Chapter 426: Chapter 426: The Divine Emperor’s Plan
After much consideration.
Shangguan Zi had no choice but to recount the entire incident step by step.
Of course, she included many of her own speculations and interpretations.
In her perspective.
Baiyu was essentially a reincarnated elder.
At the time.
She wasn’t aware that all of this was just a beautiful misunderstanding.
The entire matter, under her description, deviated from its original truth due to various coincidences.
The Divine Emperor furrowed his brows:
"So, I definitely need to pay him a visit myself. Throughout the Imperial history, there have been some powerful figures.
I don’t know if he’s a master from those times."
Shangguan Zi’s face turned pale.
The Divine Emperor noticed her concerns and smiled: "Don’t worry, I won’t reveal my identity, just going to see who he really is."
Shangguan Zi breathed a sigh of relief: "Thank you, Father, for understanding."
"Alright, it’s nothing. You may leave now.
Oh, and regarding the task I’ve assigned you all, you need to take it seriously.
I know you’ve been clever since childhood.
But most of the time, this cleverness isn’t used in the right way.
The determination of the Crown Prince’s title.
This is the Imperial’s most crucial priority.
Once decided, I cannot change it lightly.
I will ensure that you all compete fairly, without favoring anyone, so Zi’Er, you need to focus."
The Emperor spoke earnestly.
Shangguan Zi nodded solemnly.
She still has quite a gap compared to one or two of the Princes.
Luckily, the battle of Zenith City earned her the allegiance of many, otherwise the gap would have been even larger.
The Eldest Prince, the Second Prince.
Not only have they been strong contenders for the Crown Prince since childhood.
But their mother’s side of the family is also highly influential, giving them a significant lead over the other princes.
Shangguan Zi’s mother is a minor noble from an ordinary family.
Completely unable to compare with the forces behind these two.
However.
In the battle of Zenith City, the Eldest Prince Shangguan Hong was directly demoted from the Imperial’s First Prince to the Imperial’s First waste.
Many people saw the incompetence behind the Eldest Prince’s ambition, leading them to abandon him.
Currently.
The Eldest Prince is still detained in the Imperial Military Judicial Court, awaiting the Armed Department’s military trial.
Even as a Prince.
He cannot escape the responsibility for this defeat, which cost countless lives.
His power in the struggle for the throne has sharply decreased.
Now, the strong contenders for the throne are the Second Prince and Shangguan Zi instead.
"I can only do my best; second brother has been fighting since young, with more wins than losses. His mind and character are not something ordinary people can match."
Shangguan Zi silently mused.
...
Five days later.
A steam train from Kyoto to Villiduo started its engine.
Puffs of white steam continuously emerged from the train’s chimney.
The roar of the Magic Energy engine echoed across the wilderness and desert between the counties.
Inside the top-class compartment of the steam train.
A man was holding a newspaper, sitting on a sofa, carefully reading its contents.
"Sir, it’s time for your medicine."
Beside him.
A mature and alluring woman brought a cup of thick medicinal soup.
The man put down the newspaper and looked out the window.
Then.
He took the medicine bowl and drank it all.
"Have we not yet reached Haiqing County?"
"About an hour’s travel left, and we’ll reach Villiduo. I’ve arranged everything, Sir, you’ll meet that elder under the guise of a retired veteran."
Yao Shuimei said.
The Divine Emperor nodded and added: "You two, remember not to show any signs.
It’s best not to be discovered.
Also.
I’ll handle all communication, just follow my lead based on my cues."
This time, he brought only Yao Shuimei and Martial Extremity.
Ren Tianxing, as the Imperial Grand Marshal, frequently appears on television as a spokesperson, bringing him along would attract too much attention.
Yao Shuimei and Martial Extremity.
One is the Director of the Anomaly Bureau, the other is the Martial Arts School Alliance Leader.
Generally, they don’t appear publicly, perfect for this mission.
"Understood."
The two exchanged glances, feeling somewhat amused.
Throughout the journey.
The Emperor had emphasized this matter no less than three times, showing his attention and concern.
Can’t mess up.
They both knew the Emperor was no longer the young man who aggressively pursued progress and overcame obstacles.
Now, the Divine Emperor.
Only seeks a qualified successor.
For this.
Once a Prince is selected, all surrounding factors will be thoroughly examined.
Amid their conversation.
The train emitted a whistle indicating its approach to the station.
The roaring Magic Energy engine quieted, and the metal monster rested at Villiduo’s main station.
This is the core area of Villiduo’s ground transportation.
The trio’s attire was carefully selected.
Perfectly suited for retired veterans.
This was the Divine Emperor’s request.
Soon.
The three exited the main station, despite the crowdedness, people naturally avoided them.
No one noticed this phenomenon.
"The person’s workplace seems to be on Haiqing Avenue, Sir, do we go directly?"
Yao Shuimei pulled out a phone, confirming her acquired information.
"Let’s go straight there."
The Emperor spoke calmly.
Haiqing Avenue No.1 is at the core of Villiduo’s Upper City District, with wide roads and pleasant surroundings.
The pedestrian traffic is quite heavy.
However, even on the busiest Monday at the government offices.
The Veterans Mutual Aid Association remained desolate.
"Hello, may I ask who you are?"
A guard at the door stopped the trio.
The Divine Emperor took out a document:
"I’m here to claim my retirement benefits, and I also have some matters to handle."
The guard checked the document and confirmed it was correct before saying:
"No issue, you may enter.
By the way.
If the two behind you do not have documents, they cannot come inside."
The Divine Emperor nodded slightly, saying: "Then you two wait outside for me; I’ll come out once the procedures are done."
With that.
He followed the guard into the Veterans Mutual Aid Association.
Martial Extremity and Yao Shuimei exchanged glances.
They never expected the day would come when they would be blocked by a Tier Nine Martial Artist’s guard at a door.
Moreover.
The Divine Emperor actually lowered himself to go through these tedious procedures.
"It seems the Divine Emperor indeed places great importance on this matter."
"The Third Prince is after all the Divine Emperor’s most outstanding offspring, so it’s not surprising the Divine Emperor cares so much. Besides, the Imperial needs stability now, and this reincarnated elder is a ticking time bomb."
The two discussed their opinions.
...
"Old Qi, you just have a cold; it’s nothing, come by more often.
After sparring with you a few times, I’ve felt my chess skills improve a lot."
Inspection Department.
Baiyu cheerfully opened the door.
Qi Zheng with a somber expression, walked out.
Lately, he often visited Baiyu for chats and chess games; initially, he won quite comfortably.
But in the recent matches.
Baiyu’s chess skills improved swiftly, defeating him mercilessly and losing quite a bit.
"Humph, next time we’ll play Chinese chess!"
Qi Zheng turned around in frustration and happened to bump into a debonair old man.