Chapter 096: The One in Confinement

In the Heavenly Realm, at the Chen Tan Palace.
Lord Yan Xiao sat idle at the table reading a book. He raised his hand and waved his sleeve, throwing the teacup away. The teacup crashed against the barrier formed by the divine protection and then fell to the ground, shattering into pieces.
“My lord, may I ask what is the matter?” The guard at the door, hearing the crash of the cup, hurriedly inquired; although this individual was imprisoned, he was not someone the guard could afford to offend.
“Help me deliver a message; it’s not too difficult,” Yan Xiao said through the divine barrier.
“This...” The guard dared not respond.
“I just want to meet the Qingyao God. She has good tea, and you can ask her for whatever you want.” Yan Xiao said.
“Yes.” The guard replied with a smile.
In the Chen Tan Hall, the treasured son of the Holy Monarch—Yan Xiao—is grounded.
He has gotten into trouble more than once or twice, but the Holy Monarch loves him deeply and is always reluctant to impose severe punishment. However, the offenses he commits become increasingly serious, and the Holy Monarch is starting to get angry.
After experiencing tribulations in the mortal world, he had returned to the heavenly realm to report back, but instead brought a remnant soul into the heavenly court. This remnant soul belonged to a mortal woman, and Yan Xiao wanted the Holy Lord to grant her a divine position. The Holy Lord refused and ordered a small fairy to throw that remnant soul into the underworld. In his fury, he killed the small fairy and several heavenly guards who came to stop him.
Having slain an immortal, this matter has escalated, and even the Holy Monarch cannot protect him. He can only be punished to enter hell as a Soul King, guarding the gates for a thousand years before ascending to the heavenly court.
He had been obedient for several years, but recently, for some unknown reason, he annihilated the Lingyin Mountain. Originally, Lingyin Mountain was not a sect of immortals but belonged to the mortal realm; its destruction was not a big deal. However, the key point is that Yan Xiao used ghost soldiers, which has drawn the discontent of both the underworld and the heavenly realm.
After exterminating Lingyin Mountain, he returned to the Heavenly Court to pay his respects to the Emperor as if nothing had happened, which could be seen as seeking his own doom.
Before the matter was clarified, he was locked up in the Chen Tan Palace. Those familiar with the Holy Monarch knew that being confined for just a few days would unlikely result in any further punishment.
Yan Xiao was confined indoors, his heart filled with concern for Qi Xiaoyue. He had killed the Lingyin Mountain and the old Taoist of Lingyin but had not learned the whereabouts of the Xuán Lín Key, which frustrated him greatly. What made him most anxious was the Celestial Master Hua Qingkong; he could protect Liu Hanxi extraordinarily well. He had been locked up for so many days and didn't know whether…
While thinking, Qing Yao had already come outside to pay her respects: "Your Highness." She did not have the Sacred Ruler's order and could not enter, so she could only call out softly from the outer barrier.
Qing Yao, the Goddess of the Sea, had a gentle figure, and her pair of apricot-shaped eyes were full of emotions, making her incredibly beautiful. She had known Yan Xiao since childhood and was taken from the sea to be raised in the Heavenly Realm as she grew up. The two had also spent some time together.
At this moment, her voice was sorrowful, and there were still tears in her eyes.
“If I hadn't called you, you wouldn't have come,” Yan Xiao said coldly.
“I... the Holy Lord... didn't allow me to come visit. I was worried there was an urgent matter when the palace summoned me today, so I defied the order and came,” Qing Yao said with difficulty.
“Go help me check on her.” Yan Xiao said directly.
“Your Highness! Why are you still…” Qing Yao sighed, “If the Holy Monarch finds out, she will only disappear from the Three Realms.”
“I know I can't use the divine artifacts from the heavenly realm; otherwise, the Holy Lord will surely find out. I can only use earthly magical tools to seek all her souls, so that she will remember me.” Yan Xiao mentioned Qi Xiaoyue, his eyes filled with tenderness.
```html“Your Highness!” Qing Yao urgently reached out to Shen Zhao, but was bounced back.
“You can go, there's no need to come again.” Yan Xiao turned around and returned to the room.
“Your Highness……” Unable to see his figure, Qing Yao could only retreat. She raised her left hand, revealing two cloth pouches, and handed them to the guards at the door, saying, “Please take care of this. This pouch contains the ‘Luo Xue’ tea he often drinks.”```
“Your Majesty, don’t worry.” The guard took the cloth bag.
Qing Yao turned and left the Chen Tan Palace, heading to the mortal realm. She had previously heard Yan Xiao mention that Qi Xiao Yue was at the Zhen Wang Mansion. So, she went directly there, transforming into an ordinary woman, standing in front of the street alley.
