Chapter 606: The Princess Demon Lord's Daily Life of Slacking Off Chapter 699: Audience with the Emperor

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Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

After all, entering the palace in fine clothes would inevitably invite idle gossip and unnecessary attention;

while keeping a low profile would help leave him a good first impression.

An Wang said: "I will go to court first for a while; during this time, you only need to stay at ease in the carriage and wait. After I finish court, I will naturally return to pick you up and enter the palace together to pay respects to the Emperor."

Su Muchun, hearing this, hurriedly nodded in agreement, indicating he understood the reason, and thanked An Wang.

Immediately afterward, An Wang earnestly instructed Su Muchun: "As for your true background, I have already truthfully reported it to my imperial brother.

After all, deceiving the Emperor is a grave crime; whoever commits this error cannot escape death.

Therefore, now the best course is only to let the Emperor know the truth. As for others, you must absolutely not reveal your past experiences, lest you bring upon yourself unwarranted disaster or invite much inconvenience.

You should serve diligently in the Imperial Guard; if you perform well in the future, you may also have a chance at promotion.

Remember not to be arrogant and overconfident, with eyes higher than hands; in all matters you must proceed steadily and step by step!"

Su Muchun, hearing this, nodded repeatedly in agreement, deeply concurring with An Wang's words.

Although he knew An Wang usually found him rather annoying, this earnest instruction at this moment was undoubtedly out of sincere goodwill—intended to protect his safety.

Su Muchun listened with rapt attention, showing not a trace of annoyance on his face.

Not long after, they arrived before the palace gate. An Wang lightly leapt down from the carriage and walked toward Jinluan Hall.

After An Wang left, Yue Yi immediately drove the carriage to stop at a spacious place nearby.

Looking around, many carriages of various kinds were parked here; obviously these were all mounts waiting for their masters to return from court.

Su Muchun sat quietly in the carriage; the inside was still warm and pleasant.

As time quietly passed, the sky gradually turned fish-belly white, and the dawn light slowly spread over the earth.

At the same time, today's morning court proceeded unusually quickly, with almost no memorials needing handling. Not long after, Eunuch Sun loudly proclaimed: "Court is adjourned!" Hearing this order, the ministers rose and left their seats in groups; some in twos and threes, chatting and laughing; others alone, hurrying along. However, An Wang did not accompany anyone, but walked straight toward the palace gate. After all, as a veteran general, his steps were agile and swift beyond compare. Even if he deliberately slowed his pace, he could still reach the palace gate at an astonishing speed.

When An Wang came near the carriage, he nimbly leapt onto the carriage body. At this time, Su Muchun, who had been waiting inside the carriage, showed some confusion in his gaze, as if asking An Wang why he had not brought him into the palace according to the original plan.?

An Wang keenly sensed the change in the surrounding environment; he softly explained to Su Muchun: "It is now the time when court is adjourned, and the crowds are bustling; if people saw us entering the residence together, it would probably not be proper. After most others have left, I will naturally lead you inside." Su Muchun, hearing this, suddenly understood and grasped the deep meaning.

At the same time, the officials who had finished morning court noticed that An Wang Fu's carriage had not left early as usual, and they could not help but feel a bit curious; but most thought perhaps An Wang was busy with important matters and thus delayed, so they dispersed one by one. Time passed second by second; when the crowd thinned, Yue Yi whispered to An Wang: "Master, most people have left." An Wang nodded slightly to indicate he knew, then turned to Su Muchun and said: "Alright, Xiao Su, come with me." After speaking, he nimbly leapt down from the carriage, and Su Muchun followed closely behind him.

The guards at the gate saw An Wang wearing official robes but returning in a hurry without changing; though they had doubts, because of his status they dared not ask too much, nor dare to step forward to stop him. Thus Su Muchun followed closely behind An Wang, and the two reached the door of Yudi without obstruction. An Wang reached out and pushed open the door; his gaze swept over Su Muchun, his eyes revealing a tacit understanding and trust, as if hinting that he should follow closely. Su Muchun was very intelligent; he immediately understood An Wang's intention, and without hesitation stepped forward to follow, entering that mysterious door—the Yudi—one after the other with An Wang.

After the two entered Yudi, An Wang stepped forward first, respectfully performed a standard salute to the Emperor, and loudly called out: "Imperial Brother!"

At the same time, the Emperor was focused on the memorials on the desk; hearing the sound, he slowly raised his head, his eyes like torches sweeping over the person before him.

Su Muchun, seeing this, did not dare to be negligent; he hurriedly knelt on both knees and performed the great kowtow with the most devout attitude, shouting loudly in his mouth: "Commoner Su Muchun pays respects to Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor, long live, long live!" His voice was deafening, echoing throughout Yudi.

The Emperor nodded slightly in response and said softly: "Rise."

After receiving the imperial order, Su Muchun then dared to slowly rise and stand, but still maintained a posture of lowered eyes and humble respect.

At this time, the Emperor finally saw Su Muchun's full appearance—what a remarkably handsome man!

Only to see Su Muchun tall and slender, actually somewhat taller than An Wang beside him; he had sword-like eyebrows and star-like eyes, with a naturally stern air between his brows;

his high nose bridge was like a mountain peak standing tall, his thin lips tightly closed, giving a feeling of firmness and decisiveness.

Looking again at his clothing and adornment, though all made of ordinary cloth, they were thick and warm; presumably they could withstand the severe cold of winter.

Thus, the Emperor had already confirmed in his heart that what An Wang had said earlier was not false—Su Muchun now indeed had nothing.

However, facing the Emperor's scrutiny, Su Muchun showed no fear at all, always holding his head high and chest out, his back straight like a pine; that bearing of neither humility nor arrogance made people unable to help but look sideways.,

The Emperor came back to his senses, slowly opened his eyes, gazed at Su Muchun before him with eyes like torches, and then asked softly: "Su Muchun, today I want to ask you, regarding the Xishang Kingdom that has long become historical dust, what are your views?"

Su Muchun's heart tightened, but he still forced himself to remain calm and replied: "Replying to Your Majesty, this matter concerns something major; this commoner truly does not dare to lightly make reckless comments."

The Emperor smiled slightly, waved his hand, and said in a kind tone: "It is nothing; I pardon you of no crime; you may speak freely."

After receiving the Emperor's permission, Su Muchun breathed a slight sigh of relief, thought for a moment, and then carefully opened his mouth to say: "In this commoner's view, that Ouyang Chengqi is neither a good person nor a wise ruler. The reason Xishang Kingdom walked the path to destruction has a great deal to do with him; it can be said he brought it upon himself."