Protect Our Patriarch

……

Longzuo Commandery.

Not far from the Dongshan Corridor, there lies a sizable manor known as the "Three Immortals Manor."

Nominally, the "Three Immortals Manor" belongs to an eighth-grade clan under the jurisdiction of Longzuo Commandery. On the surface, it appears no different from other farms, growing various grains and spiritual fruits, occasionally selling some low-grade spiritual poultry meat.

However, in reality, this place serves as a covert post under the Three Talents Office, activated only at critical moments.

Like now.

At this moment, the "Three Immortals Manor" is teeming with "outsiders."

On the surface, the farmers in the manor continue their work as usual, but there are many unfamiliar faces among the household guards, and their numbers have significantly increased.

In the spacious underground chamber, dozens of spirit stone lamps have been lit for many days and nights, illuminating the vast space.

The underground chamber of the "Three Immortals Manor" was specially excavated, not only vast in area but also exceptionally high. At this moment, hundreds of desks are densely arranged, with a clerk behind each one, busily working, surrounded by an overwhelming number of books and ledgers.

The entire chamber is eerily silent, with only the sounds of pages turning, the clatter of abacuses, and the occasional rustle of clothing or coughs breaking the silence.

The atmosphere is tense and solemn.

At the top of the chamber, a platform extends from the edge, offering a panoramic view of the entire room, allowing one to oversee all activities below.

Currently, three individuals are seated in their grand chairs on this platform, leisurely sipping tea as they wait.

All three are dressed in red official robes, embroidered with blue and purple thunder eagles. Clearly, these are high-ranking fourth-grade officials, whose mere presence can cause tremors in their respective regions.

Yet, at this moment, these three have gathered together.

"Zheng Hongwen, are your subordinates up to the task? They've been auditing for almost a month and still haven't found any issues?" Suddenly, a lazy young male voice broke the silence.

The speaker was a young man seated at the edge. He squinted slightly, wearing his official robe loosely, sitting in a casual and lazy manner, appearing somewhat bored.

This man, surnamed Qiao, named Hongbo, is the chief of the Supervisory Office.

He hails from the fourth-grade Qiao Clan and is a naturally gifted prodigy. With his strength and experience, he naturally ascended to the position of a fourth-grade chief.

However, the Supervisory Office, responsible for overseeing the noble families and officials, primarily focuses on serious crimes with widespread implications, such as collusion with pirates, treason, rebellion, local conflicts, and family exterminations.

Matters like tax evasion are usually beneath their concern.

If not for the chief minister's orders, he wouldn't have bothered to come. After investigating secretly for so many days without finding anything useful, he naturally grew impatient.

"Chief Qiao's doubts are also my doubts," said Zhou Lide, the chief of the Penal Office, with a serious expression. "I remember before the investigation began, Chief Zheng was confident that results would come soon. Yet, almost a month has passed, and no issues have been found. How does Chief Zheng explain this?"

"Why are you two in such a hurry?" Zheng Hongwen appeared unhurried, sipping his tea leisurely. "Flies don't bite seamless eggs. Our clerks in the Three Talents Office are specially trained. No matter how well the Wang Clan covers up, they can't escape the fiery eyes of our clerks. We've only checked ten years of accounts; there's still a lot left. Let's just wait."

Zheng Hongwen is the chief of the Three Talents Office and the deputy to Director Meng Yuanbai.

This investigation into the Wang Clan's tax evasion is led by the Three Talents Office, with the Supervisory Office and Penal Office assisting. Naturally, he is the leader among the three.

Despite his calm demeanor, he is just as anxious as the others, if not more so. If he weren't the lead, he might have been pacing in anxiety by now.

As the fourth elder of the fourth-grade Zheng Clan, his status within the clan isn't particularly high. The clan nurtured him because there were no other suitable candidates. Now, with the new generation's prodigy eyeing a career in politics, the ancestor intends to replace him once the prodigy advances to the Purple Mansion Realm.

