Zhang Boqian finally realized something he had been puzzled over all this time—why Lin Xitang had been acting more extreme in recent days, why he had been implementing new policies, and why even the Imperial Party was often attacking him. Marshal Lin’s political enemies didn’t include just the cabinet which he presided over, but also the nobility who had always been wrestling with the Imperial clan for power. There were also those old powers who had somehow recovered from their past decline.

A shadowy surname emerged in Zhang Boqian’s mind. “The Jingtang Li Clan?”

The Radiant Emperor wasn’t surprised that Zhang Boqian would mention the Li family. “None of the old ones should be left behind. They stick to their old ways and are willing to be used by the Longevity Monarch. They’re so unscrupulous that I would say that they’re obsessed.”

“Are the young ones your people?” Zhang Boqian noticed the hidden meaning.

“The divination families had always been sparse in familial relationships and camaraderie. The Li family runs itself like a sect, so before the trajectory of the heavenly path, all family members become expendable. That’s quite a disastrous mindset. Some...