My low-key cultivation of immortality was discovered by the emperor in my diary.

As the sun rises over the Golden Palace, a thousand auspicious rays illuminate the capital.

As dawn breaks and the sky gradually turns azure, the rosy dawn reflects off the glazed tiles on the palace eaves, making them gleam with golden light.

Outside the Golden Palace, the White Jade Terrace stood spacious and solemn, like a flawless piece of jade.

Officials filed in from the white jade steps, dressed in various court robes embroidered with gold thread and adorned with pearls; the patterns varied according to their rank.

They lined up in order, with civil officials to the east and military officials to the west, each taking their place.

The emperor had not yet arrived, and occasionally people would whisper among themselves, looking at the benches placed outside the hall and discussing why the gathering had suddenly been chosen to take place outside the hall.

Fortunately, the weather cooperated today and there was no snow, otherwise the emperor would have made them hold court outside the palace in the wind and snow.

With the announcement "His Majesty has arrived," the entire square fell silent instantly.

The emperor emerged from the Golden Palace, wearing a dragon robe embroidered with twelve symbols. The five-clawed golden dragons, embroidered with gold thread, soared through the clouds, so lifelike that they seemed ready to leap from his robes and soar into the heavens at any moment.

His piercing gaze swept over the assembled officials below, displaying the extraordinary demeanor of an emperor.

"All of you, rise," the emperor said in a deep voice.

The officials responded in unison, rising to their feet and standing ramrod straight.

A few days ago, the emperor proposed to strip Prince An of his military power, but no one took it seriously, and the court has been arguing about it for the past few days.

If you were to ask which general would be willing to take on the garrison post, no one would dare.

Behind the weighty responsibility of defending the territory lies a complex power struggle.

The emperor called out names one by one, but the military generals either used old age and poor health as an excuse or lack of talent and knowledge as a pretext, their words full of evasion and avoidance, and not one dared to easily agree.

Prince An stood on the white jade steps, his figure upright, with an undisguised look of pride on his face.

In his view, he held a large army and guarded the border, making him an indispensable pillar of the Great Xia Dynasty.

Although the Emperor of Great Xia was a capable ruler and enjoyed the support of the people, the court was not a place where he could have absolute power. The Emperor had better be obedient and sensible.

At the start of the morning court session, the Ministry of Revenue, as usual, reported on the disaster relief efforts in the capital city, including the allocation of silver from the imperial court and donations from various parties. The affected people have now been initially resettled.

However, when the topic turned back to Zhenbei City, the atmosphere suddenly became tense.

Seeing that the time was ripe, Prince An stepped forward and said provocatively, "Your Majesty, I believe that the matter of my resignation from military power needs further consideration. After all, the defense of Zhenbei City and the safety of the Great Xia Dynasty is of utmost importance."

Upon hearing this, the emperor's gaze finally fell upon Prince An, but before he could speak, a woman's voice rang out from the horizon—

“The safety of the Great Xia is indeed of utmost importance, but Prince An, please don’t flatter yourself.”

The courtiers turned to look, but she had already fallen from the clouds.

Unlike before, Chu Lengyu wore a dark long dress today, her expression deep and reserved, just like the deep night.

Her long hair, which was usually loose and casual, was now all combed into a simple bun, with only a silver lotus flower as an embellishment at the back of her head, its petals delicate and shimmering with silver light.

Two pure white ribbons hung down gracefully, dancing in the wind, adding a touch of elegance and dynamism.

She walked lightly and slowly, like a dark lotus flower shining brightly on the white jade steps.

A flicker of amazement flashed in Prince An's eyes. Just as he was about to ask who she was, Chu Lengyu had already cast her gaze upon him. The icy coldness in her eyes made him involuntarily freeze in place, unable to move.

Looking at Chu Lengyu, who had just returned after being gone for a few days, the emperor was completely relieved and said with some relief, "Welcome back, Imperial Advisor."

The courtiers were in an uproar. Although many were still dissatisfied with her position as the Imperial Preceptor, no one dared to refute Chu Lengyu.

The residual power of her sword could shatter city walls; who would dare to act recklessly in front of her?

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Note: The title comes from the ancient-style song "Unspeakable".

"Wearing a crown and cloak, I met the emperor in the palace; what I witnessed before me will become a subject for posterity."

The term "氅衣" here is understood as a long robe with wide sleeves or a garment decorated with feathers, rather than Qing Dynasty Manchu clothing.