Facing the Empress Dowager's hysteria.
The black figure on the ground finally raised its head.
It was an ordinary face, the kind that would be forgotten in a crowd in an instant.
But at this moment, those eyes held an indifference that saw through everything.
"Your Ladyship."
"You are deluded."
"Grandma said that she personally confirmed this matter."
The Empress Dowager's body stiffened, and the madness in her eyes gradually solidified.
"Confirmed... it?"
"Even if she could hide from the Demon Suppression Headquarters's treasures, under Grandma's Heavenly Eye divine art, it can be confirmed that Jiang Yuechu is a Human, a pure Human Race Bloodline, with not a trace of Demonic Qi in her body."
"The rumors back then were just groundless, or... for other unknown reasons."
"But, no matter what, Jiang Yuechu is not the offspring of a demon."
The Empress Dowager's body swayed, and she collapsed onto the Phoenix couch.
"She's a Human..."
"How could she be a Human..."
She murmured to herself, as if she had aged decades in an instant.
If she were Human.
Then wouldn't her twenty years of scheming all become a joke?
"The Liu family is a thousand-year-old aristocratic family, enduring with the nation."
The black-clothed person stood up, their figure gradually disappearing into the darkness.
"For our Liu clan, who sits in that position is not important; what's important is that Great Tang must not fall into chaos, and the Luck of the Human Race must not be severed."
"A Prodigy like Jiang Yuechu is the future of the Human Race, and also an object the Liu family is willing to form good relations with."
"As for Prince Jing His Highness..."
The voice grew more distant until it was almost inaudible.
"To be a wealthy idler, composing poetry and enjoying prosperity, may not be a bad fortune."
"If because of your obsession, you insist on gambling on that one-in-a-million chance..."
"The Liu family does not lack princes."
"Nor does it lack Empress Dowagers..."
Inside the main hall, silence returned.
Only a certain figure remained, sitting there blankly... The young Emperor, dressed in casual clothes, leaned on the imperial couch.
He held a book in his hand, but his gaze was not on the words; instead, he was lost in thought, staring into the Void Realm.
"Your Majesty."
"Jiang Yuechu has returned to the capital."
The Emperor's finger, turning a page, paused slightly.
His originally somewhat dim eyes brightened a bit in that instant.
"She's back?"
"She's back. I heard that in the battle at Taihu Lake, this young woman actually preemptively killed the Lotus Cultivation Demon King, even amidst two Mountain Gazing golden robe inspectors..."
Upon hearing this.
A faint smile curved the Emperor's lips, and he casually tossed the book onto the table.
"Seventeen years old, slaying a Lotus Cultivation Demon King..."
"If I recall correctly, even Grand Ancestor was only so-so at her age."
The Old Eunuch was stunned.
Such words.
He absolutely dared not respond to them.
He quickly changed the subject, saying, "Since she's returned... should we... summon her to the palace for an audience?"
The Emperor pondered for a moment, his finger gently tapping the edge of the couch.
He did indeed have some curiosity about this young girl.
Not just because of her terrifying talent, enough to suppress her peers.
But also because of... a certain indescribable intuition.
However.
After only a moment of hesitation.
The Emperor shook his head and leaned back against the soft cushion.
"Never mind, no need."
"She's just returned to the capital; let her rest first."
"Your Majesty is wise."
The Old Eunuch quickly flattered him.
But just then.
"Cough... cough cough..."
The Emperor suddenly covered his mouth, his entire body curled up on the imperial couch.
His back arched, as if enduring some immense pain.
The coughing sound was extremely strange.
"Your Majesty!"
The Old Eunuch's expression changed drastically, but his movements were extremely practiced.
He didn't call for the imperial physician; instead, he quickly took out a sealed jade bowl from a hidden compartment beside him.
He opened the lid.
A rich, pungent, sweet, and bloody smell instantly permeated the hall.
The Old Eunuch held the jade bowl and carefully offered it to the Emperor's lips.
The Emperor, with trembling hands, took it, not using a spoon, but tilting his head back and drinking it all in one gulp.
Gulp—
As the medicinal soup entered his stomach.
A strange flush actually rose on his originally ashen face.
"Hoo..."
The Emperor let out a long breath, handed the empty bowl to the Old Eunuch, took a handkerchief, and carefully wiped the remaining soup stains from the corner of his mouth.
"This body..."
He looked at his hands, giving a self-deprecating smile.
"It's really becoming useless."
The Old Eunuch's eyes reddened with heartache. While tidying the jade bowl, he whispered, "Your Majesty is a true Dragon Son of Heaven; Heaven naturally protects you. You just need to recuperate in peace..."
"Alright, save such nonsense for fooling outsiders."
The Emperor waved his hand, interrupting his chatter.
He picked up the book again, but felt somewhat uninspired.
"Besides Jiang Yuechu's matter, are there any other developments?"
The Old Eunuch composed himself, thought for a moment, and then spoke, "Reporting to Your Majesty, there is one more thing."
"Prince Jing His Highness... is holding a Flowing Cup Banquet at Prince Jing's Estate in a few days."
"Flowing Cup Banquet?"
The Emperor scoffed, "Holding a banquet at this time? Disasters are erupting everywhere, and refugees are rampant. He certainly has the leisure."
"This..."
The Old Eunuch hesitated for a moment, then truthfully said, "I heard the commotion this time is quite significant. Invitations have been sent to all the powerful nobles in the capital, and Young Masters and Young Misses from various families are all invited."
"Even..."
The Old Eunuch pulled an invitation from his sleeve and presented it with both hands.
"They even sent one to the palace."
The Emperor took the invitation.
He opened it and read.
The handwriting was elegant, and the prose was ornate.
Full of brotherly affection and earnest words.
"Tsk..."
The Emperor casually tossed the invitation onto the table with a soft thud.
"Still not willing to be content, huh."
As a prince, even if he was a wealthy idler.
Holding a grand banquet in such a conspicuous manner was itself sending a signal to the outside world.
Not to mention feigning courtesy by sending an invitation to the palace.
Was this a test?
Or a provocation?
Or... simply trying to disgust him?
Silence fell in the main hall.
The Old Eunuch lowered his head, not daring to breathe loudly.
This imperial family's domestic affair.
Especially when it involved Prince Jing, who was the apple of the Empress Dowager's eye, it was a deep pit that could easily cost one's head.
After a long while.
"Never mind."
The Emperor suddenly stood up and smiled, "It's boring to be cooped up in the palace all day."
"Since our Prince Jing is so graciously inviting, and even delivered the invitation right under my nose..."
"Then I..."
"Will go join the fun."
"Ah?"
The Old Eunuch suddenly looked up.
No?
Why would you go join the fun?
Isn't this like a rat paying respects to a cat—looking for trouble?
"Why are you still standing there?"
The Emperor glanced at him, "Hurry up and prepare; I will give Prince Jing a grand gift then."
"This..."
The Old Eunuch swallowed, secretly feeling bitter.
He wanted to persuade, but feared losing his head.
He could only swallow the words of warning that were on the tip of his tongue, and bowed with a bitter face, replying:
"Yes... this servant will go and handle it now."