218: Taking Senior Sister Empress to watch the fireworks and lantern show...

Uncle Governor Li Mo then shared some detailed intelligence he had gathered with Li Shengyuan.

Seeing that it was almost time, he left the Li family compound and headed to the Imperial Palace to report to Empress Mu Qingning in person about his work in Qingzhou over the past few years.

He also mentioned the events encountered on his journey back, emphasizing that this matter must be taken seriously.

Having the Empress issue a direct order for a comprehensive investigation into cases similar to the worship of the bone god would surely increase efficiency significantly!

After Uncle Governor Li Mo left, only Li Shengyuan and his grandfather Li Cangsheng remained in the study.

Li Cangsheng looked at Li Shengyuan with kind eyes, then sighed softly, saying with a hint of heartache:

"You've matured... and become much stronger. You've even caught up to your grandfather now. Were you exhausted during your time in the North?"

Li Shengyuan smiled and shook his head, "Not at all. With so many friends helping me, and my parents there, it wasn't tiring at all!"

Li Cangsheng smiled and shook his head. How could he not know that Li Shengyuan was merely reassuring him?

The intrigue and hardships in the North, the presence of so many Expert from the demonic sects, and the need to venture into the incredibly dangerous Far North to deal with the Insectoid Queen—how could that not be difficult and exhausting?

Even a third-rank expert would turn pale and retreat when faced with all that.

Although Li Shengyuan was now a renowned second-rank expert, he was only a fourth-rank when he first went to the North...

Li Cangsheng said no more, but spoke gently and kindly:

"Dealing with the demonic sects cannot be rushed; it must be done step by step. You've just returned from the North, so take Xinrong and the others out to relax and have a good time first..."

"Yes, I understand, Grandfather," Li Shengyuan nodded with a smile.

Although he agreed verbally, he remained vigilant. Li Shengyuan would absolutely not allow the scenes from the inner demon tribulation during his heavenly tribulation to reappear!

Li Cangsheng also noticed Li Shengyuan's insincerity and calmly issued a polite dismissal.

"Alright, don't stay by this old man's side; it's quite boring. I need to practice calligraphy. Go to Qingyao Garden and find Tangtang and the others. There will be a fireworks and lantern festival there tonight. Spend some good time with them and have fun..."

"Alright, Grandfather, I'll be going then..." Li Shengyuan smiled helplessly, stood up, and bid his grandfather farewell.

Walking through the courtyards of the Li residence, Li Shengyuan's face showed a look of recollection.

"Qingyao Garden Lantern Festival..."

Qingyao Garden is a private garden open to the public, boasting excellent scenery and a great place for leisure and relaxation. A fireworks and lantern festival is held there every month.

Li Shengyuan's expression flickered for a moment, then he sighed with emotion:

"Qingyao Garden... what a distant yet beautiful memory..."

In the past, Li Shengyuan often went to Qingyao Garden with Princess Pingyang and Shen Xinrong to relax. Even before his senior sister's ascension, they frequently went there to play and enjoy the lantern festival.

But at some point, perhaps as they grew up, he and his senior sister Female Emperor Mu Qingning became increasingly busy, gradually visiting Qingyao Garden less and less, let alone enjoying fireworks or watching lantern festivals...

The joy of childhood was gone, replaced by the worries of adulthood. Perhaps this was the price of growing up...

A warm smile of cherished memory appeared on Li Shengyuan's lips.

"Ever since my senior sister ascended the throne, it seems she hasn't left the Imperial Palace much, let alone visited Qingyao Garden to relax..."

Li Shengyuan pondered for a moment, then his eyes brightened as he smiled:

"It just so happens that I'm not busy these days. I'll invite my senior sister to see tonight's Qingyao Garden fireworks and lantern festival, to relive some childhood memories..."

Li Shengyuan did not go to Qingyao Garden first; instead, he planned to go to the Imperial Palace to get his senior sister out of there.

An emperor visiting a lantern festival must not be known to outsiders, so disguises and facial alterations would be essential...

After making preparations, Li Shengyuan entered the Imperial Palace and went directly to the rear hall of the Imperial Study, waiting for his senior sister to finish her state affairs.

The most important task today was meeting Governor Li Mo. After dismissing him, Female Emperor Mu Qingning rubbed her forehead, looking weary.

Handling so many matters had left her somewhat exhausted.

The next moment, she felt Li Shengyuan's warm hands on her shoulders, helping her relax.

Female Emperor Mu Qingning's body trembled, then she completely relaxed, her cheek resting against Li Shengyuan's arm, and she softly asked:

"Junior brother, when did you arrive?"

Li Shengyuan smiled, "Senior sister, let's go! I'll take you somewhere nice?"

"What?" Female Emperor Mu Qingning turned back, looking at Li Shengyuan with a bewildered expression.

Li Shengyuan smiled mysteriously.

"Qingyao Garden Lantern Festival!"