Your Majesty, please grant me death

Haoqi Tower.

Upon returning to the yamen, Nangong Qianrou and Zhang Kaitai immediately entered the Haoqi Tower. With Nangong Qianrou, their adopted son, leading the way, they did not need to announce their arrival and could go directly upstairs to see Wei Yuan.

Wei Yuan stood before a horizontally hanging map, his hands behind his back, his eyes narrowed, saying nothing. He had maintained this posture for half an hour.

This is an aerial view of the entire northeast, marking the headquarters of the Witch God Cult and the locations of various countries in the northeast. Such maps lack precision and only provide a general overview, therefore they are not considered valuable.

Even more precise maps are classified documents that countries would fight tooth and nail to seize and protect.

Footsteps came from behind, followed by the voices of Nangong Qianrou and Zhang Kaitai:

"Godfather."

"Duke Wei."

Wei Yuan didn't turn his head, and said in a deep voice, "Xu Qi'an's remains have been floating in the canal for more than ten days; they shouldn't be left there any longer. Let his relatives bury him as soon as possible."

If you listen carefully, there's a hint of sorrow in the deep voice.

Nangong Qianrou knew very well why her adoptive father wouldn't even glance at Xu Qi'an's corpse. Her adoptive father was a ruler, a strategist; his heart must be hard and ruthless. Only a ruthless person can be invincible.

Wei Yuan should be an invincible person, not swayed by emotions.

The Nightwatchers in the government office, and even outsiders, all hoped that Wei Yuan was such a person.

"Godfather," Nangong Qianrou cleared her throat and said, "Xu Qi'an is not dead yet."

Wei Yuan suddenly turned around, the movement so large that his green robe billowed.

At this moment, the Grand Eunuch's face was complex, and his eyes were also complex, filled with astonishment, confusion, joy, and hope. Nangong Qianrou had never seen such complex emotions on her adoptive father's face before.

But in an instant, the chief eunuch regained his composure, slowly walked to the table and sat down, asking in a somewhat stern tone:

What happened?

Nangong Qianrou then relayed Xu Qi'an's explanation.

After listening quietly, Wei Yuan immediately said, "Send him to see me immediately."

Nangong Qianrou nodded, looking at the huge, northeastern-facing aerial map. "The spy matter..."

Xu Qi'an has been brought back to life; should the Witch God Cult still fight him?

"We'll attack the Witch God Cult after the autumn harvest; the plan remains unchanged." Wei Yuan's expression was cold, his tone filled with powerful confidence.

Nangong Qianrou and Zhang Kaitai took their leave. The former planned to visit the Xu Residence again, but as soon as she left the yamen, she encountered Xu Qi'an riding up on horseback.

"You're quite sensible," Nangong Qianrou clicked her tongue, "Anyone who didn't know better would think that your godfather had taken in another adopted son."

Xu Qi'an retorted sarcastically, clicking his tongue and saying, "You old sly fox."

Nangong Qianrou flew into a rage, mistakenly thinking that Xu Qi'an was mocking his androgynous appearance. Her eyebrows shot up. "Why didn't you die in Yunzhou?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Xu Qi'an immediately pictured Nangong Qianrou raising her right hand and swinging her arm to slap him.

Xu Qi'an had a sudden inspiration. He lowered his waist and head, narrowly avoiding Nangong Qianrou's slap, and fled into the yamen in a flash.

"I can't be bothered arguing with you. I'm going to see Duke Wei."

In front of a fourth-rank Golden Gong, showing off a few skills is already the limit; if you don't play it safe, you'll get beaten to a pulp.

Nangong Qianrou stared blankly at his retreating figure, then looked down and glanced at her hand, which had slipped away.

Those at the Spirit Refining Realm possess extremely keen perception of danger, easily detecting hostility and ambushes in their surroundings. Even blindfolded, they can fight their way through chaotic battles. When a martial artist reaches the Spirit Refining Realm, their individual combat strength will reach a small peak.

However, with Nangong Qianrou's fourth-grade cultivation, even though she held back, it should have been an easy task for her to hit the target with her palm before a Spirit Refining Realm martial artist could sense the danger and take evasive action.

