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

Ming Dynasty.

Capital City.

A rather elegant and unique courtyard.

Song Yuhua, who was originally supposed to remain in the Imperial Harem, suddenly appeared here.

She looked at Song Lu, Song Shidao, and Song Yuzhi before her with a rather complicated expression.

Especially after learning that her father Song Que's situation was somewhat precarious, she was deeply worried.

"Uncle Lu, Shidao, Yuzhi, since Father knows the danger posed by the Sui Dynasty's Supreme Master Yuwen Tuo, why doesn't he consider avoiding the sharp edge and come to Ming Dynasty for a while to stay safe?"

"Although Yuwen Tuo has reached the Mythical Realm, he wouldn't dare act recklessly within the borders of Ming Dynasty."

"Now, with Father left alone, what if something happens to him?"

"Big Sister, we tried to persuade Father too, but you know his temperament. How could he possibly choose to flee?"

"With so many people in Song Clan Mountain City, if Father retreats, Yuwen Tuo would certainly vent his wrath on the entire Song Clan. The consequences would be unimaginable!"

"Yuhua, this time Big Brother has entrusted me with one of Song Clan's elite forces to bring to you, so that you have some of your own strength within the Ming Imperial Harem."

"You won't have to worry about being isolated or bullied."

At this moment, Song Lu stepped forward and spoke.

Then, he handed a token made of special material to Song Yuhua.

As for why Song Zhi wasn't present here.

He ultimately decided to stay behind with Song Que, to live and die together.

Moreover, with Song Zhi there, Song Que wouldn't be too isolated. They could at least support each other.

Song Yuhua accepted the token, feeling deeply touched.

Although she wasn't overly concerned about this elite force from the Song Clan.

In the Ming Imperial Harem, with her current cultivation and the Emperor's love for her, who could possibly bully her?

Even when she saw Empress Wu Zhao, the latter treated her with respect.

There was no intentional difficulty placed on her.

Nor any coercion based on power.

Song Yuhua was also rather low-key in the Imperial Harem and knew how to conduct herself.

With her outstanding cultivation, she naturally held a strong position.

Additionally, she had alliances with Murong Qiudi, Lin Shiyin, and You Ruo, forming a notable network of influence.

However, outside the palace, she was indeed somewhat lacking in power.

Now, with the elite force from her father Song Que, along with support from Song Lu, Song Shidao, and Song Yuzhi outside the palace, she no longer had to feel like she was fumbling in the dark when handling matters.

"Uncle Lu, Shidao, Yuzhi, please stay in the capital for now."

"I need to report this matter to His Majesty."

"Perhaps, His Majesty will help me save Father!"

With Zhu Houzhao's strength and capabilities, if he chose to help, Song Que's safety wouldn't even be an issue.

"That would be wonderful."

Upon hearing this, Song Yuzhi and the others were immediately delighted.

At the same time, they couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

They knew well that the Ming Emperor possessed Great Perfection God Demon Realm strength.

While Yuwen Tuo was strong, everything was relative.

Compared to the Ming Emperor, he was far inferior.

Moreover, the Emperor had countless powerful subordinates.

Even those at the God Demon Realm were not few in number.

Next to the Ming Emperor, Sui Emperor Yang Guang was no better than a beggar.

Truth be told, Song Yuhua's marriage to Zhu Houzhao could truly be considered her great fortune.

Looking at her now, not only had her strength improved rapidly, but her complexion was also much more radiant than when she lived in the Song Clan.

She must be living a very happy life.

Naturally, they were happy for her.

And perhaps in the future, Song Yuhua might even become the Song Clan's greatest pillar of support.

==========

Ming Imperial Palace.

Zhu Houzhao smiled slightly and gently pulled Song Yuhua closer.

"Yuhua, this is the first time you've ever asked me to do something, isn't it?"

"How could I possibly say no?"

"Ai, Yuhua, your personality is just too gentle, not assertive at all."

"If it weren't for Qiudi supporting you, and your own strength being decent, who knows how people in the Imperial Harem would bully you!"

"Your Majesty, it's not that exaggerated, is it?"

"I think the sisters in the Imperial Harem are all quite nice and kind-hearted."

Zhu Houzhao rolled his eyes at her playfully.

But he didn't pursue the topic further.

After all, with Qiudi, a master schemer, by her side, he wasn't too worried about Yuhua being bullied.

Among the women he cared about in the Imperial Harem, most had formed alliances.

And in every alliance, there were always some shrewd and capable ones.

For instance, in the team of Qiudi, Yuhua, You Ruo, and Shiyin, Qiudi was the undisputed strategist.

Despite appearing refined and ladylike, she was actually very assertive and domineering.

