Chapter 576: Emperor's Invitation!

The people present were shocked beyond measure, and even Yun Haitao walked up to the Emperor with a fearful expression, speaking loudly.

Your Majesty, you cannot! The First Brigade of the Imperial Guard is of paramount importance for defending the Imperial City; the safety of my father and my daughter cannot be sacrificed for Your Majesty's safety!

Yun Haitao's voice was loud, echoing in the corridor.

Veins bulged on his forehead, his face flushed crimson, and both hands trembled slightly.

He knew all too well what the First Brigade of the Imperial Guard signified.

The entire Imperial Guard's most elite unit is the First Brigade, numbering five thousand, well-equipped and well-trained, selected layer by layer from the nation's millions of troops, the elite among the elite.

Since its establishment, the First Brigade has been the final gate responsible for protecting the Emperor's safety, the most crucial link in the Imperial City's defense system.

This force is never lightly employed; once deployed, it means the Emperor has no other strength left at his side.

And now, the Emperor actually wants to transfer the First Brigade to protect his own father, making Yun Haitao feel both fearful and moved.

How fortunate the Yun family is!

To be able to serve such a wise ruler.

Yun Haitao also worries greatly that the Yun family, being overly favored, will be targeted by all major factions.

"A tall tree attracts wind, a protruding bird gets shot"—he understands this principle better than anyone.

The better the Emperor treats the Yun family, the more enemies the Yun family will have.

Those who already disliked the Yun family will hate them even more; those who were neutral will also realign their allegiance because of the Emperor's attitude.

Therefore, even knowing that such a refusal would displease the Emperor, Yun Haitao still steeled himself to advise against it.

"Your Majesty, I humbly ask you to withdraw this order. If the First Brigade moves, the Imperial City will be left empty; should someone take advantage to cause trouble, threatening Your Majesty's safety, I would bear the guilt even in ten thousand deaths!"

His voice was urgent, his knees nearly buckling again.

But before Yun Haitao could finish a few sentences, the Emperor directly interrupted him.

The Emperor's voice was full of majesty, each word seeming to burst from his chest, carrying an indisputable force.

"Yun Deputy Director, you need not say more about this!"

His gaze swept over everyone present, his eyes sharp like two drawn swords.

"The Cloud Master has just awakened, and those people have already assassinated their way to the Military Department General Hospital—this is the greatest provocation against the Empire! I not only want the First Brigade of the Imperial Guard to come, but also ask the National Teacher to send Heavenly Beings to garrison!"

The Emperor's voice grew louder and louder, echoing in the corridor, making the walls hum.

"I will make the invading enemies pay a bloody price!"

These words made Yun Haitao's blood boil.

He felt his heart pounding violently in his chest, his blood boiling as if set aflame.

"Emperor, why is this so!"

His eye sockets reddened, tears swirling within, his lips trembling as he could not speak.

He could not help but half-kneel on the ground, clasping his fists, his voice hoarse and choked.

"I, on behalf of my father and the Yun family, thank Your Majesty for your grace!"

His head bowed so low his forehead nearly touched the cold ground.

His shoulders trembled slightly, from excitement and also from being moved.

A subject who receives such favor from his sovereign dies without regret.

The Emperor gave a faint smile, extending a hand to virtually support him.

"Yun Deputy Director, please rise. The Cloud Master is the pillar of the Empire; I cannot let the pillar fall."

Yun Haitao stood up, wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes, and stepped to the side.

His chest still heaved violently, his emotions unable to calm for a long time.

The Emperor turned and walked to face Yun Mengrou.

Yun Mengrou hastily performed a salute, slightly bowed her head, and softly called out.

"I pay my respects to the Emperor."

Her voice was soft, tinged with a bit of nervousness.

After all, the one standing before her is not an ordinary person, but the master of the entire Empire.

The Emperor, however, feigned anger by furrowing his brows, his tone carrying a hint of teasing.

"Why are you so distant? Back when I studied under the Cloud Master, you constantly called me 'Star Brother'; why, upon seeing Star Brother now, are you so aloof?"

Yun Mengrou's cheeks flushed slightly.

Then she raised her head, looking at the Emperor's youthful and amiable face, and her nervousness eased somewhat.

She hesitated a moment, then still called out softly.

"Star Brother."

That cry of 'Star Brother' was like opening the gate of memory.

She recalled that, as a child, whenever the Emperor came to the Yun family to study, she would always pester him to play with her.

At that time she was young, not understanding the distinction between ruler and subject.

She only knew that this brother treated her well, bringing her snacks, flying kites with her, and lifting her up when she fell.

The Emperor smiled and nodded, his gaze turning gentle.

"Good. Little Rou'er, how is Grandfather doing?"

Upon hearing this, Yun Mengrou glanced at Jiang Feng, her expression somewhat excited, and said.

"Grandfather should be fine; the Sun Manor Master will take charge of his subsequent recuperation. Jiang Feng said Grandfather's qi and blood still need gradual recovery, but his life is no longer in danger."

