Good heavens! The Supreme God is being relentlessly harassed!

Xie Yi was a little surprised to see that the person by the lotus pond was Shen Wangchuan.

However, he quickly composed himself and greeted Shen Wangchuan:

“It is indeed quite a coincidence, Young Master Shen. I have important business to discuss with the Prince, and I hope you can do me a favor.”

Is something important? Shen Wangchuan found it strange. It was rare for Xie Yi to be so polite to him; in the past, he probably wouldn't even give him a glance.

This is likely related to his showing off in the martial arts arena and overshadowing Xie Yi.

With that thought in mind, Shen Wangchuan decided not to stop the other party.

After all, as the winner, he should be more magnanimous and not be too petty.

"I see. Then you should hurry up and leave. Ayan is in the study reviewing memorials; he should be finished by now."

As he spoke, Shen Wangchuan seemed to have thought of something. Since Ayan was almost finished approving the papers, it shouldn't be considered a disturbance if he went over there.

Seeing Xie Yi about to leave, Shen Wangchuan quickly called out to him:

"Commander Xie, wait a moment, I'll go with you."

A hint of surprise flashed across Xie Yi's eyes, after all, he was supposed to be discussing serious matters with the prince. Why was Shen Wangchuan following along?

But considering Xie Liuyan's usual attitude towards Shen Wangchuan, it doesn't seem like a bad idea.

"Alright, let's go together then."

And so, the two of them walked one after the other toward the study.

*

Xie Liuyan had just finished reviewing the memorials, and things were getting tense in the court lately.

The memorials that came to him were either useless daily greetings or indirect inquiries about when he would hand over power to the young emperor.

What a joke! Xie Liuyan had absolutely no desire for the so-called imperial power.

But now that he has handed the throne to the young emperor, do they really think the young emperor can hold up the Yun Kingdom?

Of course, these are just the surface reasons. At a deeper level, it's just that some of the ministers have ulterior motives.

Thinking of this, Xie Liuyan lowered his eyes. He had always known that the emperor's maternal family, the Zuo family, the most powerful maternal relatives in Yun Kingdom, had the intention to control the court.

However, they did it discreetly, and he has yet to find direct evidence against them.

These days, the Zuo family can't hold back any longer, and this is the perfect opportunity for Zuo Zhilin to reveal his weaknesses.

Just then, a voice came from outside the door:

"Your Highness, I'm coming in."

Xie Liuyan looked up and saw Xie Yi and Shen Wangchuan.

He paused for a moment, but didn't say anything.

After Xie Yi walked up to him and bowed, he winked at Shen Wangchuan, wanting to ask Xie Liuyan for his opinion.

Xie Liuyan waved his hand, "It's alright, just say it."

Xie Yi stood up straight, his tone calm:

"Your Highness, the Xuan Tie Army that you had me train has already shown results these days. Your Highness can come to the army to inspect it soon."

“Recently, my subordinates discovered that some junior non-commissioned officers in the army are inciting soldiers to spread rumors that the prince is coveting power, and there are quite a few such people.”

"Fortunately, my subordinates discovered it in time. Those who should be punished have been punished, and those with serious circumstances have also been dealt with."

Xie Liuyan sneered: "You really can't wait any longer, daring to make a move right under my nose!"

Moreover, although junior non-commissioned officers may seem insignificant, in reality, when on the battlefield, the general's orders are all conveyed and executed by his subordinates. Once a junior non-commissioned officer who comes into contact with ordinary soldiers has any disloyal intentions, the army will collapse.

"They certainly had a good plan, but they didn't expect that I had anticipated it."

"Thank you!"

Xie Yi clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Your subordinate is here!"

"If such people are found in the army again, do not hesitate to punish them severely. Anyone who disrupts morale and spreads rumors will be flogged one hundred times and expelled from the Xuan Tie Army!!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Xie Liuyan then said:

"You may leave now. Report any important military information to me immediately."

After Xie Yi bowed, he withdrew, leaving only Xie Liuyan and Shen Wangchuan in the study.

"How does it feel to eavesdrop on secrets, Guard Shen?"

Shen Wangchuan smiled and said, "Of course it's excellent. I couldn't have done it without Your Highness's indulgence."

After saying that, he winked at Xie Liuyan, as if he knew everything.

Xie Liuyan hadn't expected him to be so perceptive, and changed the subject:

"Who do you think is spreading rumors in the military?"

Well, Shen Wangchuan pondered for a moment after hearing this.

To be honest, he wasn't very clear about the situation in the court, but based on the available information, it was most likely that the late emperor had appointed three regents.

Although Ah Yan's position seems to be second only to the emperor, it is actually lonely at the top, and there are many people lurking in the shadows.

Especially as the emperor's birthday banquet approached, various forces were secretly vying for power.

However, it would be absolutely impossible for his father, Shen Qingcheng, to use such underhanded tactics as inciting people in the army.

At most, they'd send him over to gather information; they wouldn't do something so inappropriate.

Grand Tutor Li, who had been instructing the emperor, had not been involved in court disputes for a long time.

Besides, even if he wanted to get involved, he didn't have the power. After all, he had many students, but it would be difficult to truly involve the military.

The remaining position is that of the Left Chancellor.

That person always remained silent in court, making it impossible to discern their thoughts, but who knows what they might be plotting in private.

Moreover, he had a falling out with his son Zuo Canghan a few days ago. Like father, like son, there's some truth to that saying.

Having figured this out, Shen Wangchuan replied, "The Zuo family!"

Xie Liuyan gave him an approving look, not expecting Shen Wangchuan to be able to analyze this aspect.

"Yes, it's the Zuo family. I've been waiting for them to show their true colors, and I believe that day won't be too far off."

Shen Wangchuan was very happy to receive Xie Liuyan's gaze; he was no longer the spoiled brat he used to be.

He became more obedient and stronger.

*

As Xie Liuyan had predicted, Shen Wangchuan accompanied him to court every day afterward.

Shen Qingcheng's expression changed from surprise to indifference.

Judging from the relationship between my son and the Regent, even if he causes any trouble, the Regent will probably protect him.

That way, he won't have to worry about the younger generation at his age.

At the same time, Minister Shen was also a little confused. He was furious when Shen Wangchuan first said that he liked men, but after he had vented his anger, he let him be.

Shen Wangchuan has two older brothers who are already married and do not need him to carry on the family line.

More than that, he hoped his youngest son could change his dissolute nature.

Now that he's met the Regent, he's become much more mature and composed. Even he hadn't expected that, despite everyone's initial skepticism about Shen Wangchuan's ability to get close to the Regent, he'd actually succeeded.

Minister Shen was feeling a mix of emotions, with all sorts of feelings.

After the eunuch finished announcing the start of court, Zuo Zhilin, the Left Chancellor who was usually quiet, stood up.

Shen Wangchuan, who was standing behind Xie Liuyan, had just yawned when he saw this scene and quickly stood up straight. He felt that this old scoundrel rarely spoke in court, and who knew what he was up to now.

And it really was true.

As soon as Zuo Zhilin stepped forward, his criticism was directed at Shen Wangchuan and Xie Liuyan behind him:

"Your Highness, you must do justice for this old minister! My son, Canghan, has been lying in the manor for more than half a month and is still bedridden."

"I truly never imagined that my son could commit such a crime that your guard, Shen Wangchuan, would show such ruthlessness!"

He spoke these words with tears streaming down his face, and Shen Wangchuan rolled his eyes so hard they almost reached the sky.

Good grief, who are they going to order here?