In the midst of the argument, Luo Yuheng flew up from the bottom of the cave with Xu Qi’an.
Such a small Heaven Sect, yet producing both a crouching dragon and a fledgling phoenix… Overhearing fragments of conversation, Xu Qi’an could not help but lampoon inwardly, and his gloomy mood eased a little.
The Holy Son and Holy Maiden of the Heaven Sect are not just oddballs, they could even make a cross-talk duo.
“How is it? Did you get any useful information?”
Li Miaozhen fired off her question the moment they landed.
Li Lingsu was curious as well, but dared not be so rude, and at the same time, he noticed that his junior seemed to have a good relationship with Xu Qian.
Because when facing Xu Qian, his junior did not show the slightest restraint or reverence.
“It has already been utterly scattered, body and soul.”
Xu Qi’an tried his best not to let his expression look too grave.
Body and soul scattered… Li Miaozhen was stunned, not expecting this outcome. She was at once dazed and surprised.
Li Lingsu’s reaction was much the same as hers.
In contrast, Chu Yuanzhen and Hengyuan, both holders of Earth Book fragments who had experienced the perilous tomb, showed changed expressions and violent emotional fluctuations.
They had personally gone through that tomb adventure and knew well the horror the ancient corpse. If it were not for the Jianzheng leaving a backup on Xu Qi’an to help eliminate that disaster, the Heaven and Earth Society would probably have been dissolved long ago due to the early deaths of its founder and key members.
But for such a powerful ancient corpse to be wiped out entirely?
“What happened?”
Chu Yuanzhen asked in a low voice. In any other situation, he might have thought it improper to ask, but everyone present was an insider.
Li Lingsu, though not especially well-known to him, was both the Heaven Sect’s Holy Son and a member of the Heaven and Earth Society, and could be trusted.
As for Miao Youfang, Scholar Chu had no intention of looking down on him.
These sorts of high-level secrets were beyond his level anyway, and he would not understand even if he listened.
Xu Qi’an mused, “I suspect the tomb’s owner has returned.”
These words sent chills up everyone’s spine and made their scalps tingle.
“Will they pose a threat to you?” Li Miaozhen’s concern was clear and direct.
Li Lingsu immediately pricked up his ears.
Xu Qi’an did not know whether to nod or shake his head, and said:
“We’ll take it one step at a time.”
Li Miaozhen nodded slightly, her beautiful, heroic oval face becoming a little heavier.
Li Lingsu, having not heard any sensitive secrets, felt a little disappointed.
Xu Qi’an looked at everyone and said, “The National Teacher and I need to return to the capital. Will you all come along, or shall we part ways here?”
Chu Yuanzhen smiled and said, “As it happens, I need to ask the Jianzheng to help refine the Earth Book fragment.”
Xu Qi’an was able to sense and collect Dragon Qi through the Earth Book because the Jianzheng had inscribed an array in the fragments.
The Earth Book was the only magical treasure in the world capable of bearing Dragon Qi.
…
The Imperial Palace, Jingxiu Palace.
Lin’an was sitting on a small couch, chatting with her mother, Noble Consort Chen.
She wore a plum-coloured jacket, a fluffy gauze skirt, and her carefully combed hair was adorned with a small phoenix crown, silver-gilt hairpins, filigree gold and gemstone phoenix hairpins… Around her neck hung a pure silver necklace.
She was lavishly and ostentatiously dressed, exuding luxury and splendour.
Ordinary women, no matter how pretty, would struggle to carry off such dazzling and extravagant jewellery.
But only Lin’an suited this kind of attire, and was able to wear it well, adding to her beauty.
Lin’an was beautiful in plain clothes and light make-up, but left no lasting impression.
Only with extravagant and luxurious attire did she enter the ranks of true beauties.
Noble Consort Chen held a teacup elegantly. She had faint crow’s feet at the corners of her eyes. Though she no longer had the allure of her youth, she possessed a plump figure and a distinct charm.
Consort Chen scrutinised her daughter, then suddenly sighed emotionally:
“Now His Majesty sits on the throne. Your mother’s only wish is to see you married off.
