Chapter 413

Chapter 413: What is she really up to?

“Huh?”

When the Dragon Empress said this, Zhu Cici looked at her with confusion.

“I’m merely an ordinary woman.” Zhu Cici humbly replied.

The corner of the Dragon Empress’s mouth curved upward.

Her smile was faint, not even close to a true smile.

But this delicate curve was like melting snow on Heavenly Mountain, pear blossoms blooming on myriad trees, and an entire sea of night-blooming cereus flowers opening all at once.

“How truly beautiful she is.”

Watching the Dragon Empress’s gentle smile, Zhu Cici couldn’t help but marvel.

The Dragon Empress gazed at Zhu Cici, “Though there aren’t many people with innate Literary Courage, every thousand years or so, one does emerge. I’ve met quite a few with innate Literary Courage.

However, Miss Zhu, as Mr. Qi’s final disciple, this alone makes you exceptional.

There are very few people I respect, and your master is one of them.

That old man is extremely cautious about taking on disciples; each of his students has left a significant mark in this world.

And you, being his final disciple, that speaks volumes.

Moreover, Miss Zhu ranks within the top ten of the Red Beauty List.

A woman of such talent and beauty is indeed rare.

‘The most fleeting things in life are youth fading from the mirror and flowers falling from the tree.’

I’ve heard this poem too.

Miss Zhu, seeing you now, it feels fitting. You’re beautiful beyond worldly measure.”

Although the Dragon Empress was praising Zhu Cici, Zhu Cici inexplicably felt a hint of hostility from Her Majesty.

Zhu Cici smiled faintly, “Cici is rather dull-witted at the White Deer Academy. Becoming a disciple of Master Qi is an honor for me. As for my appearance, I can’t compare to Your Majesty, whose reputation resounds throughout the world. For many, just catching a glimpse of Your Majesty would make dying worthwhile.”

“People from the White Deer Academy are always so modest,” the Dragon Empress stared directly at Zhu Cici’s face, “Enjoy yourself well at today’s banquet, miss.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty. Cici will take my leave first.” Zhu Cici bowed slightly and turned to leave.

Seeing Zhu Cici descend from the high platform, Ming knew it was his turn next.

An official from the Wu Kingdom handed two boxes to Ming.

Ming stood up holding the two gift-filled boxes and began ascending the steps one by one.

Ming’s posture was upright, especially dressed in the characteristic blue robe of the Wu Kingdom. Combined with his daily practice of martial arts and reading, he exuded a powerful Righteous Aura and Martial True Qi.

His aura made several women glance at him appreciatively.

Even Ao Yiner, who was clueless about love, was momentarily mesmerized, thinking how handsome Ming was. No wonder he had just become her new friend.

As Zhu Cici descended, she nodded at Ming, who returned the nod politely.

When Ming stepped onto the platform, palace maids were already there to receive the gifts sent by the Wu Kingdom.

“The Wu Kingdom wishes prosperity to the myriad races of the Northern Sea, harmony among its people, and peace across its lands.” Ming bowed respectfully.

“Thank you, Minister Xu.”

The Dragon Empress nodded.

“I’ve long heard of Minister Xu’s extraordinary talents. Since childhood, you’ve been known as the Poetic Immortal. The ‘Butterfly Lovers Flower’ poem you wrote when young has spread far and wide. Later, when you joined the Blood Floating Pagoda, I thought you had abandoned literature for martial pursuits. But unexpectedly, you excel in both.

Now Minister Xu ranks second on the Azurecloud List, which is truly remarkable.”

“Your Majesty flatters me,” Ming bowed deeply, “All this is thanks to our Emperor’s cultivation. My lord treats me like family, sparing nothing, even offering the princess’s hand in marriage. Without my lord, there wouldn’t be my present day.”

Although Ming’s growth wasn’t closely tied to the Emperor of Wu, at moments like these, he naturally needed to credit the Emperor.

Ming also implied something else — he was telling the Dragon Empress that he wasn’t alone; the Emperor of Wu treated him like a son, and it would be best if she let him return.

The Dragon Empress, having lived so long, surely understood Ming’s implication.

Whether she cared or not, Ming wasn’t sure.

To be honest, Ming felt that leaving the Dragon Palace might require some effort now. “In that case, I must visit the Wu Kingdom later to see how such an excellent person like Minister Xu could be cultivated by such a young emperor.” the Dragon Empress said.

Ming: “…”

A sudden thought struck Ming.

Could the Dragon Empress be planning to propose to him when she visits the Wu Kingdom?

“Minister Xu has traveled far. I hope you enjoy this Four Seas Grand Ceremony.” The Dragon Empress didn’t say much more, treating Ming like any other envoy.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

After bowing again, Ming turned and descended the steps.

Then another person ascended the steps to present their gift to the Dragon Empress.

Gifts continued until the morning of the next day.

Everyone stayed awake all night.

Fortunately, everyone was a Cultivator, so lack of sleep wasn’t much of an issue.

Light once again filled the entire Dragon Palace, and the night pearls gradually dimmed.

Palace maids carrying breakfast approached.

Everyone knew that after finishing this meal, the Four Seas Grand Ceremony would essentially be over.

But right at that moment, the Dragon Empress stood up and addressed everyone,

“The Four Seas Grand Ceremony should conclude here.

But if we end it like this every time, it might get boring.

This time, I want all of you to witness a ceremony.”

The Dragon Empress’s voice echoed throughout the Dragon Palace.

Everyone looked around, then back at the Dragon Empress.

An envoy from a Sect stood up and bowed, “What ceremony would Your Majesty have us observe?”

“The succession ceremony of Long Wang Teng.” The Dragon Empress replied clearly.

This caused even more chatter in the banquet hall.

Most people didn’t know what “Long Wang Teng” was.

But some had heard rumors that the Four Seas Grand Ceremony was mainly for the transfer of a certain treasure, a totem.

Could those rumors be true? And could the totem transferred during the Four Seas Grand Ceremony be called Long Wang Teng?

Here’s the question.

This isn’t exactly a secret, but it’s certainly confidential.

Why did the Dragon Empress reveal this?

Moreover, she even wanted them to observe the ceremony.

After the Dragon Empress spoke, Ming frowned, unsure of her intentions.

Ao Jin was even more anxious inside.

Normally, the succession of Long Wang Teng was conducted in secret. Why did the Dragon Empress announce it?

Did she know of his plot?

No, that doesn’t make sense.

If she knew of his plot, he’d be dead already.

And Ao Jin didn’t believe he’d left any evidence behind.

So what is she really up to?