Chapter 489: Imperial Younger Brother

Outside the gates of the imperial city stood a towering platform, its grand pillars intricately carved with eight stone dragons. An ancient formation for sound amplification had been etched into its surface, allowing any sound made there to instantly ripple through the capital of Yu, reaching every ear like a distant thunderclap.

During major announcements from the imperial palace, citizens would flock to the platform to hear the announcements made by the palace attendants. On grand occasions such as the Shangyuan Festival or the Mid-Autumn Festival, the emperor himself would sometimes ascend the platform to deliver a speech.

Thus, this platform was also known as the Dragon Terrace.

For the disciples of the immortal sect, the highest honor they yearned for in their youth was to have their names sung upon the Dragon Terrace and to be celebrated at the Qinghong Banquet.

Those whose names were sung on the Dragon Terrace were the victors of the Assembly of Immortal Sects. They would ascend the terrace and have their names be heard by all the citizens of the capital of Yu, soon spreading across the four seas and nine provinces, becoming known to all.

The Qinghong Banquet was the grand feast that followed, held within the halls of the imperial palace.

A rare spirit bird known as the Qinghong was raised in the rear garden of the imperial palace. From ancient times to the present, the Qinghong's numbers had dwindled, nearing extinction at one point—primarily because its meat was unbelievably delicious.

Legend had it that the spirit bird was once a creature of the heavens, kept by the deities, until one accidentally fell to the human world, giving rise to the Qinghong birds of today. By then, the imperial palace had become the only place where this rare species was kept. Still, they were few in number, which was why even the emperor was forbidden from eating them on ordinary days.

At the end of the Assembly of Immortal Sects, the victorious disciples were granted entry into the palace. A Qinghong would be killed for a grand feast shared by the emperor and the disciples.

Such were the boundless honors bestowed upon the victors of the Assembly of Immortal Sects.

Regarding this, Di Nufeng, who had been one of those victors, remarked sharply from within the carriage, "The Dragon Terrace Announcements are so boring; it's just a crowd staring at you like you're part of some monkey show. But that bird does taste amazing. When you get to eat it, be sure to pack one for me to take back."

Seeing his teacher speak so casually with her arms crossed, Chu Liang couldn’t help but ask, "I thought the emperor would be eating one with an entire group of people. Packing it up before the feast seems a bit inappropriate, doesn’t it?"

Just imagine it. The emperor waited twelve long years for another taste of Qinghong meat. The prodigies from the other immortal sects would also be eagerly waiting on the side. Then, just as the Qinghong is served, I walk up, open a bag, and pack up the entire bird, saying, "My teacher back home is craving this..."

If I do that, I'll certainly get a harsh beating.

"True," Di Nufeng said, smacking her lips. "Then I'll find a way to get one out someday. Last time, the preparation was way too complicated, but I bet just roasting the meat would be delicious too."

Chu Liang shivered, sensing something was off.

Even the emperor isn’t allowed to eat it on ordinary days. How are you planning to get your hands on one? Surely, it wouldn’t be through proper or legal means, right?

Chu Liang grumbled inwardly.

"Esteemed Teacher, please mind your words and actions," Chu Liang cautioned.

Goodness. If you were to sneak into the imperial palace to steal a bird and get caught... what if that criminal record affects the next generation

[1]

? It’s definitely not worth it.

The teacher-disciple duo continued their conversation as the carriage rolled into the imperial city. On the way into the imperial city, a guard lifted the curtain to inspect them, but upon recognizing their status, he quickly bowed and stepped aside, allowing them to pass.

The gates of the imperial city opened one by one as the carriage slowly made its way into the palace grounds, finally coming to a stop before a side hall.

"We've arrived at the Night Dragon Hall. Please step out of the carriage," a familiar voice called from outside.

Chu Liang stepped out of the carriage and saw that it was indeed the familiar eunuch, Lao Santai.

"Warrior Lao," he greeted.

Lao Santai responded with a smile.

As Di Nufeng stepped off the carriage, Lao Santai led them into the hall, speaking quietly, "I heard there was some conflict between you and Cheng Hu at the Imperial Supervisory Bureau. He’s an old hand in the palace and was merely concerned about the safety of the imperial family. I hope Miss Feng and Young Hero Chu won’t take it to heart."

"I don’t mind," Di Nufeng said indifferently. "After all, I wasn’t the one getting beaten up. Just remind him not to hold a grudge."

Her tone carried a hint of warning.

"Of course not," Lao Santai replied hastily. "Cheng Hu actually asked me to apologize on his behalf. He wouldn’t dare harbor any resentment."

Chu Liang had nothing to add and merely glanced at Lao Santai. He hadn’t expected the two chief eunuchs, Lao Santai and Cheng Hu, to be on such good terms.

What Chu Liang didn't realize was that, due to the overwhelming power of Yao Dengxian, the leader of the Four Great Warriors and the Dragon-Keeping Eunuch, the other three chief eunuchs had to band together to maintain their status in the inner court. If they showed any sign of disunity, they would likely end up becoming the lackeys of Yao Dengxian.

As they spoke, they soon arrived at the Night Dragon Hall, where the emperor conducted state affairs after court sessions.

The hall exuded an air of antiquity, its worn walls and neglected repairs revealing the character of the emperor.

Throughout his decades-long reign, the current emperor had always imposed light taxes and kept the government simple. Though he made a few bold moves, he also seldom caused turmoil. For a ruler focused on stability, it wasn’t a poor approach. At least until the news of the Demon God's return, the livelihood in the Yu Dynasty had been fairly prosperous.

As they reached the entrance of the hall, Lao Santai stopped and said, “Your Majesty."

Although the door was open and the golden screen visible inside, he didn’t dare to enter.

