The Master did not converse much with Ye Tian.
He ignored him outright, turning instead to Xiao Wu and the others, instructing: "I called you here this time to protect our Shrek Academy students on their way to the imperial palace."
"This was actually my idea," Flender stepped forward, looking at Dai Mubai with a sincere expression and sighing:
"To be honest, I didn't want the students to go."
"But Xue Qinghe is about to ascend the throne, and his status is no longer what it used to be. I cannot refuse his edict."
Seeing Flender's troubled expression, Dai Mubai smiled faintly and shrugged: "Dean, rest assured, I will protect the juniors."
He knew Flender was using his identity as the Star Luo Empire's prince as a shield.
But at the same time, Dai Mubai understood that Flender had his own difficulties.
Although the dean of Shrek Academy held some status, in a place like Heaven Dou City, teeming with politicians, he was still part of the weaker group.
If they disobeyed Xue Qinghe's decree, Shrek Academy might find it difficult to continue operating in Heaven Dou City.
At this moment.
The Master stepped forward, hands behind his back, and said:
"This time, I will personally lead the team to the imperial palace to meet the Crown Prince, so there's no need for everyone to worry too much."
Ning Rongrong stepped forward and nodded: "Speaking of which, the Crown Prince is half my senior brother."
"His temperament, I understand quite well."
"Besides… isn't Ye Tian here?" Ning Rongrong glanced at Ye Tian and scanned the group: "Among all of us, Ye Tian probably has the deepest friendship with the Crown Prince."
Facing Ning Rongrong's intentional or unintentional flattery, Ye Tian did not respond.
He only wanted to leave Heaven Dou City as soon as possible and had no interest in Ning Rongrong's schemes.
At these words.
Xiao Wu tugged at Ning Rongrong's skirt, giving her a look, and laughed awkwardly: "In my opinion, irrelevant people shouldn't go."
This was clearly directed at Ye Tian.
If Ye Tian went to the palace, he would surely bring Xue Lanlan.
If this angered Xue Qinghe, the consequences would be unpredictable.
Xiao Wu felt that Ye Tian shouldn't take the risk.
Going to the palace would only add unnecessary danger.
This suggestion was immediately echoed by the Master.
The Master glanced at Ye Tian and said expressionlessly: "I agree. A solemn place like the imperial palace is no place for irrelevant people."
"Moreover, Ye Tian isn't from our Shrek Academy."
"If the Crown Prince asks about Ye Tian's identity, we won't be able to answer."
"Master, you might not know, but Ye Tian once saved the Crown Prince's life," Ning Rongrong reminded.
"Is that so?" The Master's face remained calm, but his hand trembled imperceptibly.
He hadn't expected Ye Tian to have such a connection with Xue Qinghe.
Truly, the Master was wandering while the clown sat in the hall.
If he had such connections, with his talents, becoming a high-ranking official in the empire would be effortless.
Alas, he did not.
"If that's the case, there's no harm in letting Ye Tian accompany us."
The Master's face darkened slightly as he nodded reluctantly.
He had to admit that Ye Tian was lucky to have a life-saving bond with Xue Qinghe.
"No, no," Xiao Wu quickly waved her hands: "Ye Tian shouldn't go!"
"Whether it's suitable or not should be Ye Tian's choice," Ning Rongrong said lightly.
She then glanced at Ye Tian, as if challenging him to prove he was truly indifferent to power and wouldn't even curry favor with the future emperor of the Heaven Dou Empire.
"Ye Tian, give us your stance."
"I think I should go," Ye Tian smiled at Xiao Wu and patted her shoulder: "Even if it's just for Xue Lanlan, I should visit the palace."
"Ah," Xiao Wu sighed and stopped arguing.
They could have left Heaven Dou City safely, yet he insisted on taking the risk.
She truly couldn't understand Ye Tian's reasoning.
After the group reached an agreement.
They set off for the imperial palace with the Shrek Academy delegation.
The delegation consisted of thirty members, over twenty of whom were children of major noble families.
This list wasn't chosen by Shrek Academy but was provided by a palace eunuch.
Clearly, the Heaven Dou imperial intelligence agency was no slouch.
They had thoroughly investigated the backgrounds of all the major families.
Not long after leaving Shrek Academy, the group encountered their first checkpoint.
Fortunately, with a palace eunuch leading the way and the edict as proof, the delegation faced little scrutiny.
