Golden Ranking Appears, My Empress Turns Out to Be Wu Zhao

Ming Dynasty, Capital City.

Dressed in an official robe, Di Renjie led a squad of Judicial Review Court officers, swiftly dashing through the streets.

He looked dashing and extraordinary, handsome and elegant.

Especially after having served under Empress Wu Zhao for many years, he had honed impressive skills.

Now, he had been promoted by Emperor Zhu Houzhao, breaking the usual protocols, and made the Chief Minister of the Judicial Review Court.

In an instant, he had become a new rising star in the Imperial Court.

Moreover, being selected into the Renowned Minister Ranking, even the Grand Secretary of the Cabinet treated him with respect.

These days, he is full of confidence and vigor.

Yet he had not become lost in pride.

Instead, he held even greater ambitions for the future.

This was the worst of times, but also the best of times.

Opportunities and crises coexisted.

The Ming Emperor was an Emperor of great ambition. Under such an Emperor, as long as he served diligently, he was sure to accomplish something extraordinary in the future.

Even entering the Grand Secretary was not out of the question.

Now, he could finally act according to his own ideals.

No longer would anyone be able to restrain him.

"Lord, it's here!"

"This residence is their headquarters!"

"Did anyone escape?"

"Reporting to the Lord, no one did. To prevent escape through underground tunnels, we arranged surveillance from high above nearby."

"All the surrounding mansions and residences within several li are under close watch."

"Yuanfang, you've done well. No wonder His Majesty appointed you to assist me!"

Di Renjie was very pleased with the guard Li Yuanfang beside him.

At first, knowing this man was sent by the Emperor to "protect" him, he had been quite displeased.

But after spending some time together.

He was shocked to discover that not only was Li Yuanfang powerful, his ability to learn was also extraordinary.

After cooperating for a while, Di Renjie found himself gradually unable to do without this partner.

"Lord, should we launch a direct assault?"

"Charge!"

With a single command from Di Renjie, everyone immediately stormed the residence.

They acted decisively, without a trace of hesitation.

Soon, the sound of a fierce and tragic battle echoed through the area.

It stirred countless discussions among the surrounding commoners.

Admiration filled their eyes.

In their hearts, someone like Di Renjie was the epitome of a successful man.

A model to strive for and envy.

Not only was he highly capable, he had even made it into the Renowned Minister Ranking.

Renowned throughout the land.

Even within the entire Ming Imperial Court, few could compare to him.

Inside the residence.

Di Renjie activated the true energy within his body, gathering it into his eyes.

Immediately, rays of light visible only to him began to flash above everyone's heads.

It was the Top-Tier Civil Minister Skill granted to him by the Heaven Dao.

The Eye of Judgement.

As long as Di Renjie widened his eyes in anger, he could discern right from wrong, and identify loyalty and treachery.

He could easily uncover corrupt officials.

This ability was very similar to that of the ancient mythical beast Xie Zhi.

Although it was a weakened version.

Only the Heaven Dao Reward could bestow such a power.

Such a miraculous skill suited Di Renjie perfectly.

With its aid, he was able to instantly unravel a case that had troubled him for a long time.

At last, he found the real culprit.

"Di Renjie, what is the meaning of this?"

"Don't think that just because His Majesty trusts you, you can act so recklessly!"

"If you don't give a proper explanation today, I will report you to His Majesty!"

"Minister Chen, you are guilty!"

"As War Vice-Minister, you colluded with the Golden Wolf Hall of the Yuan Dynasty, and even plotted rebellion. No one can save you now!"

"Nonsense! You..."

"Enough, Minister Chen. I have already gathered all the evidence. There's no need to deny it."

"Your accomplices are already in deep trouble!"

"Yuanfang, arrest him!"

Di Renjie declared with righteous resolve.

==========

Ming Imperial Palace.

"Your Majesty!"

Dark One respectfully appeared before Zhu Houzhao.

"How did it go? Was the matter handled?"

"Reporting to Your Majesty, it has been resolved. However, it wasn't done by the Dark Guard."

The Dark Guard Leader reported bitterly.

"Oh? What happened?"

"It was the newly appointed Chief Minister of the Judicial Review Court, Lord Di Renjie, who handled it personally."

"He even acted ahead of the Dark Guard."

"Interesting. Did you provide him any assistance from the shadows?"

