[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-imperial-cultivation":3,"chapter-imperial-cultivation-imperial-cultivation-chapter-100":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Imperial Cultivation",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},1054609,1365,"Chapter 100 - 100 98 Cold Palace","imperial-cultivation-chapter-100",100,"\u003Cp>100: Chapter 98: Cold Palace 100: Chapter 98: Cold Palace “`html\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan slowed his steps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This young man’s cultivation is shallow, not yet at the Innate level, which is considered normal for his age, not a martial genius.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young man is handsome, surpassing most, with a tall and slender figure, multiple places on his chest and shoulder seeping with fresh blood, making his face as pale as paper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Judging by his rapid breathing, it’s clear his injuries are severe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is a life narrowly saved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With such cultivation, recklessly breaking into that underground secret chamber without knowing the mechanisms is akin to courting death; surviving it is an extreme stroke of luck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Possibly also due to the long passage of time, some mechanisms were damaged, weakening their power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With his cultivation being so shallow, Chu Zhiyuan doesn’t even need to physically touch him to see his Inner Qi circulating with one glance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’s using the Martial Arts Heart Method of the Zhen Yi Sect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is a disciple of Zhen Yi Sect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A disciple of Zhen Yi Sect knows about that underground secret chamber; could he be a disciple of Bai Jingmang?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned his head and said, “Old Gao, there’s a young man inside, investigate his background without alarming him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes,” Gao Jiong promptly replied, “Don’t worry, Princely Heir, leave it to me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan knew they were eager to do things now, and when given tasks, they didn’t feel burdened but rather delighted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Relationships between people are extremely complex, being a Grandmaster doesn’t allow the mansion’s attendants and guards to quickly accept and become close; more connections need to be built.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fastest way is to work together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This can speed up their integration with the Prince Mansion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan quickened his pace, turned a small alley, and entered the bustling crowd, meeting Huang Shiron and two women on the west side of Phoenix Avenue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Shiron still wore her apricot-yellow gauze shirt, with a sword at her slender waist, graceful like a willow, exuding charm, with two women beside her in snow-white dresses, captivating beautiful looks, drawing the crowd’s attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan clasped his fists in greeting from within the crowd, and Huang Shiron responded with a charming smile and the same salute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two exchanged a smile, not pausing for a more cordial greeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bright moon hung like a jade disc.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Prince Qing Mansion Street was wide, clean, and orderly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lanterns carved with “Qing” hung high, string after string, illuminating as bright as day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guards patrolled in crossing paths, brimming with spirit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Chu Zhiyuan stepped into the mansion gates, Feng Xi greeted him with a smile, “Princely Heir, the Princess is waiting in the back.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How long has Mother Consort been back?” Chu Zhiyuan asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Xi answered, “More than two hours.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“She must be anxious,” Chu Zhiyuan said with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Xi nodded with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Princess was impatient and swift in actions, unable to stay still in the Water Pavilion, either playing chess or the zither, frequently asking if Chu Zhiyuan had returned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan waved his hand and quickened his pace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guo Chi and the others each dispersed; Feng Xi also went about their own business, only Zou Fang followed him to the rear garden and arrived at the lake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The small pavilion and the Water Pavilion on the lake were brightly lit, illuminating the entire lake surface.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a brightly lit small pavilion, Bai Ningshuang was bored feeding fish, occasionally scattering some feed absentmindedly, causing the fish below to surge and the water to ripple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When she saw him approach, Bai Ningshuang’s spirits lifted, she waved, handed the fish feed to a girl beside her, and sat on the Luohan bed in the pavilion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mother, how is Grandmother?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“She was indeed poisoned!” Bai Ningshuang snorted coldly, “After taking the Detoxification Pill, she recovered immediately!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s good.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, without having seen the specific situation over there, whether it was truly as expected, there was no absolute certainty, but it seems now, the judgment was correct.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Ningshuang said, “Her Ladyship directly went to the Emperor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan was startled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Ningshuang said, “The Emperor immediately threw Concubine Zhen into the Cold Palace!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So quickly?” Chu Zhiyuan was puzzled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this news, the Emperor must be furious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fury, the first step would certainly be to investigate thoroughly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who exactly administered the poison, with what intent, and then pursue accountability.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the Emperor’s first step was to throw Concubine Zhen into the Cold Palace?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without investigation, immediately throwing Concubine Zhen into the Cold Palace—did the Emperor know beforehand that it was Concubine Zhen who administered the poison?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he’d known, why not throw her into the Cold Palace earlier?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or does Concubine Zhen have a history, having done similar things before, using such poison?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But no matter what, an investigation should be conducted before handling the matter, right?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What if someone framed her, what if she was wronged?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Concubine Zhen can’t escape within the palace; why the rush to dispose of her?