My Lady Always Lacks Ambition-Chapter 984 - 957: Discussing the Situation, News of the Qin Family Entangled in the Struggle

Chapter 984: Chapter 957: Discussing the Situation, News of the Qin Family Entangled in the Struggle

Qin Liuxi took Si Lengyue to the main hall to offer one stick of incense to Master Chi Yuan, and then they strolled to the Enlightenment Stone on the back mountain.

"I’ve been having people gather information about Wangchuan’s whereabouts." Si Lengyue knew about Wangchuan’s disappearance and even had someone draw a portrait to help with the search, but there had been no news for years.

Qin Liuxi replied with a simple "Hmm."

Noticing Qin Liuxi’s low spirits, Si Lengyue’s hatred for the Evil Buddha Siluo deepened. First, Wangchuan was kidnapped, then Chi Yuan was killed, making him a mortal enemy to Qin Liuxi.

But the real master behind the scenes had never shown himself. Truly well-hidden.

"Is the Si family doing well these past few years? I heard about the State Preceptor’s arrival and the Emperor’s folly. Has it affected your clan?" Qin Liuxi asked.

Si Lengyue said, "After the Blood Curse was lifted and I inherited the legacy, I’ve been wholeheartedly practicing Witch Power. The Si family offered half of the family assets to the national treasury, and all the businesses in the open have been handed over. Only some hidden ventures remain for a fallback. Nowadays, there’s little news about the Si family, as if we’ve retired from the world, given our origins in the Witch Clan."

"That’s good, but losing half the family fortune to a foolish Emperor is a shame. Better to have it in the pockets of the people." Qin Liuxi scoffed.

Si Lengyue clasped her hands behind her back, saying, "It doesn’t matter. The Emperor is burying himself; soon enough, he’ll follow in the footsteps of the great-grandfather. Achieving immortality isn’t that easy."

Even those who cultivate cannot truly live forever. They can only cultivate their bodies and minds to increase their lifespan by advancing their Daoist Cultivation. Immortality? Impossible.

The Emperor thinks he can gain immortality with mere elixirs? Dream on.

If he keeps taking elixirs for a long time, even if they’re good for fitness initially, toxicity will accumulate to a point where even immortal powers can’t save him.

This is one hazard of taking elixirs. Another is if his beloved sons grow impatient and pull some tricks, he could become like the second great-grandfather.

Therefore, Si Lengyue sees that the current Emperor is courting death, and sooner or later, he will meet his end.

"I’ve been observing the stars and divining through witchcraft recently. That man won’t live past five years." Si Lengyue coldly remarked. "It’s just that the people will suffer the most if the nation falls into chaos."

Qin Liuxi sneered, "One must reap what they sow."

"Indeed. He’s indifferent to everything. I heard he even declared himself the Nine Pure Immortal and changed his dragon robe to a Daoist robe for daily wear." Si Lengyue shared some rumors she heard through Si family channels.

"What a ridiculous notion." Qin Liuxi expressed disdain. "Do you know where this State Preceptor comes from?"

"It’s said he’s from the Tongtian Sect lineage, a disciple under Zhao Gongming, claiming to be Zhao Gongming’s grand-disciple, but no one can truly verify it, can they?" Si Lengyue said. "At the end of April of the 29th year, the Eldest Prince, now the Crown Prince, reported encountering a reclusive Fang Dao who predicted an earthquake outside the capital at Dragon Boat Festival, and the overflow of the Weihu Lake. The Crown Prince dared not conceal this and introduced the person, who was proven right. He then predicted several state affairs, all of which came true, leading the Emperor to treat him as an esteemed guest. Later, he presented a Divine Pill and demonstrated calling the wind and rain, earning the title of State Preceptor."

Qin Liuxi’s mouth twitched. "Hearing this, those students calling him a Demon Path aren’t wrong at all. Such flashy moves are no different from a God Stick. As for prophecies, any Daoist with a bit of cultivation can perform divination. Calling the wind and rain is just drawing a couple of rain talismans. As for calling the wind? Give some benefits to yin souls to stir a breeze; it’s simple, and they even bring their own chill. With one candle per person, yin souls can stir up a breeze all night."

Pfft.

Si Lengyue chuckled and said, "That’s something you would do."

Qin Liuxi smirked awkwardly. "Nonsense, I’m not that kind of person."

I do the real deal.

Si Lengyue said, "The Emperor’s folly and obsession with immortality have led to many harsh taxes. In the coming years, Da Feng might face chaos. As long as the weather remains good, it won’t be too bad. But if human disasters strike along with natural calamities, the people’s lives will likely worsen year after year. By then, with internal and external troubles, Da Feng will be in danger."

As the head of the Si family, Si Lengyue, due to the blood curse and ancestral teachings, was unable to practice Witch Power when she was young, so she had to manage the family business, continuing the family legacy like her ancestors. Doing business was not merely about book-keeping, it also required understanding the trends, so she had the foresight and a broad vision, clearly seeing the situation.

If Da Feng continues like this, it might just perish, and if war breaks out, the people will suffer.

Qin Liuxi put her hands behind her back and said, "Perhaps this is exactly what the Evil Buddha wants to see."

He has caused chaos for all living things before!

That old demon is a maniac.

Si Lengyue frowned, "Do you mean he’s been pulling the strings behind all this?"

"Hmm."

"What’s in it for him?" Si Lengyue couldn’t fathom that person’s mind.

Qin Liuxi didn’t reply. She was also pondering what benefit Da Feng’s chaos would bring him. Would he call himself a savior, saving people from misery and gaining their adoration? Or is this merely a game for him?

Qin Liuxi didn’t dwell on it and told Si Lengyue, "Since you’ve seen what’s to come, if you have the capacity, stock up on food and medicine. If that day truly comes, we should have the resources to aid the people."

Not just Si Lengyue, but also herself and the capable individuals she knows, like Feng Xiu and the wealthy merchant Gongbo Cheng, need to prepare.

Regarding national turmoil, it’s up to those who can truly shoulder the responsibility, like civil servants and generals, to take charge. As for the Lord of the World, one should be propped up.

If Siluo wants to destabilize Da Feng, she’ll stabilize it!

"Is the current Crown Prince someone who gets things done?"

Si Lengyue: "He set up a reputation for virtue but lacks ability and is easily swayed. His younger brothers won’t submit to him, especially as the Emperor seeks immortality. The Princes’ ambitions have grown, and they’re all plotting to dethrone him. So current factional strife is fiercer than before the heir was chosen. If not for the State Preceptor’s protection, he’d likely have been ousted from the Eastern Palace by now. But even with the State Preceptor’s protection, his position is precarious."

"What about the capability of the other Princes?"

"Struggles for succession have been unavoidable in every dynasty. Even if you don’t fight, you’ll be pushed to. The older ones, even the younger ones, use every means to increase their stakes, alliances, factions, and the selling of official appointments can be traced. Factional disputes grow clearer. As for ability, I haven’t seen anyone fit for a Bright Monarch." Si Lengyue remembered something and said, "By the way, is the Qin family getting involved too?"

Qin Liuxi’s gaze sharpened. "What do you mean?"

Si Lengyue said, "You have a cousin who became the concubine of Prince Zhao, the Second Prince."

Qin Liuxi’s face darkened. Cousin, Qin Mingzhu?