chu Yun stood up and said to the two.

For him currently, the Evil Infant was his greatest trump card.

But he couldn't possibly reveal this life-saving trump card to them just to win them over and prove his worth; that would be both risky and foolish.

Therefore, he decided to first go see his Imperial Father and see if he could gain some of his support.

"Indeed, you should go find him."

"If your Imperial Father is willing to provide you with help, then setting aside everything else, you likely won't have any problems with the Prime Minister's connections."

The Asura Venerable said directly.

The entire dynasty knew that Prime Minister Meng Changzhong was not only the Great Xia Emperor's most trusted minister, but they had also been brothers who grew up together.

As long as the Great Xia Emperor gave a word, Meng Changzhong would absolutely stand by Chu Yun's side without hesitation and support him!

Chu Yun nodded, bid farewell to the two, and with Luo Feng at his side, headed to the Imperial Study to seek an audience with the Emperor.

Inside the Imperial Study at this moment.

The Great Xia Emperor was seated on his chair, chatting with a middle-aged man.

This person was dressed in official robes, and his face exuded a calm and reliable demeanor. Although his aura was restrained, the presence he projected carried an invisible sense of pressure.

Even when facing the Emperor at this moment, there was not the slightest hint of nervousness about him; he was at ease, as steady as a mountain.

This person was none other than the current Prime Minister, Meng Changzhong!

And in this life, he was also the father of the Heavenly Mandate Empress, Meng Ruoxue!

"Your Majesty, the Ninth Prince requests an audience."

At this moment, an old eunuch entered from outside the door to report.

"Oh? Old Ninth is here."

"Let him in," the Great Xia Emperor said.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Shortly after the old eunuch left that afternoon, Chu Yun and Luo Feng entered.

"This son greets Your Majesty."

"Luo Feng pays his respects to His Majesty!"

"Greetings, Prime Minister."

Luo Feng also bowed to the Prime Minister, who nodded slightly in return.

Upon hearing this, Chu Yun's gaze immediately shifted over.

This was his first time meeting Meng Changzhong, and he felt a bit surprised.

"No need for formalities, you may rise," the Emperor said.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

After the two stood up, Chu Yun said to Meng Changzhong, "I didn't realize Prime Minister Meng was here. It's our first meeting, and I didn't recognize you. Please forgive my ignorance, Prime Minister."

Meng Changzhong smiled, "Ninth Prince, you are too kind."

"I have long heard His Majesty speak of the Ninth Prince's distinguished appearance and astonishing talent. Seeing you today, you truly live up to the name Xiao Yan."

Clearly, his father, the Emperor, had already informed Meng Changzhong that he was Xiao Yan.

Chu Yun responded, not overly surprised, "You flatter me, Prime Minister."

"Alright, you two, stop being so formal with each other."

"Old Ninth, you came to see me, is there something you need?" the Great Xia Emperor asked Chu Yun directly.

"Your Majesty, this son has something he wishes to tell you, but... this matter is rather..."

Seeing Chu Yun hesitate, Meng Changzhong smiled gently, "Your Majesty, if there is nothing else, I shall take my leave."

"Wait!"

"Old Ninth, the Prime Minister is not an outsider."

"He is one of my most trusted individuals. You can speak freely in front of him, there's no need for this."

The Great Xia Emperor's words surprised Chu Yun somewhat.

Meng Changzhong stood still, saying nothing.

"Yes."

"Your Majesty, in that case, this son will speak."

"Your Majesty, this son has spoken with my mother and my uncle. They both agree that this son should investigate the truth behind his disappearance years ago."

"And bring those shadowy culprits to justice, one by one!"

"This son has come to seek Your Majesty's opinion. If Your Majesty agrees, then this son will elaborate further."

Chu Yun left room for maneuver, not revealing everything at once.

However, his words caused the Emperor's expression to become quite complex.

Meng Changzhong, standing nearby, also wore a look of deep meaning.