She paused, her voice softening, tinged with gratitude.

"Little Rou'er… you truly found an excellent doctor, saving Grandfather's life. For this, I will grant you great merit."

As the Emperor spoke these words, his gaze fell upon Jiang Feng, his eyes full of praise and gratitude.

He has seen too many so-called Grandmaster Physicians from the Imperial Medical Office and the National Medical Hall—who among them isn't famous?

But when the critical moment truly arrived, they were at a loss!

Yet this young man before him, without a word, with a single move pulled Cloud Master back from the Gate of Ghosts.

Yun Mengrou's cheeks grew redder, as if a layer of rouge had been applied.

She lowered her head, her voice so soft it was almost inaudible.

"Jiang Feng has saved me many times……"

Her voice carried a touch of shyness, a touch of gratitude, and a hint of feeling that was hard to put into words.

And upon seeing the change in Yun Mengrou's expression, the Emperor instantly took on the look of a bystander watching the drama.

His eyes lit up, the corners of his mouth slightly turned up, revealing a playful smile.

He glanced at Yun Mengrou, then at Jiang Feng, his gaze sweeping back and forth between them, as if watching something interesting.

Then he spoke jokingly.

"How come? Is this emperor soon going to eat wedding candy?"

Upon hearing that, Yun Mengrou instantly blushed furiously, her cheeks red as a ripe apple, the redness spreading to her ears.

She stamped her foot and complained.

"Brother Xing, stop teasing me! Jiang Feng and I are just friends!"

Her voice was both anxious and shy, like a kitten whose tail had been stepped on, wishing to find a crack in the ground to hide.

The Emperor, however, seemed not to hear, and directly grabbed Jiang Feng's hand.

His hand was strong, his palm broad and warm, exuding a force that one could not refuse.

"Divine Doctor Jiang, just now there were many people in the operating room; now I want to formally thank you. Thank you for saving Cloud Master."

His voice was very sincere, his gaze very earnest, without a trace of imperial airs.

"I wonder if this emperor may invite you to the Imperial Palace for a detailed discussion?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Feng's expression shifted slightly.

He could sense that the Emperor sought him not only for the matter of saving Cloud Marshal but also for other things to discuss.

That tone, that gaze, seemed to be looking for someone trustworthy.

Jiang Feng did not hesitate, nodding.

"Good."

Yun Mengrou quickly grabbed Jiang Feng, lowering her voice to remind him.

"Jiang Feng, the Imperial Palace is no ordinary place; remember, you must strictly observe propriety and not violate the palace's rules."

Her eyes were full of worry, as if fearing Jiang Feng would cause trouble in the Imperial Palace.

The Emperor, upon hearing that, laughed nonstop and waved his hand.

"Little Mengrou, rest assured, this emperor will not harm your good friend! Divine Doctor Jiang saved Cloud Master; he is this emperor's benefactor, and this emperor will not make things difficult for him."

Yun Mengrou's face reddened again; she lowered her head, not daring to meet the Emperor's eyes.

The Emperor turned around and ordered the people nearby.

"Prepare the car."

Soon, a black extended bulletproof sedan stopped at the hospital entrance.

The body was glossy black, the windows bulletproof glass, and the front bore a small imperial flag.

The car door opened; the Emperor entered first, and Jiang Feng followed behind.

The car started and slowly drove out of the gate of the Military Department General Hospital.

Two escort vehicles front and rear accompanied them, lights flashing, police siren lowly wailing, as they proceeded mightily toward the Imperial Palace.

Jiang Feng sat in the car, watching the street scenery outside the window recede rapidly, his expression calm.

The car traveled approximately forty minutes on the wide streets of Kyoto.

The closer they got to the Imperial Palace, the fewer the surrounding buildings and the tighter the security.

Every few hundred meters there was a sentry post, with fully armed soldiers standing ramrod straight, their eyes like torches.

The road had specially installed speed bumps and checkpoints, and every passing vehicle had to undergo inspection.

The convoy passed the final checkpoint and entered a broad tree-lined avenue.

Towering ancient trees lined both sides of the avenue, their branches lush and leaves dense, rustling in the night wind.

At the end of the avenue, a vast palace complex appeared in the night.

Imperial Palace.

The center of the empire's power, where the Emperor resides and conducts affairs.

The car slowly came to a stop beneath the main gate of the Imperial Palace.

A guard in black uniform quickly walked to the car, opened the door, slightly bowed, and assumed a respectful attitude.

"Mr. Jiang, you may alight."

Jiang Feng nodded and stepped out of the car.

He raised his head and looked at the Imperial Palace before him.

The entire Imperial Palace occupies a vast area, grand in momentum, solemn and dignified.

Jiang Feng stood beneath Cheng Tian Gate, feeling as if he stood at the foot of a mountain, insignificantly small.

This is the empire's center of power!