This Is What a Villain Is Like

’If that’s the case, then why is the woman in white so guilt-ridden over him? What role did Jiang Lan play in that incident? Was he purely a victim?’

’This is getting more and more interesting. To think I’ve uncovered such a secret.’

’What happened at the Prime Minister’s Mansion back then was covered up so thoroughly, but there are no walls in this world that don’t leak...’

’But just what is that woman in white’s identity? I never knew Jiang Lan had a sister.’

’Could it be related to the Kunlun Immortal Ruins that appeared back then? To have such heaven-shaking, earth-shattering cultivation and ability at such a young age... it’s truly incredible.’

Emperor Xia put away the Celestial Observation Mirror from her desk. She stroked the pure white cat in her arms as she sank into thought.

When the Kunlun Immortal Ruins first appeared, it drew almost every Daoist Lineage Influence from across the Nine Provinces Land to scramble for a spot.

It was the most mysterious place in the Nine Provinces Land, rumored to have fallen from the Immortal Realm, and held the greatest secret to achieving immortality.

Even the Great Xia Royal Family had sent many powerful experts to investigate, but in the end, they came back with nothing.

She had, however, heard that the couple, Jiang Lintian and Li Qingshu, had obtained something from within...

But such matters were too secretive for even the Royal Family to investigate and catch wind of.

And that sister of Jiang Lan’s... her strength was truly unfathomable. If Emperor Xia were to face her alone, she estimated that she would be no match for her.

Unless she mobilized the Dragon Energy of Great Xia to bolster her strength and used her various other methods, only then might she stand a fighting chance.

Such talent could only be described as near-immortal, unparalleled throughout the ages.

’At least from the current situation, her target for revenge is the Prime Minister’s Mansion.’

’But at this critical juncture, I can’t let her run wild. With something like this suddenly popping up, the various Immortal Sect Lineages are on high alert...’

Emperor Xia wasn’t afraid that Jiang Ruxian would hold a grudge against her for spying.

The Prime Minister’s Mansion had mobilized numerous experts that day with great fanfare, making almost no attempt to conceal it.

Many of the Immortal Sect Influences within the Imperial Capital had subsequently sent spies to follow them in secret.

But they clearly lacked the skills of her handmaiden, Xia Zhu, and were dealt with along the way.

It was such a conspicuous event that it was impossible for the Royal Family to feign ignorance.

At court tomorrow, Emperor Xia would have to speak up and inquire about this matter to placate the people.

’I just wonder how Jiang will respond. Will he claim he mobilized experts overnight to intercept a former enemy?’

A faintly mocking smile touched the corners of Emperor Xia’s lips.

She had gained quite a lot from this incident.

At the very least, she now had a real understanding of Jiang Lan.

There were, more or less, reasons behind the words he had spoken that day on the painted boat.

She never believed anyone would help her without reason, especially not Jiang Lan, the son of the Prime Minister’s Mansion, the Royal Family’s current mortal enemy.

But now...

She felt she understood Jiang Lan a little better now. After all, many things in life are born of compulsion.

Identity and position do indeed conflict at times.

’A pity. I still couldn’t uncover the full story,’ Emperor Xia thought with a hint of regret.

The next day, the atmosphere in the Imperial Capital Jingyang City was exceptionally solemn.

In the imperial court, all the princes, dukes, and ministers avoided mentioning the great commotion and display of power caused by the Prime Minister’s Mansion mobilizing its experts, as if they were completely unaware of the matter.

Emperor Xia, dressed in her Dragon Robe, sat upon the Throne. Her eyes were slightly narrowed, and in the end, she had to be the one to raise the question.

Only then did the rather elderly Duke Zhongguo step forward, present a prepared memorial, and voice his concerns about yesterday’s events.

The Prime Minister’s Mansion had suddenly mobilized so many experts during the special period of the Southern Hunting drills, causing widespread panic.

The major Immortal Sect Lineages outside were all investigating the cause and asking questions, hoping Emperor Xia could provide a response to calm the public.

The Great Xia Imperial Capital was the Royal Family’s most fortified city. Its towering, magnificent walls alone were inscribed with countless Runes and Restrictions, exuding a divine might that awed the world.

Once activated, the Grand Array would envelop the entire city, sealing heaven and earth. The Immortal Sect Lineages that had come to observe the ceremony wouldn’t even be able to dream of leaving.

If Great Xia had any ulterior motives, all the Immortal Sect Lineages within the Imperial Capital would be trapped like turtles in a jar.

Something similar had happened once before.

An Emperor had once used his grand birthday celebration as a pretext to invite all the Immortal Sects in the world, only to spring a monstrous killing array within the city, wiping out all the guests from the Daoist Lineage Influences in one fell swoop.

He then used this as bait to purge the Immortal and Demon Sects and the Overseas Kingdoms.

The Prime Minister’s Mansion causing such a huge disturbance had indeed left many people deeply unsettled.

As Duke Zhongguo spoke up and inquired, the rest of the court officials chimed in one after another, also bringing up the matter.

Emperor Xia simply responded calmly, explaining that this was a private grudge of the Prime Minister’s Mansion and had nothing to do with Great Xia. She added that during the Southern Hunting drills, anyone who broke the rules would face severe punishment and retaliation from Great Xia.

For the past few days of morning court, Prime Minister Jiang Lintian had been absent, claiming illness.

With Emperor Xia holding all the power in the court, no one dared to raise any further objections.

Afterward, news related to the incident spread quickly throughout the Imperial Capital, sparking discussion and speculation in every inn, tavern, street, alley, and pavilion. The rumors were many and varied.

Although the Prime Minister’s Mansion’s power was immense, it had certainly made many enemies. The number of overseas clans purged and enslaved by the Prime Minister’s Mansion over the years was not small.