eurekapd Chapter 399 Own arrangements
Chapter 399 Own arrangements
Behind Lin Feng and the others, a group of mysterious figures in black nightgown quietly appeared. Their movements were nimble and light, moving like ghosts through the shadows, closely following Lin Feng and the others. Their footprints were only faint traces in the dust. An unknown crisis, like a dark haze, quietly loomed over them, yet Lin Feng and the others were completely unaware of it.
Inside the imperial palace, the Imperial Study was as serene as a bottomless pool. The Emperor, clad in a bright yellow robe embroidered with golden dragons, sat upon the Dragon Throne, a symbol of supreme power. The dragon on the robe bared its fangs and claws, ready to soar. Each scale gleamed dazzlingly in the candlelight, a testament to the Emperor's majesty. His face was stern, his sword-like brows slanting into his temples. His eyes, deep and piercing, twinkled like cold stars as he intently flipped through the mountain of memorials on the desk before him.
Those memorials seemed to be the lifeblood of the empire. His expression was sometimes solemn, sometimes relaxed. He used the red pen in his hand to write comments on the memorials from time to time. The rustling sound made by the friction between the pen tip and the paper could be clearly heard in the silent room.
At that moment, Eunuch Hong hurried into the imperial study. His footsteps were quick and crisp, as if carried by a gust of wind. Eunuch Hong was dressed in a crimson eunuch's attire, made of fine fabric and intricately embroidered with gold thread. A black belt cinched his waist, accentuating his slender figure. His face was lightly powdered, his eyebrows long and thin, curved, and his eyes narrow and bright, but now filled with anxiety. Upon entering the imperial study, he immediately knelt on both knees and performed a standard formal ceremony. He leaned forward, his forehead almost touching the ground, his hands respectfully placed at his sides, and said in a shrill voice with a slight tremor, "Your Majesty, this old servant has something important to report."
The emperor raised his head slightly, moved his eyes away from the memorial, glanced at Eunuch Hong who was kneeling on the ground, a hint of displeasure flashed in his eyes, and said lightly: "Why are you so flustered? You disturbed me from handling government affairs." His voice was low and majestic, like a huge bell, echoing in the imperial study, which made people feel awe.
Eunuch Hong raised his head, beads of sweat oozing from his forehead. He swallowed and said, "Your Majesty, I have just received news that many martial arts masters have secretly followed Lin Feng and his men out of the city for the famous Star Blade. Your Majesty, do you think you should send masters to protect General Lin?" His eyes revealed genuine worry, his brows were furrowed, and his hands trembled slightly unconsciously, as if he had already seen the scene of Lin Feng in danger.
Upon hearing this, the Emperor's lips curled up slightly, revealing a slight smile of disdain. That smile held a hint of contempt for the people of Jianghu, yet also a certain trust in Lin Feng. He gently set down the memorial in his hand, leaned back against the dragon throne, and casually rested his hands on the armrests. He said nonchalantly, "No need. Lin Feng isn't someone who will be killed so easily. If he can't even withstand this little turmoil in the Jianghu, how can he possibly live up to my expectations of him?" His eyes held a certainty, as if he had complete faith in Lin Feng's abilities, yet deep within, hidden within were some elusive thoughts.
Eunuch Hong was still worried. He moved his knees forward slightly and tried to persuade again: "Your Majesty, General Lin is indeed a martial arts master and extremely intelligent. But those masters who came for the Star Sword are all skilled in martial arts, ruthless and have no good intentions. If they set a trap, General Lin might be in trouble. I beg Your Majesty to think twice and send someone to protect him." His eyes were full of anxiety. He looked up at the Emperor with a hint of pleading in his eyes.
The Emperor waved his hand, a sharp and forceful gesture, interrupting Eunuch Hong. His eyes grew serious, staring intently at Eunuch Hong. "I have my own arrangements," he said, "and there's no need for you to say anything. Simply send someone to keep a close eye on them. Report any signs of trouble to me immediately." His tone was unquestionable, like a cold command, leaving no room for disobedience.
Seeing the Emperor's determination, Eunuch Hong sighed helplessly. Though he felt reluctant, he dared not press his case any further. A moment later, a crucial question struck him. He raised his head and asked, "Your Majesty, I truly cannot understand. Since the Star Blade is so important, ranked third among the top weapons, why don't you take it back, and instead let General Lin keep it? What if..." His eyes were filled with confusion, his brows furrowed tightly, as if he was trying to comprehend the Emperor's intentions.
The Emperor was silent for a moment, then slowly stood up. His posture was as straight and tall as a verdant pine or cypress. With steady steps, he slowly walked to the window, his hands clasped behind his back, and quietly gazed out at the imperial courtyard. The flowers, plants, and trees in the courtyard were neatly trimmed, swaying gently in the breeze, like a tranquil painting.
However, a complex expression flashed across the Emperor's eyes—a mixture of desire, worry, and, more importantly, a sense of helplessness after weighing the pros and cons. He slowly spoke, "The Star Blade, ranked third on the weapon rankings, is something I wouldn't want to take into my possession. This blade is incredibly powerful, capable of slicing through iron like mud. If I could wield it, I would surely enhance the Empire's strength." His voice was low and slow, as if he were revealing a dark secret.
"But I have observed Lin Feng for a long time. He is talented, intelligent, and loyal to the empire. If he can continue to devote himself to the empire and serve us wholeheartedly, it would be wise to temporarily hand over the Star Blade to him. I believe that he will not do anything to betray the empire." He clenched his hands slightly behind his back, and his knuckles turned white. In fact, there was a hint of worry deep in his heart, but in front of Eunuch Hong, he had to appear absolutely calm and confident.
Eunuch Hong, after hearing the Emperor's words, still harbored doubts, but he dared not question them further. He lowered his head and said, "Your Majesty is wise. I am simply concerned for the safety of the Empire. I fear the Star Blade will fall into the wrong hands and bring disaster upon the Empire." There was a hint of humility in his voice, and a hint of unease in his eyes.
The emperor turned around and looked at Eunuch Hong who was kneeling on the ground. There was a hint of comfort in his eyes, and he said: "I know you are thinking about the empire. I naturally understand your loyalty. But there are some things that I have thought carefully and weighed the pros and cons. You can step back and do what I have instructed you to do." His voice became softer, as if he was comforting Eunuch Hong, and as if he was cheering himself up.