"We did not. This time, Lord Di was ahead of the Dark Guard in every aspect!"

"It seems he had already identified the main culprit beforehand, and only then began collecting evidence."

"Haha, interesting. It seems I underestimated this Rank 10 minister on the Renowned Minister Ranking."

"Your Majesty, shall the Dark Guard take over the case from Lord Di?"

"This case has already caused quite a stir due to Di Renjie. It would be inappropriate for the Dark Guard to step in now."

"Let him handle it. Let's see how far he can go with it!"

"Hmph, that Temujin really doesn't know his place. Daring to provoke me again... Looks like it's time I returned the favor."

"Dark One, notify the Dark Guard in the Yuan Dynasty Territory. Begin the operation!"

"I want to see the Yuan Dynasty torn apart from within!"

"Temujin's sons are all ambitious and restless. Let's give them the perfect opportunity!"

"I wonder what kind of expression Temujin will have when he finds his backyard in flames."

Zhu Houzhao's face twisted into a wicked smile.

"Yes, Your Majesty. I know what to do."

After dismissing Dark One, Zhu Houzhao suddenly remembered something and felt a headache coming on.

These past few days, Empress Wu Zhao seemed to be upset about something.

He had no idea what he had done to offend her.

Even if he wanted to coax her, he didn't know how.

He was always the one being pampered. How could he know how to pamper a woman?

Still, after some thought, he decided to go to the Empress Chambers.

Since the Empress wanted to throw a tantrum.

Then he would properly "conquer" her.

If once wasn't enough, then twice.

If twice wasn't enough, then three times.

Until she was completely conquered.

Thinking of this, Zhu Houzhao couldn't help but reveal a mischievous grin.

With a flicker of movement, he appeared outside the Empress Palace.

==========

Two hours later.

Empress Chambers.

Empress Wu Zhao leaned limply against Zhu Houzhao's shoulder, her complexion pale.

Her eyes flashed with both shame and lingering fear.

This beast... How did he become so formidable!

She was already at the God Demon Realm, yet even she could barely endure it.

The Empress, who had once been dignified and graceful, noble and majestic, now appeared completely like a delicate little woman.

She no longer dared to throw tantrums.

"Huh? Your Majesty, my true essence seems to have made considerable progress?"

"What's going on?"

Suddenly.

As if she had sensed something, Empress Wu Zhao asked in surprise and delight.

Since when did doing that kind of thing help improve one's cultivation?

"Hehe, now you understand how capable I am?"

"Let's see if you still dare to act spoiled in the future."

"But this time, what exactly made you upset?"

"Your Majesty, was it because you were worried that I might threaten your heirs that you refused to let the Princes and Princesses enter the palace?"

Empress Wu Zhao spoke with a heartbroken expression.

Zhu Houzhao was momentarily stunned and asked in confusion.

"Why would you ask that?"

"Isn't Princess Su Yue of Hundred Yue City your daughter, Your Majesty? Why didn't you bring her into the palace right away?"

"Why let her continue wandering among the commoners, drifting in the Martial World?"

"Also, do you have other Princes and Princesses hidden in secret locations because you don't want them to enter the palace either?"

"Is Your Majesty guarding against me, afraid that I might harm them?"

"Is that it?"

Empress Wu Zhao did not particularly care about Princes or Princesses.

With her current God Demon Realm cultivation, she had long since become indifferent to such things.

However, when it came to the Emperor's attitude and feelings toward her, she cared deeply.

She valued that more than anything.

"You even managed to uncover the existence of another son and daughter?"

"When did Netherworld City become so capable?"

Zhu Houzhao asked in surprise.

But his words caused Empress Wu Zhao's mind to jolt violently.

A son and a daughter?

His Majesty really had children she didn't know about living outside?

Seeing the disappointment flash across the Empress's face, Zhu Houzhao immediately understood what she was thinking.

What a sensitive woman.

"Empress, do you really think I kept them outside because I feared you would harm them?"

"You've let your imagination run too wild."

"To think you don't trust your own husband. That deserves punishment."

"So this whole tantrum these past few days was over this?"

Zhu Houzhao couldn't help but laugh.

That instantly triggered a look of playful anger from Empress Wu Zhao.

==========

Sui Dynasty Territory.

Star Valley.

This was where the Nine Provinces Forbidden Land, the Star Pagoda, was located.

When this "ominous land" was first discovered, it caused a great sensation across the entire Nine Provinces.

Countless imperial and martial forces rushed to investigate and observe.

Many people entered the valley, never to return.

That made everyone much more cautious.

Especially when several Land Immortals died within the formation array of the valley, the entire world was shocked.

The desire to explore the Forbidden Land quickly faded.

In the surrounding area, only a few remained to keep watch.

Over time, the place returned to tranquility.

No one dared provoke the powerful figure dwelling inside.

What no one knew was.

There was no trace of danger within the valley at this moment.

Instead, it was a picturesque and peaceful paradise.

Flowers, grass, and trees were all meticulously tended by the valley's master.

The environment was elegant, serene, and harmonious.

"Mother, I finished my lessons for today!"

"Big brother was slacking again!"

"He's no match for me now!"

"Hmph, give me ten more days, and I'll definitely beat him in three moves!"

A cute and lively little girl spoke proudly to the stunning woman in green before her.

"Yu'er, are you bullying your brother again?"

The beautiful woman gave the little girl an exasperated look.

But soon, her gaze softened with motherly affection.

"Go wash your hands. Dinner will be ready soon."

"Heehee, great! There's braised ribs, my favorite!"

Watching the little girl hop off to wash up, Shi Qingxuan shook her head helplessly.

As her son and daughter grew, their personalities had begun to diverge.

Her son was calm and steady, always acting like a little adult, mature and intelligent.

Her daughter was lively and mischievous, always laughing and playing.

Thanks to her, the valley was never too quiet.

One calm and one energetic, the balance was just right.

"Qingxuan, your children are truly extraordinary."

"In terms of talent and foundation, very few in the Nine Provinces can compare to them."

"Who is their father? Why won't you tell me?"

"I don't want that man to know, and I don't want the children to get involved in all that chaos at such a young age."

Shi Qingxuan replied calmly.

As for the man in white beside her, it was naturally the Evil King Shi Zhixuan.

Not long ago, he had forcefully entered Star Valley and nearly died in the formation.

If not for Shi Qingxuan's timely rescue, he would not have survived.

But even so, the relationship between father and daughter had not improved much.

"That man's identity... is it extraordinary?"

"Hmph, if I find out who he is, I'll make sure he gets a good beating!"

"A beating? Your identity as the Evil King might carry some weight in the Sui Dynasty, but before that man, lasting even one move would be impressive."

"He's not someone you can afford to provoke."

Shi Qingxuan gave Shi Zhixuan a deep look and shook her head with resignation.

Shi Zhixuan was indeed remarkable.

But it all depended on who he was being compared to.

That man could be described as invincible in the Nine Provinces, and it wouldn't be an exaggeration.

Shi Zhixuan had only just reached the Heavenly Human Realm.

Shi Zhixuan fell silent for a moment.

"You won't say it, but I already know who it is."

"The Azure Lotus Sword Immortal, Su Yi."

"Now, he should be called Ming Emperor Zhu Houzhao, correct?"

"How did you know that?"

Shi Qingxuan was utterly shocked.

Shi Zhixuan shook his head and said nothing more.

With a flicker of his figure, he swiftly flew out of the valley.

He now needed to find a way to let that man know about Qingxuan and their children.

His daughter could not be bullied by anyone.

Not even the Ming Emperor.

He had to secure proper recognition for her.

She could not be allowed to remain hidden in the valley for the rest of her life.

Furthermore.

Qingxuan's son should be the Eldest Prince of the Ming Dynasty, right?

He had a high chance of inheriting the throne of the Ming Dynasty in the future.

From the moment he was born, there was no avoiding it.

He had to fight for it.

Otherwise, no matter how far he ran, he would never be safe.

Shi Qingxuan had a serene and indifferent temperament and did not care for such matters.

But Shi Zhixuan, who was deeply familiar with the workings of the Imperial Court and imperial politics, could not pretend not to know.

Otherwise, he would be harming his daughter and his grandchildren.

Shi Qingxuan was about to stop him, unwilling to let Shi Zhixuan get involved.

But at that moment, she saw the ranking in the sky shift once more.

The Rank 5 was about to be revealed.

In the brief moment of her daze, Shi Zhixuan had already vanished.

Only Shi Qingxuan remained where she stood, letting out a soft sigh.

It seemed... there was no escaping it after all.