Of course, this also relates to his lack of achievements in the political arena over the years.

This time, he specifically requested the task of investigating the Wang Clan's tax evasion, hoping to seize the opportunity to make a significant contribution and dispel the ancestor's intention to replace him.

Qiao Hongbo, unfamiliar with tax evasion matters, doesn't understand the current state of noble families, but Zheng Hongwen does. In his view, which family doesn't evade taxes?

The Wang Clan has so many industries, from the Wang's Refining Headquarters and Wang's Alchemy Headquarters to the Wang's Grain Seed Company. Each industry handles massive amounts of funds annually. Is it possible for everyone to be honest and not falsify accounts?

Even if the Wang Clan manages its own industries strictly, what about the joint ventures with in-laws?

From the Shouda Trading Company to the Changning United Manufacturing Division and the Qingluo Development Headquarters, the Wang Clan has numerous joint ventures with in-laws. Many in-law family members hold positions in these industries, and the Wang Clan can't possibly manage them as strictly as their own clan members.

Such joint ventures are often hotspots for tax evasion. A casual check would surely reveal issues.

Once evidence of tax evasion is found, reporting it would be as easy as picking up a free reward.

When taxes are paid, a detailed account must be submitted, and the Changning Wang's Clan naturally has one. So, as soon as Zheng Hongwen received the order from Director Meng Yuanbai, he eagerly retrieved the detailed tax accounts of the Changning Wang's Clan from the treasury and moved them to the covert post in Longzuo Commandery.

He even brought along colleagues from the Supervisory Office and Penal Office to assist in the investigation.

The plan was to immediately seal the Wang Clan's industries and freeze their assets once evidence of tax evasion was found.

After all, speed is crucial.

If they were a step too slow, the Wang Clan might secretly transfer their assets.

However, despite considering every detail and even planning how to respond to Director Meng's praise, he never expected that the Wang Clan's accounts would reveal no issues.

After nearly a month of investigation, not only did they fail to find evidence of tax evasion by the Changning Wang's Clan, but they repeatedly confirmed that the Changning Wang's Clan was a model family that abided by the law and paid taxes on time.

Is there something wrong with the Changning Wang's Clan?

Do they really not take advantage of the benefits right at their fingertips?

Zheng Hongwen cursed inwardly, his hand trembling as he skimmed the tea foam, almost hating the Changning Wang's Clan to death.

He's now like a man on a burning platform. If nothing is found against the Changning Wang's Clan, he will lose face and credibility. Even the joint operation of the three offices will become a joke!

Fortunately, it's not yet the final moment.

Moreover, the tax officers sent for undercover investigations haven't returned yet.

The tax officers sent for undercover investigations are seasoned veterans. No matter how clean the Changning Wang's Clan's accounts appear, it's challenging to maintain such cleanliness in private. Even a small loophole might be discovered through undercover investigations.

For now, he can only hope they bring back some good news.

"Chief, the tax officers from the undercover investigation have returned."

Suddenly, a figure in a green official robe flew up from below, quickly approaching and whispering in Zheng Hongwen's ear.

Zheng Hongwen's eyes lit up. "Oh? Bring them over quickly."

The official immediately left.

In no time, several figures were brought into the underground chamber.

Some were dressed as traveling merchants, some as rogue cultivators, and others as wealthy young masters. Their attire varied, representing different professions, and they appeared travel-worn, clearly having rushed back overnight.

The tax officers sent by the Three Talents Office were naturally more than just these few, but they were the first batch to return.

Among them were the two tax officers, one old and one young, from before.

"Subordinate Liu Bingrui/Zhang Dehai/Zhou... greets the Chief." The tax officers, including the two from before, bowed in unison, showing respect.

"No need for formalities. You've all worked hard."

Zheng Hongwen first offered some words of comfort, then inquired about their findings.

Upon hearing this, the tax officers exchanged glances.

