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

Deep inside the palace.

The emperor was still dealing with important matters in his study when the chief eunuch Hong Fu hurriedly entered and bowed respectfully: "Your Majesty, the return gifts have all been prepared."

Upon hearing this, the Emperor gently put down the memorial in his hand, looked at Hong Fu, and instructed him: "Hong Fu, you shall personally go to Songlin Xiaozhu and present these return gifts to Fairy Chu to express my gratitude."

Hong Fu accepted the order and was about to leave when he saw Princess Jin'an approaching gracefully, her eyes sparkling with anticipation: "Father, may I accompany Eunuch Hong?"

Upon hearing this, the emperor immediately smiled and said, "Very well, Jin'an, you may go with Hongfu."

Princess Jin'an was overjoyed upon hearing this and quickly curtsied, saying, "Thank you, Father. I will certainly live up to your expectations."

So, Hongfu and Princess Jin'an, carrying the emperor's return gifts, boarded a carriage and left the city.

Inside the carriage, Princess Jin'an gently lifted a corner of the curtain, gazing expectantly at the scenery passing by outside the window.

She couldn't help but recall the brief time she had known Chu Lengyu. At that time, she couldn't even remember Chu Lengyu's name, but things were different now.

In a short month, the world has changed dramatically, and her transformation is astonishing.

Back then, Chu Lengyu was just an unknown orphan, but now she is the Grand Preceptor of the Great Xia Dynasty, with a high status and extraordinary talent.

Princess Jin'an was both curious and apprehensive. If gods and demons were real, what would become of the Great Xia Dynasty? Would Chu Lengyu always stand on the side of the Great Xia Dynasty?

Although her father seemed to trust her, Princess Jin'an still had many worries in her heart.

After a while, the carriage arrived at Pine Forest Cottage.

Hong Fu got out of the carriage first, then turned around and respectfully helped Princess Jin'an out of the carriage.

Pine Forest Lodge is nestled in a corner outside the city, surrounded by lush pine forests, making it exceptionally quiet and elegant.

Lüyun and Huang Yi were waiting at the door in advance. They stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Your Highness, we are sorry for not welcoming you properly."

Upon entering Pine Forest Lodge, a refreshing breeze greets you, carrying a faint scent of pine, which is invigorating.

Princess Jin'an couldn't help but marvel at the tranquil environment, and whispered to Hong Fu, "This is truly a wonderful place for cultivation, far from the hustle and bustle of the world, peaceful and serene."

Hong Fu nodded slightly in agreement.

At this moment, he had already gained a clear understanding of the situation.

The emperor's constant talk of "cultivating immortality" since the heavy snow, his orders to the Night Guards, and his high regard for Chu Lengyu... all stemmed from the fact that His Majesty had long known of Chu Lengyu's extraordinary nature.

As the emperor's closest confidant, Hongfu had long suspected something from his words and actions, and this suspicion was gradually confirmed.

That is why Hong Fu held Chu Lengyu in the highest esteem.

He knew very well who the emperor's current changes and confidence stemmed from.

The two walked along the stone path, with lush pine and cypress trees on both sides.

Strolling leisurely into the depths of the pine forest, the verdant mountains were bathed in a picturesque scene. (Note)

Soon, they arrived at a spacious courtyard. In the center of the courtyard was an exquisite pavilion, where Chu Lengyu stood on the steps, as light as frost, leaning against the clouds.

She had already sensed that guests were coming, but she never expected it to be Hong Fu, the chief eunuch of the emperor, and her old acquaintance, Princess Jin'an.

Princess Jin'an was slightly taken aback, her gaze lingering on Chu Lengyu for a moment, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes.

Then she stepped forward and respectfully bowed: "Grand Preceptor, Jin'an has come to pay a visit on the orders of my father, the Emperor."

Chu Lengyu smiled slightly and said, "Princess, there's no need for such formalities. Welcome to Pine Forest Cottage."

Hong Fu also stepped forward and bowed: "Fairy Chu, His Majesty has ordered us to bring some small gifts to express our gratitude."

