Just as Fang Zhiyi had anticipated, Guo Qianyue, having suffered successive setbacks, was now blatantly clashing with Huang Huaili in the imperial court. If they had merely exchanged veiled sarcasms before, now it was almost to the point where if one spoke, the other would immediately contradict him.
The heavy scent of gunpowder in the air kept the other officials from daring to make a single sound.
By now, both men had begun to realize the importance of winning over the little emperor. In the original plot, they had simply used the completely unnoticeable little emperor as a mere tool. But now, both Guo and Huang understood that to suppress the other, they could only do so through the little emperor—no, through the legitimacy represented by the Son of Heaven.
Because of this, the little emperor's treatment had improved significantly, and the eunuchs had become much more attentive to both him and Fang Zhiyi.
Watching his Grand Tutor eating and drinking heartily, the little emperor instead felt a bit worried. Grand Tutor, they are suddenly treating me so well. I am a little scared.
What is there to be afraid of? Right now, you are a hot commodity, understand?
Then, then they will not kill me anymore, right? the little emperor asked, lowering his voice.
Fang Zhiyi shook his head. Not for now, but they still will in the future. As soon as they decide a winner between them, you and I will both have to die.
Grand Tutor, how can you still eat...
A living person cannot just let themselves die holding their bladder. Hurry up and eat! Fang Zhiyi reached out impatiently and swatted him. This action was caught by the eyes of the people around them.
In their view, Fang Zhiyi was still the same as before—no, even worse than before. He actually hit the emperor!
Upon receiving the news, both Guo and Huang declined to comment on Fang Zhiyi's behavior, though they were actually somewhat satisfied with him. If he had acted fiercely loyal to the emperor, then he would truly deserve to die.
Under Fang Zhiyi's instruction, the little emperor actively proposed a decree during the morning assembly, one that clearly favored Guo Qianyue. This overjoyed Guo Qianyue. He threw a triumphant glance at the visibly displeased Huang Huaili and respectfully bowed to the little emperor.
See? Dealing with a child was simple after all; you just had to treat him well.
The little emperor was still fraught with worry, terrified that Chancellor Huang would reprimand him. As a result, the entrance to his bedchamber became quite lively that very day. The Imperial City Guards patrolled right outside his door all night, and the Black Armor Guards added several posts nearby.
Do not look outside, it has nothing to do with you, Fang Zhiyi scolded.
The little emperor withdrew his gaze.
The imperial way of balance lies in... you cannot clearly favor either side. You must learn to pull back at the appropriate times. You need to send them a signal: when you are happy, they reap the benefits. You must know your own worth.
The little emperor nodded repeatedly.
Then what do we do next?
Wait.
Wait?
Fang Zhiyi smiled. Wait to see who loses their patience first.
Just as they were speaking, the eunuch's announcement rang out from outside: Your Majesty, the Grand Marshal has arrived!
The little emperor hastily stood up. Guo Qianyue hesitated for a moment at the door, but still gave a proper bow before walking inside. He first glanced at Fang Zhiyi. Grand Tutor Fang has been working hard.
Fang Zhiyi's face was piled with smiles. Not at all, not at all. Saying this, he gave the little emperor a push. Your Majesty, are you not going to offer a seat?
Guo Qianyue's face was full of satisfaction. No need, no need. This old minister has merely come to petition Your Majesty about a certain matter regarding the Jiangnan tax revenues. It seems some people have embezzled quite a lot of silver...
The little emperor looked completely bewildered.
Fang Zhiyi, however, understood perfectly. Guo Qianyue was different from Huang Huaili; he was forcing the emperor to pick a side.
With just a single look, the little emperor understood his Grand Tutor's intention. He nodded at whatever Guo Qianyue said, putting on a display of letting the Grand Marshal make all the decisions.
Guo Qianyue was very pleased. It seemed that giving Fang Zhiyi a little taste of sweetness last time had paid off.
After he left, the little emperor looked at Fang Zhiyi. Grand Tutor, what should I do?
The fawning smile on Fang Zhiyi's face gradually vanished, and his eyes darkened. Your Majesty, do you know what the Order to Extend Favors is?
The imperial court the next day was as lively as ever. Huang Huaili naturally knew the news of Guo Qianyue entering the palace, but he was not afraid. Although they had to listen to the little emperor's words on the surface, the ultimate battle of wits was still between him and Guo Qianyue.
Your Majesty, this old minister recently received news that someone has been dipping their hands into the Jiangnan tax revenues. I have a roster right here... Guo Qianyue directly revealed the small booklet in his hand.
Huang Huaili sneered, thinking it was some big deal, but upon second thought, he understood. This guy surnamed Guo was forcing the little emperor to take a stand. Exactly what he wanted too, as he also wanted to see which side this emperor actually favored.
Lord Guo is truly busy, handling such trivial matters personally?
Important ministers of the state like us ought to exert ourselves for the court and share the emperor's burdens. Tax revenues are no small matter.
Hmph, I think you have an ulterior motive.
