"What is Prince Lin up to?"
"Last night, someone drugged the imperial concubines in the palace. His Majesty has issued an imperial decree to search the harem and must find the suspicious person. That's why I've come to disturb you, sir. I hope you'll forgive us."
"Oh, I see. Go ahead and search. By the way, please inform His Majesty later that Xi Menyao needs to leave."
As Xi Menyao spoke, Shangguan Lin and Song Yuan were stunned. What did Xi Menyao mean? He clearly agreed to let them search, but was he secretly threatening them by saying he was leaving?
Song Yuan's face immediately turned grim. He pointed at the retreating figure as it ascended the stone steps and roared, "Do you think we dare not search?"
"Please proceed," Xi Menyao called back from a distance, his tone calm and indifferent, as if he had no intention of making things difficult for them.
Shangguan Lin, unlike Song Yuan, knew that Xi Menyao held some weight in the Emperor's heart. He stopped Song Yuan from being rash and pulled his hand, saying, "Song Yuan, do not be disrespectful."
Everyone watched as Xi Menyao brazenly walked into the main residence. Shangguan Lin immediately ordered his guards, "Mu Li, go to Jingfu Palace immediately and report to His Majesty that Mr. Xi Men is planning to leave."
If this man truly left in anger, His Majesty would surely be furious, and they would suffer a greater loss.
Mu Li received the order and went to seek instructions. The rest of them stood rigidly before the entrance of Qingfeng Pavilion.
Song Yuan's handsome face was covered in frost, his anger evident. It didn't bother him to stand there, but to make the Prince stand like this – by what right was Xi Menyao so arrogant, just because the Emperor favored him?
The Prince was also one of the Emperor's trusted aides.
"Your Highness, let's just go in and search. Don't forget that Xi Menyao is just a commoner from the martial world. What right does he have to be so arrogant and self-important? It's truly hateful."
"Song Yuan, quiet down."
Shangguan Lin was already in a bad mood, and Song Yuan's words further ignited his temper. A chill emanated from him as he gazed coldly at the intricately carved Qingfeng Pavilion, but his feet remained rooted.
However, the Emperor soon arrived in his imperial carriage, accompanied by a host of eunuchs and palace maids, all stopping in the open space before the entrance of Qingfeng Pavilion.
Everyone immediately knelt and paid their respects to the Emperor, "Your subjects greet His Majesty."
"This servant (this servantess) greets His Majesty."
"All rise," Shangguan Yao waved his hand, the imperial yellow golden crown shifting, revealing dazzling lines. His face was grim and unreadable.
He was already in a cold mood today, and then such a thing happened, making his tone even more somber, "What has happened?"
Shangguan Yao asked Prince Lin in a deep voice.
Before Prince Lin could reply, a tall figure emerged, leaning against the doorframe. He was dressed in a white brocade robe, his narrow eyes and deep pupils showing none of their usual composure, but a chilling coldness. His hair, as black as ink, was tied up with a white jade hairpin. His thin lips were pressed together, and after a long moment, he spoke softly.
"Do not employ the suspicious, trust those you employ. I merely sought to repay a debt of gratitude, and now everyone in the royal family is suspicious of me. It seems it is time for me to leave. As for the debt owed, it has been fully repaid. If His Majesty truly wishes, what follows will be a matter of utmost ease."
After speaking, Xi Menyao, holding a translucent jade flute, leisurely walked down the stone steps and politely cupped his fists towards Shangguan Yao.
"Farewell."
Shangguan Yao's face turned dark, a flash of fierceness in his eyes. He could not help him, but he could let him leave. However, there was a greater danger lurking in the palace, and he could not deal with this person yet. Thus, a cold command suddenly arose.
"Prince Lin, I ordered you to search the harem, why did you search Mr. Xi Men's residence? This is not within the scope of the harem. Apologize to Mr. Xi Men immediately."
Shangguan Lin was startled, feeling stifled, but he maintained his composure and said respectfully, "This humble subject obeys the decree."
Song Yuan, the commander of the palace guards, looked displeased. They hadn't done anything, so why should they apologize to Xi Menyao, this charlatan from the martial world? He immediately said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty?"
"And you too, apologize to Mr. Xi Men immediately."
The Emperor, not giving Song Yuan a chance to speak, had already calmly issued the command.
Song Yuan was startled, raised his head, and saw that the Emperor's face was extremely displeased, his dark eyes fierce, exuding a chilling aura.
If he defied the Emperor now, he might face dire consequences. It was best to obey for the time being. Suppressing the anger in his heart, he cupped his fists and said loudly,
"Mr. Xi Men, I have offended you."
Shangguan Lin also apologized. The Emperor waved them away and ordered them to search elsewhere, so as not to disturb Mr. Xi Men's cultivation.
The area before Qingfeng Pavilion suddenly became much quieter. Apart from the Emperor's personal attendants, no one else remained.
Shangguan Yao led the way towards Qingfeng Pavilion and said lightly, "Mr. Xi Men, you should stay. If you wish to leave, it cannot be today. Leaving in anger is not my fault."
Xi Menyao looked up and pondered for a moment, seemingly finding the Emperor's words reasonable. He then lightly lifted the hem of his robe and gracefully ascended the stone steps, following closely behind.
The two of them stepped onto the stone steps one after another, heading towards the main hall of Qingfeng Pavilion. Behind them, Lin An and two senior eunuchs followed, while the rest remained on the steps awaiting orders.
The main residence of Qingfeng Pavilion was decorated with elegant and unique taste. A landscape painting hung in the center of the white walls, with an ancient poem inscribed.
*The morning mirror is clear, the moon rises over the willow branches, I sigh in solitude, this life is like snow!*
Unexpectedly, a poignant and romantic poem was inscribed on the landscape painting, truly a unique touch.
Xi Menyao stood to one side of the hall and respectfully invited the Emperor to sit in the seat of honor. He himself sat below. Lin An, with his usual wit, had already served tea and led two subordinate eunuchs to wait outside the hall for further instructions.
"Your Majesty, Xi Menyao wishes to leave as soon as possible. If I remain, I fear that Your Majesty and Her Majesty the Empress Dowager may develop a rift."
Xi Menyao said calmly while sipping his tea.
Shangguan Yao's eyes suddenly darkened. As soon as Xi Menyao spoke, it was clear that the Empress Dowager was causing trouble for him, which was why he wanted to leave the palace.
Recently, with the many events in the palace, the Emperor had also become wary of Xi Menyao. However, the thought of his mother interfering in his affairs again made his anger surge. His handsome features were extremely grim and unsightly. He clenched the tea bowl tightly in his hand, saying nothing.
The hall was silent. Xi Menyao, as if not noticing the Emperor's displeased expression, continued to drink his tea.
Shangguan Yao's anger finally subsided. He said in a deep voice, "Mr. Xi Men, you are overthinking things. By the way, I have something to ask your advice on. Would you be able to enlighten me?"
"Please speak."
Xi Menyao put down his teacup and looked at Shangguan Yao.
The ferocity in this man's demeanor was growing heavier. In time, he might become a bloodthirsty demon lord, and then the Eastern Qin would fall into chaos.