I'm here to save the world, what are you doing?

Anyway, let’s activate the photo stone first.

Lucius had no intention of concealing his actions and directly took out the photo stone to activate it.

Kokwus: ...

The brat is truly gifted at manipulating people's minds.

I really want to beat him up.

"Do not worry."

Kokuus took a deep breath to calm himself, then nodded solemnly:

"I promise you, your opinions will stay in this room."

After receiving the emperor's assurance, Lucius looked directly at the emperor and began to express his opinion:

"With all due respect, Old Deng, Tiberius is completely unfit to be emperor."

Kokwus's expression didn't change at all, as if he had anticipated this answer.

"What's the reason?"

Lucius took a sip from his teacup and then criticized mercilessly:

"He is arrogant, selfish, extreme and narrow-minded, likes to bully the weak, and lacks the broad mind and the bearing to rule the world."

"In terms of personal morality, he treated his servants badly and was indifferent to the common people, even treating them like ants."

"If we hand the empire over to him, I'm afraid it will fall into turmoil within five years."

What will become of our empire (choked up)... (choked up)...

There have been cases in history where the empire fell into chaos due to the monarch's debauchery and tyranny. At that time, the four borders had actually entered a state of being out of control, and only maintained a minimum degree of unity in the empire.

It doesn't matter if the monarch is incompetent, it's no big deal if the brothers help out.

But if you are incompetent and still act on impulse and make us unhappy, then we will have to give you some good juice.

"..."

Cokeus listened quietly to Lucius's comments, no emotion visible on his face.

Lucius observed his expression and couldn't help feeling a little worried.

Although he was assured that he would not be blamed, it was inevitable that people would feel uneasy when such a sharp comment was made about his father-in-law's son.

Then, Lucius raised his lips slightly, a cunning light flashed in his eyes, and he said in a joking tone:

"Instead of giving the throne to Tiberius, it is better to give it to Plotinus. At least I don't find any shortcomings in her."

"Haha, you have a nice idea."

Kokwus couldn't help laughing out loud, and the sound echoed in the spacious study, sounding particularly hearty.

But soon, Kokwus regained his seriousness and tapped the armrest of the chair lightly:

"But you're right. Tiberius doesn't have the caliber or ability to be emperor. That's why I haven't appointed him as crown prince yet."

The emperor sighed deeply, rubbing his brows and saying:

"However, it seems a bit too early to discuss this now."

"Even if I want to abdicate, it's far from the time yet. There's still plenty of time to deal with these issues."

He turned his head and looked out the window gloomily, his eyes cast into the distance, as if he was staring at the future fate of the empire.

The two fell into a brief silence, and a subtle atmosphere filled the air.

Suddenly, Kokuus withdrew his gaze and took out a small wooden box from his arms. The box was carved with intricate patterns and looked quite old.

He carefully placed the wooden box on the table and gently opened it. Inside lay a black round bead, plain and ordinary.

"This is......"

Lucius opened his eyes slightly and said in surprise:

"Fragments of Fate's Echo?"

"Hmm? You really have recovered your memory."

The emperor looked at Lucius in surprise, then shifted his gaze to the fragments, his eyes filled with deep nostalgia and sadness.

"Before Helena died, the Fateful Echo had already shattered. The fragments scattered and disappeared through space. Only this one was left by her."

He gently stroked the fragment, his voice was particularly gentle, and his wife's smile appeared in front of him again:

"This is Helena's relic. She once told me that if one day your paths cross with Plotina's again, I will give this fragment to you."

Corkeus carefully pushed the box towards Lucius, his hands trembling slightly, and his movements were filled with obvious reluctance.

"Today, I obey her wishes and give it to you."

Lucius silently held the fragment tightly, feeling the slight warmth coming from it.

This is a precious gift that an old friend prepared to give ten years ago.

"And one more thing."

Cokeus took out a thick folder from the drawer. It looked like a file book and pushed it in front of Lucius.

"Here is the detailed information of the important officials of various departments of the empire and the younger generation of their families."

"If you're confident in your networking skills, try to reach out to these people and enlist their support."

He looked at Lucius meaningfully, with a look in his eyes that Lucius couldn't read:

"This way, you should have fewer obstacles in enjoying the happiness of having two wives in the future."

Lucius:? ? ?

Are you compiling a list of rebels for Brother Lu?

