Demon Emperor

Chapter 34 Pillow Talk

In the Mingtang Hall, the ministers gathered to discuss politics.

The court was even more lively than before, with one official after another stepping forward to present their reports.

Ruan Hu looked at the group of officials again and saw that the traitors in their hearts had disappeared, and some of them even had changes in their appearance over the past few days.

At least now, just looking at the court officials no longer gives me the feeling that the country is about to perish.

The chief clerk of the Ministry of Personnel stepped forward and shouted: "Your subject respectfully reports that a country cannot be without a ruler for a single day, just as the North Star cannot lose its position; a court cannot be without a prime minister for a single day, just as a cauldron cannot be without its ingredients."

Some people said: "In the past, Yi Yin carried the tripod to assist Tang of Shang, and the Duke of Zhou spat out his food to secure the Zhou dynasty. Now, the court is vacant and the government is in stagnation. Just as the Book of Documents says, 'The ruler is wise and the ministers are good.' We humbly hope that Your Majesty will make a decisive decision and appoint a prime minister as soon as possible to secure the country and comfort the people."

Although Ruan Hu saw fewer traitors, the struggle for power and profit was far from over.

In the past few days, Ruan Hu has managed to get a basic understanding of the situation of these court officials, and has at least identified some of them.

Currently, the struggle for the position of prime minister is mainly divided into two factions.

One of them, currently in charge, is Li Hongdao, the father of Consort Li. He was originally a member of the Prime Minister's staff and represents the former officials who followed the late emperor to Xicheng.

One group, led by Huang Hui and his associates, consisted of local powerful clans. Taking advantage of the faction's great loss following the death of Prime Minister Ruan Heng, they also jumped out to compete for power.

The two factions have been embroiled in a fierce dispute over the position of prime minister recently.

Of course, there is another faction that secretly supports Pei Yuanxiao.

He dared not directly step forward to compete for the position of prime minister simply because he was secretly suppressed and squeezed out by Ruan Hu.

Pei Yuanxiao was not one of the two factions mentioned above, but a surrendered general who came from the south and formed his own faction.

The turmoil in the court was not originally this great, but Ruan Hu kept delaying making a statement.

then.

The covert struggle has intensified and is now taking place openly in the imperial court.

Ruan Hu watched as the words of the courtiers below grew increasingly heated, with each attacking the other and even threatening to kill the other.

Ruan Hu, who stood like a statue, finally spoke. He first had the eunuch beside him silence the noise in the court, and then he spoke.

"In that case, you should all go back and write a memorial to the throne."

"Let's see who can be our Yi Yin and Zhou Gong, what merits they have, what talents and virtues they possess, to be our Prime Minister."

"Let's find a candidate who is both virtuous and talented."

"Only in this way can we win the hearts of the people."

After saying this, Ruan Hu dismissed the court assembly.

But after the court session...

Instead of the emperor finally expressing his opinion, the courtiers found peace and harmony; the conflict between the two factions escalated dramatically.

On the way home from court, the officials exchanged heated words, but thankfully a fight was averted.

"Hmph, you bunch of treacherous and wicked officials with wolfish ambitions have finally jumped out."

"Your Majesty is wise and discerning, able to distinguish between loyal ministers and treacherous ministers."

"His Majesty has long favored Lord Li..."

"We must not allow them to gain power..."

Even after returning to their residence, the courtiers did not stop their efforts and continued to make connections in various places.

The focus is on the position of prime minister.

A huge uproar was stirred up in the imperial court.

After all, the power of the prime minister is too tempting. For example, Ruan Heng not only commanded all the officials, but also secretly controlled the troops in Xijing.

Even if the later prime minister did not reach the level of Ruan Heng, such power was enough to tempt people and make them risk everything.
-
Harem.

Ruan Hu arrived at the palace where Consort Li was as promised.

Passing through the lights and past the kneeling eunuchs and palace attendants, Ruan Hu saw Consort Li.

Without saying a word, the two of them simply glanced at each other, and it was as if they had been ignited.

Ruan Hu stepped forward.

