The peace talks draw to a close

[One: Forcing Yongxing to step down is easy, but maintaining stability afterward is not an easy task.]

Huaiqing shared his opinion via private message.

"You local, you can't catch my joke! You should have replied with 'All that's missing is the east wind.'" Xu Qi'an habitually thought to himself, then sent a message:

[Three: Your Highness's words make sense. Your Highness is experienced. Do you have any suggestions?]

Forcing Yongxing to abdicate would be easy; he even dared to kill the emperor, let alone force Yongxing to abdicate.

The difficulty lies in maintaining stability, getting the officials in the court to accept this matter, and being willing to keep the court running and support Xu Qi'an.

[First: We must stabilize the situation with the officials. I have already made private contact with the group left behind by Duke Wei to ensure everything goes smoothly.]

After reading the message, Xu Qi'an recalled Huaiqing's recounting of the negotiation process, and a thought struck him:

No wonder Wei's faction remained unusually silent, observing the negotiation results with indifference; it turns out they had already conspired and were secretly plotting a rebellion.

"Those old foxes, Liu Hong and Zhang Xingying, the Minister of War, Huaiqing can keep them in check and make them work for him. His skill in managing people is truly remarkable," Xu Qi'an relayed in a letter.

[Duke Wei's faction alone cannot stabilize the court.]

[One: That's right. So, I hope you can persuade Chief Minister Wang to unite the Wang faction and the Wei faction. That would be enough to stabilize the court. The remaining factions will make their own choices based on the situation.]

[Xu Ningyan, have you sought out Chief Minister Wang?]

[Three: Ah, I've been focused on my spiritual practice lately and forgot about it.]

"Dual cultivation is also a form of cultivation," he muttered to himself. With that thought, he held the fragment of the Earth Book in one hand and supported Mu Nanzhi's slender waist with the other, bouncing her up a bit to prevent her from slipping down.

Approaching forty, the voluptuous and alluring goddess of flowers let out a soft "oh," and nestled against his shoulder, half-asleep and half-awake.

There was a warm, comforting energy flowing through her meridians, making her feel drowsy.

Xu Qi'an took a cold bath in the dead of winter for this reason: to cool down both of them.

Cultivation? Your cultivation has long reached a bottleneck. How can you cultivate without removing the Demon-Sealing Nail? Huaiqing frowned, feeling that Xu Qi'an was lying to her.

[Three: I will take responsibility for this.]

Based on his understanding of Wang Zhenwen and his assessment of the current situation, he knew that Wang Zhenwen would definitely choose to cooperate with him.

First of all, Wang Zhenwen was a scholar who might err on the side of minor transgressions but remained steadfast in his principles. If there were a plan that could save the country and offered a high chance of success, he would certainly choose to take the risk and try it.

Secondly, Miss Wang and Erlang are engaged, and accomplices between in-laws are much more reliable than simple allies.

After receiving Xu Qi'an's affirmative answer, Huaiqing breathed a sigh of relief and did not ask any further questions, just as Xu Qi'an did not ask her how she dealt with the old fox of the Wei faction who would accompany her in the rebellion.

This reflects trust in the capabilities of both parties.

[Part 1: Then comes the issue of troop strength. After the operation, I will seize the palace gates as quickly as possible and force Yongxing to abdicate. Once the dust settles, you won't need to worry about the Imperial Guards.]

The five battalions of the Imperial Guards were loyal only to the Emperor and obeyed only his orders.

Even if Huaiqing had extraordinary connections, it was impossible for her to turn all the Imperial Guard commanders against her. Turning a small number against her was already an incredible feat.

However, while it was difficult to turn the Imperial Guards against the enemy, it was much easier to win over the Twelve Guards of the capital.

With Xu Qi'an as their pillar of strength, Huaiqing was confident that they could capture the palace in a short time.

[Three: What is the attitude of the royal family?]

[One: The imperial clan now desperately wants to drag Yongxing off the throne and force them to acknowledge the Yunzhou lineage as the legitimate successor; this is harder to accept than killing them.]

After finalizing the details, Huaiqing said with some concern:

Even if the court is stabilized, Yongzhou will still fall once the rebels in Yunzhou have regrouped. Ningyan, do you have any ideas?

Huaiqing prided herself on her intelligence and strategic acumen, but when it came to catching up with extraordinary powerhouses, she pondered for a long time. She considered bringing in allies, such as the Gu Clan or the Southern Demons, but they were either tied down or unable to extricate themselves.

It is difficult to assist the Great Feng.

[Three: To be honest, Your Highness, I have removed the last Demon-Sealing Nail and advanced to the second rank.]

After a long silence, Huaiqing finally sent a message:

[How did you do that?]

She couldn't describe her feelings at that moment. She was overjoyed, bewildered, and her emotions were very complex, but one thing was certain: she felt a sense of exhilaration, as if she had found a new path after a long and difficult journey.

Like a traveler lost in a thick fog, finally breaking through the layers of mist.

[Three: I may reveal a little to His Highness, but it must be kept secret.]

