"What did you say? You want to be granted the title of King of Shu? Are you sure?"

Indeed.

Yuan Suiyun's gaze instantly turned cold as he stared intently at Shen Zhao.

Shen Zhao responded calmly, gently waving his feather fan, as if everything was under control.

In an instant, the inner palace became turbulent and the atmosphere became so oppressive that it was maddening.

The two, ruler and minister, each harbored their own secrets, making it almost an open game where only the skill of the player could prevail.

"The land of Western Shu is directly under the jurisdiction of the Xu family. How can I appoint another king to jointly govern Bashu?"

"The Xu family has long been a threat to the Great Feng dynasty. Doesn't Your Majesty want to overthrow the Xu family and replace the King of Shu with a trustworthy and reliable person?"

"Then tell me, what makes you think you're qualified for this throne?"

"If I tell you that I can help you eliminate the Xu family, is that reason enough?"

"The Xu family has stood for a thousand years. Do you really think you can eliminate them all by yourself?"

"Then let's see if Your Majesty has the courage and determination to support me in carrying out this grand plan."

"This matter is of great importance and requires my careful consideration."

"Your Majesty can take your time to consider this, but time is of the essence."

Shen Zhao bowed slightly: "The Nanshan Sword Sect has been destroyed, and I am now Your Majesty's new subject..."

With the Xu family's intelligence capabilities, it won't be long before they find out that I was the one who did it all.

Do you think the Xu family won't take this opportunity to attack His Majesty?

Yuan Suiyun was stunned for a moment, then instantly realized: "So your destruction of the Nanshan Sword Sect was also a scheme?"

“Sigh~” Shen Zhao shook his head, “How could Your Majesty think of me like that?”

I have always treated people with sincerity, so how could I have so many schemes?

It is true that Xue Jianren bullied me on the spot, and it is also true that I poisoned him.

As for destroying the Nanshan Sword Sect, does Your Majesty think that the Nanshan Sword Sect's actions over the years should not lead to its demise?

What His Majesty sees as a scheme, the people see as ridding them of a scourge.

In the eyes of the martial arts sects and factions of the Holy Domain, this might be the best opportunity to take their place.

In short, the same thing can be viewed from different perspectives.

Different conclusions can be drawn from different perspectives; the truth is not important.

The important thing is whether you can find a positive aspect in this matter that benefits you.

"Then may I ask Your Majesty, can you foresee what unexpected benefits the destruction of the Nanshan Sword Sect will bring you?"

Yuan Suiyun was shocked. As an emperor, he immediately understood the implication in Shen Zhao's words: "Very well, very well. I originally thought you were just a mere warrior."

I didn't expect you to be so cunning. If I were to hand you over to the Xu family..."

Shen Zhao calmly replied, "Then I will say that everything was done under His Majesty's instructions. Guess how the Xu family will treat His Majesty then."

Whether through verbal threats or by sending troops to the capital, does His Majesty possess the wisdom to resolve this crisis?

Everything that happened afterward was none of my concern.

After all, the dead can never solve the problems of the living, don't you think?

Upon hearing this, Yuan Suiyun immediately laughed: "What a fine 'floating duckweed on autumn waters, drifting aimlessly'! It seems you've planned everything."

Shen Zhao bowed slightly and said, "Your Majesty flatters me. I am unworthy of such praise. All my schemes are for the sake of profit."

Yuan Suiyun: "Then let me ask you, what are your chances of eliminating the Xu family for me?"

"There has always been a balance between interests and capabilities; there has never been such a thing as the odds of winning."

After all, promises are always a sign of the strong showing mercy to the weak.

To succeed, it depends on the extent of Your Majesty's support.

You trust me a lot. If you want me to do things independently, it's best not to sabotage me behind my back.

After all, when a person has to deal with two things at the same time, their energy and focus will inevitably be scattered.

This is what they call neglecting one thing for another. Sigh, after saying so much, I imagine Your Majesty is tired of listening.

It would be better to give a clear answer so that I can prepare accordingly.

Yuan Suiyun didn't say anything more and directly promised: "Alright, as long as you can help me get rid of Xu Rong, the position of Prince of Bashu will belong to you!"

Shen Zhao smiled and said, "Your Majesty is not so naive as to think that I would believe a promise that is not based on words alone?"

"I am the Emperor of the Great Feng Dynasty, would I deceive you?"

"The imperial family is the most ruthless place. For me, the binding force of a written agreement far outweighs a verbal promise made on a whim."

If verbal promises truly held power, the world wouldn't be in such chaos; after all, without conclusive proof...

"Every past fact can be distorted beyond recognition in the mouths of those who benefited from it, wouldn't you say, Your Majesty?"

As Yuan Suiyun watched Ren Piaomiao calmly waving his feather fan, seemingly having him completely under her control, a terrifying thought arose in his mind:

This person is far more terrifying than Xu Rong.

But right now, the most important thing is for someone to restrain the Xu family.

No one is more suitable to target Xu Rong than Ren Piaomiao in front of them.

"Very well, I will draft an edict to bestow upon you the title of King of Shu."

"Wait a minute."

"What do you mean, sir?"

Shen Zhao replied slowly and deliberately: "What I need is the document appointing the hereditary king of Shu."

After all, I understand the principle of not accepting rewards without merit before the matter is accomplished.

"Hehe, sir, you do follow the rules. Very well, then so be it."

Yuan Suiyun immediately drafted an appointment document for the Prince of Bashu, and stamped it with his seal, leaving only the name in the "Prince's Title" column blank.

After putting away the appointment document, Shen Zhao sat back in his guest seat: "Then Your Majesty, when should I depart for Shu?"

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