"How could that be?" Nangong Qianrou frowned slightly.

Xu Qi'an received countless astonished glances along the way, from Nightwatchers to clerks, all staring at him in disbelief.

The news of Xu Qi'an's death in the line of duty had already spread throughout the entire government office. These past few days, it had been the talk of the town during everyone's leisure time. If we were to use a title from my previous life, it would be:

#Shocking! Xu Qi'an of Tonglu returns, even Duke Wei is stunned#

#What did Tongluo, a man with a promising future, do in Yunzhou that ruined his life?#

But now, seeing Xu Qi'an, who had been dead for half a month, appear at the yamen full of energy, even waving and greeting everyone enthusiastically, the Nightwatchers filled with questions.

"Ghosts can enter our government office in broad daylight? And how can someone become so handsome after death?"

"What should we do? This is Xu Ningyan's ghost. We can't just attack, can we? It would be bad if his soul were to be scattered."

"Are you blind? Ghosts have shadows? That might be Xu Ningyan's younger brother. Xu Ningyan isn't that handsome."

Amidst the murmurs of conversation, Xu Qi'an arrived at Haoqi Tower, where the guards stared at him in disbelief.

"I request an audience with Duke Wei; go and inform him immediately."

The guard entered the building, glancing back several times with each step, and came down a moment later. "Duke Wei requests your presence. Lord Xu, you are not... you are not..."

Xu Qi'an touched his face and replied in a deep voice, "I am Xu Qi'an's younger brother, appointed by Duke Wei to succeed my elder brother in his position."

"I see. May I ask your esteemed name, Lord Xu?"

Xu Qian.

The guard thought to himself, "This sounds like a woman's name."

He appeared respectful and said, "Please come in."

Upon entering Haoqi Tower and ascending to the tea room on the seventh floor, Xu Qi'an met Wei Yuan, whom he hadn't seen for over a month. Wei Yuan was still dressed in a magnificent blue robe, his temples were graying, and there were faint crow's feet at the corners of his eyes. He was a refined and handsome old man with both excellent temperament and appearance.

With my current looks, I'll definitely be no less handsome than Wei Yuan when I'm old. Xu Qi'an clasped his hands and said loudly, "This humble servant greets Duke Wei."

Wei Yuan seemed somewhat dazed, and said gently, "Sit down."

For the first time ever, Wei Yuan personally poured him a cup of hot tea and said leisurely, "Let's talk about the affairs of Yunzhou."

The story is a long one. Xu Qi'an told Wei Yuan everything that happened in Yunzhou, including the identity of Li Miaozhen No. 2 and the identity of the Holy Maiden of the Heavenly Sect.

Apart from the crucial relationship with the monk Shenshu, he held nothing back on anything else.

The main reason was that Wei Yuan was too clever; if he concealed too much, he would be discovered. Also, the Grand Eunuch genuinely valued and cultivated him, Xu Qi'an reciprocated by trusting Wei Yuan greatly.

Sure enough, Wei Yuan took a sip of tea and said, "Yang Qianhuan has been following you."

Xu Qi'an was taken aback at first, somewhat surprised. But he wasn't stupid; he immediately understood and asked, "Why is Senior Brother Yang following me?"

"He wouldn't follow you without a reason. Knowing him as I do, aside from his penchant for doing strange and unusual things, he's indifferent to everything else," Wei Yuan said with a cryptic smile. "But what if it's the Supervisor's intention?"

If the supervisor knew my secret at his behest, then that would be perfectly reasonable.

Xu Qi'an subtly observed Wei Yuan, wondering if the seemingly cunning Wei Yuan might also have noticed something amiss.

Wei Yuan did not dwell on this topic and continued, "As for that third-rank Warlock, let's assume he is third-rank for now. I don't believe he is Sun Xuanji from the Bureau of Astronomy."

"However, this incident reminded me of something else."

Xu Qi'an perked up. "Please enlighten me Duke Wei."

Duke Wei is much more reliable. That old fox, Jinlian Daoist, always speaks in secrets. But Wei Yuan has almost no reservations towards me.

