Great Zhou Martial Immortal

Chapter 44 You Come Here

"Lord Lu, Her Highness the Princess has summoned you."

Lu Chenyuan had just spent two hours in Suiming Pavilion, meditating and studying the "Forging Gold Chapter," before preparing for lunch.

Li Lingyue sent someone to look for her.

Wang Yizhi, who was flipping through the case files next to him, couldn't help but laugh.

Outsiders all thought that Lu Chenyuan was a very cautious man, just like Xue Huaiyi. He put the Empress first in everything and lived like a wild dog seeking pleasure. He acted like a human being in public, but was worthless in private.

But only those close to him knew how much the princess relied on him, and how carefree he was.

Wang Yizhi even suspected that once Li Lingyue abandoned him, Lu Chenyuan would turn around and go to the Martial Emperor—not for anything else, but solely for the "Gold-Swallowing Treasure Manual." Once he got his hands on the third manual, who knew what he would do…

Should we go to Miao territory to find the Holy Maiden? Or to the Western Regions? Or to Yinshan Mountain?

He might even go to Japan or the Arab world to find a princess.

I almost forgot, the Holy Maiden of Yinshan is already in prison...

Lu Chenyuan opened his eyes and said to Wang Yizhi, "I'll go take a look. You keep an eye on things. The main thing is to make sure there are no problems with those sacrificial artifacts from the Ghost Craft Hall. Everything else is easy to handle. Sacrificial artifacts aren't something that can be made quickly; they're hard to repair if they're broken."

Wang Yizhi frowned and said, "The Luoshui Festival is approaching. Are you worried that someone might cause trouble?"

Lu Chenyuan said, "It's better to be safe than sorry. Don't you know my reputation? How many people don't like me?"

"understood."

Wang Yizhi solemnly clasped his hands in a fist and said, "I will keep a close eye on things."

"Ah."

Lu Chenyuan got up and rushed to the princess's residence. He thought he would be summoned at Xiaoxiang Pavilion, but he didn't expect to be summoned in the bedchamber.

What does this mean? Has she finally come to her senses and is preparing to indulge in lewdness in broad daylight?

It's probably impossible...

The autumn sunlight streamed through the gauze window, casting dappled shadows on the jade-green floor tiles.

Li Lingyue, without any makeup, leaned against the rosewood couch with her long hair loose, her face slightly pale, her slender fingers gently massaging her temples.

Beside the secret report spread out on the table, there was an empty glass wine cup, with a few drops of golden wine remaining at the bottom.

When Lu Chenyuan stepped into the hall, Jinni was holding a piece of ice cloth in its mouth and stuffing it into Li Lingyue's hand. When it saw him coming, it immediately wagged its tail and came over, nudging his waist with its head.

"Your Highness, this humble servant pays his respects."

As Lu Chenyuan bowed, his gaze swept over the empty wine cups on the table, and his nose twitched slightly.

The golden liquid, and that unique aroma...

The record in the Imperial Wine Record flashed through his mind immediately, even faster than his keen insight: the tribute wine [Drunken Cloud Brew] is brewed with golden osmanthus from Yunmeng Marsh. It is smooth on the palate, but its aftereffects are stronger than strong liquor. This wine is most effective at relieving emotions, but it is also most harmful to the spirit. Even a body that is immune to all poisons will suffer from a splitting headache if it drinks too much.

It turned out to be the case.

How much did they drink...?

Li Lingyue seemed a bit off, and her voice was somewhat low as she pointed to the intelligence report on the table: "Information on the candidates who will participate in deciphering the 'Heavenly Craft Scroll.' I guess you'd like to know that. Take a look first."

After saying that, he closed his eyes, leaned back on the couch, and continued to press his temples.

Lu Chenyuan nodded, walked to the table, and casually pushed the half-open window a little wider, letting the autumn sun shine on her shoulders and back.

"What's wrong?" Li Lingyue opened her eyes.

"The medical book says, 'Warming the Du meridian will relieve pain.'" As he spoke, he took down the jade thermos hanging by the window, poured a cup of warm water, and placed it on the table where she could easily reach it. Then he sat down and looked through the intelligence, his expression focused, turning the pages quickly.

