Slender willows sway in the breeze

Chapter 144 The Seven Sisters' Gathering

The palace maid replied, "They've been refining elixirs in the Longevity Palace, but we don't know what they're refining."

Consort Shu frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Keep a close eye on her every move, and report to me immediately if there is anything unusual."

"Yes, Your Highness." The palace maid acknowledged the order and withdrew, while Consort Shu remained seated, a hint of ruthlessness in her eyes. In this ever-changing palace, any small oversight could lead to total defeat; she had to be extremely careful in dealing with Alchemist Liu's investigation.

Everyone became wary.

The palace seemed to fall silent all at once, but the deeper the water, the more turbulent the undercurrents.

July arrived in the blink of an eye, and Zhongzhou City became lively.

Because the Seventh Sisters' Gathering is in a few days.

The Seven Maidens Festival, also known as the Daughters' Festival, is celebrated on this continent as well.

This day was also Liu Sijun's birthday.

Bei Chenyao said, "Since New Year's Day, Zhongzhou City has been in turmoil. I hope this festival will bring some joy to the people."

Min Rui said, "Recently, the evil cultivators have caused a great deal of anxiety among the people."

Su Jinghuan said, "His Majesty cares deeply for the people, which is a blessing for them. The Seventh Lady's gathering is sure to be lively, and I'm sure it will allow the people of Zhongzhou City to forget their worries today and celebrate to their heart's content."

The celebration was genuine, but so was the heavy burden he carried.

The entire city was mobilized, and even the imperial concubines could leave the palace for leisure on this day. Thinking of the evil cultivators who had been hiding in the shadows, Su Jinghuan felt a chill run down his spine.

"However, the matter in the palace has not yet been investigated, and I am still worried. Master Liu, you have been in the harem for many days, have you made any new discoveries?"

"Today, while I was taking the pulses of the ladies, I noticed that Consort Shu and Consort Jing are seeing each other frequently."

Consort Shu is the birth mother of Bei Chenmin. Consort Jing has been in the palace for forty years and has only one princess. She is forty-five years old this year and married the Crown Prince Chengji of Minyue Kingdom ten years ago. He is also the eldest brother of Chengfeng, who became a disciple of the Six Elders of Yougu Palace.

What kind of extraordinary relationship could these two have?
Bei Chenyao frowned slightly: "If you need anything while operating in the harem, just ask, and I will fully support you."

"Thank you for your trust, Your Majesty."

Upon returning to the Longevity Palace, Nian Shuang had been waiting for a long time. Seeing Liu Sijun return, she hurriedly stepped forward to greet him: "Master Liu, what did His Majesty say?"

Liu Sijun recounted his conversation with the emperor to Nian Shuang in detail. After listening, Nian Shuang frowned slightly: "Master Liu, you said that Consort Shu and Consort Jing, one is the birth mother of a prince and the other has a daughter who married far away to another country, what is the connection between them that makes them so close?"

Liu Sijun shook his head slightly and said, "It's not clear yet, but their frequent interactions and mention of 'situation' and 'opportunity' are definitely not simple. Moreover, Xuanji Hall might be involved behind the scenes. Seven Sisters will be arriving soon, which is a good opportunity to observe them."

Nian Shuang nodded and said, "On the day of the Seventh Lady's Gathering, the concubines from the palace will be out for a stroll, and with so many people around, things could easily go wrong. Alchemist Liu, are you planning to keep an eye on Consort Shu and Consort Jing outside the palace?"

Liu Sijun smiled slightly and said, "That's right. I've already thought it through. On the day of the Seventh Consort's gathering, I will prepare the 'Condensing Essence Pill' in advance and find an opportunity to approach Consort Shu and give it to her under the guise of celebrating the festival. In the relatively relaxed environment outside the palace, she might lower her guard, and I can take the opportunity to observe her words and actions, and perhaps discover new clues."

Nian Shuang said with some concern, "Master Liu, the situation outside the palace is complicated. Consort Shu must have many people following her. You must be careful."

Liu Sijun patted Nian Shuang's hand and comforted her, "Don't worry, I'll be careful. Don't be idle in the palace either; keep an eye on the movements of the other concubines." On the day of the Seventh Concubine's Gathering, the sun shone brightly, and Zhongzhou City was brightly decorated and bustling with activity.

Colorful lanterns hung in the streets and alleys, creating a festive atmosphere everywhere.

Liu Sijun got up early and carefully selected a simple yet elegant palace dress, carefully tucking the refined "Condensing Essence Pill" into her sleeve.

Nian Shuang helped tidy up the clothes, her expression full of worry: "Master Liu, there will definitely be many people and eyes outside the palace today. You must be careful in everything you do."

Liu Sijun smiled and reassured her, "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. Be careful in the palace too, and notify me immediately if anything seems amiss."

After saying this, Liu Sijun followed the procession out of the palace and headed into the city.

As soon as she arrived outside the palace, she saw Consort Shu and Consort Jing, surrounded by a group of palace maids and eunuchs, walking towards the busiest market in the city.

Liu Sijun followed behind without making a sound, maintaining a proper distance.

The market was bustling with people, and various stalls displayed a dazzling array of goods. Consort Shu and Consort Jing stopped in front of a jewelry stall, seemingly selecting jewelry, but Liu Sijun noticed that their eyes kept glancing around, as if they were looking for someone.

Liu Sijun pretended to be browsing items at a nearby stall, but her eyes were always on Consort Shu and Consort Jing.

At this moment, a man dressed in black quietly approached Consort Shu, and the two exchanged a few words in hushed tones. Liu Sijun's heart stirred, and he secretly circulated his spiritual power, trying to hear what they were talking about, but unfortunately there were too many people around and the noise was too loud, so he couldn't hear clearly.

Consort Shu nodded slightly, and then the man in black disappeared into the crowd.

Liu Sijun decided not to alert the enemy and to continue observing Consort Shu's actions.

Consort Shu and Consort Jing strolled around the market for a while longer before heading towards a secluded alley.

Liu Sijun was puzzled. Why would the Seven Sisters' Association, which was usually so lively, go to a small alley?
She followed cautiously, and just as she reached the alley entrance, she heard Consort Shu coldly say, "This matter must be handled properly today, and there must be no mistakes."

Another voice rang out, and Liu Sijun recognized it as Consort Jing's: "Don't worry, Consort Shu, everything has been arranged. But what about Alchemist Liu...?"

Liu Sijun's heart tightened, and he was about to lean closer to listen more clearly when he suddenly heard a voice behind him: "Master Liu, what a coincidence to run into you here."

Liu Sijun inwardly cried out in alarm, and when he turned around, he saw that it was Consort Xian.

Although she was anxious inside, she immediately put on a smile: "Your Highness, what a coincidence! You've also come to join in the fun of the Seventh Consort's Gathering?"

Consort Xian walked over with a smile and said, "Yes, it's a rare occasion for such a festival, so we're out for a stroll. Master Liu, what brings you here..."

Consort Xian looked into the depths of the alley.

Liu Sijun was flustered, fearing that the appearance of Consort Xian would alert Consort Shu and Consort Jing, so she hurriedly said, "I just saw an interesting little gadget and wanted to buy it, but I lost it."

Consort Xian frowned slightly, seemingly noticing Liu Sijun's unusual behavior, but did not ask any further questions.

Just then, footsteps came from the alley, and Consort Shu and Consort Jing came out. They were slightly taken aback when they saw Liu Sijun and Consort Xian.

(End of this chapter)