"You are acquainted with Chu Caiwei of the Bureau of Astronomy, and also with Song Qing. Do you know their respective identities?"

"The Imperial Censor's personal disciple?" Xu Qi'an asked uncertainly.

Not all the white-robed officials of the Bureau of Astronomy were disciples of the Director. Just like the great scholars of the Cloud Deer Academy, who often gave lectures, they had very few true disciples.

Song Qing, Chu Caiwei, and Yang Qianhuan are all disciples of the Imperial Supervisor.

"Yang Qianhuan is the third disciple of the Supervisor, Song Qing is the fourth disciple, Chu Caiwei is the sixth disciple. The white-robed Warlock call her Junior Sister," Wei Yuan said.

What's the problem? Xu Qi'an didn't understand.

"However, the Supervisor only has five direct disciples in total," Wei Yuan said quietly.

Xu Qi'an's pupils contracted slightly as he finally understood Wei Yuan's meaning. The Supervisor only had five disciples, but Chu Caiwei had six. So, who was the third disciple?

Where did that one go?

Yang Qianhuan was the third disciple, Song Qing was the fourth disciple, Chu Caiwei was the sixth disciple, and it's unknown which one Sun Xuanji was.

"Sun Xuanji is the second disciple," Wei Yuan said.

"Then, the situation regarding the eldest disciple and the fifth disciple remains unclear for now," Xu Qi'an said.

For a moment, the two stopped talking, and a brief silence fell over the tea room.

After finishing his tea, Wei Yuan continued, "You woke up at the wrong time."

"Why does Duke Wei say this?" Xu Qi'an didn't understand.

"Zhang Xingying submitted a memorial requesting the court to posthumously confer an honor upon you. After deliberation with the officials, His Majesty has decided to grant you the title of Viscount of Changle County. The imperial edict will be issued in a few days."

Wei Yuan said helplessly, "Now that you are alive, the cabinet will most likely reject the imperial edict, and His Majesty will most likely accept it gladly."

"What's the big deal? As long as the reward is substantial, I'm fine with it." Xu Qi'an shrugged indifferently.

The title "Viscount of Changle County" should be "Viscount," which sounds like a title for a younger brother... no, a title for a son.

When you encounter an official registered in Changle County, introduce yourself. The official will say, "Hello, I am xxx from Changle County."

Xu Qi'an said: I am from Changle County.

Those who don't know any better might think I'm someone's son.

Wei Yuan glanced at him. "Silver is just an external thing. How can the meaning of a title be compared to silver? Even if you become a Silver Gong and have power and influence, your status is still not respectable."

"Only a noble title is the proof that you have completely broken free from the status of a commoner and become a member of the dynasty's elite. If you are granted a title, the Xu Household will no longer be an ordinary family, but a powerful and noble one."

"When you marry, no commoner woman will be worthy of you. Only a daughter of a wealthy family will be a match for you."

"Can I marry a princess?" Xu Qi'an asked softly.

Wei Yuan nodded. "Theoretically, it's possible."

A princess could never marry a commoner; her future husband would inevitably be a powerful or wealthy person. Although a viscount's rank wasn't high, it was still a noble title.

"For some reason, His Majesty dislikes you. If he doesn't want it, there's nothing anyone can do." Wei Yuan finished speaking and laughed.

"Fortunately, you are not entirely useless; there is still room for maneuver."

"Duke Wei taught me."

"A while ago, a major incident occurred in the palace: Consort Fu died unexpectedly, falling from the attic with her clothes disheveled. At the time, only the Crown Prince was inside, and he was drunk. This case is extremely thorny, as it concerns the face of the royal family and is also related to the matter of deposing and establishing a new Crown Prince. None of the three judicial departments are willing to get involved, and they will definitely handle the case passively."

My God, the Crown Prince humiliated the Emperor's concubines?!

Xu Qi'an quickly shook his head. "Duke Wei, aren't you trying to harm me? How can I interfere in the royal family's scandals?"

"It's alright." Wei Yuan waved his hand. "All the civil and military officials know about this, one more won't make a difference. It would be best if you could find out, but if you can't, just decline."