Li Lingyue stared at the glass of warm water for a moment, and when she looked up again, she saw Lu Chenyuan flipping to Gao Jian's information, and she raised an eyebrow.

"Zongheng Peak, Lord Yunzhe, the third of the Ten Great Masters... What a prestigious title!"

Lu Chenyuan was increasingly surprised as he looked at the master; this kind of master was definitely a protagonist's setup.

He carefully recalled Gao Jian's behavior and was a little puzzled: "This Yun Zhejun Tantai Wuchen is a hermit master with unfathomable cultivation. In terms of strength, he is only below the two saints of the Central Plains and the two top masters. He created the unique skill 'Nine Questions of Tianxu', which integrates Taoist profound skills, astrological techniques and the way of the zither and sword... How could such a person accept Gao Jian as a disciple?"

Li Lingyue looked at him and suddenly asked, "Why can't we accept it?"

Lu Chenyuan shook his head: "This person is too petty. I still don't understand where his hostility comes from. It's really strange."

—The roc soars ten thousand miles, leaving no mayfly on the ground in sight.

Li Lingyue's mind raced, and she said, "I heard he's never been married?" She then stared intently at Lu Chenyuan's expression.

Lu Chenyuan was reviewing intelligence when he heard this and immediately understood. It seemed that this person was Gao Jian from history.

Historical records state that during the later years of Wu Zetian's reign, her male favorites, the Zhang brothers, Zhang Yizhi and Zhang Changzong, controlled the government. The turning point that led to a complete break between the two Zhangs and Princess Taiping was when Zhang Changzong falsely accused Wei Yuanzhong and Gao Jian of plotting a rebellion, resulting in their deaths. Princess Taiping then began to support the Shenlong Coup, which led to the execution of the two Zhangs.

Of course, there must be political considerations behind this; it's unlikely that someone would act rashly just for the sake of a male friend.

But it also shows how important this person is.

This is embarrassing...

Feelings are hard to explain, but love at first sight and instant connection do exist.

Perhaps Princess Taiping would like this style.

You should have said it earlier...

This is a slap in the face to true love...

To finish...

Should I find a richer woman?

Li Lingyue watched the changes in his expression, from understanding to embarrassment, and finally settling on a kind of indescribable regret, but without the hint of jealousy she most wanted to see.

Li Lingyue closed her eyes, and Yuan Qingshuang's words echoed in her ears: "...He saw another possibility in Xue Huaiyi: he worried that you would become the second Martial Emperor, and that he would become the second Xue Huaiyi..."

A wave of indescribable sorrow welled up in Li Lingyue's heart.

—Are you really that convinced that like mother, like daughter?

—Not even a single doubt?!
The dull ache from the hangover suddenly turned sharp.

Li Lingyue couldn't help but groan, her fingertips digging deep into her temples.

"I'm going to find Steward Yuan!"

Seeing how upset she was, Lu Chenyuan suddenly stood up: "How can she not be by your side at a time like this?"

"Need not……"

Li Lingyue didn't want anyone to see scenes like yesterday's competition, nor did she want anyone to disturb her. She said, "It's just drunkenness. I've already drunk some hangover soup, so it's nothing serious..." At this point, she looked at Lu Chenyuan: "Don't you know medicine? Don't you have any way to alleviate this?"

"Yes, yes..."

Lu Chenyuan hesitated and said, "But those are some massage techniques..." He had to get the hang of them.

What are you pretending to be, a gentleman?
Li Lingyue sneered inwardly. Yesterday, he was just pretending to be injured and playing tricks again!

Li Lingyue's gaze was icy: "So?"

Lu Chenyuan carefully observed her expression: "Should I... or shouldn't I..." You just finished talking about Gao Jian, and even specifically mentioned that he's not married. You're not going to make me go and call him over, are you? That's going too far! I'll have to pay extra!
Li Lingyue didn't speak, but just pursed her lips and looked at him.

