The Demon Lords

"Hmm? Are we also qualified to enter?"

"It's big inside, and you all are the personal guards of the Lord. We are all family here, so why would we not allow you to enter?"

"Well, I really do want to take a stroll inside."

"Just mind your behavior."

Once the Empress's palanquin entered, the formality and tension instantly dissipated greatly. Inside an Elegant Building in the garden, behind a light gauze curtain, the Empress dismissed her attendants and knelt in front of Old Master Tian and Mrs. Tian.

"Father, Mother, I was unfilial. After entering the palace, I was unable to serve you both."

Old Master Tian and Mrs. Tian immediately rose to lift the Empress up, but the Empress insisted on kneeling. Unable to convince her otherwise, Old Master Tian gave up, letting Mrs. Tian and the Empress embrace and cry together.

"My own dear daughter, you've suffered so much..."

The palace is deep and mysterious. To survive within it, how much hardship must one endure?

Old Master Tian sighed. He glanced at his wife, then at his daughter. He hesitated but eventually opened his mouth and called out, "Chaier."

This was the Empress's childhood name, used before she married.

The Empress shivered and turned her head towards Old Master Tian. "Father."

"Your brother has also returned. Because he arrived with the troops and hasn't removed his armor yet, I didn't let him come earlier. Now, I will go welcome your brother. You two haven't seen each other for a long time."

"I saw the cavalry behind the palanquin earlier. Ah Brother has done well, being able to serve the country at the border. As his older sister, because of him, my position in the palace is much more secure. The Emperor even praised Ah Brother, calling him the pillar of the state."

"As subjects, it is only right for us to share the Emperor's burden. Moreover, the Emperor has not treated the Tian Family unfairly. As the Emperor's favor towards the Tian Family grows, it is only natural that we should work even harder to serve him."

"Father, we're all family. Why do we need to be so formal? Why do we have to care so much about status?"

Old Master Tian had a gentle smile on his face, but after hearing his daughter's words, he felt a chill in his heart.

There was a hidden meaning in his daughter's words.

It seemed her visit home this time was not just because of her parents' birthdays.

After all, her words clearly indicated that she wanted to rope in her brother for her husband's benefit. But with the current situation, the Tian Family was just one step away from becoming royalty. How could they let go?

How could he, as a father, let go?

Sure enough, a married daughter is like splashed water. In her heart, she had completely sided with her husband and son, with the Ji Family. She had forgotten that she was a Tian!

Mrs. Tian was still crying. She was fortunate to have both a son and a daughter who were successful, so she had always enjoyed her blessings. Naturally, she could not understand the hidden nuances in the conversation between her husband and daughter.

Old Master Tian excused himself and left the Elegant Building. Outside, the Tian Family's relatives were all at a certain distance. This was a time for the parents and daughter to enjoy some family warmth. If anyone else were present, it would make everyone uncomfortable.

At tonight's feast, everyone would indeed see the Empress, and the younger generation could also receive the Empress's rewards.

Old Master Tian hurriedly walked along the pathway. Ahead, in the corridor, Lord Jingnan, Tian Wujing, who had just removed his armor, was being led towards him by a maid.

Upon seeing his son, Old Master Tian's anger erupted. He had received news that after his son had entered the capital, he had gone directly to the prince's residence and deposed the Third Prince!

What was he thinking!

What on earth was he thinking!

The Tian Family only wanted a royal title. They didn't intend to rebel!

Even if they wanted to rebel, his army in the north hadn't actually engaged in battle yet. The Earl of North Border hadn't openly broken ties, so were the Tians becoming too impatient?

At this critical juncture, his usually calm son had acted so recklessly. Old Master Tian was truly, truly, truly...

"Wujing, my son, you must have been worn down by the journey. Let your father take a good look at you. Did the winds in the south thin you out?"

In this, perhaps there was indeed deep parental affection. But more than that, as Old Master Tian approached Tian Wujing, his own son, he was immediately stunned by his son's imposing aura as a Marshal.

At that moment, Old Master Tian remembered. The person in front of him was not only his son but also the Marshal of fifty thousand elite southern troops! Old Master Tian was also the head of the Tian Clan, but he was old. How could the demeanor of a family patriarch compare to that of a great Marshal?

Upon approaching, Tian Wujing knelt on both knees and kowtowed three times to Old Master Tian. He said, "I have been unfilial. I was unable to return to wish Father a happy birthday due to military matters. I invite Father to punish me."

"Ah, my child, you have been burdened by military affairs. How could your father blame you?"

Old Master Tian immediately extended his hand to help Tian Wujing up.

At this time, Old Master Tian noticed a woman standing behind Tian Wujing. The woman was dressed in a black skirt, her hair adorned with hairpins. She had an enchanting appearance, undoubtedly a celestial beauty.

But quickly, Old Master Tian realized the woman's identity. His mouth gaped as he pointed at her and said, "You... you brought her back?"

Tian Wujing turned his head and beckoned Dujuan closer. "Come, pay your respects."

"Your daughter-in-law pays her respects, Father-in-law."

Dujuan knelt before Old Master Tian.