Chapter 1953: Rivalry
Bi Ziang’s first thought was to send his subordinates over to inform his little sister, lest she bump into the empress. However, he quickly abandoned that thought. After all, Zu An was Linglong’s aide. Even though he'd made it big now, there was still a bond between the two of them. The empress had been wanting to poach Zu An, so perhaps it would be good for her to see which side Zu An would take. The empress had indeed done Zu An a huge favor by conferring him the title of regent, but how could that amount to the favor Linglong had shown Zu An while he was still weak and poor?
Not long ago, Bi Ziang had been filled with envy; Zu An had merely been an ordinary civilian, and yet was conferred the title of marquis at a young age, even surpassing an up and rising scion of the capital like him. And yet, after seeing how fast Zu An’s cultivation rose, and especially how cool he had looked that night at the Meng clan, Bi Ziang had eventually given up on competing with him and dropped his envy.
This was how humans were. They were inclined to compete and grow envious of those around them, but when the gap grew too big, they would give up on competing altogether.
Now, Bi Ziang was just glad Linglong had shown great favor to Zu An back then. He finally understood why his father often lamented that Linglong was a woman, otherwise she would have achieved much more. Her foresight was incredible. While most people were only starting to fawn on Zu An now, Linglong had already sown her seeds two years prior.
The empress’ procession finally arrived at the foot of the rear mountain. The empress stepped out of her carriage, surveyed the surroundings, and remarked, “Mount Yuquan certainly is serene. My Eunuch Lu, pick a few men and come with me. The rest should stay here lest you disturb these sirs' study.”
The imperial family had been close to the old libationer. As a symbol of respect, most people maintained the silence of the mountain. Even members of the imperial family traveled light when scaling the mountain. Most people had wondered whether that tradition would persist now that someone else was the libationer, though.
The nearby students heaved a sigh of relief upon hearing the empress’ words, as it showed that the new libationer was more well respected than they had expected. The higher the standing of the new libationer, the more respected the academy was.
“What’s happening today? First the crown princess, and now the empress,” someone whispered.
“Our new libationer is a person with great means. Many respected personnel have visited him in recent days.”
…
Liu Ning’s eyebrows shot up. She had regained her cultivation as a grandmaster, which allowed her to pick up on the students’ conversations despite their attempts to be discreet. She asked, “You said that the crown princess is here too?”
The approach of the lofty empress prompted the two students to quickly bow down and reply, “Yes, your majesty.”
“When did she arrive and leave?” Liu Ning asked.
“She arrived around two hours ago. She hasn’t left yet,” one of the students replied.
“Two hours? I think it should be closer to four hours now,” the other student said.
“Four hours?” Liu Ning’s pitch rose as she thought, What could the two of them be discussing for four hours? She immediately put away her dignified image and raised her dress to rush up the mountain. Somehow, she had an ominous feeling about the situation.
Bi Linglong usually maintains a dignified and stern front, so I doubt she’d be like me… Wait, why am I even running? I've already regained my cultivation!
It belatedly struck her that she could fly, so she flew straight to the mountaintop. Her flight alarmed the guards patrolling the rear mountain, and some of them immediately rose into the sky to stop her, only to jolt in shock upon realizing it was the empress.
“I have urgent matters for the regent. Scram!” Liu Ning coldly ordered.
The guards glanced at one another. In the end, none of them dared to block the path of the empress. She was simply much too esteemed compared to them. They thought, The libationer is a powerful cultivator anyway. It’s unlikely any danger will befall him.
Liu Ning’s anger was alleviated upon being granted passage. On her way up, however, she encountered Bi Linglong’s followers.
She’s really still here! Hmph!
At the top of the mountain, Rong Mo teased the fishes in the lotus pond out of boredom while occasionally glancing at the courtyard not too far away.
They still aren’t done yet? Zu An has far too much stamina. Can the young miss’ small body really take it?
Just thinking about that made her face redden.
She and Bi Linglong had gotten closer after the two of them talked things out. Bi Linglong had even brought her here to keep a lookout on her behalf, showing how much trust the crown princess placed in her. She was glad that this was where the libationer went into seclusion, so others rarely approached the place.
Still, the Crown Princess is being too fearless. At this rate, the others will get suspicious.
While Rong Mo was worrying about Bi Linglong, she noticed the empress flying over from afar, and her soul nearly escaped from her body. She quickly rushed up to the empress and shouted, “This humble servant pays respect to your majesty.”
After regaining her cultivation, the empress' aura was much more dignified and imposing. Rong Mo knew there was no way she could stop the empress, so she could only pray that the young miss would hear her tip-off and prepare herself.
Liu Nings said with a frown, “You wench. Why are you shouting so loudly? Is your master doing something unseemly inside the courtyard?”
Rong Mo felt a pang of guilt as she replied, “Your Majesty, please don’t speak nonsense!”
