<strong>Imperial Palace;</strong>
Just like every Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday, the Emperor was enjoying lunch with his favorite consort, Lan Jingyi.
"Dear, what do you think I should give a reward to Lu Zhen, this time?" The Emperor asked his wife. "Because of him, the window to solve the border issues with the Western Moon kingdom is finally opened. He might not intend to help us but his actions will make hundreds of soldiers, who were stationed on the border, return to their homes. Not to mention, I have yet to thank him for saving you."
Lan Jingyi naturally wanted her son to prosper. But, more than that, she wanted to see him again. At the same time, she also needed to consider her husband's reputation too.
After thinking for a bit, she replied, "He's atleast a seven-circle summoner and possesses an 8-circle realm beast king.
If you give him a reward by taking his cultivation level into consideration, it will be too much for the little favor he had done for the Imperial Palace. As a result, the noble clans will think that you are sucking up to him.
And if you offer the reward for saving me, then, Lu Zhen might also feel the same thing as it has been a while since that incident happened. Yes, it's my fault that I kept this from you and also didn't let others inform you but I don't want to because you worry. You already have enough tensions.
Anyway, the best thing you can give him as a reward is making another order and creating more firearms divisions. However, you told me that even Shang Wen's order is taking time. So, it will only put an additional burden on Lu Zhen.
Then, there's the manufacturing facility for these firearms. You already gave the land and also had given the word of helping with the construction. But, he has yet to make a request. Maybe, he was a bit embarrassed to ask you as it cost a lot of money?
How about we invite him for lunch or dinner and ask him about it directly?"
Emperor Shang fell into thoughts. He was seriously considering his wife's suggestion. If Mark will come, then, the Beast Emperor kitten will also come. Maybe, he can pet it, this time. As cats love to play, maybe he should also prepare a few things for its entertainment?
Lan Jingyi stayed silent in the meantime, wondering whether she should contact Lin Xue to find out her son's favorite foods. She was also thinking about how to connect with him. She wasn't sure whether she could ever tell the truth to her husband or even her son but at the very least, she wanted them to get along with each other and get closer. It is the first step. Everything else can be planned later.
Both of them are busy with their own thoughts, unexpectedly not for very long. Usually, at this time, no one is allowed to disturb their privacy but the door was opened and an imperial guard entered the room in hurry, "I apologize, Your Majesty, but Supreme Commander Bai requests your audience."
"Tell him to wait for a while," replied the Emperor. Even if Bai Xun is his brother-in-law and his strongest subordinate, Shang Fu cannot leave his lunch in a hurry unless it is an emergency.
The Imperial guard then gulped in nervousness and said, "He wasn't alone, Your Majesty. There are a couple of guests with him and one of them was a peak-stage Legendary realm Spirit Warrior who came from far away to meet His Majesty."
"Eh?" A trace of surprise appeared on Shang Fu. He quickly rose to his feet, forgetting his lunch. "Okay, I'll be there in a minute."
As the imperial guard turned around and left the room, Shang Fu looked at his wife, "I'm sorry but I have to go, dear."
As Lan Jingyi nodded in understanding, he stormed out of the room as if he is in a hurry. Once he was out of sight and she was left alone with the maidservants around, the Queen consort let out a sigh, "he's always busy with something. If it is a Legendary realm expert, then, it's unlikely that he will come back for the lunch."
It was then a sudden thought appeared in her head, "how about I just go and visit Shang Zen? It's a good idea but I need some reason, right? Hmm… yes, that spoiled daughter of mine was happily lazing around stating the reason that he was out of the city.
Now that he has returned, I should accompany her to the store to make she was not only receiving proper punishment but also training on that bulky weapon Chimera SGM. Last time, I couldn't spend much time because of those assassins."
Soon, she returned to the Inner Quarters and ordered a maid to fetch her daughter.
After a while, both of them exited the Imperial Palace with a troop of 100 soldiers headed by a General. The sheer number intimidated the public in the streets but Lan Jingyi and Shang Jiao were helpless. It's the Emperor's order.
Because of the assassination attempt that happened last time, they can only be extra careful.
After nearly 90 minutes of travel, they finally reached the store. Not intending to block her son's business, she ordered the General and a few Imperial guards to accompany her while keeping the entire force outside the alley. They were also instructed to not obstruct anyone's path into the alley.
They might have escorted the Queen consort and the princess because of the General's order, which was originally given by the Emperor but they can't go against her orders too. Not to mention, Shang Jiao will be there with her mother. She is powerful enough to protect her mother.
Just as the group of eight reached the entrance of the store, everyone was stunned for a moment upon witnessing a strange incident. Why Song Yue is sitting at the reception?
Whether it is the Imperial guards or whether it is General, everyone was aware of the appearance of Song Yue, although she used to cover her face with a veil most of the time she was out shopping.
Currently, Song Yue was staring at Alina who was checking the notebook. They don't know what's written in the notebook but considering how nervous Song Yue is appearing, they are wondering whether she was learning something from Alina.
Whatever the case, the scene of two heavenly beauties together was a visual treat for the males and the Imperial guards couldn't help but smile before trying to control their expressions once again as they grabbed the attention of Song Yue.
"Ah, Auntie Lan? Xiao Jiao?" Song Yue was also equally surprised to see them at the store at such a time. She then suddenly remembered that Shang Jiao was serving punishment as an employee of the store.
She rose to her feet and proceeded to leave the desk to greet the familiar acquaintances who were always nice to her. But, it was then Alina opened her mouth and made her realize something important, "Manager Song, we are still in working hours."
Upon hearing those words, Song Yue quickly changed her behavior and greeted them in a calm manner. "Welcome to Genesis Store."
Shang Jiao and Lan Jingyi looked at each other with a trace of confusion written on their faces, "What's going on?"