Chapter 798

The capital of Dayu was draped entirely in white mourning cloth.

In the 476th year of Yuanfeng, Grand Secretary Zhang Shi, after a lifetime of tireless service, died at home.

This illustrious Grand Secretary was destined to leave a bold and vivid mark in the annals of Dayu.

The court historian wrote that Zhang Shi embodied the perfect union of monarch and minister, spearheaded sweeping reforms, and became the model for future chancellors; he also noted that excessive wisdom brings harm, which is why, despite reaching the Heavenly Realm, he lived only five hundred years.

Of course.

This made him the longest-lived chancellor since the founding of Dayu.

Precisely because of this, most people mourned him, but felt little outrage.

According to folk belief, it was a joyful funeral.

With the death of Grand Secretary Zhang, the Holy Emperor of Dayu lost a kindred spirit, and grieved deeply.

He issued an edict granting amnesty for three days, and even halted the morning court sessions—something untouched for three centuries.

All assumed it was due to the profound bond between sovereign and minister.

“Your Majesty, your imperial health is paramount—do not grieve too deeply.”

Outside the imperial bedchamber.

An old eunuch paced anxiously in circles.

This eunuch was not surnamed Zheng.

Grand Eunuch Zheng had died sixty years ago.

He, once Zheng’s junior attendant, had naturally become the old eunuch.

The old eunuch was drenched in sweat from worry.

Suddenly, footsteps sounded.

He turned his head.

Two middle-aged men appeared before the bedchamber.

Seeing them, the old eunuch’s eyes lit up with relief: “Lord Liang, Prince Yuan—you’ve finally come! Only the two of you can comfort His Majesty now. Your humble servant has waited for you with unbearable longing.”

The two men before him.

Were Grand Secretary Liang He and Prince Yuan An.

Both were disciples of the ancient patriarch of Dayu, Li Rui, and held the highest status in the realm.

Since the passing of the elder generation—Gu Changsheng, Yuan Dingting, and Li Rui—the Holy Emperor’s closest confidants, besides Grand Secretary Zhang, were Li Rui’s three remaining disciples.

“Both of you, follow me into the palace at once.”

“Understood.”

Liang He nodded.

He was no longer the young disciple who once guarded the library in Qinghe; as one of the top ten most powerful figures in Dayu, he carried an air of dignity and authority.

“Come, brother.”

Liang He said to Yuan An beside him.

Yuan An had always been the most gifted among the disciples; since becoming a prince, he devoted himself entirely to cultivation, and last year achieved the Heavenly Realm, elevating him to an exalted status.

The two immediately followed the old eunuch into the bedchamber.

It was daytime.

The bedchamber, which should have been bright, now appeared dim; a figure in bright yellow robes stood with his back to them.

“Xiao Anzi, withdraw.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Eunuch An bowed respectfully and withdrew.

Only after the great door of the bedchamber slammed shut did the Holy Emperor of Dayu turn around.

Seeing the Emperor’s face,

Liang He and Yuan An were both startled.

The Emperor’s face showed no trace of grief—only solemnity.

Liang He, who had held power for decades, understood instantly: Grand Secretary Zhang’s death was not as simple as it seemed.

“Your Majesty—”

Liang He was about to speak.

The Emperor raised his hand, cutting him off, then led them into a secret chamber within the bedchamber, and finally descended to the deepest underground level—the Nine Dragon Sealing Heaven Array.

Seeing the Emperor’s extreme caution,

Liang He and Yuan An exchanged a glance.

Both realized: Zhang Shi’s death concealed a great secret.

The Emperor activated the array, waiting until it was fully formed before speaking: “Before his death, Zi Lu told me he dreamed every night of ascending to immortality, becoming a celestial being radiant as sun and moon—so much so that he frequently studied Daoist scriptures.”

Liang He and Yuan An both showed expressions of surprise.