“Ahh! That was satisfying!”

“I guess Lady Calico and I have taken advantage of you again.”

“I was just about to say the same about taking advantage of you,” Heroine Wu replied, shaking her head. “We’re old friends, so there’s no need to talk about such things. As long as we’ve eaten well, that’s enough.”

“Indeed, it was quite satisfying.”

“You have great skills. It’s all thanks to you.”

Heroine Wu burped again and said, “For people like us from the

jianghu

, a meal of mushroom chicken soup and hot rabbit meat is already very satisfying. I wonder what divine delicacies that old Emperor eats every day?”

“Perhaps they’re not that special.”

“Impossible!”

“It’s just a guess.”

“Alright, I’m leaving. Please take care of the cleanup.”

Heroine Wu stood up and left the room.

Song You watched her leave. Despite having had some wine and her face being a bit flushed, her steps were steady, and her tone was as calm as ever. One had to be very observant to notice any sign of drunkenness in her words, just as she had cheerfully imagined her leisurely life back in Yizhou.

Song You shook his head and was about to look away when he suddenly spotted a figure outside on the street.

A middle-aged Daoist with a limp was bowing to him. The Daoist smiled and returned the bow.

At last, he had arrived.

***

After tidying up the table and chairs, the two of them sat down facing each other.

“This place is quite simple, and I don’t have any good tea. I hope you’ll forgive me,” Song You said respectfully.

“A mountain’s worth lies not in its height, and a body of water’s value lies not in its depth. Wherever you are represents the Hidden Dragon Temple,” the State Preceptor replied, looking down. “It is my good fortune to be here.”

“Did you come for the matter of the Grand Commander?”

“The Grand Commander was unwilling to die and sought methods to extend his life, but he fell into evil practices. His son abused his position to oppress the people and was punished by a divine immortal master. The people are greatly relieved,” the State Preceptor said with a smile, seemingly disinterested in discussing the right or wrong of the matter or the Grand Commander’s family.

He simply sighed, “Once this matter spreads, there will likely be another tale of the divine immortal in the capital.”

“What does His Majesty think of it?”

“His Majesty has already issued orders to restrain the young nobility of Changjing, but no matter how wise the Emperor is, how can he cover every aspect?” The State Preceptor sighed, appearing quite helpless. “People say that the world under the heaven is the Emperor’s, and the land is the Emperor’s domain. But in my view, this world belongs neither to the common people nor to the Emperor alone.”

“You’re right.”

“If one day, there is a world that truly belongs to the people, that would be a real golden age.”

𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

“You’re a true Daoist.” Song You felt a deeper respect. Such words were not something the nobles of this era could easily express.

“The current era under His Majesty’s rule is actually the most peaceful time for the nobility of Changjing,” the State Preceptor said, pausing for a moment. “However, on one hand, His Majesty is very busy with state affairs. On the other hand, it is difficult for him to manage everything too strictly, as there are those who feel that the Chu family is unwilling to share the rule with them.” 𝘳

He continued, “Your presence has served to deter the Changjing nobles, which is a great benefit to both the country and the people. His Majesty is a wise ruler and mentioned last night that he wishes to thank you more.”

Song You merely smiled in response and did not comment further. He then asked, “Since you did not come here for this matter, what else is the purpose of your visit?”

“His Majesty is indeed very ambitious,” the State Preceptor said.

“Is that so?” Song You smiled again.

The State Preceptor continued, “Besides being ambitious, His Majesty also admires the immortals and seeks the path of longevity and leisure. I had heard of your deeds and was deeply impressed. Knowing the connection between Hidden Dragon Temple and the royal family, His Majesty had long wanted to invite you to the palace as a guest.

“However, I knew that you might not appreciate being disturbed, so I persuaded His Majesty to hold off. Now that we’ve heard you were offended by the rascals of the Grand Commander’s residence, His Majesty feels deeply ashamed and has asked me to extend a personal invitation for you to the palace for a night of drinking and conversation.”

