Imperial Cultivation

Chapter 374: Chapter 371 Visit

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He really wanted to meet this Eighteenth Princess.

Not to mention whether her methods were thorough and meticulous, just the decisiveness of her actions alone was impressive.

Chu Zhiyuan couldn’t help but utter a word of admiration.

Truly mastering the three principles of stability, precision, and ruthlessness.

The assassination was timed right before the Imperial Palace’s night banquet, executed swiftly without putting the Da Jing Emperor in a bind.

This way, both sides had room to maneuver, avoiding a scandal that couldn’t be resolved and spread throughout the city.

”You young people...” Chu Qingfeng sighed, ”Really different from before.”

In my time, sacrificing personal affairs for the Court was a given.

But look at Chu Zhiyuan, then at Cheng Miaozhen; neither of them sacrifices themselves for the Court.

One appears quiet, but you never know what sneaky tricks he might be brewing.

The other acts decisively.

Truly uncompromising.

One can only lament how much the hearts of people have changed; the young generation now is completely different.

”Great Uncle, how are we different?”

”You have only yourselves in mind, not the Court, nor the world.”

”...As Great Uncle said.”

Chu Zhiyuan wholeheartedly agreed with these words.

But it’s an unavoidable reality; different times, different mindsets.

”Alas... never thought this Eighteenth Princess would...”

Chu Zhiyuan chuckled, ”Great Uncle, you said earlier that the Eighteenth Princess was a good girl.”

”...Ah, I really don’t know what to say.” Chu Qingfeng smiled wryly, ”We can only say, luckily you didn’t marry her.”

Chu Zhiyuan laughed, ”Great Uncle, you misjudged this time.”

”Misjudged indeed.” Chu Qingfeng shook his head repeatedly, ”Usually she seems gentle and agreeable, but when it comes to big matters, she changes immediately. Such a girl is not easy to deal with.”

Chu Zhiyuan smiled, ”After this matter, Da Zhen should settle down, no longer forcing me... Is it Wentian Cliff’s idea to push Da Zhen so hard on me?”

”Hmm...?” Chu Qingfeng frowned.

Chu Zhiyuan said, ”Knowing I am unwilling, yet still forcing the marriage, using every means to pressure me, from Da Zhen to the Imperial Grandfather. It seems like they value me, but in reality, they intend to break me?”

Chu Qingfeng’s face grew solemn.

He never thought of it this way.

Because he never considered marrying another woman a big deal.

After all, as the Princely Heir, it was impossible to marry only one woman, no matter how beautiful Xiao Ruoling was.

Like Chu Minghou and Bai Ningshuang, their situation was special; they were granted a Prince Mansion.

Otherwise, Chu Minghou would have at least three women by now.

One main wife and two concubines were the basic configuration of a Prince Mansion.

As a member of the Chu Family, it’s an obligation to proliferate the family. Having a small family is a fault.

The more members in the Chu Family, the greater the chance of producing a genius.

We don’t expect everyone to be as extraordinary as Chu Zhiyuan. Even talents like Chu Zhitian and Chu Zhichuan are good.

But one woman can only have so many children; more women are needed.

That’s why someone as licentious as Prince Huai was only scolded occasionally and warned, but never was it opposed that he took more concubines.

Chu Qingfeng never thought from this perspective because he underestimated Chu Zhiyuan’s pride and personality.

Upon Chu Zhiyuan’s reminder, he was suddenly shocked, his expression grew grave.

Chu Zhiyuan smiled, ”Great Uncle, do you think Wentian Cliff could do such things?”

”Absolutely can!” Chu Qingfeng replied through clenched teeth.

Chu Zhiyuan said, ”Could the Imperial Grandfather have had no suspicions at all?”

Chu Qingfeng hurriedly said, ”The imperial brother probably knew and has been blocking it for you.”

The Imperial Brother’s wisdom is like the sea; these tricks from Wentian Cliff could not escape the Imperial Brother.

The Imperial Brother is likely... playing along.

He surely was playing along, seizing the opportunity to stimulate the Fourth Prince, enhancing the Fourth Prince’s determination, and motivating him to strive harder.

