Fearing being killed for his overwhelming merits, the empress decided to marry him.

"Khans, you're spouting nonsense!"

Sun Yuwang gritted his teeth and angrily rebuked Kehansi, then looked at Dugu Yun and said, "Sect Master, I really did not betray the sect, nor did I frame any righteous people."

Jiang Mohan, who was standing to the side, also knelt down and pleaded for Sun Yuwang: "Sect Master, Senior Brother Sun has been with us for so many years..."

Don't we know what kind of person he is?

If he were truly colluding with the Empress, why would the court bestow upon him the title of Marquis of Ten Thousand Households at this time?

Hao Dayou also pleaded with Dugu Yun: "Sect Master, there must be more to this than meets the eye. We must remain calm, especially in times like these, and never fall into the Empress's trap."

Upon hearing this, Dugu Yun frowned and began to ponder.

Kehans, standing to the side, sneered disdainfully, "They really are birds of a feather."

Upon hearing this, Dugu Yun immediately glared at Kehansi: "Sect Master Ke, if I remember correctly, this is the territory of my Shushan Sword Sect. How we conduct ourselves is none of your business to tell us what to do."

When Kehans met Dugu Yun's sharp gaze, his heart pounded, so he simply turned his head away and remained silent.

"Are you truly not betraying your sect or your fellow martial artists?"

"I swear to the heavens that if I, Sun Yuwang, collude with the imperial court to frame my fellow martial arts practitioners, may I be struck by lightning and die."

Dugu Yun: "Alright, I'll trust you this once."

Then he said to Kehans, "Sect Leader Kehans, this matter needs to be investigated thoroughly before drawing any conclusions, in case we kill the wrong person..."

Kehans immediately raised his hand to stop him from continuing: "These are all internal grudges within your Shushan Sword Sect, and have nothing to do with my Snow Region."

Whether he betrayed you or remained loyal is your own business. However, the fact that my Tantric disciple died under your sect's Seven Star Sword Technique demands a reasonable explanation.

Hao Dayou immediately replied, "You want an explanation? Fine! Then my junior brother Li Changfeng died under the Blood Droplet, and I also ask your Tantric sect to give an explanation!"

“This matter cannot be confused; that is utterly sophistry. Our Tantric sect would never do such a thing.”

"Is that so? Then why do you think my Shushan Sword Sect would kill your Tantric Sect disciple?"

The two sides were locked in a stalemate for a time.

Finally, Dugu Yun spoke up: "How about this, give me some time, and I will give your sect a satisfactory explanation."

Khans: "Alright, then I'll give you a month. If you don't get a satisfactory answer after a month, then the Tantric Sect and the Shu Mountain Sword Sect will be mortal enemies from now on!"

After saying that, he walked away from the main hall.

Just as Kehans left, Chu Yunshan hurriedly entered the main hall.

"Sect Master, this is information that my disciple Fang Lin obtained from Wu Jie. I made a copy and brought it to you for your review."

Guduyun took the transcribed booklet, opened it, and immediately threw it in front of Sun Yuwang in anger: "Take a look for yourself."

Sun Yuwang picked up the document in confusion and glanced at it. It contained the Empress's appointment of him:

Sun Yuwang, a disciple of the Shushan Sword Sect, is a man of great righteousness. Out of concern for the common people, he has abandoned darkness for light and helped the court to eliminate the rebels. Effective immediately, Sun Yuwang is hereby granted the title of Second-Rank Palace Guard and the title of Marquis of Shu County. All local government offices along the route shall immediately register this news.

After reading the contents of the document, Sun Yuwang said repeatedly, "No, Sect Master, this is definitely a frame-up. I really did not betray the sect. Please believe me."

Dugu Yun closed his eyes, feeling a sudden surge of unease.

The fact that Sun Yuwang's appointment documents have already been distributed to the prefectural and county governments is enough to show that Sun Yuwang has colluded with the Empress.

