The emperor faked his death? Never mind, I will ascend the throne directly!

In the capital, deep in a quiet mansion, the carved beams and painted buildings exude a somewhat eerie air.

Zhang Huaian knelt in the middle of the room, his clothes soaked with cold sweat, and reported everything that had just happened in the Golden Palace to the woman in black in front of him in detail.

The woman was reclining on the couch, wearing a long black gauze dress that outlined her exquisite figure. Her face was covered by the gauze, revealing only a pair of bewitching eyes that seemed to be able to see through people's hearts.

"This little emperor is quite interesting." After hearing this, the woman sneered and her tone was a little playful.

"Your Majesty, this Li Chengfeng is clearly trying to win people's hearts. Now all the court officials are grateful to him. If we want to touch him again, it will be extremely difficult!" Zhang Huaian gritted his teeth and his words were full of resentment.

"Why are you panicking? Since I dared to strike, I never thought I'd hit the target on the first try," the woman sneered, a cold glint in her eyes. "This little emperor thinks he can rest easy just by winning over the hearts of the people. How naive! He doesn't even consider that in this world, what could be more tempting than power?"

Zhang Huaian felt relieved after hearing this and asked tentatively, "What does your Majesty mean..."

"You should know where Li Chenghao is better than me, right?" The woman did not answer directly, but changed the subject and stared at Zhang Huaian with her beautiful eyes.

Zhang Huaian's heart trembled. He knew this master's methods and quickly lowered his head and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, according to reliable information, the deposed crown prince is now in the Pingxi Palace."

"Hmph, the Prince of Pingxi is very shrewd and calculating. How could he easily let his grandson fall into Li Chengfeng's hands?"

The woman sneered, her tone filled with certainty.

"I bet that the Prince of Pingxi will never accept Li Chengfeng's imperial edict!"

"Your Majesty means... Prince Pingxi intends to disobey the order?" Zhang Huaian raised his head in surprise, his eyes full of disbelief.

"So what if he disobeys the imperial order? With an ambitious daughter like Concubine Liu, even if the Prince of Pingxi doesn't want to rebel, he will be forced to do so!"

A fierce look flashed in the woman's eyes and her tone was cold.

Zhang Huaian couldn't help but shudder when he heard this.

The autumn wind was bleak, a few dead leaves were swirling and falling, the yard was silent, and the atmosphere was depressing and suffocating.

...

In the imperial study, Li Chengfeng sat upright, flipping through memorials in his hands with a focused expression.

Song Zelin stood aside and reported the movements of all officials today one by one.

"Your Majesty has demonstrated both kindness and authority in the court today, clearly distinguishing rewards and punishments. Those who are on the fence are now grateful to Your Majesty. This old minister predicts that at tomorrow's morning court session, many will submit petitions to impeach the Crown Prince and support Your Majesty."

"It's just as expected." Li Chengfeng put down the memorial in his hand and curled up the corner of his mouth into a faint smile.

He knew that these court officials were all opportunists, and as long as he showed them a little favor, they would turn to him without hesitation.

"However," Li Chengfeng paused, and suddenly looked up at Song Zelin, a sly glint in his eyes. "My dear minister, aren't you curious as to why I summoned the Prince of Pingxi to the capital?"

Song Zelin frowned slightly upon hearing this, and after a moment's hesitation, he slowly spoke, "Your Majesty, please forgive me for speaking frankly. The Prince of Pingxi is the Crown Prince's maternal grandfather and the biological father of Concubine Liu..."

"At this critical moment, there's no way he'll come to the capital to attend this Hongmen Banquet!"

Li Chengfeng didn't say anything, but just looked at Song Zelin with a smile, as if waiting for him to continue.

Song Zelin hesitated for a moment, but still said stubbornly, "This old minister does not mean to slander the Prince of Pingxi, but... from what I know, the deposed crown prince is probably also in the Prince of Pingxi's mansion."

Upon hearing this, a cold glint flashed in Li Chengfeng's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure. He stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the towering palace in the distance. He said meaningfully, "I'm waiting for him to disobey my order!"

"If he doesn't come, I can go over." Li Chengfeng put down the memorial in his hand. His tone was calm, but it revealed an unquestionable majesty.

"Your Majesty!" Song Zelin was horrified when he heard this and quickly knelt on the ground. "You absolutely cannot do this! The political situation is unstable now, and the princes of various places are still waiting and watching. If you leave, what if..."

"What if?" Li Chengfeng turned around and stared at Song Zelin sharply. "Am I a coward? How can a mere King of Pingxi really turn the world upside down?"

Song Zelin was intimidated by Li Chengfeng's aura and was speechless for a moment. He opened his mouth, wanting to persuade him again, but Li Chengfeng raised his hand to stop him.

"Mr. Song, there is no need to say more. I have made up my mind." Li Chengfeng said in a firm tone, not allowing any objection.

He walked to the window and looked at the towering palace in the distance, a complicated look flashed in his eyes.

Song Zelin knew that it was useless to persuade him any further, so he could only sigh helplessly.

He had followed Li Chengfeng for many days and knew the young emperor's temperament very well. Once he made a decision, he would never change it easily.

"Your Majesty, I do not intend to boost others' morale and destroy my own prestige, but..."

"The situation in the capital is unclear now. If you leave, who will handle the affairs of the court? Also, as for General He..." Song Zelin frowned and expressed his concerns one by one.

He Sheng was guarding the capital, and it would take some time for the troops to arrive in the capital, so naturally he could not move.

When the new emperor ascends the throne, he must keep a confidant in Kyoto. After thinking it over, this person has to be me!

Li Chengfengye understood Song Zelin's worries. He remained silent and paced slowly in the imperial study.

In his previous life, the Prince of Pingxi, though Li Chenghao's maternal grandfather, remained loyal to Daqian and did not participate in Li Chenghao's rebellion. In this life, he likely wouldn't change his stance so easily...

"I know what I am doing." Li Chengfeng stopped and spoke in a calm tone, yet with an unquestionable firmness.

Seeing Li Chengfeng like this, Song Zelin knew that it would be futile to persuade him any further.

He gave a bitter laugh and sighed inwardly: Your Majesty's temperament has changed drastically since he ascended the throne. Although he is decisive and far-sighted, his stubborn temper is truly uncontrollable...

"Since Your Majesty has made a decision, I, an old minister, will do my best to share Your Majesty's worries." Song Zelin bowed and spoke respectfully.

"Don't worry, Song Qing. I'm not going this way on my own. I've already made arrangements." Li Chengfeng walked to the desk, picked up a letter, and handed it to Song Zelin. "Look, this is a good opportunity."

Song Zelin took the letter and read it carefully. His brows gradually relaxed and a hint of surprise appeared in his eyes.

"Xijing Luodu, Luodu Poetry Festival?"

Song Zelin raised his head and looked at Li Chengfeng in confusion.

"Not bad." Li Chengfeng raised his lips into a faint smile.

"Western Capital Luodu has our Daqian's palace. Every Mid-Autumn Festival, Luodu holds a grand Luodu Poetry Festival. At that time, famous people from all over the world gather together to recite poems and write essays. It is really lively."

"Your Majesty means..." Song Zelin seemed to understand Li Chengfeng's intention.

"I have just ascended the throne and my foundation is not yet stable. I can take this opportunity to go on a private visit in disguise to understand the people's sentiments and, by the way...test the strength of the King of Pingxi." A gleam flashed in Li Chengfeng's eyes.