Lin Fenghe a bitter expression. "Your Highness, let's talk inside the palace."
Li Qiang felt uncomfortable being addressed as "Prince" repeatedly. He knew that someone from an official family like Lin Fenghe wouldn't joke around so casually, especially in formal settings. His adherence to rules and regulations was deeply ingrained from childhood and wasn't easily changed. He nodded and said, "Alright, let's go in."
On the way, Li Qiang asked, " Zhao Hao, where are our people?"
"Master, they're all guarding the palace."
Li Qiang laughed and said, "I didn't expect you all to have been conscripted. Are Kong Hou and the others here too?"
Lin Fenghe quickly interjected, "Master Kong Hou is also here. We had no choice; the palace is in complete chaos. It just so happens that the Prince's men have arrived. I requested permission to personally welcome Master Zhao and his party into the palace."
Zhao Hao said, "We've encountered a highly skilled cultivator, but fortunately, we outnumber them and Kong Hou and Kudu, which scared them away. So far, there's nothing serious going on."
Li Qiang knew that he had once again been drawn into the struggles of the Gusong Kingdom.
From the moment he entered through the palace gates, the security along the way became even tighter. Li Qiang scanned the entire palace and found that there were almost no blind spots; guards were stationed everywhere, and he could also see cultivators from the Imperial Household Department patrolling from time to time. When he reached the rear palace, Li Qiang exclaimed in surprise, "Huh, they're all our people."
Nashan and Tange stood at the outer gate of the palace like two guardian deities, chests out and heads held high, their eyes fixed straight ahead.
Li Qiang suddenly accelerated and appeared in front of Nashan. Nashan trembled in fright, but upon realizing it was Li Qiang, he immediately beamed and whispered, "Boss... hehe, boss, you're finally here, hehe."
Li Qiang patted his chest and laughed, " Nashan, you look pretty impressive."
Nashan chuckled and said, "I, Old Na, am now a first-class bodyguard." He was so proud of himself that he didn't know what to do.
Li Qiang teased, "Oh, what a high-ranking official! What rank is he? Tell me."
Nashan said embarrassedly, "Anyway, it's very high... I don't know what rank Old Na, but it's definitely very high, haha."
Tange said, "Boss, this kid just became an officer... hehe, he can't even walk properly yet..."
Nashan glared at Tange: " Old Tan, don't talk bad about me!"
A chief eunuch emerged from the palace and announced in a shrill voice, "Your Highness, the Emperor summons you."
Nashan gasped, muttering under his breath, "This is incredible! So the eldest brother is actually a prince."
Tange didn't quite understand and asked, "What kind of official is the prince? Is he higher than you?"
Nashan shook his bald Baldy: "They can't be compared; they're completely different things."
Li Qiang laughed and scolded, "You rascal, you're quite the opportunist. How about we keep you in the palace?"
Nashan chuckled and said, "No need to stay, Old Na. Let me show off for a bit, I'll still go with you. These brothers... sigh, I can't leave them."
Li Qiang smiled, patted his shoulder, and turned to walk into the palace.
A dozen or so officials were sitting in the main hall of the palace. Li Qiang recognized a few of them, but the one he knew best was the old scholar Cheng Zizhong. When Cheng Zizhong saw Li Qiang, a hint of fear appeared on his face. He still remembered how Li Qiang had knocked him unconscious when he left the capital last time.
Li Qiang said with a grin, "Oh, it's the old master... Congratulations on your promotion!"
Cheng Zizhong -rank purple python robe. He was already the Minister of Personnel. He knew that the Emperor favored him because of Li Qiang. He had risen so quickly because of the Holy Prince and Li Qiang.
Cheng Zizhong and the book scribe smiled wryly, "Your Highness, thanks to your blessing, I, Cheng Zizhong, the Minister of Personnel, pay my respects to Your Highness."
Li Qiang waved his hand dismissively, and Cheng Zizhong couldn't bow down. Li Qiang said, "Old Master, you seem a little unhappy with me. Hey, hey, I had no choice but to knock you out last time. Apologize, okay?"