After a while, an older tax officer spoke with difficulty, "Reporting to the Chief, during our visit to Changning Garrison, we worked diligently without any negligence. However... forgive my lack of skill, we couldn't find evidence of tax evasion by the Changning Wang's Clan."

"Please forgive us, Chief."

The other tax officers quickly apologized, their faces full of shame.

Seeing this, Zheng Hongwen's heart sank.

He instinctively looked at the oldest tax officer in the group. "Old Liu, you're known as the 'Tax Investigation Eye.' Even you found nothing?"

"Reporting to the Chief, we found no issues with the Changning Wang's Clan regarding land measurements, years of cultivated land, and other taxable matters prone to falsification," the old tax officer replied.

Zheng Hongwen's expression became strained.

However, before his hopes were completely dashed, the old tax officer continued, "But, I discovered something else. If verified, the Changning Wang's Clan will be utterly finished, with no chance of recovery."

Hearing this, the other tax officers looked at him in surprise. Only the young tax officer remained calm.

Zheng Hongwen's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly asked, "What is it?"

"Reporting to the Chief, I discovered that the Changning Wang's Clan is suspected of smuggling contraband items such as refined salt, iron ingots, and grain seeds to the Southern Qin Dynasty, which suggests treason!"

"What?!"

Upon hearing this, Zheng Hongwen nearly dropped his teacup.

Beside him, Qiao Hongbo and Zhou Lide, who had been pretending not to care but were secretly eavesdropping, also changed their expressions, becoming extremely serious.

"Tax Officer Liu, this is no small matter. Do you have evidence?" Qiao Hongbo, the chief of the Supervisory Office, put down his teacup and asked solemnly, "You should know that falsely accusing a sixth-grade family is a serious crime."

"Rest assured, Chief Qiao. I understand the gravity of the situation. Therefore, upon discovering something amiss, I immediately recorded the evidence with a simple recording disk I carry with me," the old tax officer said, taking out a jade tablet from his storage ring and carefully handing it to Zheng Hongwen.

This jade tablet isn't as powerful as the Heavenly Recording Disk, which can record large segments of three-dimensional images and sounds, but it can capture simple images, which is enough as evidence to initiate an investigation.

Zheng Hongwen immediately began reviewing it.

Qiao Hongbo and Zhou Lide also leaned in.

Moments later, Zheng Hongwen's expression had completely changed. "Good, good! No wonder the Changning Wang's Clan's accounts are so clean, even paying taxes in full every year. It turns out they were covering up their smuggling activities! What a Changning Wang's Clan! What a model family that abides by the law and pays taxes on time!"

"This matter is significant and falls within the jurisdiction of my Supervisory Office," Qiao Hongbo's face turned ashen. "I'll write a report to Director Meng immediately, requesting intervention from Shangjing."

"Treason," Zhou Lide's expression was equally grim. "This Changning Wang's Clan is truly audacious!"

As they spoke, the three had already ordered paper and pen, quickly drafting a report.

Given the gravity of the situation, it would be sent through an expedited channel.

Soon, six jade-clawed blue pigeons flew out of the Three Immortals Manor, soaring into the clouds, heading towards Shangjing City like blue lightning.

……

In the Duke of Dingguo's mansion, Guilong City, the Great Qian.

Under Wang Shouzhe's casual management, the Four Seasons Garden had unknowingly become even more vibrant.

The emerald spirit bamboo in the summer bamboo grove typically takes a hundred years to mature, suitable for crafting jade bamboo flutes, bamboo chairs, mats, jade bamboo baskets, and more, offering considerable economic value.

Originally, this acre-sized emerald spirit bamboo grove contained several hundred bamboo stalks, but having been cultivated for only a few decades, their color was still immature and unsuitable for use.

However, after Wang Shouzhe's occasional care, they now gleamed with a vibrant green, their texture as crystalline as water droplets, as if they had matured from young girls into ripe, alluring women.

A gentle breeze rustled through, causing the mature emerald spirit bamboo to sway gracefully, their jade-like leaves falling like long hairpins, perfect for crafting handicrafts with enduring luster.