He paused and added, “His Majesty understands that the disciples of Hidden Dragon Temple prefer to live freely. If you are unwilling, he will not insist.”

The State Preceptor glanced at Song You, prepared for a possible refusal.

But the young Daoist asked, “Must we go today?”

“Of course not.”

“When then?”

“It depends on when it is convenient for you.”

“Will there be a banquet at the palace?”

“Haha, of course. Whatever the disciples of Hidden Dragon Temple desire, as long as it can be provided by the palace, we will not neglect to provide it.”

“I am quite free recently.”

The State Preceptor was momentarily stunned, then said, “In that case, let’s schedule it for three days from now. Even though it’s just a night of drinking and conversation, the palace will need to make some preparations.”

“Alright.”

“I will come to invite you three days later.”

“May I bring my cat?”

“Of course.”

“Thank you, State Preceptor.”

Even as the State Preceptor left, he remained puzzled.

Based on what he knew, the State Preceptor had expected that Song You, being naturally indifferent and averse to trouble, would likely just express gratitude for the Emperor’s good intentions and gently decline. But to his surprise, Song You agreed.

In the evening, the streets were still bustling with people. The State Preceptor walked and pondered.

Could it be that Song You had sensed the current Emperor's connection with the underworld and wanted to test him?

Or perhaps he saw problems within the Great Yan Dynasty, such as corruption among the scholars of Changjing, the arrogance of the nobility, or the northern wars causing suffering among the people, leading to a sudden increase in population and food shortages, and intended to issue a warning or offer counsel?

The disciples of Hidden Dragon Temple varied greatly; some would engage in such matters, while others would not. The State Preceptor couldn’t be sure.

Despite his deep thinking, he couldn’t figure it out. Surely, he didn’t just purely want to see the palace?

***

Three days later, the State Preceptor entered the palace. It was evening, and the setting sun cast a golden hue, adding a majestic touch to the already grandiose palace.

Two Daoists walked slowly within the palace grounds, accompanied by a calico cat.

The palace was particularly quiet that day.

Song You frequently looked around, while his cat also paused often, stretching its neck to observe the surroundings. The accompanying eunuchs cast occasional glances but dared not even suggest that the cat shouldn’t wander.

Changjing had been an ancient capital through various dynasties, and this palace, built in a previous era and maintained with some expansions and renovations, had weathered centuries of change. It had played a pivotal role in shaping the destinies of countless people and impacted the world at large.

This was the center of worldly power.

Song You had previously visited a palace in his past life. But by then, the Forbidden City had become a tourist attraction, with scattered visitors and little of the solemnity and majesty that once characterized it.

It seemed to have been discarded by the times, and thus, it had died.

The palace before him was starkly different.

Not only was it still alive, but it was also filled with authority. The imperial guards in their heavy, black armor stood imposing. Their visors were obscuring their faces and only their eyes were visible, like ghosts or gods. Occasionally, palace maids and eunuchs walked through the palace grounds with their heads bowed and taking small, careful steps, not daring to make a sound.

This palace was unlike anything Song You had seen before. Looking up at it now, the experience was quite extraordinary.

He wondered if every disciple of Hidden Dragon Temple had visited such a place. Song You speculated that his own master had probably never been here.

And he could only imagine what the other ancestors might have thought when they visited. In any case, his feelings upon arriving here with the State Preceptor were quite unique.

What met the eye was not just the exquisite architecture and the grandeur of the palace but something more.

As the sun set, its light moved across the palace, casting a clear line on the courtyard’s flagstones. One side was bathed in golden sunlight, while the other gradually sank into darkness. Soon, only a sliver of daylight remained, reflecting off the glazed tiles with a glimmering light.

The world grew dimmer, and the Anle Palace was quiet and serene.

There was no music or dance, no throngs of palace maids, only the bright lights of the day and a few tables set for the banquet, along with a few imperial guards standing watch.

At the head of the room sat an elderly man in black and gold robes, looking vigorous, who stood to greet his guests. Song You followed the State Preceptor in and couldn’t help but glance at him as soon as they entered.

