"Your Majesty, where do you intend to go?" a civil servant inquired.
Nowadays, those under Yan Sifu have all changed their address, treating him with the same respect as they would an emperor.
Yan Sifu did not decline, accepting it with complete composure.
"I plan to make a trip to the Capital Prefecture. Currently, the situation in the city is divided into three parts, so if we can secure the support of the Capital Prefecture, our chances of success will undoubtedly increase."
"Your Majesty is of noble status, how could you risk yourself in danger? Why not summon Shang Jingchuan to the palace instead?" someone suggested.
Then, many people looked at the speaker as if they were looking at a fool.
Although Shang Jingchuan is currently just a small prefect of the Capital Prefecture, he actually has the support of the two major powers, the Golden Saber Institute and Wunian Academy, behind him.
Additionally, Shang Jingchuan has accumulated popular support during his tenure and has the strong backing of the Yun Family, which has already made him an influential force not to be overlooked.
The speaker also felt a bit embarrassed and quickly corrected themselves, "I am concerned for Your Majesty’s safety. How about this, I will go on Your Majesty’s behalf?"
Yan Sifu waved his hand, "No need for anyone to go, this matter must be handled by me personally to show sincerity."
Seeing that Yan Sifu had made up his mind, no one dared to say anything more.
In an instant, a large group of guards assembled, protecting Yan Sifu as he left the Prince’s Mansion, heading straight for the Capital Prefecture.
Throughout the journey, the general in charge of the guards was on edge, fearing any unforeseen incidents.
Yet surprisingly, the journey was safe and uneventful, and they arrived at the Capital Prefecture without any incidents.
At this time, the Capital Prefecture was also heavily guarded, with many disciples from the Golden Saber Institute or Wunian Academy stationed at the entrance.
Seeing this scene, Yan Sifu couldn’t help but feel a sense of emotion.
Once upon a time, Shang Jingchuan was just an insignificant figure in his eyes.
Yet now, times have changed, and he has become a key figure capable of influencing the situation in the Capital City and even the succession to the throne.
In fact, Yan Sifu had thought about visiting the Yun Family, but later realized that the Yun Family had clearly bet everything on Shang Jingchuan.
The same decision was made by the Golden Saber Institute and Wunian Academy.
Although he didn’t understand why they did so, it was more direct to approach Shang Jingchuan than to go through the Yun Family from afar.
As for the previous grudges and enmities between himself and Shang Jingchuan, they were nothing compared to the throne.
If he could, Yan Sifu would even kneel and apologize to Shang Jingchuan.
At this time, someone went in to report, and Yan Sifu did not rush in but stood honestly at the door waiting.
Meanwhile, inside the Inner Yamen, Shang Jingchuan was busy with affairs and immediately understood the situation when he heard that Yan Sifu had personally visited.
But precisely because he understood the situation, he couldn’t help frowning and fell into deep thought.
"Luoluo, do you think I should see him or not?" Shang Jingchuan asked.
This had become his habit, seeking Luoluo’s advice when undecided, always getting satisfactory answers.
"He just wants you to help him ascend the throne, so it depends on what you think, Father," Shang Luoluo said.
Shang Jingchuan pondered for a moment, finally shaking his head, "This person is greedy and immoral, with a strong desire for power. If he ascends the throne, it will be a disaster for the common people."
"So, you mean not to see him at all?"
"No, I’ll see him, but I want to explain these things to him face-to-face."
After speaking, Shang Jingchuan straightened his clothes and then went out.
Looking at his father’s increasingly resolute yet slender back, Shang Luoluo couldn’t help but smile with comfort.
The trials of these past days had made him completely abandon those unrealistic fantasies, becoming a more pragmatic person.
This also marked Shang Jingchuan’s complete transformation, much to Shang Luoluo’s gratification.
Simultaneously, Shang Jingchuan went to the door, showing adequate courtesy to Yan Sifu.
"Greetings, Prince Qi!" Shang Jingchuan said, about to bow.
Yan Sifu swiftly stopped him, smiling warmly, "Lord Shang, you are too kind. How could I be worthy of your bow?"
