The Netherworld's forces had appeared in the Central Region, and Shen Zhao had no choice but to intervene, no matter how much he wanted to stay out of it.
If the Nine Netherworlds' influence were allowed to spread throughout the Central Region, Shen Zhao would face a future more dire than any of his previous nine lives.
Therefore, regardless of his motives, he had to prevent these beasts from infiltrating the Dragon Han Empire.
*But how should I do it?*
Shen Zhao's mind raced, and he quickly devised several suitable plans. However, upon closer examination, each plan had countless flaws that couldn't be patched up in the short time available.
He swiftly discarded the plans with too many uncertainties and began reconsidering more reliable strategies.
As he pondered, Shen Zhao arrived at the gates of Prince Rui's Manor.
*Song Yu?*
Looking at the resplendent golden gates, Shen Zhao's eyes suddenly lit up.
*Since all reliable methods are constrained by time, I'll create a grand scheme to force all hidden forces out of the shadows. Then I can catch them all in one net!*
With this thought, he strode arrogantly toward the manor gates.
Inside the manor, Song Yu lay sprawled in a grand armchair, his chest and back bare, utterly at ease.
Two maids knelt at his feet, carefully massaging his thighs, while others on either side fed him fruits and spirit wine.
In the main hall, a group of beautifully dressed dancers performed alluring dances that were a feast for the eyes, creating an atmosphere of decadent luxury.
"Your Highness, a man named Chu Liuxiang is at the gate, requesting an audience with the Prince. He claims to owe Your Highness a debt of gratitude and has come specifically to repay it today."
Song Yu spat out a grape seed, waved his hand to signal the servant to bring the man in, and resumed gnawing on his melon while watching the dancers.
When Shen Zhao arrived, Song Yu merely waved dismissively. "I thought you'd forgotten your promise to me. Well? How do you intend to repay my favor?"
Shen Zhao glanced around before saying, "Your Highness, are you certain you want me to speak now?"
"What's there to hide? In this manor, I am the true master."
"Then what if I told you the Dragon Han Celestial Dynasty is on the brink of collapse? Would you still be so carefree?"
At these words, the dancers and musicians fell silent, and even the maids beside Song Yu quickly knelt.
"Insolent! Chu Liuxiang, is this why you came to see me? If you wish to die, I can grant your wish right now!"
Seeing Song Yu's anger, Shen Zhao smiled faintly and began to gently fan himself with his folding fan.
Noticing Shen Zhao's unwavering composure, Song Yu waved his hand. "All of you, withdraw. Remember every word you've heard today—let it rot in your bellies. If I hear a single whisper of this outside, I'll slaughter your entire families."
"Yes, Your Highness."
The dancers, musicians, and servants all withdrew in unison.
"Someone, bring a seat."
A servant quickly brought Shen Zhao a chair made of spirit wood.
"Thank you, Your Highness."
After Shen Zhao sat down, Song Yu demanded, "Explain what you said earlier more clearly. Otherwise, I guarantee you won't leave this manor alive."
"Your Highness, are you aware of the anomaly that occurred at dawn?"
"The entire capital is buzzing with it. How could I not know?"
"Then you must understand what the death of a Foreign Great Emperor within the Central Region means for the Dragon Han Celestial Dynasty."
"Hah! The Dragon Han Celestial Dynasty commands millions of iron-clad soldiers, over a billion subjects, seventy-two vassal states, and a multitude of elite cultivators. Who in the world could dare challenge us?"
"If what Your Highness says is true, the Dragon Han Celestial Dynasty's power is invincible. But don't forget, Your Highness..."
"The Dragon Han Celestial Dynasty's current prosperity is entirely due to the Empress's diligent governance. If her reputation is tarnished, will all of this still remain?"
"What are you getting at?"
"The death of a Foreign Great Emperor within the Dragon Han Celestial Dynasty's borders—do you know what that means? It means a bloody storm is coming, one that's destined to be unavoidable. In seven days, the Empress will marry. All the realm's dignitaries will be present. What if they suddenly inquire about the Great Emperor's death? How will the Empress respond?"
"Do you think my Imperial Sister is some ordinary woman who would be flustered by such a trivial matter? Even if they try to make trouble, so what? My Imperial Sister's power is unmatched in the world. Anyone foolish enough to step forward will only humiliate themselves."
"Prince, take my advice. Nothing is absolute. You're a clever man—there's no need to pretend ignorance. If a problem arises that even your Imperial Sister can't resolve, you, as her closest confidant, must step forward without hesitation and handle it for her."
