Volume One: Femme Fatale Chapter 52: Her Majesty the Queen

"Respected senior, might I ask what the name of Her Majesty the Queen is?"

Inside the carriage, Jiang Hao felt a surge of curiosity toward the ruler of the Southern Xia Kingdom who was also the headmaster of Dragon Gate Academy, and could not help but ask Qin Jiangtang, who sat beside him.

"Little brother Jiang Hao, look at my memory! Now that you are about to enter Dragon Gate Academy to cultivate, I actually forgot to tell you Her Majesty's name." Qin Jiangtang laughed heartily and replied, "Her Majesty's name is Nangong Xue."

"Nangong Xue? She must be a proud and aloof woman," Jiang Hao murmured inwardly.

"Ah, that's right! Her Majesty also has a younger sister who is currently cultivating at Dragon Gate Academy. No doubt you will cross paths with her when you head there," Qin Jiangtang suddenly recalled.

"Senior, Her Majesty has a younger sister?" Jiang Hao could not hide his surprise.

"Indeed." Qin Jiangtang stroked his beard and smiled, "This princess's name is Nangong Yingying. Do not underestimate her. Though she is only eighteen years old, her cultivation has already reached the late stage of the Spirit Spring Realm."

"Eighteen years old, and already at the late stage of the Spirit Spring Realm. She is truly extraordinary among her peers," Jiang Hao sighed softly.

"Whoa!"

"Pavilion Master, we have arrived at the imperial palace."

Just as the two were conversing, a guard's respectful voice echoed from outside the carriage.

Hearing this, Qin Jiangtang lifted the curtain and looked outside, then turned to Jiang Hao and said, "Little brother Jiang Hao, carriages are not permitted inside the imperial palace. From here on, we must proceed on foot." With that, Qin Jiangtang stepped down from the carriage first.

"Understood, senior." Jiang Hao nodded in acknowledgment and promptly followed him down.

What caught Jiang Hao's eye was the magnificent and grandiose gate of the imperial palace. The towering gates reached toward the clouds, and the majestic frame was carved with intricate dragon motifs, their golden luster dazzling under the brilliant sunlight.

The stone steps before the entrance were wide and solemn. Standing at the very center were several guards clad in armor and holding long spears. They stood as straight as statues, their gazes piercing and expressions stern, silently radiating an inviolable majesty.

"State your business?" one of the guards stepped forward to inquire.

"This old man is Qin Jiangtang of the Myriad Treasures Pavilion," Qin Jiangtang replied. He then retrieved a token bearing the insignia of the Myriad Treasures Pavilion from his storage ring and handed it to the guard.

The guard took the token, examined it briefly, and said respectfully, "So it is Pavilion Master Qin of the Myriad Treasures Pavilion! Let them through at once!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the guards pulled back their spears, instantly clearing a path for Jiang Hao and his companion. They quickly returned to their respective posts, continuing their vigilant watch ahead.

"Little brother Jiang Hao, follow me." With those words, Qin Jiangtang took the lead and stepped through the imperial palace gates.

"Very well, senior." Jiang Hao followed closely behind.

Passing through the gates, a wide imperial avenue came into view. The blue-stone pavement, polished by the passage of time, remained as smooth as a mirror, flanked by towering, lush pine and cypress trees standing tall and straight.

Several patrol squads marched back and forth. Clad in armor and gripping long spears, their steps were steady and their expressions alert, as though they were constantly monitoring every movement in the vicinity.

"I never expected that even the weakest among these guards would be at the seventh layer of the Spirit Qi Realm, and a few have actually reached the early stage of the Spirit Spring Realm," Jiang Hao thought to himself in silent wonder.

After following Qin Jiangtang for about the time it takes to brew a cup of tea, the two finally reached the end of the grand avenue.

At that moment, a towering imperial hall came into view, resembling an ancient beast standing for a millennium, exuding an unmatched majesty.

The eaves of the grand hall curved upward like the wings of a phoenix about to take flight, and the golden tiles gleamed brilliantly under the sun, instilling a sense of awe. The wide and solemn stone steps before the hall seemed to carry the profound weight of history with every footstep.

A massive plaque hung above the hall doors, inscribed with three large, shimmering golden characters: "Hall of Jade Splendor." The vigorous and powerful calligraphy emanated an inviolable dignity.

The doors were carved with lifelike dragon and phoenix patterns, as if guarding this sacred domain.