"You're not capable enough; at most you'll be punished. Even if His Majesty dislikes you, unless you've committed a serious offense, a viscount isn't someone he can just execute at will. The nobility won't agree to it."

I understand. What Duke Wei means is that if the emperor revokes the imperial decree granting me a title, I will pretend to be dead and refuse to accept any favors he may ask me for in the future. I will first coax Emperor Yuanjing into granting me the title.

Then, they can withdraw by claiming incompetence, at most facing some punishment while gaining a title for nothing.

Duke Wei was truly resourceful and wise (old silver coin).

"The Crown Prince is Lin'an's elder brother." Xu Qi'an suddenly remembered the charming and amorous little fish he kept.

The nightclub queen must be feeling heartbroken and helpless right now.

"You and Princess Lin'an have no entanglement, do you?" Wei Yuan squinted, scrutinizing him.

"No, no." Xu Qi'an quickly shook his head.

Wei Yuan nodded in relief.

The next day, in the Imperial Study.

"The three-day period has passed, and your reply to me is simply, 'The case is complex and has many doubts; we request a few more days'?"

Emperor Yuanjing threw several memorials at the three ministers.

The memorials submitted by the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, the Minister of Ministry of Justice, and Wei Yuan were remarkably similar, as if they were copying each other's homework, but copying the wrong answers.

Emperor Yuanjing slammed his fist on the table in anger.

The Minister of Ministry of Justice said with shame, "Your Majesty, this case has many doubts and is shrouded in mystery. I have already done my utmost. Please grant me a few more days."

The Minister of the Court of Judicial Review said, "This humble subject is incapable and requests to retire to my hometown."

"You!" Emperor Yuanjing waved his hand, sweeping all the documents, writing materials, and inkstones off the table, trembling with rage.

"I will execute you all."

The three ministers immediately knelt down and cried out, "Your Majesty, we are not afraid to die! Please take care of your health, Your Majesty!"

Was this a rehearsal of the lines?

Emperor Yuanjing was furious.

The ministers on both sides kept their eyes down, seemingly oblivious to their own thoughts. Even the censors who usually liked to argue with Wei Yuan remained silent.

This case still needs to be dealt with, but opinions from all sides have not yet reached a consensus. The Crown Prince's faction is thinking about how to help the heir apparent escape punishment.

The other factions were considering which of the princes would become the future heir if the crown prince were deposed.

Opinions differed, but one thing was generally agreed upon: to postpone the matter for now. The death of Consort Fu was not important; what mattered was the struggle for the throne that would follow this case.

That would be a bloody storm, no less than the one in the Capital Evaluation.

Each party needs to take time to consider, choose sides, and make arrangements.

In situations where the court shares the same goals, even Emperor Yuanjing can only fly into a rage of impotence, unless he doesn't want the truth and deposes the crown prince on the spot. But that would most likely be rejected by the cabinet.

"Your Majesty, please calm down. I have something to report." Chief Minister Wang stepped forward, casually glossing over the case of Consort Fu, and said:

"As far as I know, Xu Qi'an, the gong- Nightwatchers watchman's office, did not die in the line of duty. He mysteriously revived yesterday. I request Your Majesty to withdraw the matter of bestowing a title upon him."

Inside the imperial study, whispers among the ministers could be heard.

That gong-wielding fellow surnamed Xu is still alive? The Minister of the Court of Judicial Review and the Minister of Ministry of Justice had mixed feelings.

Emperor Yuanjing paused, suppressing his anger, and looked at Wei Yuan, saying in a deep voice, "Minister Wei, is the Grand Secretary's statement true?"

"It is indeed true." Wei Yuan bowed.

Immediately, a court official stepped forward and loudly proclaimed, "Zhang Xingying has falsely reported the case and deceived Your Majesty. We beseech Your Majesty to punish him."

Emperor Yuanjing ignored him, looked at Wei Yuan, and continued to ask, "Why is that?"

"Xu Qi'an did not die. Before his fierce battle with the rebels, he took a 'rebirth pill' from the Bureau of Astronomy. After exhausting himself, he entered a state of suspended animation and only woke up yesterday. Zhang Xingying mistakenly believed that Xu Qi'an had died in the line of duty, which is not his fault," Wei Yuan explained.

