Film and Television: The Collector Who Rampages Across the Heavens

The main gate of the palace was heavily guarded, and the passageways leading into the inner palace on both sides were lined with soldiers armed with swords and spears.

Su Li handed the imperial waist token to the guard, who clasped his hands slightly and then looked at Prince Jing: "Your Highness does not have an imperial waist token and cannot enter the palace without permission. I need to send someone to report back to His Majesty."

"It's alright, I'll wait here," Prince Jing said expressionlessly.

"Then, Seventh Brother, I'll go in first." Su Li glanced at him, then walked into the palace in full military uniform.

He was neither unfamiliar with nor acquainted with this place. In recent years, he would enter the palace whenever there was a festival or a major event. He was not as favored by Emperor Liang as the Crown Prince and Prince Yu, but he was at least much better than Prince Jing, that stubborn mule.

The palace complex is vast and imposing, with numerous guards stationed all around, and eunuchs and palace maids moving about in a constant stream. Despite the large number of people, they are all very quiet.

As soon as Su Li came into the sight of the gatekeeper eunuch, one of the eunuchs immediately left the main hall and reported to the inside.

"Your Majesty, His Highness Prince Ling requests an audience!"

"Oh, Prince Ling is back. It's about time. Let him in."

After receiving the imperial decree, Su Li donned armor and helmet, and strode confidently into the magnificent main hall, where a loving father and his three children were viewing a calligraphy piece.

"Your subject greets Your Majesty. This is a military report on the mobilization of military personnel, and the consumption of provisions, horses, and armor for the northern army over the past six months."

Kneeling on one knee, Zuli, dressed in white robes and black armor, exuded an air of seasoned warrior and possessed a heroic and capable appearance, making him appear extraordinary.

Emperor Liang casually waved his hand, signaling him to get up, and then asked Gao Zhan to bring the folding book.

"Jinglin, come and take a look at this calligraphy..."

Emperor Liang clearly had no interest in reading the memorials immediately. Instead, he beckoned him over to examine the calligraphy on the table.

Seeing this, Su Li didn't stand on ceremony. Under the displeased gazes of the Crown Prince and Prince Yu, she stepped forward and examined the handwriting.

"These characters are vigorous and powerful, like dragons and phoenixes dancing in the wind; they are absolutely a masterpiece to be passed down through generations..."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Liang was overjoyed. He stroked his beard and laughed, "You're always wielding swords and spears, when did you start understanding calligraphy and painting?"

"I don't understand, but Father does. Anything that can be placed on Father's desk is a good thing." Su Li casually flattered his cheap father.

"Haha...you, you!"

The Crown Prince was delighted to see that the young man had pleased Emperor Liang with just a few words. He then subtly mocked, "Jinglin, I heard that when you passed through Jicheng, you spent a hundred taels of gold to redeem the courtesan of Xinghua Pavilion. Have you forgotten your father's reprimand for your lewd behavior last time?"

Before Su Li could speak, Emperor Liang's previously smiling expression changed. He looked at him and said, "Hmm? You went to a brothel again? A prince of the Second Rank, isn't this just making a fool of yourself? If word gets out, what will become of the Liang royal family's reputation?"

The crown prince, fanning the flames, said, "Father, I don't think Xiao Jinglin took your words to heart at all."

Prince Yu observed coldly. This eighth brother looked young, but in reality, he was very cunning and scheming, and he had never expressed any intention to seize the throne.

He would naturally not say anything that would provoke enemies; only a fool like the Crown Prince, thinking his position is secure, would criticize anyone he meets.

Emperor Liang slammed his hand on the table, looking at him with a disappointed expression, and pointed at him.

"Speak, do you have anything to explain?"

"Father, I admit I've been to brothels, but that's my only hobby besides military campaigns. If you really want to punish me, then... I'm willing to accept the punishment."

Su Li wore an expression of resignation, seemingly ready to be punished. His lust was genuine, but part of it was an act.

Otherwise, a prince with numerous military achievements would not have many hobbies, like Prince Jing who is always taciturn and whose thoughts are unknown to anyone.

How could Emperor Liang not be wary?

Conversely, Emperor Liang was somewhat relieved by princes like Su Li, who openly displayed their hobbies and had a history of scandals. Although the Crown Prince and Prince Yu were wary, they were not overly so.

After all, the land is now at peace, so which border general would dare to rebel?

Emperor Liang chuckled twice: "You little rascal, forget it... As a prince, every word you say represents the royal family. From now on, you can't go to brothels anymore, but it's alright to buy some courtesans to keep at home."

"Your subject obeys the decree!"

"Get up. You've come all this way. If you have nothing else to do, go back and rest early."

Emperor Liang offered a simple word of comfort.

"Yes, by the way, Father, Seventh Brother is waiting outside the palace..."

Before leaving, Su Li gave him a few more pointers, pretending to be a brotherly and respectful person.

"Then let him in."

After making a casual remark, Emperor Liang continued to focus his attention on the calligraphy and paintings, clearly showing no concern whatsoever for his other son.

Before leaving the palace, Su Li stopped by Prince Jing to say hello and then went straight back to her own residence.

After removing his armor, taking a bath, and changing into casual clothes, he sat down at the dining table and ate a sumptuous meal.

"Your Highness, this is intelligence from the Green Robe Tower."

A guard tiptoed in and respectfully presented a letter with both hands.

Su Li casually opened the package and saw that it contained information about the Jiangzuo Alliance. Mei Changsu, also known as Lin Shu, had already led many of the alliance's experts into the capital.

The appearance of this person signifies the start of turmoil and intrigue within Jinling City...

She lit the envelope with a candle and watched it burn to ashes bit by bit. Then, with a gentle blow, the ashes scattered without a trace.

Night fell quickly in Jinling. He didn't know what entertainment was available in ancient times, or what others did at night.

Zurich was naturally playing tag with the songstresses he had raised over the years, or he was indulging in wine and women.

Otherwise, what would he be doing idly? His secret plans have been in the works all along. If the court doesn't fall into chaos and someone stands out, they're asking for death. As long as he follows the plan, he'll be the one to ascend the throne.

In the blink of an eye, half a month passed, and a message circulated from the imperial court: Princess Nihuang's martial arts contest to find a husband had begun.

Upon hearing this news, all the noble sons and daughters of the city of Jinling were overjoyed. After all, Princess Nihuang was of noble status, even more so than some royal princesses who had no real power.

If he marries her, he will instantly become one of the most powerful people in the Great Liang Dynasty.

This martial arts contest to choose a husband was not only a major event for the Liang Kingdom, but also attracted experts from several other countries, including the Southern Chu, Northern Yan, Eastern Sea, and Night Qin.

After returning to the capital, Su Li spent her days practicing martial arts, reviewing intelligence on the Green Robe Tower and the finances of the Brocade Chamber of Commerce, and her nights working diligently. Finally, she stepped out of the Prince's Palace.

A guard led in an exceptionally fine black horse, and Su Li rode it slowly, leading the group through the bustling ancient streets toward the martial arts arena.

"Brother Su, please try this. It's the most famous peach blossom pastry in Nanjing. It tastes absolutely delicious."

"And this, jade-faced steamed bun..."

Several people were leading horses through the streets ahead, and a handsome young man was introducing the local customs and culture of Jinling City to an elegant man in a white robe.

Su Li glanced at them and immediately knew who they were.