"Presumptuous!" Without waiting for Qiu Ji to finish, Huang Ce interrupted with a stern voice, "When did Wang Xiaoqiang ever intend to rebel? To say such things is to sow discord..."

Qiu Ji, frightened, felt his legs go weak and fell to his knees, trembling with fear as he said, "I deserve to die, I misspoke. But I am thinking for Your Majesty's sake, for the sake of the rivers, mountains, and nation. Please, Your Majesty, forgive me."

Huang Ce, irritated, waved his hand dismissively and said, "The Imperial Son-in-Law's Mansion is already built, and Wang Xiaoqiang will soon marry Princess Hua Shao, becoming the Lord Imperial Son-in-Law of the Empire. Instead of congratulating me, you fabricate stories about Wang Xiaoqiang. What kind of behavior is this?"

The officials, scared, broke out in a cold sweat, yet Qiu Ji, still unaware of his limits, said, "I believe that Wang Xiaoqiang and Princess Hua Shao forming a joyous union is a good thing. Moreover, if he becomes the Lord Imperial Son-in-Law of the Empire, he will work wholeheartedly for the nation. But one must be wary of others; it would be best if Your Majesty tests his loyalty under a pretext."

"How to test?" Huang Ce seemed annoyed by the matter but did not outright dismiss it. Upon hearing this, he asked immediately.

"Currently, the rebel army has been pacified and the world is at peace, but there is always a potential threat—that is, the rogue cultivator world is gradually growing stronger and starting to contend with orthodox cultivators. If allowed to grow unchecked, it will inevitably threaten the rivers, mountains, and nation..."

"Hmm, what you say makes sense." Huang Ce seemingly anticipated something as he stroked his beard.

"I believe, why not seize the opportunity to, after General Wang has returned victorious and become the Lord Imperial Son-in-Law of the Empire, order him to go to the rogue cultivator world and quell the loose cultivators? This way, we can suppress them and also blunt General Wang's edge. After all, sharp edges are prone to break. This might even be good for General Wang!" Seeing Huang Ce accept his suggestion, Qiu Ji said with satisfaction...

"Moreover, Your Majesty has shown benevolence and favor to General Wang. If General Wang truly cares for the rivers, mountains, and nation, he will not shy away from toil nor will he harbor any grievances."

After Qiu Ji finished speaking, the room fell silent; no one offered a refutation. Clearly, it was a sound strategy.

Huang Ce pondered for a moment, nodded, and said, "Hmm, there is some logic in it, but let me think carefully before making a decision."

With that, court was dismissed, and Huang Ce, burdened with thoughts, went to seek out Lotus Princess. Whenever vexed or faced with important decisions, he would ask this clever woman for advice.

Huang Ce recounted to Lotus Princess all that was said in the morning court session. Lotus Princess said, "People always change, and everyone has ambitions. Wang Xiaoqiang, too, harbors the heart of a fierce tiger, silent but deadly, like a tiger descending a mountain, unstoppable...

Qiu Ji's words are not without reason, and his approach is feasible, but it can't be rushed. Otherwise, it might arouse Wang Xiaoqiang's suspicion...

After all, he will soon be with Hua Shao. I don't want a rift between us; it would directly affect Hua Shao's happiness in the future..."

"Beloved concubine, your thoughts align with mine. But you know, I am about to break through to the Three Dragon Realm Immortal Emperor. Once I break through, a heavenly tribulation will befall me, and life or death will be uncertain... During my encounter with the tribulation, I don't want my rivers, mountains, and nation to be threatened. Therefore, I don't want Wang Xiaoqiang in Dragon City during this time," said Huang Ce with a solemn expression.

"Ah," Lotus Princess, upon hearing this, was suddenly enlightened and her expression turned solemn. Then she said, "In that case, let's follow Qiu Ji's plan and send Wang Xiaoqiang to purge the loose cultivators..."

Huang Ce said, "Hmm, do not tell Hua Shao about this. I want her to happily marry Wang Xiaoqiang."

...

Wang Xiaoqiang led his troops back to Liuu Jingtun, first stationing his army there before taking a team of personal guards to Dragon City.

In Dragon City, Wang Xiaoqiang was met with a warm welcome and congratulations from the people. Having contributed significantly to quelling the rebellion and ensuring the people's safety, it was another lasting achievement that will endure through the ages.

Huang Ce first sent the immortal palanquin to greet him, then gathered the civil and military officials in the Yellow Dragon Hall to bestow Wang Xiaoqiang with the title of Grand Marshal of Soldiers and Horses, granting him command of the Empire's military power.

He then announced the wedding of Wang Xiaoqiang and Princess Hua Shao, which was set for the sixth of the month.

Having returned triumphant, been granted a high office, and set to marry the Empire's princess, Wang Xiaoqiang, a cultivator from a lower plane, was quite satisfied with his achievements.

However, he felt a certain strange atmosphere coming from the civil and military officials. Previously close officials did not offer congratulations and looked at him with complicated expressions—some clandestine, some reluctant to speak, some feigning indifference, and some with evasive eyes, not daring to meet Wang Xiaoqiang's gaze directly.

Wang Xiaoqiang didn't pay much heed. With his current strength, only Huang Ce could pose a threat to him in the imperial court, but that was merely a threat, not a threat to his life.

Now, possessing the Undying Golden Body, one could only kill him by vanquishing his soul and spirit. Otherwise, he would not die.

However, vanquishing his soul and spirit was no easy task, not to mention Huang Ce wouldn't do such a thing for his daughter's happiness. Besides, there was no reason for him to do so.

After court was dismissed, Wang Xiaoqiang didn't dwell on it and immediately went to find Princess Hua Shao. Princess Hua Shao, unaware of the court's happenings, was overjoyed to see Wang Xiaoqiang return victorious and unharmed, enveloping him in a full embrace.

As they were about to be married soon, Princess Hua Shao was less reserved than before when alone with Wang Xiaoqiang, appearing more open...

Wang Xiaoqiang was in no rush; it was already the third day, and the sixth would soon be their joyous day.

Three days was time he could wait.

.(To be continued. If you like this work, you're welcome to vote for it on Qidian.com with recommendation votes, monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read at m.qidian.com.)

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