Haoqi Tower.

Nangong Qianrou and Zhang Kaitai, who returned to the yamen, immediately entered Haoqi Tower. With Nangong Qianrou leading the way, there was no need for notification, and they could go straight up to see Wei Yuan.

Wei Yuan stood in front of a hanging map, with his hands behind his back, squinting his eyes, not saying a word. He had maintained this posture for half an hour.

This was an aerial view of the entire northeast region, with the headquarters of the God of Witchcraft marked on the map, as well as the locations of various countries in the northeast. This kind of map lacked precision and could only provide a general overview, so it was not considered valuable.

More accurate maps were classified as confidential items that countries would fight over and protect.

Footsteps came from behind, followed by the voices of Nangong Qianrou and Zhang Kaitai:

"Father."

"Lord Wei."

Wei Yuan didn't turn around and said in a deep voice, "Xu Qi'an's body has been floating in the canal for more than ten days. It's not suitable to leave it for too long... Let his relatives bury him as soon as possible."

If one listened carefully, there was a hint of sorrow in his low voice.

Nangong Qianrou knew very well why his father didn't even look at Xu Qi'an's body. His father was a person in power, a strategist. His heart should be hardened, cold-blooded. Only a cold-blooded person could be invincible.

Wei Yuan should be such a person, someone who wouldn't be swayed by emotions.

The Nightwatchers in the yamen, and even the outside world, hoped that Wei Yuan was such a person.

"Father..." Nangong Qianrou cleared his throat and said, "Xu Qi'an is not dead yet."

Wei Yuan turned around abruptly, and his movements caused his robe to flutter.

At this moment, the expression on the Grand Eunuch's face was complex, and his eyes were also filled with complexity - astonishment, confusion, joy, hope... Nangong Qianrou had never seen such complex emotions on his father's face before.

But in just an instant, the Grand Eunuch regained his composure and calmly walked to the desk, asking in a somewhat stern tone, "What's going on?"

Nangong Qianrou then relayed Xu Qi'an's words.

After listening quietly, Wei Yuan immediately said, "Let him come to see me quickly."

Nangong Qianrou nodded and looked at the huge aerial view of the northeast region. "What about the spy..."

Xu Qi'an has come back to life. Should they still attack the God of Witchcraft?

"We will still attack the God of Witchcraft after the autumn harvest. The plan remains unchanged." Wei Yuan's expression was cold, and his tone was filled with strong confidence.

Nangong Qianrou and Zhang Kaitai took their leave. The former planned to visit the Xu family again, but as soon as they left the yamen, they ran into Xu Qi'an, who was riding a horse towards them.

"You are quite clever," Nangong Qianrou said with a click of his tongue. "If someone didn't know, they would think Father has taken in another moth."

Xu Qi'an retorted, "You old yin and yang person."

Nangong Qianrou became furious, thinking that Xu Qi'an was mocking his masculine appearance. His eyebrows stood up, and he said, "Why didn't you die in Yunzhou?"

As soon as the words fell, a scene flashed through Xu Qi'an's mind: Nangong Qianrou raising his right hand, swinging his arm to slap him...

Xu Qi'an's body reacted instinctively. He lowered his waist and head, narrowly avoiding Nangong Qianrou's slap. In the blink of an eye, he escaped into the yamen.

"I don't have time to argue with you. I'm going to see Lord Wei," Xu Qi'an said.

In front of a fourth-grade Nightwatcher, he had already pushed his luck to the limit. If he didn't leave quickly, he would be beaten down.

Nangong Qianrou stared blankly at his back, then lowered his head and looked at his own hand... He dodged it?

The perception of danger in the Nascent Soul Realm was extremely keen. It could easily detect hostility and ambushes in the surroundings. Even with their eyes blindfolded, they could fight in the midst of chaos. When a martial artist reached the Nascent Soul Realm, their personal combat power would reach a small peak.

However, with Nangong Qianrou's fourth-grade cultivation, even though he held back his strength, it should have been an easy task to hit the target before a Nascent Soul Realm martial artist sensed the danger and evaded it.

