The veneer of a 'useless emperor' held perfectly for now.
Beneath it, Lián Xù's mind danced with strategy, amusement, and that quiet, thrilling sense that the game had only just begun.
It was everything he'd been hoping for.
The court misread the expression entirely.
Some assumed the emperor was pleased by the support, others pitied him, and still more shook their heads at his apparent naivety.
Another small chuckle escaped Lián Xù, sharp and quiet, unseen by the arrogant envoy but not lost in the charged air of the room.
Silence fell abruptly, thick and heavy.
The delegate's eyes narrowed, confused by the emperor's laughter.
Lián Xù let the moment stretch just long enough before he straightened fully and cleared his throat.
"This benevolence was told your Crown Prince bearing gifts?" he said smoothly, voice calm, almost teasing in its innocence.
General Xu's mind betrayed him.
Hah! Pleased by gifts?
Typical.
What did I expect?
The emperor is still just a boy—all pomposity and silk, but no spine.
Pathetic… and yet, there's something… off.
General Xu saw a faint glimmer behind those wide, curious eyes, like a chessboard waiting to be set.
Dangerous, maybe.
Or just another child playing at danger.
Either way… I'll watch closely, he silently thought.
Even the court and Lián Wei shared the same impression: a young, impressionable emperor more interested in flattery than politics.
But in reality, Lián Xù had already filed away every detail, every reaction, every subtle misstep, storing points like treasure.
All I want now, he thought, is to cut through the ceremony, get the formalities—and those mysterious gifts—over with, and finally corner my uncle after the session ends.
General Xu suddenly recalled the Crown Prince's instructions, the mission that had brought him here as the Vermillion River delegate: confirm if the Azure River emperor was truly the "Useless Emperor" his scouts had reported.
***Earlier, before his appearance at the Azure River kingdom.
"General Xu," Gu Feng commanded calmly, his voice smooth and deliberate. He leaned slightly forward in his high-backed chair, eyes glinting with mischief and calculation.
A stout aide knelt before him, respectful but tense. This was General Xu.
"Your main task as Vermillion River kingdom's delegate is simple: confirm whether the Azure River emperor is truly a non-cultivator. The Dragon Throne crowns by bloodline. I refuse to believe that it would choose someone without potential. There must be a secret or clue we're missing."
General Xu hesitated, weighing his words. "Understood, Your Highness. But… how are we to verify it?"
Gu Feng's lips curved into a sly, crooked smile. His voice dropped low, almost a whisper. "The gifts should give you the answer."
He then raised a hand in dismissal.
General Xu bowed lightly, then turned and left, the mission clear in his mind.
Back in the throne room, the air was thick with anticipation. General Xu cleared his throat, projecting authority yet maintaining the composure of a practiced envoy.
"Ah yes, Your Majesty. I come bearing gifts—and a message from our kingdom's Crown Prince as well."
He motioned to his escort. Three guards stepped forward, each carrying a wooden chest. The first two were modestly sized, the third significantly larger, catching the eyes of everyone in the court.
Lián Xù tilted his head slightly, curiosity flickering beneath his calm facade. He narrowed his eyes just enough to observe without revealing interest.
General Xu gave the command, and the guards opened the chests one by one.
The first chest revealed a Qiankun bag, filled with a hundred low-rank spirit stones.
The second chest produced a scroll, carefully unfurled to display a defensive formation capable of repelling attacks from anyone below the Spirit Domain Realm, with a radius of one thousand miles. Even better, it required only Qi Condensation cultivation to activate.
Finally, the third chest, larger than the rest, was unveiled—a gleaming pile of gold coins, ten thousand in total, each catching the sunlight streaming through the windows.
Every flicker of emotion, every twitch of expression from the young emperor, was observed by General Xu. He cataloged the reactions with the precision of a seasoned scout.
By the time the last chest was opened, a small, genuine smile crept across Lián Xù's face.
Oh great! More money for the royal treasury. At this momentum, the ceremony for the royal funeral can finally be afforded, he thought, letting a quiet sense of satisfaction show in his expression.
For the first two chests, Lián Xù displayed only mild disinterest.
To the courtiers, it was obvious: their emperor did not understand the value of these gifts.
Low-rank spirit stones? A defensive formation requiring cultivation?
Useless to their emperor.
A non-cultivator would have no use for these resources.
But in reality, Lián Xù already had better—rewards bestowed by the System that surpassed these modest offerings. That is why he had shown no excitement.
General Xu inclined his head slightly, voice smooth and deliberate.
"His Highness also sends his congratulations, Your Majesty, and hopes that you find these gifts satisfactory and useful."
Lián Xù's lips curved into a playful smile, eyes gleaming with faint amusement.
"Please convey my deepest thanks to His Highness Gu Feng, the Crown Prince," he said, a hint of undisguised delight creeping into his tone. "This benevolent one is most grateful for the offerings—especially the last gift. Hahahahaha!"
Observing this, General Xu allowed a small, satisfied smile to cross his lips.
His mission was validated.
Every nuance confirmed the intelligence they had received: the current Azure River emperor was, indeed, a non-cultivator and pampered—a child cloaked in the illusions of power.
The verdict was clear, and the envoy felt his task accomplished.
Ding!
Lián Xù's ears twitched at the familiar, sweet chime—one he had come to anticipate with quiet, greedy delight.
[Major Misjudgement Confirmed.
You have successfully convinced a hostile observer of your incompetence as a ruler.
Your "Useless Emperor" facade has been solidified, securing the perception of weakness against opposing factions.
Source: General Xu
Misjudgement Points Gained: +1000
Bonus Condition Met:
Target classified you as non-threatening.
Additional Rewards Granted:
General Summon Card (Divine rank) ×1
Shadow Guard Summon Card (Heaven Rank) x 10]
A slow, satisfied grin spread across his face.