207 - We Agreed On Experiencing Life, So Why Did You Immortals Become Real?

### Chapter 207: Are You Worried That His Majesty is Involved with Immortal Jiang? "Seven days from now, His Majesty and Ru Xue can conduct a rehearsal, familiarizing themselves with the wedding ceremony process. What does His Majesty think?" Empress Dowager Yan smiled at Xiao Mo. Xiao Mo was momentarily taken aback but then nodded in agreement, "This is certainly acceptable. After all, it is a matter of national importance. I do not wish for any oversight. Going through the process in advance is indeed necessary." In truth, Xiao Mo was reluctant to agree. Even though it was merely a rehearsal, just a "drill," it would still consume some of his time. But what choice did he have if he did not agree? The Empress Dowager was merely extending a courtesy by asking him; in reality, he had no choice. If he refused, it might instead make the Empress Dowager think he was being "rebellious" again. Xiao Mo suspected that the Empress Dowager's requirement for a rehearsal was likely due to a recent incident in the court. Ever since Elder Huang of the Wanjian Sect arrived, many officials have invited him to banquets, subtly suggesting they would like their daughters to replace Yan Ru Xue in the palace. Some families even subtly hinted, "If our daughter becomes the Empress, our clan will certainly offer Elder Huang more benefits." Initially, Xiao Mo heard that Elder Huang refused these advances. Perhaps Elder Huang felt that he had already promised to support the Yan family, and changing allegiance for another family for greater benefits would not be wise. For Elder Huang, he did not care who controlled the Zhou Dynasty; he cared only whether he could gain from it and maintain his reputation. If he shifted his support for a family at the last minute, then future dynasties seeking an alliance with the Wanjian Sect might choose another elder as their intermediary, instead of him. Unexpectedly, Elder Huang recently remarked, "It does not matter to me who becomes the Empress of Zhou as long as it benefits the country. Our Wanjian Sect's protection of Zhou remains unchanged." This was tacit approval for the clans to compete with the Yan family. However, the Yan family still held a significant advantage in court. But to say the Yan family was unperturbed would be untrue. Thus, Xiao Mo suspected that this "rehearsal" was more about asserting the Yan family’s influence. The Yan family wanted to emphasize to other noble families — "This court is still under the Yan family’s control, and the Empress will not be replaced." Upon hearing Xiao Mo's agreement, the Empress Dowager Yan felt even more pleased, her fondness for Xiao Mo growing. She felt adopting him back then was the right decision. "Very well," the Empress Dowager held Xiao Mo's hand, "Since that’s settled, seven days later, His Majesty shall have to bear the strain a bit." "What you said, Mother, is nothing," Xiao Mo replied with guilt, "It is I who should worry, for you have been so concerned about my marriage." "Ha ha ha, as long as His Majesty can marry Ru Xue peacefully, I am not tired at all," the Empress Dowager said with a smile, pulling Xiao Mo down to sit with her. "By the way, it’s getting late, and we haven’t shared a meal in a long time. Shall His Majesty join me for lunch?" "Of course, it’s been ages since I’ve spent time with you," Xiao Mo readily agreed, portraying a harmonious mother-son connection. During lunch, the Empress Dowager casually inquired about Xiao Mo's progress with his spiritual cultivation. Xiao Mo spoke animatedly about it, his excitement causing the Empress Dowager to watch in surprise. In a passing moment, the Empress Dowager questioned him about state affairs. Xiao Mo knew practically nothing, only stating, "Everything is handled by the officials and managed by the prime minister." After lunch, Xiao Mo chatted a bit more with the Empress Dowager, gifting her a common Taoist classic, the "Heart Cultivation Sutra," before leaving the Lingxin Palace. "Do you think the child is truly absorbed in spiritual cultivation?" the Empress Dowager asked her aide, Huang Shangyi, looking towards the door. "Yes, Your Majesty, it seems so," Huang Shangyi nodded. "When you asked him about cultivation, the Emperor seemed eager to speak with you for days on end, even gifting you a Taoist classic before leaving. It doesn’t seem like an act." "Indeed," the Empress Dowager nodded, gazing at the "Heart Cultivation Sutra" in her hands. "The child is quite considerate and filial. The previous incident with Wang Can was merely being misled." "However, Your Majesty, there is something I have heard recently," Huang Shangyi hesitated for a moment before deciding to speak. "What is it?" the Empress Dowager inquired. "I heard that the Immortal Jiang living in the harem has been visiting the Dao Forum to discuss Dao with His Majesty," Huang Shangyi reported. "So?" the Empress Dowager responded indifferently, "The Immortal Jiang must be bored in the palace, and His Majesty is merely seeking her expertise on cultivation matters. Besides, the Emperor, being an imperial, cannot lay a Foundation; there’s no need to worry." Huang Shangyi hesitated, wanting to speak but unable to. Observing her aide's expression, the Empress Dowager's brow furrowed, discerning what was truly being implied: "Are you concerned that His Majesty is involved with Immortal Jiang?" "Just a speculation, Your Majesty," Huang Shangyi quickly clarified. "Why so tense? Being with me for so many years, do you think I will punish you?" the Empress Dowager chided playfully. "But what makes you think so? Do you have any evidence?" "Well..." Huang Shangyi's eyes flickered. "I once saw His Majesty sharing buns with Immortal Jiang, and the way she looked at him seemed peculiar, although I have no direct evidence." "You are overthinking it. Immortal Jiang is an inner disciple of the Wanjian Sect, destined for greatness, and would not be interested in a mortal emperor," the Empress Dowager dismissed confidently. Yet she suddenly recalled how Immortal Jiang occasionally glanced at Xiao Mo during a welcoming banquet, and her heart wavered: "Impossible... it should be impossible..." Outside Lingxin Palace, Xiao Mo inhaled the fresh air, feeling invigorated. Facing the Empress Dowager in Lingxin Palace was indeed exhausting, but Xiao Mo believed he’d revealed no flaws. "Your Majesty, shall we return to the palace?" Wei Xun asked. "No, I'll walk to the Dao Forum and clear my mind," Xiao Mo replied. "Very well, Your Majesty." Wei Xun quickly arranged for the royal carriage to leave, accompanying His Majesty as he strolled through the palace. Before long, less than a stick of incense later, Xiao Mo stopped. There, before a watchtower stood a veiled young girl, lifting her gaze to marvel at the height. (Chapter Ends)