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

Oh?

Lu Zuo narrowed his eyes, looking at the panicked Chao Nu Yao in front of him, and secretly analyzed the truthfulness of her words.

Lu Zuo had anticipated Ji Wuye and the others' suspicions.

After all, even if King Han An was incompetent, he wasn't as absurd as himself.

He forcibly took the wife of a court official, refused to attend court for months, and even turned away his son and daughter when they requested an audience.

Unless all the officials in Xinzheng are fools, they couldn't possibly fail to see the problem.

He was just unsure whether killing the Tide Demoness here would increase Ji Wuye's suspicions, or even lead him to conclude that he was an imposter.

With Lu Zuo's current cultivation level, even if Ji Wuye and Bai Yifei, along with all the Nightfall experts, attacked together, he was confident that he could break out of the palace and survive.

But he still had more than ten days left to use his identity as the King of Han, and he didn't want to waste it like that...

"He's hesitating!"

Seeing Lu Zuo's uncertain expression, Chao Nu Yao quickly added, "If Your Majesty doesn't believe me, just ask the palace servants outside."

"If Ji Wuye hadn't driven them away, how could I have reached the palace gates?"

Lu Zuo turned and left. After leaving the main hall, he summoned the nearby palace servants. After learning that what she said was true, he returned to the main hall and released the pressure points of the Tide Demoness.

.....

With two muffled thuds, the Tide Demoness's body immediately went limp, and she involuntarily slid to the ground, muttering repeatedly.

"Huff, huff..."

Finally, I survived...

"Nightfall Tide Banshee, let's talk."

Boom!

These words struck Chao Nvyao like a bolt from the blue!

Her beautiful eyes widened, her red lips parted slightly, and she stared at Lu Zuo in astonishment: "You, who exactly are you?"

Lu Zuo sat back on the couch, looking down at the Tide Demoness: "Who I am is not important."

"The important thing is... how will you survive?"

The Tide Demoness's mind raced: "He's not killing me now, he's just giving me a chance."

"Next comes the life-or-death moment, and we must be extremely careful with every word and action."

"The slightest mistake could bring about death!"

"Since he is a fake King of Han, then this is his answer..."

After thinking for a moment, she slowly rose, bowed respectfully, and said softly, "Because I am useful to Your Majesty."

"Oh?"

"What's the use?"

Suppressing her fear, the Tide Demoness tried to keep her tone calm: "Firstly, since Your Majesty knows that Mingzhu is a member of the Nightfall faction..."

"Then they must know in their hearts that if I say that Your Majesty is Your Majesty, Ji Wuye and Bai Yifei will not doubt it."

"Secondly, I know King Han's habits best, and I can make Your Majesty more like him..."

"As for the third one..."

A slightly hoarse voice, as if dipped in honey, gently wafted out.

The trendy woman's eyes sparkled, a gentle smile playing on her lips. Her slender fingers picked up the end of her coat's tie and, unhurriedly, gave it a light tug...

The deep purple court robe slipped silently down her delicate shoulder line, piling up at her feet to reveal the black bodycon dress underneath.

She moved forward slightly, knelt down gracefully, and nestled beside Lu Zuo's feet.

The succubus tilted her head back, her eyes shimmering like autumn water as she gazed at him. Then, her pink lips parted slightly, her breath sweet as orchids: "Your Majesty, are you truly willing to kill me?"

Lu Zuo pondered for a moment, then said in a deep voice, "What you say makes sense, but how can I believe you?"

"I can swear an oath."

"Heh." Lu Zuo chuckled, his tone quite disdainful.

The fairy's expression changed. She knew that oaths were only good for fooling children and had no chance of gaining the trust of the person in front of her.

but…….

She had no other choice.

Moreover, although this person is lustful, he is not obsessed with beauty.

Despite her best efforts and displaying all her charm, he remained unmoved, his killing intent undiminished.

"Let me explain."

Lu Zuo leaned down, his fingertips lifting the swaying nymph's snow-white chin, staring intently into her eyes: "I see the word 'ambition' in your eyes!"

"A burning ambition for power, for wealth, for control of everything!"

"Would you like to be the Queen of Korea?"

The trendy, alluring woman's body trembled violently!

"I...I dare not..."

"Let me finish." Lu Zuo waved his hand. "In another ten days or so, I will be leaving Xinzheng. It would be too much of a waste to give up the situation that we have worked so hard to achieve."

"I can support you to become the true master of Korea and control the reins of power in Korea."

"Although you are not the king in name, your authority is no different from that of the king."

This idea was something he had just come up with.

Rather than abandoning a promising situation and leaving Xinzheng in a dozen days, it would be better to support a highly ambitious woman and use her to acquire resources from South Korea.

and……

With such a tremendous benefit falling into her lap, the trendy vixen would do her best to protect herself as an imposter.

Mutual benefit and exploitation are essential for building trust.

