LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 24 The Seventh Prince Steals Credit, Shen Qing Establishes His Manor_2
The news of being granted the title of Marquis cannot be concealed for long. I must return and make some preparations, lest the visit of nobility cause a breach of etiquette and unnecessary misunderstandings.
On the fifth level of the Imperial Armory, Ji Bochu sat cross-legged in the Spirit Eye, his expression solemn, staring at the Saint Body Completion Jade Box in his hand, a contemplative look in his eyes.
A Weapon Repository Manager hurriedly descended the stone steps, heading to Ji Bochu, the Chief of the Imperial Armory.
"Chief," the manager reported in a low voice, "Just moments ago, there came an Imperial Decree that His Majesty intends to confer the title of Marquis Wu'an upon Shen Qing."
Upon hearing this, Ji Bochu furrowed his brow slightly, and the jade box in his hand trembled lightly.
He turned around and looked sharply at the manager, questioning doubtfully, "Is this true?"
The manager nodded to affirm, "I saw it with my own eyes, absolutely true. It won't be long before the news spreads throughout the entire Imperial City."
Ji Bochu was silent for a moment, perplexed inwardly by this unfathomable decision of His Majesty.
Clearly, Shen Qing was appointed as a test subject, so why the sudden change of mind?
The Saint Body Completion Technique was just beginning to show promise.
However, he knew that His Majesty never acts without reason.
There must be a reason behind Shen Qing being conferred the title of Marquis.
"His Majesty's actions have become increasingly unfathomable these days," Ji Bochu muttered to himself.
The manager, hearing this, dared not make presumptions, only standing quietly by, awaiting Ji Bochu's instructions.
After a moment of contemplation, Ji Bochu finally instructed, "Let's not pursue Shen Qing any further; let's drop this matter."
The manager nodded firmly and withdrew.
Just after the manager left, a deep sigh echoed in the empty fifth level.
However, as soon as he finished sighing, the manager returned, leaving Ji Bochu slightly speechless.
"What now? What else is there?"
The manager said, "The Seventh Prince has arrived, wishing to see you, Chief."
"The Seventh Prince?" Ji Bochu was slightly startled and somewhat puzzled, "What brings him here?"
"I don't know."
Without further thought, Ji Bochu tidied up his appearance and said, "Please invite His Highness in."
"Yes."
The manager quickly turned away to inform, and moments later, a gentle voice came from the staircase doorway: "Chief Ji, it's been a long time. I came specially to visit today; I hope you don't mind."
Wearing a yellow brocade robe, the Seventh Prince, with white jade hanging from his waist, approached Ji Bochu with a smile.
Ji Bochu, looking at this middle-aged man, felt helpless and, with a gesture, indicated for the manager to leave.
Through the vast fifth level, only Ji Bochu and the Seventh Prince remained.
The Seventh Prince politely asked, "Chief Ji, I've heard that the Saint Body Completion Technique has shown promise. Is it true?"
Ji Bochu was somewhat surprised; he hadn't expected that yesterday, soon after informing His Majesty, the Seventh Prince had already found out.
He nodded slightly, responding with a soft hum.
"Old Ji, I've long yearned for the Saint Body Completion Technique. I wonder if I could study it?" the Seventh Prince asked frankly, without any pretense.
Ji Bochu, with an official business demeanor, replied, "Seventh Prince, to learn such immortal martial arts, you must obtain His Majesty's permission; otherwise, I'm afraid I can't comply."
The Seventh Prince seemed to anticipate this, smiled slightly, and took out a small, exquisite jade bottle from his sleeve, placing it gently on the table, "I know Chief Ji is dutiful, reluctant to pass on the technique easily. But I am willing to exchange with a drop of true Xuanwu blood, which I believe shows my sincerity to Chief Ji. Rest assured, I'll only take a glance, ensuring no difficulty on your part."
True Xuanwu blood?!
Ji Bochu was moved.
He had only heard that nowadays, demons and monsters abound, some being unusually powerful, having awakened a portion of celestial demon blood.
This portion of true blood significantly aids in cultivation.
If the Seventh Prince merely wanted a glance, it wouldn't be problematic.
Ji Bochu gazed complexly at the jade bottle, weighing the pros and cons in his heart.
True blood is exceedingly rare worldwide, an unattainable treasure for them.
"Your Highness, the Saint Body Completion Technique, being an immortal martial art, is extraordinary. According to protocol, it can only be practiced with His Majesty's written permission," Ji Bochu's voice conveyed hesitation but also a hint of loosening.