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This Imperial Grandfather, his wisdom surpasses all, wouldn’t ignore such a simple truth, yet decisively cast Concubine Zhen into the Cold Palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This matter instantly became shrouded in a layer of mystery in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The affairs within the Inner Palace are utterly convoluted, truly difficult for outsiders to grasp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Inner Palace’s turmoil is more severe; not a single titled lady among those known by name isn’t a formidable character, otherwise, they wouldn’t have the chance to emerge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Including Concubine Rou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s the background of Concubine Zhen?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s said that Concubine Zhen comes from a background as a Martial Arts Heroine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then she must be a stunning beauty with remarkable skills,” Chu Zhiyuan said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it were the previous dynasty, a non-noble woman wouldn’t have had the qualification to enter the palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the Da Jing Dynasty’s harem, the threshold isn’t high, but the standards are.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The selection of concubines spans the daughters of aristocrats, the daughters of officials, as well as Martial Arts Sect heroines, and even commoner beauties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although the Emperor says he treats everyone equally, how could it be possible to truly be impartial?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The daughters of close, trusted ministers or meritorious officials would naturally be given some favor by the Emperor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For Martial Arts Sect heroines, rising to prominence is tough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This Concubine Zhen must be exceptionally beautiful and cunning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“She indeed has an innate beauty,” Bai Ningshuang nodded in agreement, “Even I feel inferior after seeing her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan raised an eyebrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Ningshuang snorted, “Such beauty, yet she acts so ruthlessly!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan asked, “Which sect is Concubine Zhen from in Martial Arts?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Ningshuang said, “Probably from some mysterious sect, at least not one of the Four Great Sects.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it were one of the Four Great Sects, everyone would know.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not one of the former Four Great Sects either?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…That I don’t know,” Bai Ningshuang shook her head, “Her Ladyship wouldn’t say, just told me not to inquire about this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Could it be Yao Yue Palace?” Chu Zhiyuan pondered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Concubine Rou advising to inquire less, likely implying one of the Four Demon Sects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Ningshuang said, “That one from Yao Yue Palace is stationed at the Western Palace.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan was even more surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He truly did not know that the current Western Palace Empress was from Yao Yue Palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All along, it was the Eastern Palace Empress who always appeared in public; the one present beside Chu Qingquan during the night banquet at the palace was also the Eastern Palace Empress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s said the Western Palace Empress is not in good health, rarely seeing people, and has always been self-contained within the palace, sparingly socializing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, very few know of the Western Palace Empress, let alone have seen her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan never had the chance to meet her either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Her Ladyship directly reported to the Emperor and specifically mentioned you,” Bai Ningshuang smiled, “Just wait, there surely will be a reward.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan laughed, “What kind of reward?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Her Ladyship estimates it could be a Seventh Grade Merit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Seventh Grade…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>not bad,” Chu Zhiyuan nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His tendency to take advantage of the Emperor had led to a consequence: he raised his expectations, finding it less thrilling at the sight of Ninth Grade Merit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eighth Grade is passable, Seventh Grade is okay, Sixth is acceptable, Fifth is commendable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seventh Grade Merit doesn’t evoke a sense of surprise in him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Ningshuang said, “The Emperor has learned of your acute judgment and martial talent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When you stand as a Grandmaster in the future, you shall secure a favorable position.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan smiled, “Her Ladyship is thoughtful, and so are you, Mother, for your hard work.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Becoming a Grandmaster allows one to choose a position anew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His mother, Bai Ningshuang, didn’t think that far ahead; her focus was on his clothes, food, and living, as well as marrying a wife, while concerning himself with his future, it was Concubine Rou who took care of that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mother also recognizes her perspective isn’t sufficient, having been confined for thirty years, making her somewhat unfamiliar with the outside world and hesitant to interfere with his decisions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If I work a bit harder, it’s not a problem,” Bai Ningshuang glared at him when she heard this, “You should go see Ruoling; don’t become a stranger after getting engaged, move about more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She’s Yujing’s first beauty, yet you remain unmoved!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan promptly agreed, to avoid her continuous nagging, stood, and said, “It’s getting late; I should go back to practice martial arts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mother, you should rest early too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Alright.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Ningshuang felt there was still more to say; she wanted to talk about the changes within the palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once Concubine Zhen entered the Cold Palace, the impact was significant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire Inner Palace was stirred up with undercurrents flowing; every palace and courtyard had its actions, creating quite the hustle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She found it most intriguing, wanting to witness the commotion every day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan, however, didn’t pay much attention to the palace; no matter how much change happened within the palace, it didn’t impact Prince Qing Mansion much, nor did it affect him personally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“`\u003C\u002Fp>",1706,"2026-06-03T09:57:57.826Z","2026-06-03T09:58:02.811Z",1,"novelbin.me","3f9727b0886287f83533daf7972212e65001353f4705a7f91fe97e6d8334b73b","imperial-cultivation-chapter-201","imperial-cultivation-chapter-99",1378,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fimperial-cultivation-cover.jpg"]