We Agreed On Experiencing Life, So Why Did You Immortals Become Real?

Chapter 599: How Much Do You Know About the Four Seas?

“Your Majesty, tell me... Does this count as us growing old together...?”

Inside the Imperial Study, Yan Ruxue’s voice still echoed in Xiao Mo’s mind.

And the instant she had turned around had made him think of the first woman.

A woman who had existed only within the Book of a Hundred Lives, yet had left him with memories he could never forget.

I must be overthinking this.

Xiao Mo shook his head.

The Book of a Hundred Lives was nothing more than a false life. How could it possibly have been real?

“Your Majesty...”

Just as Xiao Mo was calming his tangled thoughts, Wei Xun’s voice came from outside the Imperial Study.

“Come in,” Xiao Mo called.

“Yes.”

Wei Xun hurried into the Imperial Study, swiftly shut the doors behind him, then stepped forward and bowed. “This old servant greets Your Majesty.”

“Enough ceremony. How has the investigation I assigned you gone?” Xiao Mo asked.

A few days ago, after Yan Ruxue had spoken with Xiao Mo and given him a list, he had immediately ordered Wei Xun to investigate every official and Yan clan member named on it.

“Reporting to Your Majesty.” A flicker of delight passed through Wei Xun’s eyes. “Over the past few days, this old servant has investigated the people on that list.

“According to their relatives and acquaintances, the Yan clan members named there truly possess both talent and character.

“This old servant even learned that three of them disapprove of the Yan clan’s disloyal and unrighteous conduct. Some have retired to the countryside, while others have opened private schools to teach and educate others, content merely to preserve their good names. Yan Shanao has invited them into government service several times, but they have always refused.

“As for the Imperial Guard, the commanders of the Right Divine Might Guard and the Right Feathered Forest Guard may truly be won over.”

“Oh?” Xiao Mo’s interest was immediately piqued. “How so?”

“Reporting to Your Majesty, it is like this.”

Wei Xun continued.

“The commander of the Right Divine Might Guard, Zeng Qiang, appears on the surface to have been bought off by Yan Shanao. He has accepted a great deal of money and many beautiful women from him. But in this old servant’s view, that is only a disguise.

“First, his father received favor from the late Emperor. He was a minister of great loyalty and righteousness, and from childhood, he taught Zeng Qiang to serve the state with unwavering devotion.

“Second, Zeng Qiang himself was cultivated and promoted by the late Emperor. He owes the late Emperor a debt of recognition.

“When Zeng Qiang sided with Yan Shanao, his mother hanged herself at home. After her death, Zeng Qiang gave her only a simple funeral, then sank into wine and women, spending his days in brothels. On the surface, he appeared disloyal, unrighteous, and unfilial.

“But only recently did this old servant learn that Lord Wang Can was able to leave the capital safely not only because of this old servant’s arrangements, but also because Zeng Qiang secretly lent him aid.”

“And without Zeng Qiang, Yan Shanao would have made several attempts on Lord Wang’s life. Lord Wang would have been reincarnated countless times by now.”

Xiao Mo frowned as he listened to Wei Xun’s report. “Continue.”

“This old servant knows less about Yue Qianzhi, commander of the Right Feathered Forest Guard. But he is a close friend of Yan Zhen, the father of Consort Xue. Moreover, Yue Qianzhi’s ancestors rendered founding service to the dynasty. One of them even saved Emperor Taizong’s life on the battlefield.

“Emperor Taizong promised that the office of commander of the Right Feathered Forest Guard would remain hereditary in the Yue family in perpetuity. They would forever be among the imperial family’s most trusted retainers.

“Yan Shanao has tried several times to remove Yue Qianzhi, but has never found a way. In the end, he could only let the matter drop. After all, in Yan Shanao’s eyes, four of the five commanders are already his men. That is enough.”

“Mm...” Xiao Mo fell into thought. “It seems I am not entirely without support inside the palace.”

“There is more, Your Majesty.” Wei Xun gave a rather malicious smile.

“Based on the information Consort Xue provided, this old servant did investigate Zhang Haishen, commander of the Left Feathered Forest Guard. His wife, Jin Lian, is indeed a famous beauty in the capital.

“In September three years ago, Yan Shanao went to Zhang Haishen’s home for drinks. They were drinking immortal liquor. Yan Shanao became drunk and, in a moment of carelessness, slept with the man’s wife.

“And once was not enough.

“It is said that Jin Lian is exceptionally skilled in bed. Her waist is more resilient than a willow branch and softer than tofu. She is even said to be skilled at ‘clamping willow twigs.’ Once Yan Shanao had a taste, he could not get enough. And Jin Lian found Yan Shanao better able to satisfy her, so the two began carrying on an affair.

“Zhang Haishen knows all of this, but does not dare say a word. Still, this old servant would wager that while he appears unmoved, he must bear a deep grudge.”

“After all, who could endure being cuckolded?”

“However, the list contains far too many names from the Yan faction, holding posts both high and low. Time is too short for this old servant to verify every one of them.”

“I understand.” Xiao Mo rubbed his fingers together.

“Set aside the insignificant officials for now. Investigate the Yan faction officials of fifth rank and above first, especially those whose loyalties are uncertain. See whether they can be brought over to our side.

“Also, continue making discreet contact with the people Consort Xue named as useful. Then send a flying-sword message to General Li and the others at the border. Tell them to make the proper arrangements there and await my secret letter.”

“Your Majesty means...” Wei Xun looked at Xiao Mo in astonishment.

“The time is nearly right,” Xiao Mo said slowly.

“Yes!” Wei Xun’s breathing grew heavier, and a flush of excitement rose to his face. “Even if this old servant must die, I will do everything in my power to help Your Majesty reclaim authority and restore the House of Zhou!”

“It is too early to say such things. Go.” Xiao Mo waved a hand.

“Please rest well, Your Majesty.” Wei Xun bowed.

“Wait.” Just as Wei Xun was about to leave the Imperial Study, Xiao Mo called him back.

“What are Your Majesty’s orders?” Wei Xun asked.

“How much do you know about the Four Seas?” Xiao Mo asked.

“The Four Seas?” Wei Xun froze. “Your Majesty, the Four Seas are far too distant from us. Compared to them, Great Zhou is little more than a mayfly. This old servant truly knows very little.”

“Gather whatever current information you can about the Four Seas. Find as much as you can,” Xiao Mo said.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Wei Xun did not know why Xiao Mo had suddenly taken an interest in the Four Seas, but he would carry out the order all the same.

After Wei Xun left, Xiao Mo was alone in the Imperial Study.

His fingers tapped against the desk again and again in a steady rhythm.

There were five divisions of the Imperial Guard within the imperial capital: the Left and Right Divine Might Guards, the Left and Right Feathered Forest Guards, and the Vermilion Bird Guard.

If he could truly gain the support of the commanders of the Right Feathered Forest Guard and the Right Divine Might Guard, then turn the commander of the Left Feathered Forest Guard, everything he intended to do would become much easier.

With the plan set, he could only take things one step at a time.

For now, he needed to reach the middle stage of the Cave Dwelling Realm as quickly as possible.

As for the Four Seas...

Xiao Mo thought for a moment, then let out a quiet sigh.

I must be overthinking this again...