436: Is your morning temper really that bad?

"No, Your Majesty, spare us, spare us! We were also deceived, Your Majesty, spare us!"

The Emperor paid no heed to their pleas for mercy, simply waving his hand to have them taken away.

"Lu Xiaofeng, Li Xunhuan, Hua Manlou, this time, you have rendered meritorious service in protecting The Emperor. What rewards do you desire? Speak freely, as long as this Emperor can achieve it, I will certainly satisfy you." The Emperor smiled as he looked at Lu Xiaofeng and the others.

"Your Majesty, you honor us too much. This is what any subject of the Great Ming should do." Lu Xiaofeng said with a smile, shaking his head.

"That won't do. If I don't reward you, word will get out. Would I still have any face left?"

"Since you won't say, then this Emperor will decide on my own."

"Lu Xiaofeng, Li Xunhuan, and Hua Manlou have rendered meritorious service in protecting The Emperor and eradicating the rebel army. They are awarded a thousand pieces of gold and bestowed with Death Exemption Gold Plaques." The Emperor declared with a grand gesture.

Upon hearing 'Death Exemption Gold Plaque,' the expressions of everyone present changed, and even Zhu Wushi's eyes flashed with a sharp gleam.

Death Exemption Gold Plaques! Who would have thought The Emperor would reward Lu Xiaofeng and the others with Death Exemption Gold Plaques? From now on, who in the Great Ming's official circles would dare move against these three?

It was abundantly clear that The Emperor was deliberately trying to win over Lu Xiaofeng, Li Xunhuan, and the others, especially the Hua Family, reputed as the wealthiest in Jiangnan, whose riches could rival a nation's treasury.

With the support of the Hua Family, the issue of money would be solved.

Lu Xiaofeng's social circle was vast, and among his friends were many Masters, especially West Gate Blowing Snow, who had already reached the Heavenly Human Realm.

It seems, unless one reaches the Earth Immortal Realm, taking action is impossible.

Even if one were to act, they would have to deal with Lu Xiaofeng and his companions first.

The three of them—Lu Xiaofeng, Li Xunhuan, and Hua Manlou—had not expected The Emperor to reward them with Death Exemption Gold Plaques. In an instant, Lu Xiaofeng grasped the underlying implications.

However, there was no room for refusal now; they could only brace themselves and accept.

"This... many thanks for Your Majesty's great favor. Lu feels unworthy of such an honor." Lu Xiaofeng said, bowing respectfully.

"Ah, if not for your presence this time, this Emperor likely would not have had the chance to speak with you all."

"The Death Exemption Gold Plaques are rightfully deserved." The Emperor said, shaking his head.

"We thank Your Majesty..."

Lu Xiaofeng knew that further refusal would truly be impolite.

Li Xunhuan and Hua Manlou also understood the gravity of the situation and said nothing more.

What Lu Xiaofeng didn't know was that all of this was being observed by Duan Zhengchun.

"Your Highness, it seems now that the Great Ming is not an unbroken monolith either."

"Even their own people can rebel." Huang Rong said, looking at the distant palace with a face full of surprise.

"That's not surprising at all. The Emperor is too young and lacks a solid foundation of loyalists. It's normal for these imperial uncles to covet the throne."

"Such things have been normal since ancient times."

"The imperial family is the most heartless. It's normal for families to fight amongst themselves; as long as they don't collude with external enemies, it's not a major issue." Duan Zhengchun said calmly, watching the scene unfold before him.

"By the way, Your Highness, was what Prince Ning said true? Did Zhu Wushi scheme against him?" Huang Rong asked curiously, looking at Duan Zhengchun.

"Hmm, it should be true. Prince Ning's plan this time was nearly perfect."

"With three forces striking together, and under such circumstances, The Emperor would have had no power to resist."

"However, at the critical moment, Zhu Rui was betrayed by his ally, leading to this outcome."

"But, one can't blame others for this; one can only blame Zhu Rui for being overconfident."

"With this, he still wants to be emperor? If he became emperor, the Great Ming would truly perish in his hands." Duan Zhengchun said, shaking his head.