After several more checkpoints.
The once-bustling streets of Heaven Dou City were now deserted, save for the clattering of soldiers' footsteps.
The winding path eventually led them to the imperial palace.
At the towering palace gates, a eunuch was already waiting.
"Is this the Shrek Academy delegation?" A middle-aged eunuch asked in a soft, feminine voice.
"Indeed," the Master stepped forward and bowed slightly: "May I ask how to address you, sir? And how will the ceremony be arranged for us?"
The eunuch responded politely: "You may call me Eunuch Li. The students will wait here for now."
"Once the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy delegation arrives, someone will guide the students to the Audience Hall."
"As for the leaders, please follow me."
"Understood," the Master said excitedly, straightening his attire. He knew this was one of his rare opportunities.
If he could catch Xue Qinghe's attention, his future in Heaven Dou's political arena would be smooth sailing.
"By the way," Eunuch Li suddenly looked up and asked: "Is there a young man named Ye Tian staying temporarily at your academy?"
"Yes," the Master replied instinctively, puzzled as to why Eunuch Li would specifically mention Ye Tian.
Saving Xue Qinghe's life seemed like a great merit, but in reality, it wasn't that significant.
The palace had many imperial physicians, yet none had risen to high positions solely for saving the emperor's life.
"Did he come?" Eunuch Li pressed.
"Ye Tian is here," Ning Rongrong pointed toward the front of the delegation with a light smile.
Hearing this, Eunuch Li looked over and gave Ning Rongrong a soft smile: "So it's the young mistress of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect."
As a former attendant of Emperor Xue Ye, he had met Ning Rongrong dozens of times and remembered her.
Ning Rongrong smiled faintly in acknowledgment.
Following Ning Rongrong's direction, Eunuch Li spotted Ye Tian among the crowd, tending to a young woman on a stretcher.
This woman, Eunuch Li also recognized.
She was the beloved daughter of Prince Xue Xing.
Having served alongside Prince Xue Xing under Emperor Xue Ye for years, Eunuch Li had some rapport with him.
But when he saw Xue Lanlan, his expression still changed slightly.
"Come— *ahem*!"
Eunuch Li almost called for the guards to arrest Xue Lanlan.
But then he reconsidered—it was better not to get involved.
As a eunuch who had served the late emperor, he would inevitably be sidelined after the new emperor's ascension.
Capturing Xue Lanlan wouldn't earn him a significant promotion.
But it would certainly earn him a reputation as someone who kicked others when they were down.
In the palace, such a reputation could cost him his life.
Eunuch Li feigned composure and waved to Ye Tian: "Ye Tian, come with me. His Highness specifically mentioned your name."
"I'll be back soon," Ye Tian said to Xue Lanlan before striding forward and following Eunuch Li into the palace.
This was Ye Tian's first time entering the Heaven Dou imperial palace.
His first impression of the surrounding architecture was its grandeur and majesty.
But up close, a sense of decay became apparent.
The walls along the path were already covered in peeling rust.
A light touch would likely cause large chunks to crumble away.
It had to be said that Emperor Xue Ye had been a diligent ruler during his reign.
The empire's annual tax revenues remained stable.
In over twenty years on the throne, he had not undertaken any large-scale palace construction projects.
Almost all funds were allocated to military development and public welfare.
Of course, how much of the treasury's money ended up in the pockets of corrupt officials was another matter.
After passing through three layers of fortified walls, Ye Tian and the Master, led by Eunuch Li, finally arrived at the inner palace.
Inside, the number of white mourning decorations increased dramatically.
Eunuch Li explained as they walked: "Ahead is the Imperial Study, where His Highness is discussing his ascension with the ministers."
"To the south of the study is the Audience Hall, where the late emperor's coffin lies in state."
The Master nodded slightly in acknowledgment: "Alas, the late emperor, a sage ruler, has passed so suddenly—a great sorrow for the empire."
Eunuch Li did not respond.
He simply continued leading the two toward the Imperial Study.
This left the Master fuming inwardly, though he could only suppress his anger.
The three arrived outside the Imperial Study.
Before they could enter, they heard chaotic arguing from inside.
"Your Highness, I beg you to reconsider! The officials appointed by the late emperor are all capable ministers—they should not be dismissed lightly!"
"Hmph, Huang Jiye! How dare you say that!"
"A new reign demands new changes! Are you implying His Highness lacks judgment in selecting talent?"
