Then, just one meter from the Empress, a deafening boom suddenly erupted. A silver flash exploded, accompanied by powerful energy waves that sent flowers and grass flying. Dust stirred and danced across the ground, instantly enveloped in swirling smoke!
Everyone was so shocked by the sudden explosion and the shockwave that they had to use their arms to protect themselves and fight back with all their strength. They couldnt open their eyes to look straight for a long time. Of course, the girl didnt have to do that, because the greatness of maternal love made her not be affected.
"How could it be? His Fengxian Seal was so pure... What was it?"
The unsuspecting young princess once again experienced the maternal love she had longed for. After all, Her Majesty the Queen had always been strict with her daughter since childhood, rarely showing tenderness. As for care, it was nonexistent—either demanding rigorous martial arts training or setting unrealistically high academic standards. Even during her mothers physically weak menstrual period, the queen maintained an unyielding demeanor.
Even if there is occasional attention, it is a strict attitude, and the number of smiles... can be counted on two hands!
—It was Mothers divine armor and the Xuanyuan Sword... How could that boy even block my second ultimate technique? Fortunately, Mother arrived just in time. Otherwise, I might not have had a chance to dodge! Why was there such a massive power fluctuation? Even Mother mobilized her entire forces... You! Hmph! How dare you treat this princess like this? Wait here...
As the dust cleared, the shield-forming armor vanished. The Empress Queen had already sheathed the Imperial Sword, leaving only a crimson, shattered light shield behind as she retreated slowly. This was the power of the Xuanyuan Sword—so potent that it could slice through the air, creating an energy rift to neutralize the damage.
Truly one of the three great masters in the league, the Grand Master of Zhuque County. It seems Ah Juns power is utterly insignificant to her, which explains her constant condescending attitude. Yet she remains remarkably composed in times of crisis.
—Huh... Good thing, shes okay! Looks like I need to be careful with this move—its too dangerous.
Hey! You... dare to stare at me and laugh? How dare you embarrass me like this? I wont let you off...
"Nonsense, and you still think youre not ashamed enough!"
" queen mother ..."
"Grand Empress Dowager, come!"
However, as the storm subsided, the conflict between the two resurfaced. Just as the little princess was being lectured by the queen, a group of people were seen hurrying to the tavern in the distance...
"Ah, whos the little girl crying there... Hmm? Whats wrong? Your mother is bullying her again!"
"Grandmother!"
"Great-grandmother... it wasnt him, it was him, that bastard who bullied me... ah, I dont care, Im gonna teach him a lesson!"
Oh well, I wont cry anymore. Girls dont look pretty when they cry... Hehe, youre being so stubborn again, arent you? That kid looks so good, you mustve made things difficult for them again... Ah?
"Great-grandmother... how can you speak for him!"
Xiner!!
"Well, dont be so mean to the child..."
" great-grandmother ..."
"Grandma, how did you come here so late? Its so cold outside. Why dont we go inside and talk?"
"Um... Well... uh? Wheres A-Sul? Why didnt I see your uncle?"
"Hmm? Oh... Ah, so it is. Uncle Sulfur has been traveling abroad these past two days and hasnt returned to the capital yet—so he hasnt come..."
Oh, remember to visit your uncle more often!
"Good, grandson, remember!"
— Who is this old lady? The Imperial Grandmother... Ah! Could this be the Holy Emperors grandmother, the current Grand Empress Dowager? After the Xuanwu Gate Coup, she ruled from behind the curtain alone, single-handedly controlling the political situation and gradually nurturing the young Crown Prince, who was only eight years old, into a heroine among women!
At this moment, Ah Jun was still dazed in the distance, only faintly heard, but judging from the current situation and all the information captured, the old man was very likely to be the one mentioned in the book, one of the three strong women in the history of the royal family, Empress Dowager Xiao!
It is said that the old man is over 100 years old, but he is still straight and steady. Though his hair is all white, he looks in good health, speaks clearly, and is very kind, smiling and soft in tone.
A Jun even thought that the Empress Dowager before him bore some resemblance to his own master... Of course, as for where he heard these rumors, there was no need to say more. After all, apart from that big-mouthed one, who else could it be?
When can I go home
Watching the familys lively interaction, Ah Jun couldnt help but feel homesick. Thankfully, his perseverance paid off—he had finally completed his training. Tomorrow, he could return home for the Lunar New Year. After all, it was already the eve of the festival... Well, he hoped to make it to the New Years Eve dinner!