"How is this possible..." Nangong Qianrou furrowed his brows.

......

Along the way, Xu Qi'an received countless surprised gazes. Whether they were Nightwatchers or officials, they all stared at him in astonishment.

The news of Xu Qi'an's death in the bronze gong had already spread throughout the entire yamen. In these past few days, it had been the topic of discussion during tea breaks and meals. If it were to be written with a headline from his previous life:

"#Shocking! Xu Qi'an Returns, Even Lord Wei is Shocked!#"

"#What did the promising Xu Qi'an do in Yunzhou that ruined his life?#"

But now, seeing Xu Qi'an, who had been dead for half a month, appearing alive and well in the yamen, waving and greeting everyone warmly, the Nightwatchers were filled with question marks.

"It's broad daylight, and even ghosts can enter our yamen? After a person dies, they become so handsome?"

"What should we do? This is Xu Ning'an's ghost. We shouldn't act rashly, or his soul might be scattered."

"Are you blind? Do ghosts have shadows? It's probably Xu Ning'an's younger brother. Xu Ning'an doesn't have such a talented appearance."

In the midst of the discussions, Xu Qi'an arrived at Haoqi Tower, where the guards stared at him in astonishment.

"I request an audience with Lord Wei. Go and report it quickly."

The guard went into the tower, and after a while, he came down and said, "Lord Wei invites you... Mr. Xu, you are not, not..."

Xu Qi'an touched his face and replied in a deep voice, "I am Xu Qi'an's younger brother. I have taken over my brother's position at Lord Wei's command."

"I see. May I know Mr. Xu's full name?"

"Xu Qian."

The guard thought to himself, why does it sound like a woman's name?On the surface, he respectfully said, "Please come in."

After entering the Haqi Tower and reaching the seventh floor tea room, Xu Qi'an saw Wei Yuan, whom he hadn't seen for over a month. He was still wearing a gorgeous blue robe, with white hair at his temples and faint crow's feet at the corners of his eyes. He was elegant and handsome, a perfect old handsome guy.

With my current looks, I definitely won't be worse than Wei Yuan when I get old... Xu Qi'an clasped his fists and said loudly, "I pay my respects to Lord Wei."

Wei Yuan was somewhat absent-minded and said gently, "Please have a seat."

Unprecedentedly, Wei Yuan personally poured him a cup of hot tea and said leisurely, "Let's talk about the matters in Yunzhou."

This matter is a long story. Xu Qi'an told Wei Yuan in great detail about the events in Yunzhou, including Li Miaozhen's identity as the second-in-command and the identity of the Heavenly Sect's Holy Maiden.

Except for the significant relationship with Shen Shu, he didn't hold back any other information.

Mainly because Wei Yuan was too clever, hiding too much would be noticed. Moreover, the Grand Eunuch truly valued and cultivated him. Xu Qi'an reciprocated the favor and had great trust in Wei Yuan.

Sure enough, after Wei Yuan took a sip of tea, he said, "Yang Qianhuan has been following you."

Xu Qi'an was initially stunned and somewhat surprised. He wasn't stupid and immediately understood what was going on. He asked, "Why is Senior Brother Yang following me?"

"He naturally wouldn't follow you for no reason. Based on my understanding of him, he doesn't care about anything except for doing some peculiar things." Wei Yuan smiled mysteriously. "But what if it's the intention of the Bureau of Heavenly Masters?"

The Bureau of Heavenly Masters knows my secret... If it's their order, then it makes sense.

Xu Qi'an calmly assessed Wei Yuan. Would the incredibly intelligent Wei Yuan also notice something?

Wei Yuan didn't dwell on this topic and continued, "As for that third-grade sorcerer, let's temporarily assume he is one. I don't think he is Sun Xuanji of the Bureau of Heavenly Masters."

"But this matter reminded me of something else."

Xu Qi'an became spirited. "Please enlighten me, Lord Wei."

Wei Yuan is still reliable. Taoist Master Jin Lian is always secretive, but Wei Yuan has almost no reservations with me.

