A Brand New Engagement

Stepping down from the carriage, Xu Yuan surveyed the heart of imperial power.

Compared to the Forbidden City of his previous life, this imperial palace of the Great Yan Dynasty was probably more than twice the size.

With its upturned eaves and corners, a wide alleyway stretched to the horizon on both sides, flanked by vermilion palace walls. A few eunuchs and palace maids walked among them with their heads bowed, exuding an air of solemnity and oppression.

Xu Yuan withdrew his gaze, a hint of admiration in his eyes:

"Father, this palace is truly enormous."

Xu Yinhe glanced at Xu Yuan:

"The palace is indeed very large, but don't say that outside."

Just as Xu Yuan was wondering what was going on, a delicate voice suddenly came from about half a foot to Xu Yuan side:

"Chancellor Xu, you are joking. His Majesty has instructed that you may enter the palace whenever you wish."

"." Xu Yuan.

Not again?

His gaze shifted back to the person who was speaking in front of the palace gate.

Dressed in a gray python robe with a jade belt, her face was delicate and feminine. She bowed slightly and raised her hand, gesturing for the two to enter.

"His Majesty has already arrived at the Clear Heart Pavilion and specifically instructed me to wait for you here."

"."

Seeing the eunuch's attire, Xu Yuan guessed that this eunuch was at least a ruthless character like the Director of the Eastern Depot or the Chief Eunuch of the Imperial Palace.

That's how it's portrayed in movies; how could an emperor not have a top-notch imperial bodyguard by his side?

However, if this person's cultivation level is truly high, would he still be a eunuch?

Origin Beginning Realm has their head cut off, they can still live; who knows if it can grow back?

While Xu Yuan, Xu Yinhe had already silently stepped through the palace gate.

Seeing this, Xu Yuan followed, but before leaving, he subconsciously glanced at the eunuch in python robes still standing at the door, his eyes filled with a strange look.

The moment he noticed the gaze, the man in the python robe seemed to understand his thoughts, and smiled with narrowed eyes:

"Third Young Master, stop looking. Our family member will never grow up like that in this lifetime."

Xu Yuan was stunned for a moment, then casually asked, "Why?"

The man in the python robe stiffened upon hearing this, but replied with a forced smile:

"We ex-convicts use the Thousand-Cycle Blade, and after advancing to the Grandmaster level, we consume the Powder for Severing Offspring. Besides, we are law-abiding citizens."

Xu Yuan was stunned for a moment, then felt a deep respect:

"What a generous man! May I ask your surname?"

The eunuch in python robes smiled:

"I dare not address myself as noble in front of the Third Young Master; my surname is Nie."

Xu Yinhe walked ahead without turning his head.

Xu Yuan, who was chatting relaxedly with the eunuch behind him, leaned closer and whispered:

"Eunuch Nie, judging from what you just said, if someone doesn't behave their proper role, there should be a way to resolve this, right?"

"."

Eunuch Nie looked at Xu Yuan with a strange expression.

He was about to meet the Emperor. Everyone else was either trembling with fear or at least serious and respectful on their first visit. Why was Young Master Xu acting like he was coming home?

After a moment of silence, Eunuch Nie looked at Xu Yuan and exhaled:

"Indeed, there is, but His Majesty's kindness to our family is immeasurable, and the fate of the nation cannot be lost."

Upon hearing this, Xu Yuan subconsciously glanced into the depths of the inner palace and nodded knowingly.

Not all the concubines in the imperial harem are cultivators, and even those who are cultivators are not necessarily highly skilled. It is entirely possible for a powerful expert to wreak havoc in the harem.

Seeing that undisguised look in his eyes, Eunuch Nie's face twitched, and he spoke with exaggerated intonation:

"A great reputation is well-deserved; even after arriving at the palace, the Third Young Master remains unconventional."

"Thank goodness."

Xu Yuan waved his hand dismissively and continued asking the Eunuch Nie in the python robe about all sorts of trivial matters within the palace, while Xu Yinhe in front pretended not to see him.

The Great Celebration Hall was very large, and the three of them walked along a stone path for about a quarter of an hour.

As they walked, Xu Yuan asked questions and answered them, but Eunuch Nie's expression gradually darkened, and his eyes kept glancing at the figure in front of him.

Just as Xu Yuan was about to ask how the "pairing up" between the eunuch and the palace maid worked, another man dressed in a python robe walked out from the depths of the Great Celebration Hall, followed by a blue-robed eunuch.

As the sunlight fell, one could vaguely make out that the person was a rather tall and handsome man.