“Lin’an, you should be seeking a husband.”
Ah… When Lin’an heard her mother mention this, she still felt a little shy and pleased. She also felt that it was time she married.
Always staying at the palace and the Lin’an mansion was rather dull. It was time to find a new place, and the Xu residence was not a bad choice.
She was just about to say something when Noble Consort Chen added:
“The second son of the Duke of Ding is of marriageable age. Some time ago, the Duke’s wife came to the palace as a guest and brought up the matter over tea.
“She asked me to seek permission from His Majesty for her son to marry you and bring you into the ducal residence as his bride.”
Lin’an rolled her eyes and puffed out her cheeks:
“How could the small Duke’s residence fit me? Mother, don’t jest. Just refuse them.”
Noble Consort Chen scolded, annoyed:
“If a royal duke’s residence cannot accommodate you, what place can? Lin’an, you’re not young anymore. The late emperor was obsessed with Daoist practices and neglected the marriages of you imperial children.
“That resentful woman in Fengqi Palace could not have cared less about you either. Now the Crown Prince is on the throne and the court atmosphere is renewed. Many things that ought to be done can now be done.
“I know the Duchess has her own motives. The title will go to the elder son, the second son has no right to it. That’s why she wants to marry a princess, so her second son can also have a bright future.
“Since Wei Yuan died in Mount Jing City, the Great Feng has lost generals and soldiers. The Duke of Ding once fought in the Battle of Shanhai Pass and is renowned for his military leadership, His Majesty values him highly.
“The elder son is both handsome and talented in both civil and military affairs, and has always been fond of you. Last year you even met him. The Duchess says that ever since he met you, her little son has been lovesick, yearning for you day and night.”
I can’t even remember what he looks like… Lin’an grumbled inwardly. She put on a pout, her round, pretty face sullen, and said peevishly:
“Is it Brother Emperor who put you up to this?”
“Not at all,” Consort Chen smiled. “He only wants to be a wise ruler, he has no time to care about you. This is mother’s own idea.”
Lin’an then cocked her chin confidently: “Then go and discuss it with Brother Emperor.”
She’d long since given her heart to that former little Silver Gong, and the Emperor knew it.
But hardly anyone at court knew, certainly not titled nobles like Duke Ding. Otherwise, they would never have dared send his wife to the palace to sound things out.
Consort Chen’s smile gradually faded; she looked at her daughter coolly and reflected for a moment:
“Are you still thinking about him?”
Lin’an’s eyes immediately wavered: “Who— who…”
Consort Chen sighed, her tone earnest: “He is not the right match for you. It won’t end well.”
“What do you mean by that, Mother?”
Lin’an’s delicate brows knitted.
At that moment, palace maids bearing delicious dishes filed in and began setting them out one by one.
Consort Chen seized the chance to change the subject:
“All the dishes are ready, why isn’t His Majesty here yet?”
Lin’an happened to be a little hungry. Her peach blossom eyes stared longingly at the dishes, and in a soft voice she said: “Brother Emperor is busy with affairs of state, perhaps he is delayed. I’ll send someone to ask after him.”
Consort Chen nodded, “Go quickly and come back soon.”
…
Anshen Hall.
Emperor Yongxing sat in a large chair in the imperial study, clad in yellow robes, his expression grave as he swept his gaze over the nobles present.
After ascending the throne, Emperor Yongxing did not move into Yuanjing Emperor’s Qianqing Palace, but instead took up residence in the western Anshen Hall.
He hated the Qianqing Palace, just as he despised the late emperor’s obsession with Daoist practices. It made him constantly recall the late emperor’s countenance, and his true identity.
“Blizzards in the north are severe. There are already large numbers of refugees moving south, causing disturbances in the other provinces. Moreover, Qingzhou, Yuzhou, Xiangzhou and other places have also suffered from heavy snow, and unrest among the people grows daily,” Emperor Yongxing said in a deep voice:
“My Lords, what do you think should be done?”
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