In the gaps between the bamboo, a few tender bamboo shoots peeked out, as if entering their breeding season. Gardeners and servants carefully wielded jade hoes, digging up fresh spirit bamboo shoots.

These are top-quality ingredients, whether stewed with salted meat or stir-fried with fresh vegetables, offering an endless umami flavor.

Beneath the emerald bamboo grove.

Beside a pond blooming with summer lotuses, a chessboard carved from a peculiar stone was set up, its surface crisscrossed with black and white pieces arranged artfully.

Wang Shouzhe, clad in a loose white robe, held a white piece in his hand. His handsome face was calm and serene, his eyes deep as the starry sky, exuding a tranquil and natural aura.

As Wang Shouzhe matured, he exuded the charm of a mature man, his demeanor transcendent like an immortal descending to the mortal realm.

However, the man playing against him was also quite imposing, dressed in a purple robe, wearing a jade crown, with a neat short beard, dignified and authoritative, clearly a figure wielding significant power.

In terms of appearance alone, few in the Great Qian's officialdom could rival him.

He held a black piece, and after a moment of thought, placed it with a confident "snap," his eyes filled with the assurance of victory. "Shouzhe, you've fallen into my trap. That last move was just bait."

Wang Shouzhe glanced at the board, seeing that the situation was beyond recovery, and gracefully conceded. "Ancestor Zhouhui's strategy is profound, his thinking meticulous. I am impressed."

The man playing chess with Wang Shouzhe was none other than Wang Zhouhui, the divine seed of the current generation in the Duke of Dingguo's mansion.

He was over five hundred years old, in the late Purple Mansion Realm. With a bit more accumulation and refinement, he could attempt to break through to the Divine Realm.

Despite his imposing and authoritative appearance, he was actually just a nominal fourth-grade chief in the Engineering Office, without real power.

This reflects the harshness and suppression Emperor Longchang imposed on the Duke of Dingguo's mansion.

"Sigh~ Shouzhe, you're really a lousy chess player," lamented Wang Yuchang, the family head, who had been watching. "You had a chance to win, but you didn't listen to me. Move aside, I'll show you how it's done and let Uncle Zhouhui see my prowess."

"Hehe, Yuchang, don't get cocky just because you've been the family head for a few years," Wang Zhouhui stroked his short beard, casting a disdainful glance. "Bring it on, let your Uncle Zhouhui teach you a lesson."

The people of the Great Qian Wang's Clan, having spent much time with Wang Shouzhe, had unknowingly picked up some of his unique vocabulary.

Both were naturally better at chess than Wang Shouzhe, and the game was intense and thrilling, with several twists and turns. Ultimately, Wang Zhouhui won by half a piece, showcasing the wisdom that comes with age.

Wang Shouzhe watched with great interest, though his mind was never really on the game of chess. His skills were poor, and he had been beaten countless times even when playing with Jiang Yusong at home.

At this moment.

A Celestial Realm family guard hurriedly approached. "Reporting to the family head and elder. Director Meng Yuanbai of the Three Talents Office, Chief Zhao Zhizai of the Penal Office, and Chief Chen Jinghu of the Supervisory Office have led a group of experts from the three offices to our mansion, claiming they are here to arrest Master Wang Shouzhe."

"Arrest? And it's a joint operation of the three offices~" Wang Zhouhui and Wang Yuchang's expressions changed dramatically. "Did they say what the charge is?"

"They didn't say," the guard replied. "Ancestor Zhouhua is currently receiving them in the reception hall."

"Ancestor Zhouhui, Ancestor Yuchang," Wang Shouzhe said calmly, "let's go and see what's going on."

Soon after.

A group of people, their expressions grave, arrived at the main residence's reception hall. As they entered, they saw Ancestor Zhouhua entertaining the visitors from the three offices, his expression somewhat ingratiating as he tried to gather information.

