Chapter 405: Chapter 343: Chengwu and Spirit Testing
Xianfu Palace.
Consort Duann, Xu Qingluan.
Xu Qingluan, at this time, was already over thirty.
However, time had not made the slightest change on her; her figure remained upright, her gaze still sharp.
Her originally heroic demeanor had become more composed, like a treasured sword that had been sealed away for years.
The aura around her was restrained and profound.
For more than ten years, she had been absorbed in the martial arts, even thinking less about Zheng Yi.
Especially since the birth of Second Prince Zheng Chengwu, and after her father Xu Qingluan returned to the capital, Your Majesty’s visits to Xianfu Palace had become increasingly rare.
This gave Xu Qingluan a stable environment to practice martial arts.
More than ten years of relentless dedication, coupled with Xu Mujun’s assistance and the abundance of spirit herbs and medicines in the Imperial Palace.
Unexpectedly, Xu Qingluan now possessed martial arts cultivation and had stepped into the Spirit Communication Realm!
Only one step away from the Martial God Realm.
Unfortunately.
To reach the Martial God Realm, one must comprehend their own Martial Dao Will.
This serves as the burning wood, igniting one’s own vitality and spirit, and thus reaching the Martial Arts Divine Realm!
Currently, she resides deep within the palace, esteemed as Consort, one of the four consorts.
Cultivating martial arts is already incredibly arduous, so how could she comprehend her own Martial Dao Will?
Over the years, her martial arts cultivation had progressed rapidly, but she had no clue about the Martial God Realm.
For this reason, she had to lay low for several years.
That night, after coaxing Zheng Yuxuan to sleep, she summoned Second Prince Zheng Chengwu.
Now Zheng Chengwu, although just over seven years old, not yet eight.
Had already grown to about 1.5 meters, with a robust build like an adult, almost a head taller than ordinary children of the same age.
His eyes were bright, his demeanor upright, and his skin had a healthy wheat color because of frequent martial arts practice outdoors.
His hands were long and strong, showing a faint redness, evidence of extensive external training.
He wore a dark martial robe, with a belt made from a soft sword around his waist.
The whole person stood there like a human-shaped beast.
"Wu’er."
"This child greets Mother Consort!"
"Your father is choosing a Crown Prince, what do you think?"
Consort Duann looked at her son, a smile appearing on her face as she gently said, "Speak freely, there are no outsiders in Xianfu Palace anymore."
"If you also desire to become Crown Prince, Mother Consort will find a way to help you."
Many years of palace life had long made Xu Qingluan realize one thing.
Your Majesty...was not her only choice.
It’s not that she didn’t love Your Majesty.
She once shared a profound past with Your Majesty.
But over these dozen years of solitude, those indelible past memories could only be pressed to the bottom of her heart.
But thankfully.
She had a daughter, and she had a son.
She also needed to plan for her own future.
She could rely on her daughter and son, rather than bitterly waiting for the Emperor who came only once every few months.
Even...
The ten-year retreat period.
She and her son, daughter, because of the absence of a spirit root, could not accompany on the side.
Thinking of this, Xu Qingluan’s heart ached like a knife cut.
The main thing was, she couldn’t wrap her head around these things.
Helplessly, she could only place everything on her son Zheng Chengwu.
As long as Zheng Chengwu was willing, she would give everything!
Zheng Chengwu smiled and said, "Mother Consort, if I become the Crown Prince, can I go to the frontier to kill enemies?"
Xu Qingluan shook her head, "Of course not."
"The Crown Prince is the heir, the future Emperor, how could he put himself in danger?"
"Once you become Emperor, not to mention the frontier, it’ll be hard even if you want to leave the Imperial Palace."
Zheng Chengwu immediately shook his head, like a rattling drum.
"Then what meaning is there for this child to become the Crown Prince? As for the throne... it’s better not to!"
"Wu’er!"
Xu Qingluan feigned anger, "It’s fine to say this in front of Mother Consort, but you cannot speak like this in front of others!"
Zheng Chengwu chuckled, "Of course, Mother Consort, I’m not foolish!"
"Moreover..."
Zheng Chengwu’s eyes were bright, proudly saying, "Even if I want to be the Crown Prince, want to be Emperor, I’ll lead troops into battle, conquer vast lands, and crown myself king and emperor!"
"At that time, I’ll invite Mother Consort to become the Empress Dowager, hahahaha...!"
Xu Qingluan also laughed, patting his head, "The child has grown up, knows how to honor Mother Consort."
"But you mustn’t forget your father ~"
"Of course!"
Zheng Chengwu said, "Father likes beauties, doesn’t he? By then, I’ll send him lots of beauties!"
"This..."
Xu Qingluan’s expression turned peculiar, "This, there’s no need..."
"Hahaha, Mother Consort, the child is joking!"
Zheng Chengwu chuckled, "The child also knows Mother Consort wants to be with Father for life, but Father has so many women..."
"When the child grows up, there will definitely be a way to have Father visit Mother Consort more often, even if it means..."
"Wu’er!"
Xu Qingluan grasped Zheng Chengwu’s hand, her tone stern, "Mother Consort warns you, under no circumstance, are you to harm Father, understood?!"
"Yes...Mother Consort!"
"The child just saw you...suffering too much!"
"In the deep palace, which woman does not suffer?"
Xu Qingluan said softly, "But Mother Consort is fortunate, having you, and your sister, there are no worries in this life."
Zheng Chengwu earnestly said, "Mother Consort rest assured, this child will definitely protect you and sister in the future!"
"Mother Consort believes you..."
Xu Qingluan smiled, "Since Wu’er doesn’t like it, then the position of Crown Prince, whoever wants to do it can take it!"
