Even emperors have it tough, so don't be too picky about the entries.

Chen Shao then remembered that there was someone else next to him.

Looking up, I saw that the other person was already dressed.

Chen Shao stared at him for a long time before asking, "You are...?"

"Hmph! Just like sugarcane, it's all dregs after you chew it. I am Su Ruolan!"

"Oh, so it's Young Taoist Master Biyang."

Chen Shao suddenly realized.

"I almost didn't recognize you with these clothes on."

Every time the two met, the lighting was poor, and it was always that kind of thing.

Chen Shao was so busy with work that he had completely forgotten about her.

I never expected she would become a concubine...

This must be because Eunuch Wei arranged for her to enter the harem, taking advantage of their past relationship.

Chen Shao changed the subject.

He laughed and said, "Come, come, let me see if it's really gold!"

"Shameless!" Su Ruolan's eyes held a complex mix of anger and resentment.

Su Ruolan was considered a prominent figure in the Golden Wind and Fine Rain Pavilion.

But ever since he met Chen Shao, everything was over. His life was ruined, and his career as an assassin never progressed.

The first time I dressed up as the most beautiful courtesan at Chunfeng Deyi Tower, I was tormented for quite a while.

The second time he disguised himself as the Taoist boy Biyang, he was tormented all night again.

The third time, with the ultimate weapon, the succulent, I was tormented on the rooftop all night.

Three assassination attempts.

This body is almost ruined.

Now she's been confined to the inner palace, eagerly awaiting her return every day.

She herself couldn't tell whether she was an assassin or a bed warmer now.

"By the way, has business been slow at your Golden Wind and Fine Rain Pavilion lately? Why hasn't anyone come to assassinate me?"

"Assassination attempts certainly occurred. Our Golden Wind and Fine Rain Pavilion has a 300-year-old reputation that we can't just smash. Reputation is our principle. It's just that His Majesty was lucky, and all the assassinations failed."

Chen Shao's heart stirred.

Jiannan Town has always been a headache for him.

Shu Road is difficult, and it is difficult to ascend to the sky.

That place is a perfect balance between offense and defense; to be honest, he had absolutely no idea how to solve it.

Unlike Jingxiang and Pinghai, who, even with the Yangtze River's dominance, were completely disregarded by him.

It is said that the sons of Jiannan Town are causing trouble. If they directly eliminate the military governor Han Wei, the town might collapse without a fight.

The Golden Breeze and Drizzle Building seems to be a good fit for this job.

"Is this all the Golden Wind and Drizzle Pavilion is capable of? I remember you were known as the number one assassin organization in the world? Isn't that an overstatement?"

"fart!"

Su Ruolan was furious when he insulted the organization.

"Our Golden Wind and Fine Rain Pavilion is truly the best in the world; no other assassin organization can rival us!"

"It's just that you're a bit strange."

"I don't believe it."

Chen Shao shook his head. "I've had nothing to do lately."

"Why don't I give you the chance to assassinate me? You can attempt to assassinate me seven times within seven days. I won't be on guard and will just stay here."

"Su Ruolan, if you fail to assassinate him within these seven chances, the Golden Wind and Drizzle Pavilion will henceforth submit to me. Go and discuss this with your sect leader, what do you say?"

Su Ruolan sneered:

"Undefended, seven assassination attempts—do you know what you're talking about?"

"Of course I know."

"really?"

A ruler's word is his bond.

"You're really going to die!" Su Ruolan roared.

"I need the help of the Golden Wind and Fine Rain Pavilion. Go and discuss it with the Pavilion Master. I will wait for you here."

"Arrogance can really kill you."

Su Ruolan stamped her foot, but Chen Shao was already unmoved by her words.

Enraged, she stormed out of the door.

"Since you're courting death, there's nothing I can do. You wait, I'll give you an answer tonight!"

After she left, Chen Shao lay alone on the soft couch, lost in thought.

