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

Former Southern Song Dynasty Territory.

Now under the control of the Vast Sea Dynasty.

After several months of governance, the hearts of the Southern Song Dynasty people gradually began to fully accept the Vast Sea Dynasty.

Especially since the Vast Sea Dynasty reduced many taxes for the common folk.

Relief efforts, grain distribution, reduced various fees, improved security.

A series of measures like these.

Made the lives of the people vastly better compared to the past.

Once they noticed the benefits.

There was no need to think further.

They began to sing praises of the Vast Sea Dynasty's rule, even looking forward to it.

As for the previous Southern Song Imperial Court and the Yuan Imperial Court, they had long been thrown to the back of their minds.

Instead, there was deep resentment in their hearts.

The Southern Song Dynasty and the Yuan Dynasty had tormented the common folk for far too long.

Now that the Vast Sea Dynasty had finally risen, they could at last live better lives.

Perhaps, only a handful of loyalists to the Southern Song Dynasty or those with ambitions still insisted on resisting.

And opposing the Vast Sea Dynasty.

However.

At present, the Vast Sea Dynasty simply had not yet dealt with them.

Once everything settled down.

All rebellious forces would be eradicated without delay.

==========

Marshal Yue Fei Military Camp.

At this moment, Marshal Yue Fei was in his command tent, receiving a black-clad man in his forties or fifties.

Although the man did not emanate even a hint of a strong cultivator's presence.

Yue Fei remained cautious in his presence.

Some individuals, even without power, pose far greater threats than ordinary people.

And now, this man in front of him brought Yue Fei a sense of danger.

Even though both served the Vast Sea Dynasty, it did not stop Yue Fei from being on guard.

Within the Vast Sea Dynasty.

Officials with even a bit of status generally tried to avoid provoking this man, unless he crossed a red line.

"Congratulations to Marshal Yue for conquering the Southern Song Dynasty for the Vast Sea Dynasty. You have laid a strong foundation for unifying the Nine Provinces. Your merits are unparalleled."

"You flatter me, Lord."

"I wonder, what brings you to my camp today?"

"Hehe, I've come to ask the Marshal for some intelligence regarding the Yuan Dynasty."

"The Yuan Dynasty?"

Yue Fei raised an eyebrow, somewhat puzzled.

Why was this sinister man suddenly setting his sights on the Yuan Dynasty?

The waters there were incredibly deep.

Even if the man before him was very capable, stepping into that would still cost him dearly.

If it affected his jurisdiction, that would be troublesome.

Currently, the former Southern Song Dynasty region is stabilizing and must not descend into chaos again.

Otherwise, it would greatly damage the Vast Sea Dynasty's governance.

Thinking of this, Yue Fei looked at the man with growing impatience.

Though he was reluctant to provoke this troublesome figure.

If he were pushed too far, he would not hold back.

Even if it came before the Emperor, Yue Fei would still have the moral high ground.

"I've just received word that the spy networks of the Qin Dynasty, Han Dynasty, Tang Dynasty and other dynasties have all been eliminated one by one."

"Although it appears on the surface that the Yuan Dynasty made the move, you and I both know the truth."

"Don't tell me you plan to get involved in this mess as well?"

"The Yuan Dynasty is not our next target. You should be focusing on the Northern Song Dynasty instead."

"Marshal Yue, I will measure my steps carefully."

"I merely want to know some information about the Yuan Dynasty."

Yue Fei stared deeply at him.

Then took a stack of documents from the table and handed them over.

"This is all of it!"

The black-clad man took it, scanning the contents with sharp eyes, his expression growing more solemn.

A contemplative glint appeared in his eyes.

No one knew what he was thinking.

"Marshal Yue, sorry to disturb you. Thank you for your assistance this time. I will remember this. Farewell!"

Yue Fei didn't bother asking what the old fox was really up to.

He only wanted to get this plague out of his tent as soon as possible.

Seeing him take his leave, he didn't even offer the courtesy of keeping him.

He directly ordered someone to escort him out.

After the black-clad man left, Yue Fei's expression turned cold.

Immediately, he took up his brush and quickly drafted a confidential report, sending it to the Vast Sea Imperial Palace.