"You are familiar with Chu Caiwei and Song Qing from the Bureau of Heavenly Masters, do you know their respective identities?" Wei Yuan asked.

"Are they the personal disciples of the Bureau of Heavenly Masters?" Xu Qi'an asked uncertainly.

Not all the white-robed sorcerers of the Bureau of Heavenly Masters are personal disciples of the Bureau of Heavenly Masters, just like the Great Scholars of the Yunlu Academy who often give lectures but have very few true personal disciples.

Song Qing, Chu Caiwei, and Yang Qianhuan are personal disciples of the Bureau of Heavenly Masters.

"Yang Qianhuan is the third disciple, Song Qing is the fourth disciple, and Chu Caiwei is the sixth disciple. The white-robed sorcerers call her Junior Sister." Wei Yuan said.

... What's the problem with this? Xu Qi'an didn't understand.

"But the Bureau of Heavenly Masters only has five personal disciples." Wei Yuan said softly.

... Xu Qi'an's pupils contracted slightly, finally understanding Wei Yuan's meaning. The Bureau of Heavenly Masters only has five disciples, but Chu Caiwei is the sixth disciple. So, where is the other one?

Where did that person go?

Yang Qianhuan is the third disciple, Song Qing is the fourth disciple, and Chu Caiwei is the sixth disciple... Xu Qi'an didn't know which disciple Sun Xuanji was.

"Sun Xuanji is the second disciple." Wei Yuan said.

"Then the first and fifth disciples are still unknown." Xu Qi'an said.

For a moment, the two of them didn't continue their conversation, and the tea room fell into a brief silence.

After finishing his cup of tea, Wei Yuan continued, "You woke up at the wrong time."

"Why do you say that, Lord Wei?" Xu Qi'an didn't understand.

"Zhang Xingying submitted a memorial, hoping that the court would confer a title on you. After discussing with the Emperor and the officials, you will be conferred the title of the Marquis of Changle County. In a few days, the imperial edict will be issued."

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Wei Yuan helplessly said, "Now that you're alive, the Cabinet will most likely reject the imperial edict, and the Emperor will probably accept it willingly."

"What's the big deal? As long as I receive a generous reward." Xu Qi'an shrugged indifferently.

The Marquis of Changle County should be a viscount, sounding like a younger brother's title... No, it's a son's title.

When encountering officials with the household registration of Changle County in the future, everyone will introduce themselves to each other. The other party will say, "Nice to meet you, I am xxx from Changle County."

Xu Qi'an will say, "I am the Marquis of Changle County."

Those who don't understand will think I am someone's son.

Wei Yuan glanced at him. "Silver is just an external thing. Can it compare to the symbolic meaning of a title? Even if you become a wealthy man with power and authority, your status will still not be on the same level."

"Only a title can completely separate you from the common people and become a symbol of the dynasty's nobility. If you are conferred a title, the Xu family will no longer be an ordinary family but a noble family."

"In the future, when you marry, commoner women won't be eligible to marry you. Only daughters of prominent families can match you."

"Can I marry a princess?" Xu Qi'an asked softly.

... Wei Yuan nodded, "In theory, it's possible."

A princess cannot marry a commoner. The future husband must be a noble. Although the Marquis is not high, it is still a title.

"I don't know why, but the Emperor doesn't like you. If he doesn't want it, no one can do anything about it." Wei Yuan finished speaking and laughed:

"Fortunately, you are not a useless person. There is still room for maneuver."

"Please teach me, Lord Wei.""A few days ago, a major incident occurred in the palace. The Empress Consort unexpectedly died and fell from the attic in disarray. At that time, only the Crown Prince was present, and he was drunk. This case is very tricky. It not only involves the dignity of the royal family but also the matter of deposing the Crown Prince. The Three Law Departments are reluctant to get involved and are sure to handle the case passively."

...Oh my god, did the Crown Prince violate the Emperor's concubines?

Xu Qi'an quickly shook his head, "Lord Wei, this will only harm me. The royal family's scandal is not something I can get involved in."