Wearing a purple python robe and with a strong face, he was likely not a eunuch bestowing the robes upon him, but a prince.

Upon seeing this scene,

Eunuch Nie seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, immediately pushing Xu Yuan aside and taking a few steps forward to kneel and pay his respects.

"Your Highness, Second Prince"

As you get closer,

Li Zhaoyuan did not immediately pay attention to Eunuch Nie kneeling on the ground, but instead bowed to Xu Yinhe in front of him first:

"Zhao Yuan greets Lord Xu."

Xu Yinhe stood there, his gaze indifferent as he looked at the Second Prince Li Zhaoyuan, who was bowing respectfully before him.

"Why must the Second Prince perform such a grand ceremony?"

"Lord Xu is a pillar of our Great Yan Kingdom, and deserves this courtesy." The Second Prince's voice was very respectful.

Get up.

After saying that, Xu Yinhe brushed past him.

The second prince remained bowed until Xu Yinhe had walked more than ten meters before slowly standing up.

"."

Xu Yuan watched the scene unfold from behind, feeling somewhat puzzled.

Regardless of the rules of etiquette, the Prime Minister must bow before the prince, but this...

Well, what can you do when your father has military power?

However, this second prince was actually an old acquaintance of his.

The time he secretly entered the palace to go to the Imperial Music Bureau), he encountered the other Imperial Music Bureau once there, and he even suffered a loss at the hands of this second prince.

A very old-fashioned conflict between brothels.

Ultimately, however, it was the Imperial Music Bureau's practice of inflating prices that displeased Xu Sanshao.

Within the Imperial Music Bureau, everything had to be done according to the rules.

To become a male prostitute's patron, one had to pay money, possess exceptional literary talent, or have outstanding moral character. Finally, one also had to have a good rapport with the male prostitute and get along well with him.

But given Xu Sanshao's temperament, he couldn't possibly tolerate it.

We've already spent the money, how can we leave empty-handed?

After trying to reason with the pimp for a while, he refused to listen and started smashing up the shop.

Coincidentally, the Second Prince was hosting a banquet for his newly recruited advisors at the Imperial Music Bureau.

Then the conflict was forced to occur.

Since his advisor was injured, the second prince naturally stepped forward.

Neither of them revealed their identities at the beginning.

One immediately offered to be the other's godfather, while the other asked where this bastard came from, causing trouble at the Imperial Music Bureau.

In the end, it was the Imperial Guards who had to clean up the mess.

Thinking of this, the Second Prince had already helped Eunuch Nie was kneeling and bowing, to his feet.

He turned his gaze to Xu Yuan, nodded in acknowledgment, and chuckled softly:

"Changtian, are you still angry with me because of that look in your eyes?"

Xu Yuan grinned:

"I'm not angry, but I wonder if Consort Qin still holds a grudge against me?"

"." The Second Prince.

Taking a deep breath, the Second Prince stared at Xu Yuan and said with a smile:

"I don't know what Changtian is referring to, and why Mother is angry with you."

Xu Yuan, without any hesitation, said with a smile:

"Have you forgotten? Back in the Imperial Music Bureau, you called me some kind of wild bastard."

"Ahem, Changtian is joking."

The second prince's eye twitched, and he coughed lightly, quickly interrupting Xu Yuan to change the subject. "Father is still waiting for you and Lord Xu inside, don't keep him waiting."

Chancellor Xu listened from the side; this was a matter that couldn't be discussed.

Upon hearing this, Xu Yuan grinned, slowly stepped forward, raised his hand, and, under the watchful eyes of Eunuch Nie and the Second Prince's personal eunuch, patted the Second Prince's cheek.

"Li Zhaoyuan, I still prefer your rebellious self from back then."

Having said that, Xu Yuan glanced at the Second Prince with a playful expression, patted him on the shoulder, and then quickly followed Xu Yinhe ahead.

"."

Eunuch Nie observed everything, silently bowed, and then left.

The second prince remained standing there until the three visitors had disappeared from sight.

The personal eunuch standing nearby, witnessing this scene, tentatively spoke up:

"Your Highness, Xu Changtian is utterly disrespectful to the Emperor."

The second prince glanced at his personal attendant, who immediately fell silent.

At this moment, Li Zhaoyuan touched his cheek:

"Xu Changtian has changed."

The personal eunuch asked cautiously, "You mean..."

Li Zhaoyuan smiled and lowered his hand:

"The slaps are completely asymmetrical. Let him slap this side again next time, haha."

