Inside the carriage, Xu Lie watched as streams of Danmaku whizzed past, giving him a rough understanding of the current situation in Jiangnan, a thousand miles away.
Annihilation of a clan? He had no recollection of that. When actors portray roles in a play, they receive memories of their characters, eliminating the need for them to painstakingly study and memorize details. This memory is highly intelligent, automatically providing feedback to the actors when needed.
For instance, Xu Lie currently had no idea what the Emperor looked like, but upon meeting him or hearing his voice, the original memories of the Second Prince would resurface, allowing Xu Lie to recognize him. In the memories of the Second Prince, there was absolutely no impression of having wiped out Bai Yu Men.
Xu Lie speculated that it was likely someone below was trying to guess the Emperor's intentions or perhaps attempting to demonstrate loyalty; in any case, it was an act of self-assertion. Such subordinates could be rewarded but also required a small reprimand—not a major issue.
The Second Prince understood the Emperor's will.
While he pondered, a report from the commander at Qixing Gate reached him. Xu Lie leisurely lifted the curtain of the carriage and gracefully jumped down from the vehicle. Although he appeared carefree, he felt quite out of place.
Dressed entirely in traditional attire—a dark-colored cloud-patterned robe with wide sleeves—he wore a purple-gold crown and had white jade hanging from his waist, even letting his long hair flow freely. How should he put it? He was simply not accustomed to moving in such garb.
The guard at Qixing Gate waved his hand, and his soldiers opened a side door for Xu Lie, who sensed their confusion. Why was the Second Prince, who had already left the palace to establish his own residence, suddenly eager to meet with the Emperor at this late hour?
Xu Lie wouldn’t provide any answers to the guard's unspoken questions. As he passed through the side door, a pale-faced Eunuch awaited him: "Second Prince, please."
After casting a few curious glances, Xu Lie shifted his focus to admire the night view of the palace—dark and indistinct. The Gene Serum he had purchased for two thousand points had improved his vision somewhat, allowing him to barely make out Bai Lan Diao Wei.
Following the Eunuch, he turned three sharp corners and passed through an inner gate before wandering for a while until they arrived at a brightly lit hall with tight security.
"Please wait here," the Eunuch said with an ingratiating smile as he passed through the guards. Less than a minute later, he returned: "The Emperor summons you."
Nodding slightly at the guide, Xu Lie stepped into the main hall.
To his left stood eight Golden Dragon Coiling Pillars, while behind them were various ornate candlesticks such as Nine Dragons Spitting Pearls Candle and Hundred Birds Facing the Phoenix Candle, illuminating the entire hall with an extravagant glow.
In the grand hall, an old man who looked remarkably like an emperor sat behind a desk, his eyes lowered as he appeared to be reviewing memorials. Before Xu Lie could offer a customary greeting, the emperor surprisingly took the initiative to speak. "How curious! What urgent matter brings you to see me at this late hour?"
If it weren't for the recent Imperial Edict from the Northern Frontier that required his immediate attention, you might have been turned away at the door.
After a moment's hesitation, Xu Lie still couldn't bring himself to address the emperor directly. Instead, he clasped his hands together and bowed deeply, saying, "Your Majesty, there is indeed a matter of utmost urgency."
"I have recently taken an interest in maritime affairs and have established several merchant ships. Riding the winds and waves, I have finally made a significant discovery overseas—I have found an Elixir of Longevity and wish to present it to Your Majesty."
"What?!" The emperor, who had seemed lacking in vitality and exuded an air of decay, suddenly widened his eyes as if a spark of life had ignited within him. His entire demeanor shifted; he appeared rejuvenated, his complexion flushing with color. Xu Lie couldn't help but wonder if the emperor had taken some sort of stimulant.
It seemed that purchasing this Elixir of Longevity from the company was indeed a wise decision. Given his reaction, it was clear that the emperor was quite fearful of death.
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