Free Web NovelChapter 1329: Chapter 21: Eternal Life
The old man’s face was marked with deep wrinkles, and while he wasn’t hunchbacked, his eyes were somewhat dark, as if a corner of lusterless glaze had tainted them.
Palace Guards were not far behind, and Qiu Ji had left not long ago.
And yet, this place was still part of the Great Qi Imperial Palace; who knows how many strong figures were in residence.
But Jiang Wang still sensed a trace of danger.
The sense of danger seemed to emanate from the old man, but it was not directed at him.
Jiang Wang inquired, "Which Palace Master?"
"Longevity." The old man said.
Longevity Palace Master Jiang Wuqi!
Why would this ’most like the current Sovereign’ Prince suddenly extend an invitation?
Because of Zhang Song? Because of Yellow River’s Kui? Because of Jiang Wuyou?
Jiang Wang thought of many possibilities in an instant.
He could completely refuse.
He now had the privilege to turn down a summons from any Prince. Even from the once most-favored Eleventh Prince by Emperor Qi.
But he simply nodded: "Since the Eleventh Prince has invited me, then please lead the way, Eunuch."
Although his few encounters with Jiang Wuqi have not been particularly pleasant, he doesn’t harbor any ill feelings towards Jiang Wuqi himself. On the contrary, he was quite curious.
The old man bowed his head in acknowledgment before turning and leading the way. After walking a few steps, they stopped in front of a palanquin resting against the palace wall.
"Son of Qingyang, please enter the palanquin."
While speaking, he lifted the curtain for Jiang Wang.
Jiang Wang glanced inside and saw that it was indeed elegantly decorated, yet empty.
"I thought the Eleventh Prince would be in the palanquin," Jiang Wang said casually, making no move to enter.
The old man replied, "The Palace Master wishes to see you in a proper and straightforward manner, with no hidden agenda; naturally, it will be at the Long Life Palace."
This reassured Jiang Wang.
"I perceive the Eleventh Prince to be an upright and forthright man!"
Jiang Wang smiled, bent at the waist, and sat down in the palanquin.
As the curtain was drawn, the four Palanquin Bearers gently lifted the luxurious palanquin and started moving.
No jostling occurred as they traveled.
Jiang Wang casually opened the small window, enjoying the evening breeze of Linyi City. Of course, he was also keen on not missing any details outside the palanquin.
And the old man in black eunuch attire was enveloping his hands within his sleeves, accompanying the palanquin’s side.
Cupping hands inside sleeves is often a habit formed in the cold winters to seek warmth.
But it’s still July, and the weather is far from cold.
Moreover, with the old man’s abilities, he should be immune to both heat and cold by now.
People from the Longevity Palace really do seem to dislike the cold.
Jiang Wang entertained these thoughts and closed his eyes to meditate, with no intention of further speech.
They proceeded in silence.
The palanquin moved swiftly, and just as Jiang Wang was familiarizing himself with the Yellow-rank Dao Technique "Dragon and Tiger," the bearers stopped and lowered the palanquin.
"We have arrived at the Long Life Palace," the old man reminded from outside the palanquin.
Jiang Wang then bent down and exited the palanquin, and upon looking up, he saw a vertical signboard hanging above the palace gate bearing the two characters "Long Life."
Those two characters were grand and forceful, especially the brush stroke for "life," which gave the impression of piercing the sky, like a person, with a straight spine, questioning the heavens.
"These two characters were penned by His Majesty himself. No other palace bears such a distinction," the old man commented with a hint of pride in his voice.
Jiang Wang took another look at the characters, feeling not just their majestic aura, but also a father’s expectations for his child.
"May my son live long."
The architectural style of the entire Long Life Palace was also grand and magnificent. Even as dusk approached, it exuded an aura of brightness.
Jiang Wang did not say much, merely following the old man into the Long Life Palace.
Along the way, Palace Maidens shared their coy smiles, while Palace Guards stood firm with chests out. With open vistas and clean floral terraces, the atmosphere inside the palace was distinctly light-hearted and clear. frёeweɓηovel.coɱ
There is a saying, "How can one sweep the world if one’s own house is not clean?" and also, "Governing a country is like managing a household."
