Lu Xuan didn't respond directly, but instead glanced at Li Donglai and Zuo Qianhu. The two nodded helplessly.
"That's right. If nothing unexpected happens, the chief constable of the Six Doors and the Dali Temple are already under the control of the demons. In fact, these departments were the first ones they took control of."
"That's understandable; these departments are the easiest to spot problems. The Grand Master has been planning this for many years; he wouldn't make such a mistake."
"Over the years, the Court of Judicial Review and the Ministry of Justice have actually been very dedicated to their duties. The investigation and trial of various cases have been extremely fair and swift. They have a very good reputation among the people, much better than before."
When Li Donglai said this, he looked utterly helpless. The Dali Temple, controlled by a group of demons, was actually more just than in human times. He didn't know how to evaluate it.
"Haha, that's normal. The Imperial Advisor needs stability in the capital to appease the Emperor. But I heard you say that the Emperor is furious about recent events?"
"That's right."
"Interesting, it looks like there's still hope."
The chaos in the capital needed to be addressed. The chief constable of the Six Doors was dismissed. This was something he never expected, and his deputy, Lin Yuanshan, took over. Lu Xuan and his team successfully reclaimed a crucial position. Although the Six Doors was actually not a significant department in the capital, their theoretical authority was quite considerable.
The Dali Temple finally started to take some serious action. They were actually quite puzzled; the wandering ghosts and spirits in the surrounding area had already made arrangements, daring not to cause trouble in the capital. Now, it was clear that several powerful figures had crossed over from elsewhere.
The Minister of the Court of Judicial Review is a demon in disguise. There are dozens of such demons in the capital, all high-ranking officials in the imperial court. They control most of the power in the court, forming a hidden demonic dynasty. Now, this demonic dynasty has lost a tentacle; the Six Doors (the government's secret service) are no longer under their control.
This department is currently the main force investigating the haunting incidents in Beijing. Originally, this force should have been firmly in their hands. But now, the tentacles have malfunctioned, and they still haven't found anything.
Zuo Qianhu and others were very excited about being able to reclaim the Six Doors.
"The Six Doors alone are far from enough; what we need most is to reclaim the Dali Temple. With the help of the Dali Temple, we can legitimately investigate all sorts of things and expose these demons little by little."
"It's no use. If we directly expose them as demons, it might force them to break off all pretense of civility. Then a great battle would break out in the capital. Regardless of who wins or loses, the entire capital would be razed to the ground."
Lu Xuan knew exactly how powerful the Imperial Preceptor was. If they were to engage in a direct confrontation, almost no mortal in the vicinity would have a chance of survival.
"So what are we going to investigate using the Six Doors?"
"Of course, it's about solving cases! Is the capital city haunted right now? The Six Doors' current mission is to solve cases. So, let's go solve cases. By the way, give me an identity so I can become a retainer of the Six Doors. I'll help you solve cases."
Li Donglai instantly understood Lu Xuan's meaning. He didn't even need Lu Xuan to explain; he guessed that the so-called haunting incident was also orchestrated by Lu Xuan.
"You want to take this opportunity to perform a great service and meet the Emperor?"
"An audience? Ha! That's too petty. What do you say? How about I compete for the position of Imperial Advisor?"
Li Donglai and Commander Zuo were stunned by Lu Xuan's words. After a long while, Li Donglai finally spoke.
"...Well, if you want to become the Imperial Advisor, you're still a little short on these cases."
"That's right, I think so too. Let's make it even bigger then."
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Chapter 374 Goodbye, Little Fox
Imperial Preceptor? Strictly speaking, it could be considered an official position. Although it might seem like a nominal title, its status was undeniably high.
Since it's an official position, competition should be allowed. Therefore, Lu Xuan decided to compete for the position of Imperial Preceptor.
To become the Imperial Advisor, one must naturally accomplish several major feats. A few minor ghost stories are simply not enough. Even if the ghosts are haunted by high-ranking officials, it won't suffice. Ultimately, the Imperial Advisor needs the Emperor's approval. However, the Emperor cannot perceive the fear of his subjects. Therefore, Lu Xuan needs a much larger case, one that will instill fear in the Emperor.
This case obviously doesn't exist. So, to solve such a major case, we first need to fabricate one.
In recent years, many new concubines have arrived in the palace, each one a peerless beauty. The older generation of concubines have almost all been overshadowed. Several of them, in particular, are deeply favored by the emperor, and are summoned to his bedchamber every few days.
Tonight, the emperor is once again spending the night with a newly promoted concubine. However, this stay may become a lifelong nightmare for him.
Lu Xuan sometimes felt a little guilty, wondering if it would be a bad thing if he messed up the emperor. But then he thought that it wouldn't really matter if he messed up the emperor; it might even have unexpected effects.
Then, at midnight, a blood-curdling scream echoed through the palace.
"ah......"
The next day, news spread throughout the palace: one of the emperor's favorite concubines had died. It was said that her head had been cut off right in the emperor's arms.
Everyone who heard this news felt a chill run down their spine. They couldn't imagine what it would feel like if, while they were being intimate with a girl, her head was cut off.
It's likely that only the emperor knows this in the entire world. But probably no one will even bother to ask.
After this happened, what did the emperor do? He is currently with the Imperial Advisor, who is reciting scriptures and praying for his well-being.
The Imperial Advisor was also helpless. Last night, he received a message from his subordinate saying that just as he was preparing to reunite with the Emperor, his head was cut off.
The key issue was that he dared not move even if it meant losing his head, so as not to expose his identity. He could only sneak out to report after the guards had finished their thorough inspection.
The Imperial Advisor was startled. He was at a critical juncture and absolutely could not act. Even the entire palace could not be allowed to experience the slightest disturbance. He needed to ascend to the throne smoothly and legitimately.
That's right, its ultimate goal is to become emperor. For him, that would be effortless. As a demon over a thousand years old, he could easily slaughter the entire palace in one night. Or he could secretly usurp the throne. But the key is that he can't do that.
Becoming emperor is not difficult; the challenge lies in legitimately inheriting the destiny of the Great Jin Dynasty. There is a hurdle to overcome: one must ascend the throne through a legitimate line of succession.
This concept of legitimacy is quite interesting. It can be achieved through succession, abdication, or even a coup. All of these are possible because even if you seize power through a coup, with enough support from ministers and the military, the common people will naturally accept you as emperor. Afterward, the fate of the Great Jin Dynasty will naturally pass to the Grand Preceptor.
But if you secretly replace the emperor, or kill everyone, at most the fate of the Great Jin Dynasty will collapse, and you will still gain nothing.
Therefore, the Grand Preceptor needed thirty years to meticulously plan, secretly securing key positions, cultivating relationships with ministers holding military power, and gradually drawing the hearts of the entire court to his side. Then, whether through abdication or a coup, he could become the legitimate ruler of the Great Jin Dynasty. Only in this way could he inherit the dynasty's destiny and complete his final transformation.
Therefore, he couldn't even use magic to manipulate the emperor to pass the throne to him; he could only slowly persuade him bit by bit through persuasion.