After Eunuch Jingde finished reading the oral edict at the palace and left, the magnificent carriage that Prince Ye was riding in traveled for about half an hour before slowly arriving in front of Xihua Gate, which was set up specially for military officers and royal princes.

The guard driving the carriage uttered a resounding "whoosh" as a signal, then gently pulled the reins, bringing the carriage to a steady stop with deft and precise movements. Once everything was in place, he carefully lowered the steps for people to get on and off.

After completing these tasks, the guard turned to the distinguished person in the carriage and said respectfully, "Your Highness, we have arrived at the palace."

A deep, magnetic, and intoxicating male voice emanated from the car: "Hmm."

Then, a slender, white, bony hand gently lifted the golden silk curtain covering the car window.

Then, a figure wearing a beige-gold water wave and smoke feather pattern, a round collar, a right-fronted, wide-sleeved, waisted robe appeared in front of everyone.

The prince stood tall and straight like a pine tree, his steps graceful as the wind, and he got off the carriage slowly and unhurriedly.

After the prince walked away, the guards of the palace rode their horses and left.

After all, once entering the palace, there will naturally be someone responsible for arranging the prince's return to the mansion.

At this time, Prince Ye walked towards the palace gate alone and calmly. The soldiers guarding both sides of the gate were quite familiar with Prince Ye. Seeing this, they quickly knelt on their knees and shouted in unison: "Greetings, Your Majesty!"

"No need to be polite," the deep and mellow voice said as the person walked away.

Prince Ye strolled among the familiar vermilion palace walls. The red walls and glazed tiles were so magnificent under the direct sunlight that it was dazzling.

Because of King Ye's arrival, the palace maids in various palaces put on makeup and wore pink clothes. In places where King Ye had to pass, some of them pretended to pass by and knelt down to pay their respects to him, hoping to win a little favor from him.

There were also those who were timid but wanted to see the handsome face of Prince Ye, so they hid in the corners of the palace walls or behind the doors of the palaces, waiting for Prince Ye to pass by, and then they would stick their heads out and take a sneak peek.

After Prince Ye left, the palace maids all forgot the rules and etiquette of the palace. Some turned into screaming chickens, jumping around excitedly, some excitedly discussed how handsome the prince was, and some bit their handkerchiefs, secretly regretting that they had not been able to hang around the prince.

This situation is comparable to a scene of fans chasing their idol. If it weren't for the prince's noble status and the palace rules, if one person threw a sachet, it would be enough to drown out this extremely noble prince.

Of course, there are also people who are clear-headed but like to make wild guesses.

The palace maid whispered secretly: "Prince Ye is almost forty years old and has no intention of marrying a princess. Is it possible? It's not possible."

Second Palace Maid, I heard: "Prince Ye may be fond of men, that's why he is reluctant to get married. The Empress Dowager is getting very anxious."

The third palace maid said, "You are talking nonsense. It is obvious that the prince cannot forget his deceased fiancée, that is why he has not married yet."

Prince Ye was completely unaware of the little actions of the palace maids. Even if he knew, he would not spare any energy to investigate. He still strode towards the imperial study with a clear goal.

Outside the imperial study, the eunuch guarding the door saw Prince Ye walking towards him with graceful strides, and hurriedly performed the standard one-kneeling etiquette respectfully to Prince Ye.

Then he said to the prince, "Please wait a moment, Your Majesty. I will go in and report to you right away."

"Yeah," King Ye responded without any emotion.

The young eunuch cautiously stepped into the palace gate and slowly raised his eyes. He saw the extremely noble emperor sitting in front of the dragon bank, concentrating on reading through the pile of memorials, as if everything in the outside world had nothing to do with him.

The young eunuch thought to himself that he must not disturb the emperor at this moment, so he stood quietly where he was, not even daring to breathe.

At this moment, Eunuch Jingde, who had been serving the emperor, lightly walked down the stairs. His movements were as gentle as a feather falling, afraid that the slightest sound would break the tranquility.

When he got close to the young eunuch, Eunuch Jingde asked in a low voice that was deliberately lowered but still sharp and piercing, "What do you want to report?"

The young eunuch hurriedly bowed and replied respectfully, "Your Excellency, the prince has arrived outside the palace and has come to see Your Majesty."

Upon hearing this, Eunuch Jingde nodded slightly to indicate his understanding. He then walked to the side of the Emperor and, similarly lowering his voice, reported to the Emperor, who was concentrating on reviewing memorials, "Your Majesty, His Royal Highness Prince Ye has arrived at the front of the palace and is awaiting an audience."

The emperor's eyes never left the memorial in his hand. He only uttered three short and majestic words: "Please come in."

After saying this, he continued to immerse himself in government affairs without any intention of stopping.

"As you command!" The young eunuch bowed deeply again to show his acceptance. He then stepped back a few steps before turning and leaving.

After stepping out of the imperial study, the young eunuch showed a flattering look on his face. He made an inviting gesture to Prince Ye, who had been waiting outside the door for a long time, and said respectfully: "Your Highness, please follow me inside to see the emperor."

When Prince Ye Li Ruize heard the summons, he took a big step without hesitation and stepped over the towering threshold.