Indeed, if he could really win over all of these people to his side, not only would the resistance to the "Harem King Plan" be reduced, but the difficulty of the rebellion would also be greatly reduced...

Could it be that Emperor Lao Deng has set a trap, waiting for me to fall into the bait and then get rid of me on the charge of treason?

quack!

Your Majesty, listen to me, I have absolutely no intention of being disloyal!

Cokeus stood up and patted Lucius on the shoulder, an unfathomable smile on his face.

The warmth of the palms came through the fabric, as if conveying some kind of silent encouragement:

"Okay, that's enough for today. Go back, brat."

...................

After leaving the emperor's study, Lucius was filled with doubts and confusion.

He stood in the corridor, his eyes fixed on the garden in the distance, but his thoughts drifted away.

The emperor's attitude was too weird. Apart from his hysterical anger at the beginning, his subsequent performance could be described as that of a perfect father-in-law.

Not only did she acquiesce to his harem plan, she also bestowed upon him precious gifts and the seeds of power...

What exactly does this mean?

Lucius shook his head, carefully put away the fragments and documents, and decided not to delve into the issue for the time being.

Since the emperor likes to be a riddler, there is no need for him to worry about it.

However, as revenge for the Riddler's actions at Corkeus, Lucius decided to take it back from his daughter!

So, Lucius, who was supposed to leave the palace and return to his official residence directly, changed direction and walked towards the depths of the inner court.

Target - Octavia's bedroom!

In the corridor, the maids bowed to Lucius when they saw him, with curiosity or ambiguity in their eyes.

Apparently, his relationship with Octavia was no longer a secret in the palace.

When Lucius stepped into the hall, the maid waiting there immediately smiled respectfully:

"Lord Lucius, His Highness has been waiting for a long time."

Lucius raised an eyebrow. It seemed that Octavia had guessed that he would come.

Or, divination?

Well, you know whether it is open or not.

The maid led him into the living room door and then quietly left.

Lucius pushed the door open and saw Octavia sitting on the sofa by the window, carefully studying a book with a plain cover.

She was wearing a light blue long dress, her flaxen long hair cascading like a waterfall, with a few naughty strands of hair hanging down on the sides of her face, adding a touch of lazy beauty to her.

There were snacks and fruits on the tea table, obviously prepared specially for the guests.

"My little lord."

Octavia raised her head, closed the book, and smiled charmingly:

"I knew you would come to me."

She walked briskly towards Lucius, each step as smooth and natural as a dance.

Then she took Lucius' wrist and led him to the sofa.

Lucius didn't hesitate and just lay down, resting his head on Octavia's plump thighs.

Octavia was startled at first, then she adjusted her posture to make Lucius lie more comfortably.

"It seems that the conversation with your father has exhausted you, young lord. Please take a good rest~"

Octavia exudes a faint rose scent that is intoxicating.

She picked up a piece of cake with one hand and gently brought it to Lucius's mouth, while the other hand gently stroked his black hair.

Lucius smiled and accepted the delicious meal.

From this angle, he could not only enjoy being fed, but also admire the magnificent view of Octavia's mountains.

Alas, older sisters are always more caring. Lucius must take back his slander of Octavia as an "old woman".

Surrender meow.

"Did your father give you any trouble?"

After putting the cake into Lucius' mouth, Octavia looked him straight in the eyes, frowning slightly, and spoke with concern, a hint of worry in her voice.

The sweet aroma of the cake spread in his mouth. Lucius slowly swallowed it, exhaled with satisfaction, and nodded.

"A little."

"But it's okay, I've already taken it easy."

He raised his hand and casually played with a lock of Octavia's long hair, looking contented:

"Furthermore, I also expressed to Lao Deng my determination to bring down the princess and the whole clan!"

"puff--"

Octavia laughed out loud at his words, shaking violently for a moment, causing a greater visual impact on Lucius:

"Young Lord, are you really going to take the whole pot?"

"Including my second sister Maria?"

Lucius:? ? ?

Oh shit! I was so busy expressing my determination to Old Deng that I forgot about this.

"Well, that's not the case..."

Lucius looked a little embarrassed, but he continued speaking:

"His Majesty's reaction was quite interesting, though. He was quite angry at first and even smashed the table."

"But in the end, he wasn't very resistant and even gave me some special help."

Octavia looked at Lucius with admiration like a little fangirl, her eyes full of wonder and admiration: