Chapter 55: Usurpation
After Wang Li finished all the formalities, it was already night. The news of the Crown Prince’s assassination was still being kept under wraps, but the cover-up was notably ineffective.
First, there was Wang Yi stirring things up from behind, and second, the chaos had become too large to ignore; many citizens had seen people shot full of arrows, turning them into porcupines.
Therefore, this cover-up was probably just a thin veil to hide the rampant disorder in the capital.
Moreover, there was still the matter of Emperor Li’s death yet to be revealed; if that were to come out, this flimsy veil would be useless.
“My lord, something has happened in the residence,” said the steward hesitantly, wanting to say something.
“Speak plainly, what’s with the stalling?” Wang Li, having been exhausted from the day’s events, reprimanded impatiently.
“Report, my lord, the lady has died,” the steward said through gritted teeth.
Wang Li had just sat down, and upon hearing this, he found it hard to believe, but he quickly steadied his thoughts and asked calmly, “How did she die?”
The steward could only report the truth.
Especially when he heard that Bai Qing had gone to Chen Xiyi to help Wang Yi ascend to power, promising him the position of state priest, Wang Li’s eyes flashed with murderous intent, culminating in the clueless being killed at the end.
“Who would have thought my wife harbored such ambitions for dragon nurturing and vying for supremacy. She really has lofty aspirations.”
Even though he had already known that his wife had stabbed him in the back, he didn’t expect that it was not merely betrayal; she was preparing to use him, the Duke Zhuang, to elevate Wang Yi, the Third Prince.
Hearing this, the steward felt a jolt in his heart—this did not bode well.
It seemed the mistress had developed ambitions that she should not have.
“Declare to the outside that she succumbed to a sudden illness, and arrange a simple burial tomorrow to avoid offending the esteemed guests within the residence,” Wang Li said coldly.
It is true that a day as a husband and a hundred days of affection is no exaggeration, but the actions of his righteous wife seemed less about their marital bond and more about paving the way for her relatives.
“Understood, my lord.” The steward had no choice but to comply.
In his heart, he was also secretly contemplating the abilities of that gentleman residing in the rear courtyard.
“One more thing, that gentleman instructed me to tell you that if you return, you should meet with him.” The steward added before leaving.
Wang Li hurriedly got up and left, “Why didn’t you say so earlier?”
Without regard for the steward’s expression, he headed toward the back courtyard.
Even though it was night, Chen Xiyi was still awake; he didn’t need to sleep.
“Come in, no need to knock,” Chen Xiyi said abruptly.
Wang Li, who had just raised his hand at the door, froze for a moment: “Yes, Immortal.”
With that, he pushed the door open and saw Chen Xiyi nearby starting a bonfire, illuminating the area brightly.
Seeing Wang Li enter, Chen Xiyi casually threw out a chair and said, “Sit.”
【Experience】
【July: United in Alliance, Intent on Usurpation】
“???” Chen Xiyi looked at Wang Li, who had just sat down, his latest experience update shocking him. What’s going on? How did you come to prepare for usurpation?
Though Emperor Li had died, it certainly wouldn’t mean it was your turn, wouldn’t there still be many older princes?
Oh, right, it’s being said that there’s an usurpation, and the princes are of no use, it seems this royal faction with their thick brows and big eyes also harbors such unthinkable ambitions.
Chen Xiyi was unaware of the various Crown Princes’ matters, and since the experience only briefly recorded important events, he had no idea what had transpired in between.
He did not know about the matters concerning the various crown princes, and since the experiences recorded were merely brief accounts of important events, he was unclear about what happened in between.
“Immortal, I…”
“You also want to become a Longevity Emperor?” Chen Xiyi interjected sharply.
Wang Li was a bit startled by Chen Xiyi’s interruption; indeed, his every move was under the other’s scrutiny.
“Xiao Wang genuinely has this intention and hopes for the Immortal’s support.” Seeing how things had developed, Wang Li naturally spoke truthfully.
He was trying to win over someone like Chen Xiyi, who was both powerful and principled.
With the Immortal’s endorsement, he could be justified in pursuing his ambitions.
Given that Wang Yi had insufficient foundation in the court and could only use unorthodox means to seize the position, he was not exempt from this approach either.
“The imperial mandate is inadequate, and there are still uncertainties. You must ascend to the throne as soon as possible; you and I have known each other for a long time, so I shall lend you a helping hand.” As he spoke, Chen Xiyi produced a block of TNT.
Seeing that palm-sized square, Wang Li naturally recognized what it was—the path protector’s killing weapon.
This would provide him with direct military support, practically the greatest assistance one could ask for.
As for the justification? When the time came, revealing a bit in the court would be enough to intimidate the nobles, and if all else fails, he could hand out a few spiritual nourishment items.
He was not like the deceased Emperor Li; his relationship with Chen Xiyi was much closer.
When he gained the support of the court nobles, would they not rally around him to become the new emperor? The allure of longevity was not something everyone could resist.
“Thank you, Immortal. May I ask if the Immortal could preside over my ascension ceremony?” Wang Li continued.
Chen Xiyi shook his head, “No need. If I were to go, you wouldn’t be able to handle it and might just die on the spot.”
Why would he go and preside for you? He would rather spend time fishing.
Wang Li swallowed hard; he hadn’t expected the situation to be so dire. Although he felt regret, for the sake of his own life, he could only give up on that request.
“If there’s nothing else, I shall take my leave first.” In light of this, Wang Li had to leave; he was exhausted from the day, and upon returning, he couldn’t rest but needed to discuss matters with Lü Xian and the potential of marrying her.
“Go ahead. If you encounter any difficulties, feel free to seek me out. Since we are fated, I will certainly lend you a hand, but I also need to quickly refine the Divine Earth Essence.” Chen Xiyi made it clear—if you have issues, you can come to me for help, but once you successfully seize the throne, you must help me gather resources.
Hearing this, Wang Li felt a surge of happiness: “Yes, Immortal, I will ensure the country gathers all the earth, stones, gold, and silver you need for refining the Divine Earth Essence.”
With such a promise backing him, Wang Li felt he could rest easy, no longer needing to worry about any subsequent issues arising.
All he had to do was bring forth this Immortal, and he would undoubtedly be worry-free.
With an Immortal backing him, what else was there to fear?
“Your heart is in the right place.” Chen Xiyi said calmly.
“Then I shall take my leave first.” After saying this, Wang Li turned and left.
Looking at his departing figure, Chen Xiyi felt relieved; this wave should be stable.
Thinking it over, having someone like Wang Li, a royal uncle, ascend was certainly better for him than if any other prince took the throne.
From every angle, Wang Li’s suitability as a pawn was perfect; there was no need to worry about him disobeying or showing dissatisfaction while pretending to comply.
(End of Chapter)
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