Wang Hao Begins Casting His Net to Catch the Saint

Meanwhile.

Inside the imperial palace in the capital.

Wang Hao looked at the second detailed battle report that had just been delivered to his hands, remaining silent for a long while.

The imperial study was so quiet that one could hear a pin drop.

Wei Zhongxian and the others held their breath with rapt attention, not daring to make a sound.

Everyone knew that the significance of this battle was too great.

Winning against two factions could awe and intimidate the world.

But capsizing at the third faction was equivalent to giving all potential enemies a shot in the arm.

After a long time, Wang Hao suddenly smiled.

The smile was slight, yet it made the few people in the room subconsciously shiver.

Good.

Very good.

I was originally worried that those fellows had been scared off by my lightning strikes and wouldn't dare to show their heads.

Now it is fine. The Crimson Moon Demonic Cult has tested my bottom line for them, and also boosted their courage.

Wang Hao stood up, tapping his fingertips lightly on the desk, his eyes as gloomy as a frozen deep pool.

Since they all feel that the Great Zhou is nothing more than this, then next, all the monsters and demons will start popping up.

This is also good.

It saves me the trouble of fishing them out one by one.

He paused for a moment and suddenly asked, How is the situation with the Ren family's ancestor?

Yu Huatian immediately replied, To reply to Your Majesty, Senior Ren has been sent back to a courtyard near the capital to recuperate. His injuries are extremely severe, but there is no immediate threat to his life. It is just that... he will not be able to fight anyone for at least a few months.

Wang Hao nodded.

Old Man Ren might be greedy and slick, but he ultimately stood on the side of the Great Zhou. Furthermore, the Ren family was a trustworthy ally. The two families had a thousand years of friendship, and there had been countless marriage alliances between them. At this time, with the man severely injured, not only could Wang Hao not act coldly, but he had to behave even more filially than a biological grandson.

Because politics was never about moving oneself, but about showing an attitude for everyone to see.

If you bleed for me, I will treat your whole family generously.

Even if it is an act, it must be acted out more authentically than reality.

Thinking of this, Wang Hao's eyes suddenly flickered.

Has anyone come from the Ren family?

Wei Zhongxian's eyes rolled as he immediately caught on, bowing and smiling. To reply to Your Majesty, before Senior Ren fell unconscious, he only said one sentence.

What did he say?

He said... the Ren family is willing to be on good terms with the Wang family for generations, sharing life and death. In order to bring the two families even closer, he is willing to send his most precious great-granddaughter into the palace, asking the Empress Dowager and Your Majesty to look after her for a few days on his behalf, while he himself returns to the Ren family to heal his injuries and sort out clan affairs.

As soon as these words came out, the expressions of the few people in the imperial study became somewhat subtle.

Especially Yu Huatian, the corners of whose eyes twitched severely.

Sending a great-granddaughter into the palace to be looked after?

Translated, did this not just mean: This old man has suffered severe injuries this time, and I am afraid your Wang family will turn hostile and refuse to acknowledge us, and I am also afraid of outside enemies coming to our door, so I am quickly shoving our most valuable bargaining chip over to completely tie the interests of our two families together?

Old Man Ren was indeed an old fox.

Even with only half a breath left, his brain turned faster than anyone else's.

Hearing this, Wang Hao was not only not disgusted, but instead laughed heartily.

The Ren family's ancestor is truly a meticulous person.

I like this kind of sincere ally. In a few days, take ten percent of the original shares of the fifteen royal enterprises that are about to go public and sell them to the Ren family at half price.

The eunuchs were greatly shocked. Ten percent of the original shares was worth hundreds of millions of taels of silver. His Majesty's boldness was still so admirable.

Wang Hao narrowed his eyes, his mind already beginning to calculate rapidly.

A noble daughter of the Ren family's direct lineage entering the palace was a good thing.

First, it could stabilize the Ren family.

