Chapter 138: Chapter 137: Targeted by a Tracking Spell!
"Brother, there’s no such thing as an elixir for longevity in this world! It’s merely human desire at play." Xie Jiuxiao’s voice was deep.
"I’ve been consuming these for so many years, and the imperial physician checks me daily, saying my health is improving. How could it be mere human desire, Ziyin? I know enduring the evil years made you suffer. Since then, besides Dongfang Chenyuan, you trust no other Daoists or occult families. But there are always exceptions." Emperor Anqing spoke earnestly.
Xie Jiuxiao knew Emperor Anqing held significant trust in Jing’an Daoist, so he interjected, "Zhaozhao is indeed an exception."
"..." Emperor Anqing felt somewhat as if he had witnessed someone flaunting their affection.
"Zhaozhao, let’s return to the mansion."
Seeing Jing’an Daoist persistently entangled with Yu Nianzhao, Xie Jiuxiao stepped forward, grasped Yu Nianzhao’s hand, and said.
"Alright, I’m hungry."
Engaging in verbal battles with these fools is energy-consuming.
The Imperial Concubine smiled and suggested, "Since we’re already at the palace, let’s enjoy a lunch at my place."
"Sounds good." Xie Jiuxiao did not refuse, not giving Jing’an Daoist a single glance, and departed the imperial garden, hand in hand with Yu Nianzhao.
Jing’an Daoist watched Yu Nianzhao’s back and murmured for a long time, "Has the prophesied person appeared? Yu Nianzhao..."
——
Yu Nianzhao showed no reservation with the Imperial Concubine, half of the lunch ended up in her stomach.
"Indeed, the imperial cuisine tastes marvelous." Yu Nianzhao patted her belly, her little face satisfied.
The Imperial Concubine elegantly wiped her mouth and commented on her manners, "Though the wedding date isn’t chosen, you’re known as Princess Consort Su to all. These etiquettes do need some learning; otherwise, I’ll have Ms Sun stay at Prince Su Mansion for a while to teach you royal etiquette thoroughly."
Yu Nianzhao blinked at the Imperial Concubine, "The Imperial Concubine’s slimming results lately are impressive! Your alluring beauty beside Xie Jiuxiao makes me think you two are siblings. No wonder you’re the most beloved concubine. If I were a man, I’d be enchanted to my core by such beauty."
The handkerchief slipped from the Imperial Concubine’s hand, her smile uncontrollable, and she shyly and pleasedly said, "You’re exaggerating too much. I’m getting older, nowhere near my youthful beauty."
"How can that be? Your skin is smooth as silk, your elegance and grace resemble a lotus flower, words fail to describe the Imperial Concubine. With my Beauty Talismans, the title of the palace’s first beauty will still belong to you; no one can take it away. I’ll draw some more for you right now."
Yu Nianzhao borrowed the Imperial Concubine’s stationery and immediately created five Beauty Talismans, gifting them personally.
The Imperial Concubine was delighted and asked, "How much silver does this require?"
"These Beauty Talismans are complimentary for the Imperial Concubine; no charge needed. You’re my live advertisement, naturally free of charge." Yu Nianzhao waved bigheartedly.
The Imperial Concubine was quite pleased, forgetting her previous words entirely. Her sense of pride was obvious, and she said, "This girl is sweet-talking, Ms Sun, reward her with my boxes of pearl and agate necklaces."
Ms Sun responded with a laugh, "Yes, I’ll fetch it right away."
"Thank you, Imperial Concubine; truly both beautiful and kind-hearted." Receiving the box, Yu Nianzhao’s smile grew more genuine.
Xie Jiuxiao, who initially intended to refuse on her behalf, shook his head with helpless amusement.
The harmonious atmosphere seemed to leave no room for his intervention.
Before departing, Xie Jiuxiao repeatedly urged the Imperial Concubine not to consume Jing’an Daoist’s pills, finally taking Yu Nianzhao away from the palace.
After they left, the Imperial Concubine suddenly remembered mentioning Yu Nianzhao should learn etiquette.
"This girl’s sweet talk is too effective, made me forget the important matter." The Imperial Concubine snorted lightly, though a hint of annoyance was in her words, her smile hadn’t faded.
Ms Sun covered her mouth, laughing, "It’s rare to see the Imperial Concubine liking a girl so much; you have a soft heart and cherish the future Princess Consort Su. Naturally, you wouldn’t let her suffer."
The Imperial Concubine sighed, "Zhaozhao’s childhood, like Ziyin’s, was unfortunate and helpless. Their family treated her heartlessly, unlike the Imperial Concubine who refuses to let her endure such hardship again. As long as she’s sincere with Ziyin, can save his life, even if she’s straightforward, I’ll protect her. As long as Ziyin escapes the fate of not living past twenty-six, then I’ll..."
Saying so, tears fell from the Imperial Concubine’s eyes.
Ms Sun quickly handed a handkerchief and gently comforted, "Don’t worry, the future Princess Consort Su appears to possess fortunate traits surely protecting Prince Su."
"If it’s true, that would be good..." The Imperial Concubine sighed, filled with maternal pleading.
Inside the carriage, Yu Nianzhao sneezed twice and couldn’t help but rub her nose, muttering softly, "Could it be a cold?"
"Shall we head to Mr Chen’s mansion?" Xie Jiuxiao glanced at her, considering redirecting the driver.
"No need, the Prince is my best remedy."
Yu Nianzhao moved closer to Xie Jiuxiao, unceremoniously resting her head on his arm, absorbing the evil qi from him.
Xie Jiuxiao’s eyes softened, advising, "Stay away from those Daoists we saw today, whether Jing’an or Yong’an."
"Don’t worry, I’m not foolish enough to bother with them." Yu Nianzhao pretended to sleep as she spoke, "They’re the most accomplished Daoists I’ve met, Jing’an Daoist is more formidable than Yong’an Daoist. He... quietly cast a Tracking Spell on me."
Xie Jiuxiao frowned, "Tracking Spell?"
"Yes, I noticed it immediately and dispelled it." Yu Nianzhao yawned, bored, "His aura is quite peculiar, with a celestial essence, as if ready to ascend to immortality."
"Is there truly anyone able to become immortal?" Xie Jiuxiao’s tone was indifferent, "If immortals existed, would there be so much evil in the world?"
Yu Nianzhao suddenly opened her eyes, somewhat guilty, "Actually, immortals do exist, but the Heavenly Dao rules that the three realms don’t interfere unless it’s uncontainable."
Ultimately, the recent increase in evil is due to the underworld’s mistakes, and as a minor King Yan, how can she not feel guilty?
Xie Jiuxiao turned to her, "How do you know immortals exist? Have you seen them?"