==========

Tang Imperial Palace, Taiji Hall.

"Your Majesty, our plot in the Yuan Dynasty has failed."

"I can now confirm that the one who made the move was the Ming Dynasty."

"Moreover, the Ming Dynasty's infiltration into the Yuan Dynasty far exceeds our expectations."

"Most likely, it won't be long before the Ming Dynasty attacks the Yuan Dynasty again."

"National Master Yuan, can we really do nothing to stop Zhu Houzhao?"

"At the very least, we should make things more difficult for Temujin!"

Li Shimin was full of frustration.

Ever since the appearance of the Golden Ranking.

He constantly regarded Zhu Houzhao as a rival.

Always yearning to defeat him, even once.

In the past, his rival was Ying Zheng.

Now, another has been added. The Ming Emperor and the Vast Sea Emperor.

Any opportunity to weaken the Ming Dynasty or the Vast Sea Dynasty would not be missed.

"Your Majesty, the Yuan Dynasty is too far from the Tang Dynasty. Even if we want to support it, it would take too long."

"In terms of timing, geography, and manpower, we cannot compare with the Ming Dynasty."

"This time, we were truly caught off guard."

"When the Ming Emperor began planning to divide the Yuan Dynasty, he had already accounted for all contingencies."

"Even the potential interference of dynasties like the Qin Dynasty, Tang Dynasty, and Han Dynasty was within his predictions."

"If we continue, it might drag the Tang Dynasty into the mess."

"The most pressing matter now is the war within the Northern Song Dynasty."

"This time, we must gain significant benefit from the Song Dynasty."

"Only then can we make up for our lacking foundation."

"So be it. This Northern Song Dynasty matter is crucial. Master Yuan, you will personally lead a team."

"I've also received news that the Black Ice Platform Leader of Qin Dynasty, the Supreme Master of the Sui Dynasty, Yuwen Tuo, and even the mysterious Director of Vast Sea Dynasty's Secret Intelligence Division will appear in Northern Song Dynasty."

"Not to mention Huang Shang of the Song Dynasty's Imperial City Division."

"If Master Yuan does not go, our Tang Dynasty spies may not be their match."

"Yes, Your Majesty. I will meet them myself."

"Especially this new Black Ice Platform Leader of the Qin Dynasty, and the Director of the Vast Sea Dynasty's Secret Intelligence Division."

Yuan Tiangang was very familiar with the Black Ice Platform of the Qin Dynasty.

He had dealt with the previous leader, Black Shadow, for many years.

Unfortunately, Black Shadow died quite disgracefully, which was regrettable.

However, the new leader's recent actions gave Yuan Tiangang a tremendous sense of threat.

At least in terms of strategy, he was far stronger than the previous Black Shadow.

In the future, this person would undoubtedly be a formidable enemy.

As for the Vast Sea Dynasty's Secret Intelligence Division, he had recently dealt with them as well.

At least, all the infiltrators he had sent into Vast Sea Dynasty Territory had lost contact.

Clearly, they were all wiped out.

And they most likely died at the hands of the Secret Intelligence Division.

Another very troublesome figure.

While Yuan Tiangang felt a dark cloud looming in his heart, he also felt a trace of excitement and anticipation.

But then, he suddenly had a doubt.

"Your Majesty, hasn't the Ming Dynasty taken action this time?"

"Based on my understanding of the Ming Emperor, he would never miss such a golden opportunity!"

"Indeed. However, the one deployed this time was not the Dark Guard Leader, nor the Embroidered Uniform Guard Leader, Six Doors, or the Eastern and Western Factories."

"It was the Director of the Military Advisor Division!"

"I've investigated this man before, but there is very little information on him."

"Only that he has a close personal relationship with Zhu Houzhao and is known as a heavy drinker with no real talent."

"Often seen frequenting brothels."

"His current position was not earned by talent but by flattering Zhu Houzhao."

"This, Your Majesty, I believe the rumors are wrong!"

"The Ming Emperor would never entrust such an important role to someone without ability."

"In other words, he places great trust in this person."

"Not only because of personal ties, but more importantly, due to his capabilities."

"Seems I must test this man's strength myself."

