Slender willows sway in the breeze

Chapter 96 Inquire
Before long, someone arrived on a sword and stopped outside the palace gate.

Nian Shuang said, "Master Liu, it's Granny Liu. She said she's come to apologize to you."

"Let her in."

Soon, Granny Liu hurried into the room. She looked to be about fifty or sixty years old and had the cultivation level of the late Foundation Establishment stage. Her hair was neatly combed and held in place with a plain hairpin.

Upon seeing Liu Sijun, he bowed and said, "Master Liu, this old servant has come to apologize to you. It was my fault for failing to discipline you properly. I hope you will forgive my mistake."

Liu Sijun waved his hand to dismiss those around him.

Nian Shuang and Nian Yu didn't say much and left the hall without hesitation.

"Don't be nervous, Granny Liu. I called you here not because of food."

Upon hearing this, Granny Liu looked at Liu Sijun in surprise. Although she was full of doubts, she did not speak rashly.

Liu Sijun raised her eyes and looked directly at Granny Liu: "I heard from the servants that Granny Liu's grandson was afflicted by evil spirits when he was born, and suffered from a chronic illness. I wonder how he is now?"

"I am deeply grateful that Master Liu Dan has taken note of my grandson's illness."

When her only grandson was mentioned, Granny Liu became even more wary.

But then he thought that Liu Sijun was an alchemist, and that if she could lend a hand, perhaps his grandson's illness could be cured?
After hesitating for a moment, he said, "His health is so unpredictable, sometimes good and sometimes bad. Our whole family is so worried about him, we don't know how to take good care of him."

Liu Sijun: "I know this very well!"

Having said that, he produced a brocade box and gestured for Granny Liu to open it.

"This……"

Upon opening the brocade box, several pieces of spirit jade emanated a soft glow, clearly indicating they were not ordinary items. Beside them was a bottle of pills.

Granny Liu looked away from the brocade box. Having worked in the Imperial Household Department for so many years, how could she not know what Master Liu meant?

He must need her help to do this.

But she was just a stewardess in the Imperial Household Department. What help could she possibly give a master alchemist?

Liu Sijun had been observing Liu Mama's expression and knew that what she had prepared had moved her before she spoke up: "Liu Mama, I have heard that you have frequent dealings with the servants of the Zhenxie Division Commandant's Mansion. I would like to ask you about some things."

"Do you know anything about the flower-viewing banquet hosted by the wife of the Commandant of Zhenxie Division a few days ago?"

Upon hearing this, Granny Liu's expression changed slightly: "Master Liu, this old servant does indeed have dealings with the servants over there, but I didn't go to the front hall for the flower viewing banquet, so I don't know much. I wonder what Master Liu wants to ask?"

Liu Sijun narrowed his eyes; judging from her expression, she must know something.

"Don't be nervous, Granny Liu."

Liu Sijun said slowly, "I just want to ask if you know who brought up my matter with Mo Linhou first at the banquet?"

That’s what happened.

Granny Liu pursed her lips, remained silent for a moment, and then said, "I heard from others afterward that it seemed to be a member of an official's family wearing purple clothes who started it, but I really don't know who she is. I only know that she looks unfamiliar."

Purple clothes...

Although the face is unfamiliar, it is still a very useful clue.

"Thank you for informing me, Granny Liu." Liu Sijun pushed the brocade box on the table forward. "This pill is a third-grade Qi-Nourishing Pill. Its medicinal properties are mild and will greatly benefit your grandson's health. Keep it. Don't worry, no one will know about what happened today!"

Granny Liu breathed a sigh of relief.

Actually, this wasn't a big deal, but Master Liu was so thoughtful in not letting anyone know that it was she who leaked the information, which was a form of protection for her. Moreover, she was given a Grade 3 Qi-Nourishing Pill, something her identity didn't even know where to buy. Immediately, she felt a sense of goodwill towards Master Liu.

After thinking for a moment, he couldn't help but say, "Master Liu, I know almost all the female relatives of high-ranking officials. I think that the female relatives are either newly appointed officials in Zhongzhou City, or they are the mistresses of some lord."

Liu Sijun shook his head: "A mistress is probably impossible!"

Who would dare to openly break the law, especially those in high positions of power, would not expose their weaknesses?

"Alright then, this old servant will go and inquire with the alchemist."

"Won't that be inconvenient?"

She was happy that Granny Liu was willing to inquire, but if this matter was deliberately spread by someone with ulterior motives, Granny Liu might bring disaster upon herself by rashly seeking information.

"This old servant knows what he's doing. I'll inform Master Liu of any further news."

Seeing Liu Mama's determination, Liu Sijun was filled with gratitude and bowed slightly, saying, "Then I will trouble you, Mama. But please make sure you prioritize your own safety. If there is anything difficult, please do not force yourself."

Granny Liu smiled and agreed. After exchanging a few more pleasantries with Liu Sijun, she carefully put away the brocade box, took her leave, and departed.

After Granny Liu left, Liu Sijun sat alone in the hall, gently stroking her teacup, her brows furrowed, lost in thought.

Who exactly is that official's wife in purple, and why did she bring up her affair with Marquis Molin at the flower-viewing banquet?
If, as Granny Liu says, she is indeed a family member of a newly appointed official in Zhongzhou City, verifying her identity will likely require considerable effort.

In the past few days, Liu Sijun has been busy refining pills while secretly keeping an eye on the movements of all parties, hoping that news from Granny Liu will arrive soon.

After returning to the Imperial Household Department, Granny Liu gave some instructions and then left the palace under the pretext of having something to do. She first went back to the Liu residence and handed over the things that Liu Sijun had given her to her daughter-in-law, Tang Shi.

"These are the pills and spirit jade I obtained. Give them to Tian'er."

Tang looked at the contents of the brocade box and exclaimed in surprise, "Mother-in-law, this looks very valuable. How did you obtain it?"

"Just use it, don't ask any other questions."

Granny Liu asked, "Where is Dalang?"

Mrs. Tang said, "He's on duty today."

"Okay, I have some things to do and need to go out. You don't need to wait for me for lunch."

Granny Liu quickly left the house and headed towards the Commandant's residence.

The gatekeeper of the side gate of the Commandant's Mansion was named Wang Fugui. He was a cultivator at the early stage of the Golden Core realm and had been guarding the gate for decades. He was 170 or 180 years old, but he actually looked younger than Granny Liu.

He recognized Granny Liu and knew she worked in the palace. Upon seeing her, he couldn't help but smile and ask, "Granny Liu, what brings you here today?"

"Come find Granny Li."

"You two are even closer than sisters. Did you get something good and rush to send it to her?"

"You old fox, just say you want the crystals."

As Liu Mama spoke, she took a purse from the container and tossed it to Wang Fugui. He weighed it in his hand and readily put the person inside.

Upon entering the Commandant's residence, Granny Liu did not rush to find anyone. Instead, she found a secluded spot, closed her eyes, and began to cast a spell. A faint light flickered at her fingertips, and a wisp of spiritual energy quietly escaped, drifting away into the distance through the window crack.

Granny Liu used a method of exploration; as long as there was any residual information from the person she had contacted, she could find the clues she wanted.

However, that person's cultivation level cannot be higher than hers, otherwise this method cannot be used lightly.

(End of this chapter)