Chapter 527: Emperor Liang Meets the King of the Miao

Chapter 527: Emperor Liang Meets the King of the Miao

Bao Zhuzhu immediately climbed out of Lu Zhaoyan's arms and stretched her little arms toward Emperor Liang: "Great-Grandpa, Great-Grandpa!"

Eunuch Yu was startled.

Little Ancestor, do you want His Majesty to take you bird hunting?

Your Great-Grandpa is the ruler of a nation; how can he go bird hunting?

"Waaah—Baby has no birds—"

Bao Zhuzhu cried out to the sky, her tears coming on the spot, her sad face breaking everyone's heart.

Emperor Liang picked up the little one: "Come, Great-Grandpa will take you to find some."

"Okay!" Bao Zhuzhu nodded vigorously.

Of course, Emperor Liang wouldn't go bird hunting himself, but he could still carry his younger great-grandchild to watch the commotion.

On the rooftop, Silent Wind appeared.

Lu Zhaoyan nodded at him, and Silent Wind leaped up, chasing after the direction the bird had flown.

Cui Hu appeared, standing beside Lu Zhaoyan, a frown etched on his face as he watched the crowd. "Your Highness, something's not right", he said. "When did Prince Jin become so warm-hearted? What's he plotting? Is he trying to frame us?"

"Unusual events must have unusual causes; it must be!"

Lu Zhaoyan glanced at him: "Knowing he has ill intentions, why don't you go keep an eye on him? Did Father Emperor send you to the Crown Prince's Mansion because I was lonely?"

Cui Hu clutched his chest: "Your Highness means—"

Lu Zhaoyan: "You talk too much."

Cui Hu: "……"

Lu Zhaoyan watched Prince Jin, who seemed to be making a concerted effort to catch the bird but always fell a step behind: "Brother, you really don't give up, do you? You'll use any means to bring down the Crown Prince's Mansion."

He followed slowly.

After a few steps, Steward Jia hurried over, looking around cautiously.

Lu Zhaoyan asked calmly: "Did Young Master take his father-in-law out of the mansion?"

Steward Jia, anxious, said: "I was just about to tell you, the back gate is blocked. We can't get out now."

Lu Zhaoyan, expressionless, said: "My brother is well-prepared."

Steward Jia, sheepishly: "I don't understand why we can't let His Majesty see Lord Liu..."

Lu Zhaoyan: "He's the King of the Miao."

Steward Jia stumbled, almost falling flat on his face.

Cui Hu and Silent Wind were both catching the bird and keeping an eye on Prince Jin. Every time they were about to catch it, Prince Jin would accidentally "bump" them.

"He's doing it on purpose!" Cui Hu gritted his teeth.

"There's something wrong with that bird", Silent Wind said.

Cui Hu, puzzled: "What's wrong with it?"

Silent Wind, serious: "It seems to be circling the mansion deliberately, as if it has a route."

Cui Hu leaped up, chasing Silent Wind onto the roof: "Now that you mention it, it does!"

"Someone is controlling that bird." Silent Wind looked around, trying to figure out who and where.

Cui Hu patted Silent Wind: "Look, the bird is flying toward Lord Liu's courtyard!"

Silent Wind suddenly stopped.

Lord Liu...

Prince Jin's target is him!

Cui Hu, puzzled: "Why did you stop?"

Silent Wind looked around, then leaped onto a tall tree.

He saw it!

Outside the eastern wall of the Crown Prince's Mansion, a beggar was blowing a bone whistle, controlling the golden-winged finch.

Silent Wind frowned, about to go and kill the man, when an arrow shot through the air, like a meteor, and knocked the bone whistle out of the man's hand.

The arrow had come from above his head.

Silent Wind looked up and saw Yu Zichuan standing on the treetop, holding the gleaming Houyi Bow.

The golden-winged finch, no longer under control, flew out of the Crown Prince's Mansion.

Bao Zhuzhu cried: "Baby's bird—"

Emperor Liang, who had promised not to catch the bird himself, immediately put the little one down and leaped up.

But just as he was about to touch the golden-winged finch, a swift figure swooped down and caught the bird, placing it in a prepared birdcage.

