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It was still early, and Li Chen rested in the Courtyard of the Bedchamber Palace, considering how to deal with the Purple Firmament Heavenly Palace.
According to Orchid Fairy's intelligence, Heaven-Topping High Person had always handled their external affairs.
Moreover, there were many things he never told anyone else, keeping them to himself.
The Nine Abyss Sacred Domain and the Purple Firmament Heavenly Palace had serious conflicts, and Heaven-Topping High Person had mediated throughout. Perhaps he knew something.
Li Chen wanted to question him for some intelligence.
Just then, the graceful, regal Empress Dowager approached, dressed in a wide-sleeved Phoenix Robe.
Her slender waist swayed with each step, every twist intoxicating.
Li Chen increasingly felt that she truly deserved her position as mistress of the Imperial Harem.
They had grown increasingly familiar lately, even dispensing with all the customary formalities.
The Empress Dowager approached, dismissed the nearby eunuchs and palace maids, then pulled Li Chen straight into the room and closed the door.
This left Li Chen utterly bewildered. Wasn't I usually the one doing this? Why have you turned heaven and earth upside down today?
Once the Empress Dowager came over, Li Chen asked, "Is something the matter?"
He knew she must have something to say, something she did not want others to hear.
The Empress Dowager casually picked up the tea in the room and took a sip before saying, "You need to be careful during this All Nations Paying Court gathering."
As a woman who had managed the Imperial Harem for years, she understood such matters very well.
She did not beat around the bush, telling Li Chen directly that at every grand ceremony like this, those coming to pay tribute would present treasures to the emperor.
These treasures included not only heavenly materials and earthly treasures,