At this moment, Gao Yang and Gao Feng also stepped down from the carriage and pushed open the gates of the Duke Dingguo Manor.

Gao Feng wore a sullen expression and headed straight for the inner residence.

Gao Yang, too, made his way to his own room.

Duke Dingguo was the foremost of the six dukes of Great Qian, with a prestigious status. Coupled with Gao Tianlong's god-like prowess in battle, rarely defeated in his lifetime, he had received numerous rewards.

The Gao Residence was astonishingly large.

According to his memory, Gao Yang bypassed several artificial hills, walked along the corridor from the outer residence to the inner residence, and finally arrived at his room.

Gao Yang threw himself onto his bed, the dry and comfortable bedding making every cell in his body greedily crave more.

"Ah, bliss!"

Lying in the most comfortable position, Gao Yang began to ponder.

Although the Gao Clan was on a decline, a starved camel is still bigger than a horse. With a duke in the family and a 3rd Rank official, his status was enough for him to walk sideways in Chang'an.

Now, all he needed was to cling to the Empress's favor, and his life in Chang'an would be unimaginably comfortable.

"Who knows what position the Empress might bestow upon me..."

Having traversed to ancient times, as a man of seven feet, it was only right to achieve great things and make a name for himself.

Just as Gao Yang was lost in his thoughts, the door was suddenly flung open.

A little girl with a ponytail, looking about six or seven years old, appeared before him.

The little girl's face was fresh and lively, her eyes round and bright.

Upon seeing Gao Yang, she immediately burst into tears.

"Waaah."

"Brother, why aren't you dead?"

"......"

Gao Feng made his way to the central room of the inner residence, quickly pushed open the door, and respectfully greeted Gao Tianlong.

"Greetings, Father."

Great Qian was governed by filial piety, and the younger generation must greet their elders with respect.

Gao Tianlong, expressionless, was fiddling with a chessboard. "I know all about Yang'er's situation."

"This unfilial son hid it well, but today's events are not only beneficial to him but also to our Gao family."

Gao Feng, however, was worried. "But Her Majesty has not granted any rewards, which means nothing is settled yet!"

Gao Tianlong continued to fiddle with the chessboard as he spoke, "Yang'er is notorious for his mischief, but originally, Cui Xinghe from the Cui family was the Empress's ideal choice. Yet Yang'er emerged unexpectedly."

"Cui Xinghe is the top scholar of Great Qian, not only well-versed in classics but also skilled in statecraft. Her Majesty's hesitation is quite normal. From my understanding of Her Majesty, there will be a specific assessment of statecraft between Cui Xinghe and Yang'er."

"The current Empress's ambition is no less than that of the Late Emperor."

Gao Feng furrowed his brows. "According to Father, if Yang'er cannot surpass Cui Xinghe, won't he still face punishment?"

"Not necessarily."

Gao Feng's eyes lit up. "Father has confidence in Yang'er?"

Gao Tianlong nodded, a wave of emotion washing over him.

"I have lived nearly seventy years, witnessed three emperors, and seen all sorts of dirty schemes, but such a ruthless one is a first."

"Yang'er might just surprise us again."

"Though it may ruin my reputation."

Gao Feng nodded in agreement.

"Besides, as long as I'm alive, I can always protect him. While I'm still here, it's not a bad idea to let him stir things up."

Gao Feng said solemnly, "Father, there's another matter. Today, Song Li's daughter, Song Qingqing, personally came to break off the engagement. There is much talk in Chang'an. What should we do?"

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"Our Duke Dingguo Manor's marriage is not so easily annulled. Since the Song Clan is unkind, they can't blame me for being unjust. Expel all the Song Clan's younger generation from the military, leave none behind. With such a disgrace, even if I go mad, Her Majesty won't say much. But enough of that, life is short, let's enjoy it while we can. Come, let's play chess," Gao Tianlong said, pointing at the chessboard.

Gao Feng's expression changed, as if facing a formidable enemy. "Father, you, a Chess Sage of Great Qian, bullying me, a lousy player, isn't that a bit unfair?"

Gao Tianlong stroked his beard and laughed heartily. "You know how to talk, boy. I wouldn't bully the younger generation. I'll let you have a piece first."

