The system’s prompt made Cao Shu secretly amused. With just a few casual words, he had already misled Ji Wuyi—this man was truly an easy source of villain points.
He spoke calmly, “It was merely a small effort. I only hope Your Highness can forgive me for the injury.”
Gongsun Ruoqian frowned slightly and said, “Ji Wuyi, you actually believe him?” Her suspicion toward Cao Shu had not faded in the slightest.
The moment Ji Wuyi heard her voice, irritation flared. He snapped, “What does a woman like you understand? This is not your place to speak!”
“You…!” Gongsun Ruoqian bit back her words. She had only intended to offer a kind reminder, yet she was scolded like this. Anger and grievance surged within her chest.
Meanwhile, Ji Wuyi quickly regained his usual composed demeanor and said politely, “Marquis Cao need not blame himself. I have cultivated the Royal Pure Yang Secret Canon since childhood. This minor injury is nothing.”
Cao Shu narrowed his eyes slightly. His gaze briefly swept over Gongsun Ruoqian before returning to Ji Wuyi. “I see. No wonder I sensed earlier that Your Highness’s power is extremely pure and intensely yang, without even a trace of impurity. And even now, you still have no heirs. So it turns out you have been cultivating the empire’s Pure Yang Secret Canon.”
Deep down, he couldn’t help but feel a hint of admiration. Ji Wuyi was truly ruthless. To make himself more masculine and suppress Ji Wuxin—that delicate-looking elder brother—in presence, he had chosen to cultivate such a self-tormenting technique.
The Pure Yang Secret Canon was indeed among the finest techniques within the Great Zhou Empire. However, its requirements were harsh. One could not release yang essence, making it suitable only for those utterly obsessed with cultivation.
Yet being a prince meant constant temptation. It was far too easy to lose control and ruin one’s cultivation. Among the current princes, only two still carried the heavy responsibility of continuing the Royal bloodline, and they were watched closely by all sides.
Seeing the two now speaking so harmoniously, the 6th stage Golden Core Realm cultivator wisely restrained his aura, though he remained nearby on guard. As for the servant, he had no intention of getting involved and quietly slipped away. Soon, only four people remained in the room.
Ji Wuyi spoke frankly, “It is merely to increase my chances of victory. Once I reach that position, what woman would I lack? My elder brother and I think the same way. Even now, he still has no wife.” He then gave a self-mocking smile and added, “Even so, the Pure Yang Secret Canon still cannot compare to Marquis Cao’s profound techniques.”
He had always believed himself to be among the very best of his generation in the Great Zhou Empire. But today, he had kicked an iron plate—only then did he realize how arrogant he had been.
Cao Shu replied modestly, “I merely surpass Your Highness by three minor stages in cultivation. There is no need for self-deprecation.”
In truth, it wasn’t just his cultivation realm—his techniques were also superior.
Ji Wuyi gave a small nod. He knew those were polite words. After all the exchanges, it was time to address the real matter. He asked, “Then what exactly is the cooperation Marquis Cao mentioned today?”
Cao Shu said, “It is much the same as before. If Your Highness only wishes to live as an idle prince, then consider that I was never here today. But if Your Highness does not wish for that, then I am willing to lend you a hand.”
Naturally, Ji Wuyi had no desire to live as an idle prince. However, Cao Shu’s previous allegiance made him cautious. He did not state his stance immediately but instead asked, “I recall that Marquis Cao originally stood with my elder brother. Now that he has obtained the throne, you would already have the merit of supporting a dragon. At this point, is it not too late to switch sides?” The source of this chapter is NovelPing.
His meaning was clear—coming to pledge loyalty now seemed far too late, making it likely that Cao Shu was a spy.
Cao Shu chuckled, “Not late at all. Even if the Eldest Prince ascends the throne, most of the court officials are Your Highness’s people. In that case, would such an emperor not be better replaced? If I can help Your Highness turn the situation around from the brink of defeat, I would gain the foremost merit and leave my name for eternity. Would that not be wonderful?”
Ji Wuyi’s eyes lit up at once. Turn the situation around?
