His trusted aide waited until Lian’s anger had passed before saying, “At least miss Xiao Tuo was able to give us some information. Because of that, we… aren’t losing out.”

He had a hard time finding the right way to phrase things. In the end, that was the most appropriate thing he could find.

Lian’s expression sank. “Xiao Tuo has indeed been of great service to us. Have we prepared our countermeasures using her information yet?”

His trusted aide nodded. “We’ve already finished all of our preparations. We’ve even roped in many unhappy chancellors who had been deliberately suppressed by Wu Ding.”

“Good.” Lian’s expression eased a little. “Oh, right. There is something else that needs to be done. I need you to make a trip.”

“This subordinate won’t hesitate to complete any tasks the high priest needs me to take care of!” his aide said right away, clasping his fist at his master.

Lian looked in the direction of the imperial palace. The image of Wu Ding pressing down on his childhood sweetheart made him clench his fists so tightly that...