Chapter 1821 - 165: The First Court Assembly of the New Dynasty

Deep in the night.

In the study of the Imperial Palace.

The flickering candlelight seeped through the lattice window, faintly illuminating the edges of the windowsill.

Creak—

The door to the study was pushed open, emitting the sound of wear from the long-unrefreshed door.

Then, a graceful silhouette crossed the threshold and entered the study.

The visitor was Shen Mengyun, dressed in an opulent long gown, the hem trailing on the smooth, clean floor, carrying a redwood tray.

"Holy Emperor, it’s so late, you should retire!" Shen Mengyun placed the redwood tray on the octagonal table, speaking softly.

While speaking, he opened the food box and served the suitably warm eight-treasure lotus seed porridge.

Then, she saw Ji Minghao looking at the memorial in his hand, his brows furrowed.

Her gaze glanced over the text on the memorial, immediately captivated by the words Northern Barbarian Tribe.

Then, her eyes were drawn again to the book on the desk next to Ji Minghao.

[From Luoshui County to First Scholar]

"Luoshui County?!" Shen Mengyun’s mind flashed with thoughts.

Just then, Ji Minghao slightly raised his eyes, noticing Shen Mengyun’s gaze, then looked up to show her a faint smile, subsequently getting up and coming around the desk.

"You’ve worked hard! Coming so late to deliver my supper!" He embraced Shen Mengyun, resting his head gently on her shoulder, softly patting her back.

"The Holy Emperor is the one who works hard! I’m not worth mentioning!" Shen Mengyun softly said, moved.

"Go and sleep first, I’ll finish reviewing these last two memorials and the content for tomorrow’s court meeting, then I’ll come to your room!" Ji Minghao said.

"Then I’ll be waiting for the Holy Emperor!" Shen Mengyun responded gently.

"Alright!" Ji Minghao nodded.

Then, he watched Shen Mengyun leave, and as the wooden door of the study was closed, he slowly withdrew his gaze.

He turned to the desk, pushing aside the book he had casually moved over to cover another book.

Looking at those big characters on it.

[From Luoshui County to First Scholar]

Thought flashed in his eyes, then he reached out and tore off the cover page of that book.

He then opened the glass cover of the copper lamp beside him, allowing the book to gradually be enveloped by flames.

At this moment, his mind recalled the conversation he had with Jiang Ning during the day.

And the internal guard’s report to him.

"Return to the mansion first, then come to see me! Brother Jiang is still so sentimental!" He sighed inwardly, then chuckled and shook his head.

...

At dawn, the sky was dark.

Outside Dongling Marquis Mansion.

A flat-roofed black lacquered carriage was already quietly stationed.

The internal guard driving the carriage was cloaked in dark, holding a palace lamp, standing silently beside the carriage, resembling a silent stone statue, quietly waiting for the door to open, though now time was running short, he did not approach to knock on the mansion’s door.

Because before coming, he had been specifically instructed.

Just wait, do not act hastily or disturb.

He also knew who resided in this mansion, the most prominent figure of the time, King Luoshui Jiang Ning.

The current Holy Emperor, managing to stand out amongst many princes, ascended to the throne, inheriting the imperial legacy, all due to King Luoshui’s influence.

Moreover, he heard that the Holy Emperor granted King Luoshui four counties as fiefdom, with private armies unrestricted.

Yet to this day, King Luoshui had not visited his fiefdom, let alone establishing his private army.

This alone revealed King Luoshui’s grand ambitions, pursuing beyond worldly fame and fortune.

Just then.

Boom—

The gates of the mansion slightly moved, causing the ground to shudder.

Then he saw the gate gradually open, and a male figure appeared in his view.

The man was donned in a dark dragon robe, a jade belt cinched around his waist, steadily stepping across the threshold.

Seeing that figure, he felt an unusual height.

Instantly he slightly lowered his head.

...

In front of the mansion.

"Marquis, be careful in everything!" Lv Yi said softly at the door.

"No need to worry! Jiang Ning smiled lightly, "I’m just attending a simple court meeting, nothing will happen!"

After speaking, he added: "Return now! It’s still early, you can go back and have a nap!"

Upon finishing, he walked towards the carriage.

"King Luoshui, please board the carriage." The internal guard looked at Jiang Ning approaching, lifted the curtain, and spoke respectfully.

Jiang Ning nodded slightly, then boarded the carriage, bending to enter.

The carriage was spacious, lined with brocade, with a fixed glass lamp in the corner, casting a faint aura.

The internal guard behind him also boarded the carriage, sitting on the driver’s seat.

"Drive—"

Then, with a slight flick of the reins, the man’s voice slowly spread across the empty street.

Soon after, the horse hooves clattered on the stone slab, the wheels rolled over the bluestone, gradually spreading the creaking sound, the carriage headed towards the Imperial City.

At this time, the sky had not yet brightened, the long streets were silent, only the sound of hooves and wheels echoed.

Along the way, occasionally, the night patrols carrying torches passed by, their armor clinking, upon seeing the carriage, they retreated respectfully to the side, watching it depart with reverence.

They all knew this was the palace carriage, carrying the prominent figures of the Royal Capital.

Inside, Jiang Ning closed his eyes to rest, having stayed up late cultivating, and spent a long time with Lin Qingyi, waking early now to attend the court meeting, he hadn’t slept well.

After a while, the carriage slowly came to a stop.

"Prince, we’ve reached the palace gates." The voice of the internal guard sounded outside.

Jiang Ning slowly opened his eyes.

According to law, all carriages entering or exiting the palace gates must be strictly inspected.