443: Li Xuan's worries

Meanwhile, in the Imperial Study in the Royal Capital.

The Dragons Saliva Incense burned quietly in the Gilded Auspicious Beast Censer. The clear, rich aroma, wrapped in wisps of blue smoke, curled up slowly, yet it could not dispel the heavy melancholy stagnating within the Imperial Study, nor could it lift the persistent gloom shadowing Li Xuan's brow.

The clear scent of Sandalwood mixed with the Dragons Saliva should have calmed the mind and spirit, but now it felt like fine needles, pricking at his taut nerves repeatedly.

He sat behind the large Red Sandalwood Desk, unconsciously rubbing the ring on his finger. His gaze was distant, not focused on the memorials concerning the national economy and people's livelihood before him, but fixed instead on the heavy sky outside the window, as if trying to pierce the palace walls and see the vast, desolate land of the Northern Frontier a thousand miles away.

It had been some time since the messenger was dispatched to the Northern Frontier, and calculating the travel time, the decree should have already been delivered.

"Is the State Lord still troubled by the affairs of the Northern Frontier?"

A clear, resonant voice suddenly sounded, breaking the stagnant silence within the Imperial Study.

Mysterious Clarity Master appeared silently at the entrance of the Imperial Study, still wearing his faded Bagua Daoist Robe. Dark embroidered clouds and cranes adorned the hem of his garment, his silver hair was meticulously bound in a Green Jade Daoist Crown, and his Face was rosy, his eyes clear. He seemed enveloped in a detached Immortal Qi, appearing transcendent from worldly troubles.

He had received the eunuch's announcement and walked in slowly, performing a Daoist Salute toward Li Xuan.

Li Xuan snapped back to reality, his hazy gaze falling upon Mysterious Clarity Master. A complex mix of emotions flashed in his eyes: anxiety, reliance, and a subtle hint of apprehension.

He quickly raised his hand in a gesture to help him up, his voice carrying an undisguised weariness:

"Grand Preceptor, please sit quickly. The Northern Frontier... alas, it has been half a month since the messenger departed, and there is still no clear reply. In my heart, it feels as if a giant boulder is suspended, unable to land, leaving me deeply unsettled."

Mysterious Clarity Master did not decline, walking slowly to the Embroidered Stool on the side and sitting down calmly.

A sharp-eyed and quick-handed attendant immediately stepped forward, holding a Gold-traced Tea Tray, and offered a steaming cup of clear tea.

The teacup was Celadon Porcelain produced by the Imperial Kiln, thin-bodied and lustrous, with a fragrant tea aroma that refreshed the heart and mind.

He took the teacup and used the lid to gently brush away the foam floating on the tea's surface. His movements were unhurried, and he spoke slowly, not rushing to drink:

"State Lord, you need not worry excessively. The decree has been issued, and the status is fixed. The Jiang Clan is now clearly separated from the Imperial Family, with no further entanglement. As for whether City Lord Situ of the Northern Frontier will attend the ceremony, ultimately, it is merely icing on the cake. If he comes, it gives Your Majesty Face, demonstrating Your Majesty's broad mind and tolerance, and serves to appease a key border official; if he does not come, it will not diminish the solemn grandeur of the Investiture Ceremony. Regardless, it cannot change his status as Princess Danying's husband, nor can it change his dual role in augmenting the Tianqi Kingdom's national fortune."

These words slightly eased Li Xuan's mind.

He took a deep breath, temporarily suppressing his worries about the Northern Frontier. He picked up the cold tea on the desk and took a sip; the bitterness spreading across his tongue reminded him of the main business. He looked up at Mysterious Clarity Master and asked:

"Grand Preceptor previously suggested that I establish a New Empress to stabilize the Inner Palace and pacify the realm. In your opinion, Grand Preceptor, when would be the most suitable time to schedule this Investiture Ceremony?"

Hearing this, Mysterious Clarity Master's hand, holding the teacup, paused slightly, and his brow furrowed almost imperceptibly. He set the cup down, his tone growing more serious:

"Regarding this matter... State Lord, it would be best to postpone it for a while and discuss it again after the Northern Frontier messenger returns. Now that the Tianqi Kingdom's national fortune is beginning to recover, we still rely on the blessing of the Northern Frontier's Dragon Qi. We must not provoke the Northern Frontier at this time and risk losing the greater prize for a small gain."

