Quick Transmigration: Drama Queen's Daily Life-Chapter 868 - 857: The Cowardly Emperor
"Master, that Zhang Yuwen seems to have some issues," the little boy said mysteriously. ππ»πππππ«π£π€πππ΅.ππ€π’
"Oh?" Gao Zhuo opened his eyes, a dangerous look in them.
"The disciple found that he left the capital more than ten years ago and only returned once during these years. No one knows his whereabouts, not even the Zhang Family, but I found out that when Zhang Yuwen was five years old, he seemed to have met a mysterious Taoist while outside, and then followed that Taoist."
"Are you saying that Taoist might be one of us?"
"Yes, and I also heard that Zhang Yuwen presented the Emperor with a millennium ginseng. Although millennium ginseng is not hard to obtain, it is not easy for these mortals."
"Has he made any other moves recently? Has he investigated us?"
"Thatβs exactly what is strange, Master. Since he took the position of Junior Governor, he hasnβt behaved excessively. He has been sending routine business documents to our National Master Mansion, seemingly without any transactions with the Emperor. But I found out another piece of news."
"Speak."
"Zhang Yuwen and the Empress are cousins. I heard that both families intended to let them marry in childhood, but it was called off due to Zhang Yuwenβs long absence."
"This is interesting," Gao Zhuo chuckled. "Keep a close eye on Zhang Yuwen and the Emperor and Empress. Even if heβs a cultivator, heβs only been practicing for a dozen years; what climate could he have? If heβs befriending our Emperor for mere emotional reasons, thereβs even less reason for concern."
"Yes, I will closely monitor them," the disciple said.
"Master, someone outside reports another missing child," Zhang Yuwen was processing official duties when he immediately furrowed his brows upon hearing this report.
He asked, "Is this the fifth case this month?"
"Yes, Master, it is the fifth."
Zhang Yuwen restrained his anger, "What about before? Bring me all the previous files of missing children."
"Yes," the servant replied.
Looking at the heavy ledger, his face darkened, "So many? Has no one investigated? What does the National Master Mansion say?"
"The people there only say theyβre busy and investigating," the servantβs voice faded.
"This is outrageous!" Zhang Yuwen, usually gentle and graceful, became furious.
The servant glanced around nervously, "Master, please watch your words."
Zhang Yuwen contained his anger, "Go and comfort that family, carefully inquire how the child disappeared, where the disappearance occurred, and any identifiable features."
"Yes," the servant replied.
After everyone left, he began reviewing the files, discovering that the earliest missing child was ten years ago. At that time, there were few disappearances, so it wasnβt given much attention. However, over the past three years, the disappearances seem to be increasing, becoming more frequent in the last three months. He mapped the addresses of missing children and found most cases were within the city, slowly spreading to the outskirts.
Could it be the people in the capital committing these acts? For what purpose? Zhang Yuwen fell into deep thought, realizing that beneath the seemingly peaceful and prosperous Daluo Dynasty lies such filth and turmoil.
"Yuwen, I heard youβre investigating the missing children case in the capital?" Returning home, Zhang Yuwen was summoned to the study by his father.
"Yes, Father," he replied respectfully.
But Zhang Lianβs expression was not good, "Stop investigating this matter."
"Why?" Zhang Yuwen raised his head, seemingly unable to believe his fatherβs words.
"The National Master Mansion will handle it. Youβre a recently appointed Junior Governor; who would heed you? Investigating will just be met with many obstacles. Donβt waste your efforts on it."
"But thatβs hundreds of children. Is the National Master Mansion really handling it? The State Preceptor has great powers. If truly managed, how come there has been no news for so many years? Father, do you know something that youβre not sharing?" Zhang Yuwen asked seriously.
Yet Zhang Lian retorted, "Have you forgotten the teachings of your sect? Do not meddle in mundane affairs. Focus on your cultivation instead; perhaps I shouldnβt have let you come back."
At this, Zhang Yuwen also got angry but contained himself, saying, "Did you plan never to tell me my cousin was already married if I hadnβt returned?"
"Youβre a cultivator; whether your cousin marries or not, itβs impossible between you two," Zhang Lian looked sharply at his son, "When did you become so sentimental? You should aspire to wider horizons. Youβre someone who can achieve immortality. Have you considered that if you and Suxin are together, what will happen when she ages and yet you remain youthful?"
Listening to his father sternly point out this issue, Zhang Yuwenβs expression grew grim, but he replied defiantly, "Father, Iβve merely stepped into the ranks of cultivators; Iβm not immortal. Moreover, perhaps Iβll find a way to let my cousin grow old with me."
"Do you believe that yourself? Making a mortal live forever with you? Is there such Spiritual Medicine?"
With solemnity, Zhang Yuwen said, "Iβve checked the sectβs books. Itβs not impossible."
"Itβs extremely unlikely, right? Yuwen, you should wake up. Your cousin is already married," Zhang Lian said bluntly.
Zhang Yuwen sighed softly, refraining from further response.
At the same time, Kong Suxin also looked at the sky outside the palace, feeling dark-eyed. Since knowing her cousin returned, she had many days of excitement. But unable to meet for long, she finally believed her status as Empress had many constraints. Gradually, longing turned into resignation.
However, not everyone resigned. Yao Qinxue, though from a low officialβs family, coerced into becoming a minor concubine due to the National Master, never wished to stay forever in the deep palace rear. Ye Qiuβs neglect gave her some relief, and Kong Suxinβs lack of involvement emboldened her.
"Lady, this isnβt where we should be; we should quickly return," the little palace maid said in panic.
Yao Qinxue, uninterested, showed impatience, "Return if you want, Iβm the Emperorβs concubine; I can go anywhere in the harem."
Indeed, it wasnβt mere boldness; one day, Wuxin found something amiss at a deserted palace. She pondered why there was a secret chamber in the Imperial Palace and who left it there. Though she tried many times, the chamber wouldnβt open.
Today, she remained unbelieving. Eager to know whatβs inside the chamber, is it a secret passage out of the palace or treasure?
She sensed excitement and intuition that the chamber was not simple.
