When it came to matters of the throne, even as the Chief Eunuch, he couldn’t utter a single word out of place.

The interests involved were simply too numerous.

One careless mistake could lead to a fatal disaster.

Liu Wencheng mused to himself, "Right now, among the many princes, the eldest commands the Ministry of War and boasts glorious military achievements. The second heads the Ministry of Rites and has also performed well. The third possesses a once-in-a-century Earth Spirit Root, with outstanding talent for Cultivation Immortality. As for the other princes, they each have their own strengths. I am truly finding it difficult to choose."

He paused.

He looked at Chen Fang, who was beside him. "Tell me, who do you think would be a more suitable choice?"

Chen Fang chuckled. "Your Majesty is wise. Whoever you choose, you will have your reasons. No matter your choice, this servant will be loyal to you and the new emperor."

"You damned lackey, your words are as airtight as ever."

Liu Wencheng cursed, then asked, "How are the preparations for the mausoleum sacrifice in three days?"

"Everything has been prepared. The princes and princesses from their fiefdoms have also rushed back. It’s just that..." Chen Fang hesitated.

"If you have something to say, say it," Liu Wencheng said.

Only then did Chen Fang speak, "Yes. Yesterday, the Imperial Court Order contacted this servant. He said that the Ninth Prince has succeeded in his training, reaching the Peak of Body Cultivation, and wishes to be sent into battle to redeem himself. This servant feels that, especially with the grand mausoleum sacrifice approaching, it would be improper for the Ninth Prince to be absent. Our Wenchang Country has always revered the Confucian Dao and governed by rites."

"Moreover, the Ninth Prince has a heart set on rendering service. Can he not also help alleviate Your Majesty’s worries?"

Liu Wencheng was stunned for a moment. He searched his mind and finally recalled this son of his, who had been exiled to the Imperial Harem since childhood.

"To think, I saw back then that his qi and blood were extraordinary, and he really managed to make something of himself."

Although the Imperial Harem was a place for confining female convicts, it wasn’t entirely like a prison.

Inside, one could still study zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and read various books and classics.

Therefore, he wasn’t too surprised that Wang Xiao had practiced Body Refining in the Imperial Harem.

He was just amazed at the speed of Wang Xiao’s Body Refining.

Normally, for a Body Cultivator of exceptional talent to reach mastery, it would take at least thirty to forty years.

He never expected this son of his to do it in just seven short years.

"Are you sure he has achieved mastery in Body Refining?!" Liu Wencheng asked again.

Chen Fang replied, "This servant personally had General Xiahou of the Jinwu Guard verify it. The Ninth Prince has indeed achieved mastery in Body Refining."

Liu Wencheng was silent for a while before letting out a sigh.

"So be it. Seven years is long enough for a punishment. Let him out. As it happens, the Witchcraft Gu Country, ruled by the Witchcraft Gu Sect, has been harassing our borders recently. After the mausoleum sacrifice ends, I’ll send him there directly to see if he can accomplish anything."

"If he does well, it’s not as if I can’t grant him a fiefdom."

Chen Fang kowtowed. "The Ninth Prince will surely be grateful for your great mercy and will do his utmost to vanquish the enemies for you!"

"I hope so." Liu Wencheng said, rubbing the bridge of his nose.

’Whether this son of mine will even survive after going there is another matter entirely.’

...

「On the other side.」

「The Imperial Harem.」

Inside a room, Shangguan Xiyue was so excited she was about to jump.

"Master, we can finally leave! Seven years! We’ve finally made it through!"

Just now, Chen Fang had personally paid a visit to announce that His Majesty had agreed to release Wang Xiao.

He also told Wang Xiao to join the imperial court in attending the mausoleum sacrifice three days later.

After the sacrifice, he would be required to travel to the border to eliminate the raiders from the Witchcraft Gu Country.

Wang Xiao’s tone was calm as he said, "This is only the beginning. The world is vast. We’ll take our time to see it. There’s no rush."

"Yes, Master. In the future, you will surely be able to shake the world."

Shangguan Xiyue was already used to Wang Xiao’s calm and unruffled demeanor.

By contrast, she seemed to be the seven-year-old child.

「That night.」

All was silent.

Wang Xiao was sitting cross-legged in meditation when he suddenly looked toward the door.

"Xiyue, what are you doing standing outside the door? If you have something to say, come in."

"Ah?"

Shangguan Xiyue’s soft cry came from outside the door.

Then, Shangguan Xiyue timidly pushed the door open and entered.

Wang Xiao watched Shangguan Xiyue’s hesitant, stammering appearance and raised an eyebrow.

"If you have something to say, just say it. Why are you being so shy?"

Shangguan Xiyue’s cheeks flushed pink. Finally, she squeezed her eyes shut and slipped off her outer cloth garment, revealing her soft, tender body.

Beneath her dudou, creamy white skin was faintly visible, and her two delicate, jade-like legs were straight and slender.

The aura of youth was on full display.

She mustered her courage and said, "Ma-Master, I’ll warm your bed."

Without waiting for Wang Xiao to object, she went straight to the bed and slipped under his covers.

Wang Xiao stared, stunned, at the trembling, jade-like form faintly visible under the covers.

’What is this all about?’

’I’m only seven years old!’

’Testing a child with this?’