Time passed swiftly.
These days, the surface of the capital city appeared calm and tranquil, a facade of peace. Yet beneath this veneer, tumult brewed, with various factions rubbing against each other, sparking minor conflicts.
Those originally planted by Noble Consort Wan in the Six Departments gradually found themselves replaced by other forces.
Yu Huatian of the Western Depot was injured, compounded by Noble Consort Wan's declining health, rendering the Western Depot hesitant to act, thereby providing an opportunity for other factions to exploit.
Zhu Youji plotted in the shadows, taking advantage of this situation to place his own trusted confidants within the Six Departments and Five Temples, albeit under the guise of other factions. Such is the nature of espionage! It is his forte.