Then, the figure landed gracefully, giving Emperor Liang a challenging, smug look!

Emperor Liang landed on the lawn, eyeing the figure suspiciously.

He had visited the Crown Prince's Mansion many times and had never seen such skill.

To be precise, even in the entire imperial city, there was no one else who could snatch something from his hands.

"Father Emperor!"

Prince Jin rushed to Emperor Liang's side.

Lu Zhaoyan and Steward Jia, still a few steps away, recognized the figure's back.

"It's... it's the... King of the Miao..." Steward Jia covered his mouth, trembling, "Lord Liu—"

Harboring the King of the Miao means the entire family will be executed—

He hasn't lived long enough—

Prince Jin carefully recalled that move. Who else could spar with his Father Emperor except the King of the Miao?

Truly, what you seek is always just around the corner!

Lu Zhaoyan, your days are numbered!

"Who are you?"

Emperor Liang asked.

The King of the Miao patted his thigh: "I am who I am, no hiding my name or identity."

Steward Jia trembled: "It's over... I'm done for..."

The King of the Miao, holding the birdcage, turned around with a domineering and majestic presence: "Liu, Batian!"

Everyone: "..."

The King of the Miao was still the King of the Miao, but he now had a copper eye patch tied over his left eye with a headband.

Prince Jin was dumbfounded.

Lu Yuan, hands behind his back, walked to his adoptive father's side.

Lu Zhaoyan asked: "How did you convince him to dress up as a pirate?"

Lu Yuan curled his lips. "Well, this..."

"Grandpa, put it on."

"What is this? No way!"

"The Liang Emperor is already at the Crown Prince's Mansion, and he's heading this way. I don't have any suitable masks for you, so what if he recognizes you?"

"Let him recognize me. Am I afraid of him?"

"This is his territory."

"Who are you underestimating? When I charged in and out of an army of ten thousand, your mother wasn't even born yet!"

"Are you talking about the time you poisoned the Liang Emperor, ended up eating it yourself, and both of you were sick for three days and nights?"

Salvador cleared his throat. "I, I, I was just..."

Lu Yuan, frustrated by his foolishness, said, "Who else would taste the poison first with their fingers? Fortunately, Grandmother had it switched to croton seeds in advance."

Salvador waved his hand. "A real man doesn't dwell on past glories!"

Lu Yuan's lips twitched. "You were stupid back then, weren't you?"

Salvador said coldly, "I won't be a coward! If it comes to it, I'll fight to the death!"

"This is called infiltration", Lu Yuan said seriously. "Don't you think it's more fun to play with him on his own turf than to beat him in a fight? Everyone knows the Salvador is the best martial artist in the world. What's there to be proud of if you win? But outsmarting him is different. Or are you afraid you can't match him in a battle of wits?"

Lu Zhaoyan was at a loss for words. He took a deep breath. "Do you have no conscience, treating your grandpa like this?"

Lu Yuan raised an eyebrow. "Who was the one spreading rumors about the Grand Emperor behind his back, telling me to go and talk to him?"

Lu Zhaoyan's face darkened. "Rebellious son."

Steward Jia thought to himself, one was a father-trap, the other a grandpa-trap, neither should talk.

The Liang Emperor and Salvador had met in their youth, but not often. Now that they were older, both had beards and gray hair, far from their youthful appearances.

Not to mention Salvador's pirate-like attire. The Liang Emperor didn't recognize him at first.

Prince Jin knew Salvador was staying at the Crown Prince's Mansion. After the initial shock, he was sure it was Salvador.

He smiled meaningfully. "Lord Liu? I haven't seen you at the Crown Prince's Mansion before. You have a bit of a Miao Borderlands accent. Are you a guest from the Miao Borderlands? Why didn't my second brother mention it earlier?"

Lu Zhaoyan walked over calmly. "What Miao Borderlands accent? Does my brother often go to the Miao Borderlands? And you can tell by the accent?"

Prince Jin had indeed secretly visited the Miao Borderlands several times.

His smile remained, but his fingers tightened slightly. "I was just asking casually. Why are you so nervous, second brother?"

