I’ll Definitely Play the Stand-in Villain-Chapter 104 : He Had the Emperor Standing Behind Him—A Gift from Emperor Mingde

Chapter 104: He Had the Emperor Standing Behind Him—A Gift from Emperor Mingde. Did He Dare Marry Her?
Inside the Hall of Cultivated Mind, in the red-bronze incense burner shaped like bestial horns, sandalwood burned in curls of smoke.
Emperor Mingde washed his hands and lit incense. Dressed in plain robes, he then sat quietly upon a meditation cushion. He did not look like a sovereign who ruled over the four seas, but instead resembled a refined scholar.
At his side, Wei Gong bent his waist as he ed:
“Your Majesty, the people heading to Beiyu’s Floating Sky Temple have already been confirmed. The Soul-Calming Coffin has not been touched in all these years. It has been watched over by Master Weci, and no one has gone near it.”
“His Highness Yanzhou may have been accidentally switched when he was taken out of the capital, long ago.”
“But this old slave still knows very well that in today’s world, those capable of saving His Highness Yanzhou back then could be counted on one hand. Among the few First-Rank Daoists still alive, it is even more impossible they would act.”
“The only possible ones… might be some old fellows from Beiyu……”
Hearing this, Emperor Mingde’s expression remained calm, but his gaze deepened.
If Wei Gong could think of these things, how could he not?
In the past, both Qing Shu and that child had clearly died. Their souls had already returned to the Netherworld, and even he had been powerless.
The only way left would have been to enter the depths of the ancestral imperial tomb and seek help from the imperial ancestors.
But if he did that, the Cui Clan of Hejian would never let the matter rest.
For the stability of the realm, even the imperial ancestors might not have helped.
Anyone willing to pay such a price to save that child must surely harbor enormous schemes.
This chess piece had been planted twenty years ago.
“At present, nothing suspicious has been found beside His Highness Yanzhou. If there is anything remotely suspicious, it would be the Martial God inheritance he gained……”
“But even that can be reasonably explained.”
“If this truly was a plot arranged by Beiyu, then the one behind it… no one knows where they are hiding.” Wei Gong sounded worried.
Emperor Mingde said lightly: “Let the soldiers block the soldiers, let the floods be stopped by earth. Across my life, what storms have I not seen? Since Beiyu dared bring Zhou’er back, whatever schemes they have, I shall take them all.”
The orthodox shamanic system originated from Beiyu.
Even the Nether Cult, which now brought chaos across Great Qian’s four seas, was merely a branch evolved from it—unable to stir up waves too great.
Aside from the northern Great Yu that stared like a tiger watching its prey, Great Qian’s greatest hidden danger lay within: the countless entrenched noble clans occupying every region. If conflict started, the realm would surely fracture.
This was why he had not moved against the Cui Clan of Hejian for so many years.
The foreign demon nations bordering the Southern Border and the many sea tribes along the Eastern Sea were, in Great Qian’s eyes, no more than outsiders who could be expelled at any time.
“Recently, this suddenly rising Chunshui Pavilion—this old slave sent people to investigate. It seems to have some connections to Beiyu, but certain court ministers also appear to be supporting it from behind.”
“This old slave fears the court may already have been infiltrated by Beiyu for a long time……” Wei Gong suddenly brought up another matter.
The Chilin Guards oversaw the officials. How could they not investigate a rising establishment like Chunshui Pavilion?
But later on, even he felt great pressure. Invisible hands everywhere were blocking the way.
Emperor Mingde’s expression grew much deeper. He shook his robe and let out a cold snort: “New emperor, new ministers. Among all these officials, how many truly consider the good of Great Qian? In the end, they only care about those pitiful scraps of personal gain. If I had not promoted common-born scholars and pushed for the imperial examinations over these years, the political winds of the court would look very different today.”
Wei Gong looked troubled.
Naturally, he understood His Majesty’s meaning. Since the founding of Great Qian, noble clans had existed. In a sense, even the current imperial family had once been one of the noble clans.
The early Great Qian Empire was a super-alliance formed by noble clans that united, expelled surrounding small states, swallowed territories, and reorganized repeatedly until the world was unified.
The old ancestors of those clans had fought alongside the Ancestral Dragon Emperor, expanding the borders and conquering the land—founding heroes. Their descendants enjoyed the lingering blessings, flourishing relentlessly and monopolizing every path of advancement.
