My low-key cultivation of immortality was discovered by the emperor in my diary.

The controversy in the imperial court had not yet subsided, and the turmoil in the harem had only just begun.

In the Empress's palace, a maid gently combed the Empress's hair. Although her face in the mirror was still stunning, she could not hide the faint worry between her brows.

Upon learning of the Emperor's decision, the Empress was deeply puzzled. She had wanted to plead with His Majesty on the very first day the imperial edict was issued.

She was unwilling to send the princes to the frontier for training; that place was harsh and dangerous, how could they take such a risk?

However, on the day she went to see the emperor, a demonic disaster broke out on the way. The situation was urgent, and the empress knew what was more important, so she did not mention the matter.

The mothers of the princes, some with sorrowful faces and others with tears in their eyes, came to see the Empress, hoping she could intervene and plead for the princes.

Looking at their expectant eyes, the Empress couldn't bear it and finally reluctantly agreed to their request, deciding to go to the Imperial Study herself to try.

Hearing that the morning court session had ended, the Empress tidied her appearance and hurriedly went to the Imperial Study with her maids.

She knew in her heart that once the emperor's decision was made, it would be difficult to change, but she still wanted to give it a try.

Inside the Imperial Study, the Emperor had finished his morning court session and was immersed in the intelligence provided by Chu Lengyu, pondering how to deal with the impending changes.

Just then, a palace servant announced from outside the door: "Your Majesty, the Empress requests an audience."

The emperor snapped out of his reverie and nodded slightly: "Let her in."

Upon arriving outside the Imperial Study, the Empress straightened her clothes, took a deep breath, and then stepped inside.

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects." She bowed gracefully, her voice gentle yet firm. "I dare to plead for the princes."

Upon hearing this, the emperor lowered his gaze slightly.

The Empress continued, "Your Majesty's intentions are good; you wish to temper their will through the hardships of the frontier. However, the princes are still young and have never left the palace. I guarantee that I will strictly discipline them in the future so that they may become successful as soon as possible."

The Emperor raised his hand, gesturing for her to rise and speak: "Empress, I am well aware of your concerns. But my decision is not made on a whim, but rather the result of careful consideration. If they cannot even withstand the wind and snow on the frontier, how can they possibly take over the country in the future?"

"Your Majesty, although I am a woman, I know that every citizen has a responsibility for the rise and fall of the nation. However, the border is harsh and fraught with danger. They are all my children, how can I not worry?" The Empress's heart tightened, and she continued.

"Your Majesty, it is precisely because you are their 'mother' that you should understand even more that the princes of Great Xia should be like pine and cypress trees, unafraid of the severe cold, so that they may become pillars of society!"

"But……"

The emperor made the final decision: "No buts, my decision will not be changed. The princes are going to the frontier to gain experience, not only for themselves, but also for the future of Great Xia."

Knowing that further arguing was futile, the Empress sighed softly and accepted the Emperor's decision.

So she bowed to the emperor again, with a hint of relief: "Your Majesty, I obey your decree. May the princes return safely from the frontier and live up to Your Majesty's high expectations."

Seeing that the Empress had calmed down and accepted the matter, the Emperor decided to share more of his considerations for state affairs with her. He briefly told her about Chu Lengyu's appointment as Imperial Advisor and her investigation into the border troops' unpaid wages.

Although the Empress came from the Duke of Liguo's family, in the Emperor's eyes, she was a trustworthy person.

After hearing this, the Empress's eyes widened in surprise: "Chu Lengyu... does she really have such abilities?"

The emperor nodded: "Chu Lengyu's strength far exceeds our imagination. With her assistance, the Great Xia's empire will be even more secure."

He had already figured out how to arrange things for the princes; Zhenbei City was just the first stop for them to gain experience outside the palace.

These children were born into royalty and have lived in the palace for a long time. Although they have enjoyed wealth and luxury, they are ultimately unrefined, with a narrow vision and low aspirations. It is time for them to go out and see the beautiful landscape of the world with their own eyes.

At that time, they will realize how narrow-minded and ridiculous their current infighting and power struggles are.

After a moment of silence, the Empress slowly said, "Since Your Majesty trusts her so much, I will naturally not say anything more. However, as for Prince An... I urge Your Majesty to think twice before acting."

A cold glint flashed in the emperor's eyes: "I know what I'm doing regarding Prince An's matter."

