Chapter 84: Chapter 84

Chapter 84: Visiting the Palace

That night, Ye Liyan, who had lived in the Duke’s Mansion for many years and suddenly changed to a new environment, was not used to the environment and tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep. Shen Yian was a little tired from the tossing and turning, and finally, they were too tired and fell into a deep sleep.

As soon as the sky brightened, Shen Yian woke up. According to the rules, he had to go to the palace to pay his respects to the Emperor and Empress.

He turned his head to see Ye Liyan, who was still sleeping, her face flushed with a hint of shyness, her body leaning against his arm.

Hmm?

Shen Yian smiled mischievously and gently slid his fingers over Ye Liyan’s delicate skin, causing her to tremble slightly.

It seemed that someone was already awake, but was pretending to be asleep.

Thinking back to last night’s tossing and turning, Ye Liyan was already feeling embarrassed, and Shen Yian’s gentle touch made her lose her composure.

In an instant, Shen Yian felt like he was holding a warm and cozy treasure, and he asked softly, “Are you awake?”

“Uh-huh...”

Ye Liyan knew she had failed to pretend to sleep, and she responded with a hint of shyness, trying to sit up, but she felt a sudden pain and instinctively pressed her hand against Shen Yian’s chest.

“Liyan, it’s still early, let me help you heal your wounds,” Shen Yian said seriously, holding Ye Liyan’s hand.

It was only fair that he took responsibility for his actions, especially since he had hurt her and made her bleed.

Ye Liyan’s face turned bright red, and she nodded stupidly, agreeing to Shen Yian’s words.

The healing process went smoothly, and everything was fine. Shen Yian held Ye Liyan’s hand, and they walked out of the room together.

“Your Majesty, Your Highness,” Jinxiu and Jinlian bowed and greeted them.

The two women were Ye Liyan’s attendants, and from now on, they would be part of the King of Chu’s household.

Shen Yian nodded and instructed Mendu to take care of some trivial matters. Then, he and Ye Liyan separated to bathe and change their clothes, preparing to visit the palace.

“Ah...”

In the bathtub, Shen Yian used his fingers to create a three-foot-long sword out of water droplets.

The effects of the Two Qi Marrow Fruit and the dual cultivation method had not disappointed him.

Ye Liyan had successfully broken through to the mid-stage of the Free Realm from the Mysterious Realm in one night, and could have broken through to the half-step Heavenly Martial Realm in one go.

However, Shen Yian had suppressed her breakthrough, fearing that her foundation was not stable.

When her foundation was stable, she would naturally break through.

As for himself, he had attempted to enter the Divine Wandering Realm, and the breakthrough process had produced some unusual phenomena. Fortunately, he had set up a isolation formation in advance.

Had he succeeded?

The two other noble consorts of the Zhao family were living in fear every day, and their fate was unknown, but the fate of their families was already clear.

The Murong family might be next, or perhaps they would be the last.

Should they inform them early and make a desperate last stand?

That would only lead to the Murong family’s downfall even faster.

The dragon was not to be feared, but the people who supported the dragon were.

He was no longer the emperor of the past, and several families had already taken things from him that needed to be repaid with interest.

In a few years, the so-called noble families would probably have already collapsed.

Empress Murong gazed deeply at Emperor Wu.

“Since there’s nothing else, stay and keep me company today.”

Emperor Wu pulled Empress Murong into his arms.

“Your... “

There was no need to respond, as Emperor Wu had already picked up Empress Murong and walked towards the back of the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

Zhao Hai quietly dispersed the eunuchs and palace maids to start cleaning up.

Meanwhile, Shen Yian led Ye Liyan to the Jin An Palace, the former residence of the Xiao family, where he had lived during his confinement.

After he left the palace, the place had become desolate and quiet, with only a few small eunuchs and palace maids coming to clean up every day.

In the large courtyard, a tall silver apricot tree stood tall, its branches full of lush green leaves, although it wasn’t autumn yet. Although it didn’t have the same eye-catching golden color as in autumn, it still evoked a different feeling.

Shen Yian stood in front of the tree, his thoughts gradually drifting away.

Ye Liyan quietly released Shen Yian’s hand and knelt down, speaking seriously, “Please don’t worry, Mother Xiao, I will...”

Shen Yian interrupted her, stretching out his hand to stop her.

“What are you doing, Liyan?” Shen Yian asked, laughing and helping Ye Liyan up.

“Husband...I...”

Shen Yian sighed and laughed, “This is just a relatively large silver apricot tree, Mother Xiao’s tomb is not here.”

Ye Liyan realized she had made a big mistake and wanted to explain, but her words got stuck in her throat due to nervousness.

“Mother Xiao will definitely know your intentions, you’re such a beautiful and understanding daughter-in-law, she’ll definitely like you.” Shen Yian put his arm around Ye Liyan and affectionately rubbed his forehead against hers.

“Let’s go, I’ll take you for a stroll around here.”

“Yes, husband...” Ye Liyan nodded obediently.