Imperial Bestowal

Chu Zhiyuan's face showed a look of longing.

Given Consort Rou's intelligence, she should know to pass the message to the Emperor—the question was how the Emperor would respond.

If only he could truly bestow the Dragon Pearl.

Chu Yi asked curiously, "Eldest Brother, what do you need the Dragon Pearl for? Is it fun?"

"It aids in cultivation."

"Oh." Chu Yi immediately lost interest, then perked up excitedly. "Lady Suyue from the Flying Flower Sword Sect is coming today. She's incredibly skilled!"

"Skilled in what?"

"She's amazing at growing flowers and plants—even better than me! That's incredible!"

"Her martial arts are better than yours too."

"Eldest—Brother—!"

"In your spare time from tending flowers, practice your martial arts more. Things aren't what they used to be," Chu Zhiyuan said. "There's still danger outside the mansion."

"It's not like I don't have guards."

"You can't entrust your life entirely to others," Chu Zhiyuan said. "Starting today, you'll train."

"I still have etiquette lessons to learn."

"From what the two governesses say, your etiquette is already adequate," Chu Zhiyuan said. "You'll start martial training this afternoon."

"..." Chu Yi's face showed resistance.

Chu Zhiyuan said, "Otherwise, don't expect me to keep searching for those rare flowers and plants for you."

"Fine, fine." Chu Yi quickly gave in.

Bai Ningshuang and Chu Minghou watched with amused smiles, not interrupting.

Chu Zhiyuan said, "By the way, Mother, I'll attend Fourth Uncle's birthday banquet this time."

"Finally come around?" Bai Ningshuang broke into a smile. "That's right!"

"This morning when I went to Bright Martial Hall, Third Brother formally invited me. I really couldn't refuse, so I had to agree," Chu Zhiyuan said.

He had gone to Bright Martial Hall early today. When the rising sun turned from red to gold and its light blazed bright, he was about to leave for the Ministry of Rites Office to check in.

Just then, Chu Zhiyao caught up and extended the invitation, asking him to attend Father King's birthday banquet.

Seeing his hesitation, Chu Zhiyao said he had also invited Chu Mingxuan, Chu Zhiting, and Chu Zhichuan—everyone from Bright Martial Hall would be there.

They'd just gather a few tables, have a good time, with no outsiders.

Chu Zhiyuan had no choice but to agree.

Refusing under those circumstances would disrespect not only Chu Zhiyao but also Prince Xuan. One still had to observe social graces.

Bai Ningshuang set down her chopsticks, excited. "No, I have to go dig through your clothes. You need to dress smartly."

At Prince Xuan's birthday banquet, it wouldn't just be the imperial family—the Dukes, Earls, and Marquises from the Duke's Mansion, Earl's Mansion, and Marquis's Mansion would attend with their families.

Such occasions were gatherings of the powerful elite, but also a grand event for the young.

If two people took a liking to each other and their family standings matched, a marriage proposal could follow.

"Mother, that's not necessary," Chu Zhiyuan said.

"You don't understand these things. It's very necessary." Bai Ningshuang rose and hurried off, her steps quick and light.

Chu Minghou chuckled. "Your mother's been grumbling, upset that you wouldn't go. Now that's settled, she can finally relax."

Chu Yi sidled over with a grin. "With Eldest Brother there, I feel relieved."

She really didn't want to go to crowded places—she wasn't used to it. Just thinking about it made her nervous and pressured.

Now that she heard Chu Zhiyuan was going, she immediately relaxed.

With Chu Zhiyuan by her side, she felt grounded, less tense. At least she wouldn't have to make conversation with others—she could just talk to Chu Zhiyuan.

Chu Zhiyuan said, "Don't forget to train."

"I know, I know." Chu Yi waved her hand. "Eldest Brother, you're so naggy!"

"I'll nag a bit more. Let's start with teaching you martial arts. Let's go." Chu Zhiyuan stood up.

