Apocalypse Circular-Chapter 509 - 507: Secrets of the Imperial Family

This was the first time Lu Luo had learned the Emperor’s name, and he couldn’t help but find this numerical designation rather peculiar.

"This name is... quite interesting!"

"Are you surprised by the number?" Wu Yi asked.

"Yes, such a name is indeed rare."

"Not rare at all. The previous generation of Princes and Princesses all had such numerical names. The First Prince was called Wu Yi, the Second Prince was called Wu Er. And ’Five Seven One’? That means our Father Emperor was the seventy-first among his siblings."

Lu Luo was slightly shocked. Could names really be chosen this way? This was the Imperial Family, after all; wasn’t this approach a bit too casual?

"This name is certainly... unique!" Unsure how to respond, Lu Luo could only offer this.

"Unique? Isn’t it laughable? Haha! But then again, no one dares to laugh at the Imperial Family. Those who do usually end up killed. But Lu Luo, have you ever wondered why the Imperial Family would give their children such names?"

"Why?"

"Because, although the Imperial Family has many branches, they don’t inherit the surname Wu. Only the Emperor’s direct line can inherit the Wu family name, the true mark of the Imperial Family. Male heirs are expected to marry and expand the lineage. If a woman inherits, an heir is adopted from within the same lineage to carry on the name. The Imperial Family only needs the most outstanding children, so numbering is actually the best way to label them. It prevents mistakes and makes everyone’s standing clear. My father was the victor; he became the Emperor. Our competition will be exactly like their generation’s."

Despite Wu Yi’s calm tone, the content of her words still shocked Lu Luo. This method of cultivating descendants was far more intense than simply breeding venomous Gu insects, he thought.

"A truly cruel imperial life!"

"Cruel? I don’t think so. We enjoy the resources, benefits, and status of the Imperial Family; it’s only right that we make contributions in return. These are merely part of our expected contributions."

"So you actually approve of this system?"

"Whether I approve or not, we can’t change anything. Since we can’t change it, we must adapt and find ways to succeed within the existing rules. What do you think?"

Lu Luo narrowed his eyes slightly and turned to Wu Liji beside him. "Hey, you’re also a Princess. What do you think about this?"

"Me? Did you know I’ve been confined for nearly two months because of you?"

"Because of me?"

"Yes. In the power struggles among our superiors, even minor Princes and Princesses like us cannot interfere. Because Father Emperor is in seclusion, the entire Imperial Capital is in turmoil, and no one knows how things will ultimately unfold."

Hearing both women mention their Father Emperor, Lu Luo found his interest in this Emperor of the Imperial piquing.

"So, does my situation need to wait until your Father Emperor emerges from seclusion before it can be properly resolved?"

"Yes and no," Wu Yi interjected. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

"What do you mean?"

"Actually, your current situation isn’t that bad. The one who ordered you to remain outside the capital is Wu Dixian, one of the old ancestors of the Imperial Family."

Wu Dixian? Lu Luo committed the name to memory. He knew absolutely nothing about this person. Why would such an individual interfere in his affairs? He pondered. Apart from the Imperial Family’s summons, he didn’t seem to know anyone in the Imperial Capital. The name Wu Dixian was unlikely to be connected to the Bai Family. So, Lu Luo couldn’t understand how he could be involved with such a prominent, let alone ancient, member of the Imperial Family.

"Yes. For some reason, this old ancestor has taken a particular interest in you. He specifically instructed all factions to keep their distance from you, which is why you’ve been able to stay here undisturbed. Understand?"

Hearing this, Lu Luo grew even more perplexed. What was Wu Dixian’s intention? Did he know him?

"Can I meet this person?"

"Him? His reputation isn’t very good; many people prefer to avoid him. Although it’s known he’s currently in the Imperial Palace within the Imperial Capital, no one knows his exact whereabouts. Perhaps my Father Emperor knows, but he... hasn’t emerged from seclusion yet."

