Hmm?
At those words, a trace of confusion immediately crossed Jiang Xiaobai's face.
What did the emperor mean by that?
What did he mean... see whether I could do it?
What did he want me to do?
While Jiang Xiaobai was still puzzling over this, the young eunuch standing ahead called out, "Your Majesty, Heir Jiang has arrived!"
"Hehe, let him in!"
At Xiao Jinxuan's smiling reply, the young eunuch nodded respectfully, then turned to Jiang Xiaobai. "Heir Jiang, please come inside!"
"Certainly, certainly!"
Jiang Xiaobai answered and headed into the Terrace Tower with Tang Ningshuang and Li Zhiwei.
As they entered, a cool breeze greeted them, carrying a faint fragrance of tea.
Looking around, he saw that the Terrace Tower stood beside the lake, its curtains half rolled up on all sides. Shimmering reflections from the water spilled inside, lending the place an indescribable air of refined tranquility.
Jiang Xiaobai immediately spotted Xiao Jinxuan seated at the head.
Besides Xiao Jinxuan, a middle-aged man sat nearby.
That man also had a distinguished bearing, and his gaze had been appraising Jiang Xiaobai ever since he entered.
Several officials were also present.
Among them, besides his future father-in-law Li Bingzhang, was none other than Chen Zhanqiu.
Upon noticing Jiang Xiaobai, Chen Zhanqiu's expression visibly darkened, and he gave a heavy, cold snort from his seat.
Li Bingzhang, on the other hand, immediately smiled when he saw Jiang Xiaobai.
However, he looked slightly surprised when he noticed his daughter following along.
Clearly, he had not expected his daughter to come as well.
But Li Bingzhang said nothing and withdrew his gaze with a smile.
Jiang Xiaobai then looked toward the other side and found several elders dressed in azure robes seated there.
They all possessed an extraordinary bearing. Clearly, they belonged to