"So, the Young Mansion hopes I will decline?" Luo’er asked, nodding in agreent.
"I am concerned about His Majesty’s safety," Ichuan Fei coughed, looked around, then leaned forward and lowered his voice, "I believe the Imperial Advisor is also aware that His Majesty is my uncle. Regardless of his status as Emperor Wu, I should be attentive to his health."
This should be the first ti Ichuan Fei openly admitted his relation to Emperor Wu. Although Luo’er had known for a long ti, hearing it from Ichuan Fei still made him feel lancholic.
After pondering for a mont, Luo’er said, "But since it is His Majesty who requests, I find it hard to refuse, do I not?"
"I implore the Imperial Advisor to act within your limits." Ichuan Fei emphasized the phrase ’act within your limits.’
Before Luo’er could respond, Ichuan Fei continued, "In about two days, His Majesty should summon the Manor Lord to enter the palace. I beg the Manor Lord to heed my humble request and not comply with His Majesty’s forceful words."
Just by looking at Ichuan Fei’s sincere gaze, Luo’er once believed he truly cared for his uncle. However, the scene of eting Emperor Wu ca vividly to mind, and Luo’er suddenly realized Ichuan Fei’s true intentions.
If Luo’er rembered correctly, Emperor Wu had no standing when he faced him. After the ceremony, the Wen Family took the Advance Team away, not giving Emperor Wu any chance to interact, completely disregarding his feelings.
Clearly, the Wen Family was quite wary of Emperor Wu eting with the Advance Team, especially with Luo’er. But as Ichuan Fei ntioned, Emperor Wu still held so influence within the court, causing the Wen Family to compromise, and hence, appointing Luo’er as the Imperial Advisor.
Now, Emperor Wu wants to et with Luo’er, whether it’s to learn magic or discuss sothing else, the Wen Family would feel deeply uneasy, hence sending Ichuan Fei to warn Luo’er.
After so contemplation, an image of a weak Emperor Wu erged in Luo’er’s mind. His cultivation was too low, making him feel inferior, desperately seeking a breakthrough.
On the other hand, he had almost no role in governntal decisions, rely a mascot held high on the pedestal.
In fact, without power, regardless of rank and status, one is bound to suffer ridicule and neglect. Unarguably, Emperor Wu was in this state.
The Wen Family could recklessly obstruct his eting with Luo’er, restraining this powerless monarch with tedious rituals. If they wished, they could create a thousand intricate etiquettes to hinder whatever Emperor Wu desired.
Considering this, Luo’er could nearly understand the Wen Family’s intentions and Emperor Wu’s mindset at this mont.
He smiled faintly and said, "I am not particularly proficient in these so-called magic arts, otherwise, why would our claim to fa along this journey be the Nascent Soul?"
"With His Majesty’s qualifications, I’m afraid he will never attain such a realm in this lifeti, so I beg the Imperial Advisor to spare him from disappointnt." Ichuan Fei nodded and said.
"I have my own discretion; the Young Mansion need not worry." Luo’er said.
"Then let thank the Imperial Advisor in advance." Ichuan Fei raised his cup.
Luo’er did not respond but instead gestured for him to put down the cup, then took a deep breath and looked at him seriously, "The Young Mansion did not invite here solely for this matter, did it?"
"What does the Imperial Advisor an?"
"Since there are no outsiders here, we might as well talk frankly. I can represent the entire envoy, but I wonder if the Young Mansion can represent the entire Wen Family court." Luo’er said.
Upon hearing this, Ichuan Fei’s gaze wandered for a mont, then he smiled, nodded, and said, "My father serves as a Hundred Chief in the court. If the Imperial Advisor has any needs, I can pass them along."
"Alright," Luo’er did not dwell on this matter but continued, "Then let us speak openly. We have a request from the Wen Family court, and I believe the court’s gracious invitation is not solely due to my status, right? Let’s discuss our mutual needs for mutual benefit."
"Could I kindly ask the Imperial Advisor to begin?" Ichuan Fei gestured.
