Chapter 242: Chapter 215: What’s the situation with this junior?_2
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Liang Lu was the epitome of a traditional cultivator, one who mainly pursued the mastery of cultivation techniques and spells, striving for comprehensive development and personal strength. As for talismans, magical treasures, and formations, she sought not specialization but a basic understanding.
The combination she currently used was the “Bishui Sword Technique” mixed with the “Shadow Step Skill.”
It belonged to the Taixu Sect’s Qi Cultivation Stage signature combination of cultivation techniques.
It provided both offense and defense, allowing for flexible engagement and disengagement.
At the same time, it was aesthetically pleasing, with flowing movements that were a delight to the eye.
Not far from where Liang Lu was practicing martial arts, Consort Li watched her daughter with contentment.
Anyone with a bit of knowledge could see that Liang Lu’s moves, cultivation techniques, and the various spells interwoven within them were executed with great proficiency.
Such a level of skill could only be achieved through extensive and arduous practice.
Having completed a full set of movements, Liang Lu took the towel offered by a maid to wipe her sweat.
Just then, a palace maid rushed over and whispered a few words to Consort Li, who then abruptly rose to her feet.
“What’s the matter, Mother?”
Consort Li said, “Something has happened in the palace.”
“What? Something worthy of such fuss?”
“After several months, His Majesty has issued a decree again. This time it’s for Consort Shu. As soon as Consort Shu received the imperial edict, she immediately went to settle accounts with the Empress.”
Liang Lu had heard a little about the issues concerning Prince Qi and Prince Liang Chu.
Hearing that Consort Shu and the Empress were confronting each other, she was not surprised.
In her impression, her mother, Consort Li, was not one for gossip. The dispute between Consort Shu and the Empress was none of their business, yet someone had come to inform them explicitly. The only possibility was that someone wanted to draw them into their faction.
“Does Consort Shu want you to support her?”
“Hmm. Lu’er, should I go?”
Liang Lu shook her head and said, “Don’t go. Consort Shu has the support of her father and brothers; we do not. Don’t go.”
Consort Li nodded and said, “That’s what I was thinking, but there’s one thing I don’t understand, Lu’er. Do you think there’s a particular reason why His Majesty had the Third Prince deliver the decree?”
“Liang Hong?”
Liang Lu would never believe that Liang Hong had the ability to trouble Emperor of Liang to send a decree on his behalf.
Jiang Cheng’s image replaced that of Liang Hong, unconsciously appearing in her mind.
Liang Hong might not be capable, but Jiang Cheng could well be a different story.
What is he planning to do?
The more Liang Lu pondered, the more she heard Mo Ningdan’s words ringing in her ears, “If you encounter him, be sure to keep your distance.”
Why did my teacher advise me to stay away from Jiang Cheng?
Could it be that she already knew about Jiang Cheng’s extraordinary nature?
Had it been only Consort Shu and the Empress fighting, Liang Lu wouldn’t have been the slightest bit interested. But with Jiang Cheng involved, especially as a catalyst, her curiosity was piqued.
Especially the cryptic words from Mo Ningdan weighed heavily on her curiosity.
One should know that her teacher, Mo Ningdan, was a powerful cultivator in the late Core Formation stage.
She would usually only mention Lin Yao to encourage her in her cultivation. However, Jiang Cheng was special enough to warrant individual emphasis from Mo Ningdan.
I want to go have a look.
Liang Lu thought to herself.
But she always remembered Mo Ningdan’s words, suppressing that curiosity within her heart.
Things unrelated to cultivation should be avoided, Liang Lu reminded herself in silence.
Lin Yao had also reached the ninth layer of Qi Cultivation.
If I don’t work hard, I’ll keep getting beaten by Lin Yao.
Thinking of Lin Yao, Liang Lu immediately focused and returned to her training.
As for Consort Shu, the Empress, and Jiang Cheng, they were just passersby on her path of cultivation, irrelevant to her journey.
…
Although Consort Shu had the backing of her family within the Inner Palace,
her popularity was actually quite average – this was evident from the fact that Consort Li was unwilling to assist her.
However, Consort Shu had one unique advantage at this time—she had an imperial edict!
It was the only edict issued by the Emperor of Liang since he had closed his doors months ago!
Many cunning concubines sensed the shift and directly sided with Consort Shu, joining her in denouncing the Empress.
The Empress, as the head of the six palaces, naturally had her own faction too.
But they all knew well that, no matter how strong the Empress was, she had to act according to the Emperor of Liang’s wishes.
And with the Emperor having issued a decree, he clearly stood on the side of Consort Shu!
The Consort Shu faction’s momentum was vast, while the Empress’s faction was in a state of unease.
“Fuzi, go quickly to the sleeping chamber and find out what exactly the imperial edict entails!” the Empress instructed.
The eunuch named Fuzi immediately complied and hurried all the way to the door of the sleeping chamber.
“Your Excellencies, is His Majesty in good health?”
Eunuch Liu said, “His Majesty enjoys longevity as enduring as the southern mountains, but he sees no outsiders. Fuzi, you should go back.”
Fuzi said with a smile, “Eunuch Liu, you are a favorite close to the Emperor. I have a matter I would like to ask about.”
Eunuch Liu, with unyielding integrity, said, “I dare not say such things. I am but a loyal dog in His Majesty’s presence.”
Fuzi slipped a jade hairpin into Eunuch Liu’s hand.
Eunuch Liu originally didn’t want to take it, but the hairpin was clearly meant for a woman, and considering Fuzi’s master was the Empress, it was clear who was inquiring for information, and Eunuch Liu knew it well.
“Speak your business. Under the broad daylight, at the Emperor’s door, there’s no need to be so secretive.”
“Ah, I wish to inquire about the imperial edict.”
Eunuch Liu’s demeanor became stern, “Do you really want to know?”
“Please enlighten me, Eunuch.”
Eunuch Liu’s emotions seemed genuine as he loudly reprimanded, “What a bunch of incompetents! Can’t you figure this out on your own!?”
Fuzi: ???
…
The situation in the Inner Palace was gradually spiraling out of control with the instigation of various factions.
When logic fails to resolve issues, pulling hair can be a very effective method.
And when even pulling hair proves ineffective, the cultivators would begin to cast spells.
Although the cultivation levels and combat strength of the ladies in the harem were generally not high, even the weakest amongst them were at the Foundation Establishment stage, and each had their own talismans and magical treasures, making their fighting power not to be underestimated.
The Imperial Army arrived promptly to maintain order.
