Developments Inside The Imperial Palace - 25.1

As the commotion caused by the combined actions of the Lei Palace and Fan family put the people in a state of turmoil and uneasy anticipation, a lone silhouette that was observing everything that was happening seemingly came from the shadows flickered and disappeared with no one the wiser.

Those who were staying just a short distance away from the current shared gate of both the Fan Estate and Lei Palace to witness the spectacle of people being constantly thrown out in various states of wear with only a few being able to exit unscathed, a few of them thought they saw something rubbed their eyes before shaking their heads and ended up dismissing it as a trick of the light since the figure just vanished within seconds, without a sound while leaving no trace behind.

On the other hand, while everyone was focusing on the Fan family and Lei Palace, there was a carriage that leisurely made it's way to the imperial palace and smoothly gaining entry by presenting a token to the guards. 

To those who witnessed it, it sparked a small chatter and speculation especially amongst the palace servants and eunuchs, although after a short while they decided to keep what they saw to themselves before dispersing. 

After all, anyone with a token that will enable tjem to gain entry to the imperial palace unhindered is certainly someone of great influence. 

As the palace maids and eunuchs scattered, they missed the two figures that alighted from the carriage. 

One was older, albeit still youthful looking middle-aged man wearing pale green robes with silver detailings while the other was a handsome looking youth wearing dark blue robes with gold embroideries on it with a matching half-mask hiding his breathtaking countenance. 

The two men shared the same traits in terms of bearing, noble aura and dashingly good looks. Like two immortals on earth. 

Those who had the fortune of crossing paths with them couldn't help but give an internal sigh of appreciation as the two leisurely made their way deeper inside the imperial palace. 

Just a short while later, deep within the opulent walls of Thunder Vale Imperial Palace, inside the Empress' Hall, or more widely known as the Jin Feng Palace which means Golden Phoenix Palace, which is the residence of the Empress, a small group of people were gathered in one of the receiving rooms while amiably chatting as they drank and enjoyed tea that Empress Wu Li Hua was personally preparing.

The group of people consisted of three males and one female, including the empress, while the males where her Imperial Husband; Emperor Jin Fa Chung, her older brother; Wu Zhang He and her nephew; Wu Jun Qiao.

Gazing fondly at the handsome-looking young man, the empress; Wu Li Hua smiled gently as she poured the tea before passing it to him.

"Here, try some of this tea that I've prepared. The palace just recently acquired this particular blend of tea leaves."

Accepting the proffered tea cup, Wu Jun Qiao nodded in thanks before he took a sip of the tea.

As soon as he took a sip of it, a light of recognition flashed through his eyes at the familiar taste of it.

"This tea is quite good... May I ask where Imperial Aunt got it?" the young man asked with a cordial

voice yet there was something in his tone that hinted that something was amiss which the empress faintly sensed.

"The palace got it as one of the gifts from the visiting princess. Is something the matter with it, Nephew?" Empress Wu Li Hua asked, showing a bit concern as she saw the frown that slowly showed on her nephew's face after she explained.

"There's no need to worry about it, Imperial Aunt... there isn't really anything wrong with the tea." the young man answered with a smile that didn't really reach his eyes making his aunt frown.

Looking at the young man, the emperor couldn't help but sigh a bit before finally speaking.

"Then can Nephew elaborate on it then? It's quite obvious for us to see that something about the tea is troubling you so that we can understand and it will be a great help in easing your aunt's worries."

"Since Imperial Uncle has asked, then this junior can't leave you in the dark. The main reason I asked is because I was fortunate enough to be able to drink this tea in the past... albeit it was quite a long time ago."

Hearing that, even Wu Zhang He couldn't help but feel surprised, let alone the emperor and empress who both wore similar expressions as him.

"Jun Qiao, are you sure that it's the same tea?" Wu Zheng He questioned seriously.

"En. It is a very unique type of spirit tea and it's recipe was personally created by the matriarch of the Cong family and even there, this tea was only served during special

occasions due to the rarity and the high cost of it's ingredients."

Hearing that, they all fell silent and judging from their complicated expressions, Wu Jun Qiao felt like he was missing something.

"What is it?"

Noticing the look the Wu Jun Qiao was giving them, it was the empress who finally opened her mouth to speak.

"When we first received this, I was won over by the taste and so I asked Princess Ning if it would be possible to acquire more of it in the future."

"And?" Wu Jun Qiao asked, prompting her aunt to continue when he saw the complex look in her eyes.

"And after that, Princess Ning said that she would bring it up with her father since he was the one who brought it out for her to bring. When This One asked her to explain, she said that this spirit tea came from her father's private collection and that he had her bring this as one of the gifts as a show of sincerity."

"So she doesn't know where her father got it from?"

"I'm afraid not..."

Falling silent, Wu Jun Qiao had a serious and grim look on his face before sighing and shaking his head.

Just when they thought that he wasn't going to speak, a figure materialized beside Wu Jun Qiao from the shadows who then proceeded to whisper to him in a quiet yet hurried manner while also deploying a sound barrier that even with their high cultivation, none of them heard what was spoken clearly before the man left as abruptly as he appeared, seemingly disappearing into thin air plunging the room into a tense silence filled with questions. It was at this time that Wu Jun Qiao then spoke in a somber tone.

"I do apologize for my actions and although the true origin of this tea is questionable since I am positive that the Cong family never gave out this particular tea to anyone outside of Mystic Terra Mountain, this still isn't my main concern as of the moment. Right now, I am wondering if I can ask Imperial Aunt and Imperial Uncle for some help?"

"What is it that you need help with?" Jin Fa Chung asked this nephew of his curiously.

"I wonder if you've heard the rumours about the new young miss in Lei Palace?"