Lu Zhaoyan said, "Brother, you're quite amusing. Am I nervous?"

"Grand Emperor."

Lu Yuan bowed to the Liang Emperor.

The Liang Emperor nodded. "I heard your leg was injured."

Lu Yuan looked puzzled. "No, I'm fine."

Prince Jin smiled. "It was a misunderstanding. Uncle thought you were injured."

Lu Yuan raised an eyebrow. "Oh, so Uncle came to visit my injury? I thought he was here to see my grandpa."

Lu Zhaoyan said, "Grandpa just arrived last night. How could Uncle have such quick information? It's not like he has spies in our mansion, right, brother?"

Prince Jin forced a smile. "Second brother, you really know how to joke."

The Liang Emperor eyed Salvador suspiciously, increasingly feeling that this man was not quite right.

"Are you Yuanyuan's grandpa?"

He asked.

Salvador put his hands on his hips. "Absolutely!"

The Liang Emperor said sternly, "Why didn't you bow when you saw Me?"

Salvador: "Bow to you—"

Remembering his mission, Salvador stopped himself. "I'm just a country farmer. I don't know your city manners."

The Liang Emperor's eyes were sharp. "A country farmer with good skills."

Lu Yuan quickly said, "My grandpa used to live in Wushan for a few years when he was young, helping to repair the Wushan Temple."

The Liang Emperor was aware of the Wushan repairs.

The goddess had recruited artisans from all over the world, and many skilled craftsmen from the Southwest went there.

After the old temple was repaired, the goddess built a new temple for the New Year, which took three years in total.

It was the only time a large number of outsiders flooded into Wushan, including many talented individuals who were taught and guided by the goddess, becoming martial arts masters.

The goddess's magnanimity was even admired by the Liang Emperor.

Lu Yuan gave Salvador a meaningful look.

Salvador pouted and clutched his thigh. "Oh my, my old leg."

Lu Yuan sighed. "My grandpa hurt his leg while repairing the temple. The goddess treated him and taught him martial arts to help him stay fit."

It sounded like something the goddess would do, so the Liang Emperor didn't doubt it.

But for some reason, he didn't like this future in-law. He seemed a bit shady.

Prince Jin smiled faintly. "Did Lord Liu's eye injury also come from repairing the temple? Should I have the imperial physician check it out?"

If he could just remove the eye patch, he was sure the truth would come out!

"Oh, whose little tiger cub is this?"

Salvador strode forward, shouldering Prince Jin aside.

Prince Jin winced in pain, his brows furrowing deeply.

Damn it!

He seemed to have internal injuries!

Lu Yuan's lips curled into a smile.

Of course you're injured. Unfortunately, it won't show up right away. It will only flare up once you're back at your residence.

Who made you get up so early and not sleep? I can't let you leave without something to show for it. Even an injury will do.

Bao Zhuzhu immediately recognized Salvador and ran toward him with quick, little steps.

Salvador hung the birdcage on a tree branch and lifted the little one high into the air. "Is this my younger great-grandchild? I'm Great-Grandpa!"

Bao Zhuzhu wriggled with excitement and called out in a babyish voice, "Great-Grandpa!"

"Ah!"

Salvador was delighted, tossing the little one up and catching her again.

Bao Zhuzhu was over the moon, giggling uncontrollably.

How could she remember catching birds when she herself felt like a little bird that could fly!

"Again! Again!"

"Once more!"

"Once more!"

"Ha ha!"

The little one played to her heart's content, her laughter echoing throughout the entire mansion.

The Liang Emperor was somewhat stunned.

He had never seen the little one laugh so happily.

"Has she ever laughed like this when I tried to comfort her?"

Eunuch Yu chuckled awkwardly. "Well, Your Majesty, you've never tried to comfort Miss Zhaozhao like this."

It wasn't the Liang Emperor's fault. He had never coddled his children or grandchildren, so he lacked the experience.

Salvador, on the other hand, had only one biological daughter, Liu Qingyun, but she was worth ten. Salvador had coddled her so much that he had gone bald!

The Liang Emperor's children and grandchildren were all well-behaved, while Salvador's daughter grew more mischievous each year.

