Chapter 5 – Start by offering the Mandate of Heaven to the main character

Chapter 5 – Start by offering the Mandate of Heaven to the main character

Zhao Gou never imagined that his meticulously planned scheme, which had been in the works for years, would be exposed by a blind man in just a few words.

"Absurd, utterly absurd!" Zhao Gou laughed in anger, his expression twisted and terrifying. The noble aura he had cultivated from his high position dissipated, transforming him into a malevolent ghost ready to devour anyone in its path.

What the hell!

Who could tell him where this Meng Qingzhou had come from? He had wandered over out of nowhere, spouted a few words, and ended up ruining a battle for the throne!

Zhao Gou felt a hysterical urge to laugh. Just as he was about to grab a weapon and kill Meng Qingzhou, the Empress appeared with a cold killing intent. Without a word, she suppressed Zhao Gou with a flip of her hand, sealing all his spiritual power.

The once high-spirited heir apparent of the Shu region, Zhao Gou, now lay on the ground like a dehydrated catfish, struggling helplessly.

Some ministers who secretly supported Zhao Gou felt a chill down their spines, sensing the doom of their ally.

Anyone with eyes could see that Zhao Gou was finished!

The leader of the Imperial Guard sighed lightly. Despite being a woman, the Empress was as ruthless as any legendary warlord in history.

"Spiritual power fluctuations?" Meng Qingzhou sensed something but quickly dismissed it as the fluctuation vanished.

Meng Qingzhou shook his head, thinking it was just a cultivator passing by, and paid it no mind.

"Take my advice, quickly leave the Shu region with your family. Zhao Yuhuan may be ambitious, but the Shu region is too shallow. To fight an entire dynasty, he would need to conscript soldiers, regardless of their cultivation level, gender, or age. When that happens, every household in the Shu region will hang white mourning cloths. It's tragic."

Meng Qingzhou directed his final piece of advice to Zhao Gou, who lay on the ground, unable to speak.

He didn't realize that his words had already caused the downfall of the heir apparent of Shu, who was now a prisoner unable to move.

Meng Qingzhou felt a sense of pride. Yes! Not bad!

A good deed a day, and today he had saved another person.

Zhao Gou's chest was about to explode with rage. He glared at Meng Qingzhou with hatred, wishing he could tear him apart.

The damned blind man was still pretending to care, not knowing that his well-meaning advice had ruined years of planning in the Shu region.

If his mouth weren't sealed, Zhao Gou would curse Meng Qingzhou's ancestors for eighteen generations and expose the Empress's identity.

Many ministers disguised as commoners in the market were eavesdropping and were shocked by what they heard.

Another prophecy from a Sage?

"Try this," Meng Qingzhou said, placing the last dish of braised pork ribs on the table and wiping his hands with an apron.

Dongfang Liuli glanced at the table full of delicious dishes and exchanged a look with Su Qingqiu.

"I've never seen this cooking method before," Dongfang Liuli said, picking up a piece of steamed pork and putting it into her mouth. With just two chews, the perfectly balanced meat melted in her throat.

"Mmm! Delicious!" Dongfang Liuli's eyes lit up, her already stunning face becoming even more radiant, like a blooming begonia flower.

Unfortunately, Meng Qingzhou couldn't see this beautiful sight. He didn't know whether Dongfang Liuli was beautiful or ugly, so he remained at ease in her presence.

"What's this dish called?" Dongfang Liuli asked eagerly after tasting a piece of the bright red ribs.

"Braised pork ribs," Meng Qingzhou replied generously. "If you ever crave it, just let me know."

"Alright," Dongfang Liuli said, wiping her mouth with a handkerchief and regaining her composed demeanor.

Dongfang Liuli had tasted countless delicacies prepared by imperial chefs, but none could compare to Meng Qingzhou's simple home-cooked dishes.

This cooking method was unheard of, even for the Empress.

"Grumble..."

Su Qingqiu, standing aside, stared longingly at the food, her stomach growling.

"Sit down and eat with us. There's no need for formalities in private," Meng Qingzhou said with a chuckle, gesturing for Su Qingqiu to join them.

Su Qingqiu shook her head, trying to step back.

"I said sit, so sit!" Meng Qingzhou pulled her by the sleeve, making her sit beside him and thoughtfully providing her with a bowl and chopsticks. "Eat, don't be shy."

Su Qingqiu glanced at Dongfang Liuli, who nodded, and then she relaxed a bit. She took a bite and gave Meng Qingzhou a thumbs-up with sparkling eyes.

Realizing Meng Qingzhou couldn't see her, Su Qingqiu playfully stuck out her tongue and whispered, "It's delicious!"

***

About half an hour later, the two women had elegantly finished the dishes.

Su Qingqiu patted her round belly, showing a satisfied smile.

"Qingzhou," Dongfang Liuli said, sipping her tea, "I want to know your thoughts on the future of Great Jin. And what do you think of the current Emperor—Qin Liuli?"