20demayo Chapter 122 Reactions from All Parties
Chapter 122 Reactions from All Parties
The banquet lasted until late at night (亥时).
The guests left with complex expressions on their faces.
What I see and hear tonight will surely shake the world.
With the fall of the Purple Robe Pavilion's leader, the tragic death of the Grand Elder, and the annihilation of all twelve Grandmasters, the Purple Robe Pavilion, a reclusive sect with a history spanning hundreds of years, will be wiped out from now on.
The Yama Palace also suffered heavy losses, with the Supreme Elder killed and all eight Grandmaster assassins wiped out.
The Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, having accomplished all this, will instantly become one of the most formidable forces to provoke.
……
The Imperial Palace, the Imperial Study.
Empress Zhao Lingyang sat on the dragon throne, toying with a jade pendant in her hand, her eyes deep and thoughtful.
The Imperial Preceptor stood at the lower end and respectfully said:
"Your Majesty, Li Bai's sword strike... has touched upon the law of 'time'."
Such cultivation is at least at the level of a half-step terrestrial immortal, and possibly even…
"Perhaps he has already become a terrestrial immortal?" the Empress replied.
The Imperial Advisor paused for a moment, then slowly nodded:
"This possibility cannot be ruled out."
"This old minister is puzzled. A terrestrial immortal has not appeared in the Eastern Region for hundreds of years. Why would they appear in the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion and willingly serve Lin Chen?"
The Empress put down the jade pendant and rubbed her temples: "This is the most terrifying thing about Lin Chen."
I originally thought that his greatest reliance was Yuan Tiangang and those mysterious forces, but I never expected…”
She paused, a glint of shrewdness flashing in her eyes:
"Imperial Advisor, do you think... Li Bai might be one of 'those people'?"
The Imperial Advisor's body stiffened: "Your Majesty means... the ancient inheritance?"
"Besides this explanation, I can't think of any other possibility," the Empress said slowly.
"Pass down the order: from this day forward, the Imperial Family's attitude toward the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion... shall be changed to one of full-fledged goodwill."
He is given full authority to handle matters in the North. He can have whatever he wants.
"Yes," the Imperial Preceptor replied, then hesitated and said:
"Then what about Lin Chen's wedding to his seven sisters-in-law..."
The Empress's lips curled into a meaningful smile:
"That's his family matter, it's none of my business."
However… I want to see just how far he can go with this act.”
……
The headquarters of the Temple of War.
Zhan Tianqiong and Zhan Tianba (the Lord of the War God Temple) sat facing each other, with wine in front of them, but neither of them touched it.
"Palace Master, what do you think?" Zhan Tianqiong asked in a deep voice.
Zhan Tianba pondered for a moment and said:
"I couldn't withstand Li Bai's sword strike. Not only could I not withstand it, I probably wouldn't even be able to escape."
And that shadow assassin… if he tries to assassinate me, I'm doomed.
Zhan Tianqiong smiled wryly, "I thought my War God Temple was already the best in the world, but now it seems... there are always higher levels out there."
"Your Highness, what about our relationship with the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion...?"
"We will do everything we can to befriend them." Zhan Tianba said decisively. "No, not just befriend them, we will form an alliance."
Lin Chen is no ordinary person; I have a premonition that he will stir up the winds and waves of the future Tianyuan Continent.
……
Tianji Academy, Star Observatory.
Tianjizi stood by the platform, gazing up at the starry sky, his whisk moving automatically without any wind.
After a long silence, he sighed softly, "The Purple Star is moving, the Imperial Star is shifting... Chaos is coming."
Behind him, a disciple in white robes respectfully asked, "Master, what about the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion...?"
"Listed as a Class A concern," Tianjizi said calmly.
"Furthermore, I hereby issue this order: From this day forward, the Tianji Academy shall establish an alliance with the Zhenguo Duke's Mansion."
If Lin Chen has any requests, as long as they do not violate the laws of Heaven, I will do my utmost to help.
"Yes."
……
Qinglong Gate.
The old man with the Azure Dragon sat in the main hall, with four elders standing below him.
"Sect Master, the Purple Robe Tower has been destroyed. Their territory and resources..." an elder probed.
The old man with the Azure Dragon waved his hand: "Those hot potatoes, let whoever wants them take them. The Azure Dragon Sect shouldn't get involved."
"Why? This is a golden opportunity!"
"A golden opportunity?" the old man with the Azure Dragon sneered.
"Do you think Lin Chen would abandon Purple Robe Tower after destroying their territory? Whoever tries to seize it now will become the next Purple Robe Tower."
The four elders looked at each other and remained silent.
The old man Canglong sighed: "Pass down the order that the disciples of the Azure Dragon Sect should behave themselves in the near future and not provoke the people of the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion."
In addition… we have prepared three generous gifts: one to congratulate the Duke of Lin on his wedding, one to celebrate the restoration of the prestige of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, and one… for that Mr. Li Bai.”
……
Similar scenes are unfolding across various factions.
