You, a tyrannical ruler, roam the heavens; you cannot understand my joy.

As night fell, in the main hall of Lu Wenyuan's residence.

The floor is paved with pure white jade, the pillars are made of golden nanmu wood, and the dome is adorned with interlaced golden lamps and inlaid with pearls, showcasing the luxurious atmosphere of a powerful family.

Lu Wenyuan sat upright in the rosewood chair, picked up the teacup on the table, gently lifted the celadon lid with three fingers, and slowly dipped the tea into the cup, tracing the tea along the inside of the cup before bringing it to his lips and taking a small sip.

"What are your thoughts on today's events?"

Below the main seat sat five men, all representatives of prominent families attending the small court assembly.

Among them, Yu Hongsheng of the Donghai Yu Clan raised an eyebrow: "I was quite puzzled before..."

"Why has Shi Wenqing repeatedly opposed the Shen family ever since he returned from accompanying His Majesty on his incognito visit?"

"Now it seems that this was at His Majesty's behest."

Su Bojian of the Qiantang Su Clan held a different opinion, shaking his head: "The Wuxing Shen Clan is closely related to the imperial family."

"Although the Shen family's power is growing, it has not yet reached the point of threatening His Majesty."

"What reason does Your Majesty have to target the Shen family?"

"It could even be said that eliminating the Shen family was an act of cutting off one's own arm."

Upon hearing this, Gu Chengye of the Gu family of Jurong's eyes narrowed slightly. Thinking of a certain possibility, he said in a deep voice, "You say..."

"Could this be like cutting off one's own arm?"

As soon as this outrageous statement was uttered, everyone's eyes turned to look at him, a look of doubt appearing in their eyes.

Even if an emperor is incompetent and licentious, he wouldn't be this stupid, would he?

Wei Huizhi of the Guangling Wei clan pondered for a moment, then asked, "What does the Marquis of Danyang mean...?"

Gu Chengye collected his thoughts and slowly began, "Please recall the situation in the Imperial Study."

"His Majesty clearly saw Shi Wenqing's rude behavior, yet he was not reprimanded."

Upon reflection, everyone agreed that this was indeed the case.

When the emperor entered the imperial study, Shi Wenqing did not bow to the emperor as he had done.

"besides……"

Gu Chengye continued, "Don't you all think... this right of exemption for aristocratic families came far too easily?"

"Hmm." Xie Daoan of the Kuaiji Xie Clan nodded: "I originally thought it would be a long battle, a contest that would last a year or two, before His Majesty would agree."

"But His Majesty agreed as soon as Shi Wenqing spoke?"

"If it were just a matter concerning the Shen family, that would be one thing, but the right to exemption has always been a power reserved for royalty."

"Your Majesty's easy agreement clearly tells the world that aristocratic families and the royal family are almost equal, doesn't it?"

"How could they easily agree to something that would so severely undermine the prestige of the royal family?"

Gu Chengye nodded: "Neither cutting off one's own arm nor weakening the prestige of the imperial family is something an emperor should do."

"And these..."

"They all came from the same person!"

Hiss!

Upon hearing this, a series of gasps filled the hall, and everyone's faces turned pale!

Lu Wenyuan's face darkened: "Does Lord Gu mean...?"

Gu Chengye smiled, picked up his teacup and took a sip: "Gentlemen, most of the military power in the capital is now controlled by Lord Shi and Eunuch Li."

"If Eunuch Li were to further consolidate control of the Southern Xu navy and replace all its commanders with his own men..."

"Then more than half of the troops of the Great Chen Dynasty were in their hands."

Everyone felt a jolt in their hearts, their pupils suddenly contracted, and a thought simultaneously surfaced in their minds.

The emperor has been sidelined!

Lu Wenyuan's face was grim. He lowered his eyes in thought, and after a long while, he raised his head and murmured, "Then, what do you all think we should do next?"

Since ancient times, emperors and their subjects have had a relationship of mutual dependence and mutual struggle.

The power struggles and rivalries between them are happening almost every day.

Su Bojian scoffed: "If His Majesty is truly being sidelined or... manipulated by those around him."

"There are simply two paths to take."

Yu Hongsheng nodded: "Firstly, we should step forward and assist His Majesty."

"At that time, His Majesty will surely bestow honors upon our family."

Secondly, they did nothing.

"Whether it's Shi Wenqing or Li Chengan, if they want to truly control the court, military power alone is not enough."

"We also need your support!"

"In my opinion, today's exemption is merely a greeting gift."

"The benefits will be even greater and more numerous in the future!"

Shi Wenqing's military power was only nominal.

Firstly, no matter how many generals and officers are replaced in the army, there will always be members of the six major families.

They might be his sons, his disciples, or his underlings, etc.

Secondly, the guards of the major families, the martial arts masters under their command, and the influence of the Jianghu (martial arts world) are a force that cannot be ignored!

Thirdly, the nine great families were not only officials and important ministers of the imperial court, but also local warlords!

For example, the Song clan of Lingnan held absolute power over military and political affairs in Lingnan.

Other families also each occupied their own territory, such as the Shen family of Wuxing in Dongyang, and the Lu family of Wujun in Nanhuai, etc.

Lu Wenyuan thought for a moment and added, "I believe there is a third way..."

……

Time flew by, and another half hour passed.

A young man of medium build, reeking of alcohol, strode into the Lu residence.

He wore a dark purple brocade robe with a pattern of intertwined peonies, and a jade pendant carved with a coiled dragon at his waist. The belt buckle was decorated with a lion swallowing the sun pattern and inlaid with three blood marrow agates.

Her clothes and accessories exude a luxurious style.

"Um?"

Lu Ming wanted to go to the hall to see his father, but before he had even gotten a hundred feet away, he was stopped by a guard.

"Third Young Master, please wait."

"The master has given orders that no one is allowed to approach within a hundred feet of the main hall."

what?

Lu Ming's heart skipped a beat, and he sobered up considerably. His eyes flashed with a sharp, piercing light: "My father is having a secret meeting?"

The guard nodded without saying a word.

A major event has occurred in the court!

Lu Ming had only witnessed two such heavily guarded secret meetings since birth.

Last time, several powerful families joined forces to eliminate Chen Shuling, the Prince of Shixing, and supported Chen Shubao to ascend the throne.

And this time...

It will definitely not be smaller than last time!

……

The secret meeting lasted until late at night before the representatives of the major families left the Lu residence.

As soon as they left, Lu Ming rushed into the hall and asked, "Father, has something big happened in the court?"

"Don't ask anything."

Lu Wenyuan waved his hand: "Just remember to be respectful when you see Shi Wenqing and Eunuch Li in the future."

Then, he stepped out of the door and into the courtyard. Just as he was about to walk out of the mansion, he suddenly remembered something.

"Stay home for now and don't go anywhere."

After giving a brief instruction, Lu Wenyuan strode away, exited the mansion, and boarded the carriage that had been prepared for him.

"Go to the Shi residence."

……

Meanwhile, outside Jiankang City, in a dilapidated courtyard.

"Get to work."

The six men—the Judge of Yin and Yang, the Soul-Reaping Ghost, Chu Yunlong, Huang Ye, and Lin Ruhai—nodded in unison: "Yes, Your Majesty."

After saying that, they dispersed and went in different directions.

Lu Zuo stood in the courtyard, looking up at the cold, clear moon in the night sky, his expression neither sad nor happy.