She wouldn't bully others unless provoked, but who dared provoke her?

If it weren't for her current lack of strength, she would've already plotted to take down Empress Wu Zhao.

She was definitely the type who stirred trouble.

Fortunately, the current Empress Wu Zhao, whether in strength, intelligence, or palace politics, could suppress her.

So, nothing major had happened yet.

As for other small teams.

Like the one with Xue Yuan, Shi Feixuan, Wan Wan, and Huang Rong, Wan Wan and Huang Rong were absolutely cunning and capable.

Even Xue Yuan and Shi Feixuan, though mild-tempered, were not to be underestimated.

Then there was the Honglian and Nongyu team.

With Honglian's temperament, who would dare provoke her?

Within the Imperial Harem, each small group had its own survival strategy.

Of course, Zhu Houzhao turned a blind eye to all of this.

As long as they enjoyed themselves.

As long as they didn't cross any lines or commit truly outrageous deeds, he wouldn't interfere.

"Yuhua, you can handle the matters regarding the Song Clan members as you see fit."

"In addition, I'll assign Song Shidao a position as a Captain of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, under Qing Long's command for now."

"This will make it easier for them to act."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. However, about my father..."

"Don't worry, your father Song Que will be fine. Yuwen Tuo won't do anything to him."

Song Yuhua looked confused.

"Do you know what Yuwen Tuo's true cultivation Realm is?"

"Isn't it the Mythical Realm?"

"Wrong. He actually reached the God Demon Realm many years ago but has always concealed his true strength."

"Do you really think Yuwen Tuo doesn't know about Song Shidao and the others leaving Song Clan Mountain City and coming to the Ming Dynasty?"

"Wrong again. Completely wrong."

"Let alone the movements of so many people, even the tiniest changes in the Song Clan are under his watch."

"The reason Song Shidao and the others arrived safely in the Ming Dynasty is simply because Yuwen Tuo chose to turn a blind eye."

"He doesn't want to completely fall out with me or with the Ming Dynasty."

Song Yuhua was shocked by this.

God Demon Realm?

The Sui Dynasty's Supreme Master Yuwen Tuo was actually in the God Demon Realm?

Then why would he...

"Your Majesty, what is this Supreme Master Yuwen's real objective?"

"He's waiting..."

"Waiting? Waiting for what?"

"This matter involves many aspects, so don't ask too much."

"However, it has little to do with Song Que."

"You should focus on arranging things for Song Shidao and the others first."

"As for Song Que, I will have people keep an eye on him. I won't let anything happen to him."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Song Yuhua responded obediently and didn't press further.

"Heh, there's no need for such formality between us."

"Now then, should we move on to what we were meant to do?"

Zhu Houzhao grinned mischievously.

Song Yuhua rolled her eyes at him, but then blushed and shyly nodded.

"Hahaha..."

==========

Ming Imperial Harem.

Empress Wu Zhao Chambers.

"Your Majesty, this is all the information on Song Yuhua and the Song Clan members."

Shangguan Wan'er handed over a stack of documents.

"None of these Song Clan members have even reached the Heavenly Human Realm. They're not worth paying attention to. Compared to Song Yuhua herself, they are insignificant."

"In my view, Song Yuhua holds tremendous potential. In the future, she will definitely be one of the top-tier figures, second only to myself."

"His Majesty will likely value her more and more. Do not antagonize her."

"In fact, we may need her help someday."

"However, her father Song Que is indeed a remarkable individual."

"If he pledges loyalty to His Majesty in the future, he will certainly be highly regarded and could truly rise."

"Have someone keep a close watch on him. I want to understand him thoroughly."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Now, the situation in the Nine Provinces is becoming increasingly tense, especially the Yuan Dynasty, which has inexplicably been divided by several Princes."

"It seems this was all orchestrated by His Majesty behind the scenes."

"At this rate, it won't be long before the Ming Dynasty wages war against the Yuan Dynasty."

"Notify the Netherworld City to prepare."

"In the war against the Yuan Dynasty, they must not become useless like they did during the campaign to destroy the Qing Dynasty."

"During that war, Netherworld City's accomplishments didn't even reach half of what Murong Qiudi's Celestial Sect achieved."

"If they keep being so useless, what good are they to me?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. I will deliver the orders immediately. They won't dare slack off again."

==========

Sui Imperial Harem.

Empress Palace.

"Supreme Master Yuwen, what is the meaning of this?"

"You've already subdued the Heaven Blade Song Que and the entire Song Clan, yet instead of reporting it to His Majesty, you report it to me?"

Xiao Meiniang did not appear excited or joyful.