Upon seeing Wang Shouzhe and the others arrive, the visitors' eyes focused intently on Wang Shouzhe, their expressions seemingly unfriendly.

"Hahaha~" Wang Zhouhui laughed heartily as he approached. "Zhouhui greets Director Meng, Chief Zhao, and Chief Chen." Though he was a nominal chief in the Engineering Office, he was still a late Purple Mansion Realm divine seed, the future Duke of Dingguo, with his strength evident. Even Zhao Zhizai of the Zhao Clan dared not act arrogantly in front of him.

The three officials rose to return the greeting, full of formalities.

Family head Yuchang also exchanged pleasantries with them before inviting everyone to sit and have tea. This was the Duke of Dingguo's mansion, and even a joint operation of the three offices couldn't allow them to act arrogantly.

After following proper etiquette and exchanging a few words over tea, family head Yuchang coughed twice and got to the point. "Director Meng, may I ask what crime our clan member Shouzhe has committed that requires the joint operation of the three offices to arrest him?"

"Young Duke, Family Head Yuchang," Meng Yuanbai stood and slightly bowed, "there have been reports of the Changning Wang's Clan engaging in tax evasion. However, during the joint investigation, we inadvertently discovered that the Wang Clan is suspected of smuggling and treason."

"Therefore, we have come to summon Wang Shouzhe to the Penal Office to explain some matters."

Due to Wang Zhouhui's nominal position, the outside world usually referred to him respectfully as the Young Duke.

"Suspected?" Wang Zhouhui's face turned cold. "You want to take Shouzhe to the Penal Office just based on suspicion? Do you think our Duke of Dingguo's mansion is so easily bullied?"

"Chief Wang," Zhao Zhizai said with a sarcastic tone, "if we weren't confident, why would we come with a joint operation to arrest someone? To be honest, based on the information we have, the situation with your Changning branch Wang Clan is very serious. If you're wise, you'll step aside, or your Duke of Dingguo's mansion might get dragged into this and lose face."

Zhao Zhizai was an elite of the Great Qian Zhao's Clan, and he usually didn't get along with the Wang's Clan. Although Wang Zhouhui was indeed a divine seed, didn't the Zhao's Clan have any? The Zhao's Clan had four divine inheritances, far stronger than the current Wang's Clan.

"Brother Zhouhui," Chen Jinghu also spoke seriously, "the details of this matter cannot be disclosed for now, but our internal personnel discovered during the investigation that the Wang Clan is involved in smuggling and treason. According to the laws of the Great Qian, we have the right to summon Wang Shouzhe. If you forcibly obstruct, you'll be guilty of intentionally obstructing law enforcement."

The Great Qian Chen's Clan was a rising third-grade family, capable of completing dual divine succession, with overall strength far surpassing the current Great Qian Wang's Clan.

Thus, the Chen's Clan had a mindset of looking down on the Duke of Dingguo's mansion's strength while envying the Duke's title.

Internal personnel discovered during the investigation? That's tricky! If it were merely an outsider's accusation, they could argue that it was a setup and prevent Wang Shouzhe from being taken for questioning.

Wang Zhouhui and Wang Yuchang's expressions turned grim.

"Thank you, elders, for your concern," Wang Shouzhe smiled calmly, standing and bowing. "As they say, the clear are clear, and the turbid are turbid. I consider myself a law-abiding citizen of the Great Qian. I don't mind going to assist in the investigation. I believe the Three Talents Office, Penal Office, and Supervisory Office will give me justice once the truth is uncovered."

"Shouzhe, this..." Wang Zhouhui and Wang Yuchang were reluctant, fearing that the other side might seize any slight oversight or handle and refuse to let go.

Moreover, the current emperor's attitude towards the Wang's Clan was always to suppress whenever possible, even glaring at them to vent frustration, even if they hadn't done anything wrong. No one is without faults...

"Very well," Meng Yuanbai praised with a smile. "Since you claim innocence, come with us to assist in the investigation. But rest assured, without concrete evidence..."

"Hold on!"