"Pan Song! You're a duke of the realm! Don't slander me!"
"Enough!" Qian Renxue's sharp rebuke silenced the room: "All of you, quiet!"
Outside.
Eunuch Li, eavesdropping, was startled by Qian Renxue's shout.
He quickly stepped aside, away from the door.
Patting his chest, he turned to the Master and Ye Tian, warning:
"The Imperial Study is filled with ministers of state. Mind your words once inside!"
"Thank you for the reminder, sir. I understand," the Master said with a bow.
Ye Tian also nodded in thanks.
Then.
Eunuch Li cautiously knocked on the study door and called out in a high-pitched voice: "Your Highness, the individuals you requested have arrived."
"Enter," Qian Renxue replied coolly.
The door creaked open, revealing a palace maid.
The Master hastily straightened his attire before stepping inside.
Ye Tian, however, followed casually behind him.
As soon as the two entered, they drew the attention of all the ministers.
Thanks to Qian Renxue's earlier rebuke, the study was now eerily silent.
An invisible pressure filled the air.
The Master, beaming, strode forward and bowed deeply to Qian Renxue: "Yu Xiaogang, Special Instructor of Shrek Academy, greets Your Highness!"
At this.
The ministers exchanged glances.
So this was the renowned theorist Yu Xiaogang.
Most had never met him in person.
But his reputation preceded him.
A master who had formulated the Ten Core Theories—such talent certainly deserved an audience with the Crown Prince.
"Commoner Ye Tian greets Your Highness."
Compared to the Master's booming voice, Ye Tian's greeting was utterly unremarkable.
His introduction sparked murmurs among the ministers.
"Who is this brat? Is he Yu Xiaogang's disciple?"
"I thought Yu Xiaogang's disciple was named Tang San?"
"This boy is clearly not of noble birth—no manners at all."
"I wonder how he even got here to see His Highness."
Hearing these remarks, Yu Xiaogang felt a surge of pride.
Was Ye Tian here to embarrass himself?
"No need for formalities. Seats for both," Qian Renxue waved a hand, her tone indifferent, faintly reminiscent of Bibi Dong's demeanor.
Her gaze did not linger on Ye Tian or the Master, instead sweeping over the assembled ministers.
Tapping the desk lightly, she declared with authority:
"You've all seen the new appointments."
"Those assigned to provincial posts need not feel slighted."
"It's not that you lack ability—the regions simply need you more."
The ministers remained silent.
"Need them more"?
More like exile in disguise.
Faced with their silent opposition, Qian Renxue remained unfazed.
She now controlled Heaven Dou City's military.
Any dissent would be met with death.
Her gaze swept the room again, finally settling on the Master.
"Beyond these appointments, I have two more important ones to announce."
At this.
The Master's heart raced.
Was his opportunity finally here?
He couldn't suppress his excitement.
Qian Renxue said coolly: "Master Yu Xiaogang's reputation is well-known. I appoint him as Heaven Dou Empire's Special Envoy for Foreign Affairs, overseeing all diplomatic matters with the Star Luo Empire."
The Master's excitement instantly deflated.
He had expected a high-ranking position, not just a diplomatic envoy.
Still, this post was traditionally held by dukes.
For someone with no prior official experience, it was a significant promotion.
The Master believed that with effort, he could rise to chancellor in no time.
With this thought, he stood and bowed: "Thank you, Your Highness!"
Qian Renxue nodded slightly, her tone still cold: "The second matter concerns Ye Tian's appointment."
Ye Tian was also being appointed as an official?
The Master turned in shock.
This was absurd!
To his knowledge, Ye Tian had never even attended school.
How could someone so ignorant hold office?
Perhaps as an imperial physician?
After much deliberation, that seemed the only plausible answer.
But Qian Renxue's next words left him stunned.
"I have decided to appoint Ye Tian as Heaven Dou's Imperial Preceptor, overseeing all military and administrative affairs."
Not only was the Master shocked.
The ministers' eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets.
After a brief silence.
They rose in unison to protest.
"Your Highness, this is preposterous! Ye Tian cannot hold such a crucial position!"
"This violates imperial law! There's no precedent—it must not be allowed!"
"The late emperor would be furious if he knew!"
"Treacherous counsel must be at work! Your Highness must rescind this order!"
"We implore Your Highness to reconsider!"
(End of Chapter)