Second, it could release a signal to the outside world: the Great Zhou was not only not in chaos, but very stable, and allies were continuing to deepen their ties.

Third...

Thinking of this, the corners of Wang Hao's mouth slowly curled up.

With a great-granddaughter of the Ren family entering the palace, the Ice and Snow Divine Palace and the Illusory Sea Immortal Sect should also have some thoughts, right?

Do not forget, the greatest beauty of a political marriage was never the marriage itself.

But making everyone realize—

This position is negotiable.

Whoever comes early, whoever bids high, whoever gets close, gets to occupy the spot.

Once positions are limited, competition will begin.

And I like watching others bid the most.

Pass down my decree.

Wang Hao waved his large sleeve, his gaze as sharp as a knife.

Receive the Ren family's pearl, Ren Mingyue, into the palace with state honors, to temporarily reside in the Fengyi Courtyard.

In addition, release the news.

Just say that the Ren family and the Great Zhou royal family have a profound friendship, and true friendship is seen in times of adversity. The direct daughter of the Ren family has voluntarily entered the palace to serve the Empress Dowager, to show that the two families are of one mind.

The wording should be warm and touching, making the whole world feel that the Wang and Ren families have a deep friendship, and that I value friendship and righteousness.

As for the meaning I truly want to express...

Wang Hao smiled like a fox that had successfully stolen a chicken.

Those who understand will naturally understand.

That night.

A low-key yet extremely luxurious spirit beast carriage quietly drove into the capital.

When the carriage curtain was lifted, a young girl slowly stepped down.

She wore a moon-white long dress, her brows and eyes like a painting, her skin lustrous, and her facial features so exquisite that they seemed carefully polished by heaven. That kind of beauty was different from Shen Xue's coldness and Yun Meng's charm; it was an agility between sweet clarity and noble elegance, like spring water reflecting the moon, becoming more attractive the more one looked at it.

It was precisely the direct daughter of the Ren family—Ren Mingyue.

As soon as she stepped through the palace gates, Empress Dowager Lady Sun personally came out to welcome her.

Not long after, even the little princess Wang Rou came skipping over, calling out Sister Mingyue with every breath, sounding extremely affectionate.

And Wang Hao, standing under the corridor in the distance, watched this scene, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Old Man Ren, oh Old Man Ren.

Are you sending a granddaughter, a hostage, or an investment?

Thinking this in his heart, a profound smile appeared on the corners of his mouth.

It did not matter.

Since she had been sent into the palace anyway, she was my resource.

She could stabilize allies, pacify the inner court, act as a smokescreen, stimulate the other two families, and she was even beautiful.

No matter how you calculate it, this kind of deal is not a loss.

It is just that...

As Wang Hao watched Ren Mingyue lower her head to bow to the Empress Dowager with that gentle and lovely appearance, for some unknown reason, his mind flashed back to Shen Xue's ice-cold face and Yun Meng's peach-blossom eyes that looked even more charming and soul-stealing when she was angry.

He fell silent for a moment, then suddenly smiled as if mocking himself.

Tsk.

My harem has not even officially opened for business yet, so how come it already has the flavor of a romantic battlefield?

Meanwhile, on the other side.

In a secret room at the main headquarters of the Tianji Pavilion.

Xie Wujiu looked at the intelligence on the world that had just been transmitted back, clapping his hands lightly with a smile on his face.

The Great Zhou's House-Raiding Heavenly Group won two great victories, then lost to the Crimson Moon Demonic Cult.

The direct daughter of the Ren family enters the palace.

The major noble families of the Great Zhou maintain neutrality.

Good, very good.

He raised his head and looked towards the west, a dark light flickering in the depths of his eyes.

The fire has already started burning.

Next, we will see if this fire can burn the entire Great Zhou, along with that little emperor of the Wang family, into ashes.

And at this very moment, no one knew yet.

A storm even greater than the disastrous defeat of the House-Raiding Heavenly Group was already on its way.

