TRUE TO LILY’S words, the emperor had forgotten about the competition, which was brought to his attention by Elder Leo.
“Please accept my apologies, elder,” Emperor Jun sighed, embarrassed, “this Emperor has had a lot on his mind lately, and forgot about the competition.”
Elder Leo waved his hand, indicating that he didn’t mind. “Don’t worry. Your Majesty has a kingdom to consider. It is important that Your Majesty stay focused on the well-being of Your Majesty’s subjects and commoners.” He smiled and added, “Your Majesty only needs to think about them now that I am here, your Imperial Preceptor.”
Emperor Jun’s face lit up and his smile widened as he heard the elder’s words. Just yesterday, he issued a decree naming Elder Leo as his Imperial Preceptor; knowing that an elder from the Medicine Sect was among his people, Emperor Jun couldn’t refrain from smiling.
But his joy was cut short when he heard someone sigh. The two men immediately turned to face Prime Minister Carna. As of the moment, they were in the Imperial Study, discussing court matters and enemies to be defeated.
“What’s the matter, Prime Minister Carna? ” Emperor Jun inquired, his tone light and pleasant.
Prime Minister Carna’s eyes twitched. The emperor had been treating him differently recently, much better than before. He had a feeling it had something to do with Elder Leo. Regardless, he was pleased with the change. He bowed before responding, “This subject only hopes that the Pei Family will not mind Your Majesty’s decision.” The decree was issued yesterday night, but the Pei family has yet to express an opinion.
Emperor Jun frowned. Then he turned to look at Elder Leo. “About the Pei Family,” he began cautiously, “This Emperor didn’t want to appear ungrateful. But...” he sighed, regretful and ashamed.
“What is it, Your Majesty?” Elder Leo inquired. He could tell what the emperor was about to say, but he acted oblivious.
“As you all know, the Pei Family has supported the empire since my grandfather’s reign,” Emperor Jun began to explain. “However, they’ve recently been the source of This Emperor’s headache, to the point where This Emperor can no longer devote his full attention to the empire,” he sighed, shaking his head exasperatedly.
Elder Leo frowned. He understood what the emperor was trying to convey. To be honest, he didn’t want to give the Pei Family even a fraction of his time. However, because the Pei Family still held power in this empire and could become a potential enemy in the future, it was preferable to eliminate them right away, especially since the fifth imperial uncle was associated with them. Elder Leo needed them gone while Hugo was away.
“I understand, Your Majesty,” he said, nodding. “The Pei girl’s attitude towards me during the banquet was enough to convince me that they are not good people.”
Emperor Jun breathed a sigh of relief. “Then, how should we eliminate them?” He asked, his voice becoming more eager. He was truly desperate to get rid of them as quickly as possible!
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“Do not be hasty, Your Majesty,” Elder Leo slowly drank his tea, “Like what you said earlier, the Immortal Dragon Empire has been leaning on the Pei Family to survive for years. They are heroes in the eyes of the common people, hence for them, the imperial family owes that family gratitude.”
Emperor Jun’s face became gloomy, but he nodded. That was accurate. Otherwise, could the Pei girl continue to do whatever she pleased, disrespecting him and not treating him like a monarch every time he met her? Just thinking about her made his blood boil. That girl was vexing!
When he saw that the emperor understood the situation, Elder Leo nodded in satisfaction. “There is no need to hurry. The Pei Family would soon reach their doom,” he reassured, “But right now, we should focus more on the important matter at hand.” His eyes turned sharp as he added, “I will be doing the assessment of the people who are interested to join the competition. The evaluation will last two weeks. After that, we will have a match to get the strongest top 3.” He paused and drank a tea before continuing, “Also, I will speak with the Spirit Sword Sect. This year’s competition shall be held in this empire.”
Emperor Jun and Prime Minister Carna both gasped. Having the competition held in the empire would only increase their status!
The two exchanged astonished glances. Then, Emperor Jun exclaimed, “Will the Spirit Sword Sect agree?
“Although, in the earth realm, we four sects are competing with each other; outside, we tacitly made a rule to set aside our differences,” Elder Leo replied, setting down his teacup. “As such, they will not mind if I ask for a change of location.”
“Great, great! This Emperor will give you whatever you desire. Just let me know what you’ll need for the preparation, and I’ll make sure you get it! ”
“I am grateful for the support, Your Majesty,” Elder Leo said with a slight bow.
“What are you saying?” Emperor Jun remarked, waving his hand, “You’re the one who helps our empire!” Then he sighed again, “Better than that Pei Family!”
Emperor Jun would not have suffered silently from the Pei Family if he had met Elder Leo sooner. But this was also good. At the very least, he now had the elder, and the Pei Family would perish soon!
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Meanwhile, Duke Pei searched the estate for his granddaughter but could not find her. He was about to issue a command to the guards to find her when he noticed Ji Lei suddenly barging out of Lily’s chamber.
“Ji Lei,” Duke Pei exclaimed. Ji Lei instantly lowered her head to greet him. “Where is your mistress? Where did she run off this time?” he sighed. “Why did she keep leaving the estate without even telling me? Am I already dead in her eyes? Did she think she’s the only one left alone in this world, and that no one is there worrying about her wellbeing?” the more he talked, the more he felt the world was being unjust to him. Duke Pei was feeling depressed.
Ji Lei’s eyes twitched. The young miss had only been gone for an hour, but the Duke was acting as if she had been lost for days. Duke Pei was treating the young miss as if she were a kid.
“Young Miss Lily is out for a stroll,” she answered after clearing her throat, “and this servant has been told to inform the Duke that she will be home late.”
Duke Pei frowned. “How late is it? And what is she doing out on the street at night?”
“This servant doesn’t know,” Ji Lei said flatly in response to Duke Pei’s inquiries. The young lady was indeed out for a stroll. But she was out walking towards the palace.