Meng Qingzhou walked along the Imperial Dao leading to the Golden Throne Hall, guided by a maid in front, with Su Qingqiu following closely behind.
Even now, Meng Qingzhou’s mind still echoed with Su Qingqiu’s earlier words.
Thinking back to all the deeds the Empress had done since she ascended the throne.
Eliminating the gap between cultivators and ordinary people, using divine powers taken from heaven and earth for the benefit of the populace.
Even during years of war, no matter how empty the national treasury was, she never withheld from the people, never increased taxes.
If there were no resources, she would seize them.
If there were no soldiers, she would conquer nations! Incorporating enemy troops as auxiliary forces.
Thus, the people’s happiness was extremely high. The Empress’s tyranny was directed at other nations! Benevolent governance was bestowed upon the people of Great Jin.
“Master, haven’t you always had a poor opinion of the Empress? Why such a generous donation now?” Su Qingqiu’s beautiful eyes fluttered as she probed.
Meng Qingzhou basked in the sunlight, leisurely saying, “I used to have a biased view of the Empress, mostly misled. Now, thinking back, I suddenly admire her. She is a ruler who can truly change the world.”
“I once read a book about an emperor who swept through six nations, an eternal emperor. The Empress has some similarities with him.”
Su Qingqiu’s eyes brightened slightly, gradually becoming excited, and she continued to probe, “Master, don’t you think the Empress is too ruthless, her hands stained with countless lives, extinguishing dozens of nations?”
Meng Qingzhou shook his head and smiled, “I don’t think so. The history of chaotic wars among nations can be traced back thousands of years, like a stubborn tumor. Without thunderous means, how can the root be removed?”
Hearing this, Su Qingqiu quietly clenched her fist and waved it excitedly.
Oh yes!
Master finally no longer avoids the Empress like a plague! Her Majesty’s hard times are almost over.
It hasn’t been easy!
“Your Excellencies, the Empress is waiting for you in the Golden Throne Hall. I can only escort you this far,” the maid bowed slightly and slowly retreated to the side.
Meng Qingzhou tapped his blind staff on the black dragon-patterned bricks, making a crisp tapping sound, and with steady steps, he walked straight into the Golden Throne Hall.
The court officials who had been waiting on both sides of the hall turned their heads, silently watching that familiar figure return to the court once again.
However, this time, he was no longer wearing official robes, no longer a minister of Great Jin, but visiting the capital and the Empress as a guest.
Some ministers who had not participated in the Present Village incident couldn’t help but have moist eyes at this sight.
“Welcome back to the capital, Minister,” the Minister of Household Affairs shouted loudly, clasping his hands together and bowing at a perfect ninety-degree angle, a very standard salute.
The court officials followed suit, bowing in unison without needing anyone to issue orders, saying, “Welcome back to the capital, Minister.”
Meng Qingzhou paused slightly, stopping at the entrance of the Golden Throne Hall, and said calmly, “Everyone, I have resigned from my position and am no longer a minister. Please rise.”
In reality, Meng Qingzhou had never been clear about the weight of the name Meng Qin for Great Jin, nor did he understand the emotional turmoil of these people.
He mistakenly thought they were doing this on purpose, trying to keep him in the capital to serve as a minister again.
In two words—coercion.
Upon hearing this, the court officials all stood straight, but their eyes remained fixed on Meng Qingzhou.
“Space-Time Sword Saint, I am very curious, what brings you to the capital this time?” A cold voice echoed from the Golden Throne Hall.
Meng Qingzhou knew it was the Empress on the throne speaking. The once familiar call of “Minister” now replaced by the distant “Sword Saint.”
Cold and indifferent, like a stranger.
“I…” Meng Qingzhou was about to speak but suddenly frowned, realizing he had been led into a trap.
‘What the hell, wasn’t it you who summoned me to the palace?’
Although Meng Qingzhou had intended to meet the Empress to request an Emperor Grade divine medicine, he hadn’t even had the chance to set off before a female court official brought him an Imperial Edict.
“What’s the matter, cat got your tongue?” The Empress lazily propped her chin, her eyes obscure, hidden in the shadow of her crown’s red curtain.
Meng Qingzhou strode forward, standing in the center of the court, and said neither humbly nor arrogantly, “My matter is not urgent and can be discussed later. However, since your people brought me here first, it suggests there is something more urgent. Why not speak of it first?”
The Empress propped her cheek with one hand, holding a wine cup with the other, rubbing it between her thumb and forefinger.
“Heh, interesting.”
“After resigning, the Sword Saint’s airs have grown. He dares to bargain with me.”
The Empress tilted her head back and downed the wine in her cup, with a hint of mockery and ridicule.
Drinking in the imperial court was rare in the world! Yet none of the court officials objected, pretending not to see.
Meng Qingzhou merely smiled slightly.
Heh, we’re both old foxes, why pretend?
Both sides had their demands. In such a situation, whoever spoke first would reveal their cards.
In other words, whoever stated their demands first would be at a disadvantage, allowing the other party to make exorbitant demands.
‘I have already resigned, do you think I’m afraid of not getting paid? Of course, I have to stand firm and not suffer any losses.’
The Empress’s red lips curled slightly, and she said calmly, “I remember the Sword Saint has a wife who once served as a female official before me. It seems she is gravely ill and not long for this world.”
“To make the mighty Space-Time Sword Saint so anxious, it must be this matter.”
“Am I right?”
Meng Qingzhou raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised.
She guessed it? The Empress is indeed extraordinary, a six-sided warrior. Such skills in reading people are wasted if not used in espionage.
“Correct, it is said that Your Majesty has an Emperor Grade divine medicine. I am willing to exchange it for an equivalent price,” Meng Qingzhou said calmly.
The Empress smiled, “I can give you the divine medicine, but I have a condition.”
“Speak,” Meng Qingzhou said indifferently.
The Empress twirled a strand of red hair that fell over her forehead and said, “I lack a personal guard. You only need to serve for three years. Once the term is up, you are free to go.”
“Goodbye.”
Meng Qingzhou turned and left without saying another word.
This scene left Su Qingqiu dumbfounded. She hurriedly chased after him, grabbing Meng Qingzhou’s sleeve, “Master, don’t you care about your wife’s life?”
Dongfang Liuli was also startled, nearly breaking down on the spot.
What’s going on!?
Are you abandoning your wife?
“Just an Emperor Grade divine medicine, I have ways to get it, though it might be troublesome,” Meng Qingzhou said, smiling as he ruffled Su Qingqiu’s hair.
“Your master here hates being taken advantage of the most. No matter who it is, there’s no room for negotiation.”
At worst, he could make a trip to Sky State, using the Dao of Space-Time to go back and forth in three or four days, risking stealing the Ji family’s treasure vault. It was better than signing a contract of selling oneself and serving the Empress for three years.
Seeing that Meng Qingzhou wasn’t joking, Su Qingqiu anxiously looked back repeatedly, frantically signaling the Empress with her eyes.
Your Majesty, please relent!
I can’t hold him back!
“Wait!” The Empress hurriedly called out.
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