Imperial Cultivation

Chapter 100: Chapter 98: Cold Palace

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Chu Zhiyuan slowed his steps.

This young man’s cultivation is shallow, not yet at the Innate level, which is considered normal for his age, not a martial genius.

The young man is handsome, surpassing most, with a tall and slender figure, multiple places on his chest and shoulder seeping with fresh blood, making his face as pale as paper.

Judging by his rapid breathing, it’s clear his injuries are severe.

This is a life narrowly saved.

With such cultivation, recklessly breaking into that underground secret chamber without knowing the mechanisms is akin to courting death; surviving it is an extreme stroke of luck.

Possibly also due to the long passage of time, some mechanisms were damaged, weakening their power.

With his cultivation being so shallow, Chu Zhiyuan doesn’t even need to physically touch him to see his Inner Qi circulating with one glance.

He’s using the Martial Arts Heart Method of the Zhen Yi Sect.

This is a disciple of Zhen Yi Sect.

A disciple of Zhen Yi Sect knows about that underground secret chamber; could he be a disciple of Bai Jingmang?

He turned his head and said, "Old Gao, there’s a young man inside, investigate his background without alarming him."

"Yes," Gao Jiong promptly replied, "Don’t worry, Princely Heir, leave it to me!"

Chu Zhiyuan knew they were eager to do things now, and when given tasks, they didn’t feel burdened but rather delighted.

Relationships between people are extremely complex, being a Grandmaster doesn’t allow the mansion’s attendants and guards to quickly accept and become close; more connections need to be built.

The fastest way is to work together.

This can speed up their integration with the Prince Mansion.

Chu Zhiyuan quickened his pace, turned a small alley, and entered the bustling crowd, meeting Huang Shiron and two women on the west side of Phoenix Avenue.

Huang Shiron still wore her apricot-yellow gauze shirt, with a sword at her slender waist, graceful like a willow, exuding charm, with two women beside her in snow-white dresses, captivating beautiful looks, drawing the crowd’s attention.

Chu Zhiyuan clasped his fists in greeting from within the crowd, and Huang Shiron responded with a charming smile and the same salute.

The two exchanged a smile, not pausing for a more cordial greeting.

——

The bright moon hung like a jade disc.

Prince Qing Mansion Street was wide, clean, and orderly.

Lanterns carved with "Qing" hung high, string after string, illuminating as bright as day.

The guards patrolled in crossing paths, brimming with spirit.

As Chu Zhiyuan stepped into the mansion gates, Feng Xi greeted him with a smile, "Princely Heir, the Princess is waiting in the back."

"How long has Mother Consort been back?" Chu Zhiyuan asked.

Feng Xi answered, "More than two hours."

"She must be anxious," Chu Zhiyuan said with a smile.

Feng Xi nodded with a smile.

The Princess was impatient and swift in actions, unable to stay still in the Water Pavilion, either playing chess or the zither, frequently asking if Chu Zhiyuan had returned.

Chu Zhiyuan waved his hand and quickened his pace.

Guo Chi and the others each dispersed; Feng Xi also went about their own business, only Zou Fang followed him to the rear garden and arrived at the lake.

The small pavilion and the Water Pavilion on the lake were brightly lit, illuminating the entire lake surface.

In a brightly lit small pavilion, Bai Ningshuang was bored feeding fish, occasionally scattering some feed absentmindedly, causing the fish below to surge and the water to ripple.

When she saw him approach, Bai Ningshuang’s spirits lifted, she waved, handed the fish feed to a girl beside her, and sat on the Luohan bed in the pavilion.

"Mother, how is Grandmother?"

"She was indeed poisoned!" Bai Ningshuang snorted coldly, "After taking the Detoxification Pill, she recovered immediately!"

"That’s good."

After all, without having seen the specific situation over there, whether it was truly as expected, there was no absolute certainty, but it seems now, the judgment was correct.

Bai Ningshuang said, "Her Ladyship directly went to the Emperor."

Chu Zhiyuan was startled.

Bai Ningshuang said, "The Emperor immediately threw Concubine Zhen into the Cold Palace!"

"So quickly?" Chu Zhiyuan was puzzled.

Upon hearing this news, the Emperor must be furious.

In fury, the first step would certainly be to investigate thoroughly.

Who exactly administered the poison, with what intent, and then pursue accountability.

But the Emperor’s first step was to throw Concubine Zhen into the Cold Palace?

Without investigation, immediately throwing Concubine Zhen into the Cold Palace—did the Emperor know beforehand that it was Concubine Zhen who administered the poison?

If he’d known, why not throw her into the Cold Palace earlier?

Or does Concubine Zhen have a history, having done similar things before, using such poison?

But no matter what, an investigation should be conducted before handling the matter, right?

What if someone framed her, what if she was wronged? Concubine Zhen can’t escape within the palace; why the rush to dispose of her?

This Imperial Grandfather, his wisdom surpasses all, wouldn’t ignore such a simple truth, yet decisively cast Concubine Zhen into the Cold Palace.

