Chapter 1774 - 141: Palace Spy, Homecoming! (Part 2)

That day at Chengqian Hall, when he thinks back on it now, he still feels a lingering fear.

If not for Jiang Ning’s presence, which attracted the intervention of the Martial Saint, in the Great Xia Imperial Palace, who could have swayed the will of the Duke by Title?

At this moment, Ji Minghao suddenly spoke up: "Father-in-law, do you think my rewards for Brother Jiang are appropriate?"

Shen Xiao pondered for a moment, then shook his head: "There’s no such thing as appropriate or not! That King of Luoshui is now in the Immortal Dao Domain, already at the Primordial Spirit Immortal realm. In the Ancient Era, he was a true Immortal, and in today’s era, he ranks second in the world. What he seeks is beyond ordinary power and influence."

"So, Father-in-law means that the rewards I gave Brother Jiang are not enough to win him over?" Ji Minghao asked.

Shen Xiao shook his head: "The King of Luoshui aided the Holy Emperor in ascending to power, and the Holy Emperor’s rewards are indeed significant. For the King of Luoshui, four county fiefs, hereditary and perpetual, there’s nothing more to grant. But in my opinion, such a person isn’t seeking worldly fame and fortune, nor is he concerned with court matters."

He paused for a moment and added, "From these past few days, since that King of Luoshui did not go to receive the fief granted by the Holy Emperor, it’s evident."

Hearing these words, Ji Minghao was silent for a moment.

"Father-in-law, what do you think of my King of Luoshui’s future?" Ji Minghao suddenly asked.

Shen Xiao’s heart tightened, instantly realizing that the young monarch is already contemplating something far-reaching.

Just as the Changning Emperor did upon his ascension.

He pondered for a moment, then said: "The King of Luoshui, his actions are decisive, his thoughts are profound, incomparable to ordinary figures. With his strength and achievements, he is already unshakable in the court today. If he remains loyal, he will be the cornerstone of Great Xia; if he... " Shen Xiao did not continue.

"Are you suggesting, General, that if he doesn’t remain loyal, my Imperial Throne might become unstable?" Ji Minghao furrowed his brow.

"That’s not my intention!" Shen Xiao shook his head and continued: "I’m just saying that the King of Luoshui already possesses the ability to influence court affairs and the Imperial Throne! He can raise the Holy Emperor to power or support someone else. Fortunately, the Holy Emperor has the Seventeenth Princess as an emotional link with him, and the Holy Emperor had close ties with him in earlier years, forming a bond to some extent, plus there are no Princes in court, so the Holy Emperor need not worry about this issue."

Upon hearing this.

Ji Minghao nodded, his expression calm: "I will remember what you said, Father-in-law!"

However, when Shen Xiao looked into Ji Minghao’s eyes, his heart was suddenly tightened.

He saw in Ji Minghao’s eyes a few traces of the depth and vigilance an emperor should possess.

At this moment.

Tap tap tap——

A series of thin and fragmented footsteps approached from the front.

The two looked towards the sound of the footsteps, only to see a middle-aged woman dressed in elegant palace attire turning around a flower bed, accompanied by two palace maids, appearing within their view.

The woman had a dignified appearance, with her brows and eyes revealing a trace of a transcendent aura.

From her appearance, she seemed to be about forty, yet her charm remained, her skin was exceptionally good, extremely delicate, like that of an infant.

Clearly, she was very well-maintained.

As soon as Shen Xiao saw her, his heart suddenly tightened.

He recognized this concubine, one of the many consorts of the Changning Emperor, whom he had never been able to see through, faintly believing her to have an extraordinary background.

He had often speculated secretly that this concubine might come from a certain Cave Heaven Blessed Land, bearing a secret inheritance, but had never spoken about it.

The concubine approached, looked at Ji Minghao, and nodded slightly.

"Minghao."

Ji Minghao stepped forward, clasped his hands, and saluted: "Your son pays respects to Mother Empress." His tone was respectful, and he continued: "Mother Empress, aren’t you usually staying within the deep palace, why do you have the interest to walk in the Imperial Garden today?"

Beside him, Shen Xiao also saluted: "Minister Shen Xiao pays respects to the Empress."

The concubine nodded slightly towards Shen Xiao, "Great General, no need for such courtesy."

Then she looked at Ji Minghao: "It’s too stuffy in the deep palace, and today’s weather is good, so I came out for a walk!"

Looking at the concubine in front of him, thoughts quickly flashed through Shen Xiao’s mind.