Chu Yi let out a mournful sigh and followed Chu Zhiyuan out, head hanging low.

That afternoon, Chu Zhiyuan went to the Ministry of Rites Office first. Seeing Gao Lingfeng waiting outside his room, he beckoned him inside to talk.

"My Lord, the Grandmaster's Mansion has made its move," Gao Lingfeng said with a heavy face, sighing. "They say they've already caught that thief and recovered the item."

"And after recovering it?"

"The Imperial Court took it back. They claim it was originally something the Court lost long ago, later obtained by an ancestor of the Thick Earth Sect, and now it's been returned to its rightful owner."

Chu Zhiyuan couldn't help but laugh.

Gao Lingfeng let out a cold sneer, disdainful. "The Thick Earth Sect was all about 'returning things to their rightful owner.' Well, now returning it to the Imperial Court is the true rightful owner. The Court has taken it back, so no one else can even think about it."

Chu Zhiyuan clapped his hands and laughed. "Excellent!"

The Imperial Court truly lived up to its reputation as a formidable power.

This move of turning their own tactic against them left the Thick Earth Sect with nothing to say.

But what about the Flying Flower Sword Sect?

Gao Lingfeng said, "The Flying Flower Sword Sect must be quite unwilling as well. I wonder if they'll make a fuss."

Chu Zhiyuan smiled. "The Imperial Court must have considered that. They'll surely have a way."

After all, they had to give face to a Grandmaster. The Imperial Court wouldn't go too far with the Flying Flower Sword Sect; they would certainly offer compensation and appeasement.

As the two were speaking, a minor official outside reported that an imperial envoy from the court had come to see the Assistant Director.

Chu Zhiyuan rose and left the room with Gao Lingfeng.

On the open ground outside the house, a middle-aged eunuch in a red robe stood holding a White Jade Duster, smiling amiably, his stance as steady as a mountain and as deep as an abyss.

This red-robed eunuch was slender, with a gentle demeanor and a fair, translucent face. He was unmistakably a master-level expert.

Two young eunuchs in blue robes stood behind him, each holding a square sandalwood tray covered with golden silk, exuding an air of luxury.

Seeing Chu Zhiyuan come out, the middle-aged red-robed eunuch clasped his hands and bowed. "Your servant Huang Cheng pays respects to Heir Apparent Yuan."

Chu Zhiyuan clasped his hands and smiled. "Eunuch Huang, what errand has His Majesty sent you on?"

"His Majesty has ordered your servant to accompany Heir Apparent Yuan to the Flying Flower Sword Sect to deliver an imperial decree."

"Oh? What decree is that?"

"His Majesty bestows two treasures upon the Flying Flower Sword Sect: one is the Glazed Dragon Pearl, and the other is the Evil-Breaking Sword."

"Then I must have a look." Chu Zhiyuan smiled. "Shall we go, Eunuch Huang?"

The Emperor's move was truly intriguing.

"If Heir Apparent Yuan wishes to see, by all means, look." The red-robed eunuch smiled.

Chu Zhiyuan glanced at Zou Fang.

Zou Fang stepped up to the two young eunuchs in blue robes and used the White Jade Duster to lift the golden silk from the trays.

Beneath the golden silk lay a small Sandalwood Box and an ancient sword, its heavy, weathered aura rushing forth.

Both the small Sandalwood Box and the ancient sword bore a golden seal stamped with the character "敕," indicating they were made by Imperial Artisans under imperial command.

Chu Zhiyuan pursed his lips.

Zou Fang stepped forward and gently opened the small Sandalwood Box. Inside lay a dark green round pearl, the size of a chicken egg, carved like black jade, crystal clear and warm, as if spring water flowed within.

Chu Zhiyuan immediately felt the Dragon Transformation Technique churning wildly, as if gone mad.

He pretended to be indifferent, waving his hand with disinterest.

Zou Fang closed the box, then drew the ancient sword from its sheath.

"Clang..."

A sound like a Dragon's Roar rang out as the sword left its scabbard, its blade radiating a cold, chilling light that spread rapidly.