The matter of Ren Mingyue entering the palace seemed low-key, but in reality, it could not be low-key at all.

Because the Ren family was no ordinary noble family.

That was a renowned millennium-old powerful clan in the Eastern Wasteland, even stronger than some veteran hidden sects. Even if they couldn't compare to a behemoth like the Wang Family of the Great Zhou, which sat upon the imperial destiny, they were definitely an existence that could make a region of mountains and rivers tremble just by stomping their feet. Not to mention, the Ren family's ancestor, Old Man Ren, was now one of the core members of the Great Zhou's House-Raiding Peacekeeping Group. Alongside Wang Wudi, they were known as the two great bandit leaders... oh, wait, the two great leading bosses.

Therefore, when the news that a noble daughter of the Ren family's direct lineage had entered the palace to serve the Empress Dowager was embellished and spread by the Great Zhou Times, the entire capital instantly buzzed with excitement.

Some said this was the Ren family showing gratitude for the friendship between the two families.

Others said that Old Man Ren had suffered a huge loss at the hands of the Crimson Moon Demonic Cult and, worried about his family's future standing, simply sent his most important bargaining chip into the palace to completely tie them to the Wang family.

Still others put it even more bluntly:

"What serving the Empress Dowager? Isn't this just claiming a spot in advance?"

"The Emperor's harem is currently empty, and the Ren family wants to strike first!"

"How old is Old Man Ren, and he still moves so fast? He really is a cunning old fox!"

While discussions in the capital's streets and alleys were in full swing, the palace wasn't idle either.

Inside the Fengyi Courtyard, Empress Dowager Lady Sun looked at Ren Mingyue, who was bowing respectfully before her. The more she looked, the more pleased she felt, unable to suppress the smile on her face.

"Good child, quickly get up, get up."

The Empress Dowager grabbed Ren Mingyue's hands, her eyes incredibly kind. "Treat the palace just like your own home, don't be so formal. Your great-grandfather suffered severe injuries for the sake of the Great Zhou, and my heart aches just hearing about it. Since you are here, stay in the palace with peace of mind. If you lack anything or want anything, just tell me."

Ren Mingyue lowered her eyes submissively, her voice soft and clear: "Thank you for your deep affection, Your Majesty. Mingyue wouldn't dare cause any trouble for the palace."

As she lowered her head, her eyelashes fluttered gently, making her look as well-behaved as a little white rabbit.

The Empress Dowager liked her even more.

Not far away, Wang Rou, holding a pile of newly made trinkets from the palace, walked over with a grin. "Mother, Sister Mingyue is really so pretty, much better looking than those titled ladies in the palace who put on airs all day long."

Ren Mingyue's cheeks flushed red, and she quickly waved her hands. "Your Highness flatters me."

"What flattery? I'm telling the truth." Wang Rou blinked her eyes, walked a circle around her, and clicked her tongue in admiration. "Great figure, beautiful face, and speaks so gently. If my brother doesn't take a fancy to you, then he needs to go to the Imperial Hospital to get his eyes checked."

The Empress Dowager had been maintaining her dignified posture, but upon hearing this, she couldn't hold back and burst into laughter.

The tips of Ren Mingyue's ears instantly turned completely red.

Standing under the corridor outside the door, Wang Hao, who had heard this entire conversation, felt the corner of his eye twitch slightly.

"Wang Rou, this wretched girl, sells her brother out so decisively."

However, he didn't go in to interrupt. He merely took a few more glances at Ren Mingyue through the bead curtain.

To be honest, Old Man Ren's great-granddaughter was indeed of high quality.

It wasn't an aggressive, dazzling beauty, nor a feigned, aloof fairy-like aura, but rather a gentleness that easily won the affection of elders and aroused a man's protective instincts. Yet, hidden within this gentleness was the unique upbringing and sense of propriety of a noble family's direct daughter, ensuring she didn't appear petty or unrefined.