"Then I’ll say it straight," Luo’er cleared his throat and began to expound on a point they’ve always emphasized, "We have co this ti to diate the grievances between the Dongsheng Empire and the various Demon Clan tribes in West Outer Heaven. We ask your esteed nation to be rciful and cease the attacks on West Outer Heaven."
"What is the Imperial Advisor’s relationship with the Demon Clan, that you are willing to risk your life for them, venturing alone into Kyushu?" Ichuan Fei asked, puzzled.
"When we were in distress, we were rescued and aided by the Demon Clan. Unable to repay them, we are willing to venture far into Kyushu to diate the enmity between the Empire and West Outer Heaven that spans centuries." Luo’er said.
"I should have told the Imperial Advisor that the court has no interests in West Outer Heaven." Ichuan Fei said.
"But you still waged war," Luo’er appeared a bit agitated, "Since your Wen Family court has already seized control of the situation, why conduct futile actions and launch a large-scale invasion of West Outer Heaven?"
"I should also have ntioned," Ichuan Fei continued, "That court matters are sotis beyond the Cabinet’s control. As long as His Majesty wills it, so matters are not for us to decide, only to cooperate, hence..."
Saying this, he looked at Luo’er, narrowed his eyes, and said, "The key to breaking the West Outer Heaven’s deadlock lies with the Imperial Advisor."
"With ?" Luo’er was montarily stunned.
"Yes."
"How so?"
Ichuan Fei didn’t imdiately answer but deeply sighed, then got up, clasping his hands behind his back, pacing, before speaking, "His Majesty is the sovereign ruler of Kyushu, foremost among the martial artists. What he does is for the martial artists."
"I believe the Imperial Advisor has witnessed along this journey how absurd the martial artists’ rule is. For cultivation, for the so-called Crystal Mines, they recklessly damage the Empire’s national strength, making long incursions into West Outer Heaven."
As he said this, his expression was exceptionally serious, with a tone possibly tinged with resentnt.
"His Majesty is coerced by the martial artists to unwillingly send troops on long expeditions into West Outer Heaven, causing the populace to dwindle, with a million soldiers returning not even a tenth. Presently, throughout the governnt, the Wu Family lacks public support. The Wen Family court wishes to change all this, necessitating the developnt of its own strength."
"What strength does the Young Mansion refer to?"
"Currently, the court faces two major internal threats. If they can be resolved, the martial artists will have no grounds to criticize the governntal policies. And to resolve these two threats, it requires the rebuilding of the Imperial military strength, which necessitates the staunch support of the Imperial Advisor to realize." Ichuan Fei said.
Luo’er narrowed his eyes, observing him without speaking. Ichuan Fei seemingly already knew what the Advance Team had done in West Outer Heaven, so he chose not to express opinions, waiting for Ichuan Fei to continue.
"The envoy led by the Imperial Advisor aided the Demon Clan in West Outer Heaven to rebuild their military strength, turning the tides of war, allowing them to counterattack. Such magnificent feats, how could one not admire them." Ichuan Fei said.
"Did the Young Mansion hear this from the rchant Boyan’s mouth?" Luo’er asked, testing him.
Upon hearing his words, Ichuan Fei hesitated for a mont, then faintly smiled, "The Imperial Advisor indeed possesses exceptional insight; even with intentions, it’s hard to deceive you."
"You flatter ; your wife is Boyan’s sister. Knowing this relationship is why I thought of the Young Mansion’s connection with Boyan." Luo’er said.
Saying this, he glanced around and curiously asked, "Why isn’t the lady here?"
"There are family matters to attend to, my humble wife couldn’t leave, but thank you for the Imperial Advisor’s concern." Ichuan Fei replied.
Luo’er picked up a cup of wine, hesitated for a mont, then put it down, looking at Ichuan Fei, "That’s right, we indeed helped the Demon Clan rebuild their military forces, defeating the Empire’s invasion."
"The Imperial Advisor need not worry; the court will not hold grudges against you for this matter." Ichuan Fei reassured.
"I have no worries. Had I been worried, I would never have ventured alone into Kyushu." Luo’er said.
"The Imperial Advisor has great resolve, I am impressed!" Ichuan Fei could not help but bow his hands respectfully.
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