Bi Linglong, however, did not understand the meaning behind his words. Instead, she nodded and said, "That's right. Your most urgent task is to subdue the academy. Only then can the identity of the chief priest truly become your bargaining chip."
She knew better than anyone that all the teachers in the academy were disciples of the old master, and they only respected the old master.
Those people were all arrogant and looked down on the experts from the imperial court, let alone a young man like Zu'an.
"The Crown Prince's response needs to be revised because of your appearance. Your roles as Grand Master of Ceremonies, Regent, and even your previous positions in the court will be of great use. I need to think carefully about how to maximize your effectiveness." Bi Linglong became more and more excited as she spoke.
Zu An hesitated, seeing her excited expression, and decided it was inappropriate to dampen her spirits.
Well, I'll help if I can.
At this moment, Bi Linglong had already redone her makeup and stood up, saying, "We need to go out. After all, gossip can be dangerous. Staying in the room together for too long could easily give the Empress a reason to attack us."
Her face was fair and rosy, so she didn't need to wear any rouge.
Zuan was also aware that there were many people and eyes on the East Palace side, and coupled with his worries about other things, he did not insist any further.
Bi Linglong gave him a reluctant kiss and personally saw him off.
When the door opened, Zhao Ruizhi was squatting in the courtyard watching the little palace maid play with the pair of white rabbits.
Seemingly dissatisfied with the maid's actions not being rough enough, he insisted on doing it himself.
Seeing this, Bi Linglong raised her eyebrows: "Crown Prince!"
When Zhao Ruizhi turned around, he saw not only Bi Linglong, but also that ruthless Zu An. He was terrified and cried out, "It wasn't me! It has nothing to do with me! I don't know anything about it!"
While talking, he used both hands and feet to hurriedly make his escape.
Bi Linglong was so angry that her chest heaved. Her good mood had mostly disappeared. It wasn't that she cared about the Crown Prince, but rather that she felt sorry for her own tragic fate.
Zuan comforted her for a few words and then left the East Palace.
Not long after leaving the East Palace, a figure turned around from the artificial hill: "Lord Zu, it's been a long time."
"It's been several months since we last met, and Eunuch Lü seems to be in much better health." Zu An also recognized him. Eunuch Lü was actually not bad-looking, but his gloomy temperament made him look like a villain no matter how you looked at him.
"He can't compare to Lord Zu. Every time I see Lord Zu, he's so handsome and dashing, it's dazzling." Eunuch Lü teased with a smile.
"Eunuch Lü seems to be in a really good mood," Zu An said with a smile.
"Her Majesty is in a good mood lately, so naturally I, as her servant, am also in a good mood." Eunuch Lü bowed. "Lord Zu, Her Majesty learned that you have returned to the palace and specially sent me to invite you over for a chat."
"Thank you for leading the way, Father-in-law." Zu An smiled; he did indeed have something he wanted to discuss with Liu Ning.
The two soon arrived at Kunning Palace, which was much more lively than usual. It seemed that the Liu family had come to power recently, and the Empress had recovered her cultivation, so many people in the palace had begun to curry favor with them.
Two eunuchs, one fat and one thin, were receiving the group. The two men had arrogant and indifferent expressions, but the eunuchs and maids from various palaces were still fawning over them.
Zuan recognized the two men; the thin one was Xiao Guizi, and the fat one was Xiao Zhuozi. He never expected that they would become so successful.
At this moment, the two saw Zu An, and their eyes lit up immediately. They abandoned the others and came over to pay their respects: "Greetings, Lord Zu!"
His fawning demeanor was completely different from before. They knew many secrets, that he was a favorite of the Empress, and that he had even saved their lives, so naturally they treated him differently.
The others around whispered among themselves, speculating about Zu An's identity, since he had been away from the palace for a long time and many people had never seen him before.
"Who is this person? Even Eunuch Gui and Eunuch Zhuo are fawning over him."
"Tch, you're so ignorant. This is Marquis Shen, the Crown Prince's Junior Tutor, Lord Zu. Didn't you notice that the one leading the way is Eunuch Lü?"
"So it was him. I heard he was the regent of the demon race. I didn't expect him to be so young and handsome."
"The Demon Regent? Tell me more!"
...
After exchanging pleasantries with Xiao Guizi and Xiao Zhuozi, Zu An arrived at the entrance of the Empress's palace, led by Eunuch Lü.
Eunuch Lü stopped in his tracks: "Lord Zu, the Empress is waiting for you inside, so I won't go in."
"I'm alone, isn't that a bit inappropriate? After all, so many people outside saw me come in." Zu An was a little surprised. In the past, he usually chose to come when no one was around. Wouldn't this be too conspicuous?
"Don't worry, they can't see what's happening here, and besides, no one dares to say anything now," Eunuch Lü said with an air of arrogance.
Zu An thought to himself that with Zhao Hao's passing, all the ambitious people had stopped pretending.
"Has Lord Zu arrived? Please come in quickly." At this moment, the Empress's voice rang out in the hall, truly captivating and alluring.
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