Placing such a girl in the harem naturally guaranteed her a market.

She was especially suited for farming goodwill in front of the Empress Dowager.

"Old Man Ren really is willing to invest heavily."

Wang Hao sighed inwardly.

Sending such a precious gem into the palace wasn't just to form an alliance; it was more about showing everyone the Ren family's stance.

Aren't you all waiting and seeing?

Then my Ren family will get on board first.

And it wasn't just a verbal alignment, but a deep binding on the level of directly stuffing their direct-line pearl into the imperial palace.

With this move, all factions in the world would have to re-evaluate the situation.

Thinking of this, Wang Hao didn't find it troublesome at all; instead, he grew increasingly satisfied.

The more chaotic the situation, the easier it was for him to manipulate things.

The greatest fear wasn't having too many enemies, but everyone remaining stagnant.

As long as someone moved, flaws would appear in the situation, and with flaws came opportunities to exploit.

"Your Majesty."

Footsteps sounded from behind as Wei Zhongxian, bowing his waist, cautiously approached. Ever since the severe beating he took last time, this old eunuch had clearly become much more well-behaved, at least on the surface.

"Speak."

"Following your orders, this old servant has already had the Great Zhou Times create three versions of the news regarding the Ren family's young lady entering the palace."

Wang Hao raised an eyebrow. "Three versions?"

"Yes." Wei Zhongxian's spirit lifted, and he immediately entered his professional mode. "The first version focuses on a heartwarming angle, stating that the Ren family and the royal family share hardships together, the Empress Dowager is benevolent, and the Ren family's young lady is educated and reasonable, earning the praise of the world."

"The second version focuses on political interpretation, deliberately and vaguely hinting that the Ren family might further intermarry with the royal family, leaving all factions to fill in the blanks themselves."

"As for the third version..." Wei Zhongxian chuckled. "This old servant ordered people to quietly release it into the black market, saying that after Senior Ren was heavily injured by the Crimson Moon Demonic Cult, on his deathbed—uh, no, in a moment of critical danger, he entrusted his most precious great-granddaughter to Your Majesty's care. Reading between the lines, it's incredibly ambiguous, perfect for provoking people's minds."

After listening, Wang Hao remained silent for two breaths before slowly nodding.

"You dog, you might not have any other skills, but your ability to throw stones into a cesspit and splash shit all over people is truly unmatched."

Wei Zhongxian immediately straightened his back, wearing a gratified expression of being praised: "Thank you for the compliment, Your Majesty!"

Wang Hao: "..."

This old eunuch's thick skin had indeed been cultivated to the point of being invulnerable to swords and spears.

However, this was exactly the effect he wanted.

Ren Mingyue entering the palace wasn't just giving the Ren family a reassurance pill; it was also a nail thrown at the Ice and Snow Divine Palace and the Illusionary Sea Immortal Sect.

Don't you hold a grudge against me?

Fine.

Don't you want to ignore me?

That works too.

But when you realize that the Ren family has already stepped into the arena to claim a spot, and the Great Zhou is using this ambiguous yet public method to release the signal that harem seats are negotiable, alliance qualifications are negotiable, will you still be able to sit still?

Especially Shen Xue and Yun Meng.

No matter how annoyed they personally were with Wang Hao, they couldn't completely cast aside their sects.

And once their sects started calculating the gains and losses, they would be forced to face reality again.

"When it comes to women, talking only about affection doesn't work, and talking only about threats doesn't work either."

Wang Hao stroked his chin, smiling quite mischievously. "You have to make them feel that if they don't step onto the field soon, others will take all the spots first."

The most terrifying thing in this world has never been failing to get something.

Rather, it's when you didn't even care for it in the first place, but suddenly realize someone else is about to snatch it away, causing you to feel uncomfortable.

Especially when it involves face, status, and sect interests.

This was the most suitable emotion to use for setting a trap.

Thinking of this, Wang Hao turned around directly and walked towards the Imperial Study.