Chapter 135: 113, Plum Blossoms Bloom for the Third Time for Emperor Song Taizu, The Sorrow of the Fallen Princess (7k large Chapter, asking for monthly votes)_2
The princess was merely a tool for Emperor Chongming’s political marriages.
In prosperous times, Emperor Chongming’s affection for Princess Anren was but an embellishment to the empire’s flourishing state.
However, if faced with the peril of national extinction, and had Princess Anren been in the Capital, her fate would likely have mirrored that of her siblings—slain by Emperor Chongming with a single stroke of his sword.
"Princess Anren..."
"In the Imperial Decree I issued, it is stated that you are a demoness who bewitched Li Xiaozu into leading troops against the Imperial Court. Rebelling against the court is a heinous crime, punishable by the extermination of nine degrees of kinship. The Emperor’s word is sacrosanct, like gold, and decrees cannot be altered lightly..."
"Attendants! Present Princess Anren with a length of white silk and a cup of Pigeon Wine."
Xu Xing was preparing to announce the order to the eunuchs in the hall when, halfway through his words, he suddenly spotted a streak of Escaping Light in the distant south. A thought flashed through his mind, and his tone shifted, "However, considering you are the sole remaining descendant of the previous dynasty’s imperial line, and the Grand Temple’s offerings have ceased... you may retain your title of Princess. You may also continue to follow the etiquette of the Old Dynasty, and you are permitted to worship your ancestors within your home..."
If he wasn’t mistaken, that Escaping Light belonged to Deng An of the Immortal Sect.
Xu Xing now had a close relationship with "Emperor Song Taizu," akin to that of senior and junior martial brothers.
It wouldn’t be right for him to directly kill the only remaining direct bloodline of the Song Family.
Moreover, by sparing Song Miyao, he could leverage the situation to extort more valuable items from Song Knife. He couldn’t let her descendant off simply on Song Knife’s account; the old Ancestor would have to show some appreciation.
As for the threat Princess Anren Song Miyao posed, he naturally chose to ignore it.
Since ascending the Imperial Throne, he had made countless enemies.
With Song Knife still alive, there was little need to thoroughly eradicate Song Miyao.
The chasm between immortal and mortal beings was not one easily crossed by ordinary people. And the differences between Immortals themselves were even vaster than those between Immortals and mortals. With his "external assistance," he had no fear of Song Miyao’s retaliation.
Once Song Knife was dealt with, he could then kill Song Miyao at his leisure.
Taking a step back.
With Deng An now present, it was indeed inappropriate to execute Song Miyao directly.
It wouldn’t be too late to deal with her after Deng An departed.
"This..."
As his words landed, Song Miyao’s eyes widened in utter disbelief.
She had been prepared to die; how had Emperor Tiande suddenly changed his mind?
Is it a sudden surge of benevolence, or...
A myriad of thoughts raced through Song Miyao’s mind.
Instances of the current dynasty treating the former one with leniency were not unheard of. The previous calls for slaughter were due to the abundance of former imperial bloodlines; but when only one remained, the reigning dynasty would often adopt a hypocritical display of clemency.
However, before she could ponder further, a middle-aged man in a Daoist robe suddenly materialized before the hall. He seemed acquainted with Emperor Tiande, and approaching him, they began to converse.
Though their lips moved, not a sound of their voices could be heard.
"The Celestial Messenger will soon arrive in Fengxi Country to deliver the Immortal Sect’s decree."
"Junior Brother Xu, you should make thorough preparations in the meantime and manage the affairs of your country well... This is an Innate Level movement technique called ’Soaring Swan Steps.’ Practice it diligently. In Three Years, the Purple Magpie Valley of the Outer Sect will open. If your movement technique isn’t proficient, you’ll miss out on this significant opportunity."
Upon their first meeting, Deng An dispensed with pleasantries and went straight to important matters.
Xu Xing was different from other Human King physiques. He had successfully consolidated his physique even before gaining full control of the entire territory, and he also possessed the Bright King Body, making him highly valued by the Immortal Sect.
The Flying Feather Immortal Palace had not yet issued a decree for two reasons. Firstly, they were waiting for Xu Xing to unify the land. Although cultivators generally do not have much entanglement with the Mortal World once they join an Immortal Sect, Human King physiques are different. The Dragon Pulse they command for 300 years is an essential cultivation resource and cannot be ignored.
Secondly, Xu Xing’s entry into the Sect was not as an ordinary disciple but as a candidate for the true lineage. Each true lineage disciple is not to be underestimated. Once this position is confirmed, corresponding cultivation resources must be allocated. Otherwise, what would be the difference between true lineage disciples and ordinary disciples?
"Flying Swallow Step?"
"Thank you for your generosity, Brother Deng. Once I enter the Immortal Sect, I will surely repay you."
Xu Xing accepted a booklet from Deng An, tucking it into his sleeve without a glance, then cupped his hands towards Deng An in thanks.
In truth, Xuanji Temple also possessed Innate Martial Arts related to movement techniques.
And their quality was by no means low.
However, Xu Xing didn’t want to rely on Xuanji Temple for everything. Xuanji Temple and Lingyin Peak were colossal entities, and favors from them would be hard to repay. While owing much now might seem satisfying—as the saying goes, many debts don’t crush a person—he was not short-sighted. He knew he wouldn’t be stuck in the Innate Realm forever. Sooner or later, he would make a name for himself in the Flying Feather Immortal Palace. At that time, the small kindnesses of today could become restraints.
Repaying a favor to Deng An, on the other hand, would be much simpler.
"By the way, the reason Brother Deng hurried here today is..."
"It’s due to Sect Rules..."
Deng An glanced at Xu Xing, a hint of difficulty in his expression, and coughed lightly. "When a state falls, its imperial bloodline must not be extinguished. As you know, Junior Brother Xu, those who serve as imperial families in the Mortal World territories of an Immortal Sect are often connected to the Sect in some way. For instance, the Song Imperial Family in Fengxi Country are descendants of True Lord Song..."
"The imperial family of the Country of Flowing Light are descendants of Daoist Xiaoyue of Ningyue Peak..."
"The imperial family of Wanghai Country are descendants of Sword Chen Saint Monarch of Chedi Peak..."
"..."
Xu Xing nodded after listening. Although the Immortal Sect had regulations against interfering in the affairs of the Mortal World, this was often nuanced. Mortals from families connected to the Sect, even relying on a sliver of influence from their Immortal relatives, could easily dominate ordinary forces. Daoist Xiaoyue, Sword Chen Saint Monarch, and others were not Human King physiques, nor were they Founding Emperors. Yet, their mortal descendants had successfully established nations within the territories governed by the Flying Feather Immortal Palace.