"It's not based on my personal view, but what hundreds discuss," an official stated. "His Royal Highness, the prince, is beyond ordinary reach. His administration is clear yet distant, lacking in human warmth."
"Two years ago, when he became inspector of Fastno Province, he dismissed corrupt senior officials accused of extortion that plunged the people into poverty."
"Yet, the food and clothing of most locals remained stable, thanks to a deputy senior official who maintained peace between Heaven Dou and Star Luo empires."
"By law, dismissal or investigation was justified, but given his many contributions, leniency was warranted."
"The prince's actions chilled many veterans and officials, prompting You Tong and the Household Department's deputy envoy to resign angrily, sowing unrest between DPRK and China."
"A year ago, famine struck western provinces. The prince bypassed ministerial meetings to urgently open treasury support. Though treasury still suffers, a province was saved."
"The neighboring provinces were affected, causing complaints, but easing the overall financial strain."
"The world misunderstands the great prince's care for people and country—a polarizing reputation."
Presenting policy papers, the official lamented, "Your Majesty knows the prince's virtues, but the people speak ignorantly. At this critical moment, during the deaths of two princes, rumors spread slander intolerable and unbelievable, silencing ministers."
"Given this, ministers withhold support for the prince's seal transfer, hoping public opinion will soften so they may endorse him later."
After kneeling and bowing twice, the official observed ministers' expressions. Whispering began.
Emperor Xueye, feigning anger, slammed his palm on the dragon-headed throne. "Folk rumors are baseless. I demand to hear accusations against the royal line and how they defy law! I forgive you. Sin is enough!"
Suddenly, chatter arose: "Folk rumors say eldest prince Xue Qinghe murdered his brothers…"
The ensuing deaths were whispered to be his doing, and Emperor Xueye watched Xue Qinghe carefully.
He, too, harbored doubts.
Subei glanced deeply at Emperor Xueye; without the system taskbar's information, he'd have been lost to the scheme.
The political chess game was labyrinthine.
Qian Renxue's hidden status as the prince had meant navigating immense hardships.
This was no single event, but a strenuous journey.
Perhaps these imperial manipulations explained why Qian Renxue started so far beyond Tang San in spirit cultivation, despite being nine years older.
It wasn't mere suppression, but endless distraction.
Subei recalled that Notting College had parted ways with Yu Xiaogang and wondered about their standing.
If Yu Xiaogang insisted on worshiping his master as teacher, he would become an enemy.
When the original story's protagonist became an enemy, Subei's best strategy was to eliminate him preemptively to avoid future troubles.
He secretly experimented with plants—one drop of top-grade paraquat diluted in water could wither more than a dozen century-old plants instantly.
And this wasn't the limit of paraquat's potency.
Though limited by experimental scale and side effects, if unleashed fully, even the Blue Silver Emperor would have to step down.
But from Tang San's initial warm gaze, he seemed to trust Subei, perhaps viewing him as someone who had his back.
Liu Erlong smiled but refrained from speculating publicly on Xue Qinghe's fate.
He turned to Subei: "Bei'er, remember—Chaotang has always been like this. Quarrels bring city turmoil, fortune brings disaster. I truly don't want you caught in such conflict."
"This world belongs to spirit masters, but their petty disputes will fade over time."
"The Heaven Dou Empire needs a powerful, capable emperor."
Subei smiled.
"You mean Xue Qinghe is that person?"
Liu Erlong's slender fingers gently covered Subei's mouth.
"Such thoughts must never leave here, especially the palace, or you'll offend royal blood."
Subei comforted, "Don't worry. Godmother will protect me."
He sank into Liu Erlong's embrace.
Meanwhile, seeing officials' attitudes rapidly shift, Xue Qinghe pressed her lips, helpless.
Emperor Xueye's greatest worry was known well.
Could he stifle the prince decisively?
Angering the emperor risked losing the prince's seal; not acting risked losing royal favor.
Amid his dilemma, Xue Qinghe's gaze settled on Subei.
Subei met his eyes—masked and disguised—and winked.
Xue Qinghe's face flushed slightly.
Inwardly, she thought, "In this crowd, what does Yuji intend?"
She saw a vulnerability and plea for help hidden deep in Xue Qinghe's eyes.
"As a mere prince, let me help you!"
Suddenly, Subei declared, "Xiao Ai, I want to use puppet power once."
[Xiao Ai accepts instruction, begins puppet control. Choose one onsite target:]
[: Provincial ministers, ministers of the military, household department.]
"Hubei cross hands."
Clearly, Tiandou's treasury was damaged, and the household department was entangled. Starting here made sense.
At this moment, as Xue Qinghe proclaimed loyalty and compassion, a middle-aged minister near the Household Minister suddenly stood.
Manipulated by Northern Jiangsu, he accused the young man, "Your Majesty, this person is irrational!"