Seeing that the Emperor had made up his mind, the Empress said no more. She knew that the Emperor's decisions were always for the long-term interests of the Great Xia Dynasty, and even though they sometimes made her feel worried and confused, she would firmly support the Emperor.

"Your Majesty, I shall take my leave now." The Empress bowed and withdrew from the Imperial Study.

The emperor's gaze fell once again on the intelligence report in his hand.

The Great Xia Dynasty is about to face an unprecedented upheaval, but he is confident that with Chu Lengyu's assistance, the Great Xia Dynasty will be able to weather it safely.

……

A secluded mansion somewhere in the capital city.

The King of Qin, the King of An, and the Duke of Ying gathered together to discuss the recent changes in the court.

Governor Sun hurriedly requested an audience, hoping to gain the support of these powerful figures.

This once-powerful regional official now appeared unusually disheveled. Clearly, the emperor's decree to have the deputy governor-general replace him and send him to play with the princes had made this former favorite extremely uncomfortable.

Governor Sun strode into the hall, his gaze shifting between the three dignitaries. He then bowed to them anxiously, his tone full of pleading: "Your Highnesses and Dukes, I have come here out of sheer desperation. The political situation in the court is turbulent, and I am in a difficult position. I beg you all to lend me a helping hand."

The King of Qin sat at the head of the table, tapping his fingers lightly on the table, his face expressionless: "Governor Sun, we have heard about your matter. But since it involves the princes, we cannot easily interfere."

Although the King of Qin did not directly refuse, his words already revealed a hint of coldness and indifference.

Prince An sneered from the side, a playful smile curving his lips, his tone tinged with disdain: "Governor Sun, you have made great contributions in the provinces, but you need to be more composed in the court."

The British Duke frowned deeply. His child's legs were crippled because of Chu Lengyu, which fueled a persistent and unquenchable anger within him.

He advised, “Governor Sun, you should go back and wait quietly. After next spring, Prince An will naturally help you to make merit again and make a comeback. At that time, the emperor will ask you to come back and continue to ‘suppress bandits’.”

Upon hearing this, Governor Sun's previously gloomy face immediately lit up with joy, and his heart, which had been hanging in suspense, was finally put at ease.

He bowed again, thanking them repeatedly with a hint of obsequiousness: "Thank you, Your Highness and Your Excellency. I am deeply grateful and will repay you handsomely in the future."

The perfunctory responses from the group left Governor Sun with high hopes as he left the mansion, while Prince Qin, Prince An, and the Duke of Ying exchanged knowing smiles.

They didn't think much of Governor Sun, an official of humble origin and shallow mind; they considered him a clown, unworthy of discussing important matters.

"This Governor Sun actually thinks we can be used by him." Prince An sneered, his eyes full of contempt.

The British duke changed the subject: "What do you think about Chu Lengyu being appointed as the Imperial Preceptor? It's hard to believe that a woman could obtain such a high position."

A dark glint flashed in Prince An's eyes as he said, "Chu Lengyu... Hmph, a mere girl with no merit whatsoever. What makes her think she can become the Imperial Advisor? I think she's just a silver-tongued woman who has gained the Emperor's favor."

The King of Qin remained silent in contemplation.

In the power arena of the capital, every subtle change can trigger a chain reaction. Recently, the emperor has suddenly made a series of incomprehensible decisions, and then Chu Lengyu appeared, along with demons...

He secretly pondered Chu Lengyu's existence, its impact on the court, and the potential threats and exploitation she might pose.

Meanwhile, the Night Guards were secretly monitoring everything.

They gathered information silently, like ghosts in the night.

When the Night Guard Commander learned that Governor Sun had been in private contact with these powerful figures, a glint of shrewdness flashed in his eyes.

"Hmph, Governor Sun is indeed in cahoots with these princes and nobles." The Night Guard Commander sneered, finally confirming Governor Sun's powerful backer. "It seems the waters in the court are deeper than I imagined."

The Night Guard commander immediately reported this intelligence to the emperor. After listening, the emperor said sternly, "Good, the Night Guard has done a good job. Continue to monitor and do not overlook any clues."

If they could behave themselves for a few days before Chu Lengyu returned, that would be ideal.

Upon receiving the order, the Night Guard Commander was secretly pleased. He had finally been able to hold his head high in front of the Emperor and had once again proven his worth.