Instead, he stood at the threshold and announced, "Miss Feng and Young Hero Chu have arrived."

A voice promptly called from within, "Please, come in."

...

This was Chu Liang's first time seeing the Emperor of the Yu Dynasty. At a glance, he appeared to be an elderly man clad in a bright yellow dragon robe, his sharp eyebrows and piercing eyes exuding a commanding presence.

Yet, Chu Liang felt no fear. In this world, imperial authority was not overwhelmingly imposing. The leaders of the Divine Nine Immortal Sects could interact with the emperor as equals. Disciples of these sects were granted the privilege to enter the imperial hall without bowing, and in their presence, the emperor would not refer to himself as "we[2]"...

In any case, they enjoyed many special privileges.

Chu Liang was someone who had always been able to chat and joke freely with Venerable Wen Yuan, so he naturally did not treat the emperor with reverence either.

In contrast, the emperor’s expression grew slightly uneasy when he saw Di Nufeng. Forcing a smile, he said, “Second Aunt, you’re here.”

"Yes." Di Nufeng nodded. "What did you call us here for?"

"The recent turmoil caused by the Walking Jiangshi Poison in the capital was no small matter. Even the palace was greatly affected. Thanks to Young Hero Chu, who turned the tide and saved many lives in the city, " The emperor said as he glanced at Chu Liang with an approving look. "Since he is your disciple, Second Aunt, it is only fitting to meet him and grant a reward."

"There’s a reward?" Di Nufeng's eyes lit up as she immediately cupped her hands. "Your Majesty is wise."

Esteemed Teacher, this belated courtesy seems rather unnecessary...

Chu Liang thought to himself.

The emperor turned his gaze to Chu Liang. With a warm expression and a smile, he said to Di Nufeng, "Despite being at such a young age, Chu Liang is very remarkably gifted. He is handsome as well. I have heard about how he slayed Taowu. With such outstanding temperament and character, and as a disciple of the prestigious Mount Shu..."

Hmm?

Hearing the emperor's tone, Chu Liang suddenly realized things were far more complicated than he had expected.

Sure enough, the emperor went on, "I have a daughter who has reached the age of marriage. Born with the constitution of the Divine Fire Spirit, she is a rare talent in the imperial family. Why not let the two of you marry? It would bring our families even closer. What do you think?"

"Your Majesty." Chu Liang quickly cupped his hands. "This would not be appropriate."

"No need to be so quick to refuse," the emperor continued. "My daughter is quite beautiful. I'm sure you'll like her once you meet her."

"I am still young, and now is the time for me to strive for the Mount Shu Sect. I currently have no intention of—" Chu Liang began, intending to mimic Xu Ziyang's tone to excuse himself.

"Forget it." Di Nufeng waved her hand dismissively. "My disciple already has someone he likes."

Chu Liang's words came to an abrupt stop, his face turning red.

"Haha," the emperor chuckled at Di Nufeng's words. "I see. That's rather unfortunate. I truly believed it would have been a good match."

"Besides, I am your Second Aunt," Di Nufeng pointed out. "By generational hierarchy, he is on the same level as you. If you let him marry your daughter, wouldn’t that mess up the family order?"

"..." Chu Liang and the emperor both fell silent for a moment, not knowing how to respond to that.

After a brief pause, the emperor said, "Since this marriage is not meant to be, I find myself at a loss for how we should reward you. Is there anything you want?"

Hearing this, Chu Liang perked up.

He stepped forward and said solemnly, "Recently, the Mount Shu Sect has been managing business operations at a place called Red Cotton Peak. I wonder if Your Majesty has heard of it? If you wish to reward me, there's no need for anything personal. I simply hope that the imperial court’s shops might be allowed to open a few branches on Red Cotton Peak to help expand its scale. Would that be possible?"

"Oh?" The emperor raised his eyebrows slightly. This was an unexpected request.

In the capital, there were many shops catering to cultivators, some indeed operated by the court. However, due to the overt and covert rivalry between the imperial court and Taotie City, there were no court-affiliated shops in Taotie City... at least not openly.

If they could open a few branches on Red Cotton Peak, it would symbolize the imperial court’s recognition of the peak. The size of the shops was irrelevant; the gesture held far more significance.

In terms of just a few branches, it was not an excessive request. However, if this precedent were set, who knew what future developments might follow?

Thus, the emperor hesitated slightly.

"Is that it?" Di Nufeng suddenly interjected. "Compared to a princess, opening a few shops seems like too small a reward."

"Esteemed Teacher, it would already be generous of the emperor to grant such a request. How much more would be considered excessive?" Chu Liang replied with a smile.

"Doesn't that make His Majesty seem a bit stingy?" Di Nufeng retorted. "You saved countless lives in the capital, and all you get is permission to open a few shops? Shops that might even turn a profit for the imperial court. What kind of reward is that?"

"It would be great if the emperor could grant my request," Chu Liang added.

"Really?" Di Nufeng said with mock suspicion. "There's a chance he might refuse this request?"

“Hahaha..." The emperor on the dragon throne couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh. Watching the teacher-disciple duo's performance, he smiled and said, "Alright, alright, how could I possibly refuse? I'll have the Ministry of Internal Affairs handle it. From now on, all the shops that the imperial court opens on Red Cotton Peak will be managed by Chu Liang."

After a brief pause, he added, "Since marriage is off the table and we are of the same generation, why not grant Chu Liang the title of Imperial Younger Brother? How does that sound?"

1. In China, a person’s crime could affect their family and descendants. The criminal record might result in their kids being barred from certain government positions. ☜

2. The raw for this is really 朕 (Zhen), which translates to I but exclusively reserved for the emperor's use. Googled that royals tend to refer to themselves as we, so thought I would translate it as we instead? ☜