Then he turned to Ji Minghao, clasped his hands, and said: "Holy Emperor, I just remembered I have military affairs to attend to, I shall take my leave, and not disturb the Holy Emperor further!"

Ji Minghao nodded: "Great General, please yourself."

Shen Xiao saluted the concubine once more, then turned and left.

After leaving the Imperial Garden, he couldn’t help but glance back.

He saw the concubine and Ji Minghao whispering to each other, their voices faintly carried by the wind, but not clear.

At this moment.

Through the foliage, the concubine seemed to notice something and suddenly turned to look at Shen Xiao.

Seeing this, Shen Xiao nodded towards the former Emperor’s concubine, showing a kind smile, then withdrew his gaze and strode out of the palace.

...

Meanwhile.

In front of Dongling Marquis Mansion.

Knock knock knock——

Jiang Ning gently knocked his knuckles on the door of the Marquis Mansion, and the sound soon traveled far.

A moment later, hurried footsteps came from the front yard behind the door.

"Who’s there!" A crisp voice came through the walls and door cracks, reaching Jiang Ning’s ears.

Just from the voice, he knew Lv Yi had arrived.

"It’s me!" Jiang Ning’s voice was calm.

As the words fell, the footsteps in the front yard became more hurried.

Soon after.

Clang—

The sound of the door bolt descending was heard.

Creak—

With the door hinge turning, the door slowly opened a crack.

In the gap, a delicate face appeared.

Eyebrows like willow leaves, a slightly pointed chin, thin face, yet retaining a touch of youthful plumpness.

"Prince... oh no, Young Master! You’re back!" Lv Yi’s voice revealed joy.

Then she exerted her strength, and on her slender arms, the taut muscle lines could be seen.

As she exerted herself, the door swung open.

"Sister Lin!" She then looked at Lin Qingyi beside Jiang Ning, greeting first.

"Little Sister Lv Yi!" Lin Qingyi, dressed in a white gown like an immortal, greeted Lv Yi with a gentle smile.

Jiang Ning stepped over the threshold, sniffing the air slightly.

Then he smiled.

"Did I come back just in time! Just in time for meal time?" Jiang Ning laughed.

"Young Master, you’ve returned just perfectly!" Lv Yi beamed genuinely and continued, "Today Wanwan steamed three large baskets of meat buns dripping with broth, and there’s noodles below!"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ning’s eyes lit up.

"Does that mean we can also have beef noodle soup today?"

Speaking thus, his pace quickened involuntarily.

"Young Master, wait for me!" Lv Yi’s voice was urgent as she watched Jiang Ning’s steps, hastening her hand to close the door.

She hurriedly closed the door, catching up with Jiang Ning’s pace, continuing, "Today there’s no beef but the dragon meat you brought back earlier!"

Slurp—

Upon mentioning dragon meat, Lv Yi’s mouth immediately watered.

She swallowed her saliva regretfully, "It’s a pity we can’t eat much of that dragon meat; I can only take one slice."

Watching this scene, Lin Qingyi beside her couldn’t help but smile faintly.

Her palm brushed her belly, her demeanor relaxed.

At this moment, Jiang Ning’s eyes sparkled even more.

If beef is to his taste, then dragon meat is even beyond compare.

Combined with a poached egg soaked in broth, just thinking about it made his mouth water.

His pace quickened further.

Soon after.

As he stepped into the courtyard outside the kitchen, Liuu Wanwan came carrying a basket, steaming and fragrant, indicating they were the meat buns dripping with broth.

"Sister-in-law!" Jiang Ning called.

"Wanwan!" Lv Yi greeted as well.

"Sister Liu, good morning!" Lin Qingyi followed with a gentle call.

"Ah, Ning! Ah Ning has returned!!" Liuu Wanwan showed a cheerful expression.

Then Liuu Wanwan looked at Lin Qingyi, "Qingyi, are you finished with your retreat?"

Lin Qingyi hesitated a moment, then nodded.

At this time, Jiang Ning stepped forward.

"Sister-in-law, let me help!"

As he spoke, he casually took over the basket of buns from Liuu Wanwan’s hands.

"Ah Ning, quickly take Qingyi to the living room to wait!" Liuu Wanwan said, continuing, "You needn’t worry about the noodles and buns!"

"Sister-in-law, remember to fry a few poached eggs and dragon meat as well." Jiang Ning said.

"Don’t worry!" Liuu Wanwan looked at Jiang Ning, smiling kindly, "How could sister-in-law forget your tastes!"