Before Emperor Mingde ascended the throne, not a single official in court came from humble backgrounds—every one was a clan disciple tied by marriage.
Wei Gong still remembered that when Emperor Mingde was still a prince, he and the young Shen Jingxiao had made bold vows: to shatter the status quo, to break the clans’ monopoly over officialdom—saying that the imperial treasury would one day burn to embroidered ash……
Back then, Shen Jingxiao had laughed at him, saying the prince himself came from the greatest clan of them all. If he wished to step over the bones of the nobles lining the Heavenly Street, was he not afraid the ancestors would throw him out of the family genealogy?
His Majesty had neither confirmed nor denied it, simply smiling.
Many years passed. Shen Jingxiao supported the once-declining Shen Clan of the Northwest, taking root in the capital and becoming a leading noble house.
Meanwhile, His Majesty promoted martial examinations and imperial examinations, granting opportunity to scholars and martial artists across the world.
Now, aside from the noble clans, many voices from the common people were heard in court.
For example, Fang Jinhan, deputy dean of the Confucian Courtyard of the Dragon-Tiger Institute and now the head of the Hanlin Academy—he had been personally recommended by His Majesty. Once a poor youth who had to borrow light from his neighbor to read, he became a grand scholar admired by all.
And there were many more such figures……
Naturally, this had drawn severe criticism and resistance. Not to mention the imperial clan representing the Xia people—behind the Empress stood the Cui Clan of Hejian, which had joined multiple noble clans in memorials accusing this policy of harming clan interests.
A thousand-year-old web of noble clans—interlinked, intermarried, interests bound together—how could Emperor Mingde uproot them with only a decade of effort?
The final result was that Emperor Mingde began living in seclusion in the Hall of Cultivated Mind year-round, nurturing his mind, cultivating Daoist arts, seeking longevity. Affairs of state were gradually handed to the Crown Prince, with the Chancellor and powerful ministers assisting.
Everyone believed Emperor Mingde had chosen to retreat.
Only Wei Gong, who knew him deeply, understood: His Majesty was merely waiting for the most suitable moment.
“Come with me out of the palace for a walk.”
Emperor Mingde lightly clapped his hands and set down the string of jade beads he had been rolling in his palm.
Wei Gong froze. “Your Majesty intends to meet His Highness Yanzhou?”
“‘The Northern Sea Heaven-Transforming Human Pill Grand Art’ is no trivial matter. He is smart—he did not continue probing deeper. But I cannot allow him to remain idle.”
“I must let him understand that I stand behind him. He may boldly do as he wishes.”
Emperor Mingde spoke calmly.
Naturally, he knew the recent circumstances of the court. Many believed his sudden favor toward Shen Yanzhou—assigning him to investigate this case—was to find a scapegoat and soothe unrest in the capital.
As a false heir, with ties to the Daoist sects, Shen Yanzhou had enjoyed great prominence recently, drawing criticism. Using him to divert attention was indeed convenient.
But in truth… Emperor Mingde merely wanted to use Shen Yanzhou to lure the snake from its hole.
Once the snake revealed its head, he would strike personally.
……
Just past the hour of You in the afternoon, with the sun not yet dipping westward, Shen Yanzhou finished reviewing the day’s cases and changed out of his official robes, intending to leave work.
He picked up his teacup, took a light sip, felt the temperature was just right, and could not help sighing from the heart.
Being a minor leader within the system truly was nice—a separate loft, with a Daoist Wind-Returning Formation inscribed. Even in scorching summer heat outside, it remained cool here.
A few cups of tea, a few volumes of those illicit popular erotic novels confiscated from subordinates—and another dull, tedious day was over.
When his cup emptied, a subordinate immediately came to refill it.
Wu Ruyue, in her uniform that was admittedly tempting, would occasionally come by too—serving as eye-candy.
Yet he was no longer a small leader. A Thousand-Household Commander of the Chilin Guards in the capital—if he were posted in a provincial prefecture, even the prefect would have to greet him personally.
“Turns out you still have to lean on a big thigh.”
“But accompanying the ruler is like accompanying a tiger……”
Shen Yanzhou could not help thinking of Emperor Mingde, and worry crept into his heart.
Even with his knowledge of the plot, this case felt dangerously thorny. The Demon Suppression King was watertight—he would never reveal any flaw.
And in the capital, someone had concealed things for him for years. If they had not attempted to frame him this time, the truth would never have surfaced.