But what if this is also part of the Empress's plan?

For a moment, Dugu Yun felt a pang of regret. Why did he have to get involved in such a complicated situation?

After thinking for a while, a sudden inspiration struck him, and he had an idea.

He raised his hand towards Sun Yuwang: "Get up first."

Hao Dayou and Jiang Hanmo quickly helped Sun Yuwang up, one on each side.

"Take the pill first to suppress your injuries, then come to my room. I have something to tell you."

He tossed aside a small jade bottle, turned, and drifted away.

……

Half an hour later, Sun Yuwang arrived at Dugu Yun's sect leader's room.

As soon as he entered the room, Sun Yuwang was about to continue explaining, but Dugu Yun raised her hand to stop him: "I know what you're going to say."

But things are now very complicated, and even if I believe you, the other disciples may not.

"But Sect Master, I really didn't..."

Dugu Yun took a deep breath: "However, I do have a way to prove your innocence."

Sun Yuwang: "Please give your instructions, Sect Master."

Dugu Yun: "Didn't the Empress bestow upon you the title of Fourth-Rank Governor of Shu Commandery? In that case, why not turn the tables on her?"

Sun Yuwang was shocked: "What? You want me to become a corrupt official? Sect Master, this must be a scheme by the Empress to sow discord, it's bound to happen..."

Dugu Yun waved his hand: "I know all that, but the news of you becoming an official of the imperial court must have already spread throughout the country."

Rumors that my Shushan Sword Sect has sided with the imperial court will surely spread like wildfire.

Now is the time when we need you to take concrete actions to restore the reputation of my Shushan Sword Sect.

Sun Yuwang: "Sect Master, what do you mean?"

"Why don't you play along and pretend to pledge allegiance to the imperial court, take up the post of governor of Shu Commandery, and then secretly transmit all the court's movements to your master?"

"Once we have a firm grasp of the court's movements, we can launch a counterattack and overthrow the Empress in one fell swoop. However, this will require you to make an effort; are you willing?"

Sun Yuwang cupped his hands and said, "For the sake of my innocence and the reputation of my Shushan Sword Sect, I am willing to take the risk myself."

"it is good."

Dugu Yun grasped his hand.

"From now on, you are the governor of Shu County. Also, keep an eye on that man named Wu Jie and see if he can really be trusted."

"Please rest assured, Sect Master, I understand what to do."

……

Jinling, inside the Weiyang Palace.

Jiang Mengxuan held Jiang Yi and teased him inside the Shuixuan Residence.

“Baby, your father is fighting for you and your sister outside, while your mother is clearing away all the evil spirits and demons for you two.”

"When you grow up, you will be able to live in a brand new era, and then you won't have to work so hard."

Jiang Yi seemed to understand but not quite, sticking his tongue out repeatedly.

"Alright, Mommy has to go now. You should get some sleep first."

After Qingwen took the child away, Jiang Chaoyun stood at the door and reported: "Your Majesty, news has come from Shu County that Sun Yuwang has taken office as the governor of Shu County."

"Ok?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Mengxuan showed a hint of surprise on her face.

"He's actually going to take up the post?"

Jiang Chaoyun replied, "Your Majesty, could it be that the plan to sow discord has failed? Perhaps I could arrange for Sun Yuwang to be secretly eliminated?"

"No need."

After a moment's thought, Jiang Mengxuan immediately regained her composure.

"Since that's the case, let's make it real. Make arrangements immediately to secretly inform Wu Jie that I will be going to Shu County for an inspection tour in a few days..."

After she finished explaining the details of the plan to Jiang Chaoyun, Jiang Chaoyun immediately bowed and said, "Your Majesty's methods are beyond my ability!"

"Go get ready."

"Yes."

Jiang Mengxuan walked to the windowsill and took a deep breath.

"Since you have willingly walked into this trap, then I have no choice but to ensure your eternal damnation."