"It doesn't matter." Wei Yuan waved his hand, "This matter is already known to all the civil and military officials. One more person won't make a difference. It's best if you can find out the truth. If you can't, just decline the case."

"My abilities are limited. At most, I will receive some punishment. Even if Your Majesty doesn't like me, as long as I haven't committed a major offense, the Marquis Group won't agree to execute me."

Understood. Lord Wei means that if the Emperor revokes the decree of my noble title and asks me to handle future tasks, I will pretend to be dead and refuse to accept. First, I will deceive Emperor Yuan Jing into granting me a noble title.

Then, I will use the excuse of insufficient abilities to withdraw from the situation. At most, I will receive some punishment, but I will gain a noble title for free.

Lord Wei is truly... very cunning (a sly old fox).

"The Crown Prince is the elder brother of Lin'an." Xu Qi'an suddenly remembered the charming and affectionate little fish he raised.

The Nightclub Queen must be heartbroken and helpless now.

"Do you have any involvement with Princess Lin'an?" Wei Yuan squinted his eyes, scrutinizing him.

"No, no." Xu Qi'an quickly shook his head.

Wei Yuan nodded relieved.

........

The next day, in the study.

"The three-day deadline has passed. Your response to Us is just a request for more time due to the complexity and numerous doubts in the case?" Emperor Yuan Jing slammed several documents onto the bodies of the three ministers.

The documents submitted by the Minister of Justice, the Minister of Punishments, and Wei Yuan were surprisingly consistent, as if they had copied each other's answers, but the answers were all wrong.

Emperor Yuan Jing was furious and slammed the table.

The Minister of Punishments said with shame, "Your Majesty, this case has many doubts and is shrouded in mystery. We have done our best. Please grant us a few more days."

The Minister of Justice said, "I am incapable. I request to retire."

"You..." Emperor Yuan Jing waved his hand, sweeping all the documents, brushes, ink, and paper off the table, trembling with anger, "We will execute you."

The three ministers immediately knelt down and shouted, "We are willing to die for Your Majesty's sake. Please take care of your dragon body."

Is this a rehearsed dialogue?

Emperor Yuan Jing exploded with anger.

The officials on both sides kept their eyes on the ground, and the officials who usually liked to argue with Wei Yuan remained silent.

This case still needed to be dealt with, but the opinions of the various factions had not yet unified. The Crown Prince's faction was thinking about how to clear the Crown Prince of guilt.

The other factions were considering which prince among the imperial sons would become the future Crown Prince if the Crown Prince was deposed.

Their thoughts were different, but one thing was unanimously agreed upon: to delay the matter. The death of the Empress Consort was not important; what was important was the power struggle that would follow this case.

It would be a bloody battle no less than the Jingcha.

The factions needed time to consider, to take sides, and to make arrangements.

In a situation where the court's goals were consistent, even Emperor Yuan Jing could only be helplessly furious. Unless he didn't want the truth, he couldn't immediately depose the Crown Prince... but most likely, the Cabinet would reject it.

"Your Majesty, please calm down. I have something to report." Prime Minister Wang stepped forward and casually brushed aside the Empress Consort's case, saying, "According to my knowledge, Nightwatcher Xu Qi'an, who works at the Nightwatcher Bureau, did not die. He mysteriously revived yesterday. Please withdraw the decree of his noble title."

In the study, the ministers whispered to each other.

That Nightwatcher named Xu is still alive? The Minister of Justice and the Minister of Punishments felt complicated.

Emperor Yuan Jing was stunned for a moment, suppressed his anger, and looked at Wei Yuan, saying in a deep voice, "Lord Wei, is what the Prime Minister said true?"

"It is indeed true." Wei Yuan bowed.

Immediately, one of the attending officials stood up and shouted, "Zhang Xingying falsely reported the case and deceived Your Majesty. Please punish him, Your Majesty."

Emperor Yuan Jing ignored him and looked at Wei Yuan, continuing to ask, "Why is this so?"