Instead, she immediately glared at Yuwen Tuo with a look of suspicion.

She felt that he harbored ill intentions.

That he wanted to drive a wedge between her and the Emperor.

"Your Highness, His Majesty is already aware of this matter, but he didn't say much."

"Nor did he object to you taking command of the Song Clan."

"From now on, the Heaven Blade Song Que and the Song Clan will fall under your authority."

"How to use them is for the Empress to decide."

"I shall take my leave."

Yuwen Tuo glanced at Xiao Meiniang, then turned and walked away.

He didn't even bother to explain the reason behind his actions.

Given Yang Guang's temperament, he should have grown suspicious upon learning Yuwen Tuo did this.

"Master!"

As Yuwen Tuo left, Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling entered.

"Kou Zhong, Ziling, what do you think Supreme Master Yuwen's objective is?"

"Giving us such a huge gift for no reason, this palace doesn't believe he's that generous."

"Master, whatever his motives may be, our priority now is to strengthen ourselves."

"With the Heaven Blade and the Song Clan joining us, our power will surely surge forward once more."

"In the upcoming war between the Tang Dynasty and the Sui Dynasty, we'll have more leverage to speak with authority."

"At the very least, we can ensure our own safety."

Ever since they participated in the campaign against the Tang Dynasty, Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling had grown significantly.

Having witnessed the might of Tang Dynasty firsthand, they dared not slack off.

Although the Shuanglong Army narrowly survived last time.

The humiliation of their defeat still deeply irked Kou Zhong.

One day, he would surely wash away that disgrace.

As for Yang Guang and Yuwen Tuo's motives.

They didn't intend to dwell on them for now.

They would revisit the matter after defeating the Tang Army.

Otherwise, if the Sui Dynasty were to lose again, it could mean the destruction of the nation.

And if the nation fell.

Whatever schemes Yang Guang and Yuwen Tuo might have would be meaningless.

"Master, the ranking has been updated!"

"This time, there should be a Mythical Realm Confucian Immortal on the ranking!"

"I wonder who it is, to be so fortunate to make the ranking!"

At that moment.

The Confucian Immortal Ranking in the sky suddenly trembled.

Radiating brilliant light.

Exuding a profound aura.

With a slight ripple.

Line after line of mysterious characters refreshed across the sky.

==========

[Confucian Immortal Ranking – Rank 6]

[Li Bai]

[Force: Imperial Family of Tang Dynasty]

[Cultivation: Early Mythical Realm Land Immortal]

[Technique: Supreme White Immortal Classic (Dual cultivation of Confucian and Sword Dao, self-created by fusing Confucian Dao techniques and the Supreme White Sword Classic)]

[Reward: One wisp of Intermediate-Tier Grand Righteous Qi (enhances Confucian Cultivation Techniques), 1 Intermediate-Tier Confucian Skill, 1 Intermediate-Tier Confucian Divine Weapon]

==========

"Li Bai?!"

"It's actually him?"

Both Empress Xiao Meiniang and Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling were shocked.

Their faces revealed expressions of disbelief.

This person was a true imperial member of the Tang Dynasty.

The biological brother of Emperor Li Shimin.

The biological son of the former Emperor, Li Yuan.

However, this man cared little for politics and greatly favored nature, poetry, and the arts.

He had little presence in the Tang Imperial Court.

Not even as famous as Li Yuanba.

But he could not be underestimated because of that.

This man was an absolute genius.

Whatever he studied, he mastered quickly.

Except for political affairs.

In Confucian studies, swordsmanship, poetry, and the arts, he was skilled in all.

And had achieved remarkable heights.

Xiao Meiniang and the two looked at each other, their faces tinged with worry.

"To think that this Supreme White Sword Immortal of Tang Dynasty has actually reached the Mythical Realm!"

"If it weren't for the Golden Ranking's revelation, no one would have known!"

"This man is an enemy to our Sui Dynasty. If we ever face him in battle, aside from Supreme Master Yuwen, no one may be able to stop him."

Xu Ziling spoke with concern.

"Sigh, that might not necessarily happen!"

"I've gathered information on this man."

Kou Zhong said casually, waving his hand.

"Though Li Bai is still a Prince of Tang Dynasty, and the biological brother of Li Shimin."

"Given Li Shimin's actions of killing his brother to seize the throne, the two can't even speak on equal terms."

"Most importantly, the relationship between them is extremely poor, one could even say hostile."

"In contrast, he was very close with the Hidden Crown Prince Li Jiancheng."

"Li Shimin killed Li Jiancheng, how could Li Bai ever pledge loyalty to him?"

"The only reason he hasn't avenged Li Jiancheng is probably because Li Shimin is still his brother."