Considering Zhu Houzhao's vast talent pool, one more should be no surprise.

==========

Sui Imperial Harem.

Empress Xiao Meiniang Palace.

At this moment, not only the Empress, but also Yuwen Tuo, Kou Zhong, and Xu Ziling were present.

Over this period of time.

Through Yuwen Tuo's intentional efforts, he had finally won considerable trust from Xiao Meiniang.

At the very least, she was no longer as guarded as before.

"Your Majesty, I fear I will need to leave for a while."

"The Supreme Master intends to go to the Northern Song Dynasty?"

Empress Xiao Meiniang was not entirely ignorant of major events in the Nine Provinces.

Especially concerning the Yuan Dynasty and the Northern Song Dynasty.

They had recently become the central focus of the region.

She could not ignore them.

"Indeed, this battle is likely to be extremely brutal. Even I cannot guarantee that I will return alive!"

Hearing this, Xiao Meiniang was visibly shocked.

She was well aware of Yuwen Tuo's strength.

Even the Supreme Master lacked confidence. Was this Northern Song Dynasty war truly that perilous?

"Supreme Master, why not take Kou Zhong and Ziling with you this time, and let them witness the brutality of a true war?"

"This..."

Yuwen Tuo glanced at the Twin Dragons.

Though they had decent talent, their cultivation was still too weak.

If a real war broke out, they could become cannon fodder.

Battles between Heavenly Human Realm, Mythical Realm, and even God Demon Realm cultivators.

How could they possibly survive unscathed?

Perhaps seeing the hesitation on Yuwen Tuo's face, the Twin Dragons exchanged glances.

They immediately stepped forward.

"Please give us a chance, Supreme Master."

"Once we reach the Northern Song Dynasty, we will not trouble you."

"Nor will we drag you down!"

"If there are any suitable missions, feel free to assign them to us. We will not refuse."

Yuwen Tuo fell silent for a moment, then ultimately agreed.

Xiao Meiniang was the last fallback of the Sui Dynasty. This minor issue could not be allowed to create discord between them.

As for the safety of the Twin Dragons.

Yuwen Tuo was well-versed in physiognomy. Though these two were born into humble origins, they were blessed with deep fortune.

They likely would not face fatal danger.

Perhaps, within the Northern Song Dynasty, they might encounter great opportunities.

And their cultivation might advance further.

Since they did not bear a sign of early death, why not bring them along?

==========

Northern Song Dynasty.

National Master Lin Lingsu Mansion.

"National Master, now that the Song Dynasty is in peril, are you really not going to act?"

Huang Shang asked with some reluctance.

But Lin Lingsu calmly sipped his tea and said slowly.

"Fellow Daoist Huang, you are far too obsessed."

"Whether a dynasty survives or falls has its own destiny."

"If the Song Dynasty is fated to fall, even if I act, it will still fall."

"But if its fate is not yet extinguished, even if I do nothing, the Song Dynasty will continue to exist."

"By contrast, if you remain too attached, it will lead to disaster."

"Truth be told, you no longer owe the Song Dynasty anything."

"If you care too much, you will only draw disaster upon yourself."

In Lin Lingsu's eyes, the survival of the Song Dynasty meant nothing to him.

His relationship with the Song Dynasty was more transactional.

Perhaps it was due to this calm detachment.

Even though both were Mythical Realm cultivators, Emperor Zhao Ji trusted Lin Lingsu far more.

While the loyal Huang Shang, ironically, was not trusted.

Even though Zhao Ji knew he was utterly devoted, it remained the same.

Perhaps to Huang Shang, the Song Dynasty had become an obsession in his heart.

Though he had thought of giving up many times.

At critical moments.

He could not help but care deeply.

If he could not untangle this knot, he might never reach the God Demon Realm.

Now, with the battle over Southern Song Dynasty determining its fate, whether he could break free depended entirely on his own fate.

Lin Lingsu may have seen through Huang Shang's condition.

But this matter could only be resolved by Huang Shang himself.

Others could not help him.

As for Lin Lingsu, if the Northern Song Dynasty were truly destroyed.

He would only feel a moment of regret.

That a perfect partner was gone.

It would not harm him personally.