Let them offer their loyalty!

Upon hearing the knock on the door, Ai Li jumped in fright, hastily grabbing the blanket to cover herself.

Qiu Tu chuckled and playfully patted her on the butt, then asked in a deep voice toward the door, "What's the matter?"

From outside, Shen Lingshuang responded, "Miss Yanyan is here. She says Princess Xi wants to see Ai Li this morning. She's been unable to find her and came to ask you what to do."

Hearing Shen Lingshuang's words, Ai Li startled violently, then quickly popped her head out from under the blanket.

She looked at Qiu Tu with panic written all over her face, mouthing, "It's over, it's over. I forgot the time. What should I do?"

Qiu Tu smiled, patted her arm lightly, and said softly, "Don't worry. I've got this. You get dressed first."

With that, Qiu Tu turned toward the door and said, "I got it. I'll head out right away. Ask her to wait a bit."

Shen Lingshuang responded affirmatively.

Qiu Tu got up and said to Ai Li, "I'll go stabilize the situation first. Take your time to sort yourself out."

"If she reports on you, I'll just say you came to brief me on work this morning."

"I kept you around for breakfast."

Listening to Qiu Tu's words, Ai Li hurriedly nodded.

With Ai Li's assent, Qiu Tu threw on his clothes and strode out of the room.

Shen Lingshuang seemed to have already guessed the situation. She scanned the room, which was in disarray, her lips slightly pursed.

Still, the girl was increasingly tactful nowadays, so she said nothing and simply led Qiu Tu toward the hall.

The hall was where Yanyan was already waiting.

As Qiu Tu approached, Yanyan blinked, giving Qiu Tu an inquisitive look while smiling.

Qiu Tu nodded subtly.

Yanyan noticed this, casting her gaze briefly toward Shen Lingshuang, then said, "Speaker, Ai Li is missing."

Qiu Tu nodded slightly and replied earnestly, "She's not missing."

"She came to see me early this morning to report on work."

"And I kept her here for breakfast."

Hearing this, Yanyan maintained an innocent expression and asked, "Breakfast? Was it fried dough sticks, eggs, and soy milk?"

Qiu Tu coughed once and replied, "Yes, it was."

Yanyan's eyes brightened as she responded innocently, "Then… Speaker, do you have more? I'd like some too."

Shen Lingshuang: ???

Shen Lingshuang stood by, puzzled.

She felt the conversation was odd, as though something was implicitly hinted at.

But upon seeing Yanyan's pure expression, she convinced herself she might be overthinking…

Still… the more she thought about it, the stranger it seemed!

Shen Lingshuang felt slightly exasperated.

At that moment, with their three-person show in full swing, Ai Li finally emerged from the room, fully dressed.

Qiu Tu and Yanyan exchanged a glance and continued acting.

Thus, a play of mutual deception unfolded. Yanyan successfully took Ai Li away to meet Princess Xi.

Watching the two women's retreating figures, memories of the breakfast scene with them surfaced in Qiu Tu's mind...

He felt the day might soon come...

With this thought, he did a quick cleanup and proceeded to the State Council to handle official duties.

"The earth vein flower" was paving the way, opening his path to advancement. But... political accomplishments and position were the true keys to solidly raising his strength.

Of course, he intended to grasp both—strength and influence simultaneously! Advancing steadily in both directions!

...

Five hours later, as Qiu Tu diligently managed Dongye State's affairs, awaiting the blooming of the "earth vein flower."

"New State - Trade Market"

Inside the Fog Hidden Association's cabin where the messenger operated.

A shadowy figure was conversing with the messenger.

"The esteemed one has relayed news about Lord Muye."

"Lord Muye has fallen into Dongye State Governor Qiu Tu's hands and seems to be under soft confinement."

"That esteemed person interacted with Qiu Tu briefly and found him to be no ordinary figure."

"Hence, the proposal is to not start with Qiu Tu as it might take too long. Instead, focus on locating the Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures."

"As for the search method, it's rather straightforward. Deploy teams of believers equipped with Spirit Communication Potion, and have them travel to various cities to scout for anomalies."

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Two chapters, 10,000 words. Don't forget, there's a monthly ticket raffle ongoing~ Cast your votes to participate!

Thanks to "I love this world" for the generous 100,000 reward! Congratulations for becoming the book's Alliance Hierarch! Wishing you good health and all the best!

---------

Thus, a play of mutual deception unfolded. Yanyan successfully took Ai Li away to meet Princess Xi.

Watching the two women's retreating figures, memories of the breakfast scene with them surfaced in Qiu Tu's mind...

He felt the day might soon come...

With this thought, he did a quick cleanup and proceeded to the State Council to handle official duties.

"The earth vein flower" was paving the way, opening his path to advancement. But... political accomplishments and position were the true keys to solidly raising his strength.

Of course, he intended to grasp both—strength and influence simultaneously! Advancing steadily in both directions!

...

Five hours later, as Qiu Tu diligently managed Dongye State's affairs, awaiting the blooming of the "earth vein flower."

"New State - Trade Market"

Inside the Fog Hidden Association's cabin where the messenger operated.

A shadowy figure was conversing with the messenger.

"The esteemed one has relayed news about Lord Muye."

"Lord Muye has fallen into Dongye State Governor Qiu Tu's hands and seems to be under soft confinement."

"That esteemed person interacted with Qiu Tu briefly and found him to be no ordinary figure."

"Hence, the proposal is to not start with Qiu Tu as it might take too long. Instead, focus on locating the Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures."

"As for the search method, it's rather straightforward. Deploy teams of believers equipped with Spirit Communication Potion, and have them travel to various cities to scout for anomalies."