The next morning at court, Zhou Chen sat on the throne expressionlessly, his eyes cold yet carrying a hint of arrogance.
The officials looked on and suddenly realized that Zhou Chen and Su Jin looked remarkably alike.
They are very similar in both temperament and style of doing things, except that Su Jinxia is more arrogant, more unpredictable, and more intimidating.
Su Jinxia is someone who has led an army of millions; she has the confidence and experience, which allows her to be more mature and experienced.
Zhou Chen is more like an imitation of Su Jinxia. Although he is still a bit naive, his methods are ruthless enough.
Everyone couldn't help but think that, given time, this young emperor might grow into a terrifying figure.
Thinking about this, many people suppressed their ulterior motives and dared not easily show off their verbal skills, and their speech became much more down-to-earth.
After the court session, Zhou Chen felt completely refreshed. He had never attended such a comfortable court session since he ascended the throne.
Zhou Chen did not seek flattery from the court officials; he only asked that they work diligently and do their best for the country and the people.
However, no sooner had Zhou Chen returned to his study than trouble followed.
Zhou Lin requested an audience.
Zhou Chen felt a headache coming on when he heard the name Zhou Lin.
"Let them in."
The attendant withdrew, and a moment later Zhou Lin entered.
"Is there something you need, Your Highness?" Zhou Chen asked casually, half-reclining in his chair, seemingly uninterested.
Zhou Lin was also helpless; every time he came to see Zhou Chen, Zhou Chen was always like this.
"Ah Chen, what exactly are you and Su Jinxia planning to do? Why did Su Jinxia come back? I clearly heard that she was going to get married in Lin Nan."
Zhou Lin immediately launched into a series of questions that displeased Zhou Chen.
"What's it to you?" Zhou Chen retorted indifferently.
Zhou Lin gritted his teeth, suppressing his displeasure. "It has nothing to do with me, but it does to my dynasty. Do you understand what her intentions are in coming back?"
"Heh..." Zhou Chen chuckled lightly, "Does Your Highness think that my sister is here to seize the throne?"
Zhou Lin was so angry at Zhou Chen's sarcastic tone that he felt like he had a heart attack, and his brows furrowed together. "I admit that Su Jinxia is very powerful. Her appearance has shocked the court, but we must always be wary of others."
"The Prime Minister certainly has problems, but he can restrain the new elite forces. Otherwise, how would you suppress Zhuang Jun's million-strong army? Those people are all Su Jin's confidants, and they only follow Su Jin's orders. As long as Su Jin gives an order, they can immediately betray you. Do you understand?"
In fact, Zhou Lin's words made sense. As an emperor, one should learn to balance the power in the court, as any one party becoming too powerful could lead to the destruction of the country.
However, everything should be used flexibly. In Zhou Chen's view, no one is more trustworthy than Su Jinxia, so he is not afraid that Su Jinxia will turn against him.
At the same time, the prime minister that Zhou Lin relies on is utterly incompetent and a veritable parasite on the country. He must be eliminated!
Everyone is aware of these pros and cons, but people will still make different choices.
Zhou Chen was too lazy to argue with Zhou Lin. He chuckled and said, "Have you forgotten? This throne was originally given to me by my sister. If she wanted it, I would have given it to her. But she didn't want it. She only wanted to be with that person!"
"I forced her back after I detained Han Qing. Don't you think your worries are ridiculous?"
Zhou Lin became even more furious upon hearing this. "You! What can I say to you? You are weakening your own power to seize the throne. Even if Su Jinxia doesn't fight you for it now, what about in the future? What about your descendants?"
Zhou Chen took a deep breath and began to feel irritated.
"Your Highness, instead of thinking so far ahead, you should think more about how to bring happiness to the people. I have heard that the barbarians in the northeast are becoming restless again. Your Highness should set off as soon as possible to guard our country's territory."
Zhou Chen's eyes turned cold.
A hint of hurt appeared in Zhou Lin's eyes. "Achen, I'm your family!"
Zhou Chen's pupils contracted slightly, and he gritted his teeth, saying, "When I was suffering in the Nangong Palace, it was my sister who saved me. When I was all alone in Liuli Mountain, it was my parents who cared for and loved me, helping me to get out of fear. They are my only family in this world."
Zhou Chen didn't mention Zhou Lin at all, but he clearly conveyed the message that Zhou Lin was no longer his family.
Zhou Lin trembled and lowered his head dejectedly.
"Forget it, forget it, I can't control you anymore, I'll just ignore you then!"
"Your Majesty, I humbly obey your command and will immediately depart for the Northeast to quell the rebellion. May Your Majesty remain secure on your throne, may all things go smoothly, and may all people revere you!"
Zhou Lin accepted the order with a pained expression and turned to leave.
Zhou Chen gently closed his eyes, his brows furrowing unconsciously.
It would be a lie to say I wasn't heartbroken to have come this far with Zhou Lin.
There was a time when he longed to see his brother, believing that by explaining everything, he could have a brother who understood and appreciated him.
It's a pity that, although they are brothers, they seem to be incompatible from the start. Even when they are together, their hearts are at odds.
On the other side of the palace, Su Jin had been asleep until late morning and still hadn't gotten up.
She huddled in bed, clutching her blanket, not wanting to get up.
One sigh followed another.
If nothing had gone wrong, she should have been sleeping peacefully with her arms around Shen Qianxue's strong waist, instead of sleeping alone in this cold bed.
well!
Today marks the twelfth time I've missed Shen Qianxue.
"Why aren't you here yet!" Su Jin angrily punched the blanket.
Suddenly, a maid's voice came from outside the door: "Miss, um... Prince Zhuang, General Zhang Qi requests an audience."
Upon hearing this, Su Jinxia got out of bed, tidied herself up a bit, and went to the front hall.
Upon seeing Su Jin, Zhang Qi immediately knelt down.
Su Jinxia quickly helped him up, saying, "Don't do these fancy things."
Zhang Qi smiled faintly, "You haven't changed at all."
"It's only been a little over half a year since we last met, how much could I have changed?" Su Jin shook her head helplessly.
Zhang Qi was filled with emotion. Although it had only been half a year, so much had happened in between, making it feel like a lifetime had passed.
"You came for Han Qing, right?" Su Jin sat down and asked softly.
Zhang Qi immediately became anxious, "That's right, Han Qing has been missing for a long time."
“He’s in Zhou Chen’s hands, but his life should be safe,” Su Jin said frankly.
Zhang Qi slammed his fist on his hand. "Just as I thought! That brat Yue Ziqi didn't even tell me!"
Su Jin smiled and said, "He was afraid that you might harbor resentment towards His Majesty."
This kid is always very meticulous in his work.
Zhang Qi looked puzzled. "But Han Qing hasn't offended His Majesty at all. Why is His Majesty doing this?"
Su Jin pursed her lips. "This matter concerns me. Don't worry, I will handle it."
Hearing this, Zhang Qi felt relieved. He trusted Su Jin completely. However, Zhang Qi sighed, "I thought that once the world was unified and we returned to the capital, everything would be peaceful. But we were too naive."
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