Having presented his three strategies, Zhong Gu stared at Crown Prince Wanli with unwavering intensity.

Wanli remained silent, seemingly lost in thought, carefully weighing his options.

Zhong Gu waited patiently. He understood that such matters required careful consideration.

But the thought of reestablishing the Xia Dynasty, a dream that had lingered in his blood for ten thousand years, filled him with excitement.

"Zhong Gu…"

Wanli finally spoke, and Zhong Gu immediately adopted a posture of rapt attention.

"Your three strategies are excellent. With your assistance, I will surely ascend the Great Ming throne.

Your dedication and loyalty are unmatched. You are the Xia Dynasty's greatest hero.

I… I am truly grateful."

Zhong Gu was overjoyed.

"Your Majesty, you are too kind! Even after ten thousand years of reincarnation, the blood of a Xia subject still flows through my veins.

I am willing to serve Your Majesty for all eternity! I will never regret it!"

Wanli nodded solemnly. His eyes, sharp as a sword, glistened with what seemed like tears.

Zhong Gu was so moved that his body trembled.

A king weeping for his subject?

What an honor!

"My three strategies might be flawed. They require further refinement. Once Your Majesty rescues me from this prison, I will revise them, ensuring their success. We must not allow any mistakes to hinder your grand plans!"

Wanli praised Zhong Gu's loyalty and dedication.

In the past, the Xia Dynasty had possessed two exceptional officials: Zhong Gu, known for his intelligence and resourcefulness, and Guan Long Pang, known for his unwavering loyalty and bravery.

Therefore, Guan Long Pang had followed King Jie to Nanchao, remaining by his side until death.

Zhong Gu, however, had entered the cycle of reincarnation, waiting for King Jie's return, hoping to assist him in reclaiming his throne.

"Your three strategies are all excellent. But I believe the first, though its cost is low, carries the same risk as the third – the potential for chaos within the Great Ming.

Only the second strategy, allowing Empress Yao Guang to assassinate Emperor Jiajing, avoids this problem.

As the saying goes: 'To kill one thousand enemies, one must sacrifice eight hundred of their own.'

If Emperor Jiajing dies, Empress Yao Guang will surely lose many of her most powerful subordinates.

When our enemies are weak, we are strong.

If Emperor Jiajing can deplete Yao Guang's forces before he dies, it will be a great boon to our plans for unifying the Nine Provinces."

"Therefore, I intend to try the second strategy first."

He accepted the Other Shore Pill from Zhong Gu, discreetly placing it within his sleeve.

Zhong Gu nodded repeatedly.

"Your Majesty's foresight is unmatched! Allowing Emperor Jiajing and Empress Yao Guang to fight, while you reap the benefits… This is truly the best strategy!"

Wanli smiled.

"Then I must visit the imperial harem as soon as possible. I need to meet with one of the two Sage Rulers."

"I can assist Your Majesty in this matter."

Zhong Gu eagerly offered his services.

"When I first met with the Archery Sage, Ah Chang, I sensed her desire to assassinate Emperor Jiajing. But she failed.

Later, she infiltrated the palace, assuming that a closer proximity to the Emperor would create more opportunities. But instead, she found herself restricted, unable to act.

If I hadn't offered my cooperation, both Sage Rulers would have abandoned their mission and returned to the Great Ci Dynasty."

Wanli narrowed his eyes.

"Oh?"

…

In the Great Ming's imperial palace, within the Zhongcui Palace.

"Your servant humbly sees Your Majesty off."

Xue Susu, dressed in luxurious palace attire, was as beautiful as a willow in spring, her radiance surpassing that of a hundred flowers.

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She curtsied deeply, only to be stopped by Emperor Jiajing, who gently took her hand and helped her to her feet.

"There's no need to see me off. I rested well last night. I will return tonight."

"Yes."

Xue Susu lowered her head, a mixture of shyness and joy on her face. Her reaction was perfect, the epitome of a favored concubine.

Emperor Jiajing left in his palanquin.

The Zhongcui Palace wasn't heavily guarded. This was Xue Susu's request.

She had used her 'Immortal in the Painting' divine ability to conceal her and Ah Chang's cultivation within a painting, allowing them to perfectly disguise themselves as ordinary women.

But even walls had ears. The fewer people in the Zhongcui Palace, the better.

"Ah Chang, help me back inside."

"Yes, my lady."

With Ah Chang's assistance, Xue Susu walked back into the palace, maintaining her dignified demeanor.

Once the doors were closed, the joy on her face vanished, replaced by a faint worry.

"Lan Daoxing has been arrested. Our outside help is gone."

"If you're worried about that, I can leave the palace and send a message to Elder Sister. She can send reinforcements from Great Ci," Ah Chang said flatly.

Her gaze, sharp and intense, was fixed upon Xue Susu. She was clearly displeased.

"Let's wait a while longer," Xue Susu shook her head. "I've heard that Crown Prince Wanli has returned safely. He's been appointed as the primary investigator in Lan Daoxing's case. If he can protect Lan Daoxing, we can wait for him to be released, then collaborate with him.

We need a detailed plan to assassinate Emperor Jiajing."

"You…"

Ah Chang hesitated.

She wanted Xue Susu to act faster. They had been in the palace for a while, and there had been no progress. But she also knew that Emperor Jiajing was the strongest man in the world. Assassinating him would be incredibly difficult.

She thought of Jing Ke's assassination attempt on the First Emperor Qin.

Jing Ke had been the world's greatest assassin. And what had been the outcome? He had only managed to tear a corner of Qin Shi Huang's robe. He hadn't even injured the Emperor.