Liu Ning couldn’t be bothered to waste her time on Rong Mo. She flitted toward the courtyard and barged in without announcing herself. What she saw startled her, however. Nothing unseemly was happening inside, contrary to what she had imagined. The house was filled with the calming smell of incense. Bi Linglong and Zu An were seated opposite each other, engaged in a conversation. Her abrupt entry drew both their gazes, however.
“What’s wrong, your majesty?” Zu An asked with a smile.
“Nothing much. I was just anxious to discuss some business with the regent,” Liu Ning said as she scrunched up her nose in an attempt to find a familiar scent in the air. However, the incense used in the room had a special scent that made it hard to smell anything else. She turned her attention to Bi Linglong and saw that the crown princess' cheeks were exceptionally red today.
Could it really be…
“Your majesty, this is a rare faux pas from you,” Bi Linglong said. She knew that Liu Ning was suspicious, so she decided to go on the offense.
Zu An was impressed by how Bi Linglong could maintain an impassive appearance despite the empress' verbal assault. He thought, Women sure are born actors. I wouldn’t have suspected anything at all had I not been involved in it myself.
Bi Linglong was relieved that Zu An’s senses were sharp enough to spot the empress the moment she arrived at the academy. Zu An had wanted to continue fooling around, but she knew the empress too well to continue. Thus, she had hurriedly dressed herself up. It was a huge relief that she had already combed her hair by now. Even so, she nearly hadn’t made it in time. She was still tidying up until the moment right before the Empress barged in!
But speaking of which, what’s that incense? It has a deep and lasting fragrance that conceals all other scents… Hmph, it looks as if Ah Zu is very experienced in such matters!
“I heard Linglong has been here for a few hours now, so I was worried the regent might have taken advantage of you,” Liu Ning said in a half-joking tone.
Bi Linglong’s heart skipped a beat, though she maintained her composure and replied, “Are you insulting me or the libationer? He’s a highly-respected figure now…”
“Calm down, Linglong. I’m just cracking a joke,” Liu Ning said. She turned to Zu An and added, “I’m on close terms with the regent, so I doubt he’d mind a joke. Isn’t that so, regent?”
“It isn’t a funny joke.” Bi Linglong harrumphed. She glanced at Zu An and asked, “Your majesty, how are you on close terms with the libationer?”
“Cough cough!” Seeing that he was about to be dragged into the conflict, Zu An quickly interjected, “We got delayed as the crown princess was consulting me about her cultivation. Your majesty, please don’t joke about such matters. It’d be terrible if such rumors went around.”
“I see,” Liu Ning said as she directed a smile at Bi Linglong. “I didn’t expect you to be so devoted to your cultivation. It just so happens that I recently regained my cultivation. Linglong, please don’t hesitate to visit me at the Palace of Peace, where I’ll answer any question you have; after all, something like this could start rumors.”
“I doubt anyone aside from your majesty would suspect anything between us,” Bi Linglong coldly uttered. “When it comes to cultivation, I believe in consulting the strongest.” She thought, Know your place! Don’t you know the gap between you and Zu An? Why in the world would I consult you?
Liu Ning glared at Bi Linglong and harrumphed. “Linglong, you are still some distance away from reaching grandmaster level. I am more than enough to offer pointers to you. The regent is far stronger than you. I suggest that you not get ahead of yourself.”
Their glares were so intense that it felt as if sparks would fly. Zu An quickly interjected, “Crown princess, it wouldn’t do for you to get too greedy. You should first digest what I imparted to you earlier.”
Bi Linglong’s face reddened. She naturally understood what he was getting at, so she directed a sharp glare at him before taking her leave.
Liu Ning wasn't on close terms with Bi Linglong, and naturally wouldn’t stop her from leaving. As she saw Bi Linglong off, she couldn’t help mumbling under her breath, “Linglong’s gait looks much more feminine than before.”
Fearing Liu Ning would really notice something, Zu An quickly interjected, “Your majesty, you came in such a hurry. May I ask what business you have with me?”
Liu Ning smiled coyly before sitting on his lap and asking, “Can’t I look for you out of boredom?”
“You said you had business with me,” Zu An said. He was initially stifled, but the soft sensation in his arms swiftly dispelled whatever dissatisfaction he felt. He couldn’t help but notice how different Bi Linglong and Liu Ning felt in his arms. Bi Linglong had a slender physique, whereas Liu Ning was curvaceous… Cough cough, what in the world am I thinking?
“It was mostly just a front to deceive Linglong, though I do have business with you,” Liu Ning said as she retrieved a delicate box from her robe and passed it over. “Here’s two million silver taels in banknotes. You should take it first.”
Zu An was speechless.
“I heard from my subordinates that you've recently spent a huge sum on purchasing herbs, and you insisted on paying them market price. You must have been refining pills, and I figured you must be short on money after spending so much. This is my secret fund I've saved up over the years. You should take it for now.”
Zu An sat in stunned silence.
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