Slender willows sway in the breeze

Chapter 81 Taking the Emperor's Pulse

Liu Sijun, who happened to overhear the two talking, was speechless.

No way, I got caught in the crossfire like this?
“Mother, she is the alchemist I invited. Please respect her.”

Xiao Qianrui didn't take it seriously: "Fine, I can't control what she does, but you're my daughter, so you have to listen to me. Go and coax Biqing back now."

"Mother, my patience has its limits."

Gu Changzhou looked coldly at Xiao Qianrui: "If you want to be a good old lady of the Marquis's mansion, then stop interfering in my affairs. Biqing can also come back to serve you. Otherwise, you can go back to the Xiao family."

This wasn't the first time the mother and son had come to blows.

The servants remained calm as well.

But this was the first time in all these years that the Marquis had said such harsh words, actually telling the old lady to return to the Xiao family.

“You unfilial son, say it again.”

"Mother, we could have lived in peace, why make things difficult for ourselves?"

Xiao Qianrui roared, "I am your mother. I went through so much to give birth to you, and this is how you repay me?"

This time, Gu Changzhou didn't say anything.

He coldly looked at the man behind Xiao Qianrui and said, "Uncle Yun, you should take your mother back to Qinglan Courtyard."

The man, known as Uncle Yun, looked to be around forty years old. He wore a royal blue robe, had a well-defined face, long, narrow eyes, lips that were neither thin nor thick, and a beautiful beard.

He stepped forward, bowed, and said gently to Xiao Qianrui, "Madam, let's go back first. We have guests at the manor today, so we can talk about it later."

Xiao Qianrui's expression softened slightly, but her tone remained firm: "Regardless of whether she is a true alchemist from Yougu Palace or not, let her leave tomorrow."

After saying that, he took Yunbo's arm and left proudly.

Gu Changzhou's eyes darkened, and only after they were out of sight did he turn and return to the courtyard.

"Sorry for keeping you waiting."

After dinner, Yu Yang took them downstairs to rest. Gu Changzhou went to the study alone, where Jiang Tai and Gao Kuo were already waiting.

"My lord, the matter you asked me to investigate has been thoroughly investigated."

"explain."

The two exchanged a glance, and Gao Kuo said, "After my investigation, I discovered that Miss Biao is actually the old lady's biological daughter."

He immediately lowered his head after speaking.

Who would have thought that the old lady, who usually doted on Biqing as if she were her own daughter, would actually turn out to be her biological daughter?

Gu Changzhou's face was grim: "Where is the biological father?"

"this."

"Say!"

Jiang Tai said in a low voice, "That's right, Uncle Yun who serves the old lady."

A cold smile crept across Gu Changzhou's lips.

Sure enough.

No wonder his son, no matter what he did, couldn't compete with Biqing's few words.

"My lord, what should we do next?"

"Keep an eye on Qinglan Courtyard, and bring Biqing back."

"Yes."

The following day, Liu Sijun accompanied Gu Changzhou into the palace.

The palace is located in the very center of Zhongzhou City, surrounded by mountains that seem like loyal guards protecting it, keeping the bustling streets out. Only a wide avenue connects the two sides of the avenue, which is paved with rare, winding glazed stones. Under the sunlight, it is magnificent and beautiful, like a fairyland.

We walked along the long avenue to the palace gate. The gate was made of pure gold, and two rows of guards in yellow armor stood on either side of it, holding long spears, looking very imposing.

One of them, with a sword at his waist, paced back and forth, patrolling.

Gao Qiheng saw Mo Linhou from afar, strode forward, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "This humble general greets Mo Linhou."

Gu Changzhou nodded: "This Marquis brings the alchemists from Yougu Palace to request an audience with His Majesty."

"You're too kind, my lord. His Majesty has said that you may enter the palace at any time without us having to announce your arrival."

Gao Qiheng raised his right hand, and a golden oval jade pendant floated out from his palm. It emitted a strong light in mid-air, and after a strong fluctuation of spiritual energy, the palace gate slowly opened.

"My lord, please."

Upon entering the palace gates, the first thing you see is a magnificent square paved with colorful stones. In the center stands a huge fountain, with water jets shooting high and refracting into brilliant rainbows under the sunlight.

Walk along the square for about fifteen minutes, and you will see the magnificent palace.

The palace pillars were all carved from pure gold jade, with five-clawed golden dragons coiled around them, gleaming in the sunlight. Guards, also dressed in armor, stood outside the gate. Upon seeing Gu Changzhou arrive, they immediately bowed, addressed him as "Lord Marquis," and led him to the inner palace.

Liu Sijun sighed inwardly: So this is what the imperial palace looks like.

Following Gu Changzhou into the inner hall, one finds it exquisitely beautiful with its carved beams and painted pillars. Magnificent octagonal crystal palace lamps hang from the high ceiling, and the floor is paved with huge pieces of earth yellow jade, which are joined together so tightly that the seams are not visible unless you look closely.

At the far end of the main hall stands a dragon throne made of nine-dragon scale wood, behind which is a huge landscape screen. If you listen closely, you can hear the sound of flowing water and birdsong.

Sitting on the dragon throne is the current emperor of the Great Yu Kingdom, Bei Chenyao.

Bei Chenyao is 151 years old this year.

He ascended the throne at the age of 79 and reigned for 72 years. He had five daughters and four sons. His eldest son and daughter were born before he ascended the throne, while the rest were born after he became emperor.

In the royal family, Bei Chenyao living to the age of 151 is considered a long life.

Royal family members can cultivate, but because their own spiritual power and the dragon energy on their bodies restrain each other, their cultivation level is generally not high, and it can only play a role in strengthening their bodies.

The late emperor only lived to be 119 years old.

"I see your Majesty."

"Get up." Bei Chenyao's gaze fell directly on Liu Sijun. "You're the alchemist from Yougu Palace, what's your name?"

Bei Chenyao didn't look very well, but his eyes were still sharp. His dark gold dragon robe seemed to glow, and the five-clawed golden dragon on his chest looked like it could fly out at any moment, giving people a strong sense of oppression.

"Liu Si-kun."

“Yougu Palace is so remarkable now, it even has such a young alchemist.” Bei Chenyao said, beckoning to Liu Sijun, “Come forward and take my pulse.”

Liu Sijun was slightly flustered.

This was no stranger; it was the emperor who held the power of life and death over the entire Great Yu Kingdom.

Even though this is a world of cultivation, it cannot escape the shackles of the supremacy of imperial power. Even though she can now fly on a sword and travel thousands of miles a day, she still has to abide by royal authority.

"Master Liu is unwilling?"

"How dare you."

Liu Sijun respectfully walked up the steps one by one. There were nine steps in total, and she felt that time was incredibly long.

Bei Chenyao stretched out his arm and placed it on the armrest of the dragon throne, and even took the initiative to pull up his sleeves so that Liu Sijun could take his pulse.

Looking at it this way, he seems quite easygoing.

But she wouldn't naively assume that this was a kind and gentle old man.

Liu Sijun took a deep breath and reached out her right hand to place it on top.

The skin on his hands had lost the elasticity it should have had when he was young; it was dry like old tree bark, and had become somewhat crooked, with a thick layer of calluses on his fingertips.

These are hands that have spent years writing and reviewing memorials.

After about fifteen minutes, Bei Chenyao spoke up: "How is my pulse?"