"Xu Qi'an did not die. Before his final battle with the rebels, he took the Bureau of Heavenly Masters' Rebirth Pill. After exhausting his strength, he entered a state of false death until he woke up yesterday. Zhang Xingying mistakenly believed that Xu Qi'an had died, but it's not his fault." Wei Yuan explained.

Rebirth Pill... When Emperor Yuan Jing heard this, he felt as if he had swallowed a fly, disgusted.

At first, he had asked the Bureau of Heavenly Masters for this medicine, but the Bureau refused, claiming that it was no longer available.

But now, a mere Nightwatcher had obtained the elixir that he had desperately sought.

"How did he get this medicine?" Emperor Yuan Jing's mouth twitched.

"Chu Caiwei of the Bureau of Heavenly Masters gave it to him as a gift." Wei Yuan replied.

Emperor Yuan Jing pondered for a few seconds, then nodded slowly, "Withdraw the decree of the noble title. Also, summon Nightwatcher Xu Qi'an to come and see Us."

Wei Yuan nodded calmly and bowed, "Yes."

........

Xu Qi'an received the summons and hurried to the palace, arriving before noon. After being verified by the Imperial Guards, he was allowed to enter the palace.

Inside the city gate, a high-ranking official stood with his hands behind his back, waiting for a long time. Nangong Qianrou stood beside him.

Xu Qi'an quickly walked up and shouted, "Lord Wei."

Wei Yuan nodded, "His Majesty summoned you regarding the Empress Consort's case." He paused and said meaningfully, "The decree of the noble title has been withdrawn.""They really did retract it, huh? The news has been out for three days, and they can still retract it. Such disregard for the rules..." Xu Qi'an muttered to himself, then said, "I understand."

He followed Wei Yuan to the Imperial Study. Emperor Yuan Jing was not there. An old eunuch in a python robe said, "His Majesty is at the Lingbao Pavilion, meditating with the National Teacher. He won't be back until the afternoon. You'll have to wait."

And wait he did, for a full hour.

......

At the Lingbao Pavilion, a refreshed Emperor Yuan Jing opened his eyes after his meditation and sighed, "National Teacher, when will I be able to form the Golden Elixir?"

Under her Daoist robe, Luo Yuheng's voluptuous figure was barely concealed. Her stunning beauty was captivating, and the cinnabar dot between her eyebrows made her look even more like a fairy.

A fairy that could be desecrated.

Emperor Yuan Jing sighed again. In fact, all he needed was dual cultivation, and he could make further progress. However, even as the ruler of a country, he could not force the head of the Human Sect.

Not to mention that she was a second-rank expert. Even if he could suppress her with force, dual cultivation required the cooperation of both parties' mental methods and could not be forced.

"When will the National Teacher be able to reach the first rank?" Emperor Yuan Jing asked.

Luo Yuheng shook her head slightly.

"Ah, I'm finding it harder and harder to understand the Chief Eunuch's thoughts. When I asked him for the Rebirth Pill, he refused. Who would have thought that today, I would find out that even a small gong could enjoy this miraculous elixir."

Luo Yuheng opened her eyes and asked curiously, "A gong?"

Emperor Yuan Jing waved his hand, "This person is not worth mentioning. I will return to the palace first, and come to meditate and comprehend the Dao with the National Teacher tomorrow."

He returned to the palace and received the news that Xu Qi'an was waiting in the Imperial Study. He did not go there immediately. After a meticulous bath, he finally arrived late.

In the Imperial Study.

Xu Qi'an said loudly, "Your humble servant pays his respects to Your Majesty."

Emperor Yuan Jing stared at him sharply. He didn't mention the Rebirth Pill, nor did he praise the merits of the gong in Yunzhou. He said directly, "A few days ago, Consort Fu fell from the tower and died. There is more to this case than meets the eye. I give you three days to investigate this case. Otherwise, you will be severely punished."

Xu Qi'an immediately bowed, bending ninety degrees and not rising, shouting, "Please, Your Majesty, grant me death."

......

PS: Ten thousand word update, asking for monthly tickets.

Edit after update.