For Emperor Mingde to hand this case to him—was this not obviously pushing him into a pit?
“Wu Ruyue is so single-minded. I’ve told her countless times not to investigate too aggressively, yet she never listens.”
“If she truly uncovers something, she might be found the next day ‘having committed suicide’ in the Wu Residence—with the cause of death being a flying sword from behind……”
“I really need to find a chance to restrain her. If something happens to her, where would I find such an eye-pleasing secretary?”
Seeing that Wu Ruyue had already left the Chilin Guard office early, continuing her surveillance of the case, Shen Yanzhou could not help casually grumbling in his heart. He felt the best strategy now was to feign ignorance—drag things out one day at a time.
Once his negative emotions accumulated enough and he broke through to dual First Rank, he could crush whatever demons or devils appeared.
“Speaking of which, I still haven’t checked the residence arranged for me by the Chilin Guards.”
After greeting a few colleagues and subordinates, Shen Yanzhou left the Thousand-Household Office and walked toward the alley to the west.
Although he had not returned to the Demon Suppression Prince’s Mansion in several days, he still had no intention of going back now.
Shen Tian had already returned to the residence. Even if he was now merely a human puppet, the entire Prince’s Mansion still felt deep distress for him. On that day, with so many eyes watching, the Demon Suppression King could not conveniently punish him.
But if he returned to the Prince’s Mansion now, there was no guarantee the infuriated Shen Jingxiao would not take action against him.
Without Lin Qingcang as his trump card to rely on, and with Tantai Yuxian not suitable to expose lightly,
Shen Yanzhou still felt it better not to provoke Shen Jingxiao for the moment, lest he suffer a beating for nothing.
His assigned residence was located in the very heart of the capital, though slightly secluded—not the most bustling district.
At this hour of the afternoon, few people walked the streets. Not even a passing carriage could be seen.
Shen Yanzhou stepped out of the alley entrance and walked into the long bluestone street. The alley was narrow, the ground clean without dried leaves. Stone walls flanked both sides, wide enough for only a few people to pass. Beyond the tall walls, flourishing birch trees extended their branches, casting cool shade.
After taking only a few steps, he finally found his “official residence.”
A red-lacquered gate, guarded by two stone lions; red walls and green tiles with an antique charm—much quieter than the courtyard he had stayed in at the Demon Suppression Prince’s Mansion.
Shen Yanzhou took out the key from his breast and was about to unlock the gate, but in the next moment his gaze sharpened—there were people inside.
Not just one.
But two.
Soon, however, he sensed both of their auras felt somewhat familiar.
Neither of them seemed to be hiding.
“So His Majesty is this idle? Coming to a subject’s residence just to scare people?”
“But how did he know I would come here?”
“Could it be because of that Qilin Thumb Ring? But I already tossed it into the Sumeru Ring… can it still be sensed somehow?”
Shen Yanzhou felt a bit speechless. Countless thoughts flashed through his mind in that instant. His movement paused slightly, then returned to normal as he walked in calmly.
In the central courtyard, a tall flourishing birch tree grew.
Below it were a stone table and stools, and to the side a pond, a gentle stream, an arched bridge, and a small flowered rock terrace. Though the area was not large, its environment was pleasant and complete.
With a glance, Shen Yanzhou felt it was suitable for hiding people.
And at this moment, in the shade beneath the birch tree, two figures sat there. A pot of tea from who-knew-where rested before them. A dignified, noble-looking middle-aged man leisurely drank tea while a slightly plump man stood respectfully beside him.
Emperor Mingde and Wei Gong.
Shen Yanzhou had basically confirmed their identities.
Still, his expression revealed nothing unusual. He walked forward with a cheerful smile. “Two honored guests arriving before the host himself.”
Emperor Mingde’s lips curved with a faint smile. He set down his tea and said, “Forgive the disturbance, Shen Qianhu.”
“How could I? Even if I did mind, the two of you are already here.”
“Well then, what brings you this time? Asking about the progress? Or whether I’ve obtained evidence of Shen Jingxiao’s crimes?” Shen Yanzhou said casually as he sat down without hesitation.
He did not care that the man before him was the sovereign who ruled the world. He directly picked up the teapot, poured himself tea, and drank at his leisure.
Beside them, Wei Gong’s eyelid twitched as bitter amusement rose in his heart.
Perhaps only Shen Yanzhou dared to behave so freely before the current emperor. Even Crown Prince Xia Chongming would bow and behave strictly.
