Become a king right from the start, beginning with receiving rewards from all the heavens.

The first time the two came to form an alliance, they were relegated to the position of the Heavenly Punishment Division because they gave up their right to compete for the throne.

The two then changed their tune and took the initiative to end the alliance proposal.

Unexpectedly, the Heavenly Punishment Bureau regained power and, with the confidence granted by imperial authority, has once again brought up the topic of an alliance.

Xia Zhaoyan made a final judgment in his mind about these two people: they were not talented enough and were not fit for important positions!

"An alliance?"

"You two aren't joking, are you? Let's not talk about the alliance you mentioned the first time."

"Take me for example. I don't need to fight for the throne. As long as I take care of my own little plot of land, I can live a carefree life."

"What benefits would there be in forming an alliance with you? All I see are disadvantages for me!"

Xia Zhaoyan phrased his words rather tactfully, without directly rejecting their proposal.

But anyone could tell that he had no intention of forming an alliance.

After hearing this, the two exchanged a glance, their expressions not changing much, as if Xia Zhaoyan's decision was already within their expectations.

King Ling was impulsive, unlike King Wu who seemed more reserved.

"Brother, you can't say that."

"Even if you don't participate in the struggle for the throne, with your control of the Heavenly Punishment Division, you will definitely be one of the targets that your many brothers will either try to win over or suppress."

"No prince wants to see a reckless prince controlling important court institutions while sitting on the sidelines watching the show."

"You want the Heavenly Punishment Division to remain neutral? That's impossible."

"Father can shield you from the pressure of the officials, but he can't shield you from the pressure of us sons!"

After hearing these words, Xia Zhaoyan did think a little more highly of Prince Ling, but only by a tiny bit.

"What, are you all planning to team up to suppress me?"

"It's hard to say now, but I'm sure they'll join forces to suppress us later!" King Wu said with certainty.

"Because of your existence, if you join one side, it will provide the other side with a powerful boost."

"And don't forget, because fifty guards died this time, the officials are preparing to join forces to put pressure on Father Emperor!"

Xia Zhaoyan thought about the idea of ​​putting pressure on them together, but didn't take it to heart.

At this point, unless the Emperor is foolish, he will not allow the officials to interfere with the Heavenly Punishment Bureau.

"Your Majesty, that's why we've come this time to propose an alliance."

"We acknowledge that we value the Heavenly Punishment Division, but we can also work together to withstand the pressure from all sides!"

"It's simple, we'll both send our own people into the Heavenly Punishment Division."

"Don't worry, we won't touch your control over the Heavenly Punishment Division!"

"On the contrary, we'll share the future pressures with you!"

Upon hearing this, Xia Zhaoyan suddenly understood and smiled.

"So that's how it is. In the end, you still want to interfere with the Heavenly Punishment Division!"

"How is this any different from the officials in the imperial court!"

...

"Of course it's different. We are allies, an alliance where we share both glory and fortune," King Ling said solemnly.

Xia Zhaoyan waved his hand, interrupting him.

"Don't waste your time, I will not ally with anyone."

"Forming alliances means absolutely nothing to me!"

"Alright, if there's nothing else, I won't keep you any longer!"

Having said that, he picked up his teacup, as if to see the guest off.

King Ling wanted to say something more, but was stopped by King Wu.

"Alright, I'll leave you here for today."

"Brother, you should really think this through. Forming an alliance would truly be more beneficial than harmful to you!"

After saying this, he and Prince Ling took their leave.

Outside the Prince's mansion, Prince Ling finally couldn't hold back any longer, his expression turning somewhat gloomy.

"Hmph, they really don't know what's good for them!"

"Does he really think that by controlling the Heavenly Punishment Division, he can sit back and watch everyone fight amongst themselves without a care in the world?"

"What do we do next?"

"Let's fan the flames and watch the storm rise!" King Wu said this with a calm expression, but it was full of murderous intent.

He wanted to show Xia Zhaoyan just how much pressure he would be facing next.

...

That evening, Zhang Han came to the mansion again.

"Your Highness, I have thoroughly investigated the backgrounds of those three officials appointed by the imperial court."

"These three belong to the Eastern King!"

"The twentieth imperial brother? This is interesting!" Xia Zhaoyan muttered to himself.

"Could it be that the Eastern King sent men to kill those fifty guards?"

"It can't be that simple!"

"Zhang Han, speed up the investigation!"

Zhang Han's figure disappeared from the study. Xia Zhaoyan thought for a moment and then spoke.

"The Evil King!"

Shi Zhixuan appeared, "Please give your orders, Your Highness!"

"From this moment forward, you will be responsible for monitoring the King of Wu who has come today!"

"I need to know his every move!"

The reason Xia Zhaoyan was monitoring the King of Wu was that he knew that between the two, the King of Wu was in charge of everything.

Ling Wang was just a fool who was used by the King of Wu. He was simple-minded and physically strong!

...

In the main hall of the Heavenly Punishment Bureau, Xia Zhaoyan sat below the main seat, while three middle-aged men sat in the center of the hall.

They were dressed in official robes, but they did not appear to be panicked at all.

Mu Wenhan, who was at the head of the table, was currently interrogating someone.

"Gentlemen, do you know why you have been summoned here today?"

The three remained remarkably calm. The one on the left spoke first, "Lord Sizheng, you can't blame us just because the Heavenly Punishment Division lost a guard!"

"That's right, we are officials appointed by the imperial court, how dare we kill members of the Heavenly Punishment Bureau!"

"Exactly, are you trying to frame me on purpose?!"

Mu Wenhan frowned, and was about to speak when Xia Zhaoyan raised his hand to stop him.

"It seems the three of you did this on purpose. Putting aside the fact that the guards are investigating the murder of you on your way back, you are already suspects."

"The crimes you committed in the area alone are enough to warrant your arrest."

Upon hearing this, a hint of fear flashed in the eyes of the three people.

However, they remained defiant, betting that the Heavenly Punishment Bureau had no evidence whatsoever.

Besides, their backer is the Eastern King, so I don't believe the Heavenly Punishment Division would dare to do anything to them.

"Heh, still being stubborn even when death is imminent."

Xia Zhaoyan took out a document and said, "The three of you are really audacious, daring to secretly intercept the imperial court's tax revenue."

"Replace most of the officials in a county with people from local powerful and wealthy families."

"What, are you planning to develop this territory into your own independent kingdom?!"

With that, he flung the documents in his hand and threw them directly at the three men's faces.

Damn it, look what you dogs have done to my empire!

After I take over Great Xia, won't I have to face all of you cancerous growths?

"Living so close to the capital, they still dare to collude with the imperial court."

"What, you really think you have someone backing you up, so you don't take the imperial court and the Heavenly Punishment Bureau seriously!"

The evidence in the hands of the Heavenly Punishment Division was originally intended by Mu Wenhan to be kept for later use.

He didn't want the Heavenly Punishment Division to offend the Eastern King, but Xia Zhaoyan didn't care about the Eastern King's existence at all.

Since we've already broken off all pretense, why bother pretending anymore?