His gaze was filled with complex emotions—three parts anger, three parts grievance, and a trace of hidden pain that Lu Chenyuan couldn't decipher. As for the remaining three parts, it seemed more like... expectation.
No! Lu Chenyuan suddenly realized.

So she was testing my stance. The conversation about Gao Jian just now wasn't because she had any special interest in this man, but because she was waiting for my attitude. This is consistent with the characteristics of the ambiguous period. So it seems there was no love at first sight?
It's okay to be careless... a little bit oblivious can help control one's feelings.

"Your Highness."

Lu Chenyuan looked intently into her eyes: "'Entering the bedroom drunk, sweating and being exposed to the wind, injures the spleen.' Your headache is likely due to the alcohol accumulating in your Shaoyang meridian."

His voice was lower than usual, and he lightly tapped his temple with his fingertips as an example: "If you trust your humble servant..."

Li Lingyue stared intently at him this time as well, without the slightest hint of shyness. Instead, she seemed determined, making Lu Chenyuan's heart pound—something was about to go wrong!
But in an instant, that feeling disappeared. Li Lingyue closed her eyes and said coldly, "If you can't cure it, I'll let you taste what a real 'Shaoyang headache' feels like!"

Her attitude wasn't exactly pleasant, but Lu Chenyuan breathed a sigh of relief and said with a smile, "Then this humble servant must be more serious—after all, Young Master Gao is still waiting for His Highness to summon him."

"You!" Li Lingyue opened her eyes angrily, grabbed a soft pillow and threw it at him, but she was stunned when she saw the smile in his eyes. The smile was clear and transparent, without a trace of gloom.

He already understands.

"Lu Chenyuan!!!"

While Li Lingyue was overjoyed and relieved, she was also genuinely annoyed! I'm nice to you, but you avoid me. I finally managed to pretend to be indifferent, and you pull this trick on me again. What exactly do you want?!

She grew angrier the more she thought about it, and finally hissed, "You come here right now!"

Lu Chenyuan was startled by her shout, wondering what was wrong with this woman. He coughed and quickly moved a chair over.

Li Lingyue: "Sit down!"

Lu Chenyuan obediently took his seat.

Li Lingyue closed her eyes: "Press!"

Lu Chenyuan: "Your Highness..."

Li Lingyue angrily retorted, "Shut up! I told you to press!"

"no……"

Lu Chenyuan said, “What I mean is, it’s best to combine it with fragrant herbs or ointments for better results. You’re carrying too much on your mind, and you drank so much cold wine last night, causing coldness to stagnate in your liver meridian. It would be best to grind styrax, nard, and angelica into powder, then mix them with warm water and white honey to make an ointment. This can dispel stagnation and refresh the mind. Your constitution is prone to coldness, and your qi and blood are easily stagnant. If you only use ordinary massage, it may be difficult to clear the blockage in a short time. Nardostachys regulates qi, angelica dispels wind, and styrax unblocks the meridians. Adding a little borneol will not be too pungent, but it can still refresh the mind. The specific ratio is slightly reduced from the usual, using two qian of nard and three qian of angelica…”

He rambled on and on for a long time.

Before Li Lingyue could even feel powerless, she was enveloped by the meticulous care in the words.

She looked intently at Lu Chenyuan and suddenly said, "Lu Chenyuan, you are awful."

He said it was awful, but the anger in his words was almost overflowing.

This time, Lu Chenyuan didn't spoil her mood. She was almost done being angry, and it wouldn't be a big deal to go along with her a couple of times. Considering she was in a bad mood, he would be a nice guy today.

Lu Chenyuan smiled and said, "Yes, I'm awful. I'll write down a recipe. Ointments aren't difficult to make, it should be quick. It would be best if it were made with essential oils. I'll see if I can make it another day..."

As he spoke, he walked to the table, took out a pen and ink, and wrote a prescription.

Li Lingyue leaned against the couch, watching him. Sunlight fell on her shoulders, and all her worries seemed to vanish, leaving only warmth and tranquility.

Just as Lu Chenyuan finished writing, Yuan Qingshuang appeared like a ghost, silently took the prescription, and then disappeared again.