Upon hearing the name "Rebirth Pill," Emperor Yuanjing felt as if he had swallowed a fly.

He had asked the supervisor for the medicine, but the supervisor refused, claiming that it was no longer available.

But now, a mere gong has actually obtained the miraculous medicine he had been longing for.

"How did he obtain this medicine?" Emperor Yuanjing's lips twitched.

"A gift from Chu Caiwei of the Bureau of Astronomy," Wei Yuan replied.

Emperor Yuanjing pondered for a few seconds and slowly nodded, "The matter of bestowing titles is withdrawn. Also, order Xu Qi'an, the copper gong bearer, to come to see me immediately."

Wei Yuan nodded calmly, bowed, and said, "Yes."

Upon receiving the summons, Xu Qi'an rushed to the palace before noon. After being verified by the Imperial Guards, he was allowed to enter the palace.

Inside the city gate, the man in blue stood with his hands behind his back, waiting for a long time, with Nangong Qianrou standing beside him.

Xu Qi'an quickly stepped forward and called out, "Duke Wei."

Wei Yuan nodded. "His Majesty summoned you regarding the case of Consort Fu." He paused, then added meaningfully, "The matter of bestowing a title upon her has been withdrawn."

"They actually withdrew it? This message was posted three days ago, and they still managed to withdraw it? They're breaking the rules," Xu Qi'an thought to himself.

"I see."

As Wei Yuan arrived at the imperial study, Emperor Yuanjing was not there. An old eunuch in a python robe said, "His Majesty is at Lingbao Temple, meditating with the Imperial Preceptor. He will return this afternoon. Please wait."

An hour passed during this wait.

At Lingbao Temple, Emperor Yuanjing, refreshed after finishing his meditation, opened his eyes and sighed, "Grand Preceptor, when will I be able to form the Golden Core?"

Beneath her Daoist robes, Luo Yuheng, whose voluptuous figure and stunning beauty could not be concealed, closed her eyes and spoke in a melodious and magnetic voice, "When will Your Majesty be able to set aside state affairs and devote yourself to Daoist cultivation? The Golden Core Elixir will be within reach in no time."

Emperor Yuanjing stared at the stunningly beautiful Daoist nun before him. Her features were exquisite, possessing a captivating charm, and the cinnabar dot between her brows further accentuated her ethereal beauty.

A fairy who can be desecrated.

Emperor Yuanjing sighed again. In truth, he only needed to cultivate in pairs to advance further. However, even as the ruler of a nation, he could not force the leader of the Human Sect.

Even if the opponent is a second-rank expert, and even if martial arts can suppress him, dual cultivation requires the cooperation of both people's mental techniques, which cannot be forced.

"When will the Imperial Preceptor be promoted to the first rank?" Emperor Yuanjing asked.

Luo Yuheng shook his head slightly.

"Alas, I find it increasingly difficult to understand the mind of the Supervisor. The day I asked him for the Rebirth Pill, he refused. Who would have thought that today I would learn that even a lowly copper gong can enjoy this miraculous medicine?"

Luo Yuheng opened his eyes and asked curiously, "A gong?"

Emperor Yuanjing waved his hand. "This person is not worth mentioning. I will return to the palace first and come again tomorrow to meditate and comprehend the Dao with the Imperial Preceptor."

He returned to the palace and received news that Xu Qi'an was already waiting in the imperial study. He did not go there immediately, but after a thorough bath, he finally arrived late.

Inside the Imperial Study.

Xu Qi'an said loudly, "This humble servant greets Your Majesty."

Emperor Yuanjing stared sharply at him, making no mention of the Rebirth Pill, nor praising the copper gong's contributions in Yunzhou, and said directly:

"A few days ago, Consort Fu fell to her death. There are other hidden circumstances behind this case. I am giving you three days to investigate this case thoroughly. Otherwise, you will be severely punished."

Xu Qi'an immediately bowed deeply, bending at a ninety-degree angle, and cried out, "Your Majesty, please grant me death!"

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