This Emperor was no ordinary ruler. While most Emperors were considered supreme with no higher status or power in the world, among these supreme figures, many were mediocre. This Emperor, however, was anything but ordinary. Even if he were not exceptionally capable, he was far from mediocre.

The Great Yan Dynasty was indeed the most powerful dynasty in history, and this was the height of its power. No matter how much credit for this flourishing era belonged to the Emperor, he was destined to be remembered through the ages, a name frequently seen in history.

“Greetings, Your Majesty,” said the State Preceptor, stepping forward to perform a bow. “At last, I have fulfilled Your Majesty’s request and brought the disciple of Hidden Dragon Temple.”

Song You immediately followed suit, bowing as well. “I’m Song You of Hidden Dragon Temple, greetings to Your Majesty.”

“Hahaha, Immortal Master, there’s no need for such formalities.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“Beside the Immortal Master is...”

“This is Lady Calico, who travels the world with me.”

“So, this is Lady Calico. She is indeed beautiful and extraordinary. No wonder someone might have harbored ill thoughts,” the Emperor said with a laugh. “But to act under the Empress’s name, that is quite bold.”

“Please pardon me, Your Majesty.”

“Please, take a seat,” the Emperor invited the two and the cat to take their seats. He continued, “I have long heard of the great name of Hidden Dragon Temple and of the deeds of the Immortal Master. It is a great fortune for me to finally meet you today.”

“You’re too kind, Your Majesty.”

“There is no need to stand on ceremony. Speaking of which, when the Great Yan Dynasty was first established, it greatly benefited from the assistance of the ancestors of Hidden Dragon Temple. Decades ago, when the dynasty was in decline, it was again thanks to the immortals of Hidden Dragon Temple who offered strategies,” the Emperor flattered.

He added, “Whether it is for the world or the imperial family of Great Yan, Hidden Dragon Temple has been indispensable. This meeting is also a matter of fate. Let me first toast to you, Immortal Master.”

“Your Majesty is too courteous...” Song You quickly raised his cup in response, offering a toast from afar.

Song You then looked to the other side.

There, a tall man was already seated. When the Emperor had stood, he had risen as well, but had remained silent.

“This general...”

“This is General Chen Xinyi, the renowned Chen Ziyi,” the State Preceptor said with a smile. “I wonder if you have heard of his name?”

“Indeed, his name is well-known!”

Song You responded by cupping his hands in a salute toward General Chen. “It is an honor to finally meet you.”

“Greetings, Immortal Master.” Chen Ziyi returned the salute with a cupped fist, then squinted and examined Song You for a moment, asking, “You seem familiar. Have we met somewhere before?”

“When the apricot blossoms first bloomed just outside the east gate, you had just been recalled to the capital, and I had just returned from appreciating the flowers in Changshan. We had the fortune to meet briefly then,” Song You said, still feeling a sense of wonder, as if meeting someone from a rumor. Now, sitting face to face, drinking tea and conversing with him was a remarkable experience.

“Is that so! No wonder you seem familiar!”

“General, you only recognize me from then, but to me, you’re quite familiar,” Song You remarked.

“Oh?”

“I enjoy listening to stories. Not long after descending the mountain, while staying briefly in Yidu, I listened to your tales at the theater for half a year,” Song You explained. “Over the next two years of traveling, I often heard of your military exploits.”

“The world tends to exaggerate. I dare not accept such praise,” Chen Ziyi modestly replied. “However, I have long heard of your deeds, which are said to be like those of an immortal. I have always admired you greatly. Upon hearing that His Majesty was hosting you, I took the liberty of requesting a seat to witness such a personage. I hope you do not take offense.”

“Not at all, not at all...”

With the Emperor present, the two could not speak further.

As the Emperor invited Song You and the State Preceptor to take their seats, General Chen also settled back down. He soon returned to his silence, eating, drinking, and listening to the casual conversation around him.