The One Who Could Break the Deadlock

Zhang Xuezhou arrived at a relatively good time.

Perhaps it was because the Empress Dowager's faction needed a long time to travel to Chang'an, or perhaps the new emperor and the Empress Dowager had already discussed it several times during their court sessions, or perhaps it took several days to purge the forces of Anle Palace. When he arrived at the Weiyang Palace, he also encountered a core meeting of the court.

It involved recommendations, the creation of new government positions, the abolition of numerous and complex official posts, and the establishment of a new government system.

This included some Confucian systems promoted by the new emperor upon ascending the throne, as well as systems strongly promoted by the empress dowager.

Compared to when she directly controlled the court during her reign in Anle Palace, the Empress Dowager was not so autocratic, but rather consulted with the new emperor back and forth.

Many of these suggestions were difficult for the new emperor to accept, yet he could not refuse them.

When Zhang Xuezhou new emperor had recruited, offered his praise, the new emperor felt his resistance crumble.

He argued for a few points, but ultimately, like children in ordinary families who have no choice but to listen to their parents' advice, he accepted the Empress Dowager's many suggestions and agreed that he would conduct the morning court session in accordance with them.

"You, Dongfang Shuo! I hired you and you didn't help me, fine, but you even chimed in. And not only did you chime in, but you also flattered me! You only talk about the benefits and not the drawbacks. You clearly know there are disadvantages, but you don't say a word to dissuade me. Are you trying to drive me crazy!"

After respectfully seeing the Empress Dowager off to Changxin Palace, the many ministers took their leave, and it was already time for the evening banquet.

Looking at the food on the table, the new emperor felt so angry that he was already full without needing to eat.

He felt a little better after pointing at Zhang Xuezhou and berating him.

"Your Majesty, where are our men?" Zhang Xuezhou asked.

"They're all opportunists, there's no real talent among them!"

The new emperor waved his hand.

Not to mention that Zhang Xuezhou wouldn't dare to take sides and get involved in the royal disputes, few headstrong ministers would choose between the Empress Dowager and the new emperor.

Even the worst mother-son relationship is closer than the relationship between an emperor and his subjects.

If anything happens, it will be inevitable that Shechenzi will protect his mother.

If Zhang Xuezhou had known that such important matters were being discussed in the main hall of the Weiyang Palace, he would never have gone inside.

At this point, he had no choice but to revisit the emperor's old ways.

If we compare the thousands of officials in the imperial court to a flock of sheep that have lost their way, the new emperor must have a leader by his side, or he must have the leadership ability of Qin Emperor Qin to lead this flock into battle.

Without such conditions, there's no need to be picky; at least the Empress Dowager could step forward and succeed the Grand Empress Dowager at this time.

Even though the Empress Dowager lacked prestige, the other party was genuinely doing things and even continuously supporting the new emperor.

Many of the court's policies were issued by the new emperor himself, which enhanced his prestige and presence, rather than completely sidelining him like in the Anle Palace.

If the Empress Dowager had treated the new emperor the way the Empress Dowager did, Zhang Xuezhou felt the new emperor would have been grateful long ago, and wouldn't have these petty emotions.

"The Empress Dowager said that with the passing of the Grand Empress Dowager, neighboring countries will surely take advantage of the chaos to start an uprising. Which people do you think I should send to train?"

"Apart from someone as frail and sickly as me, you can send anyone!"

The new emperor had just proposed a deal, which Zhang Xuezhou rejected decisively.

He pointed at Zhang Xuezhou, then poked his finger into the vegetables on the plate.

"That's enough, I'm not eating anymore!"

During the mourning period, meat and fish are forbidden. The new emperor reached out and tasted the food, then waved for the eunuchs to remove the unpalatable dishes, leaving only a pot of wine to savor slowly.

"When will our Great Han Kingdom produce a powerful figure as formidable as Daojun?" the new emperor sighed.

"Commander Li is very strong; he should be comparable to a Dao Lord," Zhang Xuezhou said.

"He may be strong, but Li Guang won't completely obey me," the new emperor said, shaking his head.

The system of the new emperor's dynasty differed from the unified system of the Emperor Qin. The new emperor trusted Li Guang, but could not trust him on key issues, and was also afraid that Li Guang would suddenly turn against him after gaining control of power.

However, if the new emperor were to choose another top-tier expert, the expert would need to be completely loyal to him, which he simply couldn't find.

Ultimately, very few cultivators who can reach the top ranks of the Three Realms are willing to be subordinate to others.

Only when the new emperor is stronger than his opponent will top-tier experts possibly submit.

But then again, if the new emperor could truly stand out from the crowd, he wouldn't need anyone else to serve as a foil.

"That Daoist Master Li Shaojun you recommended earlier is exceptionally capable. Could he be appointed to an official position in the imperial court?" the new emperor asked again.

"Master Li is old and ill, and often needs to meditate. He is also unfamiliar with court affairs, and has refused the Empress Dowager's request several times before for this reason. I'm afraid it will be difficult for him to enter the court."

