Taiyi Dao Fruit

The master and disciple duo often played tricks on each other, which was a common occurrence.

Seeing Jiang Li enter, the palace maids swiftly helped him change into the Ninefold Regal Garb, then retreated slowly.

"After the morning assembly, together with me, go probe Feng Manlou and that woman Ji Lingguang."

Tianxuan approached Jiang Li, adjusting his collar as she spoke, "I also want to know how much Ji Lingguang knows about Feng Manlou and the Great Venerable. It's also to test the Great Venerable's intentions, to see what he's planning."

Now, the relationship between Feng Manlou and the Great Venerable was almost laid bare. Even though Jiang Li kept the vow and said nothing, Tianxuan had already guessed Feng Manlou's identity.

As for what purpose the Dragon King's son-in-law, hidden in the Royal Family, had, Tianxuan both feared and felt it was necessary to test. Feng Manlou's identity was near exposure, and from another perspective, it might indicate the Great Venerable's goals were near fulfillment.

It was time to confirm whether his goals were beneficial or harmful to their side.

"I've always known Ji Lingguang's forcefulness, but she's not someone who acts irrationally; otherwise, even the best relationship would've long worn out."

Tianxuan said insightfully, as if understanding the inner details, "You said Ji Lingguang punished Feng Manlou again, which means Feng Manlou did something that angered her. To Ji Lingguang, aside from this master, there aren't many people or things that truly provoke her."

Jiang Li: "······"

So you still have such a relationship with the Princess, no wonder some say you two are sworn enemies.

Jiang Li pondered and said, "This is indeed quite necessary, but my good elder brother isn't so easily exposed. His expertise in Yi Dao is above ours, arguably the best under the heavens."

Because of this, Jiang Li often played tricks on Feng Manlou, but it was mostly jokingly. In truly important matters, he remained honest, never overstepping any bounds.

For instance, secretly exposing Feng Manlou's identity and the like.

If he truly touched a sensitive area for Feng Manlou, he would certainly sense it.

"Just make it hard for him to focus."

Tianxuan was confident, already prepared, as she spread her right hand open, revealing a scroll in her palm, which was none other than the Great Zhou's registry.

"Even for those of our level, when engaging in critical divinations, it's difficult to maintain focus. Having Feng Manlou assist in divining Kaiyang should distract him. Matters concerning Kaiyang relate to the Heavenly Monarch, Ji Lingguang would agree, allowing his assistance."

When Kaiyang is involved, it might alarm the Heavenly Monarch, leading to a confrontation with him from afar.

Under such circumstances, even the Great Venerable wouldn't be able to spare attention elsewhere.

Moreover, even if probing Feng Manlou reveals nothing, his assistance might lead to finding Elder Kaiyang, or even catching the tail of the Heavenly Monarch. Whether successful or not, it's not a loss.

"I understand now." Jiang Li slowly exhaled and said.

Next, it would involve a slight contest with Feng Manlou... no, with the Great Venerable.

······

······

An hour later, in the Ziwei Hall.

"Princess's decree: appoint Feng Manlou as the Chief of the Southern Heavenly Department, tasked with investigating sect experts inside and outside the Divine Capital, securing the city's safety, managing sect affairs, and capturing the remnants of the Taiping Sect."

Beside the Dragon Throne, the Chief Eunuch energetically announced the decree of the Regent Princess, and all the officials below unanimously proclaimed, "His Highness is wise."

Regarding Feng Manlou's promotion, those unaware of his identity simply lacked the standing to object.

Those who knew he was from the Feng family dared not object, intimidated by the power of the Princess and Jiang Li.

As for the deepest inner circle, aware of the close relationship between Feng Manlou and the Great Venerable, though they had the qualification and ability to oppose, like Imperial Historian Xiao Zhi, supported by the third-grade Imperial College Sacrificial Officer, they couldn't afford to dissent.

If they really provoked the disruptive Great Venerable, it wouldn't end well for anyone, better to just sit it out.

