Taiyi Dao Fruit

The court meetings of the Great Zhou are generally held once every ten days, except during special times.

Right now is indeed a special time. The Yin Law Department concedes defeat and temporarily retreats, making it a good opportunity to eliminate dissidents. As a Powerful Minister, how could Jiang Sikong miss this opportunity? Moreover, the Princess also wants to deal with political enemies, so the court meetings have become as frequent as every two to three days.

Though called court meetings, in reality, they are more like downsizing meetings; each time, one or two people are dismissed. If anyone stands out, they are dealt with more strictly, and then they arrange for their own people to take positions.

This might seem like the villainous behavior of causing chaos in the court and field, but even if they didn't do it, they would still be scolded by their enemies, so it's better to suppress the opposition while holding the upper hand.

This is not a time for grace and humility but a time to stabilize advantages, suppress the opposition, elevate allies, and ensure that the opposition doesn't have a chance to make a comeback.

For instance, this time, the vice director of the Southern Heavenly Department, who got in through back doors, Feng Manlou, is about to be promoted. With the Princess monitoring the nation, handling many affairs, especially during the post-Taiping Sect period, it becomes even busier, making it difficult to serve as the Chief of the Southern Heavenly Department, so they promote the Affiliated Son-in-law.

Thus, Feng Manlou is also attending the court today.

Judging by his smiling expression, it seems that rather than becoming the Chief of the Southern Heavenly Department, he finds more amusement in Jiang's situation.

The Mechanical Carriage traveled from Dragon Abyss Lake all the way to the Imperial City, while Feng Manlou watched Jiang Li with a smile the whole way. He didn't talk to Jiang Li, just watched him and smiled, occasionally revealing a look of pity, as if looking at someone stepping into hell.

There was no mockery, but his eyes and face were full of it, not giving Jiang Li a chance to refute.

If Jiang Li retaliates, it means he's admitting to it.

Does it truly matter if Jiang Li has indeed become the family's doormat?

Feng Manlou just wants to find an opportunity to embarrass Jiang Li a bit.

Once they reached the Imperial City, the two got out of the carriage, and Feng Manlou said with a laugh, "The journey was indeed quick, not in vain that I specifically had the Mo Sect custom-make this Mechanical Carriage back in the day. My dear brother, it seems you'll still have to stay by Dragon Abyss Lake in the upcoming period; do you still need me, your elder brother, to continue picking you up for court meetings?"

"Although you, my dear brother, run faster than the carriage, you can't really run all the way, can you? That would damage your dignity as Jiang Sikong."

He spoke sincerely, with an expression of regret on his face as if lamenting how quickly time had passed.

"There's no need for the Long Prince Consort to worry," Tianxuan's figure suddenly appeared not far away, walking leisurely, and said blandly, "Moreover, attending court requires wearing the appropriate court dress. Disciple, although you hold a high position as one of the Three Dukes, you must not lose decorum."

Though it seemed like Jiang Li had lost decorum, Tianxuan's meaning was in fact criticizing Feng Manlou for bringing Jiang Li directly here without giving him time to change into appropriate attire.

Feng Manlou had to admit that Tianxuan was indeed overprotective.

"Ha, my mistake, my mistake," he chuckled while saying, "Then I will take my leave first. Dear brother, stay put here and listen to your master's words."

With that, Feng Manlou winked at Jiang Li and walked away briskly.

He had to tease Jiang Li with a remark before leaving, which he did quite gracefully.

However, before he got far, Tianxuan said, "By the way, my disciple previously mentioned wanting to visit the Princess and the Long Prince Consort. There's no better time than today, after the court meeting ends, I shall take my disciple to visit the distinguished couple."

Why bring this up again?

Can this master and disciple duo not change their tactics?

If history repeats, Feng Manlou paused again, but this time it was Tianxuan speaking.

"My wife and I will be sure to welcome you with open arms." Feng Manlou, for the sake of face, said through gritted teeth again.

What he thought in his heart only he would know.

The last time, Jiang Li might have just been talking, but this time it's serious. Tianxuan really intends to bring her dear disciple to pay a visit, to provoke the Princess.

"Very well," Tianxuan nodded slightly, indicating Jiang Li to follow her.

Jiang Sikong needed to change his attire, naturally not in public, even if he could conceal himself, it wasn't suitable.

Today Tianxuan wore a ceremonial yet elegant light-gold palace outfit, exuding an inviolable sanctity while highlighting her graceful figure. Jiang Li, who was already familiar with her, easily imagined the beautiful scenery beneath the palace outfit.

However, Jiang Li felt no waves now.

Having battled all night, if converted into dream time, it might have been even longer; Jiang Li's body may be capable of further struggles, but his spirit was not easily stirred.

In other words, in the Wise State.

Even though Tianxuan kept moving forward without looking back, she actually observed the back with her Divine Thought. When she noticed Jiang Li was unperturbed, she smiled slightly in her heart.

'That rebellious disciple, quite the actor, enduring so well, you think I don't know your acting skills?'

She was well aware of how much her rebellious disciple was infatuated with her body, so she naturally didn't believe Jiang Li was truly unmoved.

This was a performance for her.

'I shall see how long you can keep up the act.'

While the master and disciple tugged in the void, they passed through the square and entered a nearby palace.

A palace maid had long awaited inside, holding Jiang Li's Ninefold Regal Garb, in preparation.

Jiang Li hadn't seen Gongsun Qingyue, she was probably still resting and wouldn't be here.

Of course, it's also possible that Tianxuan simply hadn't informed Gongsun Qingyue about meeting Jiang Li.