With Yan Sifu having said so, Shang Jingchuan naturally didn’t insist further.
The two entered the house, and once seated, Yan Sifu began with some polite conversation, smiling.
Unexpectedly, Shang Jingchuan briskly waved his hand, "Prince Qi, we both know the current situation in the city, and you’re a busy person, so let’s get straight to the point and not waste each other’s time.
Yan Sifu nodded upon hearing, "Very well, since Lord Shang has said so, I won’t mince words. This time, with the Wei Ni rebellion, the court is in danger of collapsing. I want you, Lord Shang, to lend me a hand. Once I ascend the throne and control the court, there will be plentiful rewards."
After saying this, Yan Sifu looked at Shang Jingchuan nervously, eager to see his reaction.
Shang Jingchuan remained silent, sipping his tea until over half a cup was gone, then finally lifted his head to say, "I’m sorry, Prince Qi, as the prefect of the Capital Prefecture, my loyalty lies with the Great Yan Dynasty, not any particular individual."
"Therefore, it doesn’t matter to me who becomes emperor; I’m not interested. I only aim to maintain the city’s peace and prevent the turmoil from affecting the common people."
Yan Sifu never dreamed that Shang Jingchuan would say such a thing.
To him, Shang Jingchuan was clearly bluffing.
Claiming only to want to maintain order and protect the people.
All excuses!
Clearly, he was negotiating for better terms, or perhaps he harbored his own ambitions?
Yan Sifu’s mind whirled with thoughts, and having been declined twice today already, he found it difficult to maintain his composure, his expression slipping slightly.
He took a deep breath and spoke slowly, "Lord Shang, your words are moving, but you must also understand, this realm belongs to the Yan Family. In these chaotic times, if you don’t support the Yan Family but remain aloof, how does that align with the sustenance and stipend Great Yan has provided you?"
His words veiled sharpness, subtly accusing Shang Jingchuan of being insidious.
Unexpectedly, Shang Jingchuan showed no anger, responding calmly, "You’re mistaken; this realm does not belong to the Yan Family, nor the Wei Family, but is composed of millions of common people. My sustenance and salary come from these people’s contributions, not from anyone’s charity."
"You..." Yan Sifu was rendered speechless with anger.
Shang Jingchuan paid no heed, standing up and saying, "Excuse me, Prince Qi, I have many official duties to attend to and cannot accompany you further. Farewell!"
With that, Shang Jingchuan turned and left, leaving the visibly furious Yan Sifu in the reception hall.
Clatter.
As soon as Shang Jingchuan stepped out, Yan Sifu smashed the teacup in front of him, cursing.
"Let’s go!"
Swift to come, swift to depart.
Soon, Yan Sifu, surrounded by numerous guards, left the Capital Prefecture.
Meanwhile, news of Yan Sifu’s meeting with Shang Jingchuan at the Capital Prefecture quickly reached Wei Tianlin’s desk.
Wei Tianlin took this matter very seriously.
Because if Shang Jingchuan indeed sided with Yan Sifu, it would pose significant trouble for him.
"Sect Leader Xie, what do you think of this matter?" Wei Tianlin asked respectfully.
The person he inquired about was Sect Leader Xie Tianfeng of the Profound Sun Sect, who had just come out of seclusion.
This man, over fifty years old, appeared around thirty due to his excellent maintenance.
Upon hearing Wei Tianlin’s question, Xie Tianfeng smiled faintly.
"I heard right after emerging from seclusion that Shang Jingchuan had been aggressively targeting my Profound Sun Sect. At that time, I wondered who was so bold. Now I know it’s because the Golden Saber Institute and Wunian Academy were backing him up."
"However, the Golden Saber Institute and Wunian Academy have miscalculated. Do they truly believe that their alliance would intimidate my Profound Sun Sect?"
Wei Tianlin’s eyes lit up, "So, according to you...."
"Now that I’ve come out of seclusion, let’s swiftly resolve this. Tonight, I’ll personally take action, first to cut down Shang Jingchuan, and then to kill Yan Sifu. Thereafter, Great Yan will be renamed Wei."