Cheng Zizhong looked terrified and repeatedly said, "I wouldn't dare! I wouldn't dare! I'm overjoyed to see Your Highness, how could I dare to complain?"
The officials in the hall were all high-ranking officials from the Gusong Kingdom. They could tell from Li Qiang's attire that a prince had arrived, but most of them did not recognize him, and only a few knew who Li Qiang was.
Cheng Zizhong introduced, "This is the Holy Prince's brother, the Prince of Loyalty and Valor bestowed by the Emperor." As the Minister of Personnel, he was aware of all personnel changes.
What official position Li Qiang holds now is not important; what matters is that he is the brother of the Holy King. This status is very intimidating in the Gusong Kingdom, and the high-ranking officials hurriedly stepped forward to pay their respects.
A eunuch whispered a reminder: "Your Highness, the Emperor is still waiting to be summoned."
Li Qiang nodded in acknowledgment and hurriedly followed the eunuch inside.
The palace was actually a square courtyard, where Kudu and a few others stood. Upon seeing Li Qiang, they immediately bowed and gestured for him to go inside quickly.
Lin Fenghe lowered his voice and said, "His Majesty is on his deathbed."
Li Qiang was startled. He didn't say anything and quickened his pace towards the room.
A group of palace maids and eunuchs stood outside the dormitory door, all with their hands at their sides. The head eunuch at the door quietly waved his hand, signaling Li Qiang and his companions to wait while he went inside to report. After a short while, the head eunuch came out and whispered, "Please come in, gentlemen!"
The dormitory room was small, with a cloud-shaped bed carved with dragons and phoenixes taking up almost half of the room, and a strong smell of medicine wafted through the air.
Several other people were standing in the room. One was a middle-aged man dressed in the robes of a prince, who was the current emperor's younger brother Prince Dexian, Zhao Gong. Another was a boy of about twelve or thirteen years old, dressed in the robes of a crown prince, who was the emperor's only son Zhao Qi.
Thanks to the elixir given to him by Hou Pijing, the emperor was sixty years old when he gave birth to his only precious son, who was immediately named crown prince upon birth.
Kong Hou stood behind the cloud bed, while another cultivation master stood by the door and corner of the room, diagonally opposite Kong Hou, guarding the seriously ill emperor. Two imperial physicians stood helplessly to the side.
Crown Prince Zhao Qi knelt on the footboard of the cloud bed, holding the emperor's hand, his face streaked with tears.
As soon as Li Qiang and his group entered the house, they immediately startled everyone, who turned to look at them.
Li Qiang was startled when he saw the emperor on the cloud bed. He ignored the greetings from others and quickly walked to the bedside.
A flash of annoyance crossed Prince Dexian's eyes. This Li Qiang was ignoring him. He turned his head to a painting of pine trees and eagles hanging on the wall to hide his anger.
Li Qiang wasn't a diagnostic expert, but as a master cultivator, he could tell at a glance that the emperor wasn't sick, but rather seemed to have been poisoned by some kind of slow-acting poison. It was probably because a cultivator had given him some kind of miraculous medicine that had kept him in this state until now.
Li Qiang beckoned to the imperial physician and asked, "What is the problem, Your Majesty?"
The young prince interjected, "I know, it's some kind of strange poison!"
The imperial physician bowed and nodded. "Your Highness, this poison is very strange, and we can't find an antidote..." He explained in a rambling manner.
The young prince looked at Li Qiang with a special gaze, one of adoration. He knew who Li Qiang was; as the successor of the Gusong Kingdom, the emperor had long ago entrusted him with some of the most important matters, especially those related to the Holy Prince.
He asked hopefully, "Can you save my father?"
As soon as Li Qiang entered the room, Kong Hou telepathically informed him of everyone's identities. Li Qiang laughed and said, "You are Crown Prince Zhao Qi? Hehe, don't worry, as long as it's poison, I'm not afraid." He breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing that it was poison, because he possessed the Heavenly Melody City's holy antidote, Cold Marrow Scale.