Li Xuan's expression darkened upon hearing this, and just as he was about to retort, hurried footsteps suddenly sounded outside the hall.

An Attendant Official rushed in, sweat beading on his forehead, his voice tinged with urgency:

"Reporting to Your Majesty! The Northern Frontier messenger has sent back a message via Jade Talisman!"

Li Xuan abruptly stood up, the hem of his Dragon Robe sweeping across the desk, causing a Paperweight to clatter onto the floor. He paid it no mind, urgent light bursting from his eyes as he impatiently shouted:

"Present it quickly!"

The Attendant Official dared not delay, quickly holding up the gleaming white Jade Talisman in his hand and hurrying to the desk.

Li Xuan snatched the Jade Talisman, his trembling fingers injecting Spiritual Power into it. Immediately, lines of fine script appeared on the talisman.

The Imperial Study fell into complete silence once more, with only the blue smoke of the Dragons Saliva Incense drifting soundlessly.

After a long time.

Li Xuan slowly set down the Jade Talisman, his voice dry and hoarse as he said:

"Grand Preceptor... Situ Jun... he did not explicitly agree to attend the ceremony."

The Jade Talisman detailed everything the messenger Zhu Daming had seen and heard at the Northern Frontier City Lords Mansion, every line revealing Situ Jun's indifferent and distant attitude.

Especially the vague response, "If there are no urgent matters, I will naturally attend," which left Li Xuan feeling extremely unpleasant.

As the dignified ruler of a state, being slighted by his own City Lord, Li Xuan's distress was understandable.

Mysterious Clarity Master slowly opened his slightly closed eyes. His gaze was calm and unwavering, as if he had long anticipated this outcome. He said lightly:

"State Lord, Situ Jun leaving room for negotiation by not outright refusing on the spot. He is waiting—waiting for us to offer more explicit 'benefits,' or rather, waiting for us to give him a 'reason' why he must attend the ceremony."

"A reason?"

Li Xuan frowned deeply, his expression growing darker, his voice carrying uncontrollable anger:

"I, as the Sovereign, inviting him to the ceremony, have already given Situ Jun immense Face! What more reason does he need? Does he truly expect me to hand over this magnificent realm..."

The words that followed were too presumptuous, and he forcefully swallowed them back. His chest heaved violently, and his Face was utterly grim.

"State Lord worries too much."

Mysterious Clarity Master set down his teacup, maintaining his unperturbed demeanor, and spoke lightly:

"What Situ Jun wants has never been the realm itself, but the attitude of the State Lord. Of course, some tangible benefits and advantages are also essential."

Li Xuan instantly understood the hidden meaning in Mysterious Clarity Master's words.

What Situ Jun wanted was greater authority—the complete Autonomy of the Northern Frontier.

This amounted to making Northern Frontier City nominally belong to Tianqi, but in reality, operate outside of Tianqi's control, becoming a state unto itself.

This was simply... an extreme humiliation for him, the Sovereign!

He clenched his fists tightly, his fingernails digging deep into his palms, causing a sharp, stinging pain.

After a long moment, he squeezed a few words out from between his teeth:

"Then, in the Grand Preceptor's view, how should the date for this Investiture Ceremony be set? And how should we 'invite' him so that he comes willingly?"

Mysterious Clarity Master raised a finger, his long, slender tip making a quick calculation in the air. A fleeting light seemed to flash in his eyes. After pondering for a moment, he said slowly:

"State Lord, according to this old Daoist's observation of the celestial phenomena and deduction of the calendar, two months from now, the fifth day of the third month, the day of the 'Awakening of Insects, a solar term,' is the most Auspicious Day of the first half of this year. 'Awakening of Insects' signifies the first spring thunder, startling insects and awakening all things, symbolizing discarding the old and establishing the new, and the flourishing of vitality. Holding the Investiture Ceremony on this day perfectly aligns with Your Majesty's intention to abolish the old, establish the new, and revitalize the government. Moreover, during this season, winter snows have begun to melt, rivers are thawing, spring is deepening, and all things are recovering—it is a rare good omen. Furthermore, the melting snow makes road travel more convenient for various Regional Lords and important officials to attend the ceremony."