Perfect Villain Life: Universal Job Change

Chapter 136: The Empire Belongs to the Qin Family

When Zhou Nan arrived in the Imperial Capital, Ji Lanyue immediately began plotting against him.

His hardships within the Zhou family? All orchestrated by Ji Lanyue behind the scenes. Even Zhou Nan’s personal steward had been planted as a spy by her.

Zhou Xingkong, Zhou Nan’s father, was vaguely aware of Ji Lanyue’s actions. However, burdened by guilt toward his wife, he chose not to intervene.

That said, Zhou Nan had always been careful and unassuming, which kept Ji Lanyue from taking more extreme measures. After all, outright killing Zhou Nan would risk tearing her family apart.

Despite her rage at her husband for bringing his illegitimate son into the family, she wasn’t willing to jeopardize their marriage over it.

“What about that bastard now?” Ji Lanyue asked sharply, her brows furrowing.

“According to Miss Zhiqing, Young Master Nan—no, that bastard—has gained the favor of Young Master Qin Xian,” the servant said cautiously. “It seems… Young Master Qin even gave him his personal contact information…”

Hearing this, Ji Lanyue’s expression shifted drastically. Her face turned pale, her body trembled uncontrollably, and her eyes filled with both fury and fear.

“That bastard… That bastard dares!?” Ji Lanyue shrieked, her composure crumbling as she flung her flower arrangement to the ground, scattering petals and leaves everywhere.

Her anger was uncontainable, but beneath her fury, she felt something far more unsettling: terror.

As the matriarch of the Zhou family and a veteran player in the Imperial Capital’s political arena, Ji Lanyue immediately grasped the gravity of the situation.

If Zhou Nan truly had Qin Xian’s support, he would no longer be a mere illegitimate child. Instead, he would become a legitimate contender for the Zhou family’s inheritance.

For years, her son Zhou Jianzhang’s position as the Zhou family’s heir had been unassailable.

But with Qin Xian backing Zhou Nan, everything could change. Zhou Nan might actually take the inheritance away from her son. The mere thought sent waves of fear through Ji Lanyue.

Suppressing her trembling, her eyes glinted with cold, murderous intent as she hissed, “That bastard must die. I want him dead!”

The servant hesitated and said cautiously, “But, Madam, he has gained Young Master Qin Xian’s favor…”

Ji Lanyue’s face contorted in rage as she snapped, “No matter how powerful the Qin family is, they cannot control the Zhou family! He’s just a bastard! If I kill him, what can they do? Execute me?”

The servant paled, terrified by Ji Lanyue’s audacity.

However, Ji Lanyue quickly regained her composure, her expression darkening as she fell silent in contemplation. After a long pause, she finally spoke in a low voice, “We need to plan carefully. We can’t let Qin Xian suspect us.”

Meanwhile, back at the Qin family estate, Qin Xian and Qin Li had just returned.

Qin Xian knew full well that his earlier display of favor toward Zhou Nan would quickly spread within the Zhou family.

“The Zhou family’s matriarch is probably already plotting how to kill Zhou Nan,” Qin Xian mused with a smirk.

In his father’s study, Qin Xian stood respectfully before Qin Ming, presenting the Virgo Palace Final Revelation.

“Father, I obtained the Virgo Palace Final Revelation through a deal with the Wuyue Clan,” Qin Xian reported.

“I’m already aware,” Qin Ming replied calmly, his expression composed. “I’ve sent men to destroy the Yulean Nation. You’ll hear the results within three days at most.”

For Qin Ming, annihilating a country was nothing more than a trivial task. Looking at his son, Qin Ming couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride.

Qin Xian had surpassed his expectations. Particularly impressive was Qin Xian’s swift response upon discovering the Regency’s covert efforts to rescue the Emperor. By killing Zhao Tong to test the waters, Qin Xian had acted with remarkable precision and ingenuity.

Even Qin Ming, a seasoned political mastermind, was astonished by his son’s cunning. Not only had Qin Xian forced Yuan Quan to align with the Qin family, but he had also created an opportunity to infiltrate the Divine Revelation Church.

“Lu Ji is furious about Zhao Tong’s death,” Qin Ming said, his tone even.

Hearing this, Qin Xian fell silent for a moment before declaring decisively, “That means they’re close to finding the Emperor.”

Qin Ming nodded. “It seems we must make preparations.”

He looked at Qin Xian and added, “Wen Yu is on her way to the Imperial Capital.”

Qin Xian’s expression remained calm as he remarked, “She’s a fool. Competent in battle, yes, but utterly clueless in politics. As long as she remains with the Eastern Army, she’s a threat. But the moment she leaves, she’s as good as dead.”

“With the Wen family gone, Lu Ji will lose control over the Eastern Army. Without it, his influence will plummet. The Northern Army alone, fragmented and chaotic as it is, won’t be enough to sustain his authority.”

“Without military support, Lu Ji will crumble under the weight of his own ambition. As for the Emperor…” Qin Xian’s eyes narrowed, a daring thought crossing his mind.

Turning to his father, he said, “Years ago, the Emperor survived under the protection of the Divine Dragon Palace Final Revelation, evading even the First Royal Court.

“His existence remains a hidden danger. Why not let the Regency find him first? Once they locate the Emperor, we can eliminate him ourselves.”

Watching his son’s confidence and sharp insight, Qin Ming nodded slowly, a satisfied smile spreading across his face.

“Then proceed as you see fit. Don’t let hesitation hold you back.” Qin Ming’s smile was brimming with dominance and unshakable confidence.

“So what if the Emperor returns?

“It’s been twenty years. This Empire no longer belongs to the Ying family. The Empire… belongs to the Qin family.”