Crown Prince Zhao Qi was overjoyed and completely disregarded Li Qiang's rudeness. He was, after all, the heir apparent, and speaking to him required a kneeling bow. Although young, the Crown Prince was very mature and experienced. He said, "Thanks to the Prince's assistance, Zhao Qi thanks you on behalf of my father, the Emperor."
Li Qiang patted his shoulder with a grin and said, "Don't worry, Your Highness, you don't need to be so polite."
Everyone in the room was nearly scared to death by Li Qiang's actions, thinking to themselves, "This Li Qiang really has the style of the Holy Prince, no respect for elders, no regard for rules."
Prince Dexian suddenly shouted, "How dare you! How dare you be disrespectful to His Highness the Crown Prince! Guards, seize him!" The cultivator in the corner of the room suddenly shot out a flying sword, aiming straight for Li Qiang's neck.
Kong Hou was furious and sent out a string of brown beads. Zhao Hao also spat out the Cold Sparrow Flying Sword behind Li Qiang. In an instant, the room was filled with flashing sword light.
Li Qiang completely ignored all of this. He reached out and took out the Cold Marrow Scale, saying, "This is an antidote pill..."
Prince Dexian shouted, "Your Highness, this kind of elixir of unknown origin must not be given to my elder brother so casually! Have the officials of the Attendant Hall examine it first!"
Li Qiang shoved the elixir into the Crown Prince's hand, then flew backward, snatching the cultivator's flying sword mid-air. He coldly said, "Using a flying sword in the Emperor's palace? You don't want to live!" He then telepathically told Kong Hou, "Keep an eye on him, don't let him escape."
Prince Dexian was shocked; this Li Qiang was truly formidable. He said, his voice trembling with fear, "How... how dare you! Your Highness, you must avenge your uncle!"
The Crown Prince seemed not to hear Prince Dexian's words, focusing intently and carefully as he placed the pill into the Emperor's mouth. However, the Emperor could no longer swallow, and he said with difficulty, "Your Highness..."
Li Qiang said, "Your Highness, please step aside and let me try."
Crown Prince Zhao Qi stood up, stepped aside, and stared longingly at Li Qiang.
Prince Dexian, Zhao Gong, blushed deeply. No one had ever dared to be so disrespectful to him in his entire life. He angrily flung his sleeves and stormed out the door.
Li Qiang's mind was entirely focused on the Emperor. He used his Divine Sense to survey the situation and came up with a good plan. He said, " Kong Hou, Zhao Hao, you two will protect me. Crown Prince, don't worry about anything else for now. Pass down the order: no one is allowed to enter the room, or they will be killed without mercy!"
Li Qiang's words invigorated the Crown Prince. He knew very well that if anything happened to his father, the Emperor, he would not be able to secure his throne. Therefore, he valued the Emperor's life and death more than anyone else.
He decisively issued the order, then sat down on the chair beside him and said, "Please, Your Highness, do everything in your power to save him. I will take full responsibility."
Li Qiang was quite surprised. This crown prince was truly remarkable; he could make decisive decisions and let go of burdens with ease, displaying the bearing of an emperor. He nodded and said, "Don't worry, Crown Prince."
A purplish-red light emanated from his hands, seeping into the emperor's body bit by bit. Gradually, beads of sweat the size of soybeans covered the emperor's bluish-purple face, and he began to tremble, seemingly struggling desperately.
A eunuch standing nearby, holding a soft towel, tried to wipe the emperor's sweat, Li Qiang shouted softly, "Get out of the way!"
Zhao Hao Movement Method, and with a single punch, he sent the eunuch flying, causing him to faint from fright.
The air in the room suddenly became tense. All the eunuchs and palace maids lowered their heads, not daring to breathe. If they caused trouble now, their entire families would be executed.