—Well... but where shall we stay tonight? We should be able to withdraw now... We need to find a place quickly!
"Um? Well, children, come in, come in, lets stay in for a while. The Empress Dowager would like to catch up with you..."
"Ah!"
"Ah Jun! Are you alright... Hey, youre really something! Now even the forehead mark can be activated normally, and that little girl is completely under your control, haha!"
"Ah Jun... How do you feel?"
"Well, nothing, just feeling overdrawn, weak legs--Xiao Xi, stop talking nonsense, or well offend someone again--we need to find a place to rest soon!"
Hey, its nothing serious—Brother, dont worry. This palace is spacious enough for you to stay. Or you could stay at the Zijing Resort Hotel outside. I have a Diamond membership card!
Due to the emperors invitation, Ah Jun and his companions had to give up their plan and stay. With the guidance and help of their companions, the child gradually relaxed. Although he looked wobbly, he was still energetic.
With Xiao Xis support, the group followed the elderly lady to the reception hall on the top floor of Zui Xian Lou, where they took their seats. As outsiders, Ah Jun and the others were seated farther back, which was only natural.
Well, why do you always feel like somethings wrong?
"Come... child, sit here so I can take a good look!" However, the Empress Dowagers call surprised the children, including the young princess and Yuwen Lu, who were also a bit puzzled.
"Grand Empress Dowager, do you call me?"
At this point, Xiao Xi, a regular visitor to the palace, volunteered to answer. He immediately stood up, bowed and asked... but the embarrassment was that the direction of the old ladys waving and the line of sight were perfectly out of sync with his response.
So Xiao Xi followed the clue in a daze and found that the person named wasnt her, but Ah Jun—what was going on? Oh, I must have been imagining things... Anyway, Ah Jun is genuinely popular with older folks, and Im completely convinced!
"May I call you...? Your Majesty, Im Ajun!"
"Um... right, come on, Xiao Jun, come on!"
"Oh..."
Just as everyone had just understood the old ladys intention, the old ladys next words made the little princess a little jealous--great-grandmother, you must be mistaken, he is not a good man!
Then, under the girls watchful gaze, Ah Jun tiptoed to the old lady and bowed to greet her. Though this drew the young princesss displeasure, Xiao Xi and Ninger were delighted.
"Grandma, hello... Are you calling me?"
Well... what else? Haha, you little rascal, you didnt even come to say hello to your great-grandmother! Thats not going to happen again!
"Um? That... uh..."
Come on, let me take a good look... Hmm? How did you grow so fast? Youre already taller than me! Remember next time, give me a little space... Xiners a bit of a handful, but shes still a good girl at heart!
"Great-grandmother... it was his fault, I was doing justice!"
"Good, good, good, little heroine--hehehe, child... stay here for the New Years Eve dinner?"
The old man was seen holding Ah Juns hand tightly, rubbing it with joy in his eyes, caring for the child as if it were his own family. This left Ah Jun, who was usually poor at expressing himself, completely stunned. He seemed unable to speak, just standing there with a foolish smile.
—Is this... Could it be that the old lady mistook me? Hmm... Probably. Xiao Xi mentioned the elderly often have trouble remembering things due to age... As for me? Either... Well, yes, just a kind lie to avoid upsetting her.
"Oh, ok, thank you, grandma!"
"Um... Whats wrong with you? Xiao Jun, why dont you call your great-grandmother?"
—Oh no, I lied, and now I have to lie again. How can I cover it up? Oh, if I had known, I would have been honest. What should I do now?
"Great-grandmother... Youre looking for me? Hehehe, Im here!"
— Hmm?
Just as Ah Jun was struggling with his inner struggle and feeling anxious and confused, suddenly, a childish voice came from far away... Although it was not yet formed, it must be a boy, right? -Hoo, now it was saved.
So Ah Jun turned his head and followed the eyes of all the people. At the elevator entrance, he saw a child about three feet tall running happily.
She wore the same royal custom suit as the little princess, exuding elegance and grandeur. Two attendants—likely a male guard and a female nanny—stood by her side. Behind them came Uncle Li, who had also arrived...
" Oh ..."
Suddenly, the childs foot was unstable and he fell to the ground with a thud. Ah Jun was startled. Could he break his leg?
