Keyboard Immortal

voy matter.
This emperor will make my decision.”

“Understood.” Zu An sighed in relief.
When he heard the reply, he realized that Sang Hong was probably already the one who would be chosen.
His nomination hadn’t been in vain.

When he left the imperial study, Eunuch Wen brought him to the imperial hospital.
He had the staff bring out some spirit-boosting medicinal ingredients while saying with admiration, “Sir Zu, I’ve never seen anyone who has received so much favor from the emperor in all these years I’ve served his majesty!”

“The emperor’s kindness is vast and mighty…” Zu An replied with a smile, but he was extremely calm inside.
Weren’t all of these benefits only present because the emperor still needed him to take care of more things? Furthermore, he had to figure out all of the details himself every time.

But he was still extremely happy, because he saw that there was actually a Sky Crane Root among the medicines the hospital had given him.
It was one of the main ingredients needed to refine Ki Condensation Pills.

…

After bidding Eunuch Wen goodbye, Zu An returned to the Eastern Palace.
Bi Linglong still refused to see him, so it was obvious that she was still upset about that day.

After some hesitation, he decided not to tell her that he was going to Cloudcenter Commandery.
It might be more effective if he told her a few days later.
Making a trip back there was just to let her know that he had made it out of the imperial study safely.
He then found a chance to leave the palace.

He didn’t return to his own manor, but rather chose to go to the Sang clan.

…

Sang Hong sighed in amazement when he heard about everything that had happened in the imperial study, saying, “You really made a risky move back there.”

Zu An remained completely calm as he replied, “Respected uncle won’t continue to resign from leading posts, right? This Cloudcenter Commandery trip is a good opportunity.”

Even though Sang Hong had an official position again as the Vice Minister of Finance and was nominally in charge of managing the country’s finances, the actual authority was held by those big shots in the Imperial Secretariat.
He was nothing more than the one who executed their intentions.
In other words, he took care of all the tiresome and trifling things, while the contributions went to others.

“My worthy junior has gifted me with a great present.” Sang Hong was quite moved.
Even though he did favor Zu An, he hadn’t expected to get something back in return so soon.
“But you’ve really had to take a great risk this time.”

Sang Qien was also in a daze as she looked at Zu An.
Back then, when the Sang clan had the emperor’s favor, there had been people flattering them everywhere.
And yet, when something had ended up happening to the Sang clan, she had then witnessed what hypocrisy really was.
She finally understood why her father had made the choice to ally with Zu An.
It was indeed a wise decision.

Zu An said with a chuckle, “Respected uncle is too courteous.
Even though I did have to take some risks, his majesty cares more about the Yu clan’s situation right now, so of course he’d choose the truly capable for this task.
That’s why it only looks dangerous.”

Sang Qien felt great admiration as she listened from off to the side.
Zu An had still been a bit inexperienced with the political circles not too long before, and yet after receiving a few pointers from her father, Zu An had already learned to become like those old foxes who had been in those circles for several decades.
Such talent really was enviable.

“But this Cloudcenter Commandery matter doesn’t seem to be simple at all…” They came to a unanimous conclusion after chatting for a bit.

Of course, it was precisely because it wasn’t an easy task that they had something to work toward.
They believed that with their ability, they should be able to take care of the matter.
That was why they weren’t too worried either.

As Sang Hong chatted with Zu An for a while longer, he noticed that Zu An was looking from side to side during their conversation.
He thus said to Sang Qien, “Qien’er, take Ah Zu to see your sister-in-law.
She’s experienced and knowledgeable, so she might have a solution.”

Sang Qien was no longer as conflicted about the matter as before.
She happily agreed.

…

On the way there, Zu An asked urgently, “Qienqien, did something happen to your sister-in-law?”

Sang Qien blushed.
Even though she had already known Zu An for a while, she wasn’t used to such a familiar form of address.
“We don’t know why, but sister-in-law keeps having nightmares.
Her mind is growing more and more dispirited, and her body has grown thinner.
We’ve invited many doctors to examine her, but none of them could find the reason for her symptoms.”

Zu An jumped in fright.
After all, the bodies of cultivators were far better than ordinary people’s! They normally never got sick, so if they did get sick, it was a big deal.
Furthermore, if not even those doctors could figure out what was going on, heaven knew what kind of disaster it was.
He sped up, eventually walking even faster than Sang Qien.
He rushed in and pushed open Zheng Dan’s door.

Sang Qien’s expression went rigid.
Judging from how familiar Zu An was with the path there, he probably went that way pretty often.

When Zu An pushed open the door, he saw that Zheng Dan was sitting in a chair in a daze.
She had always been charming and beautiful before, but now, she was a bit weak and pale.
Even her rosy cheeks now seemed a bit sallow.

Zheng Dan subconsciously turned around.
Her originally expressionless eyes erupted with joy.
“Ah Zu!”