The first time Han Zheng came to the imperial palace was for court, and the second time, he was directly taken to the imperial study room.

    This was Han Zheng''s first close look at the Yuanlong Emperor, Ji Taichang.

    The other had sat on the imperial throne for over sixty years, exuding a powerful presence that Han Zheng could even sense, a kind of oppressive sensation.

    In fact, it was not the intangible imperial majesty, but the suppression brought on by the Dragon Vein''s power.

    Once someone becomes the Emperor of Great Zhou, the Dragon Vein''s power is immediately bestowed upon them.

    Although this Dragon Vein''s power prevents Great Zhou''s emperors from cultivation, it endows them with a formidable aura.

    This time, Han Zheng also noticed an old eunuch with a pale face and no beard standing behind Ji Taichang.

    The old eunuch appeared to be in his sixties or seventies, but his hands were white, delicate, and exceedingly slender—not unlike a woman''s hands but even more aesthetically pleasing.

    Moreover, the eunuch was tall and stood straight like a soldier, exuding an aura filled with masculinity rather than effeminacy.

    Han Zheng was unaware of the old eunuch''s strength, but anyone who could stand by Ji Taichang''s side was surely a top expert within the imperial household.

    At this moment, Qi Zhangwu slowly recounted the events in Heaven Net City to Ji Taichang. After listening, Ji Taichang maintained an expressionless face and lightly nodded.

    "Grand Commander, what is your opinion on this matter?"

    Qi Zhangwu leisurely replied, "Your Majesty''s viewpoint is what matters; my perspective doesn''t. Heaven Net Martial Sect''s annihilation and the deaths of key figures under their own creations mean this lead is completely severed.

    Without evidence, my Resonating Demon Department cannot question the princess of Prince Liang, so we can only report directly to Your Majesty."

    Ji Taichang frowned and nodded, after a moment speaking in a heavy tone, "Summon Prince Liang."

    In the next moment, the old eunuch behind Ji Taichang moved and suddenly disappeared, causing Han Zheng to be tremendously startled.

    With his current level of skill, even he couldn''t detect the eunuch''s actions; the opponent''s power appeared unfathomable.

    A quarter of an hour later, the grand hall of the imperial study room swung open; the old eunuch led a middle-aged man in a python robe inside.

    The middle-aged man appeared to be in his early forties, tall, with a straight posture, thick eyebrows and big eyes, tiger-like eyes, a bristled beard, a lion-like nose, and a wide mouth, giving a particularly dashing and daring impression.

    This man was Prince Liang, Ji Yuanfang, once the real ruling prince of Great Zhou who had helped two emperors ascend to the throne.

    "Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty, may I ask for what purpose Your Majesty has summoned me?"

    Ji Yuanfang bowed, his demeanor impeccable and beyond reproach.

    Even though in terms of seniority he was Ji Taichang''s uncle, the ritual of lord and subject was conducted appropriately.

    Ji Taichang, with a gloomy face, said, "Imperial Uncle, I am already eighty-six this year, which is considered long-lived among the emperors of Great Zhou''s imperial family through the ages.

    But with the Dragon Vein''s power upon me, I can''t surpass the ordinary life span of mortals; I know I don''t have much time left."

    Ji Yuanfang hastily said, "What is this talk, Your Majesty? Even ordinary people live to be over a hundred sometimes. Your Majesty is in the prime of life; why talk of such ominous matters?"

    "Why do you think I say this, Imperial Uncle?"

    Ji Taichang suddenly threw the memorial Qi Zhangwu handed over at Ji Yuanfang, angrily exclaiming, "Imperial Uncle, I know all these years you have been dissatisfied with being stripped of the position as Deputy Governor of the Dragon Martial Bureau, but I have made compensations to you, even more than what was due!

    Yet now you plot these matters secretly, what is it you desire? Do you want the imperial throne?"

    Ji Yuanfang quickly picked up the memorial and read through it rapidly, then sharply turned his gaze towards Qi Zhangwu, his eyes full of anger.

    "Grand Commander, what do you mean by this? What right do you have to suspect my collusion with Heaven Net Martial Sect and implication in the Arsenal case? Your Demon Cleansing Bureau is too idle if you want to start a dispute within the imperial family!"

    Qi Zhangwu leisurely replied, "Prince Liang, please look carefully. My Resonating Demon Department simply reported our investigation''s results truthfully to His Majesty, without exaggeration.

