Chu Yun saw the tangled web of relationships here clearly.
Just as his uncle, the Asura Venerable, had said, the current emperor of the Great Xia Dynasty was none other than his imperial father!
Tell him, how could a reigning Son of Heaven possibly watch helplessly as his own son gathered all the powerful nobles of the Imperial City beneath his banner right under his nose?
That was simply impossible!
If things truly reached that point, the Shadow Guards' Grand Commander, who had been in seclusion for many years, would likely have to appear once more and let the people of the Imperial City see some bloodshed.
Meng Changjiu and the others understood this point perfectly. The reigning emperor could never allow his own son to consolidate power. Such actions already threatened imperial authority.
Therefore, refusing the Crown Prince's overtures had instead been the most correct and suitable choice.
But if it were Chu Yun, things would be different.
If he could gain these people's support, he would not only be able to contend with the Crown Prince in terms of connections and foundations within the Imperial City.
The emperor would absolutely support his actions as well, perhaps even secretly aid him!
As emperor, he could never be willing to watch so many of his sons reduced to mere foils while only one family dominated alone.
"Because of Father, they cannot agree to support Chu Rong. Once they do, it would be tantamount to threatening Father's imperial authority, something he cannot tolerate."
"But if they support me, the meaning would be completely different."
Consort Shi and the Asura Venerable both agreed with Chu Yun's words.
The latter said, "But the question is, how will you win them over?"
"Every one of those people is shrewd as a fox. Standing on your side is equivalent to becoming enemies with the Empress Faction."
"Since ancient times, in struggles for imperial power, the winning side naturally enjoys boundless glory and makes history. But the losing side... dies a most miserable death."
"What will you use to prove to them that you have the strength to contend against the Crown Prince and the Empress Faction?"
Chu Yun's expression turned solemn. "What if I tell them that I am Xiao Yan?"
Hearing this, the Asura Venerable considered it seriously. "That is indeed a very good condition, but if that is all, I fear it will still not be enough."
"Even if you prove that you are Xiao Yan and possess such heaven-defying, terrifying talent, you have yet to fully mature."
"Until you have fully matured, you remain an uncertainty to them."
Chu Yun carefully considered those words. What his uncle said indeed made sense.
They were not fools. Even if he proved that he was Xiao Yan, it would at most leave them shocked and amazed. But if he wanted them to follow him based on that alone, it would still be difficult.
If he truly wanted to move the leaders of those factions, he would likely need to reveal some more trump cards.
"Mother Consort, Uncle, I understand."
"I will first go see Father. I think it is necessary to sound him out about this matter."
"As for how to win those people over, I will give it careful thought."
Chu Yun rose to his feet and spoke to the two of them.
For him, the Evil Infant was his greatest trump card at present.
But he could hardly reveal this life-saving trump card just to win them over, showing it to them to prove his worth. That would not only be risky, but foolish.
Therefore, he still decided to first meet his imperial father and see whether he could obtain some support from him.
"Indeed, you should go see him."
"If your father is willing to provide you assistance, then setting everything else aside, you will most likely have no problem with the Prime Minister's connections."
The Asura Venerable spoke bluntly.
Everyone in the dynasty knew that Prime Minister Meng Changjiu was not only the Great Xia Emperor's most trusted minister; they had once been brothers who grew up together.
With just one word from the Great Xia Emperor, Meng Changjiu would absolutely stand on Chu Yun's side without a second word and support him!
Chu Yun nodded. After bidding the two farewell, he took Luo Feng from outside the door and headed to the Imperial Study to seek an audience with the emperor.
At this moment, within the Imperial Study.
The Great Xia Emperor sat upright in his chair, chatting with a middle-aged man.
The man wore official robes, and his face gave off an impression of steadiness and reliability. Though his aura was restrained, the bearing in his demeanor carried an invisible pressure.
Even while facing the Son of Heaven, he showed not the slightest trace of nervousness. He was composed and at ease, as steady as Mount Tai.
He was none other than the current Prime Minister, Meng Changzhong.
He was also the father of the Heavenly Mandate Empress, Meng Ruoxue, in this life!
"Your Majesty, the Ninth Prince requests an audience."
At this moment, an elderly eunuch entered from outside to report.
"Oh? Old Ninth has come."
"Let him enter," the Great Xia Emperor said.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
After the elderly eunuch left, Chu Yun and Luo Feng soon entered.
"Your son greets Father."
"Luo Feng pays respects to Your Majesty!"
"Greetings, Prime Minister."
Luo Feng also bowed to the Prime Minister, who gave a slight nod in return.
Upon hearing that, Chu Yun immediately looked over.
This was his first time seeing Meng Changzhong, and he was somewhat surprised inwardly.
"No need for such formalities. Rise," the emperor said.
"Thank you, Father—Your Majesty."
After the two rose, Chu Yun said to Meng Changzhong, "I did not know Prime Minister Meng was here. This is our first meeting, and I failed to recognize you. I hope the Prime Minister will not take offense."
Meng Changzhong smiled. "Ninth Prince, you are too courteous."
"I had long heard His Majesty say that the Ninth Prince was a man of outstanding appearance and astonishing talent. Now that I see you today, you truly live up to the name Xiao Yan."
Clearly, his imperial father had already told Meng Changzhong that he was Xiao Yan.
Chu Yun was not particularly surprised by this. "Prime Minister, you flatter me."
"Alright, the two of you can stop exchanging courtesies."
"Old Ninth, have you come to see me because you have something to discuss?" the Great Xia Emperor asked Chu Yun directly.
"Father, your son indeed has a matter to inform you of. It is just that... this matter is somewhat..."
Seeing Chu Yun hesitate, Meng Changzhong smiled faintly. "Your Majesty, since there is nothing else, this minister shall take his leave first."
"Wait!"
"Old Ninth, the Prime Minister is not an outsider."
"He is one of the people I trust most. Whatever it is, say it in front of him. There is no need for this."
The Great Xia Emperor's words took Chu Yun somewhat by surprise.
Meng Changzhong stood where he was, silent and saying nothing.
"Yes."
"Father, since that is the case, your son will speak."
"Father, your son has discussed this with Mother Consort and Uncle. Both of them agree that your son should investigate the truth behind his disappearance that year."
"And drag out those culprits hiding behind the scenes, one by one!"
"Your son came to see Father because I wished to hear Father's opinion. If Father agrees, then your son will speak of the rest."
Chu Yun left himself some room and did not reveal everything at once.
Yet his words caused the emperor's expression to become extremely complicated.
At the side, Meng Changzhong's expression also carried a somewhat profound meaning.
Before you continue