[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-imperial-cultivation":3,"chapter-imperial-cultivation-imperial-cultivation-chapter-120":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},1054779,1365,"Chapter 120 - 120 118 Entering the Residence","imperial-cultivation-chapter-120",120,"\u003Cp>120: Chapter 118: Entering the Residence 120: Chapter 118: Entering the Residence The sun had just passed its zenith, and the Duke An Mansion located in the west of Yujing City was in a flurry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The servants were busy cleaning and tidying up, leaving everything spotless and neat, as if it were New Year’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cherished guest was visiting the mansion for the first time, and the Duke Mansion needed to present its best side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, this guest was none other than the Princely Heir, of royal descent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone was ready, eagerly awaiting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Duke An and Xiao Ruoyu sat in the front hall, sipping tea while waiting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Ruoyu fidgeted, as if sitting on needles, unable to sit still.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Duke An was reading a book, appearing serene and composed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Father, is it really necessary to make such a fuss?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We must honor the dignity of the royal family; though he is your brother-in-law, he also represents the Emperor’s face.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yes.” Xiao Ruoyu had nothing to say.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Duke An always taught him to never forget to be respectful to the royal family and never to become arrogant simply because of hereditary titles and the Iron Certificate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, he should remain humble and be grateful, never taking it for granted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Otherwise, it would be the downfall of the Xiao Family, a disgrace to future generations, and a sin to his ancestors, unworthy of entry into the ancestral temple after death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Duke An continued reading and slowly asked, “Is everything prepared on your elder sister’s side as well?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Elder sister hasn’t prepared much, saying that since she’s already betrothed, there’s no need for such formalities, which would seem distant.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, that’s fine too.” Duke An nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Ruoyu was helpless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whatever he said was wrong and warranted criticism, but whatever his elder sister said was right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, the steward of the Prince Mansion lifted the curtain and entered, speaking softly, “Master, the young master-in-law has arrived at the street.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Open the main gate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.” The plump steward responded, turned, and ran out, shouting from afar, “Open the main gate, open the main gate!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice was filled with excitement and vigor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The daughter of the Duke Mansion was marrying into Prince Qing Mansion as the Heir’s Wife, marking a change for the once-declining Duke An Mansion, now filled with confidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the royal family’s authority, they could walk with their heads held high.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s go.” Duke An looked at Xiao Ruoyu and walked out with long strides.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Ruoyu stood up and followed, walking briskly outside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the father and son exited the front hall, the guards and personal attendants gathered, forming a large entourage escorting them around the shadow wall and out the main gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shortly after, at the end of the long street, a group of guards escorted a purple chariot drawn by eight fragrant horses, each horse robust and spirited, all treasured steeds, slowly approaching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They trotted with steady steps, casually coming to a stop before the Duke Mansion, right between two weathered stone lions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind the chariot was a group of attendants carrying eight large crates, their red lacquer gleaming, the burden heavy on the bearers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They contained silks, jewelry, pastries, tea sets, and other items, selected from the Prince Mansion’s storeroom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Prince Qing Mansion was poor in cultivation resources, it lacked nothing of these worldly goods, receiving ample tributes each year from its fief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zou Fang opened the chariot door holding a White Jade Dust Brush.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan, clothed in mink clothes and hats, stepped down from the carriage, standing straight, his handsome face glowing like Crown Jade in the sunlight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His guards, all dressed in fine silk robes, accentuated his regal elegance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan took a few steps forward to greet Duke An, smiling and bowing, “Greetings, Father-in-law.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though not yet wed, they were betrothed, and for both Prince Qing Mansion and Duke An Mansion, an engagement was as good as marriage, irrevocable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could call Duke An Master or Father-in-law.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, with the Court in a stalemate with Da Zhen over the imperial princess’s marriage, the Duke An Mansion was undoubtedly anxious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He addressed him as Father-in-law for reassurance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, Duke An, Xiao Youping, was immediately pleased, smiling, “No need for formality, Crown Prince, please come in.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you.” Chu Zhiyuan turned to Xiao Ruoyu, “Ruoyu, your cultivation has progressed impressively.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Greetings, Crown Prince.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Ruoyu was a bit shy and couldn’t bring himself to directly call him brother-in-law.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan exchanged pleasantries with Duke An, and together they walked inside, while others carried in the eight large crates of gifts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zou Fang followed Chu Zhiyuan closely, like his shadow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Duke An understood the royal protocol, knowing that such a close inner attendant would always accompany them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the front hall, maids served tea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan sipped lightly and set the cup down, first apologizing for not visiting earlier, considering it quite impolite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Duke An waved it off, aware of his busy schedule and cultivation focus, stating there was no need for so much formality among family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He quickly brought up the Ministry of Rites’ affairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The ninth princess will arrive in the coming days, and the Ministry of Rites will send people to greet her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Would the Crown Prince like to accompany the delegation?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll pass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Matters concerning the Da Meng delegation are still above my involvement.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The ninth princess, Li Hongzhao, has exceptional talent and intelligence, not someone to be considered lightly; best to avoid meeting her if possible.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This visit is likely unfriendly, isn’t it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I suspect it’s related to our alliance with Da Zhen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Initially, they wanted to send Da Zhen off, but never managed to finalize the marriage alliance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you think the Court would relent to ensure Da Zhen leaves before the Da Meng delegation arrives?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s possible.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I firmly oppose marrying the Da Zhen princess.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sigh…, by that time, it may not be up to you, Crown Prince.