Let them offer their loyalty!
Chapter 1022 - 490: A Slap in the Face! (10,000 Words for Monthly Ticket!)_2

Now, she was dressed in uniform, closely following Qiu Tu. As she gazed at the distant road just like Qiu Tu, she softly spoke, "Speaker, among the visitors this time, particular attention must be paid to the 'Deputy Leader' of the delegation, Cabinet Minister Dou Yu."

"According to my intel, this man is not as simple as he seems."

"He comes from a prestigious family of millennia, the Northwest's First Family—the Kou family. This family has sparkled like stars throughout history, leaving their mark in every era."

"There have been great talents in literature; master painters; poets; and even geniuses who achieved 'Triple Top Honors'."

"Among them, the most renowned would undoubtedly be Kou Yi, the Kou family's legendary ancestor who ranked first in the Imperial Examination, eventually gaining the title of a First Grade official and being granted a nobility rank."

"It was he who laid the solid foundation for the Kou family."

"During the Great Catastrophe, the Kou family suffered some setbacks and impacts but quickly recovered."

"In the chaotic Northwest at the time, they supported King Kang, providing funds and manpower, and ultimately helped King Kang establish the entire foundation of the Sixth Sanctuary."

"This led to the Kou family holding immense power within the Sixth Sanctuary. It's even said that in many constituencies, the Kou family is far more prominent than King Kang."

"Dou Yu, meanwhile, is the younger brother of the current Family Head of the Kou family, Kou Xuan."

"Despite his youth, he has already become a Cabinet Minister. He is rumored to possess extraordinary talents, but his personality is arrogant and domineering, making him very difficult to get along with."

After listening to Guan Xiao's introduction, Qiu Tu nodded slightly and then asked, "What about Princess Xi?"

Upon hearing his question, Guan Xiao replied, "Princess Xi is King Kang's second wife."

"She has a son with King Kang, who is currently one year and eight months old."

"Princess Xi came from a noble family and grew up well educated and refined. However, her family fell into decline. During her time of hardship, King Kang rescued her, and since then, she has remained at his side."

"However, this has resulted in her softer and weaker personality. Most of the time, she merely acts as a decorative figure."

"Thus, her presence in the Sixth Sanctuary's political scene isn't particularly strong."

After hearing Guan Xiao's report, Qiu Tu nodded slightly again.

So, this would likely be another story of power struggles between court ministers and monarchs.

The difference lies in how times have changed—the flaws of imperial rule mean that the "Founding Emperor" can no longer easily eliminate court ministers."

Or perhaps the court ministers have long since prepared their countermeasures, gradually sidelining the emperor, leading to the current tug-of-war between the two sides."

And behind all this, whether other Sanctuaries, or even Evil Gods or Evil God Organizations, might be involved—that remains unknown."

After all... Qiu Tu still remembered when Muye mentioned: the Sixth Tier Evil God "Mask" was stationed near the Disaster Zone surrounding the Sixth Sanctuary."

Moreover... among the upper echelons of the Sixth Sanctuary, there were members belonging to the "Fog Hidden Association."

However, none of that had much to do with Qiu Tu.

How the political landscape of the Sixth Sanctuary evolves—whether the monarch cleans up the ministers, or the ministers succeed in overthrowing the ruler—had no impact on Dongye State.

Qiu Tu's primary focus for now was finding a way to obtain the "earth vein flower" while the Sixth Sanctuary delegation visited Dongye State, upgrading the "Xinjie Territory" through it."

As for the visiting delegation… as long as they didn't disrupt his plans, he wouldn't bother to concern himself with them. He intended to simply act as a "tool", go through the motions, and follow the procedures."

Just as Qiu Tu thought this, a convoy steadily emerged on the distant road."

The convoy consisted of thirty to forty vehicles, stretching from the road's entrance all the way until it vanished from sight."

There were lead off-road vehicles, extended business cars for high-ranking figures, and escort sedans."

Dust rose, resembling a dragon trailing behind them, moving grandly and energetically."

Noticing this, Qiu Tu gently patted Guan Xiao's hand. Guan Xiao immediately nodded before slipping away from his side, beginning to arrange with her subordinates and coordinating with the reception staff."

It wasn't long before the convoy stopped nearby, then gradually came to a complete halt."

Qiu Tu led the members of the reception team forward, standing in front of the vehicles."

According to protocol, the "Deputy Leader" Dou Yu should step out to liaise with Qiu Tu, after which the two convoys would merge and proceed together towards the state government."

However, something strange happened. Qiu Tu and his team stood waiting for ten-odd seconds, but there was no movement from the Sixth Sanctuary's convoy."

Only after twenty seconds had passed did a burly man in uniform emerge from one of the lead vehicles."

He cast a cold glance at Qiu Tu before saying, "Lord Dou Yu says he's far too exhausted from the journey to step out and meet you."

"Let's simply merge the convoys and proceed directly to the state government."

Upon hearing this, a dead silence fell over the scene, and the reception team members exchanged furtive, uneasy glances."

The Sixth Sanctuary had provided substantial assistance in establishing the Eighth Sanctuary during its inception. Additionally, it was founded earlier and had grown fast, thus boasting notably greater strength."

This had instilled an air of arrogance within the Sixth Sanctuary when it dealt with the Eighth Sanctuary."

On top of that, Dou Yu, the delegation's leader, was notorious for his arrogance back in the Sixth Sanctuary, so... it wasn't particularly surprising for him to act disrespectfully."

Nevertheless... this placed significant pressure on Qiu Tu's ability to respond effectively."

After all... the Sixth Sanctuary had aided the Eighth Sanctuary and possessed greater strength. If Qiu Tu insisted on adhering to protocol, it would result in an embarrassing confrontation."

If he simply acceded to Dou Yu's arrangement, it would harm his own side's dignity, which would also be embarrassing."

As a result, the reception team members couldn't help but feel tense and anxious."

Observing this, Guan Xiao's eyes flickered slightly. She stepped forward, intending to reply on Qiu Tu's behalf—after all, with the other party sending a subordinate, her intervention as a similarly ranked figure would be appropriate."

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