Perfect Villain Life: Universal Job Change-Chapter 137

Chapter 137: You Shouldn’t Have Returned

The news of Wen Yu’s return quickly spread throughout the Imperial Capital, stirring up no small amount of speculation.

In the Empire, Wen Yu was undeniably one of the most significant figures. As the Commander-in-Chief of the Eastern Army, she was Regent Lu Ji’s most vital supporter within the military and one of only two SSS-ranked professionals in the entire Empire.

Her every move rippled across the political landscape. Wen Yu had remained stationed at the Void Frontline for years, rarely leaving the Eastern Army headquarters.

Her sudden and unannounced return to the Imperial Capital took everyone by surprise.

Theories abounded: Was it part of a broader strategy by Regent Lu Ji? Or was it related to the humiliation her brother, Wen Xu, had suffered at the hands of Qin Xian?

Whatever the reason, Wen Yu’s arrival was sure to intensify the already tense atmosphere in the Imperial Capital.

Many were uneasy. The Empire’s political situation had grown increasingly turbulent over the years.

The struggle between Regent Lu Ji and Imperial Chancellor Qin Ming had become more heated, with incidents like Wen Xu’s confrontation with Qin Xian serving as just one example of the conflict spilling into the open.

New n𝙤vel chapters are published on freeweɓnøvel.com.

And as tensions rose, more and more were left wondering: What would become of them when the storm finally broke?

On one side was the Regent, the de facto strongest individual in the Empire and once the Emperor’s mentor.

On the other was the Qin family, a millennia-old house with unrivaled wealth and influence.

Both were towering dragons, and neither was to be underestimated.

Seated inside a luxurious vehicle, Wen Yu gazed out the window at the bustling streets of the Imperial Capital. The city’s grandeur and magnificence never failed to impress.

As the Eastern Army’s Commander-in-Chief, Wen Yu’s return to the Imperial Capital was no trivial matter. A convoy had been arranged by the Ministry of Civil Affairs, complete with a police escort to clear the way.

Onlookers paused in their tracks to observe the impressive motorcade, speculating about which high-ranking official had returned to the city.

But soon, once the streets reopened, the people hurried back to their daily lives.

For them, the machinations of the Empire’s elite were distant concerns. Their lives revolved around rice, oil, and salt—not the intrigues of those in power.

“Commander, according to protocol, you should first report to the Ministry of Defense,” Wen Yu’s adjutant, Sun, reminded her dutifully.

Hearing the words “Ministry of Defense,” Wen Yu’s expression darkened, a trace of disdain flashing across her face.

“That won’t be necessary. Take me directly to the Regency Office,” she said curtly.

The Ministry of Defense, the highest authority in the Empire’s military, oversaw the allocation of personnel and resources across all branches.

Its power was immense, rivaling that of the Cardinal Council and the Imperial Parliament.

The current Minister of Defense, Fang Ji, was an 85th-level Legendary professional and one of the Empire’s top five powerhouses.

The Fang family, like the Qin family, was a prestigious noble house with deep roots in the military. Many of its members held key positions throughout the armed forces, making it the dominant faction within the Ministry of Defense.

However, Wen Yu, as Commander of the Eastern Army, was one of the few military leaders not under the Ministry’s direct control.

To her, the Ministry was riddled with political scheming and corruption. Its leaders were more akin to bureaucrats and politicians than soldiers.

“Understood,” Sun replied, his expression revealing his own disdain for the Ministry of Defense.

Wen Yu’s attitude had long influenced the Eastern Army’s perception of the Ministry, further straining relations between the two.

“And where is Xiao Xu?” Wen Yu asked abruptly.

Sun’s demeanor softened as he replied, “Young Master Xu is waiting for you at home.”

At the mention of her younger brother, Wen Yu’s expression shifted to one of warmth and nostalgia.

He was her only remaining family in this world.

Soon, Wen Yu’s convoy arrived at the gates of the Regency Office.

There to greet her was Ren Xun, head of the Regency Office’s Servants’ Hall.

“It’s been a long time, Commander Wen,” Ren Xun said warmly.

Wen Yu’s face lit up with a smile. She had known Ren Xun for many years, and their relationship was amicable.

“Director Ren,” she greeted, nodding in acknowledgment.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Ren Xun led Wen Yu inside. As Wen Yu passed through the familiar halls of the Regency Office, a wave of memories washed over her.

This was where she had spent her formative years after awakening her profession and being taken in as Lu Ji’s disciple. For her, the Regency Office felt like a second home.

“How has the teacher been recently?” Wen Yu asked softly.

Ren Xun’s expression turned complex, and he sighed. “The Regent… has been very busy.”

Though his response was brief, Wen Yu understood the implications.

Her teacher, Lu Ji, was burdened with the monumental task of maintaining balance in the Empire—navigating the schemes of the noble houses, safeguarding the lives of commoners, and managing an increasingly unstable political environment.

The Imperial Capital might appear dazzling on the surface, but beneath the glittering facade lay a mire of treachery and ambition.

Wen Yu finally reached Lu Ji’s office. She knocked lightly on the door, and his steady, commanding voice answered from within.

“Come in.”

Opening the door, Wen Yu saw her teacher seated behind his desk, studying her intently.

“Teacher!” she exclaimed, her voice tinged with emotion as she bowed deeply.

It had been years since the two had last met. Since taking command of the Eastern Army, her opportunities to return to the Imperial Capital had been scarce.

For Wen Yu, her younger brother, Wen Xu, was the most important person in her life. But Lu Ji came a close second.

Lu Ji studied his most accomplished disciple. For a brief moment, his gaze softened with pride and satisfaction. But then, he shook his head solemnly.

“You shouldn’t have come back,” Lu Ji said, his voice heavy with both concern and warning.