Thinking of this, Master Xuwu felt that the urgent emotion surging in his heart had reached its boiling point and could no longer be suppressed.

He subconsciously leaned forward slightly, his flowing purple robe swaying gently, his eyes filled with anticipation and longing.

Like a traveler desperately searching for light in the darkness, his gaze seemed to see through the emperor's thoughts.

Although he deliberately kept his voice steady, trying to show the composure and calmness of Taoism, his words still revealed a hint of anxiety that was hard to hide.

Like a taut string stretched to its limit, in the silent court, someone hurriedly asked, "I wonder if His Majesty would grant permission?"

Ning Chenyi's thoughts were flowing gently like a river in spring, proceeding quietly along the planned path, when they were abruptly interrupted by this sudden sound.

He was slightly taken aback, a momentary daze flashing in his eyes, as if he had been abruptly pulled back to reality from a state of deep contemplation.

After a brief pause, he slowly turned his gaze back to His Highness the Daoist Master Xuwu.

Previously, in Ning Chenyi's eyes, Master Xuwu had always been an image of otherworldly elegance and transcendence, as if he were a hermit who did not partake in worldly affairs.

However, at this moment, for some unknown reason, he inexplicably felt that the Taoist priest was radiating an indescribable urgency.

This sense of urgency was like a hungry eagle eyeing its prey, determined to win it over, as if it would extend its talons at any moment to snatch Qin Qianluo away from it.

This thought struck Ning Chenyi like a heavy hammer, causing his expression to change slightly.

A barely perceptible tension appeared on his originally calm face.

He thought to himself that this matter must never happen under any circumstances.

Not to mention that Qin Qianluo, with her outstanding abilities, devised strategies in the imperial court and made numerous contributions, solving problems for Chengxiao Kingdom.

He had long since become an indispensable pillar of the nation. Even eighteen years later, he placed boundless hopes on the Crown Prince's future.

She eagerly anticipated entrusting her crown prince to Qin Qianluo for careful guidance.

He knew of Qin Qianluo's wisdom and ability, and firmly believed that with her assistance, the Crown Prince would surely achieve great things and lead Chengxiao Kingdom to a more glorious future.

How could we just stand by and watch such a crucial person be abducted by someone else?

Even though this Taoist master's Taoist cultivation was unfathomable and his supernatural powers were beyond imagination, no one in the imperial court could match him.

But in Ning Chenyi's heart, protecting Qin Qianluo is protecting the future hope of Chengxiao Kingdom.

He would not allow anyone to take her away from Chengxiao Kingdom and ruin his carefully planned long-term strategy.

In the blink of an eye, Ning Chenyi's thoughts raced like a storm, his eyes flashing with uncertain light, like a shooting star streaking across the night sky.

In a short while, a comprehensive idea had taken shape in his mind.

His expression instantly returned to normal, and the corners of his mouth slightly turned up on his face, which was usually in control and never showed his emotions.

He revealed a smile that was both friendly and dignified at just the right moment.

This smile seemed to possess an innate affability, making people feel as if bathed in a spring breeze, yet one could also faintly sense the imperial majesty contained within it.

He slightly adjusted his posture, making him appear even more upright and dignified, and then cleared his throat.

His voice was steady and powerful as he spoke: "Master, please be at ease. Recently, the Right Chancellor and King Zhao have formed a happy marriage, and their love is now harmonious and deep."

"This is a joyous occasion, and it is inappropriate to disturb you. If you do not mind, Daoist Master, you may stay in the capital for now. I will speak with you in detail later. I hope you will understand."

The atmosphere in the imperial court was solemn and dignified, but the emperor's words stirred up a wave of emotions among the officials.

They exchanged glances, a subtle, unspoken glint in their eyes. Though they tried their best to maintain a respectful expression, they secretly sneered at each other.

They all felt that their emperor's actions were somewhat of a sham, which was quite amusing.

They still vividly remember what happened yesterday.

Just yesterday, the Emperor specially dispatched his trusted attendants, carrying heavy boxes of official documents, to go directly to the residences of Prime Minister Su and Prince Jinrui Zhao.

When the box was opened, stacks upon stacks of unprocessed official business were piled up like small mountains, with papers densely packed together.

It almost completely covered the desk, as if it wanted to utterly submerge the two important officials in this complicated political affair.

At that time, the emperor spoke earnestly and solemnly instructed them to handle the matter properly as soon as possible, his tone full of concern for the heavy workload of court affairs.

They showed no sign of being afraid of disturbing the two, as if they were shouldering the heavy responsibility of saving the court from disaster.

Today, however, it was merely that Master Xuwu requested to meet someone who might be related to the fate of the nation, which was not considered an excessive request by the general public.

However, the emperor seemed to have suddenly become a different person, and without thinking, he fabricated such a far-fetched and ridiculous reason.

They said that the Right Chancellor and King Zhao were newly married and in perfect harmony, and it was not appropriate to disturb them at this time.

The ministers muttered to themselves that the reason was so far-fetched that it was almost laughable, but they couldn't openly express it, so they could only keep their frustration to themselves.

The look of amusement and exasperation on her face flashed by like a shooting star, as if she were afraid the emperor would notice.

However, despite their inner turmoil, the ministers all had a clear and profound understanding of their own identities and circumstances.

They knew perfectly well that the man sitting firmly on the dragon throne, exuding supreme majesty, was their supreme ruler.

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