Chapter 109: The Selection

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Upon hearing Zhu Yu’s words, Qiao Feng suddenly stood up, his grandmaster aura uncontrollably radiating outward, thick and powerful, rivaling that of any seasoned grandmaster.

Before he could even salute, Qiao Feng turned to Zhu Yu and said, “Your Majesty, my apologies. I must return home to care for my master and parents. Once matters here are settled, I shall pay my respects again.”

As he spoke, he began to leave, but just as he opened the door, two distinct grandmaster forces slammed into his chest!

Caught completely off guard, Qiao Feng was knocked to the ground, unable to get up for a while.

Looking closely, two eunuchs entered from outside — Cao Zhengchun and Yu Huatian.

After greeting Zhu Yu, Cao Zhengchun quickly said, “Your Majesty, was that scoundrel able to harm you in the slightest? Upon sensing something amiss, I rushed in immediately to protect Your Majesty.”

“Your Majesty, I have been guarding the door all along, fearing for your safety and not daring to leave. Who would have thought that villain would have the audacity to show such disrespect to Your Majesty? Rest assured, leave him to me; I will see that he suffers a thousand cuts.”

Yu Huatian eagerly flattered without hesitation.

Though much had happened, the entire sequence—from Qiao Feng rising to opening the door and falling—had occurred in the blink of an eye.

Zhu Yu stared blankly as Cao Zhengchun and Yu Huatian vied for credit, his anger quietly rising.

“Help him up! If anything happens to him, just wait and see.”

Upon hearing this, Cao Zhengchun and Yu Huatian exchanged glances, realizing they had not earned favor but instead caused trouble.

By now, Qiao Feng had staggered to his feet. He overheard the conversation among the three and understood it was a misunderstanding.

Although normally he might have retaliated, his heart was with his master and parents, leaving no room for anything else. Before his internal energy was fully steady, Qiao Feng took steps to leave the palace again.

“Qiao Feng, are you alright? Should you visit the imperial medical hall first?”

Seeing Qiao Feng’s state, Zhu Yu’s irritation toward Cao Zhengchun and Yu Huatian deepened.

“No need. Time is pressing. I must take my leave now. When free of trivial matters, I shall certainly contribute what I can to the Jing Dynasty.”

Qiao Feng was no fool and understood why the lofty emperor had summoned a beggar chief like himself. He carried no possessions except for his own skills.

Anxious, Qiao Feng was straightforward. Though formerly the Beggar Sect leader, besides martial matters, he had always worked for the Jing Dynasty’s benefit.

The difference lay only in authority—one acting independently, the other under supervision.

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Hearing this, Zhu Yu had little to add, only instructing Cao and Yu to fetch some internal injury healing pills for Qiao Feng.

Although Qiao Feng’s martial skills were formidable, Cao Zhengchun and Yu Huatian were no mere names. Even a casual palm strike from either would severely injure an ordinary grandmaster.

Though Qiao Feng’s internal condition was unclear, the fact that he could still walk earned respect.

To be cautious, it was best to prepare some pills for him.

As Qiao Feng’s figure receded, the looks exchanged between Cao Zhengchun and Yu Huatian were laden with meaning—not friendship, but the gaze of future political rivals.

“You are both overseers now; conduct yourselves with caution. Alright, do as you must.”

Zhu Yu addressed them before sending them back to their posts.

Despite their impulsive actions earlier, which had angered Zhu Yu, once his rage subsided he knew they acted out of concern for his safety.

Originally intending to punish them, Zhu Yu abandoned the thought upon reflection.

Clever as they were, Cao Zhengchun and Yu Huatian avoided mentioning their earlier blunder, saluted, and withdrew.

After everyone left, Zhu Yu began contemplating how to handle Xiao Yuanshan and Murong Bo. Slowly, an idea formed in his mind.

Unfortunately, more time was needed; he could only wait two more days.

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

The next morning, in the imperial palace, Yuxiu Palace.

Zhu Yu opened his eyes softly. Though last night had been wonderfully passionate, Jiang Yuyan suddenly pierced his heart.

It was nothing major—after their union, Jiang Yuyan told him that the periodic selection of palace maids was about to begin, and she wished to be the official inspector overseeing the process.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yu broke out in cold sweat. The passion he had felt moments ago instantly cooled.

Regardless of whether he agreed, an image flashed through Zhu Yu’s mind: a vast palace, a grand harem, but only Jiang Yuyan as consort.

It was a nightmare! Zhu Yu would never allow such a thing to happen!

Just as Zhu Yu steeled his resolve, Jiang Yuyan slowly opened her eyes in his embrace.

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Before her lay Zhu Yu’s gentle chest. A playful smile unconsciously curved Jiang Yuyan’s lips as she nuzzled against him with her creamy jade-like face.

Sensing the movement, Zhu Yu glanced down warmly and asked, “Awake?”

“Mm.”

Jiang Yuyan made a soft sound with her nose, tightening her arms around his waist, savoring their shared warmth.

Zhu Yu enjoyed the sensation too. Thus, the two who had just awakened remained silently still.

Unlike before when drifting off, now both had their eyes wide open, lost in thought.

Finally, Jiang Yuyan broke the silence first.

“Your Majesty, what do you think of what I said last night?”

Here it comes—she had come around after all. Though filled with endless thoughts, Zhu Yu’s expression betrayed no hint of irritation. Puzzled, he asked, “Last night? What did you say? Didn’t you just beg for mercy?”

Having come to this world, martial skill aside—gained by the system—Zhu Yu’s greatest talent was acting.

Without exaggeration, if he could return, winning an acting award would be effortless.

Hearing his teasing, Jiang Yuyan blushed and lightly tapped his chest. “Your Majesty, I was speaking seriously.”

“Political affairs? That can’t be. The harem has rules; no political involvement.”

Zhu Yu deliberately avoided the topic.

Seeing this, Jiang Yuyan knew his mind well. She sat up, unveiling all her charms before him.

“Your Majesty, I have nothing to do every day in the harem—it is so boring. At the upcoming selection, may I be the inspector?”

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