"..."

Lu Chenyuan was not surprised, but he did not make it clear, still giving the patient some face.

"last night……"

Li Lingyue suddenly spoke softly, her voice heavy with sorrow: "Last night, two palace maids in the Eastern Palace poisoned and attempted to harm Fourth Brother (Li Dan)..."

Lu Chenyuan listened quietly.

Li Lingyue continued, "Everyone knows who ordered it, everyone knows who wanted Fourth Brother dead, but... those two palace maids died suddenly in the palace, all clues were cut off, and there was no way to verify the truth... Mother ordered that apart from the two palace maids being torn apart by chariots, beheaded, and their entire families being executed, no further investigation should be pursued..."

A look of helplessness crossed her face as she stared blankly out the window, murmuring, "...How did things come to this...Are we still a family?"

Looking at her dejected expression and slightly trembling shoulders, Lu Chenyuan couldn't help but feel a pang of emotion.

A beautiful woman's sorrow is always particularly moving.

He composed himself, his posture upright yet with a touch of gentleness, and softly comforted her, “Your Highness, please do not grieve too much. In this world, justice prevails, and good and evil will ultimately be rewarded. He will not escape justice forever. The Crown Prince is still safe and healthy, which is a blessing in disguise. As long as the Crown Prince is alive, anything is possible. Furthermore, as the ancients said, ‘Judge yourself as you judge others, and forgive others as you forgive yourself.’ The one who made the mistake is the one who is guilty. You were drunk, and now you are enduring such suffering. Isn’t that punishing yourself for someone else’s mistake? This is not a wise move…”

Lu Chenyuan tried his best to be sincere.

After all, there are some things he himself doesn't believe.

Looking at his clean features and listening to his voice, Li Lingyue felt a slight stirring in her heart and suddenly said, "Are you saying I'm stupid?"

"How can that be possible?"

Lu Chenyuan smiled and said, "Your Highness is intelligent and insightful. You understand this simple truth without me having to explain it to you."

"Humph."

Li Lingyue turned her face away and gave a soft snort: "Who knows what you're thinking..."

Soon, Yuan Qingshuang brought over the prepared ointment.

Li Lingyue closed her eyes and assumed a comfortable position: "Give me a massage."

Lu Chenyuan began to suspect that this guy might have been replaced.

Yesterday it exploded at the slightest touch, but today it seems to be in a hurry...

"Quick!"

"it is good……"

Lu Chenyuan washed his hands, dipped his fingertips in the ointment, and let the amber-colored ointment melt on his fingertips, emitting a refreshing fragrance. He then paused slightly, recalling the massage techniques he had learned in his previous life, and gently pressed them on her Zanzhu acupoint.

Li Lingyue kept her eyes tightly closed, her ears burning, but this time she didn't feel much shyness, only warmth.

I don't know if it was the warmth of Lu Chenyuan's hand or the warmth of the ointment...

Li Lingyue murmured, "I want to protect Fourth Brother..."

Lu Chenyuan said, "It's best not to be too explicit. The Martial Emperor will overthink it, and Wu Chengsi will also take action."

Li Lingyue said, "Then let's send an elderly woman who the mother can trust in, after all, they are mother and son... As for Wu Chengsi, he has already made his move!"

Lu Chenyuan said, "As long as Your Highness knows what's going on."

The hall was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood. Li Lingyue suddenly opened her eyes. Her black hair, which was spread out on the soft couch, cascaded down like a waterfall. From this angle, his outline was gilded by the autumn sun shining obliquely through the window, and even the shadows cast by his eyelashes were clearly visible.

"I regret it," she whispered, trying to suppress the heat rising in her cheeks.

Lu Chenyuan's fingertip hovered above her temple: "Hmm?"

Li Lingyue looked at him: "That sword shouldn't have destroyed his mansion; it should have struck him directly. Do you blame me?"

"..."

Lu Chenyuan's movements stiffened slightly, his heart skipped a beat, and looking down at the flawless pretty face, he sensed something was wrong...

　Stop cursing, the result will be in the next chapter.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)