Huaiqing's spirits lifted, and he said:

[Please speak.]

[Three: Number Eight removed the Demon-Sealing Nail for me; he is Asuro.]

Huaiqing stared blankly at the message, almost dropping the small jade mirror.

Number Eight is Asura? Yes, Number Eight has been in seclusion, while Asura recently returned to his position. After Asura returned, Master Jinlian emerged from seclusion, and not long after, it was said that Number Eight had emerged from seclusion. The timing matches up. Huaiqing was both surprised and annoyed.

She was careless and failed to connect number eight with Asuro.

"If Number Eight is Asura, not only did he help Xu Qi'an advance to the second rank, but he is also a member of the Heaven and Earth Society, making him an ally. Suddenly, the Great Feng has two martial artists known for their combat prowess. This hidden agent of the Golden Lotus Daoist has revitalized the entire situation. Impressive!"

As a shrewd strategist, she believed that Master Jinlian, though unassuming, was undoubtedly a top-tier chess player of his time.

True chess players often excel not in short-term, brilliant moves, but in seemingly insignificant yet strategically crucial moves.

In this regard, Huaiqing had a list in mind. The top spot was undoubtedly held by the Supervisor, while the second and third place winners were Wei Yuan and Xu Pingfeng.

Now there are two more. One is the first generation, who, even 500 years after his death, can still cause the Supervisor great harm, and is ranked first on the list, just like the Supervisor. The Golden Lotus Daoist is ranked alongside Xu Pingfeng.

Then, Xu Qi'an explained to her how Asura cultivated the One Qi Transforms into Three Pure Ones technique, using the split-off incarnations as "coordinates" to counter the Buddhist School "emptiness of the four elements" Law Technique.

Huaiqing had no more doubts, no, there was still one doubt:

Why did Ningyan specifically tell me this?

However, this was kept secret from the other members of the Heaven and Earth Society.

Since you're the only one who didn't die, whether I tell you or not doesn't really matter. (Xu Qi'an's letter explains:)

[This matter ultimately requires Asura's permission, and I cannot casually reveal others' secrets. But towards Your Highness, I have always been completely open and honest, telling you everything I know without reservation.]

In the study of Huaiqing Prefecture, in the afternoon, Huaiqing sat at his desk, using his hand as a pen, and wrote: [I almost believed it.]

She didn't send the message out; she erased it with her fingertip and retyped it:

[It's because they're all mocking Asuro in the group chat.]

After thinking about it, I erased it again.

Finally, in a very serious tone, the message was delivered:

[I understand.]

[Three: Your Highness, one last question.]

Bureau of Astronomy.

Xu Qi'an stood up from the bathtub, placing his hands on Mu Nanzhi's buttocks. She subconsciously hooked her legs around his strong waist, wrapped her arms around his neck, and rested her head on Xu Qi'an's shoulder.

The two have contrasting skin tones, one fair and radiant, the other bronze, creating a striking visual impact.

He gently placed Mu Nanzhi on the bed and withdrew the leverage he had given her.

The goddess of flowers hummed softly in her sleep, her delicate and beautiful brows furrowing slightly.

This woman's potency is stronger than any aphrodisiac. Xu Qi'an reluctantly covered her with a quilt, then picked up the bracelet that had fallen on the floor and put it back on her fair wrist.

Thus, the goddess of flowers transformed from the world's most potent aphrodisiac into an aunt who brings peace to the heart.

Then, Xu Qi'an took out the Taiping Knife, placed it on the table, and instructed:

"Keep an eye on your mistress. No one is allowed in, understand?"

The Taiping sword hummed and vibrated, conveying the meaning of "understood".

The Taiping Blade has matured; ordinary fourth-rank masters are like lambs to the slaughter in its presence.

Xu Qi'an opened the door and left, his fingertip lightly tracing the surface of the door, applying a potent poison that would paralyze and render someone unconscious.

Prince's Mansion.

Wang Zhenwen had just sent someone to see Qian Qingshu off when, not long after, the steward quietly entered and reported from the outer room:

"Master, Xu Yinluo has arrived."

Wang Zhenwen, who was already somewhat tired, perked up and quickly said:

"Quickly, invite him in."

The butler left as instructed. A moment later, the bedroom door was pushed open, and Wang Zhenwen saw a tall and handsome young man in a blue robe walk in.

Upon seeing the figure in green outside the curtain, Wang Zhenwen's gaze faltered for a moment. After recognizing Xu Qi'an's face, she let out a sigh, whether with emotion or regret.

"For a moment just now, I almost thought Wei Yuan had returned."

Wang Zhenwen looked at the young man who came in and said with a smile.

What's wrong with the Grand Secretary's illness?

Xu Qi'an walked to the bedside, grasped Wang Zhenwen's wrist, sensed her pulse, and listened intently.

He frowned. Wang Zhenwen's body was like a machine that had reached retirement age, with each part severely worn out.

"Even Celestial Person experience the five signs of decay, let alone an old mortal like myself?"