"You...you really mean that?"

The trendy girl is smitten!

She is indeed ambitious!

She had even long ago considered using the Baiyue aphrodisiac to manipulate the King of Han and become the mistress of Han.

As for Ji Wuye, Bai Yifei, and the like, it was nothing more than feigning compliance and taking advantage of the power of the night...

after all!

A chill flashed in her eyes. They were the ones who conspired to send her to the palace to serve this old man who disgusted her to the core!

They never asked me if I wanted to!

Lu Zuo nodded: "At this moment, I don't need to joke with you. Just tell me the answer."

The seductive woman immediately knelt and bowed her head: "This servant is willing to obey Your Majesty's orders... Ah~~!"

Before he could finish speaking, he felt a tremendous force lift him up and then slam him onto the bed with a thud.

She was about to get up when Lu Zuo pressed her back down: "Just now, Madam displayed her charm and tried to seduce me with her beauty."

"How could I not give my wife a chance?"

Upon hearing this, the Tide Demoness closed her eyes slightly, half-open and half-closed, her gaze filled with tears, adopting a submissive posture.

A myriad of charms are revealed, and the allure is even stronger.

.......

A short while later, the two people inside the hall secretly conspired and talked.

The Tide Demoness: "What does Your Majesty plan to do next?"

Lu Zuo: "Tomorrow I will announce to the public that you will have full authority over national affairs."

"The real King of Han is still alive. As long as we keep him firmly under control, we can use him as a shield even if someone becomes suspicious in the future."

"As for me, after I regain my true form, I will take up a position in the imperial court, replacing Ji Wuye, and will be responsible for dealing with those who are disobedient to you."

Chao Nu Yao: "But Ji Wuye and Bai Yifei both wield great power... Phew... They're so powerful..."

Lu Zuo: "Don't worry, I don't even consider these two a threat."

Trendy Fairy: "Really?"

"Your Majesty...you are so amazing!"

Lu Zuo: "Do you have any methods to manipulate the King of Han?"

The fairy maiden nodded: "Your Majesty, rest assured, since you allow me to do as you please, I have my own ways to make him obedient and compliant."

"To avoid being noticed by others, I haven't dared to use many of my past methods."

"Now..."

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"Now that we have fewer concerns, many things become easier."

What an ambitious and ruthless woman...

The Tide Demoness is a packet of poison soaked in honey!

……

The next day, early in the morning.

Morning light streamed through the carved wooden windows, casting dappled shadows on the floor of the sleeping quarters.

The air was filled with the lingering fragrance of last night, and a jade cup lay tilted in the corner of the table, reflecting the faint morning light.

The golden finger's prompts appeared right on time.

Apart from his cultivation level increasing by more than 700 compared to before, nothing else changed.

Lu Zuo continued to add the Thousand Blade Flow Slash Technique, and then got off the couch.

"Your Majesty..."

"Up so early?"

The trendy woman reclines languidly, her long, dark hair cascading over the pillow, highlighting the snow-white skin of her shoulders and neck.

She slowly opened her beautiful eyes, raised her hand to gently gather the silk quilt that had slipped off her shoulders, exuding a cat-like allure.

"Hurry up and take action; I have so much time to spare."

Chao Nu Yao straightened her expression, rubbed her aching back and got off the wooden bed. While helping Lu Zuo with his makeup, she said softly, "My methods will take more than ten days to prepare."

"I wonder if Your Majesty will arrive in time?"

As she spoke, she knelt down again and helped him put on his shoes.

Lu Zuo nodded: "That should be enough. I will go to court today and declare that the affairs of state are entrusted to you."

"Go and deal with King Han An."

.......

A short while later, in the main hall of the royal palace.

Morning light slanted down from the high window, cutting several narrow golden lines on the floor tiles. Above the nine jade steps, the golden throne stood silently, gleaming with a cold metallic light.

Lu Zuo sat upright, surveying the civil and military officials on both sides below, and instructed the palace attendant beside him, "Proclaim the imperial decree."

A palace maid stepped forward, unfurling a brocade embroidered with gold, her high-pitched voice echoing in the silent hall: "Royal decree:"

"I have recently been suffering from a serious illness and my mind is exhausted; I am not fit to exert myself."

"Therefore, from this day forward, all matters of state, regardless of their importance, shall be handled and decided by Lady Mingzhu."

"All of you should assist me wholeheartedly, be diligent and careful in your duties, and avoid making any mistakes."

"A proclamation was issued to the court and the public, so that everyone would know."

"So be it!"

Upon hearing this, the entire hall fell silent instantly!

Immediately, worried and puzzled gazes were all cast toward the figure on the jade steps.

"Your Majesty, you mustn't!"

The Prime Minister immediately stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "A hen crowing at dawn brings ruin to the family!"

"Matters of state are of paramount importance, concerning the survival of the nation and the livelihood of all its people; how can they be entrusted to the hands of a woman?"

