Emperor Zhaowu raised his head, his gaze suddenly turning icy cold. He said coldly, "Yu Shi, you've gone too far!"

Wang Yushi was not intimidated by his gaze, and said with an equally frosty expression, "Actually, all of this was your scheme, wasn't it? You wanted to bring wealthy officials under the imperial family... is that right?"

"Over the years, how much wealth have I made from Prince Heng... how much have I extorted from him, and he might have a single complaint... yet you insist on going to such extremes?"

Wang Yushi had one more thing she didn't say, fearing it would hurt Emperor Zhaowu's pride. For several years, Emperor Zhaowu had been advocating for military action against the north, and a large portion of the military expenses had been paid by Wang Yushi. It could be said that without Wang Yushi, the war in the north would have been unsustainable long ago.

But where did Wang Yushi get her money? Did it fall from the sky?

Emperor Zhaowu and Wang Yushi looked at each other for a while before Emperor Zhaowu spoke: "Under the whole heaven, all land belongs to the emperor. The Prince Heng's Mansion has expanded its territory overseas, but it has not incorporated those lands into the Great Xia territory. What I have done... is already the most benevolent thing to do!"

Looking at the indifferent man in front of her, Wang Yushi felt a chill creep into her heart.

He was once a man of great stature, once spirited and unrestrained... and once gentle and considerate.

But now he has changed. He has become ruthless in his pursuit of power, to the point that he no longer recognizes himself.

"Actually, the truth is still unknown. I just received some information that, if true, we don't need to rely on someone else's son at all!"

Emperor Zhaowu suddenly revealed a playful smile, which made Wang Yushi feel a chill run down her spine.

"The sea creatures have appeared in the Western Continent... As long as we obtain the Fountain of Life, why should we fear those treacherous officials who are trying to seize power!"