But Shen Yanzhou was clever enough to likely guess their identities.
Was he truly this casual? Was he really unafraid of His Majesty—or pretending not to recognize them?
“Neither.”
Emperor Mingde looked at Shen Yanzhou’s relaxed manner, and his smile grew warmer.
He even personally picked up the teapot to refill Shen Yanzhou’s cup.
Shen Yanzhou’s heart thumped faintly, though his face stayed calm as he rubbed the teacup. “If it’s neither of those, then is it some other arrangement?”
Emperor Mingde did not answer, only smiled gently. “Are you not curious how I knew you were here?”
“Likely the Qilin Thumb Ring.” Shen Yanzhou shrugged.
“And you never thought about throwing it away?” Emperor Mingde asked.
Shen Yanzhou replied, “Not worth it. I still need to survive in the capital. I’ve already offended plenty of people—no need to invite more trouble. If you have business, just say it.”
“With such an ability to assess the situation, no wonder the major case of the Chilin Guards has shown no progress recently.” Emperor Mingde sighed.
Shen Yanzhou’s heart skipped. His Majesty had personally come to urge him.
Did he truly believe Shen Yanzhou had a way?
The capital was already filled with rumors that Emperor Mingde had pushed him out to take the blame. Even Shen Yanzhou himself had started to suspect it.
But from his understanding of Emperor Mingde—and the development of the original plot—His Majesty was not a cruel ruler who would deliberately use a promising prodigy of Great Qian as a scapegoat.
Still, the mind of an emperor was not easy to fathom.
Especially now, when everything had already deviated from the original storyline.
“Yes. Pulling out one weed drags out all the mud. Even if I have the intent, I lack the strength. Under the Son of Heaven’s very gaze, the capital hides so many filthy horrors. I am merely a small Qianhu— even the Demon Suppression King wants to get rid of me.”
“The Bureau of Immortal Inspection seems eager to recruit me, but they simply want a share of the profits from the Southern Border case. No one cares about this investigation.”
“Even going to the new brothel to scout out clues got me summoned by my superior the next day. In this vast capital, what can be investigated and what cannot isn’t for a small figure like me to decide.” Shen Yanzhou sighed deliberately, testing Emperor Mingde’s attitude.
It seemed His Majesty truly cared greatly about this case.
Emperor Mingde said nothing.
But Wei Gong’s eyelid twitched again. He felt that last part was deliberately said for him.
After all, the Chilin Guards were under his command—though not every matter passed through his hands.
Most things he left for Liu Ci to handle.
It seemed Shen Yanzhou had encountered quite a bit of obstruction regarding Chunshui Pavilion.
“Yes. Those who pay lip service but act otherwise number beyond count. Even the closest at one’s side may thrust a knife from behind at any time—let alone enemies lurking in the dark.”
After a moment of silence, Emperor Mingde nodded slightly.
Was this directed at the Empress?
Shen Yanzhou remembered clearly—in the later part of this capital arc, Emperor Mingde would fall into conflict with the Empress over long-standing grievances and even take action against the Cui Clan behind her.
During that time, he would push sweeping reforms throughout Great Qian, aiming to overturn a thousand-year structure, only to be betrayed by many he trusted. Coupled with Beiyu’s unrest, this emperor—praised as a wise ruler—would eventually die in the Hall of Cultivated Mind.
Wei Gong would then step down as commander of the Chilin Guards and vanish. Though the original story never explicitly stated, hints implied he buried Emperor Mingde’s clothing and crown in an unknown courtyard within the capital.
This loyal old eunuch then left for the northern territories and became a monk in Beizhou……
Returning to the moment, Shen Yanzhou felt slightly emotional. Those events lay far ahead. By the time Great Qian truly faced upheaval, he would already have the strength to protect himself absolutely. Not invincible, perhaps—but few could threaten him.
By then, the rise or fall of Great Qian would have nothing to do with him. There would be no need to cling to any thigh—for he would be the greatest thigh.
“Do you have confidence in this case?”
Seeing Shen Yanzhou quiet, Emperor Mingde lifted his tea, blew gently, drank, and asked.
“No.”
Shen Yanzhou shook his head bluntly. “I don’t want to die.”
“What if I support you from behind?” Emperor Mingde asked with a smile, unconcerned by his answer.
Shen Yanzhou seemed to fall into thought. This was clearly a choice—continue serving as Emperor Mingde’s hidden blade, or continue muddling through.