Outside the Wangfu of Zhen Wang, red satin is fluttering, creating a joyful atmosphere.
This full courtyard of demonic aura! Qing Yao furrowed her brows slightly.
Yan Xiao once said that Qi Xiao Yue is now just an ordinary woman, who can't control demon beasts; where is all this demonic aura coming from?!
At this moment, an old woman wandered in front of the mansion gate, holding a cloth bag in her hand.
The gatekeeper of the Zhenwang Mansion saw someone outside the gate and came out to say, "Madam has said thank you, but we cannot accept items from the common people."
The old woman insisted on handing the cloth bag in her hand to the doorkeeper: “I am Yuhua's seamstress. Thanks to the lady for offering me a meal. This is a cloth bag I made myself, used for holding handkerchiefs for the lady; it’s not valuable.”
“Please wait a moment.” The gatekeeper received the order and did not dare to collect anything hastily, but seeing the elderly woman’s sincerity, he could only help her ask if it was possible.
Qing Yao took the opportunity to approach the elderly woman and asked, “Excuse me, is there such a joyful occasion because Prince Zhen is marrying a princess?”
The old woman nodded and said, "Yes, my dear, it's just that the future wife will still be Lady Xi, and Lady Xi will become the princess later."
Qing Yao was taken aback for a moment.
At that moment, Liu Hanxi walked out of the mansion, and Qing Yao quickly stepped aside to observe.
What a wonderful sight, Lady Xi, no, Princess Zhen.
She wore a dress of pure white, with a light lotus pink jacket over it, her black hair casually tied up, adorned with a jade flower, yet still unable to conceal her graceful figure and stunning beauty.
Qing Yao sighed in pain, feeling inferior. Every time she saw her, she was hurt, even though she was a goddess.
However, at this moment, Liu Hanjing, compared to the previously met Qi Xiaoyue, was completely different. Qi Xiaoyue was ruthless and merciless, while Liu Hanjing swayed gracefully with a smile, appearing to be an entirely different person.
Qing Yao saw a colorful little dog following at her feet, completely different from usual. Upon noticing the faint glow on its forehead, she suddenly realized and exclaimed in her heart, “Tian Dog! She……”
“Auntie.” Liu Huanxi sweetly called out.
“Madam, please accept it! It's not anything good, just put it by your feet and use it; it will ease my heart.” The old woman gently handed the cloth bundle to Liu Huanxi.
"And my..."
"And my..."
"Madam, please accept it! This is the people's heartfelt intention; everyone is happy and wants to share in your good fortune!"
More people gathered around.
“This year's situation is not good, you don't have to spend too much, I appreciate your intentions…” Liu Hanxi hurriedly declined.
“Please accept it!” everyone said in unison.
Liu Hanxi thought for a moment, then told the doorman something. The doorman quickly brought out tables and chairs from the door room, along with the leftover red paper and pens.
"Since it is everyone's intention, Wang Zhu and I will accept it. Since it is a congratulatory gift, it must be listed on the gift list. Please leave your names so I can keep track," Liu Huanxi continued.
```htmlOnly then did the common people feel happy, leaving their names and gifts before departing.
Liuhuanxi called over two servants and instructed, “In a moment, you will go to the account room to collect the silver. For these people, send one tael of silver to each household. Just quietly place it at their door and watch them collect it, understood?”```
The two servants understood and took the gift list to make arrangements.
Qiu Hanxi instructed someone to properly collect all the gifts from the common people: "These items should be placed together with the other gifts, right in the center. We must not neglect them just because they are of lower value. I find these handmade items far better than those made of gold or silver."
At this moment, Hua Qingkong had just returned to the residence and saw Liu Hanxi at the door.
“Aren't the belongings of the common people not to be accepted?” Hua Qingkong asked curiously.
“There are a few people I haven't seen in a few days; it's also their heartfelt intention. I'll have someone send them some silver in return,” Liu Hanxi replied.
“Very good.” Hua Qingtian smiled, his eyes full of light. He gently held Liu Hanxi's hand, only to find it was cold to the touch.
It was already early winter, and seeing her standing here for a while, he took both of her hands and wrapped them inside his cloak.
“When someone comes to give gifts, it's not polite to leave without expressing thanks, so I'll do that first.” Liu Hanxi replied before he could ask.
“Yeah, next time dress warmer before coming out; it’s windy at the door.” Hua Qingkong said with concern.
“I was almost blown away by the wind from the spell the Master used when he rescued my senior at the mountain top!” Liu Hanxi suddenly recalled that day and couldn't help but laugh.
Hua Qingkong also followed with a silly smile.
“Celestial Master…” Qing Yao's brow furrowed deeper and deeper.