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

The atmosphere above the court hall was solemn.

The courtiers argued endlessly, but the emperor remained calm and composed, as steady as a mountain.

As the discussion subsided, he said firmly, "I know Chu Lengyu's character well and have never doubted him. I understand your concerns."

After speaking, he stood up from the dragon throne, looking down at the throne with even greater majesty.

The emperor's gaze swept over the assembled officials below, and he said in a more serious tone, "But the rumors circulating are utter nonsense! I and all of you have personally witnessed her selfless dedication to the country and its people. How can mere rumors sway us?"

His words were forceful and his gaze was piercing, causing the assembled officials to lower their heads and dare not look him in the eye.

The emperor's tone softened, but his eyes remained firm: "My dear ministers, think carefully. If everything she has done is for ulterior motives, what can she possibly gain?"

"What can a mortal do to win over a cultivator who can travel to the heavens and the earth?"

"Wealth? Power? These things are laughable to me!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the ministers felt a tremor in their hearts.

They thought of Chu Lengyu's various methods and recalled how she had left the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion without hesitation, and how she had not coveted status and power even after becoming the Imperial Preceptor.

Apart from a title, she neither participated in politics nor discussed matters, nor did she have any privileges such as fiefdoms, making her a truly upright and honest person.

At this moment, the Minister of Rites could no longer hold back. He stepped out of the queue and said loudly, "Since the Imperial Preceptor was appointed, the Ministry of Rites has had the most contact with her. Therefore, I believe that I have the right to speak."

He turned to the civil and military officials, suddenly laughed, and continued, "To be honest, my colleagues may not believe it, but Miss Chu is actually very easy to talk to."

Upon hearing this, everyone wore expressions of utter disbelief.

The Minister of Rites actually called her "very easy to talk to," which was completely different from their impression of Chu Lengyu. How could this not be unbelievable?

The Minister of Rites spoke eloquently: "You may all think that she is aloof, arrogant, and difficult to approach, and that is indeed true."

"However, this very person would accompany us in drawing up the blueprints for the Nine Tripods, patiently consult with the Hanlin Academy on historical allusions, and discuss in detail with the embroiderers the embroidery patterns for the auspicious robes. Even when facing the servants who were sweeping and cleaning, he would treat them with courtesy."

He paused slightly, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes, and continued, "You simply cannot imagine how astonishing her talent is."

"She can memorize a book perfectly with just a glance, word for word! Even Elder Yang, the most senior official in the Ministry of Rites, who is known for his strict adherence to etiquette and rules, is speechless in her presence and feels inferior to her."

"This year's Shangsi Festival is unprecedented in scale. As you all know, in addition to the materials and craftsmen, the Imperial Preceptor has requested that each of the nine provinces select local gentry and scholars to attend the ceremony. But do you know how many people there are in total?"

At this point, the Minister of Rites raised his voice a few decibels, his expression becoming increasingly excited.

"Roughly estimated, there are at least five thousand people! They will set off from the capital, trekking through mountains and rivers to reach the summit of Mount Tai!"

"How can such a grand procession be organized? How can we ensure that everything goes smoothly? We are at a loss and can only seek advice from the Imperial Advisor."

He still remembered that when Chu Lengyu heard his question, she put down the blueprints she was selecting, looking puzzled, her expression seemingly saying: "That's it? Is that even a difficult question?"

Seeing his anxious expression, which seemed genuine, she became serious and said, "In that case, I'll take you there on the Shangsi Festival. I have a very large boat."

She paused for a moment, then added, "Don't worry, I'm here."

At that moment, the Minister of Rites felt a sense of relief wash over him, as if the fatigue from the past few days of work had been swept away, replaced by an indescribable sense of peace.

Because he realized that he had the most reliable "colleague" in the world.

She is incredibly powerful and capable of anything.

There's nothing in this world that she can't do if she asks for it.

After the Minister of Rites finished speaking, the Golden Palace fell silent.

The Minister of Personnel hesitated for a moment, but finally stepped forward.