    I never said Prince Liang, you colluded with Heaven Net Martial Sect or were involved with the Arsenal lineage, I merely stated the Princess was once Chen Changqing''s disciple—this is a fact, isn''t it?"

    Ji Yuanfang knelt before Ji Taichang, his face filled with anger but his tone extremely aggrieved.

    "May Your Majesty discern wisely; I''m at this age, how could I possibly covet the imperial throne? Even if Your Majesty were to give it to me, I wouldn''t dare take it, lest I be crushed to death instantly by the Dragon Vein''s power!

    Indeed, my Princess was a disciple of the Heaven Net Martial Sect''s Sect Master, Chen Changqing—whom I''ve only met once and didn''t like then.

    The other''s deviousness and scheming sought to leverage my power for sect development, which I refused.

    Afterward, we parted ways, and the Princess fell out with her master; we haven''t interacted for sixty years since, yet now Chen Changqing''s crime is unfairly attributed to me—I am wronged!"

    Ji Taichang calmly observed Ji Yuanfang, speaking softly, "Imperial Uncle, I remember your help back then, but all favors have their end.

    Without evidence, I won''t act against you, but if you wish for people to remain ignorant, they must not act beyond concealment.

    There are things I know but choose to disregard!"

    With that said, Ji Taichang casually waved his hand, signaling Ji Yuanfang to retreat after lightly reprimanding him.

    "I will remember, Your Subject takes my leave."

    Ji Yuanfang bowed and exited the imperial study room. As he turned, the piercing sunlight fell on his face, devoid of anger or grievance—only an expression of dead calm.

    Meanwhile, within the imperial study, Ji Taichang sighed, "Grand Commander, let the Arsenal case be concluded. The Demon Cleansing Bureau should cease further investigations."

    "Your subject obeys."

    Qi Zhangwu didn''t mind; having applied some pressure on Ji Yuanfang and warning him, his goals were met.

    Ji Taichang nodded, his gaze towards Han Zheng carrying a trace of approval and appreciation.

    "The Demon Cleansing Bureau is certainly producing remarkable talents, and the young prodigies nurtured by the Grand Commander are indeed extraordinary.

    Your name is Han Zheng, isn''t it? I remember you now; your efficiency and decisiveness are commendable.

    Customarily, merit should be rewarded, though the Demon Cleansing Bureau has its own merit system; your reward should come from the Grand Commander."

    Han Zheng immediately cupped his hands in thanks, "Many thanks for Your Majesty''s praise. Receiving your Majesty''s recognition is the greatest reward for your subject."

    Ji Taichang nodded in satisfaction, pleased with Han Zheng''s attitude.

    The Demon Cleansing Bureau, due to its unique nature, doesn''t need to curry favor excessively with the emperor.

    However, higher-ranking positions within the Bureau still require the emperor''s approval; thus, making oneself familiar in front of the emperor to avoid his displeasure is quite necessary.

    Han Zheng now occupies the position in Ji Taichang''s mind as a capable, obedient, and sensible youth.

    If in the future, Han Zheng is promoted to Garrison Commander somewhere, Ji Taichang will have no objections and would readily approve. Sear?h the ηovelFire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    After leaving the imperial study room, on the way back to the Resonating Demon Department, Qi Zhangwu glanced at Han Zheng with a half-smile, "Didn''t see it before, but you''re quite adept at flattery. Why didn''t you flatter me like this at the Demon Cleansing Bureau?"

    "Does the Grand Commander require flattery with his discerning eye?"

    Qi Zhangwu slyly remarked, "You''ve got quite the nerve, implying His Majesty is so aged and muddle-headed as to need flattery and sweet talk?"

    Han Zheng replied with a wry smile, "Our Majesty may be aged but certainly not muddle-headed. Today, his reprimand towards Ji Yuanfang was quite appropriate."

    "It wasn''t just appropriate, but it''s the most he could do."

    Qi Zhangwu nonchalantly continued, "Ji Yuanfang''s entangled connections with Great Zhou''s imperial family and military leave many implications.

    Some things His Majesty knows, some he doesn''t.

    Without sufficient evidence, His Majesty cannot act against Ji Yuanfang without causing a ripple effect.

    Thus, to administer mild pressure is His Majesty''s best course of action.

    All in all, this matter is concluded within the Demon Cleansing Bureau, allowing you, who''s been busy, to finally take some rest."