As Li Qiang's True Essence Power moved, the Cold Marrow Scale spread rapidly. Gradually, the black, ink-like viscous liquid was drawn out of the emperor's body and condensed on his body. The outer layer of this thick black viscous liquid was wrapped in a thin layer of purple light.
Li Qiang recognized it as a rare, chronic, highly toxic poison called Purple Ink Poison Yin, which was transmitted through a poison curse.
The emperor suddenly shouted, "I'm suffocating!"
The Crown Prince's face lit up with joy. He admired Li Qiang even more. So many people were helpless, and even the experts in the Attendant Hall couldn't save his father. But Li Qiang had given him hope in less than an hour. He truly deserved to be the Holy Prince's brother.
Li Qiang originally intended to burn away the clump of Purple Ink Poison Yin with Heavenly Fire, but then changed his mind. This poisonous substance was also a rare thing, and it would be a pity to burn it. He used the alchemy techniques of the Rejuvenation Valley to condense the clump of Purple Ink Poison Yin into six crystal-clear poison beads.
Li Qiang held the poison bead in his hand and said, "This is what harms people, but I don't understand, how could His Majesty have gotten involved with the Poison Incantation Sect?"
The Emperor opened his eyes and immediately recognized Li Qiang. All these years had passed, yet Li Qiang hadn't aged a bit; he looked exactly as he had when they first met. He said weakly, "I've finally waited for you. Cough cough. This time, I must stay in the Gusong Kingdom for as long as possible. I know you don't want to be an official, but even for the sake of the Holy King..."
Li Qiang nodded sheepishly and said, "Your Majesty, please rest and recover. I will stay for a while." He was still soft-hearted. If the emperor had spoken in a commanding tone, he might have ignored him, but since the emperor spoke in a pleading tone, he had no choice.
The Emperor smiled with satisfaction and said, "My son, come and meet the Prince of Loyalty and Valor. In the future, you should consult him more often when you encounter problems."
The Crown Prince said happily, "Father, the Prince of Loyalty and Valor has rendered meritorious service in saving your life. I understand. Please rest assured and recover soon."
The Emperor was very pleased with this Crown Prince, and his eyes were full of affection for him.
Li Qiang took out two cyan jade tablets, held them in his palms, and instantly inscribed three talismans on them. He then channeled his True Essence Power to activate the talismans and handed them to the Crown Prince, saying, "One is for the Emperor to wear around his neck, and the other is for you. It can ward off the insidious Curse of the Poison Incantation Sect." These are Buddha Sect Evil-Warding Buddhist Incantation evil, quite different from the Law Technique of cultivators.
The Crown Prince personally strung the jade pendant on a red silk thread and hung it around the Emperor's neck.
The cyan jade tablet flashed three beams of cyan light and silently disappeared into the emperor's body. The emperor immediately felt extremely relaxed, and the feeling of not being able to breathe that he had felt earlier vanished. He immediately fell into a deep sleep.
Li Qiang smiled and said, "For now, the Emperor is out of danger. With this jade pendant protecting him, it's difficult for him to be afflicted by poisonous curses. However, if someone gets close enough to cast a curse, this jade pendant won't be able to withstand it. Remember, if the jade pendant explodes, someone within ten meters will definitely cast a curse."
The prince hung up the jade pendant and said bitterly, "If it is found out who ordered the curse, I... I will exterminate their entire family!" The ruthlessness in his tone was completely out of character for his young age.
The eunuch who had just been punched away by Zhao Hao groaned as he got up, trembling as he knelt on the ground. The crown prince waved his hand expressionlessly. "Drag him out! Kill him!"
Li Qiang advised, "Your Highness, let it go. It's unlucky to kill someone at this time."
The crown prince immediately realized that it was indeed inauspicious to kill someone now that his father had just recovered, so he said, "Send him to North River Mouth."
Li Qiang sighed inwardly; human life here was truly worthless, people killed without hesitation.
The eunuch kowtowed repeatedly, knowing that Li Qiang had saved his life.
Li Qiang asked, "Your Highness, who has a grudge against the Emperor and would cast such a poisonous curse?"