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan frowned, “Father-in-law, do you have any suggestions?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It depends on the Emperor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My Imperial Grandfather once promised I wouldn’t have to marry the Da Zhen princess, but now, that may not hold.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Emperor sometimes cannot help but compromise.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the Court really compromises, I refuse to comply.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What if the Emperor decrees?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’d defy the decree, the most Imperial Grandfather could do is strip my title for thirty more years at most.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You must not.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>… If it truly can’t be helped, perhaps consider having two wives.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan solemnly shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Ruoyu snorted softly, thinking Chu Zhiyuan was feigning integrity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What man doesn’t dream of a harem, especially when the Da Zhen princess is reputedly a rare beauty?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, Chu Zhiyuan truly did not want to marry the Da Zhen princess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Marrying her would bring endless troubles, strife in the household, hindering his cultivation focus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Duke An, Xiao Youping, stroked his beard thoughtfully, watching Chu Zhiyuan closely and discerning his genuine resolve, not mere flattery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pondered for a moment, “If it comes to that, then wed as soon as possible, before they finalize any plans, and Da Zhen will give up.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan was taken aback, then awkwardly said, “Wouldn’t that be unfair to Ruoling?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Being slightly rushed is alright,” Xiao Youping said, “Ultimately, what matters is whether the two of you can live harmoniously together, not the other details.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Father!” Xiao Ruoyu couldn’t help himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While indifferent to the matters of the ninth princess, deeming Court affairs too distant to concern him, he was suddenly attentive upon hearing about marrying the Da Zhen princess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t sit still after hearing his father, Xiao Youping’s suggestion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elder sister is the Duke Mansion’s legitimate daughter, a lady among nobility; the engagement was already abrupt and plain like that of commoners, rather frugal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they rush the marriage now, what would outsiders think?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They’d surely believe the Duke An Mansion was hastily marrying their daughter into Prince Qing Mansion, overly perfunctory, without any reserve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This would invisibly demean elder sister and the Duke Mansion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They’d say all sorts of unpleasant things, implying noble daughters aren’t so noble, likening them to unwanted goods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan contemplated, and slowly said, “I have no objections here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Youping stroked his beard and laughed, “Very well!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I will keep an eye on the Court’s decision, there could be changes as Li Hongzhao arrives.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan nodded slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Youping had gleaned Chu Zhiyuan’s intentions, reassured, he shifted the topic, “Your issue with Duke Kang’s young son has caused quite a stir.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Duke Kang…” Chu Zhiyuan smiled, lifting his cup for a sip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Duke Kang originally had three legitimate sons; the eldest and second are no more, leaving only this sole heir.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No wonder he’s so indulgent.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Youping continued, “Duke Kang was extremely harsh on the eldest and second, even to the point of severity, pushing them hard, which led to risky actions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The eldest died at the hands of Da Meng’s Stepping Cloud Iron Cavalry, and the second fell to Da Zhen’s Lingshuang Iron Cavalry.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan immediately frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was truly tragic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Most of his effort was invested in the eldest; after losing him, he focused on the second, but after losing him too, by the time he reached the third, Song Tianhai, he abandoned his harsher methods…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, it somewhat quenched his ambitions; he merely hoped the third would live peacefully without worry about upholding the Duke Mansion’s name, just as long as the family line continued.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Such a pitiable, lamentable, unfortunate situation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thus, he pampers and shields Song Tianhai greatly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I understand,” Chu Zhiyuan nodded slowly, “I’ll exercise restraint.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He understood Xiao Youping’s message: to avoid harsh revenge on Song Tianhai, as it could escalate uncontrollably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It depended on whether Duke Kang would appreciate the nuances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Losing two sons in battle was certainly honorable, but he would not tolerate disdain from Prince Qing Mansion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Actually, Ling’er possesses martial skills as well.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh——?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The first generation ancestor once obtained a Miracle Technique, stored in the mansion but never mastered, yet Ling’er succeeded.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ruoling is a martial arts prodigy?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haha…” Xiao Youping laughed, “Indeed a prodigy, though for a daughter, especially in a family of our stature, there’s no need for fighting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s better to support the husband and educate the children.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan smiled, “Perhaps Ruoling and Father-in-law have different views?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A martial artist likely wouldn’t be content to stay home and tend the family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“She may have to compromise; without her support, the vast Duke Mansion would be in chaos.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan admired, “Able in both literature and martial arts.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Youping stroked his beard and smiled, “She’s in the rear garden…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ruoyu, take your brother-in-law to see her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Ruoyu breathed a sigh of relief, hastily agreed, stood up, and hurried out of the front hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Listening to their conversation was unbearably dull for someone of his age.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan saluted Xiao Youping and followed Xiao Ruoyu to the back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two traversed through several courtyards, arriving at the completely refurbished rear garden and spotting Xiao Ruoling in colorful attire at a small pavilion atop a rockery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sunlight slanted into the pavilion, bathing Xiao Ruoling in a golden glow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like a white jade statue touched by the setting sun, stunningly beautiful like a dream.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Zhiyuan sighed inwardly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yujing’s number one beauty truly lived up to her name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having such a beauty as a companion was a blessing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No wonder Song Tianhai felt so bitter and obsessed.\u003C\u002Fp>",1926,"2026-06-03T09:57:58.104Z","2026-06-03T09:58:02.813Z",1,"novelbin.me","7e3ec28a8db1e652753af80e8b8589f8c443961a7c2b05ee1178cf8014b26bb2","imperial-cultivation-chapter-121","imperial-cultivation-chapter-119",1378,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fimperial-cultivation-cover.jpg"]