Chapter 96

It was undoubtedly a declaration of the Confucianists' surrender.

Since that was the case.

He wouldn't be so petty as to lack even this much breadth of tolerance!

"By Your Majesty's command, I summon Xunzi to an audience!"

Zhao Gao arrived outside the hall, cleared his throat, and called out in a clear, loud voice.

The words had barely fallen.

Before long, Xunzi hurried over.

"Confucian Xunzi, pays his respects to Your Majesty!"

He followed Zhao Gao into the hall.

Xunzi bowed slightly in greeting.

"Rise."

Ying Zheng waved a hand, his gaze sweeping over him leisurely.

To be honest.

If not for the exposure by the Heavenly Dao Golden List.

He truly would not have seen that this seemingly ordinary old man before him was actually the number one expert of the Confucianists!

He inwardly remarked that it was interesting.

While on his lips, he feigned puzzlement and asked knowingly.

"I wonder what matter Xunzi wishes to see Me about?"

Hearing these words.

Xunzi did not seem surprised.

A smile hung on his face as he began explaining with a chuckle.

"This old man, unworthy as he is, was fortunate enough to make the Heavenly Dao Golden List and receive a Longevity Pill as reward."

"Knowing I am not worthy of such a generous gift, I hurried here without delay, wishing to present it to Your Majesty, and hope Your Majesty will graciously accept it."

Having said this.

He carefully took out a porcelain bottle from his bosom.

And handed it to Zhao Gao beside him.

The latter reached out to take it and examined it in detail.

After confirming there was no danger.

Only then did he hold the porcelain bottle in both hands and respectfully approach Ying Zheng.

"Good, I shall accept this item."

"You've rushed here the whole way; I imagine you haven't had much rest."

"You may return to rest for now. Tomorrow, attend court with the other officials, and we shall discuss rewards together."

He cast a casual glance at the porcelain bottle.

Knowing full well how turbulent his journey had been.

Ying Zheng gave his instructions calmly.

"Many thanks to Your Majesty; this old man takes his leave."

Xunzi breathed a sigh of relief and withdrew respectfully.

He knew.

The underlying meaning of those words was the acceptance of the Confucianists' surrender.

With this, the great stone in his heart could finally settle.

The Great Yuan, Imperial City.

"Indeed, just as this Khan expected!"

Seeing Ximen Wudi's figure appear once again on the Heavenly Dao Golden List.

A smile surfaced on Tie Muzhen's face.

He knew.

With each successive exposure of the rankings.

The detailed information about Ximen Wudi was drawing ever closer!

Thinking of the secret report his subordinates had brought not long ago.

Tie Muzhen could not help muttering in a tone full of curiosity.

"I truly look forward to the day the Heavenly Dao Golden List exposes you."

"When that time comes, it will let this Khan properly witness your methods."

As an emperor, his gaze naturally reached further than that of ordinary men.

The mere fact that Ximen Wudi's figure appeared so frequently on the Heavenly Dao Golden List.

Then, in other words.

Compared to these events that had already been exposed.

Were there not many unknown matters yet to be exposed?

And what exactly was Ximen Wudi's purpose in doing these things?

Simply for fun?

Or was he scheming for something far greater?

Evidently.

Compared to the former, he was more inclined toward the latter!

Great Tang, Fengxuan Pavilion.

"To think that even the renowned Guiguzi almost got cut down by your sword in a single strike."

"This Palace is truly curious — what other unknown things have you done?"

Wu Zetian, whose thoughts aligned with Tie Muzhen's, muttered softly.

The interest on her face grew ever thicker.

Setting everything else aside.

With every exposure of the Heavenly Dao Golden List,

Ximen Wudi's figure would appear once.

And within it, without exception, he made the ranked protagonists into mere background props.

Such a performance.

Even she was intensely curious!

And not long after her words fell.

Shangguan Wan'er strode quickly in.

"Your Majesty, a message has come from Great Sui."

"Besides our Great Tang and Great Qin and Great Yuan, there is another force secretly watching, suspected to be the Qinglong Society."

Hmm?

The Qinglong Society?

A strange glint flashed through Wu Zetian's beautiful eyes.

A faint smile rose on her fair face.

"Finally about to surface, are they? Interesting, very interesting."

Saying so, she raised her gaze to look at Shangguan Wan'er.

"Have them investigate thoroughly, and gather as much information on the Qinglong Society as possible!"

"Yes!"

Great Song, Imperial Palace.

"Hiss!"

"It appeared again!!"