Zu An felt a thousand curses running through his mind, but he didn't show it on his face at all: "The Crown Prince's examination involves Prince Qi, which is really not something someone of my level can participate in. However, I am terrified that I cannot share His Majesty's burdens, and I beg His Majesty to punish me."

Having mastered the art of ruling, he knew perfectly well that the other party didn't really intend to punish him, but was merely using the opportunity to give him a warning and motivate him to complete the next task. Therefore, he cooperated exceptionally well.

The other party thought they had him completely under their control, but in reality, they were being led by the nose by him, a feeling that was quite peculiar.

The emperor was taken aback, not expecting him to be so perceptive. All the words he had prepared were suddenly rendered useless, leaving him speechless.

After a while, he finally came to his senses: "Since you have already been punished, I am not the kind of unreasonable person. I will give you a chance to make amends."

Zu An sneered inwardly, but on the surface he was respectful: "Your Majesty, please speak. Your subject will certainly go through fire and water and die without hesitation."

The emperor was pleased with his attitude and his expression softened: "You must know about the Crown Prince's examination now."

Zuan nodded: "I just heard some news at the East Palace."

"It must have been the Crown Princess who told you," the Emperor said with a half-smile.

Zu An's heart skipped a beat, and he hurriedly replied, "The Crown Princess is concerned about the Crown Prince's future, so she wants to brainstorm with us ministers to see if we can come up with any solutions."

This guy seems to be very wary of his daughter-in-law getting too close to him. Back then, when he was trying to save the Crown Princess, he almost had his hand chopped off because he accidentally hugged her. So he doesn't dare to be ambiguous about this issue and immediately distanced himself from Bi Linglong.

Fortunately, the emperor did not investigate further. He said approvingly, "Linglong is a very responsible child. Her concerns are not unreasonable. Even I do not believe that Zhao Jing will remain indifferent this time."

Zu'an keenly noticed that the other party was no longer referring to Qi Wang as before, but instead called him Zhao Jing without any hesitation. It seemed that this was a sign that the other party was gradually treating him as one of their own.

In a way, the two are kindred spirits and were already on the same side.

The Emperor continued, “I am truly worried, so I intend to send someone to accompany the Crown Prince to the secret realm to investigate. This will both ensure the Crown Prince’s safety and keep watch for any unusual movements from Prince Qi. As a Golden Embroidered Robe Envoy and a key minister of the Eastern Palace, you are the most suitable candidate after much consideration.”

Zu An was shocked. He couldn't understand why the emperor would trust him so much. This could be considered a preliminary showdown between the emperor and the Qi Prince's faction. Neither side could afford to lose. Why would the emperor trust someone who had only been in the capital for a short time?

He hurriedly said, "I know my abilities are meager. It doesn't matter if I lose my own life, but if I implicate the Crown Prince, I will surely die a thousand deaths. In my opinion, the most suitable candidate is none other than Commander Zhu Xie. He is highly skilled and utterly loyal to Your Majesty..."

Before he could finish speaking, the emperor interrupted him: "Hmph, do you think I don't want to send him? However, both sides have reached an agreement that the cultivation level of those who enter the secret realm cannot exceed the seventh rank. Zhu Xie Chixin is a well-known half-step Grandmaster, so how could Zhao Jing agree to let him enter the secret realm?"

Zu An smiled wryly and said, "But my realm has also surpassed it."

The emperor narrowed his eyes slightly: "Speaking of which, your strength has increased rather quickly. When you first came to the capital, you were only at the sixth or seventh rank, right? How long has it been? You've grown to this level. But that shouldn't be the case. I've read the Phoenix Nirvana Scripture that you gave me. Cultivating it should allow you to advance in realms more slowly than ordinary people."

Zu An felt a chill run down his spine, knowing that he was being suspected. However, he was prepared: "The reason why my cultivation has improved so quickly is mainly because Old Man Mi wanted to possess me and transferred all his cultivation into my body. I have been gradually absorbing his power these days, which is why I have made such rapid progress."

The emperor nodded, dispelling his doubts. With his knowledge, how could he not know that while such initiation might lead to rapid progress in the short term, it was not beneficial to cultivation in the long run, easily destroying one's foundation and making it impossible to ever reach a higher realm?

However, he did not remind Zu An, since the other party's current cultivation level was just right to do things for him. As for the hidden illnesses and future troubles, that was his own business.

"It doesn't matter that your cultivation level is higher than that. After all, in most people's eyes you are only around the seventh rank. Later, I will bestow upon you a magic treasure to conceal your cultivation aura, and you will be able to fool everyone," the emperor said.

If everyone hadn't known Zhu Xie Chixin's cultivation level, he probably would have already bestowed this thing upon the other party.

Zu An was shocked: "There really is such a divine object in the world? Then this great test will be very simple. Just send a few more experts in, and it will be a piece of cake to complete."

The emperor snorted: "You've got a good idea. There are many things in the world that can conceal one's presence, but very few can fool the eyes of the entire court under the watchful eyes of everyone. Even though I possess the whole world, I only have one. Don't betray my trust in you."

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty!" Zu'an easily feigned an excited expression, while secretly admiring his own acting skills.

If this continues for a long time, will I develop a mental breakdown?

The emperor then gave him some instructions on precautions to take after entering the secret realm, and reiterated that protecting the crown prince must be the primary objective.

After it was over, the emperor said, "You may leave now. Go to Consort Bai's place later and have her give you the things."

"Yes!" Zu An calmly withdrew from the imperial study, but his heart was in turmoil. He never expected that the magic treasure that the emperor had mentioned, which could conceal one's cultivation aura, was actually with Consort Bai.

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