After a long silence, Zhao Jiandu broke the tense atmosphere, saying, “This matter is too significant. We should first report to the Wei Yang Palace and let the court decide. For now, our priority is to attack the door of the Demon Clan. Regardless of what the Dark Races are planning, this will be a heavy blow to them.”
Song Zining pondered for a moment, then said, “Then it’s settled! The army will rest for one night and set out tomorrow!”
As night passed and the sun rose, the imperial army mobilized in full force, sweeping towards the door of the Demon Clan.
In the Imperial Capital, within the Zhiji Mansion’s study, the Zhiji King held a wolf-hair brush, his elbow grounded, as he wrote the word ‘Fate’ on the paper with great force. Ji Tianqing stood beside him, silently reciting the word several times, her heart filled with mixed emotions, not knowing what to say.
The Zhiji King looked at the word from left to right, very satisfied, and said, “Ji Yuan, isn’t it good? A single word, ‘Fate,’ encompasses all the principles of the world.”
Ji Tianqing sighed. She was dressed in simple clothes, and her figure had fully recovered its former appearance.
The Zhiji King stroked his beard and smiled, saying, “With Yuan’er, it’s always a good thing. I was a bit resentful before, but when I saw Yuan’er, I understood that everything in the world ultimately boils down to fate.”
Ji Tianqing, however, appeared somewhat agitated, “So, we just do nothing and wait for fate to come?”
“Not entirely. Some fates need to be fought for. If you fight, it’s yours; if you don’t, it belongs to others.”
“Same as saying nothing!”
The Zhiji King laughed and shook his head, “You, this girl, even with a child, your temper has grown. You dare to scold me.”
Ji Tianqing said, “So what? I didn’t want her anyway!”
The Zhiji King stroked his beard, “Then bring her to my courtyard. At my age, I can watch over her more often when I’m free.”
“That’s not happening!”
“Then it’s settled.”
Ji Tianqing hesitated for a moment, finally asking, “What about the other matter, how should we handle it?”
“Which matter?”
Ji Tianqing gritted her teeth, “What else could there be? It’s about the new world.”
“I heard Jiandu and Zining are making excellent progress. These young people are indeed impressive. As an old man, I stay in the Imperial Capital, ready to step in and face those old fellows if they ever dare to show their faces.”
Ji Tianqing jumped in agitation, “Not them!”
“If not them, who else?” The Zhiji King asked, knowing full well the answer.
Ji Tianqing’s voice lowered to almost a whisper, “It’s… Qian Ye’s side…”
“Heh!” The Zhiji King feigned surprise, “Isn’t he doing well? Now, many aristocratic families are betting on him. Even the Yin and Kong families are getting restless, bringing out their long-kept reserves.”
Ji Tianqing urged, “What can those aristocratic families do? That’s not what I mean.”
The Zhiji King’s expression turned serious, “I know what you mean. I’ve read the letter, but do you think one letter is enough for my Ji family to help him?”
“Soasa is a Grand Duke. How can he stop him?”
“If he can’t stop, he shouldn’t try. To be serious, he is now expanding his territory for himself, not for the Empire. Any strong enemies he provokes during this process are his own problems.”
“But he stopped the Morsera werewolves, which is also beneficial for the Empire, right?”
“Among the four tribes of Eternal Night, the werewolves have already declined. This time, with the opening of the new world’s gate, I know the werewolves were not part of it. So, what the werewolves do in the new world doesn’t affect the overall situation. Jiandu and Zining are up against the Demon Clans, likely the old guy from the Mesfield family. I naturally have to keep an eye on that, as he is not easy to deal with.”
Ji Tianqing sighed, “I know, you’re just angry about the letter.”
The Zhiji King replied calmly, “Since you’ve brought it up, I’ll be straightforward. My Ji family is of such standing, and you, in terms of talent, grace, and beauty, where do you fall short? In the Maelstrom, it was fate, so be it. But now, with Yuan’er, even if he doesn’t value you, for Yuan’er’s sake, he shouldn’t write so harshly, especially when he’s asking for my help.”
Ji Tianqing said, “It’s not his fault. He only found out later.”
“Don’t you understand? He wrote the letter so harshly because he still cares for Yenpup.”
“I know, I’ve always known.” Ji Tianqing’s voice was soft.
The Zhiji King snorted coldly, “Yenpup is no ordinary person. She managed to escape the certain death trap last time, the first time I ever failed.”
Ji Tianqing trembled, shocked, “What did you say? You… you tried to kill her?”
“Unfortunately, that opportunity was lost.”
“Th… that…” Ji Tianqing’s face turned pale.
The Zhiji King said, “This matter is of great importance. Yenpup’s life and death affect the overall situation. It’s not something your little love affair can influence.”
Ji Tianqing’s eyes dimmed, “I understand. So, you won’t help Qian Ye, right?”
The Zhiji King remained noncommittal.
Ji Tianqing said, “Then I will go.”
The Zhiji King frowned, “What good would it do for you to go?”
