Ji Ruxue: He's Changed, He's Really Changed...

At Anle Marquis Manor, as news spread that the position of Commander of the Left Wei Guard of the Imperial City Imperial Guard had fallen vacant.

Jun Tianxiao also learned of this matter from his servants, and his first thought was of his own identity and his childhood friendship with Empress Ji Ruxue.

He believed that, relying on this connection, coupled with Ji Ruxue's long-held desire to take control of the Imperial City Imperial Guard.

Ji Ruxue would certainly not refuse his idea of having Zhao Yun become the Commander of the Left Wei Guard.

From this perspective, this was his opportunity!

Thinking this, Jun Tianxiao could no longer sit still. He immediately stood up and shouted to his servants, "Quickly, prepare the horse. I must enter the palace."

Although Jun Tianxiao and Ji Ruxue's relationship was hidden from most ministers—someone like Mo Yunxuan had no idea Jun Tianxiao had such connections or background.

The palace guards, however, had some understanding of this "frequent visitor," so Jun Tianxiao entered the Imperial Palace with ease.

But unlike usual, when he previously entered and exited the Imperial Study, he would at most announce himself at the door. This time, however, he was stopped by a palace maid right at the courtyard gate.

Yet at this moment, Jun Tianxiao's attention was entirely on the position of Commander of the Left Wei Guard, so he didn't notice this small detail.

But this unusual behavior was clearly observed by Ji Ruxue, Hong Yu, and the others. They exchanged glances, and a flicker of killing intent flashed in their eyes in unison.

Outside the courtyard gate, Jun Tianxiao inexplicably shivered. He wrapped his clothes tighter, thinking it was just the lingering chill of early spring and that he hadn't dressed warmly enough.

As Ji Ruxue shook her head, everyone's killing intent receded, though their furrowed brows still revealed their unsettled hearts.

The palace maid who had announced him, following Hong Yu's prior instructions, timed her return to the courtyard gate and said to Jun Tianxiao, "Marquis, His Majesty invites you in."

Jun Tianxiao, hearing this, said nothing more and walked straight toward the Imperial Study.

Entering the Imperial Study, he saw Ji Ruxue seated solemnly at her desk in her dragon robe. Jun Tianxiao casually performed a bow and said with a smile, "Your humble minister pays respects to His Majesty."

Ji Ruxue, as if unconcerned by Jun Tianxiao's casual and somewhat presumptuous behavior, asked unhurriedly:

"May I ask, Beloved Minister, what business brings you to the palace?"

Hearing Ji Ruxue's question, Jun Tianxiao could no longer suppress the schemes in his heart.

He quickly put on a flattering smile and said, "Your Majesty, have you perhaps heard of the vacancy for the Commander of the Left Wei Guard of the Imperial City Imperial Guard?"

Watching Jun Tianxiao's somewhat insincere smile, Ji Ruxue played along, deliberately showing surprise tinged with a hint of approval.

"Oh? What, does Beloved Minister also have an interest in this?"

Jun Tianxiao, seeing the change in Ji Ruxue's expression, immediately caught that hint of approval and continued:

"Your Majesty, I have a fierce general under my command. His surname is Zhao, given name Yun, style name Zilong, only twenty years old."

"Although Zilong's cultivation is only at Peak Nascent Soul, he can fight against a Peak Spirit Transmutation cultivator without losing."

"I recommend him for the position of Commander of the Left Wei Guard, to take control of the Left Wei Guard's fifty thousand troops for Your Majesty."

In his words, Jun Tianxiao deliberately emphasized Zhao Yun's young age—reaching Peak Nascent Soul at this age.

And with combat prowess so exaggerated that he could cross an entire Great Realm and fight without defeat, it was enough to prove his immense potential.

He believed that Zhao Yun's strength and potential would surely catch Ji Ruxue's attention.

Given Zhao Yun's absolute loyalty to him, once Zhao Yun took over as Commander of the Left Wei Guard, it would be no different from Jun Tianxiao holding the position himself.

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On the other side, Ji Ruxue heard such an obvious hint and naturally understood Jun Tianxiao's meaning.

Though a trace of disappointment flickered in her eyes, she steadied herself and put on an intrigued expression.

"Oh? There is such a prodigy in the world! If Zhao Zilong is truly as formidable as you say, then he would indeed be well-suited for the position of Commander of the Left Wei Guard."

Hong Yu chimed in appropriately, "Indeed, if his strength weren't up to par, he might end up thrown into a ditch by the Wei State Duke Mansion one day!"

Hong Yu's eyes carried a smile, but his words made Jun Tianxiao frown slightly. In his earlier excitement, he had forgotten that the Left Wei Guard belonged to the Wei State Duke Mansion's faction.

His act of planting a general—or even a commander—into their core forces was no different from snatching food from a tiger's mouth.

If the Wei State Duke were more hot-tempered, it could lead to an outright falling-out.

Given the current state of Anle Marquis Manor, aside from Zilong being a capable asset, it seemed they had no means to resist retaliation from the Wei State Duke Mansion.

But Jun Tianxiao reconsidered: as long as Zilong could quickly take control of the Left Wei Guard's fifty thousand troops, Then he wouldn't be completely isolated and helpless. With Empress Ji Ruxue's support, he had no fear of the Wei State Duke Mansion's revenge.

I'll risk it! Fortune favors the bold! I refuse to believe they'd dare lay a hand on Zilong once he's become the Commander of the Left Wei Guard!

With this thought, Jun Tianxiao smiled confidently and said, "Rest assured, Your Majesty. With Zilong's ability, he will absolutely take control of the Left Wei Guard at the fastest speed, before the Wei State Duke Mansion can react."

Ji Ruxue, looking at his confident demeanor, nodded affirmatively. "Since Beloved Minister has such confidence, at tomorrow's Imperial Court, I will have someone propose him for the position of Commander of the Left Wei Guard."

Hearing Ji Ruxue's promise, Jun Tianxiao felt a surge of joy. He knew this matter was settled.

Although the Empress had only recently begun presiding over the court, she still had a large number of officials supporting her.

With someone taking the lead and only harming the interests of the Wei State Duke Mansion, the other officials would not hesitate to kick them while they were down.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Jun Tianxiao's face immediately broke into a smug grin. He bowed to Ji Ruxue once more, this time far more deferentially than when he had first entered.

Ji Ruxue watched his petty triumph with contempt. In the past, she might have mistaken it for youthful charm, even found it endearing.

But now, it only filled her with disgust. She wished she could crush this petty man beneath her heel on the spot.

Unfortunately, she still needed Jun Tianxiao as a pawn to stir up the Imperial Court's factions. Suppressing her irritation, she waved a hand and said:

"Mm. If there's nothing else, you may take your leave."

"As you command, Your Majesty. This minister withdraws."

Hearing Ji Ruxue's words, Jun Tianxiao promptly backed out of the Imperial Study.

Though he sensed something was off, he couldn't read her inner thoughts. He simply assumed she had state affairs to attend to and no time to waste.

He couldn't help but sigh inwardly: Being an emperor is truly exhausting!

Then, recalling the figure even the thick dragon robe couldn't conceal, his heart burned with desire. He muttered to himself: I only want to be a powerful minister silently supporting the Empress from behind!

Feeling the change in his Little Brother, Jun Tianxiao quickened his pace. He needed to get home fast and find a maidservant to help cool his fire.

The moment Jun Tianxiao left the Imperial Study, Ji Ruxue collapsed onto the bed.

Her eyes vacant, she murmured to herself: "He's changed. He really has changed. Tianxiao... he..."

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