Before Meng Yuanbai could finish, a powerful elder's voice interrupted.

A pressure like a mountain descended upon the Wang's Clan's reception hall, making everyone feel as if a great calamity was imminent.

A stately elder in luxurious attire appeared as if tearing through space, his authoritative gaze sweeping over the visitors from the three offices. "You young ones, did you seek this Duke's opinion before coming to arrest someone from my Duke of Dingguo's mansion?"

Ancestor Yinda of the Duke of Dingguo!

Meng Yuanbai and the others felt a chill, not daring to be negligent, and hurriedly saluted. "Greetings, Duke of Dingguo." The title of Duke was personally bestowed by Emperor Ziwei Xuandu, and in terms of status and rarity, it surpassed even that of a prince.

The Great Qian had eleven princes, but only two dukes.

Even the emperor couldn't openly neglect the Duke of Dingguo, instead showing respect with cordiality and politeness.

"Ancestor, you've finally emerged from seclusion." Family Head Yuchang breathed a sigh of relief, quickly saluting alongside Zhouhui, Zhouhua, and Wang Shouzhe.

This time, Ancestor Yinda's seclusion had lasted slightly longer than expected, but fortunately, he emerged at the most critical moment.

"Are you Shouzhe?" The Duke of Dingguo ignored the young ones and looked kindly at Wang Shouzhe. "I've met Liyao and Zong'an, both rare talents. I've long wondered what kind of person Shouzhe, who raised such children, would be."

"Today, seeing you, Shouzhe, your extraordinary demeanor exceeds even my imagination."

"The Duke flatters me; I dare not accept such praise." Wang Shouzhe bowed with proper etiquette. "Shouzhe of the Changning Wang's Clan greets the Duke."

"No need for formalities. Calling me Duke is too distant; just call me Ancestor Yinda." The Duke of Dingguo smiled, full of vitality, clearly having made some progress during his seclusion.

"Shouzhe greets Ancestor Yinda," Wang Shouzhe replied smoothly.

Meng Yuanbai and the others exchanged glances. They had heard that the Duke of Dingguo was in seclusion, which is why they seized the opportunity to come and arrest someone. They hadn't expected the Duke to emerge at this juncture.

Even so, they had no reason to back down.

Among those present, Meng Yuanbai, a third-grade official, held the highest position, so he had to step forward, albeit reluctantly. "Duke, we are merely following legal procedures. As the pillar of the nation, please don't make things difficult for us, who serve the emperor and the Great Qian."

"Don't try to impose grand principles on this Duke," the Duke of Dingguo coldly swept his gaze. "The Changning Wang's Clan is a sixth-grade family. Even if there's suspicion of a crime, it should be handled within the commandery. For a sixth-grade family, why is there a joint operation of the central three offices? Who are you really serving? Do you think this Duke doesn't know?"

Meng Yuanbai gulped nervously, but he had some confidence and pressed on. "Duke, regardless, the suspicion of the Wang's Clan smuggling and treason is significant. According to the law, we have the right to summon Wang Shouzhe."

"Fine, you want to talk law?" The Duke of Dingguo sneered. "Do you know that as a Duke, I can unconditionally protect someone? If you want to take him, get a decree from the emperor himself; otherwise, no one can do anything."

"Duke, please reconsider," Meng Yuanbai urged, "As a Duke, you have the right to protect someone, but if Wang Shouzhe's guilt is confirmed, you'll also be implicated, at least for poor judgment and harboring a suspect, which could affect your reputation."

"Hmph, do you think this Duke will watch you frame someone from my Wang's Clan?" The Duke of Dingguo's expression turned cold. "I trust Shouzhe won't be guilty of smuggling and treason. Now, leave!"

"Wait!" At this moment, Wang Shouzhe stepped forward, bowing. "Thank you, Duke, for your protection, but I believe in my innocence and am not afraid of questioning."