Lu Luo faintly sensed a note of concern in Wu Yi’s tone. But this concern wasn’t for her own father; after all, she had rarely seen him since childhood. There was little basis for deep affection; the Imperial Family’s upbringing didn’t emphasize emotional development. Her worry was for her own future. If something truly happened to the Emperor, then Princes and Princesses like them would face a significant crisis and difficult choices.

"Is that so..."

Lu Luo pondered for a moment, then looked at Wu Liji again. After all, Wu Liji was the first member of the Imperial Family he had met. Moreover, their previous cooperation had been quite amicable. Lu Luo felt apologetic for having implicated her.

"I’m sorry for dragging you into this."

"What are you saying? If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have emerged from the Grey Robes."

"Alright, can you two save your personal matters for later?" Wu Yi interjected, clearly displeased. "I took a considerable risk bringing Li Ji out. Can we please focus on settling the current business before discussing your private affairs?"

Lu Luo nodded apologetically. "Alright, then tell me, how do we cooperate?"

Lu Luo was open to cooperation. Currently, he lacked understanding of the Imperial Family and truly needed a platform, a guide, to help him navigate this new environment. Wu Yi’s capabilities and sphere of influence were clearly far superior to Wu Liji’s. She was indeed a very suitable partner.

"It’s quite simple," Wu Yi said. "Join the Inspection Department and enter my direct division."

"That’s it?"

"Our cooperation is just a verbal agreement. I know I have no binding power over you, and I don’t want to use any contracts or similar means to restrict you. That would be meaningless. I just want to tell you that here in the Imperial Capital, many things cannot be achieved by strength alone."

Lu Luo nodded again. Wu Yi was right. Although he didn’t entirely agree with her assessment regarding strength, he currently lacked the power to disregard the rules. And he did need the Imperial’s resources.

"Alright, I’m willing to join. What do I need to do next?"

"Accompany me to various formal Imperial functions."

"Accompany you? No fighting involved?"

Lu Luo was somewhat surprised. He had assumed joining Wu Yi’s faction meant heading to the frontier to expand the Imperial’s territory. That way, he could accumulate significant military merits and thereby gain a substantial and legitimate status. Over time, he would acquire the capital to establish himself in the Imperial Capital. After all, a brave warrior, a hero, is beyond reproach. That had been Lu Luo’s original plan. Now, it seemed Wu Yi intended to parade him around... Lu Luo instinctively resisted this idea.

"Combat? We can discuss that later. Do you know what the most important thing is right now?"

"The most important thing? Shouldn’t it be establishing a legitimate and proper identity for myself?"

Wu Yi’s eyes lit up. Lu Luo is very perceptive, she thought. She nodded. "Yes, what you need most right now is a legitimate and proper identity."

"Then why the need to be paraded around?"

"I don’t like the term ’paraded around,’ and it’s not quite like that anyway. I’m taking you to various formal occasions to let others know you’re with me now. You’ll be my guard, an official member of the Inspection Department. Understand? This method also clearly establishes your identity, and it does so more quickly and effectively, without arousing suspicion."

Wu Yi’s explanation seemed a bit tenuous. Lu Luo narrowed his eyes slightly, instantly discerning her true motive.

"Perhaps your goals extend beyond that, correct? Besides giving me a clear identity, you also want to brand me as yours. After all... I’m currently a free agent. Once I start accompanying you to various official events, I’ll likely be seen as your subordinate in everyone else’s eyes. Am I correct?"

"Is there anything wrong with that? We are, after all, in a cooperative relationship. This is merely part of that cooperation."

Lu Luo didn’t respond immediately; he neither refused nor agreed outright. Wu Yi’s approach was indeed logical, yet he felt a degree of discomfort. Attending these formal events could certainly provide him with a clear identity. However, it would also inevitably lead to him being labeled. Wu Yi wasn’t a particularly strong backer; Lu Luo was quite certain of this. Her power was only at the Sixth Tier, and in terms of potential, she didn’t even measure up to Imperial Princess Wu Handing, whom he had previously killed. Such a figure was just that—a figure, not a true contender. Lu Luo didn’t believe Wu Yi could ultimately claim the throne, nor did he think her current strength was sufficient to establish a firm foothold in the Imperial Capital. So, if he were branded as Wu Yi’s man, then in the future...

