Chapter 89: Turmoil in the Imperial Court (Part 7)

In Liangjing, within Rende Hall.

As Feng Lin's figure vanished beyond the palace gates, Emperor Rende slumped in his imperial chair like a deflated ball, his eyes vacant and his face etched with exhaustion.

He looked at the sea of kneeling officials in the hall and waved his hand, his voice low and feeble: "Let us end it here for today; I am weary. My ministers, present your matters tomorrow!"

The officials exchanged glances, clearly dissatisfied with Emperor Rende's sudden decision, but constrained by imperial authority, they dared not speak and could only bow in unison.

"We take our leave!"

With this unified shout, the atmosphere in the great hall loosened slightly, and everyone slowly stood up and retreated.

They continued to whisper and murmur among themselves, shaking their heads and sighing from time to time.

"Sigh, the Emperor is too impulsive; he disregards the overall situation. This is truly a misstep!"

"Such actions will inevitably be exploited by the Heavenly Shadow Sect. I truly wonder if the nation can still be preserved!"

"Princess Zhaoyang is Your Majesty's apple of his eye, but such favoritism is truly inappropriate…"

"Indeed, the nation is paramount; how can he lose his composure for the sake of a daughter…"

"Acting this way has already wounded the hearts of the ministers. If the Emperor does not heed advice, the consequences will be unimaginable!"

Amidst the discussions, several ministers wore complex expressions, their lips revealing faint traces of dissatisfaction and disappointment.

After everyone had left, Emperor Rende slowly stood up, appearing weary and powerless.

His gaze swept across the empty great hall, his eyes filled with deep fatigue and reluctance.

The monarch's magnificent robes trailed on the floor; though they were resplendent with gold and jade, they felt as heavy as thousand-pound shackles.

"What, in the end, should I do?"

He murmured to himself, his voice laced with unconcealable helplessness and pain.

In the vast Rende Hall, there was no one else left; he stood alone in the center of the empty hall, his figure looking exceptionally lonely.

Emperor Rende forced himself to take heavy steps as he slowly walked out of the hall.

His Dragon robe made a faint rustling sound against the floor; every step seemed to exhaust all his strength.

The usually majestic monarch now resembled an elderly man, dragging his weary body and stumbling toward his sleeping quarters.

"Zhaoyang, oh Zhaoyang…" He whispered, a surge of bitterness and heartache rising in his heart.

He knew that as the ruler of a nation, he should prioritize the country and not be hindered by personal feelings for his children.

However, faced with the humiliation and danger suffered by his most beloved daughter, he could not remain a calm bystander.

"Am I, in the end, her father, or the Emperor of this nation…"

Emperor Rende's figure gradually disappeared at the end of the long corridor, leaving behind a silent palace.

Emperor Rende dragged his weary body back to his sleeping quarters.

As soon as the palace doors opened, two beautiful young maids greeted him.

They were dressed simply and elegantly, with delicate features, their movements filled with well-trained respect and grace.

They called out softly: "Your Majesty, you have worked hard all day; please sit down and rest."

Emperor Rende nodded, removing his heavy imperial robes and allowing the maids to carefully change him into a light and comfortable sleeping gown.

"Your Majesty, this way, please; we have prepared warm foot-washing water for you."

The maids gently guided him, supporting Emperor Rende as they walked to the bedside.

The large bed was covered with soft silk bedding, appearing exceptionally comfortable.

Emperor Rende sat down slowly, and the two maids immediately knelt, bringing a basin of steaming water to his feet.

"Please, Your Majesty, place your feet into the water."

Emperor Rende complied, instantly feeling the warm water spread up along his ankles, washing away his day's exhaustion.

The two maids, one gently kneading his feet and the other carefully pounding his shoulders and back, moved with a gentleness and skill that showed they were clearly accustomed to relieving the Emperor's fatigue in this way.

A quarter of an hour later, Emperor Rende's previously tense expression eased slightly, and the fatigue between his brows gradually faded.

He let out a long sigh, as if even the anxiety in his heart had been temporarily diluted by the warm water and massage.

Just as Emperor Rende was resting with his eyes closed, a light and hurried sound of footsteps suddenly came from outside the door, followed by the Ninth Prince's urgent voice:

"Imperial Father, I have the latest news regarding younger sister, and have come specifically to report to you."

Emperor Rende heard this, his relaxed expression instantly tightening. He opened his eyes and said in an urgent tone: "Come in quickly!"

The door curtain was lifted, and the Ninth Prince, dressed in a deep blue brocade robe, walked in hurriedly.

He had a handsome face, and his eyes revealed a hint of unconcealable anxiety and unease.

Upon seeing Emperor Rende, he immediately stepped forward to salute: "Imperial Father, your son greets you."

Emperor Rende waved his hand and asked impatiently: "How is it? What exactly is the situation with Princess Zhaoyang?"

The Ninth Prince bowed and then said with a serious expression: "Imperial Father, rest assured, younger sister is safe and sound and has not suffered any serious injuries. It is just that…"

Emperor Rende frowned slightly, a trace of unease appearing in his eyes: "Just that? If you have something to say, just say it; why the hesitation?"

The Ninth Prince paused, then revealed a hesitant expression:

"Imperial Father, I dare not say. You have been physically weak and mentally exhausted lately; I ask that you first drink this calming tea, and then listen to me explain in detail."

Emperor Rende heard this, and a trace of warmth flashed in his eyes.

He nodded and smiled slightly: "You are indeed thoughtful. Bring it here."

The Ninth Prince glanced at the trusted attendant standing behind him, giving a signaling look.

The attendant immediately understood, respectfully holding a celadon teacup emitting a faint fragrance, and walked to Emperor Rende with slightly trembling hands, bowing his head in salute:

"Your Majesty, the calming tea is served."

The Ninth Prince stepped forward, a flash of imperceptible light in his eyes.

He gently patted the attendant's shoulder, signaling him to withdraw, then personally took the teacup and brought it to Emperor Rende, saying softly:

"Imperial Father, this cup of calming tea is made with thousand-year-old Lingzhi and Snow Mountain Cloud Mist Tea, flavored with Jade Dew honey. It can not only calm the spirit and steady the soul, but also nourish the heart and pulse. If you drink it all at once, you will surely feel at ease and all your worries will vanish."

Seeing the Ninth Prince so attentive, Emperor Rende couldn't help but smile, taking the teacup and sipping it. The fragrant tea entered his mouth, refreshing his heart and spirit.

"Truly good tea!"

After saying this, he lifted the teacup and drank it all in one gulp.

When he put down the teacup, he faintly felt a warm current slowly flowing through his body, and it seemed that his previously congested Qi and blood had also flowed much more smoothly. A satisfied expression appeared on Emperor Rende's face, and he let out a long sigh:

"Not bad, not bad. You are thoughtful."

Seeing this, a barely perceptible smile appeared on the Ninth Prince's face, which then immediately returned to a respectful demeanor.

He stepped forward and said in a solemn tone: "Imperial Father, younger sister is not in danger. That Bai Fan turned out to be a great Cultivator with extremely high cultivation; he killed the arrogant jailer on the spot, shocking everyone present."

"Good!" Emperor Rende slapped the table and stood up, his eyes shining with relief and excitement.

"Well done! I have always thought highly of this young man! He is young, yet possesses such courage and cultivation; he is indeed rare! When he returns, I will confer upon him the title of 'Imperial Dragon Prince' and have him marry Zhaoyang immediately! With him protecting Zhaoyang, I can also be at ease!"