Actually, given Xu Qing's current status, killing a princely heir of Duke Wei is merely a flick of the wrist, causing no harm to himself. However, he knows well that doing so would bring no benefit, only unnecessary trouble.

Better to let this young lord become his blade, to atone for past events.

With Feng Wu's suggestion to the Duke's Madam, the young lord is now striving hard at the Martial Arts Academy. He understands clearly that without his diligence, he cannot secure his position as the princely heir.

Ah, the affairs of the world are truly peculiar. The young lord back then would never have imagined that he would, one day, have to rely on the despised Xu Qing to maintain his princely heir position.

One might say a mere thought from Xu Qing could plunge him into hell, never to return. Hence, once recognizing reality, the young lord finds himself with no choice but to wholeheartedly assist Xu Qing in eliminating dissidents.

The key is that many of these dissidents are old acquaintances of the young lord. But he has no choice! Surely, he cannot relinquish Duke Wei's position to an outsider just for old friendships.

In the face of interests and power, friendship and old ties seem so fragile.

…

…

"Do you love gold or love your brothers!"

"Love my brothers!"

On the training grounds of the Martial Arts Academy, shouts echo back and forth. The whip in the young lord's hand strikes the bodies of the academy's trainees.

He has transformed from a pampered wastrel into a ruthless espionage leader. Admittedly, this seems to have awakened some potential within him.

Training these new recruits at the Martial Arts Academy gives him an unparalleled sadistic pleasure. His eyes reveal a certain madness and obsession, as though he is enjoying the feeling of controlling others' fates.

Undoubtedly, a more terrifying espionage force than the Inner Factory or Embroidered Guard is forming among these Martial Arts Academy trainees. The young lord has become one of its leaders, solidifying his position within this emerging espionage organization.

The pleasure from flesh-striking whip makes him increasingly crazed. His actions grow more extreme, and his methods towards trainees become increasingly cruel.

He seems lost in himself, unable to extricate from the power-induced exhilaration.

After a round of special morale boosting, the young lord sets off again with his "brothers."

Their target is those hidden opposing forces, moving swiftly and decisively like phantoms.

On the road, he is high-spirited. Now, deeds the Inner Factory and Embroidered Guard do not dare to undertake, they dare. From officials to nobles, none escapes their grasp. Such power wielding and flogging the halls is far beyond what being Duke Wei could compare.

He finally grasps a taste of what Xu Gongming feels in conduct and leadership.

Patience, low profile, and a barely perceptible crazed desire shimmer in his eyes.

The young lord of Duke Wei's Mansion, his mind entertaining thoughts of, if Xu Gongming were to fall, inheriting all from him, becoming a second Xu Gongming, and scourging the world!

If Xu Gongming remains, he endeavors to be the sharpest talon in Xu's command.

Striving to reach a position under one but above all!

One might say, he finally truly understands the meaning of "power."

…

…

Xu Qing's office chamber.

The young lord, Wei Bo, stands respectfully and submissively before Xu Qing.

"Please sit, princely heir."

"Sir, there is no princely heir here, please call me by my name," Wei Bo bows.

Xu Qing gives him a satisfied glance, smiles and says, "Wei Bo, you all have done well recently. I plan to establish a Military Statistical Investigation Department under the Military Affairs Office, for you to be the director. Do you have confidence to do well?"

"Where the king's mandate lies, I will respond with my life!" Wei Bo responds loudly.

Xu Qing: "Good, now that's a fine man of the Longevity Dynasty. You may leave. Next, I will confirm this with the Military Affairs Office, await orders when you return."

"Certainly!"

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