423: The battle for imperial power depends on your ability

“Please speak, Empress.”

Xie Weilou bowed.

Dugu Buzheng sighed, “The struggle for Royal Power depends on individual capability. I won’t shamelessly ask you to help Junlin in this competition. I only hope that if one day you and Junlin find yourselves on opposing sides, for the sake of your brotherhood today, you will show him some mercy.”

Xie Weilou was a piece on the Xia Emperor’s chessboard, and she temporarily couldn't discern the Xia Emperor’s overall plan.

But she could sense that Xie Weilou was a crucial link and would certainly play his part.

Xie Weilou would definitely appear on the path of competition for Yan Junlin and others.

Xie Weilou said with a serious expression, “The Empress jests. Big Prince and I are like brothers. If he wants to compete, I will help him. How could I harm him?”

“…”

Yan Junlin and Dugu Buzheng smiled simultaneously, not taking Xie Weilou’s words too seriously.

In a word, none of the three present would believe him!

Dugu Buzheng poured three cups of wine and said with a faint smile, “Let’s drink.”

“…”

Xie Weilou picked up his wine cup and drank a cup of wine.

Yan Junlin also quickly picked up his wine cup and drank with his head lowered.

Dugu Buzheng held her wine cup and suddenly said, “Xie Weilou, actually, your mother and I are old acquaintances…”

“Mother?”

Xie Weilou was stunned for a second.

The original owner had not many memories of his mother. According to the original owner’s understanding, she passed away not long after giving birth to him.

Dugu Buzheng took a sip of wine, a nostalgic look appearing in her eyes: “That was a long time ago. The former Emperor was not favored and always liked to visit Zhenxi Marquis Manor. He had an excellent relationship with your father. By chance, I met the Emperor, and also met your father and your mother…”

With so many concubines in the harem, why was she able to become the Empress?

It wasn’t because she was the most capable, nor because she had a powerful background, but because among all the concubines, she was the first to be with the Xia Emperor!

She was with the Xia Emperor when he was not favored. As for the other concubines, they all appeared after the Xia Emperor ascended the throne.

Dugu Buzheng murmured, “Your mother was intelligent and virtuous, and treated people very well. She and I were also good friends… It’s a pity she had a short life. Not long after giving birth to you, she passed away due to illness.”

Xie Weilou held his wine cup and gazed at Dugu Buzheng, saying, “But there is no memorial tablet for my mother in Zhenxi Marquis Manor, and I have never seen her grave.”

Dugu Buzheng shook her head, “I don’t know about this either, but I saw your mother pass away with my own eyes… Forget it, let’s not talk about these old matters. Let’s continue drinking and eating!”

“…”

Xie Weilou also stopped asking.

Thinking about it now, everything about Zhenxi Marquis Manor was extremely unusual!

Dugu Buzheng mentioning this actually had the intention of playing the emotional card, but this emotional card was useless to Xie Weilou.

— — — — — —

Half an hour later.

Having eaten and drunk his fill, Xie Weilou stood up and said, “I’m full! Thank you, Empress, for your hospitality. I shall take my leave first.”

“I’ll see Brother Xie off.”

Yan Junlin quickly stood up, then saw Xie Weilou out of Phoenix Luan Hall.

Outside Phoenix Luan Hall.

Yan Junlin watched Xie Weilou leave, a thoughtful expression in his eyes.

Dugu Buzheng walked out and handed a token to Yan Junlin: “This is for you.”

“This is…”

Yan Junlin was startled when he saw the token.

Dugu Buzheng softly said, “The forces I’ve cultivated over these years, I’m now handing them all over to you. Since you want to compete, then go all out! Remember my words, if you can’t win, then choose to preserve your life. Also… unless necessary, do not go against Xie Weilou. That kid is very strange!”

Yan Junlin took the token, looking at Dugu Buzheng with a puzzled expression: “Mother, wouldn’t holding onto these things help me better in the competition?”

Dugu Buzheng smiled faintly: “A doting mother spoils her son! If I have to protect you in everything, how can you grow? Handing everything over to you, letting you do what you want to do, that’s how you can grow quickly and go further.”

After speaking, she returned to the main hall.

This world, after all, belonged to the young. When it was time for them, the older generation, to let go, they should let go.

If these young people didn’t even have the confidence to compete, how could they govern a country?

“…”

Yan Junlin was silent for a second, bowed to Phoenix Luan Hall, then turned and left.

Compete?

Yan Junlin feared no one.

He had never told Dugu Buzheng some things about himself, because he knew Dugu Buzheng would not approve of his actions.

He was allied with the demon race and needed to allow the demon race to settle in Great Xia. Looking at the entire Great Xia, how many people would approve of his approach?

This path, he could only walk silently by himself. As for the outcome, that remained to be seen.

— — — — — —

Outside the Imperial Palace.

A carriage was parked, its curtain pulled open to reveal Wei Zhongchen’s face. He looked at Xie Weilou: “Get in!”

Xie Weilou smiled faintly, “At this critical juncture, I dare not get too close to Prime Minister Wei.”

“Oh?”

Wei Zhongchen looked at Xie Weilou in surprise.

Xie Weilou said, “You are the head of all officials. At this moment, countless people are watching your every move. Everyone probably wants to win you over. If I get too close to you, I’m afraid I’ll become a target for everyone!”

One, the Marquis Zhenxi, close to the Xia Emperor; the other, Prime Minister Wei, the head of all officials. If these two got too close, it would always make people overthink.

Wei Zhongchen chuckled, “You are already a target for everyone! Haven’t you noticed? So far, only Yan Junlin has invited you in a perfunctory manner. As for the other princes and princesses, not a single one has come to win you over.”

He continued, “Now you are the Marquis Zhenxi, commanding two hundred thousand Zhenxi Army, and you even achieved great merit in the northern border, gaining the recognition of the Zhenbei Army. Logically, at a time like this, everyone should be trying to win you over, but why aren’t they doing so?”

“What does this indicate? It indicates that they are wary of you, afraid that you will snatch their things! Believe me, you will soon become a target for everyone to eliminate.”

Xie Weilou smiled and said, “Prime Minister Wei has a point. So, what do you mean, old man?”

Wei Zhongchen said, “A new emperor means new officials, an unchangeable truth. But I don’t want to give up this prime minister position. I can lend you a hand, clear many obstacles, and let you get everything you want!”

Xie Weilou shrugged, “Old fox! If I get on your pirate ship, then there will truly be no turning back. I’ll just walk home.”

“Are you really not considering it?”

Wei Zhongchen frowned slightly.

Xie Weilou stretched, “I’m sleepy. Time to go home and sleep.”

He didn’t linger, walking straight ahead.

The old fox had his plans, probably following the Xia Emperor’s path. There was no need to bother with him for now.

He was already in the game; he just needed to see how this game would unfold. He had no interest in other matters.

“…”

Wei Zhongchen lowered the carriage curtain and said no more.