Slender willows sway in the breeze

Chapter 145 Finally They Met

Consort Shu quickly recovered and said with a smile, "Oh, it's a coincidence that Alchemist Liu and Consort Xian are here too."

Liu Sijun noticed a hint of wariness flash in Consort Shu's eyes and thought to himself that they had probably discovered their conversation.

Consort Xian smiled and said, "Yes, Consort Shu, today's Seventh Sisters' Gathering is truly lively."

Liu Sijun was a little anxious and wanted to continue to investigate the plans of Consort Shu and Consort Jing.

Consort Xian seemed unwilling to leave anytime soon.

At that moment, Gu Changzhou sent her a telepathic message, telling her not to be distracted, as he had already sent someone to follow the man in black.

Only then could she focus on dealing with the current situation.

After chatting for a while, Liu Sijun took out a small box from his bag: "Your Highness, today is the Seventh Lady's Gathering. I have prepared a small gift for you. I hope you will accept it."

Consort Shu raised an eyebrow slightly, took the box, opened it, and a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes: "Master Liu is so thoughtful, this is..."

Liu Sijun smiled and said, "This is my newly refined 'Condensing Essence Pill,' which is very helpful in stabilizing cultivation. Your Majesty works hard in your cultivation every day, and I hope this pill will be of some benefit to you."

Consort Shu was delighted and closed the box, saying, "I appreciate Alchemist Liu's kind gesture. However, I was in a rush today because I was finally able to leave the palace for some fresh air, so I didn't have time to bring anything back. I will return the gift another day."

"Your Highness, you are too kind."

At this opportune moment, Consort Xian spoke up: "Since we've run into each other, why don't we all go for a stroll together?"

Consort Shu said, "In the palace, we sisters see each other all the time. Now that we're finally able to leave the palace, let's each do our own thing. Consort Jing, what do you say?"

Consort Jing nodded in agreement: "Indeed."

Watching Consort Shu's departing figure, Consort Xian said thoughtfully, "Alchemist Liu, why do I feel that Consort Shu seems a little strange?"

"Perhaps Consort Shu has something on her mind; I'm not quite sure. Why did you come out alone today, without many maids or eunuchs with you?"

Consort Xian smiled slightly and said, "I just like to stroll around by myself; it's more comfortable that way."

Liu Sijun raised an eyebrow slightly, the movement fleeting.

Just now, Consort Xian invited Consort Shu and Consort Jing to come together, so why is she saying that it's more comfortable to be alone now?

Consort Xian's gaze lingered on the alleyway where Consort Shu had just stood: "Alchemist Liu, you were here just now, did you discover something?"

Liu Sijun was startled, not expecting the Consort Xian to be so perceptive: "Why does Your Highness ask such a question?"

Consort Xian gently shook her head and said, "Alchemist Liu, if you have any difficulties, don't hesitate to tell me. In this harem, having more people to help is always better than you fighting alone."

Liu Sijun's expression changed slightly.

After a moment, she spoke: "Your Highness, to be honest, I suspect that Your Highness is connected to the First Prince. I followed them here today and it seems that they are plotting something, but Your Highness called me just now and I missed the opportunity."

Consort Xian's expression changed slightly: "Is that so? I really didn't mean to. I just saw you were alone, so I called out!"

"In that case, I will naturally make it up to you. Don't worry, I will keep an eye on her movements after we return to the palace. I will definitely let you know as soon as there is any news."

Liu Sijun said gratefully, "Then I thank Your Highness for your generous help!"

"In that case, let's split up and continue to keep an eye on Consort Shu and Consort Jing's whereabouts. If we find anything, we'll immediately find a way to notify them."

"Alright, I'll follow Consort Xian's arrangements." Consort Xian followed in the direction Consort Shu had left, while Liu Sijun stood there, watching Consort Xian with her lips pursed in silence.

Just as she was about to send a telepathic message to Gu Changzhou to inquire about the situation, she suddenly heard someone call her name. Turning around, she saw a woman in her early forties standing in front of her, who looked about six-tenths like Liu Shiyuan.

Liu Sijun quickly searched her mind.

He quickly realized that the woman in front of him must be Liu Shiyuan's eldest sister, Liu Rumei, who had been married into the Chen family of Zhongzhou for more than ten years.

Because she cannot cultivate herself, even with good maintenance, she still looks old.

Compared to Liu Shiyuan, they seem to be from two different generations.

Liu Sijun stepped forward and bowed twice: "Sijun greets Aunt."

Liu Rumei stepped forward, affectionately took Liu Sijun's hand, and looked her up and down: "You've grown into a young lady. Last year, my mother sent a message saying that you had become a disciple of Yougu Palace, and I was very happy."

"On New Year's Day this year, I heard from my mother that you had come to Zhongzhou City to work as a resident alchemist, and my aunt has been looking for an opportunity to meet you."

"We finally met."

Liu Rumei warmly pulled over a man who looked to be about the same age as her and said, "Husband, this is Si Jun, the legitimate daughter of my younger brother Shi Yuan."

Liu Sijun bowed slightly: "Greetings, Uncle."

Chen Ran smiled: "So you're Si Jun's niece. You were so small a few years ago, and now you're almost as tall as me."

Chen Ran was referring to the year Liu Sijun was eight years old.

At that time, the Chu family was still around. Liu Rumei and Chen Ran returned to her parents' home for a visit. The Chen family was not a prominent family in Zhongzhou City, but for the Liu family in a small prefecture, it was an excellent marriage.

If it weren't for the fact that Chen Ran's father and grandfather were old acquaintances, and that Chen Ran himself wasn't particularly gifted in cultivation, only reaching the late stage of Foundation Establishment at nearly fifty years old, the Liu family might not have been able to secure this marriage.

The two sides were not actually very familiar with each other.

But now that Liu Sijun is a resident alchemist, Liu Rumei can finally hold her head high and call him her niece.

Chen Ran was clearly very enthusiastic as well.

Who could have imagined that the little girl who didn't even want to endure the hardships of cultivation nine years ago would become someone so unapproachable in the blink of an eye?

Alchemists!

This is not the kind of ordinary alchemist who just takes a pulse and diagnoses an illness.

He knew a few people in the Chen family, but they were still far from meeting the requirements of a resident alchemist!
"Was it just my aunt and uncle who came out today? Where are my two cousins?"

Liu Rumei smiled and said, "They're making a ruckus right now. Your uncle and I never have a moment of peace and quiet, so we're taking advantage of this opportunity to have my mother-in-law take us out for a break."

"I see."

Liu Rumei held Liu Sijun's hand tightly, saying, "Sijun, your aunt knows you've become quite successful. Being a resident alchemist in the palace is an amazing thing. In the future, if anything happens to my family, you must help them out."

Liu Sijun understood Liu Rumei's thoughts, but she still maintained a smile and said, "Aunt, what are you saying? We are all family. If there is any need, Sijun will do his best. However, Sijun is currently in the palace, which makes it inconvenient for him to do things. I hope Aunt will understand."

Chen Ran chuckled and tried to smooth things over, saying, "Look at your aunt, she gets so excited she forgets her limits. Lord Si is currently in the palace, so naturally he prioritizes royal affairs. But Lord Si, if you have some free time, come visit us more often. Your aunt often talks about you."

Happy Chinese New Year, my darlings! Three chapters for now, two more to come today~