Song Yu frowned. "Is someone truly plotting against our dynasty and the Empress?"
Shen Zhao nodded. "Do you think I'd come here to chat with you for no reason?"
"What rumors have you heard?"
"Before I answer your question, Your Highness, I must first understand what price you are willing to bear for the Empress—or rather, for the legacy your Imperial Sister laid down."
Song Yu frowned, rose to his feet, and said, "Outsiders condemn my Imperial Sister as a tyrannical ruler who slaughtered innocents. As her kin, I know full well that every action she took was for the sake of the Dragon Han Celestial Dynasty's stability. From the moment she ascended the throne, she endured the slander of historians and scholars, suffering countless injustices. Had her cultivation not been peerless, her throne would have been overthrown many times over. Even now, within our royal family, many cannot forgive her past deeds—the regicide and fratricide that secured her claim to the throne. Yet I know she has lived her entire life burdened by guilt and self-reproach. In recent years, she has often expressed a desire to abdicate in favor of a worthy successor. Though she has never stated it directly, she has more than once asked me about places beyond the Central Region where one might live out one's days in peace like an ordinary mortal. I suspect her haste to marry Di Feijing may not stem from any genuine affection for him..."
*This is merely an opportunity to build momentum for her future abdication. She's truly exhausted.*
*For the sake of the empire, the nation, and to atone for her past sins, she's carried far too heavy a burden.*
*The crucial point is that despite all her efforts, many still misunderstand her. They stubbornly believe her diligence stems from a lust for power.*
*This Prince truly wishes he could share her burdens, but I know my abilities fall far short of my Imperial Sister's. Ah...*
"Your words are enough, Your Highness. Now, please listen carefully.
You are the most suitable person to resolve the crisis that will soon engulf the capital. Once this trial is overcome, the Empress's prestige will soar to unprecedented heights. However, after this ordeal, you may be unable to remain in the capital for a long time, perhaps not even within the borders of the Dragon Han Empire."
"Hahaha! What is such a sacrifice compared to easing my Imperial Sister's burdens?"
"Then please listen closely to what I have to say next."
"I await your words."
Shen Zhao rose, closed his folding fan, and his expression turned instantly solemn.
"I want the Prince to force the Empress to abdicate voluntarily at the wedding ceremony in seven days, before the dark forces launch their attack!"
"What did you say?!"
"I want you to force the Empress to abdicate!"
Beyond the nine heavens, thunder rolled endlessly.
Under Song Yu's shocked gaze, Shen Zhao laid out his entire plan.
When Song Yu finished listening, a trace of fear crept into his eyes as he looked at Shen Zhao.
"Madman, you're utterly insane! You're gambling with the fate of our Celestial Dynasty!"
"Perhaps there's a better, more secure method."
"What?"
"I'm sorry, I didn't consider that. Does the Prince have one?"
"You... I'm truly fortunate you're on our side. If you were an enemy, I dare say even my Imperial Sister might not be your match. You're terrifying."
"You're wrong. I've never been on the Celestial Dynasty's side. I'm just someone who craves peace, someone who doesn't want the current situation to disrupt my future life. It's that simple."
"Very well, I promise to cooperate fully."
"Then I'll leave the matter to the Prince. I have urgent matters to attend to and must take my leave."
-----------------------
Completed English PDF of this fan-fic on my Patreon shop if you want to support and own the full fan-fic in one go. Just grab the PDF and binge the entire story from start to finish!
Guys, I've uploaded some High Quality english translated fanfic on my Patreon shop! Feel free to check it out-if you're interested, you can grab a copy and support me there.
Here are a few titles of recently uploaded fanfics:
New Addition:
" Dragon Ball: Mr. Satan's Bull-Headed Legend (18+) "
" Chaos Lightning Cultivator "
" After Drugging My Senior Sister, I Can No Longer Hide (18+) "
" The Clueless Girl Gets Fu**ed Every Day (18+) "
" Threatening Heroine at Start—Now the Male Lead Is Wearing the Green Hat (18+) "
" The Succubus Who Just Wants to Slack Off NPH (18+) "
" A Goddess Celebrity Brings Kids My Door, Working Construction Carrying (18+) "
" Houtarou Oreki in the Classroom of the Elite 18+ "
Your support means a lot-thanks in advance, legends!
many more are available 85+
patreon.com/RoyalStories
(End of Chapter)