233: Commanders Zixuan and Xueyao are at your disposal!

Inside the Imperial Study, Female Emperor Mu Qingning heard that Li Shengyuan was going to Jiangnan personally, and her delicate body trembled slightly, subconsciously gripping his sleeve.

“You’re going to Jiangnan?” Her voice held a hint of imperceptible reluctance and worry, “If Prince Wei truly colludes with the Demonic Cult, Jiangnan is now a dragon’s den; he has been operating there for many years and has deep roots.

If you go alone, how can I be at ease?”

“You just returned from the Northern Border; you don’t need to bother with Prince Wei’s matter.

Just leave it to Zixuan and others to handle!”

Although she knew Li Shengyuan had profound cultivation and great wisdom, worry clouded her judgment.

The thought of him possibly facing his deeply hidden, unknown-strength imperial brother and the treacherous Demonic Cult forces made Female Emperor Mu Qingning’s heart clench.

Moreover, they had only just reunited; were they to be separated again?

Li Shengyuan felt his Senior Sister’s concern, and his heart warmed.

He gently patted her hand, his tone steady and reassuring: “Senior Sister, don’t worry, I have my limits.

It is precisely because the waters of Jiangnan might be very deep that I must go there myself to see how many tricks this idle prince truly hides.

In the capital, I feel somewhat constrained.”

He paused, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes: “Besides, I must personally investigate and settle the score for Aunt Rong’s family’s revenge!”

Female Emperor Mu Qingning knew his mind was made up.

It was rare for him to change his decisions, especially when they involved important matters and the hatred of loved ones.

She sighed softly, shedding her girlish demeanor and resuming the Empress’s dignity and composure, though her tone remained full of concern: “Since that is the case, I approve!

But you must be careful in all things and not overexert yourself.

You can fully mobilize the power of the Xuanyi Guard in Jiangnan.”

She pondered for a moment, then added: “Let Zixuan go with you.

There is also a Xuanyi Guard commander in Jiangnan named Xueyao.

She is most familiar with Prince Wei and the situation in Jiangnan, and she is skilled in the Xuanyi Guard’s communication and intelligence dispatch.

With the two of them assisting you, Senior Sister can feel a little more at ease.

They will obey your every command.”

“Moreover, Xueyao is very familiar with the situation in Jiangnan and will also have some understanding of the family feud of your confidante, Aunt Rong.

It will make investigating the case and seeking revenge easier.”

Li Shengyuan heard this and did not refuse, nodding: “Very well, with Commanders Zixuan and Xueyao assisting, it will indeed save a lot of trouble.”

When he arrived in Jiangnan, he wanted to ask Commander Xueyao of the Xuanyi Guard about Prince Wei and Aunt Rong’s family.

Senior Sister’s Xuanyi Guard’s ability to investigate intelligence is so profound; she must also understand the matter of Aunt Rong’s Shen family.

He just wondered if this counted as using public resources for private matters… Li Shengyuan thought to himself.

The two then discussed some details and subsequent contact methods in low voices.

Female Emperor Mu Qingning meticulously instructed him, leaving no stone unturned, as if to turn all her worries into words.

Li Shengyuan listened patiently, occasionally nodding, a warm current flowing through his heart.

At their parting, Female Emperor Mu Qingning saw him off at the study door, gazing at his departing back for a long time without looking away.

Although Li Shengyuan would not go to Jiangnan for some time, Female Emperor Mu Qingning always felt their time together was too short…

So be it!

Once these rebellious officials and traitors were eliminated, there would be plenty of opportunities to be together until they were sick of it!

…

After Li Shengyuan left the Imperial Study, he did not leave the palace directly but instead turned to the Xuanyi Guard yamen located in a secluded part of the back palace.

The yamen was still dimly lit.

Zixuan seemed to have just finished giving orders to her subordinates and was standing alone in front of a desk, contemplating the dossiers about Prince Wei.

Hearing footsteps, she turned back alertly.

Seeing it was Li Shengyuan, her expression was calm, and with a businesslike demeanor, she immediately clasped her fists and saluted: “Lord Li.”

“Is Miss Zixuan still busy?” Li Shengyuan smiled as he approached, his gaze sweeping over the dossiers on the desk.

“Prince Wei’s matter is indeed alarming.

At first, it was just suspicion; I never thought we would trace it to him because of the Bai Xiang Tower incident!”

Zixuan’s expression was solemn: “Yes, the depth of the Prince’s concealment far exceeded our expectations.

If not for Bai Yurou’s clear clues this time, it would probably be troublesome to pinpoint his guilt…”

She paused, looking at Li Shengyuan, “Is Your Majesty… well?”

“Senior Sister is merely disheartened, but more so resolute.”

Li Shengyuan said indifferently, then changed the subject, looking at Zixuan with a playful smile, “Speaking of which, Senior Sister just issued an edict to you.”

Zixuan immediately straightened her expression: “Please instruct, Lord.”

Li Shengyuan deliberately drew out his words, slowly saying: “Senior Sister said that I am to handle the matters in Jiangnan with full authority.

And—she wants you to go with me and obey my ‘every’ command throughout.”

He specifically emphasized the word “every.”

Zixuan was slightly startled, seemingly not expecting His Majesty to make such an arrangement, but she quickly lowered her head, biting her red lip lightly, and responded without hesitation: “Yes!

This subordinate obeys!

On this trip to Jiangnan, this subordinate will do her utmost to assist Lord and obey Lord’s every command!”

Her tone was as serious and respectful as ever, but her earlobes inadvertently turned slightly red, as if she recalled her previous experiences of being “teased” and taken advantage of by him, and she had a premonition that similar incidents would only increase during the upcoming trip to Jiangnan.

This fellow was so audacious with her in the imperial palace; wouldn’t he be even more “rampant” once they were in Jiangnan, where His Majesty couldn’t see?

Li Shengyuan looked at her expression—clearly a little shy but feigning composure, appearing all business—and found it particularly amusing.

He took a step closer, almost able to feel her breath tighten for a moment, and chuckled in a low voice: “Any command will do?

Commander Zixuan, this time Senior Sister personally ‘assigned’ you to me, you know?”

His breath brushed past her ear, carrying a mischievous hint.

Zixuan’s body visibly stiffened, her head lowered even further, but she tried hard to keep her voice steady: “Lord… please, please prioritize official business!

This subordinate… this subordinate will naturally do her best to cooperate!”

The slightly trembling end of her voice and her blushing neck, however, completely betrayed her inner panic.

“Commander Zixuan is so heartless; have you forgotten all the beautiful memories between us already?”

Li Shengyuan knew when to stop, laughed heartily, and stepped back, resuming a serious expression.

This was still Senior Sister’s back palace; it was better not to be too audacious, or Zixuan would have difficulty facing Senior Sister later.

However, a smile lingered in Li Shengyuan’s eyes: “Alright, I won’t tease you anymore.

There’s still some time before we go to Jiangnan; you should rest well during this period.”

Then he said with a beaming smile: “Oh, by the way, I couldn’t treat you to a meal the previous two times due to unexpected circumstances.

How about I treat you to dinner this time?

I wonder if Miss Zixuan would do me the honor?”