Chu Zhiyuan nodded. "A fine sword."

In terms of presence, it surpassed the Qingying Sword at his waist.

This sword might be sharper and more imposing, but its blade was clearly very heavy, making it less suitable for him than the Qingying Sword.

He looked at Huang Cheng. "Eunuch Huang, let's go. We mustn't delay Imperial Grandfather's decree."

"Yes, yes," Huang Cheng quickly smiled. "Heir Apparent Yuan, please!"

Gao Lingfeng watched this scene with some astonishment.

He felt that Huang Cheng's attitude was overly sycophantic.

Since Huang Cheng had been sent to deliver the decree, he was no ordinary eunuch; he must be trusted by the Emperor and wield considerable power.

For such a Head Eunuch to treat the heir of Prince Qing's Estate in this manner was truly excessively obsequious.

Could this be the method by which Huang Cheng had become a Head Eunuch?

He silently marveled that he himself lacked such a flexible disposition and could never be so fawning.

Being shameless was, after all, a kind of skill in itself.

Chu Zhiyuan neither accepted Huang Cheng's attitude with flattered surprise nor acted overly proud; he simply responded as usual.

These eunuchs from the inner palace were like willow branches, swaying with the wind. Wherever the Emperor's wind blew, they leaned, having no will of their own.

The two walked out together, with Huang Cheng deliberately staying half a step behind.

They left the Ministry of Rites Office and proceeded in a grand procession.

Aside from Chu Zhiyuan's guards, there were also Imperial Guards from the palace. Together, they numbered over fifty, an imposing sight.

When they arrived at the courtyard where the Flying Flower Sword Sect was quartered, word had already reached those inside.

Lu Wan led another elder, Yang Jifan, along with a number of the sect's disciples out to receive the imperial edict.

The disciples' eyes gleamed as they fixed their gazes on Huang Cheng in his red robe.

Huang Cheng, however, did not spare them a glance. He kept his eyes on Chu Zhiyuan, falling half a step behind him to make Chu Zhiyuan's honored status clear.

Chu Zhiyuan smiled and clasped his hands. "Elder Lu, congratulations are in order. Eunuch Huang from the palace has brought His Majesty's personally bestowed treasures."

Lu Wan's expression was solemn as she slowly clasped her hands. "Many thanks, Your Highness the Heir Apparent, and many thanks, Eunuch Huang."

Huang Cheng smiled and clasped his hands, then made a bow in the direction of the palace. His face turned grave and dignified. "His Majesty says he has been keeping watch over the Flying Flower Sword Sect. He hopes that the sect's disciples will strive diligently, not lose their way, and render more meritorious service to the Imperial Court, so as to live up to this great fortune bestowed upon you and not disappoint His Majesty's expectations!"

"Long live the Emperor!" Lu Wan clasped her hands solemnly. "Our sect is deeply grateful and will exert every effort to repay His Majesty's boundless grace!"

Huang Cheng's stern face broke into a smile. "Elder Lu's words, this official will convey to His Majesty."

Chu Zhiyuan said, "Elder Lu, accept these two treasures now."

He stepped forward and lifted the golden silk, revealing a small sandalwood box and an ancient sword, then gestured toward the two items.

Two young eunuchs in blue robes stepped forward, each presenting a tray.

Lu Wan and Yang Jifan each took a tray.

Chu Zhiyuan smiled. "Open them and have a look."

Lu Wan had Li Suyue and Xu Wanshan take the trays, then opened the small sandalwood box and drew the longsword from its sheath.

Xu Wanshan's eyes were instantly drawn to the Chi Dragon Pearl, fixed upon it as if he could not tear them away.

Chu Zhiyuan cast a smiling glance at him.

Huang Cheng took his leave directly, eager to return to the palace and report on his mission. Before departing, he bowed once more to Chu Zhiyuan, his smile fawning and warm.

Chu Zhiyuan did not leave in a hurry.