As soon as he entered the hall, his eyes were immediately drawn to his brother, who was sitting at the desk. He saw that his brother's expression was focused and meticulous, and every stroke of his pen revealed his utmost seriousness and caution.

Looking at his diligent and hardworking brother, Li Ruize couldn't help but admire him and sighed sincerely, "My brother is really very diligent!"

Looking at the mountain of memorials, he couldn't help but sigh: "Being an emperor is truly arduous! It's more carefree for a leisurely prince like him. He has plenty of time to travel, write poetry, and paint. It's beautiful, beautiful!"

He was filled with emotion, but his hands kept moving. He clasped his hands together, stretched out his arms, bent down, and respectfully bowed to his brother above him in a standard bow, saying loudly: "Your humble servant pays homage to your royal brother."

Hearing his brother's deep and pleasant voice, Emperor Li Ruian put down the memorial in his hand and looked at the visitor.

The emperor's brother's tall and strong body was covered in a beige and gold robe with a round collar, right lapel, waist and wide sleeves, and a water wave and smoke feather pattern. His noble temperament was undoubtedly revealed. Due to years of reciting poems, painting, and traveling around, his temperament had a sense of freedom.

This younger brother really makes even the emperor envy him.

He said with a smile: "Royal brother, there is no need to be so polite between you and me."

Prince Ye bowed his head respectfully and saluted his brother, saying, "I have a deep and profound friendship with you, but etiquette should never be neglected."

As soon as these words came out, the emperor's smile grew even brighter, and he thought to himself: This little brother of mine, he always indulges himself in the mountains and rivers, and is very free and easy! However, when it comes to observing the rules, he has always been a role model.

The Emperor's voice unconsciously became softer and gentler, and he said slowly, "Royal brother, do you know why I came to you today?"

"It's really hard for me to know." King Ye answered truthfully, with a sincere and humble attitude.

Upon seeing this, the emperor waved his hand gently to signal the eunuchs on his left and right to retreat.

When the two brothers were the only ones left in the room, the emperor spoke again, "I have recently discussed this with the Queen Mother, and now it is time to hand over the management of the Dark Web to you, my brother."

Upon hearing this, Prince Ye couldn't help but raise his eyebrows slightly, and a hint of astonishment flashed across his already narrow and beautiful phoenix eyes.

You have to understand that the so-called "dark web" was an intelligence network meticulously constructed by the emperor to monitor and investigate officials. While the censorate was the official body responsible for monitoring officials, the mysterious entity known as the "dark web" was behind the scenes.

This organization was founded by the late emperor and passed on to the current emperor. After so many years of development and growth, it has now become unimaginably powerful. No more than four people know about this "dark web", namely the late emperor, the empress dowager who is still alive, the emperor, and him, the idle prince.

Precisely because not many people know about this organization, he who knows about it understands better the strength of this organization and the significance behind it.

Prince Ye's eyes darkened, and a complex expression flashed across them. Could it be that his brother was testing him? He felt apprehensive.

He quickly replied: "I am used to traveling and enjoying the scenery, and I am afraid I can't manage such a large organization." King Ye kept making excuses while speaking.

To prove that what he said was true, he added: "Besides, I am not interested in this. I usually only like some miscellaneous studies such as playing the piano, chess, calligraphy, painting, chariot riding, archery, and mathematics. I am not capable of managing these institutions."

"Your Majesty, there is no need to be so modest. I am aware of your talents." The emperor said with a smile.

My younger brother is too modest. A few years ago, I sent him to escort food and supplies to support the war in the north, and he did a great job.

The emperor added: "In fact, it was my mother who mentioned this to me personally. I have been weak since I was a child. Thanks to my mother who found precious elixirs everywhere, I was able to grow up safely."

"Nowadays, my affairs are becoming more and more complicated, and my energy is running low. I have no time to take care of the Dark Web. You are my closest and most trusted brother. I can only entrust it to you so that I can rest assured."

"Royal brother... I..." Upon hearing this, Prince Ye's face still revealed an unconcealable hesitation. After all, this was not what he truly desired to do.

All along, he never got involved in court affairs, just to avoid arousing his brother's suspicion and doubt, and fearing that he would be mistakenly thought to have the intention of coveting the throne.

However, at this moment, his royal brother suddenly asked him to take over such a vital institution, which really made him feel a little panicked and uneasy.

As if sensing his hesitation, the Emperor spoke, "Don't worry, my brother. Simply take over step by step. With me here, there won't be any major mistakes."

Then, the emperor changed his tone and complained with a hint of coquettishness, "Besides, can you really bear to see me, your brother, overworked and exhausted all by myself?"

When he said this, even the title "I" was unconsciously changed to the more intimate "I".

Obviously, after first taking tough measures to put pressure on him, he now plays the tender and emotional card - this method has always been a tried and tested trick for this younger brother who wants to be lazy and evade responsibility.

This is like taming a horse. No matter whether it is a stubborn donkey or an unruly horse, they must be whipped hard a few times first, and then fed some delicious grass at the right time, so that they will be obedient.

Sure enough, not long after, he heard his younger brother respond respectfully: "I will obey the emperor's command and thank you for your grace!"

The emperor laughed happily, "Great, great, it just so happens that mother said that she has asked the imperial kitchen to prepare some delicious dishes today, so let us two brothers go and have a taste."

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