As for welcoming Qin Ying’s return from seclusion, Zhan Tian had no interest whatsoever. At this moment, he was focused on training Xiaoqi. However, Liu Sheng had mentioned earlier that if His Majesty also attended, he should submit his previous memorial.

So even though he was uninterested, after some thought, he decided to make a visit.

As for the Ritual Department, Kang Bai originally intended for Chen Xuan to go, as he was aware of Chen Xuan’s relationship with Qin Ying.

However, Chen Xuan refused without providing any reason.

The day before Qin Ying’s return from seclusion.

Zhan Tian arrived at the Ritual Department. In the room, there were only Liu Sheng, Chen Xuan, and himself.

"What if His Majesty disagrees...?"

Zhan Tian looked at Liu Sheng, inquiring about his opinion.

"Then our two old faces would be of no use, wouldn’t they?"

Liu Sheng’s tone was quite indifferent.

No signs of anger could be discerned.

At the time, Zhan Tian, who understood him well, knew in his heart that if His Majesty didn’t agree, Liu Sheng would truly become disheartened this time.

"By the way!"

Liu Sheng looked towards Chen Xuan, "Have Qin Ying also mention it. After all, her status is different now, and she still carries weight in His Majesty’s heart."

"I’m not going this time!"

This was something Liu Sheng didn’t know about.

"You’re not going?"

Zhan Tian was greatly surprised. Qin Ying’s return from seclusion—hadn’t they not seen each other for about ten years?

What was going on?!

"Please trouble Elder Zhan to inform her, just say it’s my intention."

"Alright then."

Zhan Tian nodded slightly, "Then that’s it, I’ll head back first."

With that, he left hastily. Xiaoqi was still on the tenth level; he needed to keep an eye on him.

"Are you wary of His Majesty?"

Liu Sheng asked.

"Somewhat wary, afraid he will perceive the rules on my body."

Although he had a talent for concealment and also had the protection of Lord Hall Master, it was better to be cautious.

If he could avoid meeting Emperor Yu, he would.

Everything would wait until after the Burial Ground concluded, then he wouldn’t be as cautious and timid.

At least he would have the ability to protect himself, even in front of Emperor Yu.

"I fear His Majesty will seek to meet you proactively. After all, with the opening of the Burial Ground and other chosen individuals, His Majesty will naturally want to meet you, so you can’t avoid it. Of course, you needn’t worry; at least with Liu Sheng and Zhan Tian around, His Majesty won’t do anything untoward."

Liu Sheng comforted him.

"That would certainly be best."

Chen Xuan nodded, but at that time, he still hadn’t changed his mind, being reluctant to go.

Besides, with so many people around, meeting wouldn’t serve any purpose.

What else could he really do?

"Decide for yourself."

...

The next day!

At dawn, carriages stopped in front of the Imperial Palace.

Those who could appear here now were prominent figures from Great Yu, each with a face full of smiles; an invitation from Emperor Yu was a supreme honor for them.

Of course, relatively speaking, these were just minor characters.

After all, Qin Ying’s emergence would be at noon, and the true bigwigs would undoubtedly arrive last.

As noon approached, the Three Dukes arrived together, and everyone bowed.

However, the three did not enter the Imperial Palace immediately but stood in front of it.

"Are they waiting for Zhan Tian and Liu Sheng?"

"Is Liu Sheng coming as well?"

"Wasn’t he seriously injured, with no cultivation left?"

At this moment, acquaintances communicated through sound transmission to discuss.

After a few moments, the carriage representing the Three Judicial Departments arrived.

Zhan Tian stepped down from the carriage, accompanied by Kang Bai.

"Oh, it seems you three old guys are waiting for me, let’s go!"

Zhan Tian grinned, then gestured for Kang Bai to head towards the Three Dukes.

"You three came early, huh."

Zhan Tian said with a smile.

As for Kang Bai, he bowed, "Greetings to the Three Dukes!"

"Liu Sheng didn’t come?"

Duke Qin asked.

"The Chief Eunuch is unwell, so he sent me to represent the Ritual Department."

Kang Bai explained softly.

"I saw him last time, and didn’t he look fine?"

"How long has it been since you visited? You know nothing!"

Zhan Tian interjected, sparing no room for face-saving.

"Zhan Tian!"

Duke Yuan glared at him, about to speak before Duke Qin interrupted, "Alright, today’s a great day with so many people watching, you two don’t cause trouble, keep it low-key."

"Hmph!"

"Hmph!"

Zhan Tian and Duke Yuan simultaneously snorted coldly.

Duke Qin, watching these two, felt a headache. It used to be Duke Liu and Zhan Tian who didn’t get along, and whenever they met, they would exchange barbs.

Now, with Duke Liu and Zhan Tian rarely like this, Duke Yuan and Zhan Tian were at it.

It’s really...exhausting.

"Let’s go!"

Saying this, he took the lead towards the Imperial Palace, while Duke Liu tugged at Duke Yuan, and the two followed closely inside.

"Let’s go!"

Zhan Tian glanced at Kang Bai, the two bringing up the rear.

However, after witnessing this scene, those present each had their own thoughts.

Especially regarding Liu Sheng.

It seemed the rumors were true; Liu Sheng was indeed finished.

Soon.

Zhan Tian and his group arrived at the entrance to the Qin Emperor Sacred Land.

At the entrance, two towering dragon pillars flashed, resembling a gateway.

Standing at the forefront were several princes led by Qin Tiandao.

However, Emperor Yu was not seen.

"Has His Majesty not arrived yet?"

Duke Qin’s group came to the front and asked Qin Tiandao.

"Father is still in seclusion, but he should make it in time; the Imperial Sister still needs more than an hour."

Qin Tiandao replied softly. 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

While Qin Hong looked towards Zhan Tian’s position with confusion.

Because Chen Xuan hadn’t come.

The Ritual Department was represented by Kang Bai.

"Odd, why didn’t he come?"

This question puzzled not just him but other princes as well, for they were already well aware of Chen Xuan’s relationship with Qin Ying.

The key point was that Emperor Yu had not expressed any opposition.

Logically speaking, for such a significant event like Qin Ying’s return from seclusion, he was certainly expected to attend.

"Kang Bai, how is the Chief Eunuch?"

Qin Tiandao directed his gaze towards Zhan Tian’s side and focused on Kang Bai.

"Not in good health, cannot move."

It was Zhan Tian who spoke, "It seems Your Highness is quite busy not even knowing this."

With these words, the faces of those present changed abruptly.

Even Duke Qin’s expression became unpleasant.