After the successful production of the Golden Root Pill by Lian Yaoshi, Zenki was finally able to focus on advancing his cultivation to the next level - Advance Body Tempering. With Liu Yong's guidance and some potent cleansing pills provided by Lian Yaoshi, Zenki was able to achieve Advance Body Tempering, strengthening his physical body and improving his cultivation potential. The journey was not without its challenges, but with the support of his daughter and trusted retainers, Zenki persevered and emerged stronger than ever before.
After Zenki achieved Advance Body Tempering, he was delighted to see that his daughter Mengting had made remarkable progress in her cultivation journey. She had already reached the stage of Beginner Core Formation, which was a significant achievement for someone of her age.
Zenki couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and happiness mixed with a tinge of envy. He had worked hard to reach Advance Body Tempering, but it seemed like his daughter had a natural talent for cultivation.
"Comparing oneself to the talented sure is hard on the pride," Zenki muttered with a wry smile. He knew that he should be proud of his daughter's achievements, but he couldn't help but feel a little jealous of her natural talent.
Despite his mixed feelings, Zenki was determined to continue supporting and guiding his daughter in her cultivation journey. He knew that with hard work and dedication, she could achieve even greater heights and become a powerful cultivator in her own right.
As Mengting and Liu Yong ventured into the nearby forest for training, Zhang Liang delivered the initial results of their investigation into the head of finance to Zenki. Shockingly, they discovered that Caiwu Zongjian, the current head of finance, was not only corrupt but also a serial kidnapper of commoner women. Once a woman entered his grasp, she was never seen or heard from again.
Zenki muttered angrily, "This despicable man." He then turned to Zhang Liang and asked if they had gathered enough evidence to convict Caiwu Zongjian, despite knowing that the corrupt official was within his uncle's group.
Zhang Liang was taken aback by Zenki's determination to convict the head of finance and responded, "Your Majesty, we only need conclusive evidence to bring Caiwu Zongjian to justice."
"Zhang Liang, I need to go undercover and investigate this matter personally," Zenki said his face grave.
Zhang Liang's eyebrows raised in surprise. "Sire, it's too dangerous for you to go incognito. We have capable investigators who can do the job."
"I know it's dangerous, but I need to do this myself. I need to see the situation with my own eyes and feel the pain of the people affected by Caiwu Zongjian's actions," Zenki replied resolutely.
Zhang Liang sighed, knowing that he couldn't change Zenki's mind once he had made a decision. "Very well, Sire. But please be careful and do not take unnecessary risks."
Zenki nodded his thanks and began to plan his disguise. He would pose as a merchant seeking to purchase properties in the area where the kidnappings had occurred. He would then gather information from the families of the kidnapped women, hoping to find the evidence needed to convict Caiwu Zongjian.
Zenki decided to bring Mengting and Liu Yong along with him to teach Mengting a valuable lesson about the harsh realities of the world. He wanted Mengting to learn how to handle difficult situations and understand the importance of justice. Additionally, he made sure to assign a group of shadow guards to accompany them, ensuring their safety during the investigation.
Zhang Liang watched Zenki leave, feeling a mixture of admiration and worry for his lord's safety. He could only hope that Zenki would succeed in his mission and bring justice to those who had been wronged.
As soon as Mengting and Liu Yong returned, Mengting excitedly recounted her experience to Zenki, who listened intently with a mixture of concern and admiration. "You're so brave, Mengting," he said with a smile, but his expression turned serious as he shared his plans for investigating the corrupt official.
However, their conversation was interrupted by the news of the Second Empress Zhenyue and Prince Zenki Mingliang's imminent arrival. Zenki's face fell at the mention of his son's name, and Mengting could sense the sadness in his voice. "Mingliang and Zhenyue are coming home," Zenki said with a heavy sigh. "I hope they can forgive me for my attitude all these years."
Mengting could see the pain in Zenki's eyes, and she offered him some comfort. "Don't worry, Father," she said reassuringly. "Mingliang will understand. You're doing what's best for the kingdom and our family."
Zenki smiled gratefully at her, but his mind was still preoccupied with his son's arrival. "We'll have to delay our investigation for a bit," he said with a hint of disappointment. "I want to welcome them back properly and ensure they're settled in before we resume our plans."