Having said that,

The second prince glanced meaningfully behind him, then left without looking back.

Climbing the steps all the way to the Clear Jade Pavilion, Eunuch Nie stood at the entrance to the top floor and bowed slightly in greeting:

"His Majesty is waiting for you inside, so we won't go in."

"Thank you for your trouble, Father-in-law."

Xu Yinhe didn't reply; it was Xu Yuan who spoke, chuckling, "I'll ask you about the food pairing next time."

"." Eunuch Nie.

The sun shines brightly, a gentle breeze blows, and from the top of the Clear Heart Pavilion, one can overlook the entire Di'an Wang Cheng.

Upon entering, Xu Yuan's gaze immediately locked onto an old man draped in an imperial robe.

His face was aged, but he was still quite vigorous and did not look critically ill at all.

The wind on the mountaintop stirred the curtains, allowing the rising incense to permeate the entire room.

The old man sat behind a table with some food on it, and two cushions on the other side, presumably for Xu Yinhe and himself.

Xu Yinhe stepped forward without bowing or kneeling, and sat down directly on the prayer mat on the left.

Seeing this, Xu Yuan figured he didn't need to bow.

They followed suit and went over to sit down.

As soon as I sat down

The old man opposite him looked at him with a strange expression.

Xu Yinhe glanced at him at that moment.

Xu Yuan looked somewhat puzzled.

Xu Yinhe exhaled:

"Changtian, bow."

"."

Xu Yuan looked embarrassed and was about to stand up again when the old man opposite him suddenly chuckled:

"Alright, you're already seated, let's skip the formalities. Have you two eaten?"

"Not yet," Xu Yinhe replied.

The old man glanced outside the door:

"Master, serve the dishes."

Xu Yinhe looked at the old man's face:

"You look better this time."

The old man in the imperial robe glanced at Xu Yuan:

"We can't scare the younger generation."

Xu Yinhe remained noncommittal.

"Then you should dress younger."

The old man in imperial robes picked up food with chopsticks:

"If you don't believe my injury, I can let you take my pulse yourself."

Xu Yinhe's eyes narrowed.

Upon seeing this, the old man in the imperial robes quickly waved his hand:

"Hey, Your Sage Xu, are you really trying to take my pulse with that look in your eyes?"

A hint of a smile appeared in Xu Yinhe's eyes:

"You know I won't."

Xu Yuan breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this.

If the emperor's injuries are manageable after taking his pulse, then there's nothing to worry about; but if his days are numbered, then it's time to completely break off relations.

Both sides are aware of this.

The old man in the imperial robe rolled his eyes at Xu Yinhe and sighed softly:

"I've always been like this since I was young, making it impossible for people to tell what I'm thinking."

"."

"."

Xu Yinhe and Li Yaoxuan chatted casually, like old friends having a lively conversation.

Xu Yuan, unable to get a word in edgewise, sat idly to the side, drinking tea and lost in thought.

After Xu Yinhe gave him some pointers, he kept thinking about this power struggle, but he could only use very little of his memories from his previous life.

In Cangyuan, the death of Emperor Jiajing was only briefly mentioned.

Because at that point in time, players were mostly still out in the shadows, outmaneuvering minor characters, and couldn't get into the core battleground.

Each time, it was only after some time had passed that this information could be obtained from an NPC or from some notices on the city walls.

The emperor died, Prime Minister seized all power.

As for who ascended to the throne, there were a total of three across all those timelines.

One was the Crown Prince, the other the second prince, and the third a five-year-old child.

Leaving the latter aside for now, the former two are the two princes in the Imperial Capital who are most likely to vie for the throne.

The gap between these two periods was not something players would have thought much about back then, because the second emperor's presence was completely overshadowed by the Prime Minister.

But now, reflecting on the gap between those times is rather chilling.

Xu Yuan could offer little help with these fragmented pieces of information from his past life, but he could at least get a general idea of what was going on.

If the royal family's presence is so low, there's only one explanation: Xu Yinhe has purged their power.

In other words, the emperor in front of us was most likely killed by this father himself in the story.

Thinking deeper, the collapse of the Prime Minister's Estate the Cangyuan storyline, which seemed like a plot device, may have been partly due to the influence of the royal family.

At this thought, Xu Yuan subconsciously glanced at the middle-aged man with graying temples beside him.

However, judging from the attitude his father has shown so far, he would absolutely not take action against the royal family unless absolutely necessary.

There must be a crucial point that forced him to do this.

"Changtian."