“I indeed do not wish to be an idle prince… no, I don’t even want to remain a prince. If Marquis Cao can help me reverse this situation, then I ask for your assistance!”
[Ding! Successfully misled Ji Wuyi. Obtained 500 villain points.]
At the side, Gongsun Ruoqian no longer wished to stay. She said coldly, “You two continue talking. I will return to the Duke of Ning’s residence.”
Cao Shu said calmly, “There is no need for the Princess Consort to leave. There is still something that concerns you.”
Gongsun Ruoqian frowned, “Something that concerns me?”
Ji Wuyi was equally puzzled. Why was she involved?
Cao Shu nodded and turned his gaze back to Ji Wuyi. “I can assist Your Highness, but I have two conditions.”
“Please speak, Marquis Cao,” Ji Wuyi said. Cooperation required terms—no one would help for nothing.
“My first condition is that Your Highness must help me ascend to the position of Prime Minister. I have already been granted the title of Marquis, so I only lack the position of Prime Minister.”
Ji Wuyi frowned slightly. Aside from Cao Shu’s unfathomable strength, his other value was still unclear. However, gaining his support was indeed beneficial.
At worst, he could let Cao Shu hold the position for a few days before replacing him—thus fulfilling the promise.
“Very well. What is your second condition?”
Cao Shu said calmly, “I want the Princess Consort.”
“What?!” Ji Wuyi slammed his hand onto the bed. The anger he had just suppressed erupted once more. Although he had never touched Gongsun Ruoqian, she was still his woman in name. And Cao Shu actually dared to covet her?
That was absolutely unacceptable.
“Cao Shu, are you courting death?!” This chapter was taken from g.com without permission.
Gongsun Ruoqian was equally stunned. He dared to say such a thing in front of Ji Wuyi? Was he truly that fearless?
Soon, anger surged within her as well. She was not some object to be traded. “Cao Shu, how dare you?!”
The Golden Core Realm cultivator at the side also felt killing intent rise within him, waiting only for Ji Wuyi’s command.
Yet Cao Shu remained calm, completely unmoved by their fury. “Your Highness has yet to ask what I can offer. Why be so eager to be angry?”
Ji Wuyi’s eyes seemed ready to spit fire. “Fine! If you cannot give me a reasonable explanation today, do not even think of leaving my residence alive!”
Cao Shu said indifferently, “I can give Your Highness a chance to establish your rightful claim.”
Ji Wuyi frowned. “A rightful claim? What do you mean?”
Cao Shu replied, “Today, Zhao Si announced the Royal Edict before the officials, the Royal clan, the nobles, and even the common people, declaring the Eldest Prince as the legitimate successor. But has Your Highness ever doubted the authenticity of this matter?”
Ji Wuyi sneered, “Of course I have. Otherwise, why would I pretend to be mad just to see Father Emperor’s corpse and check whether my elder brother tampered with anything?”
Cao Shu asked in return, “I can guarantee that the Eldest Prince is not the problem. But have you ever considered that the issue might lie with Zhao Si?”
It was time to sell Zhao Si out.
“Zhao Si?” Ji Wuyi frowned. Zhao Si was the person closest to the Emperor—what problem could he have? “What do you mean?”
Cao Shu explained slowly, “After the Emperor passed away, Zhao Si slaughtered everyone in the Traveling Palace that very night. Your Highness’s informants would not be unaware of this, correct? Could there not be something suspicious within this?”
Ji Wuyi pondered. “Perhaps. Or perhaps not. He might have simply wanted to prevent chaos from breaking out.”
Cao Shu continued, “I accompanied the Emperor on his tour. Although I was not inside the palace that night, I am still someone with a voice in such matters. Zhao Si declared that the Eldest Prince is the rightful successor… but I can just as easily declare that the true successor is Your Highness, and that Zhao Si tampered with the Royal Edict.”
“Should Your Highness one day raise troops, I can provide you with a legitimate justification. I can even produce a Royal Edict.”
He paused, his gaze steady.
“Your Highness is the true chosen son of destiny.”