The World's Number One Medical Hall

Chapter Four: Entering the Inner Chamber, Master Mei

Under the dim streetlights, on the deserted cobblestone path, a quaint-looking car sped along.

Before long, the headlights of the car ahead illuminated a vast palace complex.

With its golden bricks and red tiles, carved dragons and jade pillars, it inspires awe at first glance!

However, the people inside the carriage seemed to have no interest in appreciating the scenery, and continued driving at full speed towards the towering palace gate.

As the vehicle approached, soldiers on duty immediately stepped forward, reached out to stop it, and one shouted, "Stop the car!"

However, the car did not comply. It only slowed down slightly, and a head popped out of the rolled-down window. Before the soldier could ask any questions, the head spoke in a deep voice: "Open the door immediately!"

The two soldiers looked closely, immediately straightened their expressions, and solemnly saluted: "Yes, Commander Zhang!"

Without hesitation, they opened the door immediately.

The car was about to pass two soldiers standing at attention and enter the palace courtyard.

General Zhang's gaze suddenly paused, and he raised his head, saying in a deep voice, "Wait!"

The driver immediately slammed on the brakes, and the two soldiers, their hearts tightening, stood even straighter, their eyes fixed straight ahead.

But then Chief Zhang poked his head out again, frowned, and asked in a deep voice, "Has anyone entered the palace before?"

The two soldiers paused, and one of them immediately replied, "Master Chongxuan of Shangqing Mountain and Lord Lin just entered the palace ten minutes ago!"

"Let's go!" A dark glint flashed in General Zhang's eyes. Without another word, he urgently ordered the driver.

Rumble...

The courtyards were deep and secluded. Originally, sports cars were not allowed within the palace walls, since it was inhabited by noble people.

How could we be disturbed by the roar of this iron lump? That would be a great disrespect!

However, Chief of Staff Zhang had no time to worry about these things at that moment; he was extremely anxious!

Once Mo Bai's condition was confirmed, he reported the situation to the palace by phone. But how could such an important matter be explained in just a few words over the phone?

Therefore, he had to come back in person, intending to discuss it with His Majesty before the people from Shangqing Palace arrived.

But despite rushing, they were still a step too late.

At this moment, he gazed into the distance at the usually peaceful hall, now brightly lit, and felt very worried about what was happening inside.

With a screeching sound, the car came to a stop. The driver turned around and said, "Chief, we've arrived!"

General Zhang looked out again, but the palace was still more than a hundred meters away. He felt helpless.

He wished he could fly there immediately, but the car could only stop here; it was already at its limit and he couldn't go any further.

The royal family has its own dignity and rules!

"Phew!" He let out a long breath, stopped thinking about it, opened the car door, and strode towards the main hall, disregarding etiquette.

Walking alone in this palace, under the hazy moonlight, General Zhang gazed at every brick and tile, feeling the grandeur of the imperial palace. He couldn't help but feel a little dazed and melancholy.

"Since the Holy Ancestor Emperor rode forth with his sword, displaying unparalleled might to quell the chaos of the world and establish the Great Xia Dynasty, how majestic has this imperial palace been for hundreds of years?"

"Thinking back to those days, the Holy Ancestor, the First Emperor, the Martial Emperor, and several other great emperors sat high in their golden palaces. With a single command, the whole world moved in unison, and heroes from all directions dared not disobey. What a magnificent sight that was!"

A gentle breeze blew by, and Chief Zhang felt a chill. He reached up and wiped the sweat from his brow, his eyes filled with complex emotions. In the end, he could only sigh softly and continue walking briskly toward the main hall.

Thinking about it further is useless. The reality is that His Majesty's son was beaten to the point of death in public by a mere Shang Qingshan, and he, as the head of the royal court, has to strongly advise His Majesty to suppress his raging anger in order to maintain stability!

After climbing nine steps, General Zhang, disregarding his fatigue, finally arrived at the entrance of the main hall.

Soldiers stood with their weapons at their sides, their eyes fixed on him.

"Your Majesty, Zhang Bangli requests an audience!" Chief Zhang announced first.

"His Majesty has already given instructions, Chief Zhang, please come in quickly!" A messenger came out of the door and immediately greeted him respectfully.