"Cough, cough."

Lu Yuan cleared his throat and whispered, "If you keep playing, you'll give it away. Use your wits, use your wits."

Salvador smacked his lips and reluctantly caught Bao Zhuzhu.

The Liang Emperor thought to himself, now it's my turn.

But Salvador picked some grass and, in no time, wove a grasshopper.

"Wow!"

Bao Zhuzhu flapped her little arms behind her. "Great-Grandpa is so amazing!"

Salvador smiled. "Do you like it?"

Bao Zhuzhu grabbed the little grasshopper. "I like it! I like it the most!"

Not only could Salvador weave grasshoppers, but he could also make dragonflies, birds, and even straw hats, which thrilled the little one to no end!

The Liang Emperor felt extremely jealous.

Ever since the old man appeared, his younger great-granddaughter hadn't even glanced at him, calling out "Great-Grandpa" all morning.

Lu Zhaoyan, standing to the side, asked without a trace of emotion, "Isn't this a bit much?"

Lu Yuan's lips didn't move. "Don't you want to see your father eat humble pie?"

Lu Zhaoyan: "I do."

He smiled. "Does Zhaozhao want to stay at the mansion with Great-Grandpa?"

Bao Zhuzhu: "Yes!"

The Liang Emperor's face darkened.

Prince Jin, having taken a hit from Salvador's inner strength, felt a burning sensation in his chest.

Lu Zhaoyan asked with a smile, "Big Brother, you don't look well. Are you feeling unwell? Should I call the mansion physician to check on you?"

Even if the physician were called, it wouldn't reveal much.

Prince Jin gritted his teeth and smiled. "No need. Qi'er's wedding is coming up, and there are matters at the mansion. I'll take my leave."

Lu Zhaoyan said, "I'll see you off."

Lu Yuan: "I'll come too."

Lu Zhaoyan: "Why are you going?"

Lu Yuan glanced at the Liang Emperor, whose face was as hard as iron. "I'm afraid they'll start fighting, and the fish will suffer."

Lu Zhaoyan: "…"

Bao Zhuzhu, drenched in sweat from playing, was carried away by her nanny to change clothes.

In the courtyard, only Salvador, the Liang Emperor, and Eunuch Yu remained.

The Liang Emperor said to Eunuch Yu, "Go to the kitchen and tell them I'll be dining at the Crown Prince's Mansion today."

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Eunuch Yu hurried off.

Salvador plopped down on a stone bench and crossed his legs, looking relaxed and carefree.

The Liang Emperor couldn't stand his casual demeanor but held back, thinking of him as a future in-law.

"Speak your mind."

Salvador said.

"You… those tricks you used to entertain Zhaozhao…"

"Do you want to learn them?"

The Liang Emperor, though a bit embarrassed, was always willing to learn. He said without hesitation, "Teach Me the one Zhaozhao liked the most. I will reward you."

Who the hell cares about your reward?

But—

If I teach you, wouldn't you be my disciple?

Once a teacher, always a father. I would be your father!

Salvador straightened his back. "Which one do you want to learn?"

The Liang Emperor thought for a moment. "The one Zhaozhao liked the most."

The grasshopper, the little one said.

Salvador looked at the Liang Emperor strangely. "Don't you think that's too easy to learn?"

The Liang Emperor said, "Everyone has their strengths."

"Ah… that's true."

Salvador stroked his chin. "But… how do I teach you?"

The Liang Emperor said seriously, "Show me step by step."

Salvador's eyes widened, his expression indescribable. "Step by step?"

In this day and age, does a teacher have to make such a sacrifice?

The Liang Emperor nodded. "Just once, and I will surely learn."

Salvador scratched his head. "Alright, alright."

He reluctantly approached the Liang Emperor. "Ready? I'm starting."

"Okay."

The Liang Emperor nodded.

In the next moment, Salvador gathered his inner strength, shouted loudly, and grabbed the Liang Emperor, throwing him into the air.

The Liang Emperor, suddenly hugged and tossed up, was speechless: "…!!"

Ha ha ha ha, a long chapter of 4400 words, please give me a meow vote~

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end