Chapter 112: Patricide

Even the Marquis of Ruyang had not expected the request to the imperial court for the formal appointment of Bai Huan as heir to proceed so smoothly. As it happened, the Noble Consort was there as well, and she even spoke on Bai Huan’s behalf. The Emperor then issued the decree without hesitation.

In the Zhaixiang Pavilion, the Marquis of Ruyang circled about with the imperial edict conferring the title in his hands, searching for somewhere safe to put it. He still could hardly believe it, as though he were dreaming, and every so often he would take another look at the decree. He had once petitioned the Emperor to name Gu Yuanzhou his heir, but the Emperor had simply ignored him.

At last, he could preserve the marquisate. He was even more certain that Bai Huan was the rightful...

Ake did not answer. Instead, he suddenly turned around and swung the Firmament Abyss Sword upward with all his strength. A surge of sword energy cleaved into the sky, astonishingly forcing the barrier to reveal itself for a full second.

He had heard that the western coast of the Menis Empire was in considerable turmoil. They had been gathering troops continuously, and there might well be some major action in the offing. Could they be planning to take advantage of the chaos?

“The Taotie Swallows Heaven Technique can devour an entire thunder core. This mere fragment is nothing to speak of.” Shen Tu narrowed his eyes arrogantly.

At that moment, brilliant golden light shone from within Ji Cheng’s body. Then eight golden true dragons suddenly burst forth from him and charged straight at the azure flame tornado conjured by the Azure Demon Lord. Each carried an equally terrifying force, making everyone shudder with fear.

“Then I thank you, my lord!” Seeing Ji Cheng in this state, the Six-Faced Ghost Wind finally let out a long breath of relief. Even his tone toward Ji Cheng became several degrees more respectful.

Lin Kun worshiped the gods. Within his residence, he established a shrine, enshrining his father’s memorial tablet alongside an ebony wooden fish, praying for peace in the household and for his descendants to flourish and rise in rank. He had a son named Zhe, whose official career indeed proceeded smoothly. After passing the provincial and metropolitan examinations, he succeeded in the imperial examination, bringing great joy to the Lin household. Lin Kun was immensely pleased and reveling in his triumph.

Perched on the artificial hill beside the arched gate, Lier swung her feet up and down in alternation, occasionally giving a little nod. That was the scene Lin Xiao witnessed upon returning from outside.

On the Divine Moon Tower that night, the air did not feel particularly cold. Yet the warmth of the wine had brought a faint flush to Xuanyue Yaoyao’s jade cheeks.

Zheng Guozhong led several people to their seats. Before he could speak, Zhu Yueying said guiltily, “Old General, just now, my father... my father... I—I apologize to you on his behalf!” As she spoke, she clasped her hands before her and bent at the waist to a full ninety degrees.

“Shut up!” Ji Cheng roared. A stream of elemental power shot forth and shattered the sound-transmission stone, preventing Lin Xie from speaking any further. He understood that if Lin Xie were allowed to continue, the common people present would only become even more frenzied.

Situ Haoyu simply could not accept the fact that he had fallen for Cheng Lingzhi. He had moved from his own living room to Cheng Lingzhi’s, still carrying his laptop. There, he dealt with the matters the company needed him to handle while waiting for Cheng Lingzhi to return.

Although Lin Xi had visited this place more than once, the areas she had been allowed to enter were limited to the front courtyard and Qiyun Studio. Back then, she had been desperate to leave as soon as possible—where would she have found the leisure to admire the scenery properly?

The conflict between the military and the civil administration had existed since ancient times. It remained even now, and it would not disappear in the future.

The plain noodles in clear water came with no accompaniments, not even a seasoning to enhance the flavor. Their appearance was bland and unappealing: only clear water, pale noodles, and a wisp of steaming heat rising above the rim of the bowl. When a bowl of light, refreshing noodles was placed before Zhu Yingying, she eagerly reached out her hand.

Jiang Ming wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, convinced that he had made the right choice. Today’s morning exercise had changed from boxing practice to long-distance running. Only after running all the way out through the villa gates did Jiang Ming slow his pace to a jog.

This was no secret. Anyone of standing in the inner palace could uncover one or two details. Emperor Xia Jing had never intended to conceal it; he was merely waiting for the palace examination to conclude, so that he could name the top scholar and arrange a marriage for him.

“Nonsense. I have no time to look after you. Wait here.” After saying this, Daoist Master Yi Yun walked inside without looking back.