Chu Zhiyuan shook his head, ”The Imperial Grandfather probably also fell into the trap, never thought of this. He still believes Da Zhen had a different view of me. After all, even when I was not well-known, Da Zhen wanted to marry the princess to me.”

”Impossible.” Chu Qingfeng shook his head, ”If you could think of it, how could the imperial brother not!”

He absolutely refused to acknowledge this.

In his eyes, the Emperor’s wisdom surpassed anyone in the world.

Even though Chu Zhiyuan was wise, he still couldn’t compare with the Emperor.

Chu Zhiyuan smiled, ”If he really knew, why still agree to Da Zhen?”

Chu Qingfeng said without hesitation, ”The imperial brother also predicted that His Highness the Eighteenth Prince would act in such a way.”

Chu Zhiyuan couldn’t help but laugh.

Chu Qingfeng snorted, ”Don’t think you’re the only smart one! You’re far from being on par with the imperial brother!”

”Alright, alright,... Great Uncle, if I go to visit the Eighteenth Princess, is there a problem?”

”You...?” Chu Qingfeng pondered.

Chu Zhiyuan’s status is now too sensitive, especially since the marriage is about to be annulled, making their relationship even more awkward.

In such a situation, if the two were to meet...

Chu Zhiyuan said, ”Upon hearing that the Eighteenth Princess got attacked, I do nothing? That’s too disrespectful, right?”

Chu Qingfeng said, ”If you were not her future husband, why should you visit her?”

Chu Zhiyuan pondered, ”What if I go as the Left Vice Minister? After all, I was the one who received her.”

Chu Qingfeng said, ”I’ll first speak to the imperial brother and see what he says.”

”Then I await the Imperial Grandfather’s decree.”

Chu Zhiyuan cupped his hands towards the Fengtian Hall where the Emperor resided.

—

Sitting on the bed in the Tingtao Pavilion, Chu Zhiyuan placed a Phoenix Blood Pill to his lips, calmed his mind for a moment, then swallowed it.

He always maintained a guarded attitude towards Li Hongzhao.

Only after sensing no danger did he confidently consume a Phoenix Blood Pill.

Once the Phoenix Blood Pill went down, his skin instantly began to be covered in patterns, more distinct and intricate, with light traversing as if it had substance.

Chu Zhiyuan then took another Phoenix Blood Pill to continue enhancing the Refining Scales Realm.

As he prepared to consume the third pill, Zou Fang outside softly said, ”Princely Heir, Chief Steward Huang came to deliver a message, asking the Princely Heir to visit the Eighteenth Princess on behalf of the Emperor.”

Chu Zhiyuan opened his eyes, ”Got it.”

The Emperor, after all, agreed.

Chu Qingfeng must have relayed his words to the Emperor.

His words must have been effective; since it may be Wentian Cliff’s scheme, wouldn’t the Emperor change his mind?

—

When Chu Zhiyuan arrived at the Four Directions Pavilion, the street of the pavilion was strictly guarded.

As he walked in, he saw Huang Shiron and the other two women inside the inner circle.

Huang Shiron fist-bumped from afar without saying anything.

Wen Qianqian and Xu Mengyu, contrary to their usual cheerfulness, maintained tight expressions, nodded to Chu Zhiyuan, but didn’t approach.

Chu Zhiyuan smiled at them, continued walking without pause, and came to the outside of the Da Zhen Pavilion.

Outside the Da Zhen Pavilion stood a group of guards, each with stern and cold expressions, not allowing anyone to approach.

Seeing the arrival of Chu Zhiyuan and the others, they didn’t show intention to move aside.

Guo Chi snorted, quite dissatisfied.

The four of them focused, and the array gathered their strength to push outward.

Chu Zhiyuan gestured with his hand.

The twelve guards, who were being forced back, steadied themselves as Chu Zhiyuan waved them down, their expressions dark and ugly.

Zou Fang spoke, leisurely saying, ”Please send a message; the Fourth Prince of Da Jing is here by command of the Emperor to visit the Eighteenth Princess.”

His voice was gentle, unhurried, yet steadily spread throughout the entire Da Zhen Pavilion, entering everyone’s ears, showcasing Grandmaster Perfection cultivation.

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