Guo Qianyue smiled without saying a word, and the pressure shifted to the little emperor. All the officials watched as Fang Zhiyi opened the booklet and placed it in front of the little emperor. However, they did not see Fang Zhiyi wink at the little emperor.
The little emperor was very nervous, but recalling his Grand Tutor's words, he took a deep breath. The Grand Marshal can just decide on these things...
Guo Qianyue nodded. Then I shall speak. These people have been embezzling tax silver for more than just a day or two, and they all happen to be Lord Huang's protégés and disciples. What a coincidence?
Huang Huaili frowned. Guo, do you think you can slander this old man with empty words? Do you really think that just because the emperor is young, he cannot see through your intentions?
If I had no evidence, how would I dare confront you directly here!
Your Majesty! This man surnamed Guo has slandered me time and time again! I beseech Your Majesty to give this old minister justice! Huang Huaili evaded Guo Qianyue's pursuit and threw the problem directly to the little emperor.
Guo Qianyue also looked at the little emperor. It was obvious that these two were dead set on forcing the little emperor to choose a side. But it was equally obvious that no matter which side he chose, it would not end well for him.
Uh, well... Chancellor Huang has worked hard and achieved great merits. I imagine he would not do such a thing, the little emperor said.
Huang Huaili smiled smugly, while Guo Qianyue's face darkened, the murderous intent on his face almost uncontainable.
I... no, We feel that if the subordinates under Chancellor Huang privately committed such acts, then it must be Our problem, the imperial court's problem.
As soon as he said this, the entire scene fell silent. Everyone looked at him in bewilderment. Wait, the emperor was saying that the embezzlement of tax silver was his own problem? Had he gone mad?
The little emperor's tone gradually steadied. Chancellor Huang, We feel that with your many years of meritorious service, you should receive even more rewards and titles.
The expression on Huang Huaili's face grew even more smug, while Guo Qianyue's face turned as black as the bottom of a pot.
In his heart, he had already sentenced this little emperor to death.
This emperor must die!
lity and could only live as an ordinary mortal. He only wished to live a peaceful life. Yet he didn't know— The dog he adopted, because it ate his food, became a legendary demon king. The kitchen knife he casually forged became a peerless divine weapon, causing numerous experts to fight desperately for it. The young disciple he took in became an immortal lord that led an era, due to cultivating the techniques Ye Feng taught him. Even the skeletons he looked down on the most were ominous demon kings that suppressed countless worlds. Many years later, looking at the void shattered with a punch, Ye Feng murmured to himself: It turns out the peerless kings were myself all along...
ut it can buy an entire year of absolutely perfect training results! Su Yu stared at his empty wallet and decisively opened up various online loan platforms. “Borrow a thousand bucks! Recharge my vitality!” Boom! His vitality broke a hundred points, shattering the limits of the human body! “Borrow ten thousand bucks! Recharge my combat skills!” Boom! A basic punching technique so common it was everywhere instantly maxed out, revealing the ultimate assassination technique of Five Elements Unity—Inner Force! When a rich kid hired assassins for a midnight ambush, aiming to break both of his legs, they instead ran headfirst into a monster—a human-shaped tyrannosaur, brimming with dragon-like vitality. With just two fingers, Su Yu snapped a steel staff reinforced with alloy. Staring at the killer’s stash of stolen cash—a staggering quarter-million dollars—he showed a corporate-sincere smile: “Thanks for the pre-exam gift pack, Mr. Zhao! I’m gonna go re-invest this!” Three days later, at the National Martial Arts College Entrance Exam, while everyone else struggled just to reach the passing line, Su Yu threw a single punch—and more than a thousand vitality points literally detonated the entire arena!
or! A blessing for those who struggle with love, a guidebook for dating novices. Quickly match with your dream goddess! Complete walkthroughs earn rewards, and perfect walkthroughs unlock limited achievements!】 Shen Yi, an ordinary office worker, accidentally downloads a mini-game called Dating Simulator. The mini-game is simple: randomly search for dating targets, simulate dates, and receive rewards upon successful confession. Rewards include but are not limited to money, attributes, and skills. The higher the evaluation, the better the rewards, with perfect ratings unlocking mysterious achievements. Shen Yi plans to use this mysterious mini-game to continuously pursue targets and improve himself, making his life better and better. ...... However, after several successful walkthroughs, Shen Yi suddenly notices something strange - the targets he previously simulated dating seem to be searching for him in real life?
ose... to cooperate with the protagonist! Shen Yuan: I have a system! Protagonist: What? System: Holy crap, you're just spilling it out like that? Shen Yuan: Let's team up, we'll split the system rewards! Protagonist: Fifty-fifty split? Shen Yuan: No way! Protagonist: What!? I'm the one getting beaten up, and I don't get half? Shen Yuan: Forty-sixty split, I get forty, you get sixty! Protagonist: Deal! Big brother, come on, hit me! As long as it doesn't kill me, beat me like you mean it! Shen Yuan: Don't worry... I will definitely protect all of you! No one but me can lay a finger on you! Guard our Heaven's Chosen Ones! I'm the only one allowed to bully them!
