Above the Galaxy
Chapter 554 - 343, I Have a Treasure, You’ll Definitely Be Interested!_3

Chapter 554: Chapter 343, I Have a Treasure, You’ll Definitely Be Interested!_3

"Go on, then," Li Baolin said with a wave of his hand, looking exhausted. "Solve the case soon and get it over with."

"Yes, Chief."

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Phoenix Palace.

Chen Fenglei pushed open the door to the Taiji Palace where Zhong Daolong was holding a meeting with several heads of the Military Department.

Chen Fenglei walked over to refill their tea, then silently retreated to a corner.

As someone close to the King, he knew when to make his presence invisible.

Moreover, his status had never been well received by these people; to the internal officials of the Empire, his reputation was not much better than that of "Mad Dog" Yan Wenli.

"Alright, let’s call it a day for this meeting," Zhong Daolong said with a yawn. "Please take care of the border affairs. We won’t initiate trouble, but if Aus pushes too far, hit them back hard."

"Yes, we’ll ensure they can’t even return," Military Minister Shen Wuxiang said with a stern face and a voice that resonated like a bell, standing up to show his determination.

"Mm, with the Military Minister here, I believe Aus Empire won’t gain any advantages," Zhong Daolong said cheerfully.

Shen Wuxiang was from the Shen Family, one of the nine major families of the Empire, and was Shen Xinglan’s grandfather, with a third of the Empire’s army under their control.

Therefore, even Zhong Daolong had to treat him with due respect.

"The main thing is having the King’s support. Money when needed, people when needed, weapons when needed. If we still can’t win, how can we live up to the King’s trust?"

Shen Wuxiang did not mince words, with every sentence spoken seriously, instilling a sense of absolute trust.

"Ha ha ha, then I’ll await the triumphant return of the troops in Phoenix Palace and personally award them their honor medals."

"This is a blessing for the soldiers, and I thank the King on their behalf."

"Alright, alright, get back to work. I know your military duties keep you busy, and I’m a bit tired myself," Zhong Daolong waved his hand, signaling everyone to leave.

After everyone had left, Chen Fenglei ordered the palace maids to clean up while he followed Zhong Daolong to the inner living quarters.

The Taiji Palace was just where Zhong Daolong conducted official business; he usually resided in the Jingxin Garden in the back courtyard.

It was said that Jingxin Garden was named by Empress Yu Sineng, and they had always lived there after getting married. After the Empress passed away, Zhong Daolong had never thought about moving out and had continued living there.

When they reached Jingxin Garden, instead of going back inside, Zhong Daolong headed to the garden gazebo.

"I’ve been in meetings all day, needed to get some fresh air," Zhong Daolong said. "Aus is getting restless again, and the Military Department is inclined to fight... but starting a fight leads to endless trouble. The country spends money and effort and it delays our real work."

"Yes," Chen Fenglei agreed, smiling, "These soldiers just love to fight, it gives them a chance to earn military honors."

While speaking, he took a cigar from behind the palace maids, trimmed it, lit it, and personally handed it to Zhong Daolong.

He also instructed the palace maids to set up tea and sweets on the stone table; after finishing work, Zhong Daolong enjoyed a sweet treat, and Chen Fenglei would not overlook such an important detail.

Zhong Daolong took a puff of the cigar and turned to Chen Fenglei, "How about the other matter? Have they been found?"

"I was just about to report to you, Chief. Zhuang Zhongbing and his wife have been found, but our people were a step too late, they’d already been killed."

"Killed?" Zhong Daolong’s gaze became icy as he exhaled a cloud of smoke. "The Imperial Guard are the royal close guards, they normally only carry out assignments within the palace and rarely interact with the outside world. Who would go to such lengths to harm them?"

"We’re still investigating, and I’ll report to you as soon as we have results."

Zhong Daolong snorted coldly, without responding.

Chen Fenglei knew that his recent actions had greatly displeased his master.

"How about things at Phoenix Palace?"

"Princess Xiu Xue probably has no knowledge of this matter."

As they spoke, a guard came to report that Princess Xiu Xue had come to visit Zhong Daolong.

A smile appeared on Zhong Daolong’s face. "Just as we mention Cao Cao, Cao Cao arrives. I haven’t seen my beloved daughter for a few days, please invite her in."

Soon, the Phoenix arrived, dressed in a white casual suit that gave her a fresh and lively appearance. Seeing Zhong Daolong sitting in the pavilion, she complained, "Why are you sitting outside? The night wind is cold; don’t catch a cold."

"Ha ha ha, my dear daughter cares about her daddy’s health, much better than your two brothers," Zhong Daolong laughed heartily, explaining, "I’ve been stuck with a bunch of old men in meetings all day, I felt so suffocated I had to come out here for a while."

He gestured to the exotic flowers and plants in front of him, "Your mother personally planted these plants. Seeing them makes me feel as if she’s still by my side."

"Daddy, you have to stay positive, don’t harm your health."

"Don’t worry, it’s been so many years, what can’t I get over? I just think, once your eldest brother can stand on his own, I’ll let him take my place, and then I’ll move back here to the garden."

He pointed to the corner of the garden, "There’s a large empty space there your mother didn’t get around to filling. When I retire, I’ll plant flowers and grass there... and in that way, fulfill one of her wishes."