"But to expect him to collude with Li Shimin? That's nearly impossible."

Kou Zhong shared the current status of Li Bai.

Though noble in title, he had no sense of belonging.

In fact, he even deeply despised it.

A man who would kill his own brother for the throne.

No matter how well he governed, Li Bai would never accept him.

"Also, I've heard that this Li Bai is known across the Martial World as the Poetry Immortal and Wine Immortal."

"Now, with the title of Sword Immortal and Confucian Immortal added."

"His carefree and unrestrained nature makes it even less likely for him to aid Li Shimin!"

"Zhong, don't be careless!"

"No matter how bad their relationship is, Li Bai is still part of the Tang Imperial Family. If the nation's survival is at stake, he won't just sit by and watch."

"We can't afford to be hopeful. The consequences would be disastrous."

"From now on, we must consider him a potential future enemy."

"Ziling is right. Kou Zhong, never underestimate this man!"

"Yes, Master!"

==========

Tang Imperial Palace, Taiji Hall.

Li Shimin and the Bad Marshal, Yuan Tiangang, stared silently at the ranking in the sky.

Li Shimin's face darkened.

It changed repeatedly.

"It's actually him?"

"And he's a Mythical Realm as well. No wonder he's never taken me seriously!"

"Very good. I've truly underestimated him!"

To Li Shimin, Li Bai was a loyal supporter of the Hidden Crown Prince Li Jiancheng.

Though he didn't participate in Li Jiancheng's schemes to harm him.

Li Bai's close relationship with Li Jiancheng was undeniable.

Li Jiancheng had loved and protected this Little Brother dearly.

"Brotherly affection" perfectly described their relationship.

So, when Li Shimin killed Li Jiancheng, Li Bai's hatred for him grew immensely.

However, because Li Shimin had already ascended the throne.

And more importantly, because he was Li Bai's brother.

Li Bai didn't attempt to kill him.

Li Shimin could kill his own brother for the throne.

But Li Bai could not be that heartless.

Out of sight, out of mind.

Thus, since Li Shimin became Emperor, Li Bai vanished without a trace.

He wandered the lands, immersed in nature.

Composed poetry, practiced his sword, and made friends.

He lived a carefree life.

Yet it was this state of mind that allowed his cultivation to progress rapidly.

At a young age, he had already reached the Mythical Realm.

Unlike Zhu Houzhao, Li Bai didn't rely on cheats.

It was all achieved through his own talent, step by step.

One could imagine how outstanding he truly was.

The more brilliant Li Bai became.

The more Li Shimin, who had always viewed him as a grave threat.

He found it hard to rest easily.

In his heart, Li Shimin had never stopped being wary of Li Bai.

Always fearing that one day, Li Bai would suddenly appear and attempt to assassinate him.

But now, with the Golden Ranking's revelation.

It turned out Li Bai was a powerful Mythical Realm cultivator.

This left him completely stunned.

"Master Yuan, did you know that this brat had reached the Mythical Realm?"

"Your Majesty, when I last saw him three years ago, he was only at the Late Heavenly Human Realm."

"From the looks of it, he must have had a great opportunity recently that allowed his cultivation to soar!"

"Your Majesty, in this subject's humble opinion, you should mend relations with Li Bai."

"A Sword Immortal and Confucian Immortal at the Mythical Realm, with such immense potential, may even surpass this old subject."

"In the future, Li Bai might become one of Tang Dynasty's greatest pillars."

"To abandon him or make him an enemy would not be in the Tang Dynasty's best interest."

"Master Yuan, are you suggesting that I apologize and reconcile with this brat?"

"Impossible!"

"In my eyes, Li Bai is still part of the Hidden Crown Prince's force."

"If he hadn't escaped back then, he wouldn't be alive now."

"Even if he agreed to work with me, I still couldn't trust him!"

"I've learned that he's been secretly searching for someone from the Hidden Crown Prince's lineage."

"Back then, the Hidden Crown Prince had a son who vanished. He's still missing to this day."

"Li Bai is most likely trying to find him."

"But for what purpose?"

"Could he be trying to support the last of the Hidden Crown Prince's bloodline and overthrow my reign?"

Li Shimin was completely against reconciling with Li Bai.

To the point of outright rage.

Yuan Tiangang opened his mouth to try and persuade him.

But in the end, he swallowed his words.

The Xuanwu Gate Incident had become an emotional scar for Li Shimin.

There was no room for reconciliation between the two.

No matter how strong Li Bai became, so what?

No matter how beneficial he was to the Tang Dynasty, so what?

Li Bai's very existence posed a serious threat to Li Shimin's rule.

There was no possibility of cooperation.