Taiyi Dao Fruit

If it were according to the normal time, Jiang Li should have arrived two quarters earlier. Now that he holds power over the court and field, the opposing factions in the court have temporarily stopped their actions, so the court meeting naturally shouldn't be delayed. Even accounting for a meeting with Feng Manlou, it shouldn't be two quarters late.

The fact that it is this much late can only show that these powers do not hold much place in Jiang Li's heart.

Although he single-handedly made the Jiang family's resurgence, looking at him, he doesn't seem to have the intention to go further.

This, for Zhu Hui'an, is not good news.

"Compared to power, I still prefer to attribute great power to myself," Jiang Li smiled and said, "Now I'm in a refinement period, and the open and hidden struggles in the court can be played out during leisure time to adjust my mood, not to be too focused. When I become third grade, there's no need for much struggle, power will naturally come to me."

Zhu Hui'an thought to himself indeed, his guess in his heart got confirmed, yet he showed no sign of depression.

He said: "But with support, with power to subdue, the improvement of strength is faster. As the saying goes, one fence needs three posts, one hero needs three helpers. For some trivial matters, there's no need for the Minister of Works to handle personally, just leave it to your subordinates."

Zhu Hui'an wasn't thinking of changing Jiang Li's will, to make him change track and start striving for power. He isn't Jiang Li's elder, and their relationship may not be that close, not qualified to instruct Jiang Li.

Therefore, Zhu Hui'an changed his approach, talking about the benefits of influence, the convenience of power.

"Worldly matters, even the supreme cannot avoid, if there's someone to serve, the Minister of Works can enjoy peace," Zhu Hui'an continued.

"Oh?"

Jiang Li showed a hint of interest, "Like Mr. Hui'an?"

"Like me." Zhu Hui'an nodded.

In elegant words, this is recommending oneself, intending to seek a position under Jiang Li.

To put it plainly, if the Minister of Works doesn't mind, Zhu Hui'an is willing to be his follower.

Though Zhu Hui'an belongs to the Confucian school, his capability in speaking resembles the style of ancient famous scholars or strategists.

To say such humble words with the status of a fourth-grade expert and a family head, Jiang Li's impression of him was indeed refreshed. One should know that at the first meeting, Zhu Hui'an seemed profound and poised, like a still water in a deep abyss or a lofty mountain.

And now, while he maintains his air, he has started placing himself in a subordinate position to Jiang Li.

Impressive versatility.

Many can be flexible when they have nothing, but once they succeed, their mental state changes entirely, making it difficult to be humble again. Zhu Hui'an indeed has not undergone suppression, and he easily lowers himself without external pressure, not to mention his ability, this mental state is already formidable.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Li pondered for a moment, then clapped his hands and said: "Good."

With these words, Zhu Hui'an rose and was about to bow deeply to Jiang Li, "Zhu Hui'an pays respect to the Minister of Works."

"No need for formalities."

Jiang Li naturally wouldn't let Zhu Hui'an perform a solo act, he cooperatively stood up and supported him, saying: "In the future, I will rely on you, sir."

Zhu Hui'an repeatedly said, "I dare not," and the two sat down again.

This time, however, there was a bit more of a sense of comradeship.

Since Zhu Hui'an just pledged allegiance, he naturally wanted to make a statement, and immediately said: "To not hide from you, Minister, among those who previously allied with me and wanted to change the Great Zhou, there is Tan Wuwei of the Mo Sect. This person has traveled across the Nine Provinces for a long time, interacting with commoners, and holds deep dissatisfaction with the current situation of the Great Zhou. Although a Mohist, he and I share quite an affinity."

"But even I couldn't have imagined that Tan Wuwei would dare to defy the world by associating with Buddha Country, even secretly becoming the White Lotus Saint Mother Bodhisattva of Buddha Country."

Indeed, it is her.

Jiang Li had long suspected, and now with confirmation, he gained a new understanding of Tan Wuwei.

For years presenting herself as a fifth-grade realm to others, many believed this Mo Sect high-level figure had reached her limit and was unable to bear higher-grade pressures of the Five Turbid Evil World. Unexpectedly, she wasn't unable to advance but her Dao Fruit from ascension was hard to reveal.

Lifeless Mother Dao Fruit, White Lotus Saint Mother Bodhisattva of Buddha Country, if such an identity was exposed, it would be certain death.

And Tan Wuwei isn't just able to ascend to fourth-rank, but now has even achieved third grade.