If he refused, Emperor Mingde likely would not trouble him.
But if he wished to regain His Majesty’s “favor,” he would inevitably be drawn into the matter.
“But if it comes to that… many people may die. I do have a way to force the snakes in their holes to show themselves, but it may not be accepted by the world. I might even carry heavy infamy.”
“Of course, I don’t care about any of that. I only want to say that if everything is exposed, I must have someone who can truly protect me—no matter what happens.”
After a moment of silence, Shen Yanzhou looked at Emperor Mingde seriously.
He had always had a method—but it was heaven-defying.
If the Demon Suppression King Shen Jingxiao refused to reveal flaws, then Shen Yanzhou would make him reveal flaws. Attack when the enemy retreats; and even if nothing worked—he could simply frame Shen Jingxiao the same way the latter framed others……
The first stage of the second realm of the True Explanation of Primordial Unity, the process of True Liquid Transformation, required absorbing and refining all kinds of chaotic energies. In essence, Shen Yanzhou could achieve the effect of the Northern Sea Heaven-Transforming Human Pill Technique—only far purer, without suppressing desires or inner fire.
But such a method required Emperor Mingde to trust him completely.
Otherwise, if he failed to lure the snake out of its hole and was instead arrested as the so-called “true culprit” to appease public anger and stabilize court unrest, he would truly become a clown.
“Do you need my guarantee?” Emperor Mingde seemed to know what Shen Yanzhou was thinking, the smile at the corner of his lips deepening.
This child was indeed like him—brilliant, quick-witted. With only a few words, he had already guessed his intentions.
“Of course.”
Shen Yanzhou nodded.
“Is that Qilin thumb ring not enough?” Emperor Mingde asked with a laugh.
“Not enough. I don’t even know what it can be used for.” Shen Yanzhou said.
“Very well.”
“Then close your eyes.”
Emperor Mingde seemed to consider something before he spoke with a smile.
Shen Yanzhou froze for a moment, but he did not ask further, guessing that Emperor Mingde simply did not wish for him to see his methods. He then closed his eyes directly.
Emperor Mingde raised his fingers slightly. He ignored Wei Gong’s utterly shocked expression at the side and began murmuring incantations. A strand of golden, dazzling radiance—like the imperial dragon qi—burst from his fingertips. As he gestured, four brilliant characters appeared in the air: “如朕亲临”.
In the next moment, as if a faint dragon’s roar echoed, and with Emperor Mingde’s soft command of “go”, that strand of gold light abruptly merged into Shen Yanzhou’s brow and vanished.
Emperor Mingde’s face seemed to turn pale for a brief instant, but he quickly steadied his breathing, took a deep breath, and returned to normal.
Wei Gong, who stood by, looked slightly worried and wanted to step forward to support him, but Emperor Mingde waved him off.
“Open your eyes.”
“From today onward, if you encounter a life-or-death crisis, this strand of power will save your life.”
“In the vast Nine Provinces, there should not be many who can harm you.”
Emperor Mingde spoke gently.
Shen Yanzhou indeed felt something unusual. He opened his eyes and touched his brow. A moment ago, an indescribable warmth had entered him and melted away within.
Even when he used the power of the True Explanation of Primordial Unity, he could not detect any trace of it, not knowing where it had been hidden.
“Thank you.”
This made his emotions somewhat complicated. Emperor Mingde was truly generous. Shen Yanzhou had thought he would bestow some treasure or some secret scripture. He had not expected him to grant a life-saving method instead.
A life-saving method left behind by the ruler of the Great Qian Dynasty far surpassed the three strands of life-bonded sword qi of Tantai Yuxian.
He remembered clearly that Emperor Mingde, cultivating with imperial dragon qi and the destiny of the Son of Heaven, had long broken through the First Rank of martial dao. Within the capital of the Great Qian Dynasty, with the blessing of national fortune, he stood innately invincible.
Even those of the same rank would have to behave obediently upon entering the Great Qian capital.
“However, I have one small request.”
Shen Yanzhou recalled the instructions of the princess consort Yu Chenyu. Even with his thick skin, he felt slightly embarrassed to ask for more at such a moment.
Hearing this, both Wei Gong and Emperor Mingde were stunned.
Wei Gong’s expression was speechless, but remembering Shen Yanzhou’s true identity, he could only endure.
After all, the one beside him was his own father.