"Lu Luo, are you questioning my strength?"

"Yes. Your strength is insufficient. I don’t believe you have the capability to contend for what you desire."

Lu Luo was merely stating the truth. Wu Liji, however, looked at him with a touch of concern. If their negotiation broke down now, Lu Luo’s situation would only worsen.

However, Wu Yi didn’t seem angered by Lu Luo’s words. Instead, she nodded calmly. "I know my strength isn’t great. I don’t even have a Seventh Tier expert under my command here. But precisely because of this, you’ll have absolute freedom with me. You’ll be able to operate without constraint and do as you wish. Our cooperation is on equal footing. You can do anything you want; I won’t interfere, nor will I obstruct you. You won’t get such terms from anyone else. So, while my weakness is a disadvantage, it’s also the very reason you can trust me."

Undeniably, Wu Yi’s words were clever. She was definitely a very ambitious woman. Lu Luo considered for a moment. Wu Yi’s promises were akin to castles in the air. It wasn’t that she chose not to restrict him; rather, her power was insufficient to do so. If she truly possessed the capability, compelling subordination would be a natural course of action. However, Lu Luo had no desire to be anyone’s subordinate. For now, he merely needed a place to establish himself.

"You truly have a way with words, and yes, you’ve convinced me. So be it then, Your Highness Princess Wu Yi. Lu Luo awaits your instructions."

"Hehe, I knew you’d agree, Lu Luo. Our future is bright!"

"Let’s hope so."

Evidently, Wu Yi was quite pleased to have received Lu Luo’s agreement. Logically, she should have discussed the specific details of their cooperation and their next steps with Lu Luo then and there. However, the astute Wu Yi did not. Instead, she glanced at Wu Liji beside her, then yielded the time and space to them.

"Alright, there’s still some time before Li Ji has to return. You two can use this opportunity to chat and catch up."

Wu Yi then tactfully withdrew, leaving Lu Luo and Wu Liji alone.

Wu Liji smiled, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. She walked towards the edge of the encampment, waiting for Lu Luo, confident he would follow.

"You must have been under a lot of pressure lately?" Lu Luo initiated, noticing her silence.

But Wu Liji simply shook her head. "It’s alright. Actually, life under house arrest isn’t as bad as you might imagine. It’s just the lack of freedom. If I just focus on cultivation, I don’t feel much distress."

"Well, that’s good then."

Lu Luo wasn’t sure what to say. His relationship with Wu Liji wasn’t particularly close, and the atmosphere between them became a little awkward.

"She thinks I like you..." Wu Liji said suddenly.

"Uh, and then?"

"Actually, I do like you a bit. But... I don’t think I’m a ’bootlicker.’ Maybe more of a ’cat-fawner’."

Hearing the term ’bootlicker’ from a princess was still somewhat jarring. Lu Luo scratched his head in embarrassment. After all, constantly being the object of affection could be quite vexing.

"I know what a bootlicker is, but what exactly does ’cat-fawner’ mean?"

"A ’cat-fawner’? Well, it means I can like you, and I know I like you, but if you get in the way of my ideals and ambitions, I’ll still let you go without hesitation. Lu Luo, I just have a little bit of affection for you; we really haven’t reached that kind of stage."

It was unclear whether Wu Liji was saying this for Lu Luo’s benefit or her own. At this moment, Lu Luo could only nod.

"I understand. I get it. So, what do you plan to do next?"

"Once I’m free, I’ll pursue my own ideals."

"Ideals? Still like with the Grey Robes? Wanting to overthrow this nation?"

"Not so radical anymore. Over the past two years, I’ve been reflecting on whether my past actions were correct."

"And what did you conclude?"

"Change can be subtle, yet transformative."

"What do you mean?" Lu Luo suddenly sensed that Wu Liji had changed somehow. He couldn’t quite pinpoint what it was, nor could he determine if this change was for the better or worse.

"You’ll find out, Lu Luo. We all will. Just as you two were saying earlier, we all have bright futures. You will witness my growth, and you will witness the rise of my ideals."

Lu Luo was completely baffled.