By the time Yun Chen woke up the next day, the sun was already high in the sky.
Qian Renxue had just returned from the morning court session. She was clearly in an excellent mood; the smile never left her face.
News of what had happened yesterday had spread across the continent. Once Heaven Dou's old noble families learned that Xue Ye had been keeping such a trump card in reserve, their attitudes changed. They could not have been more humble.
They treated Crown Prince Xue Qinghe, whom Qian Renxue was impersonating, with the utmost respect. It felt good to finally put them in their place. Normally, those nobles relied on their own strength to turn up their noses at the Heaven Dou Imperial Family and at her, the crown prince.
Qian Renxue did not care much about them. After all, her core support came from nobles planted by Spirit Hall.
But being ignored so often was still infuriating.
More importantly, after Xue Ye's display of power, Qian Renxue had far less state business to handle.
Normally, much of her work concerned domestic affairs: disaster relief, public welfare, and the like. The problem was always a lack of money.
But after Xue Ye killed a Super Douluo in an instant, the nobles stopped pleading poverty. Suddenly, each was more eager than the last to open his purse.
Li He, the minister of revenue, was especially generous. He put up four hundred million Gold Soul Coins to support national development. Qian Renxue had smiled at the time, but inwardly, she had nearly rolled her eyes into the back of her head.
The other nobles followed suit, each donating more than the last.
By the end of the court session, Qian Renxue made a rough estimate. Damn it, the donations came to a whole year's tax revenue.
"Those old bastards! Just how much have they been skimming?"
To be fair, she was blaming the nobles for the wrong thing. The Xue Family held so much territory, yet it had handed all the best parts to the four duchies under its rule. Those duchies neither obeyed her nor paid taxes.
Was it any wonder tax revenue was low?
Oh, right. The duchies had already surrendered to Spirit Hall and joined its side.
Qian Renxue gave a dry laugh. "Never mind. They're still on my side, then."
Qian Renxue had resumed her true appearance. Her gaze fell on Yun Chen, who had finished eating and was sitting cross-legged in the training room, cultivating.
She walked over without realizing it and said nothing, simply watching him cultivate so diligently.
Perhaps sensing her approach, Yun Chen's eyelashes fluttered. He slowly opened his eyes and found Qian Renxue gazing at him with a gentle smile.
"Big Sister Xue'er..."
Yun Chen called out in a clear little voice, blinking his wide eyes and looking at her pitifully. Why that expression? Because he was afraid she would punish him for what had happened yesterday, of course.
He had only joined Spirit Hall's side a few days ago, and he had already caused Qian Renxue so much trouble. He felt terribly guilty about it.
But Qian Renxue misunderstood. Her heart clenched at the sight of him looking so pitiful and wronged.
She thought he was disappointed that she had failed to save him. She pulled him into her arms and spoke softly to comfort him.
Whoa! Hug me all you want, but let me breathe! Why does she smell so nice, though? And she's so soft.
Yun Chen was not very tall. His head only reached Qian Renxue's waist.
"Chenchen, I wanted to save you. Xue Ye just got there first. I'm sorry. I should have protected you..."
Yun Chen froze.
Huh? What's going on?
He struggled free and pulled his head out from where it had been pressed against her chest. Then a glistening tear fell onto his shoulder.
Yun Chen looked up at her face. Qian Renxue turned slightly away, unwilling to let him see her like this.
But the catch in her trembling voice gave away how she truly felt.
Yun Chen could only stare. Qian Renxue was so beautiful when she cried. She had the fragile beauty of a fairy fallen into the mortal world.
"No. You've already done so much for me, Big Sister Xue'er."
"I saw you try to rush over and protect me. To me, you're the true Angel God, the greatest hero in the world."
Yun Chen wrapped his arms around Qian Renxue in return. He was reluctant to leave her embrace; it was so warm.
"Mm..."
Qian Renxue gave a muffled reply and said no more. They fell silent, feeling each other's heartbeat.
"My Regent, grow up soon."
"The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect will pay for this. I promise you."
In Qian Renxue's arms, Yun Chen smiled at her words.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is in for it now. Hahaha.
But a new question occurred to Yun Chen. Tang San had awakened his Martial Soul and obtained the token of the Sea God's inheritance. Wasn't it time to make some trouble for him?
What had happened with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had taught Yun Chen something for the first time: until he had enough power to crush an enemy outright, it was better to have someone else strike for him. Otherwise, he might draw the fire onto himself.
He knew from the original story that Tang Hao was no good, and even less reasonable than the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Some things Yun Chen could not do himself. If Tang Hao targeted him, hid somewhere with the Great Sumeru Hammer, and struck him once, he would be finished.
So I need a reason to draw Qian Renxue's attention to Tang San. Then she can bring in people from the Worship Hall.
As for why he would not use Bibi Dong: he knew how Qian Xunji had died. Bibi Dong had been the one to finish him off. She might even have thanked Tang Hao; without him, she could not have killed Qian Xunji.
Rely on Bibi Dong? Tang San had become a god while Tang Hao was still alive. What good would relying on her do?
Qian Daoliu was even less promising. He knew the truth and might not vent his anger on Tang Hao at all. At most, he would make a show of it. Only if Qian Renxue learned about this could she use her influence to send someone of the worshippers' caliber to hunt Tang Hao. Ideally, they would kill Tang San as well.
"Big Sister Xue'er..."
Qian Renxue met Yun Chen's eyes. He looked calm, and she wondered what he wanted to say.
"Big Sister Xue'er, I think we need more people on our side."
"Hmm? What do you mean?"
Qian Renxue's interest was piqued. She wanted to hear what Yun Chen had in mind.
"We're operating undercover in the Heaven Dou Empire. A lot of Spirit Hall's people can't be mobilized, especially the younger generation."
"Why don't we use the Crown Prince's Residence to recruit more talented people?"
Qian Renxue nodded. She had considered that herself. The Heaven Dou Imperial Family's control was limited, and there were many talented people they had no way of reaching.
"I've thought about it before. But with the Heaven Dou Empire's resources, we can't reach that many gifted people. And those with average talent aren't worth training."
Yun Chen gave a faint smile and shook his head before continuing.
"We can use Spirit Hall's resources."
Before you continue