But to everyones surprise, except for the little princess who felt the same way, everyone else seemed cheerful, especially the queen, who didnt even look at her and drank her own Biluochun tea. Then, the girl who was worried ran over and picked up the little child, her eyes full of love.
"Xiao Jun... Are you okay? Does it hurt?"
"Well... Im all right, sister. Dont look down on me!"
"Youre still trying to be strong, your hands are red..."
" laughter !"
—Is this child the younger princesss brother? The old ladys great-grandmother must be the one Xiao Xi mentioned earlier—the younger prince!
" great-grandmother !"
"Hey!!"
After a short while, the little boy who was holding the girl calmed the sister and hurried over, smiled at Ah Jun, and then threw himself into the old mans arms.
"Ah, our little Jun is so brave!"
"Well, yes, I will protect you in the future... and sister, hehe!"
Oh... well, hehe, come on, lets get to know each other!
"Great-grandmother, who is this?"
"Hey, you gotta call me brother... Come on!"
"Hello, little one. My name is Ah Jun... Jun, meaning handsome."
"Um... Hello, big brother. My name is Gongsun Jun, the Jun of Junma!"
Then, led by the old woman, the two children, about six years apart in age, shook hands politely with each other--although the little boy still looked confused, but he was polite, even to a stranger.
At this moment, Ah Jun, of course, is also embarrassed and confused, but this feeling is quite warm.
"Great-grandmother, Im your own granddaughter! How could you let Xiao Jun, an outsider, call him... call him brother?"
Suddenly, the stunned princess began to protest... She swiftly moved to Ah Juns side, pulled her brother away, and pointed at the boy, her face etched with astonishment and resentment. Of course, the scene left many baffled—Xiao Xi, Ning er, and Yuwen Lu all shared the princesss bewilderment, their faces frozen in shock.
—Looks like my brothers here today to score some attention! Haha, totally the Phoenix Boy vibe... Hehe, kinda funny how that little girls freaking out... Ah Jun, Im rooting for you!
You... you really need to change your ways. Look at you, not a bit like a woman! Come on, you two, be more like a woman! And Xiao Jun, you must keep an eye on this girl for me!
"Great-grandmother, what are you saying? Who wants to be nice to him? — Hmph... Get your dirty hands off me, you pervert!"
"Ah... you naughty boy, you must call me brother, come, shake hands again!"
You say he... Hmph, how could he? Oh no... Great-grandmother, this boy is so naughty, he even peeks at a girl bathing!
Hey! Didnt I tell you it was just a misunderstanding? Ah Jun just happened to see it, so he didnt spy on it.
--Well, I said Xiao Xi, you were helping me... You were trying to trick me!
"Great-grandmother, listen, they all admit it--hmpf... youre dreaming!"
Oh! My head... Whats wrong? I feel a bit dizzy.
"Ah... Great-grandmother, whats wrong? Are you alright?"
"Hey, thats not because youre talking nonsense, youre angry with you!"
You... I... Great-grandmother, how are you... Its okay, Im calling, Im calling, please dont be angry... Brother... Brother!
"Hi, you havent eaten..."
You... you two mustnt go too far, watch out for me... You... humph... Big brother!!
"Ah, thats right!"
Xiao Xi!
"Hmm... Dont pretend to be good-natured there — oh, great-grandmother, your head is better now..."
But the little princess had no idea that her arrival had plunged her into a dilemma. The Empress Dowager, beaming with a radiant smile, held the two childrens hands together and looked around with delight... This was clearly a problem!
The young princess, however, naturally harbored deep resentment toward Ah Jun, let alone any physical intimacy. She struggled while glaring fiercely at this lecherous man, unable to contain her frustration—yet under the persistent restraint and theatrical performances of the elderly lady, she was ultimately compelled to comply with her great-grandmothers wishes. Though her heart remained profoundly aggrieved.
After all, the elderly woman couldnt handle the stress, and the young princess was naturally a sensible child. Her capriciousness was just a facade, and she couldnt bear to see her beloved great-grandmother suffer...
Amid Xiao Xis encouraging cheers, the two awkwardly faced each other, reluctantly shook hands and exchanged perfunctory greetings. The young princess maintained an awkward and displeased expression, avoiding direct eye contact—a clear sign of poor etiquette... Yet Ajun felt a warm sensation in his heart, as if he was savoring this very discomfort.
— Strange... Whats wrong with me? Oh!