"In your opinion, what will Tan Wuwei do next?" Jiang Li asked.

Zhu Hui'an already had a plan and immediately replied: "Tan Wuwei has the heart to change the world, she pledged to Buddha Country not because she agrees with them, but to use Buddha Country's power to ascend, using Buddha Country's strength to achieve her own purposes. With her savvy and foresight, she will definitely use her management in the Nine Provinces as a reason, to become the pioneer for Buddha Country's eastern transmission of Buddhist Law."

"Previously, although Buddha Country was accepting followers, it was not as vigorous as the Taiping Sect. The absence of a third-grade showing up is most likely because they were waiting for Tan Wuwei's ascension."

"Now, Liangzhou Province has gone through great tribulations, with a shortage of people, not only due to natural disasters and the aftereffects of plague but also interference from the Imperial College. It is not a fertile ground. Tan Wuwei should give up on Liangzhou and focus on Yong Province, first managing the propagation of teachings and taking root."

"She wants to take a soft approach?" Jiang Li raised an eyebrow.

After experiencing the Soaring Cloud Sect chaos a century ago, Yong Province should also be wary of Buddha Country. Coupled with the fierce custom of its people, tough measures might not work, but a soft approach could be a good strategy.

However, soft might not withstand hard, no matter how well the roots are set, a butcher's knife could cut it down, and what should be gone will still be gone.

Destruction is always easier than creation.

Although the Great Zhou is now on a downward slope, with the Princess and Jiang Li stabilizing the situation, wielding some butcher tactics shouldn't be a problem.

"Wait for the right opportunity, after tentative management," Zhu Hui'an replied, "She should wait for the Imperial College to constrain you. Tan Wuwei knows that the Sacrificial Officer of the Imperial College is actually the most ardent advocate for the emergence of the next generation of Emperor."

"Emperor Dao Fruit?" Jiang Li asked.

The so-called next generation Emperor is naturally not someone who only holds the title of Emperor without the Dao Fruit of the Emperor.

"Yes, the Sacrificial Officer of the Imperial College is the foremost proponent of the Great Zhou system. The more power the Minister of Works holds, the less favorable it is for the return of the Emperor Dao Fruit. After all, many in the court know that you and the Long Prince Consort are like brothers."

Goodness, this has become a commonly acknowledged potential truth.

Jiang Li felt a bit of toothache.

He and the Feng family are like brothers, then secretly colluding with the Great Venerable to strengthen the seal, preventing the return of the Emperor Dao Fruit, that seems possible, doesn't it?

Jiang Li wasn't sure if there's some big brother meddling, but he can already confirm that the Sacrificial Officer of the Imperial College will find ways to break the seal sooner or later. Plus, the Great Venerable not only won't reinforce the seal but might secretly facilitate it.

Zhu Hui'an continued: "Before the Emperor was sealed, the downside of the Emperor Dao Fruit was revealed and was known to those present. After the Mo Sect Master learned about this, he returned and discussed it with the Mo Sect high-ups, which is how Tan Wuwei came to know. Tan Wuwei then used this information as leverage to learn about the Imperial College Sacrificial Officer's stance from me."

Hearing this, Jiang Li already understood Tan Wuwei's intent.

"She's waiting for me and the Sacrificial Officer of the Imperial College to fall out," Jiang Li confirmed.

Zhu Hui'an followed up: "The Sacrificial Officer of the Imperial College is waiting for the Minister of Works to clash with the factions of the Eldest Prince and the Second Prince in the court. As soon as one of the two advances to the fourth-rank, it will be the moment of opposition. While the factions of the Eldest Prince, the Second Prince, as well as the Meng Family and the Immortal Queen, are waiting for Buddha Country's full-scale invasion, anticipating the Minister of Works and the Gongsun Family Master to confront."

At least for the Immortal Queen, she needs to resolve Buddha Country's Guanyin first before advancing herself and, in passing, drawing fire on the Eldest Prince's side.

Then Buddha Country waits for the conflict between the Sacrificial Officer of the Imperial College and Jiang Li to erupt.

Jiang Li: "······"

A theoretical closed loop appears.

"All sides are waiting, waiting for the other side to take action, not knowing that the other side is also waiting," Zhu Hui'an stroked his beard and smiled, "So, we only need to wait as well. Time is on the Minister of Works' side."

Jiang Li laughed, delightedly saying: "To have you, sir, is indeed a great fortune for me."