The Immortal Cultivation World of Male Inferiority and Female Supremacy-Chapter 290. There’s a mole, terminate the deal.

The events that transpired in the Imperial Palace spread like the wind throughout the entire Capital.

Not only were officials of all levels discussing it, but even among the common folk, countless people were talking about it.

Undoubtedly, someone was fanning the flames, perhaps it was Qiao Sen’s subordinates in the Crown Prince Mansion, or maybe those who were displeased with Di Ao were secretly adding fuel, making the fire burn even hotter.

For a moment, the once invincible Di Ao and the Di Faction seemed to be on the brink of a storm, with Great Xia showing signs of tilting.

Of course, this was just an illusion. Although Di Ao lost all three confrontations with Qiao Sen today, her strength wasn’t significantly damaged.

Those affected by this sudden wave were merely fair-weather friends.

However, Qiao Sen’s momentum had already surged, and with the legitimacy of her royal bloodline on her side, those neutral and indecisive were naturally her base, and they could turn into a major threat to Di Ao at any moment if they chose to support Qiao Sen.

After leaving the Imperial Palace, Fang Zhou first visited the Crown Prince Mansion.

The Crown Prince Mansion, previously desolate, now became bustling with activity, crowded with visitors.

A large number of fair-weather friends came to pledge their allegiances, with carriages lining up on the long street in front of the gate, mirroring yesterday’s scene at the General Mansion of Di Ao.

Inside the mansion, it was even more lively, with at least one-third of the court officials gathering, discussing state affairs with Qiao Sen regarding the regency.

In the Chu Kingdom, the Crown Prince Regent held a special significance as it was a tradition. When the emperor grew old, the Crown Prince would act as regent to train as an emperor, preparing for succession.

Therefore, privately, the regency was also referred to as a "minor enthronement," and according to custom, a ceremony was required.

Qiao Sen, overwhelmed with joy, couldn’t think calmly and allowed the officials to plan, setting the ceremony three days later.

Qiao Sen even arranged a banquet to entertain the officials, creating a festive and harmonious atmosphere between the ruler and ministers.

After the guests left, Qiao Sen still wore a look of delight.

She was overjoyed today as she finally suppressed Di Ao after so long and gained the power of regency.

Xuan Ling looked at her with a teasing smile and said, "Your Highness finally got what you wished today. It seems the three of us disciples can return without worries."

Despite her smile, her tone was filled with mockery.

Stunned by the sarcasm, Qiao Sen, fortunately, did not grow arrogant and quickly said, "Why do you say that, Sister Xuan Ling? If I have any shortcomings, please tell me."

Xuan Ling coldly laughed, "Did you forget how these people attacked you this morning? Being swayed by a few good words, if you think you’ve already won, you’ll end up counting money for these turncoats when they sell you out."

Yu Qing initially wanted to caution Qiao Sen as well, but Xuan Ling spoke first, seemingly determined to play the bad cop.

Qiao Sen, only overjoyed by the illusionary victory, quickly sobered up with cold sweat on her forehead after Xuan Ling’s scolding.

If she grew arrogant from slight advantages, she might easily be toyed with by Di Ao. novelbuddy.cσ๓

She promptly thanked Xuan Ling, "Thank you for the reminder, Sister Xuan Ling."

Only then did Xuan Ling say, "Glad you understand. Your last move today was well executed, but why didn’t you notify us in advance?"

She feigned anger, "Don’t you trust us?"

Xuan Ling referred to the minister’s betrayal against Di Ao, believing it to be orchestrated privately by Qiao Sen.

Qiao Sen hurriedly explained, "Misunderstanding! I didn’t arrange it secretly. I don’t know what happened either."

Xuan Ling immediately cast a suspicious glance at Yu Qing, who silently sipped tea, with an air of remaining unnamed and uncelebrated.

However, Xuan Ling quickly deduced it wasn’t Yu Qing’s doing, as this sister was not one to act independently and would consult or at least notify them beforehand.

Her eyes shifted, quickly realizing the truth, guessing who was stirring things in secret, including the paper with crucial information delivered last night.

Hiding outside, Fang Zhou watched Xuan Ling glancing around, suspecting she spotted him, so he quickly turned to leave.

As long as Qiao Sen’s side didn’t become arrogant or cause trouble, it was already a huge help. Fang Zhou didn’t expect them to suddenly erupt and conquer.

Finding Da Wa in the Crown Prince Mansion, Fang Zhou instructed Da Wa to send a piece of information to Di Ao’s home as an insider, then left.

Returning to Di Ao’s General Mansion, Fang Zhou noticed it was indeed much quieter, with none of the wandering supporters in sight.

These fickle supporters were adept at swaying with the wind, aligning with whichever side was stronger, without a firm stance.

Fang Zhou arrived at Di Ao’s study, quietly climbed onto the roof, and gently uncovered a loosely covered tile.

Inside the study, Di Ao was meeting with her staunch allies.

Over the years, Di Ao had been forming cliques and cultivating private networks, using threats and inducements to win over many senior officials, most of whom were driven by interests, with a small portion being her true loyalists.

These individuals were too deeply entwined with Di Ao, having vested interests, making it impossible to switch allegiance to Qiao Sen, they were truly Di Ao’s factions.

As long as Di Ao stood, these people would be bound to her like a lifeline; a temporary defeat meant nothing.

Fang Zhou listened carefully, noting the people below were discussing how to deal with Qiao Sen.

Although Qiao Sen gained the regency in name, the nation’s operations couldn’t be managed by her alone.

For bureaucrats, dealing with a rootless Crown Prince was easy; mere perfunctory compliance could easily throw the entire court into chaos, and Qiao Sen would be helpless.

In her early years, Qiao Sen indulged in pleasures without building her foundations or power; rashly trying to take over the court was a tall order.

Di Ao listened quietly without speaking; her subordinates were enough to turn Qiao Sen’s regency into a joke.

Soon, Di Ao’s allies came up with various strategies, mastering covert techniques to ensure Qiao Sen desired to escape yet couldn’t.

"Everyone truly is the pillar of the court, with strategies aplenty, this official deeply admires your skills."

Listening to these discussions, Di Ao lightly praised them, though internally feeling rather restless.

These people were enticed by interests; while they would temporarily stand firmly by her side, there was no guarantee they wouldn’t hedge their bets.

Therefore, Di Ao had to offer more benefits to stabilize their allegiance.

The relationship between Di Ao and this group was a naked transaction, with her offering more incentives for these leeches to actively counter Qiao Sen.

A knock on the door suddenly sounded, and a subordinate entered, handing a slip of paper to Di Ao—the information Fang Zhou instructed Da Wa to deliver had finally appeared.

Upon hearing that it was from an informer planted beside Qiao Sen, Di Ao, unconcerned about others in the study, immediately opened it to see a line written—

"There is a traitor, terminate the deal!"