Chapter 528: The Emperor Summons
Hope was just that, hope. In actuality, Zhong Zifeng did not expect too much from this operation.
After all, Yang Ming’s condition was just too terrible.
Given how cruel the culprits tortured him and caused him irreparable damage, it was clear that they intended to disable him for life. For instance, they had sliced up his flesh and crushed his meridians.
Each injury was bound to affect him permanently.
Zhong Zifeng didn’t have high hopes. He only wished for Yang Ming to be able to walk like a normal person again. As for strength recovery and even spell-casting, he did not dare to have too high an expectation.
Even his wishes were considered too much to the people present here. When they heard that instead of Senior Shu, it was Lin Jin who was administering the treatment, they silently disapproved of the decision.
They didn’t understand Senior Shu enough so they could only rely on common sense to work out the situation here. Most arrived at the theory that Yang Ming’s injuries were so grave that even Senior Shu could do nothing to help him, and Lin Jin’s treatment was merely a show to boost their morale.
Though, if it was merely a show, why is it taking up so much time?
Many were confused.
Just then, a messenger from the palace arrived urgently to summon Senior Shu and Appraiser Lin to the palace.
The arrival of the messenger was unexpected, but according to him, the emperor had heard about what happened at the banquet after his audience with the third prince today. That was why he had decided to meet both appraisers today.
Of course, due to Heavenly Spiral Academy’s unique standing, the emperor had made his request peacefully. He only asked to invite them but their acceptance wasn’t mandatory, as these appraisers might be occupied with work.
Even so, to the emperor’s subordinates, the appraisers had to come to the palace. Otherwise, wouldn’t they appear to be incompetent at their job?
That was why when the palace messenger heard that Appraiser Lin was treating another Rank 4 appraiser, he grew visibly anxious.
“Elder Zhong, this is an order from His Majesty. Should there be any delays, His Majesty might be discontented.” The messenger was a young man, so he must have gotten this job not too long ago after earning the favor of the imperial palace.
To gain an official position at such a young age understandably made him too full of himself. This was confirmed by the hint of threat he carried in his tone.
In other words, he meant that traveling to the palace to meet with His Majesty was more important than treating someone else.
Maybe this was true in other places, but not here.
This was Heavenly Spiral Academy. Even His Majesty had to be respectful of Zhong Zifeng and treat him as an equal.
This was because Zhong Zifeng was qualified and capable enough to demand such a level of respect.
His Majesty had great respect for the other Rank 4 appraisers too, but he mostly kept this to himself. Not many were aware of this fact.
Zhong Zifeng glanced at the young officer.
“A human life is at stake here, so I’m sure His Majesty will pardon us if he is made aware of this,” said the old man nonchalantly.
Everyone could tell that Zhong Zifeng was slightly peeved by the young messenger’s attitude.
Under normal circumstances, the officer should have just accepted this answer and relay it back to the palace. After all, he was merely a messenger. Sounding annoyed, the young man added, “If Appraiser Lin is occupied, please have Senior Shu come with me to the palace.”
This time, Zhong Zifeng didn’t even spare the officer a glance. He knew the emperor well enough that he knew he would never issue such an outrageous order.
Moreover, was Senior Shu someone they could summon just because they wanted to?
One must know that Heavenly Spiral’s emperor and Zhong Zifeng were good friends. Their relationship may not be known to many but it was a fact. They were old pals.
Sometimes, His Majesty would even visit the Beast Appraisal Pavilion in casual clothing to chat with Zhong Zifeng.
If he was lucky enough, he would bump into Senior Shu.
His Majesty was fully aware of Senior Shu’s status so this time, by inviting Lin Jin into the palace, he wanted to see if Senior Shu would tag along as well.
Clearly, this officer had gotten ahead of himself because inviting Senior Shu alone was utterly impossible. He shouldn’t even have mentioned it. If they did issue such an order, Senior Shu would definitely lecture the people in the palace for disrespecting her like this.
Hence, Zhong Zifeng kept quiet. He really couldn’t be bothered.
Although the officer was furious, he at least knew not to lash out against the beast appraiser. After all, he was inside Heavenly Spiral Academy so despite being ignored, he could only suffer in silence. Without saying a word more, he retreated indignantly. On the way back, he began plotting how he would accuse the academy and better yet, anger His Majesty.
‘You’re just a bunch of beast appraisers. What are you being so stuck up for? No matter how strong, you’re still under His Majesty’s reign,’ the officer grumbled on the inside.
He returned to the palace hastily and exaggerated his experience in his report.
Inside the palace, Heavenly Spiral Kingdom’s emperor Feng Junwu was talking to the third prince, Feng Ziqian. The old emperor sat on his throne while Feng Ziqian stood respectfully next to him.
Upon hearing the report, Feng Junwu was mildly stunned.
The officer was still going on about it. “I was stopped at the gates without being able to meet Appraiser Lin. I was told that he was busy treating someone. I wanted to invite Senior Shu instead, but Elder Zhong reprimanded me for not knowing my place and stopped me too…”
What this officer meant was that the academy’s appraisers were disrespecting a royal decree.
However, while he may have tweaked the account, how could he possibly deceive someone like Feng Junwu?
How could a premium country’s emperor, a monarch, be blind to little tricks like these?
“Step down.”
Without any other comments, Feng Junwu waved his hand dismissively. The officer couldn’t understand His Majesty’s thoughts and could only retreat reluctantly.
What he didn’t know was how this incident today marked the end of his career. From now on, the emperor would stop giving him tasks and he would soon be demoted into a minor character with little to no importance.
The palace had one too many of these kinds of people.
“Ziqian!”Feng Junwu called out abruptly. Feng Ziqian snapped back to reality, and he bowed at his father at once.
“I’m here.”
Feng Ziqian felt slightly guilty right now.
He feared his father’s wrath as Appraiser Lin had turned down his invitation. However, he then heard Feng Junwu ask him, “How is it going between you and Princess Ruo Li?”
Feng Ziqian answered immediately, “Not bad.”
Feng Junwu smiled. “Even I didn’t expect that Princess Ruo Li would choose you in the end, but this is your opportunity, so grasp it tightly. Also, if you don’t have much to do, seek out Appraiser Lin more often and chat with him. Deepen your relationship.”
Feng Ziqian nodded.
His father was giving him hints! What did this mean?
His father was beginning to value him. Surely, this was a good sign.
“Right, you previously mentioned Curator wishing to borrow Daojun’s Hieroglyphic. So his disciple is Appraiser Lin?” asked Feng Junwu.
Feng Ziqian nodded. He had indeed brought it up because he made a promise to Curator that he would do so. Even if he was largely ignored in the palace, Feng Ziqian would never forget his promise.
“Alright. You may leave.” Feng Junwu didn’t ask more. Feng Ziqing hesitated to speak, but after a thought, he left obediently.
He wanted to put in a few good words for Curator but that could wait for now. After all, Curator wasn’t in Heavenly Spiral City. Later on, when Curator shows up during his father’s birthday celebration and when his father finally gets to witness Curator’s phenomenal capabilities with his own eyes, perhaps he would actually approve of their request.