With one hand, he embraced her, as if she were soft and boneless, light as a cloud. The demon emperor then observed her posture, which was as graceful as a willow and charming in every glance.

The concubine had to hold onto the tiger-like emperor with both hands to keep herself steady.

Her silk robe was loosened, and the fire ignited like dry tinder.

Gently gather, slowly twist, stroke, and lift; the jade disc, soft and supple, is draped around the waist. The deed is done.

Ruan Hu nestled in Li Fei's arms, her jade-like arms tightly embracing him, her body drenched in sweat.

Fine beads of sweat dampened her hair, making her flushed face appear even more alluring and seductive.

The beautiful concubine closed her eyes, but her hands searched over Ruan Hu's body repeatedly.

Just as men are attracted to women's graceful figures, women are equally drawn to men's strong and muscular physiques.

Since using the supernatural power [Changhun: Using Form to Supplement Form] inherited from the ancient Churen Kingdom, Ruan Hu's physique has become stronger day by day.

Previously, Ruan Hu always thought that if a person was too strong, he would appear clumsy and ugly.

But that's only because you've seen too many deformed and ugly things. A person who is truly strong and healthy, free from illness and disease, develops their body to have a real sense of power.

It will certainly not be crude or clumsy, but will present a very beautiful appearance.

For example, the fierce tiger descending the mountain, the leopard in the forest, and the steed that can travel a thousand miles a day.

Their lines are dazzlingly beautiful; no one would find them bulky or cumbersome.
Powerful, possessing strength.

It must be beautiful.

After digesting that power through the methods of the ancient gods, Ruan Hu did not develop any extraordinary power, but his physique did become stronger day by day.

It even seemed as if it had gone through puberty again, growing quite a bit taller.

Aside from being tall and handsome, there was no other noticeable change after he put on his clothes.

But once it moves, it displays a sense of power, like a tiger, leopard, or galloping horse.

In this regard.

The concubine lying next to Ruan Hu had many feelings to share.

After catching her breath, Consort Li finally opened her gentle eyes and looked at Ruan Hu.

"His Majesty seems even more valiant after practicing martial arts recently."

Ruan Hu: "When I fell into the water, I was in a daze, as if in a dream. Fortunately, my ancestor Gao Yao appeared and enlightened me."

"They told me that I should keep the nation and its people in mind, and not be negligent in the slightest. After hearing this, I was drenched in sweat and felt extremely ashamed."

"So I did some things according to the ancestor's instructions, and I think I gained something!"

Ruan Hu didn't know if his ancestor was Gao Yao, but the imperial tombs of the Dasheng Dynasty had been excavated, the imperial court had vanished into thin air, and his ancestors had all turned to smoke.

At least these ancestors of the Great Sheng Dynasty won't appear and expose his lies.

Consort Li had no doubt that Ruan Hu's words were true.

"Your Majesty is favored by Heaven and protected by your ancestors. You will surely be able to continue the glory of Xuanguang and rebuild the foundation of Dasheng."

At this point, Consort Li suddenly hesitated, then said in a low voice.

“My father came yesterday.”

Ruan Hu knew, of course, that the other party had been there, and said calmly.

"Is it to whisper in his ear and ask him when he'll become prime minister?"

Consort Li immediately rose and knelt on the bed: "How dare I?"

Ruan Hu pulled Li Fei into his arms: "Get up, let's not talk about politics, let's talk about family matters."

"I am naturally pleased that the Emperor's father-in-law wants to become the prime minister, after all, we are all family."

Upon hearing Ruan Hu's words, Consort Li felt as sweet as if she had eaten honey.

Consort Li: "Then His Majesty is..."

Ruan Hu sighed: "But I also have to listen to the opinions of the court officials, and there is also the Pillar General who commands a large army and guards the pass. All of these people want to become the prime minister."

"Even if I wanted to, some things are not up to me alone!"

Consort Li: "His Majesty's words are law; once a decree is issued, how dare those people disobey?"

Ruan Hu didn't speak, he just shook his head.

“My beloved concubine has never held an official position and does not understand these things.”

Ruan Hu's words intensified the storm that was already raging in the court over the position of prime minister.

(End of this chapter)