"This action violates ancestral rules and goes against moral principles. This old minister dares to beg Your Majesty to rescind your decree!"

Before the words had even finished, another elderly minister in purple robes strode forward: "What the Prime Minister says is absolutely right!"

"Even though Lady Mingzhu has a virtuous reputation, she is ultimately a concubine in the harem. A woman interfering in politics is a grave taboo for the nation!"

"If this precedent is set, the court will be thrown into chaos, and the nation will cease to exist! This old minister pleads with Your Majesty, with tears in his eyes, to reconsider!"

Immediately afterwards, more court officials stepped forward and loudly opposed the matter.

"Your Majesty!"

"Recently, there have been rumors in Xinzheng that the King has been bewitched by a woman and has not attended court for a long time."

"If the edict is issued today, it will only confirm the rumors, damage the dignity of the royal family, and shake the foundation of the nation!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

"Your Majesty, I implore you to set aside this thought for now and wait until Your Majesty has fully recovered before making a decision in court. This would be for the good of the nation!"

Several high-ranking officials spoke in succession, while the other officials, though not daring to speak out directly, all lowered their heads and frowned, and whispers began to rise.

Lu Zuo didn't speak, but instead turned his gaze to Ji Wuye and Bai Yifei.

At this moment, the two of them were also somewhat bewildered...

Although the Tide Demoness's illusions were powerful, they only made the King of Han immerse himself in a beautiful dream world, making him infatuated with the Tide Demoness.

How did he suddenly gain complete control?

Although the situation was unclear, the two immediately realized that this was a golden opportunity!

After this decree is issued, the night will truly become the master of Korea!

"Your Majesty is currently unwell and mentally exhausted. This decree is issued for the long-term benefit of the nation. We hope you can rest and recuperate and recover soon."

"This is compassion for His Majesty's body; what is wrong with that?"

Or perhaps...

His tone suddenly turned sharp, his gaze hardening into a razor-sharp edge, and he asked menacingly, "Are you all so impatient to avenge the King?!"

Upon hearing this, the faces of the senior officials immediately turned extremely ugly.

"What the General says is exactly what I was thinking."

Bai Yifei slowly stepped forward, his cold gaze sweeping over Zhang Kaidi and the others, and said, "The loyalty of the Prime Minister and all the other officials is evident, and I am aware of it."

"However, Your Majesty is the ruler of the country, and you have the sole authority to decide the fate of the nation. Since you have issued a decree, we, as your subjects, should obey your orders and do our utmost to assist you in managing state affairs."

Having said that, he bowed deeply and said, "Your Majesty, rest assured!"

"This humble general will ensure the smooth implementation of the new policies and the stability of the court and the people!"

"If any villain dares to use this as an excuse to cause trouble, or outwardly comply while inwardly defying, thus disrupting the order and discipline of our Korea..."

"This general will show absolutely no mercy!"

Two high-ranking officials in charge of the South Korean military expressed their support, and other officials stepped forward to express their views.

"I second that opinion."

"I second that opinion."

"I second that opinion..."

Almost all the civil and military officials in the court supported the new edict, so no matter how much Zhang Kaidi and a few others opposed it, it was useless.

They exchanged a glance, and in the end, could only sigh helplessly and accept their fate...

……

At this moment, in the Tang Dynasty world, at the Prefectural Governor's Office.

"Report!"

A soldier rushed in, knelt down, and bowed: "General Qi, the advance of Dongyang is swift; they are less than 150 li from Nantong!"

"Report!"

"General, we have now ascertained the general situation of the Dongyang army."

"Including the support from powerful families across the land, the Dongyang army numbers a staggering... 280,000!"

What?

In the main seat, Yue Qing's expression changed drastically. He jumped up from his seat, cold sweat uncontrollably seeping from his forehead.

"Two hundred and eighty thousand..."

Nantong was already at a disadvantage, and without external support, its chances of defeating the 180,000-strong Dongyang army were slim...

Their advance was far faster than they had anticipated, and their forces numbered an extra 100,000!

Nantong... what can it use to fight this battle?

With a thud.

Yue Qing seemed to have all her strength drained away, slumped back into her seat, and muttered, "Go down."

……

"It seems this tyrant is doomed to lose..."

Fan Qinghui smiled as she passed through the main hall of the prefectural governor's mansion, then turned and left.

……

On the other side, atop a certain green mountain peak.

Yang Guang stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the city walls of Nantong: "I never imagined that that foolish emperor would be able to seize such a strategically important place as Nantong?"

The white-robed scholar beside him, waving his paper fan, laughed and said, "Taking Nantong will only hasten our demise!"

"Shen Xun went mad upon hearing this news and has been frantically accelerating his advance. It is estimated that he will be at the city gates by tomorrow night."

"At that point, skinning them alive and pulling out their tendons would be the least of it..."