Zhang Xuezhou hesitated for a moment, feeling that the new emperor had sought divine intervention in the wrong direction.

Zhang Xuezhou felt that giving important positions to someone like Li Shaojun was riskier than giving important positions to Li Guang.

"If His Majesty has any needs that he is capable of fulfilling, it should not be a problem to invite him for help," Zhang Xuezhou said.

"Master Li's Technique Method is wondrous; he can subdue enemies with a mere gesture. His skills are truly exceptional. It's such a pity he can't serve in the imperial court!"

The new emperor sighed and glanced at Zhang Xuezhou.

Zhang Xuezhou was riddled with illnesses and didn't resemble a proper subject at all, yet the new emperor could tolerate having someone like Zhang Xuezhou by his side.

This is not just because he has few people around him, nor is it just because he tested Zhang Xuezhou's 'loyalty', but because Zhang Xuezhou can actually get things done.

If Zhang Xuezhou's invitation to Li Shaojun was somewhat unexpected, Zhang Xuezhou is still able to deal with the Jinghe River God Dragon King at the moment.

The Dragon King of the Jing River did not choose Xu Chang, nor did he choose Li Guang, Lu Bode, or others. Instead, he chose Zhang Xuezhou as a bridge for communication with the court. The new emperor thought this was Zhang Xuezhou's ability.

Words like "good luck" and "coincidence" are insufficient to describe Zhang Xuezhou's social skills; no one else possesses such ability.

Like Li Shaojun, the Jinghe Dragon King was also unlikely to enter the imperial court, but the new emperor felt that there was a high probability of cooperation between them, within the limits of his power.

He hesitated for a few seconds before speaking slowly.

"When Xu Chang and Li Guang reported this, they mentioned that the Jing River Water God Dragon King was willing to use you as a messenger to communicate with the imperial court. Could you use this identity to obtain the Dragon King's Essence Blood?" the new emperor asked.

"The Jinghe River Water God Dragon King was able to obtain the Dragon Pearl, so he must be one of the strongest among the Dragon Kings of the Five Lakes. I'm afraid my abilities are insufficient!" Zhang Xuezhou shook his head and said.

"It seems there was a reason he chose you as the messenger!"

The new emperor glanced at Zhang Xuezhou.

Those who can see the Jing River Dragon King lack strength, while powerful masters cannot see the Jing River Dragon King.

Even if Zhang Xuezhou Zhang Xuezhou had malicious intentions, he couldn't do anything to the Jinghe Dragon King.

The Chixiao Sword requires Yinglong blood to be sharpened, but if the Jinghe Dragon King's Essence Blood meets the requirements, even if it can only be used temporarily, it would be far better than him using a fake sword as a substitute.

The new emperor originally wanted to use the blood of the Jinghe Dragon King to sharpen the Crimson Sky Sword and see if it could activate the true Crimson Sky Sword. After thinking it over, he had no choice but to temporarily abandon this idea.

"Hu Hai didn't truly possess the power of the Red Cloud Sect; he couldn't escape the predicament he faced!"

Zhang Xuezhou gave a rather insightful answer several years ago, stating that the new emperor was only a little short of meeting the relevant conditions.

He had several opportunities to become famous over the years, but how could he display his divine power while wielding the fake Crimson Sky Sword?

He couldn't distinguish between good and bad, nor could he differentiate between loyalty and treachery; his own abilities were slightly lacking.

The once mighty Qin Dynasty perished due to loss of control, and Qin Er Shi only learned of the Qin Dynasty's devastation before his death.

If everything were done according to Emperor Jing's instructions, he would have been trapped in a predicament that was driving him almost insane all these years, and could only watch as the Han Kingdom headed in an out-of-control direction.

Of all the new policies implemented by the Empress Dowager, there was one thing that was certain to benefit the new emperor: Dong Zhongshu, who had not been to Chang'an City for a long time, could take advantage of this opportunity to be recommended and return to the court.

According to the divination results presented by Emperor Jing, who forced the Prince of Liang to consult the Emperor Jing, Dong Zhongshu was able to bring about an opportunity to continue the Great Han.

The new emperor also wanted to have a real conversation with Dong Zhongshu, to learn about the other's connection between Celestial Person, and to see if it might benefit him.

If the Crimson Sky Sword is unusable, Dong Zhongshu is his only chance to break the deadlock.

In order to ensure that Dong Zhongshu would come to Chang'an City, the new emperor had to personally explain the factionalism and abuses of the recommendation system.

When the new emperor took office, he issued an edict to select scholars, and Dong Zhongshu was among the top candidates. However, many people recommended their students, former officials, friends, and relatives out of personal motives, and some even engaged in corruption and factionalism, causing his selection of talents to end hastily time and again.

"What do you suggest I do to ensure that truly talented individuals emerge in Chang'an City?"

Although Zhang Xuezhou was no longer a scholar-official at the Golden Horse Gate, the new emperor still tested Zhang Xuezhou with a question.