The temperament of those in power can largely be reflected in their "home."
Of course, history tells people that everything before one ascends to the Dragon Throne might not be true.
After passing through the third palace gate and arriving in front of a side hall, the first thing that enters one’s ears is a series of violent coughs.
The cough is short and abrupt, intense and rapid as if the breath will cease at any moment.
Hearing this sound, one would worry whether they might cough out their heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and everything else.
The old man walking in front leads the way with a stagger and then disappears.
Jiang Wang thought for a moment and then slowly stepped into the side hall.
"It’s nothing serious."
Before entering the side hall, this is the first sentence he hears.
After stepping into the side hall, he sees Jiang Wuqi at first glance.
At that moment, Jiang Wuqi is sitting in front of a desk, wrapped in a thick white fox fur coat, seemingly comforting the elder standing behind him.
He just happens to turn his head and meets Jiang Wang’s gaze.
His face is so pale that there is no hint of color.
"I’ve given Son of Qingyang cause for laughter," he says with a smile.
His expression is open and calm, as if he doesn’t take his illness seriously, nor does he have anything to conceal.
The old man behind him dressed in the black attire of a eunuch has an expressionless face, seemingly unwilling to show any concern.
"I’ve seen the Eleventh Prince," Jiang Wang greets with a bow of hands.
There is no discussion of Jiang Wuqi’s illness.
Jiang Wuqi doesn’t need consoling.
Jiang Wuqi coughs twice before saying, "I only heard that the Son of Qingyang entered the palace today, so I sent for you. I did not expect to have the honor of your presence."
He wears an easy smile on his face: "But I thought I might as well try."
Jiang Wang modestly replies: "How could I be considered an honored guest?"
"You are a hero of Great Qi, bringing glory to our nation. Of course, you are an honored guest, so honorable it’s beyond words."
As Jiang Wuqi speaks, he stands up and casually closes a scroll on the desk and places it in the top right corner, where a pile of books is already accumulating.
Meeting Jiang Wang’s gaze, he takes the opportunity to explain: "I’ve had some spare time recently and have read quite a few books... stories about benevolent scholars, demonic heroes, and the like."
"Oh, light reading," Jiang Wang responds casually.
Jiang Wuqi seems to take an interest: "Do you also like to read light reading, Son of Qingyang?"
Jiang Wang truthfully replies: "I don’t really."
Jiang Wuqi appears particularly interested in this topic: "Perhaps you could share what you have read."
"Uh..." Jiang Wang is forced to give a perfunctory answer: "The Pride of Various Countries?"
After saying the title, he feels more confident, knowing it’s a book favored by Chongxuan Fenghua – it can’t be that far off. And so, he emphasizes affirmatively: "Yes. The Pride of Various Countries, quite interesting."
"I see," Jiang Wuqi says with a smile playing on his lips: "That book is not easy to find."
"Ah, that’s true." Jiang Wang feels that continuing this topic would give him away, and somehow, the old man is now giving him a rather sinister look, so he quickly changes the subject: "May I ask, for what matter has Your Highness summoned me today?"
"Actually, there’s nothing too important." Jiang Wuqi, wrapped in the white fox fur, looks like a frail jade carving, as if a light tap could shatter him.
He presses down on the book with his slender fingers, steps out from behind the desk.
"The acts performed by the Empress in Near Sea on your behalf, I myself admit that I couldn’t have done them at the time. So I’ve given up on the idea of trying to recruit you, Son of Qingyang, please don’t feel burdened."
After Zhang Song’s mourning shrine, Jiang Wuqi’s reputation plummeted disastrously. All over the court and the country, countless eyes watched with indifference.
But at this moment as he takes measured steps, he still possesses an air of nobility.
Despite looking frail and slender at first glance, he somehow carries a majesty as if he were surveying mountains and rivers.
"Cough cough!"
He holds a fist lightly to his lips and coughs violently twice.
The fur on his white fox coat trembles like waves of snow.
After ceasing his cough, he looks up at Jiang Wang with serious intent and says, "Son of Qingyang, I wish to see who truly holds the foremost position within the Inner Mansion of the whole world. Could you satisfy my curiosity?"
