Anle Marquis Manor

Word spread through Anle Marquis Manor that the post of Commander of Left Wei Guard in the Imperial City Imperial Guard had fallen vacant.

Jun Tianxiao also learned of the news from a servant. His first thought was that he had grown up with Empress Ji Ruxue, thanks to the identity he had in this life.

He believed that with this connection, and with Ji Ruxue's long-standing desire to control the Imperial City Imperial Guard,

Ji Ruxue would certainly not refuse his wish to make Zhao Yun the Commander of Left Wei Guard.

That meant this was his chance!

At the thought, Jun Tianxiao couldn't sit still. He jumped to his feet and shouted to the servants, "Quick, saddle a horse! I'm going to the palace."

Though Jun Tianxiao's relationship with Ji Ruxue was hidden from most of the officials, people like Mo Yunxuan had no idea he had such connections,

the palace guards knew their "regular" well enough, so Jun Tianxiao entered the Imperial Palace with ease.

But things were different from usual. Before, when he went in and out of the Imperial Study, he only needed to announce himself at the door. This time, a palace maid stopped him right at the courtyard gate.

Yet Jun Tianxiao was focused entirely on the post of Commander of Left Wei Guard and didn't notice this small detail.

But Ji Ruxue, Hong Yu, and the others all saw the unusual behavior clearly. They exchanged glances, and a murderous glint flashed in their eyes as one.

Outside the courtyard gate, Jun Tianxiao suddenly shivered. He tugged his clothes tighter, thinking the weather was still cold despite the warming days and that he hadn't dressed warmly enough.

At Ji Ruxue's shake of the head, everyone drew in their murderous intent. Still, their tightly furrowed brows revealed their unsettled hearts.

Following Hong Yu's earlier instructions, the palace maid waited the allotted time, then returned to the courtyard gate and said to Jun Tianxiao, "My lord, His Majesty invites you in."

Jun Tianxiao said nothing and headed straight toward the Imperial Study.

Inside, he saw Ji Ruxue in her dragon robe, sitting solemnly behind the desk. He gave her a casual salute and said with a smile, "Your humble servant pays his respects to His Majesty."

Ji Ruxue seemed not to mind that Jun Tianxiao's casual manner bordered on insolence. She asked unhurriedly,

"What brings Beloved Minister to the palace?"

Hearing Ji Ruxue's question, Jun Tianxiao could no longer hold back his little scheme.

He hurriedly put on a fawning smile. "Your Majesty, have you heard that the post of Commander of Left Wei Guard in the Imperial City Imperial Guard is vacant?"

Seeing Jun Tianxiao's somewhat insincere smile, Ji Ruxue deliberately put on an expression of surprise mixed with a hint of relief.

"Oh? What is it, Beloved Minister? Are you interested in the post too?"

Watching Ji Ruxue's expression change, Jun Tianxiao immediately caught that hint of relief and continued,

"Your Majesty, I have a fierce general under my command. His surname is Zhao, his given name Yun, and his courtesy name Zilong. He's only twenty years old."

"Although Zilong is only at Peak Nascent Soul, he can fight someone at Peak Spirit Transmutation without losing."

"I recommend appointing him Commander of Left Wei Guard, so he can secure Left Wei Guard's Fifty Thousand Troops for Your Majesty."

Jun Tianxiao had deliberately mentioned Zhao Yun's young age. Reaching Peak Nascent Soul at that age,

and possessing the outrageous strength to fight across an entire Great Realm without losing, was proof enough of his immense potential.

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

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

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On the other side, Ji Ruxue naturally understood what Jun Tianxiao meant by such an obvious hint.

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

"Oh? Such a rare talent exists? If Zhao Zilong is really as capable as you say, then he does seem well suited to be Commander of Left Wei Guard."

Hong Yu chimed in at just the right moment. "Exactly. If he weren't strong enough, the people from Wei State Duke Mansion might toss him into a stinking ditch one day!"

Hong Yu smiled, but her words made Jun Tianxiao furrow his brows. He'd been so caught up in his excitement that he'd forgotten Left Wei Guard belonged to Wei State Duke Mansion.

Planting an officer in the other side's inner circle—even making him their commander—was no different from snatching food from a tiger's mouth.

If Duke of Wei had a short temper, he might tear off all pretense and make an enemy of them outright.

Given Anle Marquis Manor's current situation, apart from Zilong, they had no one capable of standing against Wei State Duke Mansion's retaliation.

But Jun Tianxiao reconsidered. As long as Zilong took control of Left Wei Guard's fifty thousand troops quickly,

he wouldn't be isolated and without support. With Empress Ji Ruxue backing him too, he had nothing to fear from Wei State Duke Mansion.

So be it! Fortune favors the bold! I refuse to believe he'd really dare lay a hand on Zilong once he'd become Commander of Left Wei Guard!

At the thought, Jun Tianxiao smiled confidently. "Don't worry, Your Majesty. With Zilong's abilities, he can take control of Left Wei Guard as quickly as possible, before Wei State Duke Mansion has time to react."

Seeing his confidence, Ji Ruxue nodded firmly. "Since you're confident, Beloved Minister, I'll have someone propose his appointment as Commander of Left Wei Guard at tomorrow's Imperial Court."

Hearing Ji Ruxue's promise, Jun Tianxiao was delighted. He knew the matter was settled.

Though the Empress had only recently begun ruling, she still had a large group of officials supporting her.

With someone leading the charge, and the move only hurting Wei State Duke Mansion, the other officials would have no qualms about kicking them while they were down.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

A smug smile spread across Jun Tianxiao's face. He saluted Ji Ruxue again, this time far more respectfully than when he had first entered.

Watching Jun Tianxiao bask in his own triumph, Ji Ruxue might once have thought his youthful arrogance was rather endearing.

Now, however, she was filled with disgust and wanted nothing more than to crush the wretch before her at once.

Unfortunately, she still needed to use Jun Tianxiao as a chess piece to muddy the waters of the Imperial Court. She could only suppress her impatience and wave him away.

"Very well. If there's nothing else, you may go."

"Yes. Your humble servant takes his leave."

At Ji Ruxue's words, Jun Tianxiao left the Imperial Study.

He sensed that something was off, but he couldn't see what Ji Ruxue was thinking. He assumed she still had official business to attend to and had no time to waste.

He couldn't help thinking, Being emperor really is hard work!

Then he recalled the figure beneath the thick dragon robe, and his heart grew hot. I only want to be a powerful minister who quietly supports the Empress from behind!

Feeling his little brother stir, Jun Tianxiao quickened his pace. He needed to get home and find a maid to help him cool off.

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

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