Seeing this, the Seventh Prince curled his lips into a confident smile, "The Crown Prince has already passed away, and my second and third brothers are getting old. The Saint Body Completion Technique greatly benefits the physique. If we don't strive upwards, following Father Emperor's level of cultivation, we might not live to see the day we relieve Father of his burdens. Chief Ji, as a member of the Ji family, surely you can't bear to see us brothers perish in the palace?"
"Rest assured, Chief, I merely wish to take a glance; nothing more. After seeing it, not a word will leak."
After a round of considerations, Ji Bochu finally nodded slowly, "Very well, since the Seventh Prince shows sincerity, I'll make an exception, but I hope you'll keep your promise."
Hearing this, the Seventh Prince's face blossomed into a satisfied smile, bowing in gratitude, "Thank you, Chief, for accommodating me. I will definitely keep my word."
With that, Ji Bochu opened the jade box, taking out the Saint Body Completion Technique and handing it to the Seventh Prince.
The Seventh Prince, overjoyed, took the white jade from his waist, placed it in his palm, and eagerly began to scrutinize it, word by word.
Meanwhile, in the Spirit Cultivation Hall.
Chief Eunuch He Yong stood beside Ji Zikong, reporting back.
Ji Zikong toyed with a jade bottle in his hand, pouring out an Old Ginseng Pill with a smile, "Is that how you responded to him?"
He Yong replied, "I dare not deceive His Majesty."
Ji Zikong returned the Old Ginseng Pill to the jade bottle, tossed it casually to He Yong, and said, "Pretty clever."
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"Your Majesty, next up..."
"We'll worry about it after getting through this hurdle."
"Understood."
...
Pingkang Street.
Shen Qing, holding the Imperial Decree, stepped into his home.
His expression was calm, his steps steady.
In the outer courtyard, craftsmen, gardeners, and servant boys busily worked in an orderly manner.
Nearby, at the Martial Arts training ground, Shen Xiaoshan, Tian Xiaohu, and others were diligently cultivating with the resources Shen Qing provided, their voices occasionally echoing from inside.
Shen Qing summoned a servant boy and instructed, "Go call Butler Tian and Master Shen to the grand hall; I have an announcement."
"Yes."
The servant boy put down the broom and quickly ran to convey the message.
Without delay, Shen Qing proceeded directly to the inner residence.
Amidst bustling servant women and various maids organizing chores, he summoned a young maid to notify his elder sister Shen Fang and Aunt Wang.
After that, Shen Qing returned to the grand hall to wait quietly.
Before long, uncles, aunts, and other family members gradually arrived.
Uncle Shen Er curiously asked, "Qingzi, why did you call us here?"
"To announce something," Shen Qing placed the yellow Imperial Decree on the table and softly spoke, "Uncle, Aunt, His Majesty has conferred upon me the title of Marquis Wu'an."
"Ah!"
Uncle and Aunt exclaimed, exchanging glances with shock apparent in their eyes.
Uncle Shen Er opened his mouth slightly, eyes flickering with disbelief, his voice slightly trembling, yet striving to maintain composure, "Qing'er, is this... is this true?"
Others exchanged looks, intensely focusing on Shen Qing, equally astonished.
The grand hall was filled with a tremendously subtle atmosphere.
Everyone present seemed to be waiting for Shen Qing's answer during the moment of great joy.
Shen Qing held the Imperial Decree in hand and declared, "With His Majesty's decree here, how dare I deceive you?"
Wow!
Everyone present was overjoyed.
Commotion erupted in the grand hall.
For them, a business owner was already a colossal figure, let alone a lofty Marquis.
At this moment, Shen Er felt that their Shen family must have some great fortune to experience such honor.
The Shen family was genuinely on the path to prominence.
"Good, good, good," he looked at Shen Er, saying "good" three times, moved his lips, yet unsure what more to say.
When the excitement of the crowd gradually settled, Shen Qing remarked, "Don't rejoice too soon; my title as a Marquis is nominal without actual fiefdom, far from those genuine Princes and Marquis."
Others exchanged looks, unable to grasp the intricacies.
Shen Qing gave no further explanation, continuing, "First, instruct the servants to clean the house thoroughly inside and out, and then order a plaque for the 'Marquis Wu'an Mansion' to hang over the entrance. Once the news of my title spreads, many distinguished guests are bound to visit; the current condition inside is somewhat unsightly."