Thus, the Great Zhou's first son-in-law... at least the current first son-in-law, took the position of Chief of the Southern Heavenly Department.

After the assembly dispersed, this Long Prince Consort became the most prominent figure after Jiang Li, with members of the Princess's faction immediately aligning themselves with him.

Although Jiang Sikong and the Princess are now allies, Jiang Sikong's power as a minister might oppose them in the future, so it's better to side with the Long Prince Consort to avoid standing with the wrong person.

However, Feng Manlou didn't give them this opportunity. After the assembly dispersed, he stayed in the hall with Jiang Li, accompanying the Princess to an adjoining hall, taking a VIP path separate from the main gate used by the officials.

Following the Princess, they exited the Ziwei Hall from the back, where a carriage was already prepared outside, carrying the three of them towards Nanli Palace.

In the Imperial City, essentially divided into two layers, the Emperor and his harem reside within the palace, while other Royal Family members live outside the palace. For instance, the Princess's Nanli Palace, or the Crown Prince's Eastern Palace.

The Eastern Palace was built more than two hundred years ago, for the only undisputed Crown Prince in the Great Zhou's eight hundred years—Ji Jiji.

Besides Ji Jiji, other Crown Princes were decided when the Emperor was dying or even after death, so they succeeded the throne shortly afterward, with no need for an Eastern Palace.

The carriage traveled for a little less than half an hour, arriving at Nanli Palace, where layers of palace gates opened one after another, linearly stretching for several miles.

As the Emperor's elder sister and a fourth-grade expert, the Princess's status and treatment were always the utmost, probably just below the Empress in the harem.

The three of them got off the carriage together, passed through two main gates, and followed a winding corridor to reach a garden. Tianxuan was already seated in a pavilion beside a rockery.

An exquisitely beautiful palace maid was making tea, pouring it into a teapot with fluid grace as it reached perfection before quietly exiting the pavilion. Tianxuan then leisurely said, "You're here? Perfect timing, the tea is ready."

Seeing her demeanor made the Princess's eyes twitch slightly, as if Tianxuan were the host.

"No need for you to say, this palace is the host."

The Princess stiffly retorted, sitting across from Tianxuan with Feng Manlou, while Jiang Li sat by Tianxuan's side.

The two pairs sat very closely to each other, revealing an intimate relationship.

"Two matters."

Tianxuan removed her veil, elegantly rolling up her sleeves, taking the teapot to pour tea, and said calmly, "First, to thank you both as a couple. I've thanked Ling Guang before but not the Long Prince Consort. This palace isn't someone who doesn't express gratitude. I'm thankful for you two facilitating the marriage between this palace and Jiang Li. Let's substitute tea for wine to express my thanks to you both."

Upon hearing this, Feng Manlou glanced quietly at the Princess.

According to his knowledge, when he and the Princess married, Tianxuan mocked the Princess for being a cougar preying on a young calf, infuriating her terribly.

This part about actions and inability to express thanks referred exactly to this matter.

Now, Tianxuan herself also has a younger partner, and unlike the Princess, Jiang Li truly is young. However, Tianxuan showed no hint of concealing it, openly and grandly proclaiming it.

How could the Princess accept such gratitude?

Moreover, is this truly thanks, or is it a face-to-face mockery?

If there's not a hint of personal grievance in this, Feng Manlou won't believe it.

Although the result was favorable, the Princess's initial intention was to watch Tianxuan make a fool of herself.

Aware of Feng Manlou's gaze, the Princess looked at him expressionlessly, signaling trouble. Then, the Princess coldly declared, "If you've come seeking trouble, this palace is happy to oblige."

"That won't do, you can't defeat this palace."

Tianxuan put down her teacup, using a matter-of-fact tone to provoke the Princess's anger, then shifted the topic before she could flare up, "The second is to calculate the current whereabouts of Dinghu Sect's Kaiyang Wuqu."

Tianxuan produced a booklet, eyes glancing towards the pair opposite, "As it concerns the Heavenly Monarch, hence this palace wishes your husband to assist."