Emperor Mingde’s expression remained gentle, not minding in the slightest. He asked, “What else do you want?”
Although he could not yet acknowledge Shen Yanzhou, as a father, he had owed the child far too much over the years. Shen Yanzhou taking the initiative to ask for something instead made him feel relieved, as if given a chance to make amends.
“In the course of investigating this case, I may sometimes need to leave the capital. This is not me taking your benefits and running.”
Shen Yanzhou was a bit concerned the emperor might overthink.
A round trip to Fanzhou took seven to eight days.
Moreover, since evidence and flaws from Shen Jingxiao’s side were required, the Southern Border would likely be involved as well. He might even have to sneak over there.
“A trivial matter.” Emperor Mingde said softly.
“That’s good.”
Shen Yanzhou finally relaxed completely.
Emperor Mingde and Wei Gong did not stay long. The two left the residence one after the other, and upon entering the alleyway on the other side, were about to disappear.
“Hm…”
But Emperor Mingde seemed to notice something, glancing toward the other end of the alley, slightly surprised.
Wei Gong noticed as well and whispered, “The daughter of the Divine Martial Marquis, her name is Zhao Qingchan.”
“The one Crown Prince Xia Chongming often mentions before me?” Emperor Mingde nodded faintly and withdrew his gaze.
Wei Gong said, “The crown prince is not young anymore, yet he still has no princess consort. He admires Zhao Qingchan greatly…”
Emperor Mingde said mildly, “His mother does not look favorably upon that already-declining Divine Martial Marquis Residence.”
Wei Gong fell silent.
“The Demon Suppression King and the Divine Martial Marquis seem close. It appears they intend to form a marriage alliance.” Emperor Mingde said.
Wei Gong whispered, “The Marquis’ daughter seems more interested in His Highness Yanzhou. She even came all the way here…”
Emperor Mingde did not speak. He simply walked ahead on his own. The alley ahead was a dead end, but his figure gradually faded like drifting light.
Wei Gong quickly followed and vanished.
……
Within the residence, Shen Yanzhou looked at the still-warm tea and pondered Emperor Mingde’s true intentions.
Why was he treating him so well? Was it truly because of this case?
“So strange…”
Knock, knock, knock…
A knocking interrupted his thoughts. He released a faint sense of divine perception and saw Zhao Qingchan standing at the door, dressed in a plain long robe, without cosmetics, her dark hair secured by a single jade hairpin. Her features were beautiful and refined, her posture elegant and ethereal.
“Zhao Qingchan? Why has she come looking for me?”
Ever since his false heir identity had been exposed, Shen Yanzhou had had no contact with her.
Before leaving for Hidden Moon Mountain, he had considered using her to pull the Divine Martial Marquis to his side.
But now, that was clearly impossible.
With the true heir’s return to the capital, the Demon Suppression King would not dare act rashly, and the downfall of the Divine Martial Marquis Residence was still far in the future.
Persuade them? Tell them Shen Jingxiao intended to rebel?
“Senior Sister Zhao?”
“What brings you here?”
With that thought, Shen Yanzhou shook his head lightly, walked over to open the door, and showed a surprised expression.
“I went to the Daoist Courtyard looking for you, but learned you weren’t there. The prince’s mansion said you hadn’t returned for several days, so I thought you might be here with the Chilin Guards. After asking around, I finally found you.”
Zhao Qingchan’s skin was as fair as snow, her lips glistening, her gaze pure. As she spoke, a faint, elegant fragrance drifted from her.
One of the three famed beauties of the capital—she was indeed flawless.
“Do you need something?” Shen Yanzhou asked.
Zhao Qingchan lightly bit her lip and looked toward the courtyard. “Are you free now?”
She noticed the tea cups on the stone table, still retaining some warmth.
“I’m free now.” Shen Yanzhou stepped aside for her to enter.
Truthfully, he was not very interested in Zhao Qingchan anymore. Though she appeared ethereal, she was actually a woman with ambition and a strong desire to restore the glory of the Divine Martial Marquis Residence.
The Divine Martial Marquis Residence was indeed one of the top noble houses of the capital—but only at its peak.
Rise and decline—this was a law even powerful dynasties could not escape, let alone noble families.
There were only a handful of thousand-year aristocratic clans within the Great Qian Dynasty.
Aside from the three ancient cultivation clans behind the Bureau of Immortal Inspection, only a few like the Cui Clan of Hejian and the Chen Clan of Tianshui remained at the top.