Seeing no way out, Gao Feng reluctantly sat down but couldn't help reminding, "Father, let's agree first, if anyone loses, no hitting with the chessboard."

"......"

In the Imperial Palace.

Fengluan Hall.

Wu Zhao, dressed in a golden dragon robe, wore a cold expression.

"Your Majesty, are you still thinking about the son of Vice Minister Gao?"

Beside her, Shangguan Wan'er, clad in a dark green robe, asked.

Wu Zhao nodded. "The rumors in Chang'an are misleading. Such a ruthless scheme is not something an ordinary playboy could come up with."

"Even I have never seen such a vicious plan!"

Shangguan Wan'er nodded in agreement.

When she first heard of these two sinister plans, she was also taken aback.

"This Gao Yang's grasp of human nature, especially its darker side, is terrifying!"

"If used well by Your Majesty, Gao Yang could be a great talent for Great Qian."

Wu Zhao was somewhat surprised. She knew Shangguan Wan'er's pride well.

In all of Great Qian, few received such high praise from Shangguan Wan'er.

"Then who do you think is stronger, Gao Yang or Cui Xinghe? Who can help me create an unprecedented empire?"

Wu Zhao suddenly asked, her eyes filled with a dominance stronger than any man's.

Shangguan Wan'er answered without hesitation, "The Cui family, Cui Xinghe."

Seemingly surprised, Wu Zhao said, "You have such confidence in Cui Xinghe?"

Shangguan Wan'er's expression remained unchanged.

"Cui Xinghe is not only the top scholar of the court but also a pillar of the state. His theories on governance incisively point out the flaws in our Great Qian's policies!"

"If Your Majesty wishes to establish an everlasting foundation, Cui Xinghe should be the first choice!"

Wu Zhao remained expressionless, her gaze turning outward.

"But I have more faith in Gao Yang. I have a premonition that he is the one I'm looking for."

Shangguan Wan'er's spirited face was filled with confusion. "Your Majesty, Gao Yang's reputation is notorious. Though skilled at manipulating hearts, how can he compare with Scholar Cui in statecraft?"

Wu Zhao picked up a memorial and said lightly, "Who is stronger, a test will reveal."

"This year, Great Qian has suffered disasters in many places, and public sentiment is boiling. County Magistrate Du Jiang of Linjiang City reported that grain merchants are hoarding, causing grain prices to soar uncontrollably."

"Coincidentally, nearby Clearwater City has also suffered a disaster, with rising grain prices that the people cannot afford."

Shangguan Wan'er's eyes flickered, understanding Wu Zhao's intention.

Wu Zhao coldly declared, "Draft an edict, granting Gao Yang of Duke Dingguo Manor the authority of Investigating Censor, to take charge of all affairs in Linjiang City. Grant Cui Xinghe of the Cui family the position of Investigating Censor for Clearwater City, to manage all affairs there!"

"I want them to stabilize grain prices as quickly as possible and restore peace to the local people!"

Shangguan Wan'er was shocked but quickly lowered her head to draft the edict.

"Your Majesty..." Shangguan Wan'er handed the drafted Imperial Edict to Wu Zhao.

"Cui Xinghe is prudent and capable. With him overseeing Clearwater City, there will be no trouble. But by Gao Yang's side, you should accompany him."

"If I have indeed misjudged, intervene promptly to prevent further escalation. But this one is different from others; don't act unless absolutely necessary."

"Go announce the edict. Disasters wait for no one. Have them depart immediately."

After Wu Zhao finished speaking, Shangguan Wan'er hurriedly left the palace.

Once everything returned to calm.

Wu Zhao stood with her hands behind her back in Jinluan Hall, her gaze piercing through the window, surveying all of Great Qian.

In that moment, it seemed as if she transcended time and space, seeing the mountains and rivers, the people of Great Qian.

She murmured to herself, "Father, I will prove to the world that a woman can rule as emperor, that a woman can lead Great Qian to greatness!"

"I will not only make Great Qian strong but also conquer the Seven Kingdoms, ending this six-hundred-year chaos!"

Wu Zhao's voice was cold, filled with unprecedented determination.