"Indeed, someone already planning rebellion actually believed his ally would sincerely help him."

"In my opinion, this Zhu Wushi is even more sinister. He wanted to reap the benefits of the conflict, hoping Prince Ning would kill The Emperor."

"Once Prince Ning was about to ascend the throne, Zhu Wushi could then, under the banner of 'Cleansing the Court of Evil Ministers,' righteously and openly take down Zhu Rui."

"With Zhu Wushi's identity as the Master of Dragon Guard Manor, taking down a mere Zhu Rui would be too simple." Huang Rong analyzed.

"Yes, unfortunately, Zhu Wushi also failed to account for the appearance of Lu Xiaofeng and Li Xunhuan."

"Otherwise, he might really have succeeded. At that time, not only would no one accuse him of usurping the throne, but they would also establish an image of him as a wise and just ruler."

"However, looking at it now, such a thing is no longer possible."

"Zhu Wushi, his tribulation will arrive soon." Duan Zhengchun said, a trace of a mocking smile at the corner of his mouth.

"Zhu Wushi's tribulation? He is the Master of Dragon Guard Manor, his strength is unfathomable, and even The Emperor wouldn't dare move against him at this time. How could he have a tribulation?" Huang Rong asked, looking at Duan Zhengchun with confusion.

"You'll know about this matter later. For now, we've seen what we came to see; it's time for us to leave."

"You still have a promise to fulfill." Duan Zhengchun suddenly looked at Huang Rong with a mischievous grin.

"Ah? What promise?" Huang Rong didn't react for a moment; Duan Zhengchun's shift was too fast.

However, upon coming to her senses, she immediately understood what promise Duan Zhengchun was referring to, her pretty face instantly flushing with shyness.

"Aiyo, Your Highness, you, how can you be like this?" Huang Rong said shyly, lowering her head and fiddling with the hem of her clothes.

"What's wrong? Do you want to go back on your word? No one can renege on a debt to this Prince." Duan Zhengchun raised an eyebrow, looking at Huang Rong.

"Aiyo, Your Highness, I, I don't want to go back on my word... it's just..."

Before Huang Rong could finish, she was interrupted by Duan Zhengchun's actions. Before she could speak, the two of them had already disappeared.

This night was destined to be a sleepless one, and Huang Rong once again experienced the joy of soaring to the clouds.

A short separation feels better than a new marriage. Having experienced the previous events, Huang Rong was exceptionally cooperative in this aspect.

This also allowed Duan Zhengchun to experience a different sensation once again.

"You performed well. Rest properly. We'll return tomorrow." Duan Zhengchun patted Huang Rong, who was already like a limp noodle.

Huang Rong mumbled a couple of times and then fell asleep.

Clearly, the night's cultivation had exhausted her completely; she didn't even want to move a finger.

After channeling a wisp of spiritual energy into Huang Rong to help her recover and leaving the room, it was already close to noon outside.

"Your Highness, we have a visitor."

Duan Zhengchun nodded. Of course, he knew someone had come. However, no matter who came, they couldn't disturb his mood.

In such matters, whether man or woman, no one appreciates being disturbed.

Lu Xiaofeng, West Gate Blowing Snow, and Hua Manlou had eaten breakfast before coming, precisely to avoid disturbing Duan Zhengchun's rest.

As for Li Xunhuan, after resolving matters at the imperial city, he had hurried back to the Kingdom on a fast horse.

However, Lu Xiaofeng hadn't expected that this wait would last until almost noon.

"Old Hua, tell me, does His Highness the Prince have a bit of a morning temper? It's this late already, and he still hasn't gotten up?" Lu Xiaofeng said idly, pinching his beard as he looked at Hua Manlou.

"What's wrong? Weren't you the one clamoring to come? Can't wait already?" Hua Manlou said with a smile, looking at Lu Xiaofeng.

"No, it's just... I feel like we're eavesdropping by the wall here."

"His Highness the Prince is a real man. That stamina makes all men envious." Lu Xiaofeng sighed with emotion.

"You can only envy him. With His Highness the Prince's prowess, I'm afraid no other man can compare." Hua Manlou said with a laugh.