"Shouzhe, I trust your character, but I can't trust the Zhao's Clan's faction," the Duke of Dingguo's expression softened. "Who knows what underhanded methods they have?"

"Duke, Yuanbai will uphold justice," Meng Yuanbai defended.

In the stalemate, Family Head Yuchang stepped in to mediate. "Everyone here is a prominent figure in the officialdom and noble families. I believe there won't be any underhanded tactics, and Shouzhe claims he hasn't engaged in smuggling or treason. In that case, why not compromise? Whatever you need to ask according to the regulations, do it here in our Duke of Dingguo's mansion."Meng Yuanbai and the others hesitated slightly, seeing the Duke of Dingguo's attitude, it seemed unlikely they could take Wang Shouzhe away today.

However, the case was clear, and interrogating Wang Shouzhe would only expedite the confirmation of the case. As long as the inspection team secured solid evidence, not even the Duke of Dingguo could protect the Wang Clan, let alone the Emperor.

Immediately, the three exchanged brief glances. Meng Yuanbai stepped forward and said, "In that case, we'll give the Duke of Dingguo some face today. Master Wang Shouzhe, I hope you won't disappoint the Duke's expectations. If there's anything, confess truthfully, and perhaps your Wang Clan might still have a glimmer of hope."

Subsequently.

The Three Talents Office, Penal Office, and Supervisory Office conducted inquiries and questioning of Wang Shouzhe at the Wang Clan's main residence. Naturally, Wang Shouzhe answered truthfully, denying anything he hadn't done.

As expected, the three offices returned empty-handed.

However, although Wang Shouzhe had the Duke of Dingguo's protection, he had to stay at the Duke's mansion until the case was fully investigated.

Wang Shouzhe had no objections to this. After all, he was a homebody who enjoyed gardening and nurturing Wang Lixian.

Four Seasons Garden, at night.

Several maids entered Wang Shouzhe's temporary study.

When no one else was around, they looked at Wang Shouzhe with eyes full of fervor.

"Greetings, Immortal Lord."

Led by the one in front, they were about to perform a full prostration.

"Wang Mei." Wang Shouzhe casually used a wisp of profound energy to stop them, frowning slightly, "Speak plainly, there's no need for such formalities." Even the Emperor didn't require kowtowing, so he certainly didn't.

Moreover, every time he heard the words "Immortal Lord," he got goosebumps all over, thanks to Wang Mei's enthusiasm for it.

"Immortal Lord," Wang Mei, disguised as a maid, said with a somewhat wistful look, "Autumn Okra and Winter Bamboo are girls I have carefully selected and raised since childhood. Their loyalty is unquestionable..."

"While the Immortal Lord is temporarily stranded, and the mistress is not by your side, they can accompany and serve you. They are skilled in many arts, and I assure you they won't disappoint."

Wang Shouzhe broke into a cold sweat. Wang Mei, what kind of thoughts are these? Just because Ruolan isn't around doesn't mean he can act recklessly. He immediately coughed twice and said sternly, "Wang Mei, my bond with Ruolan is as strong as gold; I don't need these."

"Immortal Lord, I understand," Wang Mei said, her eyes somewhat eager, "Or perhaps, if you give me an hour, I can also transform..."

"Stop, stop." Wang Shouzhe said with a darkened face, "I called you here for serious matters."

Wang Mei's eyes showed a hint of disappointment but quickly regained her focus, saying, "Please give your orders, Immortal Lord."

"This time, during the execution of the plan, I didn't expect Ancestor Yinda to suddenly emerge, disrupting the rhythm and making the timing a bit off," Wang Shouzhe said seriously, "But he is concerned about me, so we can't blame him for this. Now, I need you to use all your available resources to stir up the issue of the Wang Clan's alleged, no, smuggling and collusion."

"If necessary, you can also stir up the matter of the Duke of Dingguo's mansion covering up and protecting them."

"Understood," Wang Mei said, her eyes burning with intensity, "May I ask, Immortal Lord, how much attention do you want?"

"Make it trend everywhere."

...