BXBX NOVEL Chapter 179: Question
He was the strongest person known in the whole Empire, standing at the pinnacle of the Nascent Soul Realm.
Qing Zhiyan, who was subjected to that pressure, trembled slightly. She then asked in a low, weak voice, "I am here as per His Majesty's orders."
The pressure disappeared from the hall as the cold, husky voice of Qing Yicheng entered her ears.
"What did you discover in Green Skil Town?"
Qing Zhiyan took a deep breath and replied, her head still bowed.
"I'm sure with His Majesty's strength, he knows everything already. But if that's your order..."
She then began to tell the made-up story that everyone already knew. She knew her father was just confirming things and didn't really care what she did. She was that unimportant to him.
But he also made sure she was alive, which was weird, but she understood the reasoning behind it.
After completing the story, she gave a look to Hastor, as she knew her father was asking him indirectly. She was useless but still had a Nascent Soul Realm expert as a bodyguard, and that bodyguard could certainly do wonders.
"I see, is there anything else?"
Qing Yicheng rested his hand on the throne's arm and asked. He wasn't surprised by her information, as it was known to them; he just wanted to test a few things.
Qing Zhiyan was silent for a while before speaking.
"There is one thing, but I'm not sure if I should speak here."
Her voice was low, but the people who were qualified to become ministers were all powerful cultivators, so how could they not hear her?
Her words were obviously meant for them, so some of them began commenting.
"And what does the princess mean by that? We are loyal subjects of His Majesty, and we don't even deserve to know what's happening in the Empire?"
"Or are you implying something different? Princess, please give us an explanation."
They obviously wouldn't have dared to say anything if it was any other member of the Imperial Family, but Qing Zhiyan was different. Nobody cared about her, not even the Emperor, so as long as they didn't outright disrespect or injure her, nothing happened to anyone.
There was also the fact that a Nascent Soul Realm expert was actually guarding someone like her, which filled their hearts with envy and disdain. They hated it, questioning why such was even allowed.
Unfortunately, they couldn't do anything, as Hastor belonged to the Empress faction, and they didn't dare do anything against the Empress.
Qing Zhiyan flinched slightly and cowered away, her face almost buried on the ground.
Shen Yu, who was watching everything from the top of a pillar, narrowed his eyes at the scene. He didn't like it one bit.
[Chill, master. You know she's just acting so that no one gets suspicious. She is the weak princess, after all.]
'Tsk! I still don't like it.'
Shen clicked his tongue, but remembering that Qing Zhiyan had asked him not to interfere, he held himself back. But he was already forming some other plans for the ministers.
Qing Yicheng looked at the ministers with narrowed eyes, making them shiver in fright and instantly shutting them up.
He then looked back at Qing Zhiyan and asked, not caring about her at all.
"Speak clearly."
Qing Zhiyan nodded and stammered, still bowing her head.
"I-I saw the Sect Leader of the Wind Flower Sect in the tournaments."
"What??"
"Ridiculous!! That's impossible!!"
Qing Yicheng sighed and snorted.
"Why is it impossible? Nascent Soul Realm cultivators are hard to kill, so I also had my doubts about her death. It's just a surprise that she was willing to appear in the crowd."
His lips tugged upwards as he asked the two ministers who had just spoken.
"Still, that's common knowledge, so I wonder why you two are so sure that she would die?"
One of the ministers, a fat man with a big belly, looked away and said, sweating hard.
"It was just impulsive words, Your Majesty. We were just surprised, as according to the princess, there were three or four Nascent Soul Realm experts. They should be enough to deal with an Early-Stage Nascent Soul Realm expert."
The other ministers also nodded but kept silent.
Qing Yicheng snorted again, then ignored them, but there was a mysterious glint in his eyes, which scared the two ministers.
They knew they had slipped up an easy opening, and now they were done for. They cursed themselves for reacting so strongly.
Qing Zhiyan also had a light smile on her face as she got what she wanted while also spreading the news of Song Junwan being alive. This was something Xiao Lan had told her to do.
Qing Yicheng then turned towards Qing Zhiyan and asked.
"How sure are you that it was her?"
Qing Zhiyan pointed at Hastor and answered.
"Yes, I'm sure, Your Majesty. Ser Hastor can confirm it, as he detected faint fluctuations from her."
Qing Yicheng looked at Hastor, demanding an answer.
Despite being in the same realm, Hastor felt the pressure from Qing Yicheng. However, more than that, he was confused by Qing Zhiyan's words.
When did they see Song Junwan? Was she even alive?
However, he had been with her for years, so he trusted her with all of his heart, and he didn't hesitate to side with her.
"Yes, Your Majesty. It was faint fluctuations, but I am sure it was a Nascent Soul Realm expert. And the princess has seen her too, so the clues are obvious."
Qing Yicheng nodded, finding it plausible. He also guessed that the slight fluctuations were because of Song Junwan being injured from the fight. Otherwise, there was no way a Nascent Soul Realm expert would give away her location so easily.
He then waved his hand.
"That's all for now. You can go back."