Dragon and Turtle

After leaving the palace, Hou Moch'en Liyong wore a bitter expression.

"Alas..."

"Immortality?"

These emperors really were something!

"If there were a method of immortality, I'd have used it myself! Why would it ever be your turn?"

He muttered to himself.

After saying that, he looked around to make sure no one was nearby.

What he had said was outright treason. If anyone overheard, his little life would likely be forfeit. There were many at the Imperial Court who already disliked him.

After returning to his residence, Hou Moch'en Liyong pondered for a long while but could not think of a good solution.

Setting aside whether he could learn the method of immortality at all—

Just figuring out how to approach the Goddess Zhao Guangyi had mentioned gave him a headache.

Seeing his deeply furrowed brow, a household guard cautiously asked, "My lord... what is wrong? Has His Majesty made things difficult for you?"

Hou Moch'en Liyong shot him a glance.

"Is that something you should be asking about?"

"..."

The servant hurriedly lowered his head and begged forgiveness.

Hou Moch'en Liyong waved a hand.

"Forget it, forget it!"

"This lord pardons you."

"Yes."

The man nodded with a grin.

Seeing that Hou Moch'en Liyong was still unhappy, he blinked, his expression somewhat conflicted.

Hou Moch'en Liyong noticed and asked, "What else is it?"

The servant bent low and reported to him.

"My lord... while you were in the palace, the Xiayi County magistrate sent someone again."

At those words, Hou Moch'en Liyong frowned slightly.

"Really now!"

"What is wrong with these officials born of scholars? Didn't I tell him to contact me less often? And didn't I already tell him to deal with those mountain bandits first?"

Though he cursed under his breath, he still had the servant bring