Slender willows sway in the breeze

Chapter 101 Do Not Underestimate the Enemy
"Is this really true? Your Majesty, I had no idea. However, since this evil cultivator dared to trespass into the palace, Your Majesty will surely order Commander Su to thoroughly investigate this matter."

"Your analysis is not bad. Your father has ordered Commandant Su and Marquis Molin to investigate this matter."

The Empress said, "However, I've heard that these rumors are related to the Xuanji Hall. The Xuanji Hall has always been mysterious and has ties with various forces. Do you think they might have some ulterior motive behind doing this?"

Bei Chenhan's heart skipped a beat, but his face remained calm. "Mother, the Xuanji Hall acts in a mysterious way, and I dare not speculate. However, if this matter is indeed related to them, the court will definitely investigate thoroughly to uphold the dignity of the royal family."

The Empress sneered, "Upholding royal dignity? I'm afraid some people are using the guise of investigating a case to secretly seek personal gain. Marquis Molin has a high reputation in the court and holds great power. This time, he is investigating with Su Jinghuan. Who knows if he will take the opportunity to expand his own power?"

What's even more infuriating is that Bei Chenyao trusts Mo Linhou so much. When it comes to matters involving the royal family, he doesn't even think of letting the royals handle them.

Bei Chenhan naturally understood the deeper meaning in the Empress's words, but dared not agree casually. He could only cautiously say, "Mother, Marquis Molin has always been loyal and devoted. He would not do such a thing. Moreover, Father is wise and can see through everything."

The Empress glanced at him: "Your father was already on the throne at your age, yet you are still so naive. The palace is a place where people's hearts are unpredictable. If you are not careful, you will fall into a place of no return. As the eldest prince, you should learn more and not be schemed against without even knowing it."

Bei Chenhan quickly replied, "Yes, Your Majesty's teachings will be remembered by your son."

The Empress pondered for a moment, then said, "The evil cultivators broke into the palace and even attacked your father. The forces behind them must be extraordinary. If you can make a difference in this matter, you might be able to earn a great merit before your father and solidify your position."

Bei Chenhan's heart stirred: "Mother, what do you mean..."

"Does Mother really need to spell it out so clearly?"

Bei Chenhan nodded quickly, "Your subject understands, and will certainly not disappoint Mother."

After leaving Luanming Palace, Bei Chenhan stood outside the palace for a while before heading towards Yangxin Hall.

"Your subject greets Your Majesty, may Your Majesty be well."

Bei Chenhan bowed respectfully.

Bei Chenyao looked slightly tired and gestured for him to stand up: "Han'er, what made you decide to come today?"

"Your Majesty, I have just heard about the evil cultivators in the palace. I am very worried and have come to visit you to see if there is anything I can do to help."

"It's good that you have this intention. However, I have already entrusted this matter to Marquis Molin and Commandant Su, so you don't need to worry about it."

As Bei Chenyao spoke, he coughed and wheezed slightly.

Bei Chenhan asked worriedly, "Father, are you alright? You look so pale! I'll go and fetch Alchemist Liu!"

"Need not."

Bei Chenyao waved his hand: "It's nothing, I just need some rest."

Bei Chenhan was still worried: "Is Father really alright? If you are not feeling well, you can't bear it. Father is the ruler of the Great Yu Kingdom, bearing the heavy responsibility of the country and the nation. There can be no mishaps."

Bei Chenyao was somewhat moved: "Han'er is so thoughtful. I've already had Alchemist Liu examine him, and she said he's fine."

Bei Chenhan's eyes flickered slightly: "Father, can this Alchemist Liu really shoulder the responsibility of being a resident alchemist? I think that Marquis Molin did something inappropriate in this matter."

"What does my son mean?"

"What I mean is that there are many excellent alchemists in the capital. Why not recruit another one? This way, we won't offend Yougu Palace, and we can better share the burden with Father and Mother."

"What you said makes some sense."

Bei Chenyao scrutinized Bei Chenhan: "Does my son know any alchemists?"

"To be honest, Your Majesty, I do know someone. But everything still needs Your Majesty's decision."

Bei Chenyao: "You've put your heart into this. Tomorrow, bring that alchemist here so that Alchemist Liu can test him. If he passes, then he can stay." Bei Chenhan was secretly delighted, but his expression remained unchanged: "Yes, Father."

After leaving the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Bei Chenhan curled his lips and returned to his residence. He immediately sent someone to invite the alchemist he knew, Xuanfeng.

Before long, Xuanfeng arrived in a hurry.

He was a middle-aged man, tall and slender with a thin face and a shrewd look in his eyes.

"Greetings, Your Highness. May I ask why Your Highness has summoned me here?"

Xuanfeng bowed respectfully.

Bei Chenhan smiled and gestured for him to stand up. "Xuanfeng, you will come to the palace with me tomorrow. I have already spoken with my father. As long as you can pass Liu Sijun's test, you can stay in the palace and become the second resident alchemist. This is a rare opportunity, so you must seize it."

Xuanfeng was overjoyed and quickly said, "Thank you for your guidance, Your Highness. I will certainly live up to your expectations. However... I wonder what kind of test Liu Sijun will give me?"

"Liu Sijun is so young, yet she has become a resident alchemist sent by Yougu Palace. She must have unique skills in alchemy. On New Year's Day, she was completely unaffected in front of everyone and successfully refined a Grade 5 Longevity Pill. Her test will most likely revolve around alchemy."

Bei Chenhan asked, "How have your preparations been these past few days?"

Xuanfeng smiled confidently, "Your Highness, rest assured, I have been studying alchemy diligently for many years and have gained considerable experience in refining various elixirs. I think dealing with a little girl's test should be a piece of cake."

"Don't underestimate the enemy."

Bei Chenhan frowned slightly. "Although Liu Sijun is young, he is no ordinary person to have gained the approval of Yougu Palace. You should be fully prepared."

"Yes, eldest prince."

Meanwhile, Liu Sijun in the Longevity Palace was searching his divine sense for the ancient book he had seen in the Valley Palace, hoping to find a way to break the black aura within Bei Chenyao's body.

Suddenly, a sense of foreboding welled up inside her.

She stood up and paced around the palace: "Why is your heart beating so fast? Could it be that His Majesty's condition has changed?"

Probably not, otherwise His Majesty would have sent someone to invite him long ago.

Perhaps it's because I've been keeping my mind on edge for too long lately.

She truly never expected that, as an alchemist, she would be drawn into these conspiracies and schemes.

otherwise……

Liu Sijun shook his head.

Since we're already here, there's no point in overthinking.

The next morning, Bei Chenhan and Xuanfeng arrived at Yangshou Palace early.

When Liu Sijun learned that the eldest prince was coming to visit, although she had some doubts, she still went out to greet him.

"Greetings, Your Highness. May I ask what brings you here?"

Bei Chenhan smiled and pointed at Xuanfeng, saying, "Alchemist Liu, today I have brought an alchemist with me. My father has ordered you to test him. If he passes, he can stay in the palace and help my father and mother."

Although Liu Sijun was surprised, he did not show it and politely said, "Since it is His Majesty's decree, I will naturally obey. May I ask what kind of pills this alchemist is skilled at refining?"

(End of this chapter)