One guess after another surfaced in his mind, only to be rejected one by one, until finally Xu Yuan gave up.

"Changtian."

We lack sufficient information to analyze the situation; let's just take it one step at a time.

"Changtian!"

"Ah?"

Xu Yuan snapped out of his reverie, only to find that both powerful figures were looking at him. Realizing they were talking about him, he awkwardly smiled and said, "I was just thinking about something."

Xu Yinhe repeated:

"The Emperor asks you, are you capable of cultivation?"

"."

Xu Yuan subconsciously looked at the old man opposite him.

Even though his words were ignored, Li Yaoxuan wasn't angry. He smiled slightly at Xu Yuan, like an elder.

"I am very curious as to why you suddenly transformed from a born cripple into Innate Dao Body."

Xu Yuan didn't hesitate at all and said directly:

"Ancient Abyss kidnapped me before, Ran Qingmo rescued me. During our escape, I obtained a pill by fortuitous opportunity, and after taking it, I became like this."

"Do you have the Pill Formula?" Li Yaoxuan asked.

Xu Yuan glanced at Xu Yinhe.

Xu Yinhe's voice was steady:

"If you have it, give it to the Emperor. He will certainly not treat you unfairly."

Xu Yuan was stunned for a moment, then immediately understood.

This is an attempt to find a way to prolong the emperor's life.

The cooperation Prime Minister's Estate and the royal family can only continue if the emperor continues to live.

Unfortunately, the Blood Origin Heart-Fall Technique does not contain the method for making the Calamity-Breaking Pill.

"No."

Upon hearing this, Li Yaoxuan seemed somewhat disappointed, but then he smiled and said:

"Never mind then, let's talk about your marriage, Changtian."

Upon hearing this, Xu Yuan sat up slightly:

"Your Majesty, please speak, I am listening."

A hint of helplessness flashed across Li Yaoxuan's aged face, and he spoke bluntly and directly:

"That girl Mu Zhiyun, is threatening suicide to force herself to marry you."

"." Xu Yuan.

Oh no, he's been jilted at the wedding.

He paused for a moment,

Li Yaoxuan smiled slightly:

"However, I just discussed this with your father via telepathy, and I can arrange another marriage for you. Go and see her at Yuanmian Pingxuan Lake; she's waiting for you there. If you're willing, the marriage will be arranged today."

Xu Yuan's expression was strange, and he cupped his hands in a respectful gesture:

"Your Majesty, could it be Li Junwu?"

Li Yaoxuan was speechless, a strange smile playing on his aged yet piercing eyes:

"You'll know when you get there, Changtian."

Led by Eunuch Nie, Xu Yuan crossed a lush mountain forest and came to see a lake.

After saying goodbye, Xu Yuan went inside alone.

His gaze quickly settled on a woman standing by the lake.

Dressed in plain white clothes, with long, straight black hair reaching her waist and tied at the end, she stood quietly by the lake, gazing at the beautiful scenery.

It's not Li Junwu.

Xu Yuan breathed a sigh of relief.

Even though we're best friends for life, there's still something strange going on.

Xu Yuan slowly stepped forward, trying to search his memory for the owner of the figure, but unfortunately, none of them matched.

Walking up to the other person, Xu Yuan stood with his hands behind his back. He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye and noticed that she had a flat chest, feeling slightly disappointed.

A gentle breeze stirred his long, tied-up hair as Xu Yuan spoke softly:

The wind is quite strong today.

"You're quite good-looking."

The woman beside him interrupted Xu Yuan's rambling, her voice slightly rustling. "Our child shouldn't be ugly in the future."

"."

Xu Yuan remained silent.

Are women these days so direct?

Taking a deep breath, Xu Yuan slowly turned his eyes, and immediately met a pair of sharp phoenix eyes.

The moment Xu Yuan saw this stunningly beautiful face, he realized it looked somewhat familiar.

The woman in plain clothes had already turned her gaze towards the lakeside:

"You... seem to recognize me?"

As she spoke, a hint of heroism was hidden between her willow-leaf eyebrows, her delicate nose was slightly upturned, and two strands of hair on her cheeks gently brushed against her face in the wind, adding to her alluring charm.

Dressed in a snow-white gown, she seemed shrouded in a light mist as the lake breeze gently caressed her.

It was both real and illusory, so flawlessly beautiful, as if it were untouched by worldly affairs.

Xu Yuan took a deep breath and asked:

"I remember you were fighting in the Northern Border, weren't you?"

A little too long, a little too early

Hope to maintain