Chapter 103: Returning to the Palace (Please Subscribe)

Seven days later, at noon, Zhu Yu had already entered the palace and changed his clothes.

Since he had already seen the scenery on the return journey and had urgent matters to attend to, Zhu Yu hastened his pace considerably.

Now, Zhu Yu and the escort from the Western Depot had returned to the capital, but his imperial carriage and the accompanying Forbidden Army were still on the way back.

During the return to the palace, Zhu Yu recalled what Old Bai had said—that Ma Dayuan, the leader of the Beggars’ Sect, had died, and that the Apricot Grove incident was about to unfold.

Originally, Zhu Yu had intended to get involved in this matter, but with Yu Huatian’s plan already underway and chaos about to erupt in the martial world, combined with the palace’s orders already issued, it was unwise to change plans hastily. Thus, Zhu Yu resolved to return to the palace first and discuss the matter further.

Now back in the imperial palace, Zhu Yu’s mind was becoming alert; he could not help but focus on this issue, especially because of Qiao Feng. Zhu Yu was reluctant to see him perish.

Though netizens in the previous life had broad and varied definitions of “chivalry,” there was no denying that Qiao Feng rightfully bore the title. More than that, in Zhu Yu’s mind, he was a true hero.

If Zhu Yu did not intervene, there was an eighty percent chance that Qiao Feng would follow the original storyline and embrace the Khitan. Although Zhu Yu was confident that Qiao Feng would never do anything to betray the Jing dynasty, allowing such a talented man to perish was not befitting of the throne he sat upon.

Having just finished bathing and dressing, a eunuch outside announced, “Your Majesty, Hua Wuque has arrived and is currently waiting in the imperial study.”

“I understand. You may leave,” Zhu Yu responded with a nod.

After a short while, Zhu Yu met Hua Wuque in the imperial study.

“Old Hua, it seems you’ll need to travel afar once again,” Zhu Yu said upon seeing him.

“Your Majesty, please give your orders,” Hua Wuque bowed in acknowledgment.

“This time, you must go to Jiangnan. I don’t know the exact location, only that it’s called Apricot Grove, which should be easy enough to inquire about. Your task is simple: rescue someone and bring that person before me.”

Hearing this, Hua Wuque was somewhat surprised. Rescue just one person? So simple? But then he reconsidered—would rescuing one person require a grandmaster?

“I understand. May I ask who Your Majesty wishes me to rescue?”

“The Beggars’ Sect leader, Qiao Feng.”

At the mention of the name, the usually expressionless Hua Wuque’s face twitched slightly, though he tried hard to restrain himself.

Recalling Qiao Feng’s heroic bearing from their previous meeting, Hua Wuque could not help but speak.

“Your Majesty, I am unsure what trouble Chief Qiao has encountered. I was fortunate to meet him once; his martial prowess is formidable. If even he cannot resolve the issue, I fear my efforts alone will be insufficient.”

Hua Wuque tactfully reminded Zhu Yu to send more men or perhaps choose someone else.

“Old Hua, you needn’t worry. This is a problem for Qiao Feng, but for others, it’s not so difficult. Here’s the situation... when the time comes, you just need to...”

After listening to Zhu Yu’s explanation, Hua Wuque was somewhat confused, unable to grasp the full picture, and asked, “Is this what you call the righteous sects?”

“Haha, righteous sects? That’s just the prestige left by our predecessors. In my view, these so-called righteous sects are less clean than the demonic cults. I’ve told you everything; do you understand what to do now?” Zhu Yu chuckled, addressing Hua Wuque’s doubts.

“Understood, I will depart immediately,” Hua Wuque replied once he grasped his mission.

“Good. I won’t detain you. Go back and bid Xinlan farewell,” Zhu Yu said, signaling Hua Wuque to leave.

“Yes.” Hua Wuque bowed again and turned to leave.

Since Zhu Yu had no urgent affairs afterward, the eunuch guarding the door left it open to let some breeze in for the emperor’s comfort.

Not long after, a eunuch entered carrying two plates of pastries, saying, “Your Majesty, you have been hard at work traveling. Although the delicacies outside are unique, those made in the palace are still better. These are your usual favorite snacks—please try them first. The dishes you like are being prepared in the imperial kitchen and will be ready soon. Without your presence, the palace chefs lack motivation, but now that you have returned, they seem to have gained fifty years’ worth of skill overnight, vowing to serve you well.”

Zhu Yu ate the pastries he loved and looked at the eunuch in surprise. This eunuch knew exactly how to please him and spoke so comfortably. Not bad, not bad—just a bit old. How had he never seen him before?

Just as Zhu Yu was about to speak, the eunuch wisely withdrew.

Smiling, Zhu Yu shook his head, thinking, “This eunuch deserves no good fate. If we meet again, we’ll see.”

Outside, an accompanying eunuch waiting was anxious, surprised his companion emerged so quickly.

“Are you crazy? You spent fifty taels of silver to get this chance. Why come out so soon?”

The previously flattering eunuch now appeared inscrutable, shaking his head and saying to the younger eunuch, “Da Fu, though your martial skills are good, this palace doesn’t rely on fists but on brains. No matter how skilled you are, martial arts is but a stepping stone to success. You usually grasp any martial art quickly, so you’re not lacking in intelligence. From now on, use your head more. Do as I say, and I won’t harm you.

“Alas, poor me. I sought a patron but ended up being the one leaned on. Such is my fate—where can I complain?”

The young eunuch was not given an explanation but was rather teased before the elder eunuch left, shaking his head.

Watching him go, the young eunuch chuckled softly, a gleam of recognition flashing in his eyes. He then quickened his pace to catch up.

“Why walk so fast? Wait for me...”

...............................

In another corner of the imperial palace, at Yuxiu Palace.

“What? You won’t release him? Your Highness, please don’t toy with me. This concerns the emperor’s crucial affairs and cannot be taken lightly. If you refuse now, how many people in Yuxiu Palace and my Western Depot will die?”

Yu Huatian pleaded with the powerful Imperial Concubine Yan Fei, Jiang Yuyan, who was at the height of her influence.

“No. Jiang Biehe must not be released. Don’t forget how you and I treated him. Do you think releasing him now will make him obedient? Releasing him would ruin the emperor’s great plan, though I don’t know exactly what it is. The best course is not to release him but to find someone to take Jiang Biehe’s place.”

Jiang Yuyan rejected Yu Huatian’s request without hesitation, though a hint of regret stirred within her. Had she known this, she would have returned to repay her father later.

“Your Highness, is there enough time...?”

“Silence. Let me think... Are you confident?”

“Your Highness, please rest assured. I am not the Western Depot’s chief supervisor in vain.”

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