"Ultimately, it's because you have a prejudice against me that you think everything I do is wrong."
Xu Shi laughed and said, "If it were your Holy Maiden doing it, what would you say?"
Presumably not. Even if she has doubts, she will keep them to herself and will still obey the other party's orders.
"...I have no prejudice against you."
Knowing he was in the wrong, Qin Yiyan had no choice but to lie stubbornly.
"It doesn't matter."
Xu Shi waved his hand and said calmly, "By the way, let me give you a piece of advice."
"?"
"After I die, let the floodwaters rise."
Who cares what you think? Mr. Xu just wants to do what he wants to do.
Watching his retreating figure, the red-haired woman pursed her lips, unsure of what to think.
...
Whether the flood is devastating or not is not important; what matters is that it's time for them to leave the Hualan Empire.
With the help of Xu Shi and his party, the empire developed and changed exceptionally rapidly.
Take industrialization as an example. It has been more than three months since the final battle. I would not say that the entire land has undergone a transformation, but the main city of the empire and some large counties have gradually gotten back on track.
This was mainly thanks to the tireless assistance of the City of Night Sin—the machinery and personnel were readily available; to put it bluntly, they were being fed a bowl of rice.
In addition, given the reputation established by the Cat Cult, people did not have much resistance to these changes, so they were able to be implemented smoothly.
At least the most basic infrastructure such as electricity and water supply has been laid out, which has greatly reduced the cost of use and provided greater convenience.
Of course, there are some die-hards; many people are willing to cling to the "rusty fog" lamp and refuse to let go, no matter what, they are unwilling to abandon the old traditions left by their ancestors.
Xu Shi did not force this. Development is about seeking common ground while reserving differences. There was no need to forcibly change such a trivial matter. As long as the conservatives did not speak recklessly or say anything that was not conducive to unity, he could turn a blind eye.
Besides, even if he doesn't intervene forcefully, many things will be gradually eliminated by the general environment—time is the best healer, and three months is still too short; we need to let things develop further.
"Is the Regent... leaving?"
When Dongfang Xiao heard this news upon arriving at the palace to bid farewell, the light in his eyes vanished instantly.
She had considered that Xu Shi might leave; this was never his territory.
Logically speaking, this should be something that makes her happy. Once Xu Shi leaves, it means that from now on, the Hualan Empire will truly be under her control. Xu Shi has basically paved the way for her, which can be considered as fulfilling his promise.
But when the day actually came, she found that she couldn't seem to be happy. She felt a void in her heart, as if she had lost something.
"Exactly."
In the imperial court, Xu Shi still gave the young empress some face, saying, "Your Majesty, I have been away from my hometown for a long time and am now longing for it. I hope Your Majesty will grant me permission."
He even started referring to himself as a subject.
However, upon hearing this title, the other princes and ministers could only twitch their eyes.
In any case, they couldn't detect any respect in his words; everyone knew that this regent was even more presumptuous than the previous Grand Duke of Gujian.
Or rather, his influence was far greater than that of Cheng Gujian—Cheng Gujian at least only shared a portion of the imperial power, and he still had the Holy See to check and balance him back then.
But not for a long time. This guy controlled both the religious and royal families, and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that he ruled the country. Unbeknownst to many, his influence had spread all over the country. It wasn't like he was gone and others could make some small moves.
What kind of "subject" are you? You can call yourself "Master" and no one would dare to say no.
"...If that's the case, then I...grant your permission."
Dongfang Xiao dared not disobey him either, so after pretending to think for a moment, she nodded slightly.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Xu Shi cupped his hands in greeting, "With Your Majesty's wisdom, even in my absence, you will surely be able to govern the empire well."
The subtext of these words is quite clear: I am not here, so whoever dares to take advantage of this situation will face my wrath.
"The Regent also deserves much credit."
The young empress smiled and said, "Actually, I still have many things to ask the Regent... I would be grateful if the Regent could come to my study after court to discuss them in person."
"As you command."
Xu Shi nodded. It wasn't like he said he'd leave in the afternoon; he still needed some time to pack.
So, after the court session ended, he went to the Imperial Study with ease.
Dongfang Xiao was a step ahead of him, already sitting upright and waiting for him.
"Owner."
She bowed as was customary.
Xu Shi gave her face in court, but she wouldn't be so arrogant in private.
"Okay, what's the matter?"
Xu Shi helped her up and asked with a smile.
"...Can you stay?"
The little empress gritted her teeth and asked hesitantly.
"Of course not."
Xu Shi shook his head, and jokingly added, "Isn't it good that I'm leaving? From now on, you'll be the undisputed empress in the empire."
"But I... there are still many things I haven't done well enough."
Dongfang Xiao's tone was somewhat aggrieved, "Without Master's help... I don't think I could do it well."
"I know you're concerned about 'heavenly principles' and 'divine breath,' but those things can be done in the Empire too, can't they?"
She continued trying to persuade her to stay, "I... I can help you too, right? I have the ability to purify..."
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