Great Xia: At the start, summon the Net of Heaven to suppress the martial arts world.

The next day, early in the morning.

"System check-in!" Xia Taige shouted in his mind.

[Congratulations, host, for signing in and obtaining the Sword of Benevolence, Zhanlu!]

In an instant, a dazzling white light flashed, mesmerizing all who beheld it.

After the light faded, a sword that was entirely dark in color and without any marks on its surface appeared in Xia Taige's hand!

Xia Taige narrowed his eyes slightly, and could vaguely feel a trace of joy emanating from the sword.

In his previous life, Xia Taige had heard of the Zhanlu Sword like thunder!

This sword was forged by Ou Yezi, a famous swordsmith during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, and it is ranked first among the five most famous swords in the world.

Legend has it that the Zhanlu sword was known as the sword of benevolence. When it was presented to King Fuchai of Wu, the sword left on its own, as if it possessed a spirit, and flew directly to the side of the wise and virtuous King Chu.

At this moment, Xia Taige held the Zhanlu sword, looking at it from left to right, turning it upside down and examining it carefully.

The sword was jet black, yet it shimmered with a mysterious luster; the hilt was exquisitely carved with smooth, natural lines; and the tip was incredibly sharp, radiating a cold light.

How could one not love such a flawless sword?

Although Xia Taige's martial arts skills are not particularly high at present, who among the passionate young people has not had a grand dream of traveling the world with a sword?

In a moment of inspiration, Xia Taige spontaneously twirled his sword, his movements graceful and free. Then, he casually tucked the Zhanlu sword into his waistband.

In that instant, Xia Taige felt as if he had become a peerless master.

After breakfast, Zhao Gao arrived.

"Your Highness, we will return to the capital from Changde Prefecture today!"

Xia Taige nodded upon hearing this.

The situation in Changde Prefecture has gradually stabilized, and there is no need for a Grandmaster to be stationed here to oversee things; it would be a waste of his talents!

"You're back just in time; now we have more manpower!"

"Prepare the carriage, I'm going to the palace!"

"Yes!" Zhao Gao replied and turned to prepare.

When Xia Taige arrived at the capital, the morning court session had not yet ended, so he immediately went to Yong'an Palace to pay his respects to Lady Yan.

Outside the Yong'an Palace gate, morning training has ended.

Dressed in magnificent palace attire, Lady Yan leaned lazily against the couch, gently fiddling with a jade ruyi in her hand, her gaze wandering aimlessly.

Her beautiful face showed signs of weariness and boredom; clearly, nothing in this vast palace could arouse much of her interest.

Just then, a palace maid rushed in, bowed, and reported:

"Your Majesty, Prince Xuan has arrived!"

Upon hearing this news, Yan's previously dull and lifeless eyes instantly lit up, as if she had been injected with new vitality.

He quickly sat up straight on the couch, a joyful smile spreading across his face, and said eagerly:

"Quick pass!"

A short while later, Xia Taige walked steadily into Yong'an Palace.

The moment Xia Taige stepped through the palace gates, she immediately saw Yan Shi sitting there, quietly watching her with a smile on her face.

Seeing Yan's gentle gaze, Xia Taige felt a surge of warmth in her heart. She quickly quickened her pace and walked forward, respectfully greeting Yan.

"Your subject greets Your Majesty!"

"Get up quickly!"

However, changing the subject, Yan complained with a hint of sorrow:

"I haven't visited Mother Empress for so many days, but now I've remembered her!"

As she spoke, Madam Yan sighed softly, a hint of resentment in her eyes.

Hearing this, Xia Taige felt a little embarrassed. In the end, Xia Taige was not the original Xia Taige!

From the memories of the previous incarnation, one can clearly feel the deep affection that Yan Shi had for Xia Taige.

For so many years, its predecessor wasn't hiding its talents; it was a true playboy.

But over the years, Yan's affection for her has never diminished.

She was even more favored than her elder brother, Xia Beixuan.

People often say that commoners love their youngest son while royalty loves their eldest son, but in Xia Taige's case, it was the complete opposite!

Left with no other choice, Xia Taige had to bite the bullet and force an explanation.

Take a deep breath and say respectfully:

"Your Majesty, you have truly misunderstood me! I have recently begun establishing the Zhenwu Division, and various complicated matters have come my way, keeping me extremely busy. I beg Your Majesty to be magnanimous and not to blame me."

After speaking, Xia Taige looked at Yan Shi with a fawning expression.

Immediately afterwards, Xia Taige solemnly assured him:

"From now on, I will definitely come to pay my respects to Your Majesty more often. As long as Your Majesty doesn't find me too noisy and annoying!"

Upon hearing this, Madam Yan raised her eyebrows slightly, glanced at Xia Taige sideways, and said in an annoyed tone:

"Busy with work? You? Stop with your glib talk."

"Don't think I don't know. I never work hard when I can be lazy."

"Putting everything else aside, the Zhenwu Division has only been established for a few days, and even with such a busy schedule, I've only been there twice!"

Seeing Yan's attitude, Xia Taige quickly approached with a grin, trying to ingratiate himself.

"Mother, you know me so well, and I am the most filial son in the world."

However, Madam Yan was not buying his act and directly exposed him, asking:

"Oh? Is that so? Then tell your mother, where exactly did those experts in the Zhenwu Division come from?"

Upon being asked this, Xia Taige's expression froze, a hint of embarrassment appearing on his face. After all, matters concerning the system could not be revealed to outsiders, so he could only laugh it off and say:

"Mother, all these people in the Zhenwu Division are ambitious and passionate."

"When they heard that their son was interested in reforming the martial arts world, they all came to join him!"

Seeing Xia Taige spouting such nonsense with such an air of importance, Yan couldn't help but roll her eyes at him again, thinking to herself that this guy didn't utter a single word of truth.

"Get out! You came to the palace to see your father, the Emperor, right? Are you just killing time here before the morning court session?"

"You heartless bastard!"

Yan looked at Xia Taige with some annoyance, wanting to see how he would explain!

"Your Majesty has truly misunderstood me!"

"My visit to the palace to see the Emperor is secondary! My main purpose is to see the Empress Dowager!"

Xia Taige explained to Yan Shi with an awkward smile:

"Hmph!" Madam Yan snorted in dissatisfaction, clearly not pleased with Xia Taige's explanation!

"Go! The whip just cracked; it seems your father has already finished court!"

"Business is of utmost importance. Please come visit Mother more often in the future!"

Xia Taige chuckled awkwardly and tried to explain, but was stopped by Yan Shi's wave. Helpless, he could only bow respectfully and leave!

"Don't worry, Mother. Your son will definitely come to bother you more often in the future!"

"My son, please retire!"

After leaving Yong'an Palace, we headed straight for the Imperial Study along the main avenue in the Imperial City.

Along the way, wherever Xia Taige went, respectful greetings could be heard.

It must be said that power in ancient times was incredibly alluring!