The new policies, the reduction of the power of the feudal lords, the northern expedition... these three things are like three mountains weighing on him, making it hard for him to breathe lately.

Everything is urgent, yet nothing is settled.

Just then, a series of hurried footsteps came from outside the door.

Then, with a bang, the palace door was kicked open.

Shen Qingci angrily stepped across the threshold, followed by Bai Bingbing, who looked helpless.

Bai Bingbing shrugged at Chen Shao.

"If they insist on going, I cannot stop them."

Shen Qingci rushed up to Chen Shao without even a greeting and immediately launched into a tirade.

"What are you thinking, that you absolutely have to go to Jiangnan?"

Shen Qingci was really anxious.

She held it in for half an hour in the court, until the court session ended and Chen Shao returned to the inner palace.

He wanted to offer advice, but Bai Bingbing stopped him.

This time, I really couldn't hold it in any longer.

His oval face flushed red, and his chest heaved violently.

It's clear that he's on the verge of losing control.

"Chen Shao! I was too embarrassed to speak to you in court, but now that we're alone, you'd better explain yourself."

"What exactly do you want? To go south of the Yangtze River? Now? Do you want the Great Yan Dynasty to die not quickly enough?"

"Do you know how much silver it costs to build a dragon boat? And the various prefectures and counties along the route have to prepare palaces, post roads, ceremonial guards, and meals—all of which are squeezed from the people!"

"You just killed someone from a powerful family in Jiangnan. They're looking for a way to get revenge, and you just walk right into their trap?"

"And then there's Chen Yue and Qian Guiren. Do you think they wouldn't dare to fight you?"

"They might not have dared before, but now they have princes in their hands! Those were all princes you personally appointed!"

"They've got your own brother in their hands as a political trump card; they could raise the banner of 'purging the court of corrupt officials' and march north at any time!"

"You ride a donkey all day long, have you been kicked in the head by a donkey?!"

She unleashed all the anger she had been holding in.

After finishing his tirade, he looked around the main hall.

Steam was still rising from the wooden tub, and flower petals were scattered all over the ground.

The air was filled with the fragrance of a woman's bath.

Her anger intensified.

He sneered:

"Ha, he's only been emperor for a few days? He's killing people in court and indulging in women in the harem. He's living a pretty comfortable life."

"Chen Shao, let me tell you, when the second-in-command controls the first-in-command, then the second-in-command is the real boss, and you are the second-in-command!"

This woman... she's all looks and no brains.

Then your mind won't go in circles.

However, she meant well, and Chen Shao did not blame her.

"Minister Shen, I have my own arrangements. You don't need to worry. Just do your job well."

"You should know how well I've performed lately—defeating the Northern Barbarians, annihilating the Yellow Turbans. Can't I even relax a little when I'm exhausted?"

"Besides, now that I'm the emperor, can't I enjoy myself a bit?"

Shen Qingci was completely enraged by these words of a foolish ruler.

She valued Chen Shao.

I've always felt that Chen Shao's actions and deeds were very much in line with those of a great emperor throughout history.

He also believed that under his leadership, the Great Yan Dynasty would truly become prosperous and powerful.

However, he became obsessed with women before he had even started his business.

There are countless emperors like this throughout history.

She wouldn't allow such a promising talent to be ruined.

So she suddenly turned around and ripped off Bai Bingbing's shirt.

Caught off guard, Bai Bingbing had the outer garment of her flying fish robe ripped open, revealing her snow-white undergarment and a section of her collarbone.

He quickly covered his chest with both hands.

"Shen Qingci, what's wrong with you?!"

Shen Qingci completely ignored her and pointed at Bai Bingbing, yelling at Chen Shao:

"If you're obsessed with women, this is a great option! Bai Bingbing is from Jiangnan, so she's familiar with both water and land routes."

"She's beautiful too. You should relax. If you want to experience the charm of Jiangnan, just find her. Why bother going to all that trouble and expense to go to Jiangnan!"