The Emperor’s Summons (III)

Tang Feng arrived at the royal palace as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the grand structure. The palace was an imposing sight, its towering walls and intricate architecture a testament to the power and wealth of the empire. As he approached the main gate, he presented his seal to the guard, who examined it carefully before nodding in approval.

"Welcome, esteemed representative of the Heavenly Sword Sect," the guard said with a respectful bow. "Please, follow me. I will guide you inside."

Tang Feng returned the bow and followed the guard through the massive gates. As they walked, the guard engaged him in polite conversation, exchanging pleasantries about the journey and the weather. Tang Feng responded courteously, his eyes taking in every detail of the palace.

The guard led him through a series of corridors and courtyards, each more magnificent than the last. The walls were adorned with intricate murals depicting scenes of historical battles and legendary heroes. Golden statues and lush gardens lined the pathways, exuding an aura of opulence and grandeur.

"The palace is truly a marvel," Tang Feng remarked, his voice filled with genuine admiration.

The guard smiled proudly. "Indeed, it is. Our emperor has spared no expense in ensuring that the palace reflects the glory and power of the empire."

They arrived at a small, secluded estate within the palace grounds. The guard opened the gate and escorted Tang Feng inside, where a eunuch awaited them. The eunuch was a thin, elderly man with a serene expression, dressed in the traditional robes of his position.

"Welcome, Master Tang Feng," the eunuch greeted him with a deep bow. "I am honored to serve you during your stay."

The guard bid Tang Feng farewell and left, leaving him in the care of the eunuch. The eunuch gestured for Tang Feng to follow him, and they began a tour of the estate. The estate was modest compared to the rest of the palace but still exuded an air of quiet elegance. The gardens were meticulously maintained, and the rooms were tastefully decorated with fine silks and artworks.

As they walked, the eunuch gave the servants strict instructions to attend to Tang Feng's every need. "Serve Master Tang Feng well," he commanded, his tone leaving no room for misinterpretation. "He is an honored guest."

Tang Feng listened attentively, absorbing the details of his new surroundings. After the tour, they returned to the main hall of the estate, where Tang Feng turned to the eunuch with a question.

"When will I have the honor of meeting the emperor?" he asked.

The eunuch's expression remained composed, but there was a hint of unease in his eyes. "Tomorrow, the emperor will host a ceremony to sign the non-aggression treaty, followed by a grand banquet in your honor and that of the other representatives."

Tang Feng nodded, satisfied with the answer, but something in the eunuch's demeanor piqued his curiosity. "And where are the representatives of the other orthodox Murim factions?" he inquired.

The eunuch's unease grew more apparent. "They are... currently in a meeting with the emperor," he replied, his voice faltering slightly.

Tang Feng released a small amount of his qi, allowing it to wash over the eunuch like an invisible wave. The eunuch's eyes widened in fear, and he visibly trembled under the pressure. "What are you hiding?" Tang Feng demanded, his tone sharp and authoritative.

Unable to withstand the pressure, the eunuch caved. "The representatives of Wudang, Mount Hua, and Shaolin are meeting with the emperor in private," he confessed. "They have been discussing matters of great importance."

Tang Feng's eyes narrowed, but he did not press further. He tossed a gold coin to the eunuch. "Thank you for your honesty. Use this to ease your troubles."

The eunuch bowed deeply, clutching the coin with a mix of gratitude and relief. "Thank you, Master Tang Feng."

That night, Tang Feng found it difficult to sleep. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and suspicions. He rose from his bed and decided to take a walk around the estate, hoping the cool night air would clear his mind.

As he strolled through the courtyard, he heard the faint murmur of voices. Intrigued, he used his mastery of stealth to move closer without being detected. The voices belonged to two servants, deep in conversation.

"The crown prince's illness has thrown the palace into chaos," one of the servants whispered. "His brothers are already scheming to take his place."

"Yes, I've heard there's talk of rebellion," the other servant replied. "The emperor is trying to keep it quiet, but everyone knows. The internal strife is tearing the palace apart."

Tang Feng listened intently, his mind racing with the implications of this information. The internal turmoil within the palace presented an opportunity, one that could shift the balance of power in his favor.

An idea began to take shape in his mind, one that could make him invaluable to the emperor and level the playing field with the other Murim factions. With renewed determination, he quietly slipped away and returned to his quarters.

The next morning, Tang Feng awoke feeling refreshed and energized. The night's revelations had given him a new sense of purpose. He dressed meticulously, preparing for the day's events with a calm mind and a confident smile.

As the sun rose over the palace, Tang Feng was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. He would meet the emperor, represent his sect with honor, and seize the opportunity to solidify his position in the complex world of Murim politics.

With a final glance at his reflection, he stepped out of his quarters, ready to embrace the future with unwavering resolve. The journey was far from over, but Tang Feng was prepared to navigate the treacherous waters that lay ahead, confident in his abilities and his vision for the future.