Chief Zhang had no time for pleasantries; he simply nodded, straightened his clothes, and quickly followed him into the hall.

Upon entering the hall, he immediately felt a heavy atmosphere wash over him. He glanced at everyone in the hall, and his eyes narrowed instantly.

The first thing that catches the eye is a middle-aged man sitting high on the dragon throne, dressed in a magnificent golden robe, whose nobility is immediately apparent.

Without a doubt, this one must be His Majesty the present.

Looking down at the three steps about four or five meters below His Majesty, there were still several people, some standing and some sitting!

Among them, three people were standing. The first one that caught General Zhang's attention was a middle-aged man who looked to be in his forties. He was wearing a Zhongshan suit similar in style to General Zhang's and was standing with a slight bow towards His Majesty.

The reason I paid attention to him first was because he was none other than Lin Huayao, the father-in-law of the Ming King and a first-rank official in charge of money and grain in the Ministry of Revenue of the State!

Beside him were two other people. One was tall and stood sideways with a solemn expression; he was Luo Fengchun, the head of the Ministry of Justice.

There was another person, a young man who looked to be only in his early twenties. He was quite imposing. He did not stand next to the two men, but rather stood to the right behind the two men who were sitting quietly there, wearing long robes with the words "Shangqing" embroidered on their chests.

Zhang Bangli paid no attention to the young man, but his eyes narrowed as he glanced at the two men.

"Not only Daoist Chongxuan, but Daoist Mei has also come?"

Zhang Bangli's heart tightened. It was alright if it was Daoist Chongxuan; he was the chief foreign affairs officer of Shangqing Mountain stationed in the capital. With such a big incident, Shangqing Mountain would not have time to send anyone over, so he must have to step in.

But the other one was a woman who looked to be around thirty years old, with unparalleled beauty.

But Zhang Bangli recognized her. This person was no ordinary person; she was Mei Yunqing, the beloved daughter of Mei Qingshan, the head of the Shangqing Sect!

Although he was over forty, he had already entered the inner sanctum and attained the position of a Dao Master, a very prestigious title in the cultivation world.

Zhang Bangli took a deep breath, becoming even more cautious. With Master Mei's arrival, he truly represented the will of Shangqing Mountain. If the two sides clashed, there was a real possibility that they would break apart.

"Your Majesty!" The atmosphere in the hall was solemn. Zhang Bangli stepped forward a few steps and stood next to Lin Huayao, bowing slightly in greeting.

Eight years ago, under the influence of new ideas, the court also abandoned the kneeling ceremony and adopted the kowtow ceremony instead.

It is not about kowtowing, but about extending both hands forward, making fists, bowing the head, and showing respect!

His Majesty the Emperor, whose given name is Mo Shanhe and whose title is Dingwu!

Just by hearing his name, one can tell that he has lofty ambitions and is destined to rule the country in order to pacify the land!

At this moment, Emperor Dingwu's face was solemn, radiating an aura of fear. He glanced at everyone in the hall before slowly speaking to Zhang Bangli, "Chief Zhang, no need for formalities!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Zhang Bangli stood up and looked straight at Emperor Dingwu.

He didn't know what had happened before or how far the discussion had progressed, so he tried to glean something from Emperor Dingwu's face.

Emperor Dingwu's face was stern, his eyes filled with majesty. Before Zhang Bangli could discern anything, he abruptly rose from his dragon throne. Tall and imposing, his rising only amplified his imposing presence. He took two steps forward, standing at the edge of the steps, and asked Zhang Bangli in a deep voice, "Is my son well?"

His actions and words caused everyone in the hall, including Daoist Chongxuan, to tense up and turn their gazes toward Zhang Bangli.

It is obvious from His Majesty's appearance that he is very concerned about the safety of the Sixth Prince, Ming Wang.

One person, however, had a dark look flash across his eyes. It was Master Mei. Mei Yunqing also looked at Zhang Bangli, but his eyes were different from the others, showing a strong sense of disgust and resentment.

Upon hearing the Emperor's question, Zhang Bangli felt a sense of relief, knowing that the Emperor hadn't yet turned hostile. He immediately adopted a mournful expression: "Your Majesty, Prince Ming's injuries are quite severe, and his condition is extremely critical. I'm afraid..."