Ji Tianqing said, “The Empire doesn’t treat Qian Ye as one of its own, but he still thinks of the Empire! If he encountered the Morsera werewolves, with his character, he wouldn’t ignore them and let them march straight in. Sooner or later, he will face Soasa, and there’s no avoiding it!”
The Zhiji King said, “If that’s the case, there’s nothing we can do.”
“I don’t care about the bigger picture. If you won’t go, I will. Anyway, the Ji family is large and powerful, and Yuan’er won’t be bullied.”
Ji Tianqing left without another word and turned to leave. But after taking just one step, she suddenly went numb, her entire elemental force sealed, unable to move.
The Zhiji King summoned several maids and instructed, “Take her away. She is not to leave the mansion without my order.”
The maids, seeing the Zhiji King’s anger, did not dare to breathe heavily and carried Ji Tianqing away.
When the study was empty, the Zhiji King looked at the word ‘Fate’ on the table and sighed, “Yenpup must not be spared. Qing’er, between you and that person, it’s just a case of having a fate but no destiny.”
In the Imperial Palace, Li Consort, who was reading in the warm pavilion, slowly stood up and summoned Liu Eunuch, saying, “I have a sudden urge to go out of the palace today. Could the Eunuch accompany me?”
“Of course, I shall comply,” Liu Eunuch did not ask where Li Consort was going.
Li Consort and Liu Eunuch rode to a large mansion in the city. After a short while, a plain carriage drove out from the back and headed out of the city. In the carriage, both Li Consort and Liu Eunuch changed into casual clothes, though Li Consort’s simple attire could not hide her radiance.
The carriage traveled far, stopping at an inconspicuous small estate. After getting off, Li Consort said, “What does the Eunuch think of this place?”
Liu Eunuch opened his cloudy eyes, looked around, and said, “Good, very good. Having no distinctive features is good.”
Li Consort sighed, “There’s no choice. So many eyes are watching over my child. It took a lot of effort to find such a place.”
“Since that’s the case, then this old servant will take his leave.”
“Lord Eunuch, you are a pillar of the Empire. This matter doesn’t need to be hidden from you. Actually, I invited you here to evaluate the child and see his prospects.”
Liu Eunuch thought for a moment and then said, “This old servant will comply.”
The main gate of the estate appeared small, but inside, it was deep and vast. Passing through two courtyards, they reached the back garden. In the back garden, there was a warm pavilion. Even in the cold spring, entering the pavilion brought a warm sensation.
Li Consort and Liu Eunuch removed their outer robes and ascended the stairs. Just as they reached the corner, they heard the cries of an infant. Li Consort pushed open the door and entered. In the center of the room, there was a baby crib, and Li Kuanglan stood beside it, gently rocking the crib.
At this moment, she was dressed in women’s clothing, exuding an astonishing beauty in every movement. Looking at the crying baby, her eyes were filled with love.
It was Liu Eunuch’s cough that roused Li Kuanglan from her reverie. She gasped, noticing the two, and hurriedly bowed, “Sister, Lord Eunuch, why are you here?”
“The child is 100 days old, and I wanted Lord Eunuch to evaluate his future.”
Li Kuanglan hesitated but stepped aside.
Liu Eunuch glanced at her and said, “My Lord, this old servant will not harm the little prince.”
Liu Eunuch still called Li Kuanglan by the title ‘Lord,’ which made her blush and turn her head away.
Li Consort picked up the child, and Liu Eunuch extended his right hand, lightly placing it on the baby’s forehead, his eyes half-closed. After a while, a thread of azure energy rose from Liu Eunuch’s head, and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. His aged hand, rarely seen trembling, caused Li Consort to become nervous, clenching her fists. Li Kuanglan, overcome with concern, could not control herself and trembled slightly.
Liu Eunuch had evaluated the talents of many princes and princesses, and it was usually a quick process. The fact that it took so long and he was struggling so much was rare.
Suddenly, the infant cried out loudly, with a sound like ringing metal, and nine rays of light shot out, illuminating the entire room.
Liu Eunuch finally withdrew his hand, weakly saying, “Mission accomplished.”
Li Consort was beaming, “Please, Lord Eunuch, give us more guidance.”
Liu Eunuch became more talkative, “This child’s talent is the highest I’ve ever seen. If compared, he might rival the Twin Gems, or at least be on par with Jiandu and Zining. He has all his innate origins open, and his future cultivation will be exceptionally smooth, but…”
The pause made Li Consort tense, tugging at Liu Eunuch’s sleeve, “What?”
Liu Eunuch said, “I fear that if it’s too smooth, he may lack the necessary trials. Then, a good thing could turn bad.”
“Understood, thank you for your guidance, Lord Eunuch.”
Liu Eunuch said, “I know a bit about the child’s background. May I ask, Lady, after all the trouble to get this child, what do you hope to achieve?”
Li Consort asked Liu Eunuch to sit, “I invited you here to share my intentions. I am just a woman, and I can’t help but have personal desires. My wish is to see the Li family rise to the ranks of the great families in my lifetime. This child is the key to the Li family’s rise.”
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