Wang Zhenwen smiled nonchalantly:

"The Warlock from the Bureau of Astronomy have already said that I should rest and recuperate, and perhaps I can recover. There is no other way."

Xu Qi'an hummed in agreement and secretly sent a few strands of energy to help him invigorate his blood and nourish his vital energy.

The Bureau of Astronomy does indeed possess many miraculous elixirs, capable of bringing the dead back to life and restoring flesh to bones; the Human Sect also has numerous top-grade elixirs.

However, the higher the grade of the elixir, the stronger its medicinal power, which is definitely not something that ordinary people who have not cultivated can withstand.

Take the Blood Pill for example. It contains abundant life force, but because it is of such a high level, even a fourth-grade expert would almost certainly die if he swallowed it.

Therefore, resurrecting a high-level expert might not be too difficult, but resurrecting an ordinary person without any foundation... well, since Song Qing created the human body refining technique, it's not too difficult either.

With the nine-colored lotus seed that can transform all things, even mortals can be reborn through its shell.

"I imagine you've heard about the peace talks," Wang Zhenwen said, getting straight to the point, gazing at Xu Qi'an sitting on the edge of the bed.

"Tell me the truth, what are your plans?"

His gaze was intense, like someone in dire straits waiting for their last glimmer of hope.

If I told him that I had no way to help him, the old prime minister might not be able to breathe his last. Xu Qi'an was suddenly glad that he had postponed his visit. If he had finished discussing with Huaiqing that day, he would have come to the Prince's Mansion to visit the old prime minister.

So, the simple phrase "I can't help you" might just lead this elderly man, who has been struggling to survive, to pass away in despair.

Xu Qi'an's expression was serious as he spoke, word by word:

"I've reached the second rank."

Wang Zhenwen gripped the bedsheet tightly, the veins on the back of his hands bulging. He gave Xu Qi'an a deep look, then suddenly burst into laughter.

The hearty laughter swept away the gloom.

He sensed a strong sense of confidence from Xu Qi'an.

He felt relieved.

Xu Qi'an sat silently, waiting for the old prime minister to finish venting his pent-up frustrations.

What are your plans?

Wang Zhenwen slowly composed herself, regaining her seasoned and calm demeanor.

Xu Qi'an spoke frankly:

"I want a new emperor!"

Surprisingly, Wang Zhenwen remained calm, showing no surprise whatsoever.

The former chief minister sighed and said:

"Yongxing is a ruler who only cares about maintaining the status quo. He cannot shoulder this crumbling empire. Even if he successfully resolves this peace talks, he will still back down if there is a second or third major unfavorable situation."

"Sometimes, trouble from the rear is the most fatal. If the imperial court wants to compete with Yunzhou for the fate of the nation, it must have a stable rear."

He paused, looked at Xu Qi'an, and said:

Whom do you want to appoint?

Xu Qi'an did not hesitate:

"Prince Yan."

Upon hearing this, Chief Minister Wang breathed a sigh of relief.

"Good, that's good. Prince Yan is the legitimate son, born to the Empress Dowager. His ascension to the throne is perfectly legitimate."

After discussing it, the old prime minister grabbed the bell by his bedside and shook it.

The butler outside pushed the door open and entered.

Wang Zhenwen gave the instructions:

"Go and invite Chief Minister Qian, Minister Sun, and Vice Minister Zhao here."

He named six or seven people in a row, all of whom were key members of the Wang faction.

Xu Qi'an stood up as if on cue:

"This junior will take his leave now."

Prince Li's Mansion.

"Yongxing is so foolish!"

Upon hearing the news, the elderly Prince Li, leaning on his cane, stood up shakily and slammed his fist on the table.

Inside the hall were a group of princes and dukes.

"If traitors and rebels are the legitimate rulers, then what are we? What are our ancestors?" Prince Yu's voice was low and somber.

"Your Majesty is too timid. What Yunzhou wants is money, grain, and land. Even if we hold on tightly, I don't believe Ji Yuan would dare to actually leave the capital."

"Because he's the emperor."

At that moment, someone whispered something.

All the princes and dukes turned to look, and the speaker was none other than Prince Yan.

King Li glanced at him and said indifferently:

"Alright, Yunzhou is using its power to intimidate us; what can His Majesty do?"

He glanced at the princes and dukes, whose faces were filled with resentment, and said in a deep voice:

"Right now, we must feign compliance and wait for spring. Once the court has recovered, everything will be negotiable. As long as our lineage secures its rule, whether they call us black or white, they are black or white."

Despite his deep resentment towards Emperor Yongxing, Prince Li decided to prioritize the overall situation and calm the emotions of the imperial clan.

The emperor can decide on matters of state, but matters concerning ancestors are not something he can decide alone.

Emperor Yongxing's decision pushed everyone's ancestors to injustice.

Three days later, the negotiations between Yunzhou and the imperial court concluded, marking the end of the peace talks.

Regardless of the attitudes of lower- and middle-ranking officials in Beijing, the attitudes of ordinary citizens in Beijing, or the attitudes of students in Beijing.

To everyone else, the peace talks were a done deal.