Slender willows sway in the breeze

Chapter 93 Rumors
Before Caiping could speak, Liu Sijun continued, "Yougu Palace is not under the jurisdiction of the imperial court. I am not standing here as a subject of Yu the Great, but as a disciple of Yougu Palace."

"All right!"

The Empress slightly raised her eyes, suppressing her displeasure, and asked, "Alchemist Liu, you've been cultivating in the Holy Land for a month. What have you gained?"

Liu Sijun's heart skipped a beat. She wondered if the Empress's question was casual or had a deeper meaning. She carefully considered her words and replied, "Your Majesty, the spiritual energy in the Holy Land is rich and pure. Cultivating there has indeed yielded some minor successes, and my cultivation has improved considerably."

The Empress looked Liu Sijun up and down and indeed found that his cultivation level was much higher than it had been a month ago.

She couldn't tell the difference.

It was only when a voice came from his mind that he learned that Liu Sijun had actually broken through from the early stage of the Golden Core realm to the middle stage in just one month.

The Empress smiled slightly, but the smile didn't reach her eyes: "Oh? Some progress? That's not bad."

"However, I've heard that the holy land holds many secrets. You've been there for so long, haven't you discovered anything interesting?"

Liu Sijun was startled.

Could it be that she discovered that I triggered the stone wall restriction in the sacred land?

"Your Majesty is too kind. I was only given the opportunity to cultivate in the Holy Land by His Majesty's grace. How could I dare to peek in lightly? Besides, there are many restrictions in the Holy Land. I only moved around in the designated area and did not find anything else."

The Empress narrowed her eyes slightly, as if judging the truthfulness of Liu Sijun's words. After a while, she spoke again: "Hmm, if that's the case, then that's good. However, I have another question for you today: what is your relationship with Marquis Molin?"

Liu Sijun did not expect the Empress to suddenly ask about Gu Changzhou, and wondered what she was up to: "Your Majesty, I am only acquainted with Marquis Molin, and we have no further dealings."

Upon hearing this, the Empress's smile faded slightly, a barely perceptible sharpness flashed in her eyes, and her tone became somewhat cold and hard: "Just a nodding acquaintance? Alchemist Liu, don't think I'm easy to fool. Since I've heard about it, there must be some evidence to support it. If the matter between the two of you were really as simple as you say, why would there be such gossip circulating outside?"

"Gossip?"

Liu Sijun knew nothing about this matter.

Caiping then stepped forward and echoed, "Rumors are circulating that you two have been having an affair for a long time, otherwise why would they have chosen you as the resident alchemist?"

"There are also rumors that the two of you were flirting back in Laiyang County. It was for your sake that Marquis Molin decided to temporarily replace the governor of Laiyang County. He even took you to the Frozen Domain so that you could train smoothly and enter the sect smoothly."

WTF?

These people are really good at talking nonsense.

"I did meet Marquis Molin in Laiyang County, but we only met a few times. Your Majesty, rumors stop with the wise."

"I will trust you this once."

The Empress looked at her with a deep gaze: "But you must know that in the palace, the most taboo thing is this kind of ambiguous relationship. Don't be confused for a moment and bring unnecessary trouble to yourself and Yougu Palace."

"Thank you for your guidance, Your Highness. I will keep it in mind."

The Empress waved her hand, no longer looking at her.

Liu Sijun turned and left Luanming Palace, then flew back to Yangshou Palace on his sword. He pondered the matter but still couldn't understand what the Empress meant by the rumors.

She truly couldn't understand how her normal interactions with Gu Changzhou had led to gossip and even reached the Empress's ears. "Who on earth is spreading these rumors behind my back? The hearts of people in this capital are truly complex and unpredictable," Liu Sijun murmured to herself, a hint of worry in her heart. She knew all too well that once one's reputation was damaged within the palace, all sorts of troubles would follow, especially since it involved Yougu Palace. She couldn't allow these baseless rumors to bring any negative impact to her sect.

She pondered for a while and felt that she should find an opportunity to talk to Gu Changzhou about this matter so that he would be aware of the situation and handle it carefully.

However, it is currently inconvenient for the two to contact each other, and if they are not careful, they may be caught red-handed again.

By the way, I haven't checked Bei Chenyao's pulse for a month.

Liu Sijun's eyes lit up, and she made up her mind to go to the Hall of Mental Cultivation first thing tomorrow morning.

Gu Changzhou found no clues and could only lead his men to leave. The secret room was restored to its original state. Gu Changzhou checked it one last time to make sure there were no traces before leaving.

Upon returning to the Marquis's residence, Gao Kuo learned that the trip had yielded no results. He knew that his master must be in a bad mood, and if he knew the rumors circulating in the streets, he would probably be even worse off.

But since it concerns Miss Liu, I cannot leave it unreported.

"My lord, rumors have suddenly spread that you and Miss Liu have a close relationship."

Jiang Tai's dark face was full of doubt: "A close relationship? What kind of mindless person is talking nonsense?"

Although they were all guards, Gao Kuo still kindly tugged at Jiang Tai and said, "Shut up."

"Why should I shut up? This would damage Master's reputation. I'll go right now, find the person spreading the rumors, and tear his mouth apart."

"Your impulsive actions will only make things worse. Find out where the rumors started and whether anyone is stirring them up before making any plans."

Jiang Tai chuckled, "Yes, Master. I was just angry for a moment. What kind of person is this? He's so despicable, throwing mud at you and Miss Liu for no reason."

Gu Changzhou: "..."

From Wuhou County to Laiyang County, from the Frozen Domain to the Hidden Valley Palace, and then to the Imperial Palace, he knew his own thoughts.

He wanted more.

But we can't let her be subjected to such rumors.

"Gao Kuo, go and investigate carefully where this rumor first came from and who it passed through. Make sure you find out the truth."

Gao Kuo quickly responded and then went to make the arrangements.

Gu Changzhou sat in his chair, his fingers tapping lightly on the armrest. His face remained gloomy. He knew that in the capital, once one's reputation was tarnished by these rumors, one's actions would be restricted in every way. Moreover, it involved Liu Sijun, and he could not allow her to suffer any harm because of this.

Gu Changzhou then instructed, "Jiang Tai, go and make arrangements to send more people to keep an eye on the area around Yangshou Palace these next few days. If Miss Liu needs any help, then help her secretly."

"Yes, Master, I will make the arrangements immediately." Jiang Tai accepted the order and quickly withdrew.

Meanwhile, Liu Sijun tossed and turned all night, her mind preoccupied with the rumors. Finally, the next morning arrived, and she got up early, washed up, and headed towards the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

Upon arriving outside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, the eunuch on duty, recognizing Liu Sijun, hurriedly went inside to announce her arrival. Shortly after, he came out and led Liu Sijun into the hall.