If the others continued to decline, in a few generations they would be devoured by rival clans.
In a thousand years of Great Qian history, countless nobles had vanished.
Though the Divine Martial Marquis Residence still appeared glorious, hidden issues had long existed. Otherwise, the Divine Martial Marquis would not seek a marriage alliance with the Demon Suppression Prince’s Mansion over the other aristocrats.
The Demon Suppression Prince’s Mansion lacked the foundation to swallow their house; instead, a strong alliance could be formed.
“You had guests just now?” Zhao Qingchan asked, noticing the still-warm tea.
“Two honored guests.” Shen Yanzhou said casually, with no intention to explain.
“Have you been very busy lately?”
Zhao Qingchan sat down on the stone bench, gently brushing aside her long hair as it fell over her chest. Beneath her plain robe, her figure was slender and elegant like a lotus emerging from water—naturally refined.
“Senior Sister Zhao, if you came only to exchange idle words, then there’s no need.”
“Saying meaningless things is not your style.” Shen Yanzhou smiled.
Zhao Qingchan stared at him. Shen Yanzhou was indeed different from other men. Students of the Dragon-Tiger Institute felt honored simply to speak with her.
But someone like him—who was indifferent even when she visited him personally—was a first.
Even the crown prince Xia Chongming, future ruler of Great Qian, treated her politely.
“Do you dislike me that much?” Zhao Qingchan asked involuntarily.
“No.”
“Then why does it feel like you don’t want to see me? Back at the city gate, I greeted you and you ignored me.”
“Perhaps I didn’t notice.”
“……”
Zhao Qingchan sighed. Before Shen Yanzhou’s identity was exposed, he had not acted like this—at least he had seemed somewhat interested in her.
“Senior Sister Zhao, speak of the real matter.” Shen Yanzhou looked at her, tapping the stone table with his long fingers.
“The Demon Suppression Prince’s Mansion intends to form a marriage alliance with the Divine Martial Marquis Residence.”
Zhao Qingchan was silent for a moment before speaking. She had indeed come with a purpose.
Even after meeting the true heir and learning his reputation did not match reality, her father still wished for the alliance.
But she herself was unwilling.
Aside from believing Shen Tian unworthy, she also faintly sensed something wrong with the Demon Suppression Prince’s Mansion, though she could not pinpoint what.
“I know. Wasn’t that the plan from the start?”
“But at the start, if they had not brought back the true heir, the one to marry you would have been me—the false heir.” Shen Yanzhou said indifferently.
“You sound almost pleased about that…”
Hearing his tone, Zhao Qingchan felt a wave of helplessness.
“I was merely a false heir. If I truly married into the Divine Martial Marquis Residence, I would surely be dealt with afterward. I hardly expected to ‘embrace a beauty’ in the end.” Shen Yanzhou said casually.
Hearing him call her a beauty, Zhao Qingchan’s mood inexplicably brightened.
“Then why didn’t you fight for it?” she asked.
“Fight for what? Marriage with you? I’d have to be insane to willingly drag heaps of trouble onto myself. In the end, I’d only gain another pointless enemy. Do you think the Divine Martial Marquis would willingly marry his daughter—whom he treats like a golden leaf—to a false heir?” Shen Yanzhou asked.
Zhao Qingchan knew he was right and could not refute.
Shen Yanzhou was clever. Otherwise, he would never have maintained the role of the false heir for so many years or risen to his current position.
Something offering no benefit but inviting endless trouble—how could he possibly accept?
“Am I beautiful?”
Zhao Qingchan was silent for a moment, something clear and bright flashing in her gaze as she looked straight at Shen Yanzhou.
“Naturally beautiful.”
Shen Yanzhou could not speak falsely on this matter.
Wu Ruyue and Zhao Qingchan each had their own charms. The one thing they shared was exceptional beauty—the kind that stirred possessiveness in a man with a single glance.
Shen Yanzhou was a man. He was no exception. He, too, had once imagined waking with power in his hands and beauties draped over his lap.
But he was also clear-headed—he would not let his lower body override his reason.
Receiving the answer she wanted, Zhao Qingchan’s lips curved slightly. On her cool, austere face, that expression carried a faint, unexpected allure.
She rose from the bench, took a few steps forward, and approached Shen Yanzhou directly. With a slightly lofty posture and tone, she asked, “Do you dare to marry me?”