He slowly walked out of the crowd, cupped his hands in greeting, and said solemnly, "Gentlemen, I also have something to say to you."

Upon hearing this, the officials couldn't help but become curious. What could the Ministry of Personnel, the department in charge of appointing, dismissing, promoting, and demoting officials, possibly have to say at this moment?

Under the gaze of the crowd, the Minister of Personnel continued, "You may not know, but since the Imperial Preceptor took office, he has never received a single copper coin from the Ministry of Personnel."

Although his voice was not loud, it clearly resonated throughout the entire Golden Palace.

"How is this possible?!" many people exclaimed.

In order to win over Chu Lengyu, the emperor deliberately offered her a very high salary, setting her a staggering 10,000 taels of silver per month, not to mention other extra supplies such as silk and tea.

In this matter, the emperor overruled the objections of the crowd and insisted that the money would be drawn from his private treasury, which finally convinced the officials to give up. However, even so, many people remained secretly dissatisfied.

But now, the Minister of Personnel suddenly said that Chu Lengyu had not received a single copper coin. How could this not surprise them?

The officials had various expressions; some were surprised, some were puzzled. They all looked at the emperor, waiting for his reaction.

The emperor was also taken aback, clearly not expecting the Minister of Personnel to say such a thing. He frowned slightly and looked at the Minister of Personnel, as if asking him the truth of his words.

"The Imperial Preceptor, with a compassionate heart, donated all of her salary to the disaster-stricken people of the capital," the Minister of Personnel sighed. "Furthermore, she forbade those who knew about this matter to spread it widely, so I had no choice but to keep it a secret for her."

He will probably never forget it in his lifetime.

Standing on the city wall that day, Chu Lengyu casually waved her hand and restored the collapsed city wall to its original state, and the soldiers guarding the city cheered and jumped for joy.

She then said to him, “Money is to me as fleeting as dust and meaningless. I appreciate the Emperor’s kindness, but the salary is unnecessary. I will donate it all.”

Looking at the desolate scene of mourning in the capital, she said nothing more.

That day, she was still dressed in white, as if she shared the people's grief, but it was impossible to imagine for whom she would shed tears.

Only the sunlight fell upon her, so bright it was almost dazzling.

The Minister of Personnel said decisively, "Just as His Majesty said, money and power are nothing but fleeting clouds to the Grand Preceptor. How could she be moved by them?"

Then, he changed the subject and posed a resounding question to his ministers: "May I ask you all, what exactly do those foreign envoys intend to use to bribe her? Is there anything about our Great Xia that makes it inferior to them?!"

The ministers all lowered their heads in deep thought, began to re-examine their doubts, and changed their minds.

Which of those foreign lands could compare to the wealth and power of the Great Xia?

There's really no need to worry about them.

Moreover, Chu Lengyu alone is now capable of matching an entire army, so even if the Great Qian declares war, the Great Xia will have nothing to fear.

The emperor felt relieved and couldn't help but smile with satisfaction.

He then composed himself, scanned the assembled officials once more, and said in a deep voice:

"Some have suggested that we should be more vigilant, but I believe that true loyalty is never maintained through vigilance."

"If Chu Lengyu truly harbors ulterior motives, I believe the consequences will not change. And if she harbors no ulterior motives, wouldn't being wary of her be a form of harm?"

"I am willing to exchange sincerity for sincerity."

The emperor's tone was resolute. These words not only demonstrated his magnanimity but also made the courtiers feel his sincerity and determination, which led everyone to nod in agreement.

Upon hearing this, the Minister of Rites felt a surge of admiration.

He bowed respectfully to the emperor and said, "Your Majesty is wise, and I am willing to follow Your Majesty's will."

The Minister of Personnel felt somewhat relieved, but his expression remained solemn. He said meaningfully, "Since His Majesty trusts the State Preceptor of Chu so much, we should also give her the respect and trust she deserves."

"Rumors stop with the wise, and justice resides in the hearts of the people!"