"Do you want me to go to the Imperial Prison and gather information?" Ah Chang asked. "If you release my cultivation, the Great Ming's palace guards won't be able to detect me."

"Impossible!" Xue Susu immediately refused. "Emperor Jiajing resides within the palace, as does his divine beast, the Vermilion Bird. Do not underestimate them.

Unless we have a guaranteed plan, I would rather continue playing the role of his consort. I will not allow you to risk your life."

Their opinions clashed. Silence descended upon them.

"Ah Chang," Xue Susu sighed. "We carry a heavy burden, a mission that could cost us our lives. For Elder Sister, for Great Ci, we must be cautious."

Ah Chang's face softened slightly.

"I was wrong. You haven't made a move since we entered the palace. There were several times… I almost believed you had been seduced by Emperor Jiajing, that you were truly content to be his consort…"

Xue Susu was startled, then she gave Ah Chang a strange look.

"Surely you don't believe that? My relationship with Emperor Jiajing is merely a facade.

All men are fickle creatures. Why would I betray Elder Sister for a man?

Have you forgotten… how I was hurt by a man?"

Ah Chang's expression changed. Clearly, she had remembered something. She lowered her head, and her voice was filled with remorse.

"I apologize. I shouldn't have reminded you of your painful past. I shouldn't have doubted you.

Elder Sister chose you personally. Before we left, she commanded me to cooperate with you fully.

I… I doubted you…"

Slap!

Ah Chang slapped herself across the face. Although her cultivation was sealed, her strength was still immense.

The slap drew blood, leaving a bright red handprint on her cheek.

The sound alerted the servants outside the palace. Several maids and eunuchs rushed over, inquiring about the situation.

"My lady, is everything alright?"

Xue Susu looked at Ah Chang with concern.

"You wretched girl! If you dare speak out of turn again, I will have you beaten to death!"

Her voice was laced with the arrogance of a favored consort.

The servants outside the palace were secretly delighted. Consort Rou was the most favored concubine in the harem. She only had a single maidservant, Ah Chang.

If they could replace Ah Chang, their future would be secure.

Inside the palace, Xue Susu leaned close to Ah Chang's ear. The servants outside couldn't hear a single word.

"I believe Crown Prince Wanli will protect Lan Daoxing. Once Lan Daoxing is released, go meet with him. Discuss the details of our collaboration.

If Lan Daoxing regains Emperor Jiajing's trust, he will be able to lure him out of the Great Ming.

I will accompany the Emperor on his journey. It will be the perfect opportunity to coordinate with Elder Sister and assassinate him."

…

Back in the Imperial Prison, Zhong Gu revealed all the details of the two Sage Rulers' mission, withholding nothing.

"Excellent. Once I return from Yunzhou City, we can begin plotting with Empress Yao Guang."

Zhong Gu was startled.

"Your Majesty intends to go to Yunzhou City? Perhaps we should act sooner?

A mere city… I can reclaim it for you in the future. There's no need for Your Majesty to personally intervene."

But Wanli shook his head.

Zhong Gu grew anxious.

"Your Majesty, there is a matter of priority.

The two Sage Rulers are in danger of being exposed. And there are countless jealous concubines within the harem.

The Painting Sage has concealed her cultivation. She appears no different from an ordinary woman. If something were to happen to her, Your Majesty would lose a valuable ally."

But his words failed to sway Wanli.

"Yunzhou City is a stain upon my honor. Until I reclaim it, that stain will remain. And the Great Ming's officials will never fully acknowledge my right to the throne. Zhong Gu, do you not wish for me to wash away this shame?"

Zhong Gu immediately knelt.

"I am guilty, Your Majesty! To shame a subject is to shame his master! Once I am released, I will help you reclaim Yunzhou City and restore your honor!"

Zhong Gu had repeatedly mentioned his willingness to serve Wanli once he was freed. It was a subtle hint, a reminder. The Imperial Prison was a hellish place. He had endured the Embroidered Uniform Guard's torture, but he didn't want to experience it again.

He was puzzled. Wanli had asked his advice on countless matters, but he hadn't mentioned how he intended to rescue him.

The charges against him were serious.

"Zhong Gu."

"Your servant is here."

"I believe… Emperor Jiajing already knows my true identity."

Zhong Gu's expression changed. But he was quick-witted. He immediately understood.

"There must be spies within the Astrologer's residence. It seems I've revealed more information than I realized. Your Majesty, you are in danger!"

He was filled with anxiety. He had been careless, and his mistake could have disastrous consequences!

"Danger? Not necessarily." Wanli shook his head. "I am the reincarnation of King Jie. But I am also a true descendant of the Zhu imperial clan. If Emperor Jiajing kills me, he commits an act of fratricide."

"But…"

Zhong Gu was beside himself with worry.

"Even if Emperor Jiajing doesn't dare kill you, he might still strip you of your title as Crown Prince!"

Without the right to inherit the throne, all their plans were meaningless.

"You're right," Wanli sighed.

He was finally ready to reveal his true intentions.

"Emperor Jiajing has appointed me as the primary investigator. He wants me to make a choice.

Between my identity as King Jie, and my identity as a member of the Zhu imperial clan, I must choose."

Zhong Gu's initial confusion gave way to horror. He understood.

Wanli looked at him with an expression of deep regret.

"Your three strategies are excellent. But I can achieve my goals without them. And I will never abandon my position as the Great Ming's Crown Prince.

Therefore, I must… borrow your head."

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