Crown Prince Zhao Qi rubbed his sleepy eyes, a rare seriousness appearing on his youthful face. He said in a low voice, "A few months ago, Father began to feel fatigued, and the imperial physicians couldn't find the problem. Later, it got worse and worse, so Father specially summoned General Lin Fenghe and sent people to invite experts from the Attendant Hall. Only then did we realize that someone was behind it all. This time, thanks to General Lin Fenghe, he immediately arranged for the Imperial Guards to guard the palace closely and also asked experts from the Attendant Hall to protect the imperial bedchamber. However, Father's condition is getting more and more serious. Although he is being held up by the spirit medicine from the Attendant Hall, alas... We have already sent people to investigate, but we still haven't figured out who is so audacious and arrogant."
In fact, the Emperor had already made arrangements. As soon as he realized something was wrong, he began preparations. He knew his problem had to be solved by a master of the Cultivation Realm. Since he couldn't find Hou Pijing, he placed his bet on Li Qiang. Just then, Zhao Hao and his group arrived. So the Emperor not only bestowed official titles and rewards upon Zhao Hao and his men, but also left a special edict that as soon as Li Qiang returned, he would be immediately granted the title of King and summoned to the palace, because Hou Pijing had once told him that Li Qiang was a trustworthy ally.
Li Qiang asked, "Don't you have even the slightest clue?"
The crown prince smiled wryly, "No, the three great powers of the Green Basin have been fighting each other for years. Who knows which country is behind this?"
Li Qiang recalled that when he first met Hou Pijing, Hou Pijing was tightly bound by the Heartless Knot of the Poison Incantation Sect. If Li Qiang hadn't given him a bottle of alcohol, Hou Pijing would probably still be suffering.
Li Qiang was unfamiliar with the specifics of the Gusong Kingdom and was momentarily confused. After a moment's thought, he said, "Put everything else aside for now. The Emperor's recovery is the most important thing. I'll have Kong Hou stay behind and send a few more experts to guard the inner palace. The Imperial Guards can withdraw and await orders. We'll discuss everything after the Emperor recovers. There's no need for any earth-shattering events. Right now, the most important thing is to maintain a tight internal defense while remaining relaxed externally. I estimate that the enemy will definitely take further action. It's better to remain still than to act rashly. Let's wait."
The Crown Prince's eyes lit up. Li Qiang's words had cleared his mind. He replied, "Alright, we'll do as the Prince wishes." He was still just a child, and after so many days of hard work, he was exhausted. After speaking, he couldn't help but let out a big yawn.
Li Qiang laughed and said, "Your Highness should get some rest. Hmm? Where did that guy who used the flying sword go?"
Kong Hou, "He left with Prince Dexian. I saw that the eldest brother was at a crucial moment, so I didn't dare to disturb him. He should be from the Attendant Hall; he can't leave."
The Crown Prince said, "He is not a servant of the Attendant Hall, but a friend of my Imperial Uncle. Because there are few skilled warriors, he was specially recommended to come here to protect my father."
Li Qiang said thoughtfully, "It's like this... if... suppose... this..." He was a little unsure how to put it.
The Crown Prince looked at Li Qiang and said softly, "Your Highness, please speak freely without reservation."
Li Qiang said, "If I cannot save the Emperor, besides the Crown Prince, who will be the biggest beneficiary?"
The crown prince was still young, and upon hearing this, his face immediately turned pale.
He understood what Li Qiang meant, but it was too blunt, and he couldn't stand it.
Li Qiang, a seasoned businessman, knew that there is no love or hate without a reason, and that everything has a cause and effect. He was trying to enlighten the Crown Prince.
Li Qiang said, "It's enough that the Crown Prince knows what's going on; this is just one possibility."
The Crown Prince knew that Li Qiang was crucial to his future ascension to the throne. He said, "Your return is truly a blessing for the Qi'er Gusong Kingdom. On behalf of my father, I thank you." As he spoke, he stood up and bowed. As the Crown Prince, he referred to himself as "Qi'er," indicating that he regarded Li Qiang as an elder.