After tonight, everyone understood one thing:
The Duke of Zhenguo's mansion is not to be trifled with.
Lin Chen is even more dangerous to deal with.
……
At the end of Hai hour (9-11 PM), the banquet ended.
After seeing off the last group of guests, Lin Chen turned and headed towards the inner courtyard.
He did not go directly to the West Garden, but went to the Plum Garden first.
Liu Ruyan had removed her phoenix coronet and wedding robes, changed into casual clothes, and was sitting under the lamp reading a book.
Seeing him arrive, she put down her book and said softly:
"Eighth Brother is here? Outside... everything's been taken care of?"
"It's resolved." Lin Chen sat down beside her, gently stroking her lower abdomen. "Weren't you scared?"
"No." Liu Ruyan shook her head, but a hint of lingering fear flashed in her eyes.
"My second sister stayed with me the whole time and even played a calming tune for me."
But... Eighth Brother, today was too dangerous. If it weren't for Mr. Li Bai...
"Don't worry, sister-in-law, everything is under control," Lin Chen said with a smile.
"Today is our wedding night. Although I cannot stay overnight, we must still observe proper etiquette."
He took out a brocade box, opened it, and inside was a pair of dragon and phoenix jade pendants.
"This was specially prepared for you and the child." Lin Chen handed the phoenix pendant to Liu Ruyan.
"Jade can nourish the body and also help with pregnancy. Sister-in-law, you should wear it with you from now on; it will be good for your health."
Liu Ruyan accepted the jade pendant, her eyes slightly red: "Thank you, Eighth Brother."
"There's no need for thanks between husband and wife." Lin Chen gently kissed her forehead.
"Sister-in-law, please get some rest. I'll come see you again tomorrow."
After leaving Plum Garden, he went to Apricot Grove Garden, Book Fragrance Garden, Martial Arts Academy, Fragrance Garden, Dark Fragrance Pavilion, and Snow Plum Garden in that order.
He presented each of the ladies with a carefully prepared gift, said some sweet words, and promised to come again the next day.
Chu Yueyao was overjoyed to have obtained a rare medical classic.
Qin Shuyan received a lost ancient book.
Xiao Yulou is a soft sword crafted by a master craftsman.
Wen Ruoxi is a few rare jewels.
Night Shadow is a secret record of assassinations.
Murong Xue is a lost embroidery manual of the Nanzhao royal family.
Every gift touched the heart, and every lady smiled.
Finally, he arrived at Xiyuan.
……
In the main courtyard of the West Garden, red candles shone brightly.
Su Xiaoxiao, dressed in a light blue nightgown, sat on the edge of the bed, her fingers twisting together nervously.
Hearing footsteps, she looked up and saw Lin Chen enter; her face instantly turned bright red.
"Young master..."
"Still calling me 'Young Master'?" Lin Chen smiled as he walked up to her, took her hand, and said, "It's time to change how you address me."
"Husband, my lord..." Su Xiao whispered.
"That's more like it." Lin Chen sat down beside her, carefully examining her. "Xiao Xiao looks beautiful today."
Su Xiaoxiao lowered her head, her face flushed red.
Lin Chen knew she was nervous, so he wasn't in a hurry. He took the nuptial wine from the table:
"Come on, let's drink the nuptial wine first."
The two intertwined their arms and drank the wine in their cups.
The wine was fruit wine, sweet and not strong, but Su Xiaoxiao still felt her cheeks burning.
Setting down his wine cup, Lin Chen took out a brocade pouch from his bosom.
"Xiaoxiao, this is my wedding gift to you."
Su Xiaoxiao took it, opened it, and inside was a white jade hairpin, the head of which was carved with twin lotus flowers, exquisitely beautiful.
"This hairpin was part of my mother's dowry. She said she wanted to leave it to her favorite daughter-in-law," Lin Chen said softly.
"I'm giving this to you today, hoping you... like it."
Su Xiaoxiao's eyes reddened, and tears rolled down her cheeks: "Husband... I... I have no merit whatsoever..."
"Xiaoxiao deserves the best." Lin Chen wiped away her tears. "Here, let me help you put it on."
He removed the ordinary hairpin from her hair and replaced it with this white jade twin lotus hairpin.
Under the candlelight, the jade hairpin gleamed, and the beautiful woman, as lovely as jade, shone brightly in each other's presence.
"It's really beautiful," Lin Chen exclaimed.
Su Xiaoxiao leaned on his shoulder and whispered:
"My husband, it was so dangerous outside today, I... I was so worried about you."
"Don't worry," Lin Chen said, putting his arm around her.
"With Mr. Yuan and Mr. Li here, I will be fine."
As for you, you need to take good care of yourself from now on. Don't hesitate to tell me if you need anything.
"Um."
The two embraced for a moment, and Lin Chen whispered:
"Little one, tonight... is our wedding night."
Su Xiaoxiao trembled slightly and nodded gently.
Red candles flickered, and silk curtains hung gently.
That night, the lights in Xiyuan stayed on very late.