Mengting nodded in agreement, understanding the importance of family and duty. "Of course, Father," she said. "We'll be here to support you, no matter what."
"Fortunately, I was thorough in asking Zhang Liang about this body's family relations," Zenki muttered
As the gates of the palace opened wide, the sound of galloping horses could be heard from afar. It was the arrival of the second prince, Zenki Mingliang, and Empress Zhenyue.
Zenki Mingliang, who had been living with his grandparents in the United Realms of Ardenia, looked a bit down as he rode his horse. His once cheerful and lively face was now replaced with a solemn expression. His hair, which used to be neatly combed, was now slightly disheveled from the long journey. He wore a plain blue robe, a stark contrast to the elaborate and ornate clothing he used to wear as a prince.
Beside him was Empress Zhenyue, her regal beauty enhanced by her shimmering golden robes adorned with precious stones. Her hair was tied up in an intricate bun, showcasing her high forehead and delicate features. She looked stern and composed, a true embodiment of grace and elegance.
As they dismounted from their horses, the palace guards greeted them with a bow. The empress walked with a graceful gait, while the second prince followed behind her, his head slightly bowed. It was clear that the thought of leaving his grandparents and returning to a father who neglected his family was weighing heavily on his mind.
As they approached the castle, Zhenyue and Mingliang were taken aback to see Zenki and Mengting waiting for them with warm smiles on their faces.
"We have returned, Father," said Mingliang with a hint of formality in his tone. Zenki smiled awkwardly, feeling the weight of the situation as he greeted his son for the first time in many years. "Welcome back, my son," he said, trying to sound as genuine as possible.
Zhenyue greeted Zenki with a polite bow. "It's good to see you again, your majesty," she said, offering her hand to him. Zenki took her hand and felt a mix of emotions. On the one hand, he was pleased to finally meet his wife. On the other hand, he felt a bit awkward knowing that the past owner of this body had neglected their marriage. He smiled warmly at her, hoping to convey his sincerity. "It's good to see you as well, Empress Zhenyue. I hope your journey was a pleasant one."
Mingliang remained distant, not knowing what to say or how to act around the man who he barely knew as his father. Zenki could sense his son's discomfort and decided to break the ice. "I hope your trip was pleasant, Mingliang," he said, trying to start a conversation.
Mingliang nodded curtly, not elaborating any further. Zenki knew that he had a lot of work to do to rebuild his relationship with his son.
The four of them sat at the dining table, with the royal maids serving them. Zenki, eager to start a conversation, asked Zhenyue and Mingliang about their trip.
"So, how was your vacation?" he asked, trying to break the awkward silence that had settled in.
Zhenyue smiled and began to tell him about their travels, but Mingliang's answers were short and perfunctory, causing Zenki to smile awkwardly and try to keep the conversation going.
Mengting, on the other hand, listened intently to their stories, occasionally interjecting with a question or a comment. She was fascinated by their travels and wanted to know more.
As they continued to eat and talk, Zenki couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in his daughter. Despite her royal status, she was humble and curious, eager to learn and engage with those around her.
Zhenyue was taken aback by her daughter's transformation. She couldn't help but express her surprise, "Mengting, my dear, you have changed so much. I remember when we left, you were quite shy and lacked confidence. But now you seem so much more self-assured."
Mengting smiled at her mother's comment and replied, "Thank you, Mother. I have been training hard and learning a lot from Liu Yong and their Father. I still have much to learn, but I am determined to become a strong and capable princess."
Zhenyue inquired about Liu Yong, to which Zenki responded that she was his cultivation teacher. Surprised, Zhenyue asked, "She is cultivating?" Zenki replied affirmatively and acknowledged his past mistakes, saying, "Yes, I was foolish before, but I am hoping to become a better person."
Mingliang couldn't help but look at his father in shock, unable to believe that Zenki had just expressed vulnerability in front of them. "We'll see if Father has changed," he muttered under his breath.
After dinner, they retired to the sitting room to chat some more, with Mengting asking Zhenyue and Mingliang more questions about their trip. Zenki watched with a smile as his family bonded, grateful for this moment of peace and happiness amidst the chaos of their world.