Li Qiang quickly helped him up, saying, "Oh, Your Highness, there's no need to be so polite." But inwardly he was amazed; at such a young age, he already knew how to win people's hearts—this child was truly remarkable.
For the sake of his brother Hou Pijing, Li Qiang, now that he had arrived in the Gusong Kingdom, could not ignore what was happening here. Li Qiang said, "Your Highness, you must also be careful. It would be best if someone from the Attendant Hall guarded you." He then took out the amulet that Qi Junsha had given him from his bracelet, wrapped it around the Crown Prince's wrist, and whispered, "If you notice anything amiss, remember to use this hand to block it; it can save your life."
For some reason, Li Qiang felt a pang of pity for the young prince. It was truly not easy for someone so young to have to deal with such a complicated situation.
The Crown Prince appreciated Li Qiang's kindness and nodded in thanks, saying, "Yes, Qi'er will be careful."
Li Qiang then gave Lin Fenghe a few more instructions, sat down cross-legged on the spot, and said, "I will be on guard tonight; everyone else, go and rest."
Lin Fenghe bowed respectfully, turned and left the palace. The Crown Prince and his guards also returned to rest, and the room became quiet.
The lights in the palace gradually dimmed; night had fallen.
A peaceful night.
Li Qiang had almost forgotten what sleep felt like. He stood up, glanced at the sleeping emperor and Kong Hou and Zhao Hao sitting cross-legged beside him, and quietly left the room.
Last night, while he was resting, he noticed that there were about seven skilled men lying in ambush around the bedroom, seemingly protecting the emperor. When he came to the corridor, he saw that the eunuchs and palace maids who were serving him were all leaning against the wall, pretending to be asleep.
Li Qiang walked silently, as if floating on the ground, and no one noticed him. He walked outside and came to the palace gate, where he saw Nashan and Tange leaning against the door, fast asleep. A dozen guards stood obediently by their side, and when they saw Li Qiang come out, they all bowed and greeted him.
Li Qiang nodded and gently patted Nashan's Baldy head. The boy jumped up in fright, and a beam of light flashed from the Azure Shadow Binding on his elbow, striking Li Qiang.
When he realized he had hit the boss, he cried out in alarm, "Hey! Boss, I didn't mean to..."
The surrounding guards were terrified. This Nashan had not only struck the prince with lightning, but also addressed him as "boss," which was utterly rude. But Li Qiang smiled and said, " Nashan, come shopping with me." The lightning couldn't have hurt him at all.
Tange said, "I want to go too!"
Nashan chuckled, "Thanks, boss. Old Tan, what's that on your face? Sigh..."
Tange was puzzled by what he said, and vigorously wiped his face with his sleeve, asking, "What is it? Old Na, what is it?"
Nashan said nonchalantly, "It's nothing, just two specks of sleep."
The guards burst into laughter.
Tange shrugged and laughed, "I thought it was something else. What does it matter? It's much better looking than the bird poop on your Baldy."
Nashan rolled up his sleeves and frantically rubbed his head twice, saying, "Impossible..."
Li Qiang chuckled, "Hmm, not on top of your head, but on the side, right... close to your ear, it really is there... You probably didn't notice it while you were sleeping." He said seriously.
Nashan rubbed his Baldy until it was Baldy red, almost tearing the skin, while Tange and Li Qiang kept saying, "No!", "A little to the side!", "Over there, not here!"
The guards were laughing so hard their stomachs hurt. Nashan finally realized he'd been tricked and yelled angrily, "Boss! Tange!"
Li Qiang said nonchalantly, "Hmm, it's clean now." There's no way to prove anything now.
Tange suppressed a laugh and nodded repeatedly, "Yes, it's really clean. Hey, Old Na, your head is so red, it's glowing like you're about to get rich."
Nashan grinned widely, too angry to speak. With the boss joining the fray, it was certain they'd suffer a loss.