This matter instantly became shrouded in a layer of mystery in his eyes.

The affairs within the Inner Palace are utterly convoluted, truly difficult for outsiders to grasp.

The Inner Palace’s turmoil is more severe; not a single titled lady among those known by name isn’t a formidable character, otherwise, they wouldn’t have the chance to emerge.

Including Concubine Rou.

"What’s the background of Concubine Zhen?"

"It’s said that Concubine Zhen comes from a background as a Martial Arts Heroine."

"Then she must be a stunning beauty with remarkable skills," Chu Zhiyuan said.

If it were the previous dynasty, a non-noble woman wouldn’t have had the qualification to enter the palace. In the Da Jing Dynasty’s harem, the threshold isn’t high, but the standards are.

The selection of concubines spans the daughters of aristocrats, the daughters of officials, as well as Martial Arts Sect heroines, and even commoner beauties.

Although the Emperor says he treats everyone equally, how could it be possible to truly be impartial?

The daughters of close, trusted ministers or meritorious officials would naturally be given some favor by the Emperor.

For Martial Arts Sect heroines, rising to prominence is tough.

This Concubine Zhen must be exceptionally beautiful and cunning.

"She indeed has an innate beauty," Bai Ningshuang nodded in agreement, "Even I feel inferior after seeing her."

Chu Zhiyuan raised an eyebrow.

Bai Ningshuang snorted, "Such beauty, yet she acts so ruthlessly!"

Chu Zhiyuan asked, "Which sect is Concubine Zhen from in Martial Arts?"

Bai Ningshuang said, "Probably from some mysterious sect, at least not one of the Four Great Sects."

If it were one of the Four Great Sects, everyone would know.

"Not one of the former Four Great Sects either?"

"...That I don’t know," Bai Ningshuang shook her head, "Her Ladyship wouldn’t say, just told me not to inquire about this."

"...Could it be Yao Yue Palace?" Chu Zhiyuan pondered.

Concubine Rou advising to inquire less, likely implying one of the Four Demon Sects.

Bai Ningshuang said, "That one from Yao Yue Palace is stationed at the Western Palace."

Chu Zhiyuan was even more surprised.

He truly did not know that the current Western Palace Empress was from Yao Yue Palace.

All along, it was the Eastern Palace Empress who always appeared in public; the one present beside Chu Qingquan during the night banquet at the palace was also the Eastern Palace Empress.

It’s said the Western Palace Empress is not in good health, rarely seeing people, and has always been self-contained within the palace, sparingly socializing.

Thus, very few know of the Western Palace Empress, let alone have seen her.

Chu Zhiyuan never had the chance to meet her either.

"Her Ladyship directly reported to the Emperor and specifically mentioned you," Bai Ningshuang smiled, "Just wait, there surely will be a reward."

Chu Zhiyuan laughed, "What kind of reward?"

"Her Ladyship estimates it could be a Seventh Grade Merit."

"Seventh Grade... not bad," Chu Zhiyuan nodded.

His tendency to take advantage of the Emperor had led to a consequence: he raised his expectations, finding it less thrilling at the sight of Ninth Grade Merit.

Eighth Grade is passable, Seventh Grade is okay, Sixth is acceptable, Fifth is commendable.

Seventh Grade Merit doesn’t evoke a sense of surprise in him.

Bai Ningshuang said, "The Emperor has learned of your acute judgment and martial talent. When you stand as a Grandmaster in the future, you shall secure a favorable position."

Chu Zhiyuan smiled, "Her Ladyship is thoughtful, and so are you, Mother, for your hard work."

Becoming a Grandmaster allows one to choose a position anew.

His mother, Bai Ningshuang, didn’t think that far ahead; her focus was on his clothes, food, and living, as well as marrying a wife, while concerning himself with his future, it was Concubine Rou who took care of that.

Mother also recognizes her perspective isn’t sufficient, having been confined for thirty years, making her somewhat unfamiliar with the outside world and hesitant to interfere with his decisions.

"If I work a bit harder, it’s not a problem," Bai Ningshuang glared at him when she heard this, "You should go see Ruoling; don’t become a stranger after getting engaged, move about more. She’s Yujing’s first beauty, yet you remain unmoved!"

Chu Zhiyuan promptly agreed, to avoid her continuous nagging, stood, and said, "It’s getting late; I should go back to practice martial arts. Mother, you should rest early too."

"...Alright."

Bai Ningshuang felt there was still more to say; she wanted to talk about the changes within the palace.

Once Concubine Zhen entered the Cold Palace, the impact was significant.

The entire Inner Palace was stirred up with undercurrents flowing; every palace and courtyard had its actions, creating quite the hustle.

She found it most intriguing, wanting to witness the commotion every day.

Chu Zhiyuan, however, didn’t pay much attention to the palace; no matter how much change happened within the palace, it didn’t impact Prince Qing Mansion much, nor did it affect him personally.

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