Water Ink Panel: Starting with Bow Technique to Hunt the Sun and Patrol the Skies

The golden silk shimmered with a liquid brilliance under the sunlight.

After Shen Qing accepted the Imperial Decree, his gaze quickly scanned the flowing script, his eyes narrowed slightly, becoming all the more solemn.

He closed the Imperial Decree and turned his gaze to He Yong, who was waiting by the side.

The Chief Eunuch stood straight, his body radiating with vigorous Qi-Blood; just a slight approach would reveal the searing aura emanating from him.

Clearly, he was a Martial Arts expert with not low cultivation. Continue your adventure at My Virtual Library Empire

If it weren't for the "One Lotus" official uniform he wore, one could hardly tell he was already castrated.

Shen Qing collected his thoughts and approached sincerely, "Lord He, it's truly laborious for you to personally come and deliver the decree."

He Yong cupped his hands in return, with a gentle smile, "Marquis Shen is too kind; it is an honor for this old servant to serve such a pillar of the nation as yourself."

Just as He Yong was about to turn and take his leave, Shen Qing seemed to have remembered something.

He quickly advanced, slowly pulling out a delicate Jade Bottle from his sleeve, holding onto He Yong, "Lord He, this is the Old Ginseng Pill given to me by the Li Family. A small gift, a token of my respect."

With that, he pressed the Jade Bottle into He Yong's arms.

Among the Elixir acquired from Xue Zhao earlier, there were a few Old Ginseng Pills that could be used to cultivate a relationship at this moment.

He Yong had intended to refuse several times, but found that he couldn't push it back regardless, so he had no choice but to relent.

He looked down and saw the Jade Bottle, translucent and bright with intricate cloud patterns carved on it, appearing quite extraordinary.

He Yong discreetly pushed the cork of the bottle gently, revealing a slit; instantly a faint medicinal fragrance permeated, invigorating one's spirit.

He realized that this was indeed a superb precious medicine.

Shen Qing smiled, "It is said that the Old Ginseng Pill has the effects of strengthening the foundation and nourishing the root, nourishing the Primordial Spirit. You toil for the state affairs day and night, inevitably damaging your health; this pill might be of some assistance to you."

Noticing with his Divine Sense, he discerned that He Yong was at the late stage of the Jade Void Realm, just a step away from the Primordial Spirit Realm.

Hence, the Old Ginseng Pill he offered would certainly hit the spot.

Sure enough, a hint of delight flickered in He Yong's eyes, and he hurriedly corked the Elixir Bottle once more, his smile widening.

"Marquis Shen is truly too generous; such a precious item—how could I dare to accept it?"

Though he said that, He Yong made no move to return it, clearly understanding the value of this Old Ginseng Pill.

"Lord He, please do not refuse; we are both serving His Majesty and ought to look out for each other. Moreover, if you don't accept it, it would make me, Shen, seem small-minded." Shen Qing laughed a hearty laugh, with a bit of easygoing nonchalance.

Upon hearing this, He Yong no longer feigned otherwise, carefully pocketing the Jade Bottle, smiling, "Then I shall respectfully accept. Should Marquis Shen have any needs in the future, just mention them, and I, He, will be sure to help to the utmost."

"Speaking of which, I do indeed have a matter to ask for your assistance, Lord He."

He Yong was slightly surprised, evidently not expecting Shen Qing to be so forthright, and asked, "Oh? What does Marquis Shen wish this old servant to do?"

Shen Qing leaned forward and softly inquired, "I wish to know why His Majesty suddenly conferred the Marquis title upon me; is there any particular reason?"

Long before, he had already investigated and discovered that during this Jing Luan Assembly, Ji Zikong felt the rebel forces suffered minimal losses, essentially equating to their own defeat, and even with sufficient "Killing Merit," he was reluctant to fulfill the conferment of Marquis for his achievements.

Moreover, he had secretly positioned him as a test subject for the Imperial Armory, essentially dismissing him.

Now, suddenly "having a change of heart" seemed rather peculiar.

He Yong replied in a sharp voice, "Actually, there's nothing much; yesterday, didn't Marquis Shen attend Princess Yuzhen's Chrysanthemum Viewing Festival?"

"You mean... Princess Yuzhen was the reason?"

The Chief Eunuch He Yong nodded and said, "Regarding your cultivation, His Majesty has already heard bits from Princess Yuzhen. With Marquis Shen's level of cultivation, not conferring a Marquis title would make His Majesty seem unimaginative in recognizing talent. After all, our Majesty is known as a seldom-seen wise ruler throughout history; how could he allow a person of your caliber to stagnate? This is merely fulfilling the external promise of the adult's Jing Luan Assembly."

"I see!" Shen Qing feigned enlightenment, speaking softly.

In truth, his heart did not agree.

Ji Zikong, possessing exceptionally high cultivation, if placed in that position, it would be that those who obey me thrive, and those who oppose me perish.

What he says is right is right, what he says is wrong is also right.

Initially, Ji Zikong hardly cared for him; how could he alter his decision merely to accommodate the opinions of others?

This contradicted all the descriptions of Ji Zikong he recently heard.

Unless, there were more important and beneficial factors that made him change his mind.

Either the Marquis position comes with immense risks, or there's something on him that the Emperor covets, seeking to mollify him before later seizing it.

Whichever the case, for him, it was not a good thing.

His eyes darkened, feeling a tinge of unease deep within.

Shen Qing decided not to dwell on it further and wore a radiant smile, cupping his fists, "Thank you, Lord He."

The Chief Eunuch He Yong bowed, "If the Marquis has nothing further, this old servant shall take his leave."

He Yong cupped his hands, turned, and took his leave.

"Safe travels, Lord He."

Once He Yong's figure gradually faded into the distance, Shen Qing's gaze once again rested on the Imperial Decree in his hand, lost in thought.

After standing still for a while, he immediately left the palace to return home.