Chapter Two: The Mole

“Your Majesty, if we proceed like this, I will have a hard time explaining things to the Empress Dowager,” Cao Zhengchun said, a troubled expression crossing his face.

“You're only worried about explaining to the Empress Dowager? Then what kind of explanation do you intend to give me?” Zhu Yu’s tone grew heavier as he fixed his gaze on Cao Zhengchun, who was kneeling before him.

“I wouldn’t dare, Your Majesty. Rest assured, I will handle the matter properly.”

Zhu Yu’s brow furrowed as another thought struck him. “Has the matter between Yu Huatian and the Empress Dowager been investigated thoroughly?”

“It has, Your Majesty. It was only a rumor circulating in the palace. That scoundrel Yu Huatian merely knows how to please the Empress Dowager, which is why such gossip began.”

“That’s enough; you may go. By the way, if you come across Zhao Huaian, tell him to come to the palace—I wish to see him.” Zhu Yu waved his hand, urging Cao Zhengchun to be quick about his tasks.

As Cao Zhengchun withdrew, Zhu Yu’s tightly knit brows did not relax.

The Empress Dowager—a veritable landmine!

At first, Zhu Yu had thought she was the imperial consort from the story, the one who kept Yu Huatian as her favorite, though now her title was Empress Dowager, not consort. But later he realized that was not the case. Prime Minister Cai, a man of immense power from the late emperor’s reign, was actually the Empress Dowager’s own brother. Zhu Yu had to call him “Uncle” whenever they met.

It was clear that Prime Minister Cai had been cultivated by the Empress Dowager herself since she entered the palace. How could such a woman be the same as the one in Yu Huatian’s tale, who indulged in pleasure and was poisoned to death with a single cup?

He sighed. He had once fancied himself inheriting an era of prosperity, but now the realm was in chaos, and even the imperial court was in disarray.

The Iron Courage Marquis’s faction appeared loyal but did nothing substantial, only striving to protect themselves and talking their way out of trouble. The Eastern and Western Bureaus, managed by eunuchs, lacked any powerful officials—just minor functionaries who could accomplish nothing.

The greatest force was Prime Minister Cai’s clique, who bribed everyone they could. Even in the capital, nine out of every ten unjust cases could be traced to him or his followers.

Of course, there were still loyal and capable officials, but they were all victims of false accusations. All Zhu Yu could do was try to keep them alive until Cai’s downfall, then reinstate them.

But how to break this deadlock? Zhu Yu massaged his temples, deep in thought.

He couldn't simply order Cao Zhengchun and his men to kill Prime Minister Cai by force. That might be the most effective solution, but it was also the last resort. If things went awry, he would not be able to clean up the aftermath. If the Empress Dowager and Cai’s faction caused an uproar, with the military power he had now, he would swiftly become a monarch in exile.

No, if that happened, Zhu Wushi would leap out to seize control, draining dry anyone who dared make a move, and then rightfully claim the throne.

But then again, Zhu Wushi was still useful at this stage. That wily old fox would only bare his fangs if he was certain there was no one left in the court to threaten him.

Moreover, except for Zhu Wushi’s own secret retainers, the people of Dragon Guard Villa had been instilled with loyalty to the throne and patriotism—they could be employed.

Zhu Yu sighed again, realizing that the root of the problem was his own lack of strength. If only he had spent more time practicing martial arts and less on idle pleasures—but it was too late now.

With a wry smile, he muttered, “I am, after all, a transmigrator—a thoroughly legitimate emperor. Where’s my system? My golden finger? My stroke of fate?”

Wait—a sudden thought struck him. What had he forgotten?

What was it? Zhu Wushi? Drained corpses? Absorption? Absorbing Power Technique? Star-Absorbing Technique? The Northern Darkness Divine Art!

He had his fortuitous encounter after all!

Zhu Yu’s eyes lit up. So I can absorb as well!

The realization made him impatient. Had Duan Yu gotten his hands on the Northern Darkness Divine Art yet?

But after a few minutes of anxiety, Zhu Yu could only sigh in resignation.

What good was impatience? The three renowned eunuchs were nowhere near him. It wasn’t as if he could simply leave the capital by himself.

Still, this reflection served as a reminder. He carefully recalled if there were any other missed opportunities.

After some thought, two more came to mind!

One was the Nine Yang Divine Art inside the white ape near Mount Kunlun.

The other was the complete internal strength of Gu Santong, hidden in the ninth level beneath the capital’s imperial prison.

Yet, upon further consideration, the Northern Darkness Divine Art was the safest and most convenient.

First, Mount Kunlun was vast, filled with martial sects large and small. To find the white ape would require immense manpower, resources, and—most importantly—time, which was exactly what Zhu Yu lacked.

As for Gu Santong—his title was the Undefeated Mischief. Who knew what he really thought? Perhaps he only passed on his skills because he took a liking to his own son.

There was no guarantee Gu Santong would find him agreeable, so that uncertain danger would have to wait.

Besides, if things unfolded as the story went, Cheng Shifei would become his brother-in-law, which would be a great help.

Most importantly, both the Nine Yang Divine Art and the Northern Darkness Divine Art could only be obtained in person.

He could trust his safety to the Eastern and Western Bureaus, but he certainly couldn’t trust them to search for divine skills on his behalf.

Yet, knowing full well that the Northern Darkness Divine Art was out there just waiting for him, while he couldn’t go and claim it, made Zhu Yu restless. He turned to Eunuch Wu, who had been standing quietly behind him.

“Eunuch Wu, how long would it take to travel from the capital to Dali?”

Eunuch Wu did a quick calculation. “A bit over two months, Your Majesty.”

Zhu Yu nodded, making a mental note of the timing, though he was not yet resigned to the matter. He continued, “Eunuch Wu, have you ever heard of the Boundless Sword Sect in Dali? Do you know where it is?”

This time, Eunuch Wu replied promptly, “Your Majesty, I have never heard of a sect by that name, but from the sound of it, it must be a martial sect. If you wish, I can order an investigation.”

“No, that won’t be necessary.”

Zhu Yu forced himself to let go of thoughts about the Northern Darkness Divine Art. He turned, intending to distract himself by eating a few grapes, but unexpectedly, he stumbled upon an amusing scene.

A young errand eunuch stood just behind Eunuch Wu, head bowed, muttering something under his breath, though his voice was too low to make out.

Eunuch Wu, ever attentive to Zhu Yu, followed his master’s gaze and caught sight of the young eunuch behind him. His expression changed, and he was about to scold the boy when Zhu Yu stopped him with a gesture.

Zhu Yu quietly rose and walked behind the young eunuch, listening closely to catch what he was muttering.

But what he heard made his face darken instantly.

“Eunuch Yu has left the palace, Eunuch Cao has gone after him, Eunuch Liu isn’t here… Dali… Boundless Sword Sect…”

The little eunuch was actually reciting Zhu Yu’s very words!