Chu Lengyu nodded in acknowledgment, and someone else would handle the return gift. Then she turned to Princess Jin'an and said, "Princess, Eunuch Hong, please come in."

Her attitude was neither overly friendly nor distant, perfectly reflecting her current status and position.

The three entered the pavilion, and Chu Lengyu gently waved her hand. Several cups of tea appeared on the stone table beside her, their aroma filling the air and calming the mind.

Princess Jin'an picked up her teacup, took a small sip, and felt a sweet sensation spreading in her mouth.

Looking at the surrounding scenery, many matching verses came to mind, and she exclaimed sincerely, "Everything here is so beautiful that I don't want to leave."

It was as if neither the wind, frost, rain, snow, sword fights, nor conspiracies and treachery from the outside world could affect this place in the slightest.

Just sitting here brings endless peace.

Upon hearing this, Chu Lengyu replied calmly, "Your Highness flatters me. Cultivators seek inner peace and freedom."

Princess Jin'an looked at her, her heart filled with mixed feelings, and sighed, "The Grand Preceptor seems to have changed, yet he seems to have remained the same."

Chu Lengyu smiled calmly, understanding what she meant by those words.

However, she did not respond much to Princess Jin'an's sentiments, simply replying, "Life is unpredictable."

Princess Jin'an sighed softly, as if she were recalling something.

After a short while, her tone changed, and she said seriously, "Grand Preceptor, in addition to accompanying Eunuch Hong to deliver gifts, I have something else to tell you. You must have heard about the fate of the Four Kings and Eight Dukes, but their crimes were serious and the punishments they received should be explained in detail."

Chu Lengyu nodded slightly, signaling Princess Jin'an to continue.

“Prince An was the chief culprit, his family was confiscated and his clan was exterminated. The other three princes were all aware of the situation… Although they were not the masterminds, they were still implicated for knowing about it but not reporting it. Those who plotted rebellion were executed, and their female relatives were exiled to the Northwest.”

Princess Jin'an spoke with a hint of self-deprecation.

Unexpectedly, the Qin King's lineage, which had been confined to the capital for generations, seemed to have come to terms with reality and were loyal and honest, but in secret they were plotting a rebellion and escape.

"As for the British Duke's Mansion and others, they colluded with the four princes and were in cahoots. Their property was confiscated and they were all executed. They deserved their punishment."

"Only the Duke of Li's family, fortunate enough to be protected by the Empress, though their title was lost, their bloodline was preserved and allowed to continue..."

The princess then recounted in detail the greed and treachery of the four kings and eight dukes, as well as the emperor's swift and decisive action in eliminating these traitors.

After listening to Princess Jin'an's account, a cold glint flashed in Chu Lengyu's eyes. She felt disgusted by the greed and betrayal of these nobles and princes, and at the same time, she agreed with the emperor's decision.

The fates of the four kings and eight dukes were all deserved. The foundation of the Great Xia Dynasty lies in its integrity and the elimination of corrupt elements; only then can it achieve lasting peace and stability.

"Whatever their fate, it's their own fault," Chu Lengyu said calmly.

As the saying goes, "Those who reap what they sow will not live."

"I believe that with the help of the Imperial Advisor, the Great Xia will surely become even more prosperous and powerful," Princess Jin'an said sincerely.

After speaking, she stared intently at Chu Lengyu and mustered her courage to ask, "But Jin'an has a question in her mind: if gods, immortals, demons, and monsters really exist, how should Great Xia protect itself?"

Chu Lengyu refilled her teacup and said leisurely, "Princess, there's no need to worry too much. Perhaps the next time demons appear will be a hundred years from now?"

“This…” Princess Jin’an was stunned for a moment, and said helplessly, “The Imperial Preceptor’s way of comforting people is really peculiar.”

But thinking about it that way, Jin'an did feel much more relaxed.

How easy is it to encounter demons and monsters?

Uh... wait a minute, including the time in the Imperial Garden, she's already encountered it twice!

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Note: After the rain, the mountains are verdant and bathed in green, with birdsong echoing through the air. —Tong Shinan, "Visiting Yunju Mountain House and Ye Linwu, and the Monk Qi and His Brothers"