The area before the hall was heavily guarded. Several armored guards stood on either side, holding long spears and wearing sharp swords at their waists. Their expressions were stern, and their gazes were like torches. Their armor reflected a cold metallic sheen under the sunlight, casting an invisible aura of deterrence.

Clearly, the cultivation of these guards was far superior to those stationed at the outer gates.

"Pavilion Master Qin of the Myriad Treasures Pavilion has arrived!"

The guard outside the doors shouted loudly, and then slowly pushed open the doors of the grand hall...

Jiang Hao and Qin Jiangtang stepped into the hall. The first thing that met their eyes was a towering dragon throne standing in the center of the hall, emanating an extraordinary aura.

The back of the dragon throne was tall, carved with lifelike dragon shapes that shimmered mysteriously under the ambient light. An opulent carpet woven with intricate, exquisite, and soft patterns was spread beneath the throne.

At this moment, Her Majesty Queen Nangong Xue sat regally upon the dragon throne, resembling a noble goddess.

Nangong Xue was attired in a magnificent imperial robe of a deep purple hue, embroidered with golden dragons that appeared so lifelike they seemed to swim across the fabric. The wide cuffs of the robe were trimmed with gorgeous golden threads, swaying gently with her movements like rippling waves.

Upon her head rested an exquisite crown inlaid with dazzling gemstones, radiating a multicolored brilliance as dazzling as the stars.

Beneath the crown, Nangong Xue's long hair cascaded like a waterfall, draping softly over her shoulders and contrasting with her fair skin to make her appear even more breathtaking.

Seated upon the dragon throne with her hands resting gently upon her lap, the ring on her finger glinting faintly, Nangong Xue maintained a noble and poised demeanor. Her eyes, bright as stars, emitted an aura of supreme authority.

She lifted her chin slightly, the corners of her lips curving upward as she looked down upon the grand hall, her gaze carrying an unquestionable majesty.

Standing beside Nangong Xue was a young military commander holding a sharp sword. Clad in black armor, he looked like a shadow cast by the night.

The young commander's gaze was as sharp as a blade, scanning the surroundings so thoroughly that not a single detail could escape his notice. Those deep eyes revealed unwavering steadfastness and loyalty.

"Qin Jiangtang pays his respects to Her Majesty the Queen!" Inside the hall, Qin Jiangtang took the lead, stepping forward to bow slightly toward Nangong Xue upon the dragon throne.

Amidst this solemn atmosphere, Nangong Xue radiated an irresistible presence that naturally inspired reverence.

"Pavilion Master Qin, you may rise," Nangong Xue gestured.

"To think a female monarch could possess such formidable aura!" Jiang Hao thought in astonishment, and quickly imitating Qin Jiangtang, he bowed respectfully and said, "Jiang Hao pays his respects to Her Majesty the Queen!"

"Upon seeing you today, Young Master Jiang is indeed extraordinary! You are truly deserving of the boundless praise Pavilion Master Qin has bestowed upon his prospective son-in-law!" Nangong Xue smiled.

"Your Majesty flatters me too much," Jiang Hao replied respectfully with cupped hands.

"Hehe. With merely the cultivation of the early Spirit Spring Realm, Young Master Jiang managed to cripple the heir of the Northern Suppression Prince's Estate right under Han Yuancheng's nose. Such strength is not something just anyone possesses!"

"How could this monarch possibly be flattering Young Master Jiang?" Nangong Xue chuckled softly, her gaze lingering fixedly on Jiang Hao.

"So Senior told Her Majesty about all of that?" Hearing this, Jiang Hao shot a glance at Qin Jiangtang beside him.

Qin Jiangtang met his look with a glance that seemed to convey: "It couldn't be helped, my boy. This old man wanted to help you secure a few more cultivation resources in Dragon Gate Academy so I could report back to my precious daughter with a clear conscience."

In truth, during their journey hither, Qin Jiangtang had already sent a homing pigeon ahead, briefing Nangong Xue on Jiang Hao's exploits in advance.

"Might I ask under which master Young Master Jiang studied?" Nangong Xue asked softly.

Jiang Hao cupped his fists and replied, "Reporting to Her Majesty, before I set out on my travels, my master repeatedly warned me never to casually disclose my sect. I beg Her Majesty's forgiveness!"

"Since that is the case, this monarch will not force the issue," Nangong Xue said with a smile, as though she had anticipated Jiang Hao's response.

Immediately afterward, Nangong Xue raised a hand and gestured to the young commander beside her, "Commander Zhang, make a personal trip and escort Young Master Jiang to report at Dragon Gate Academy."

"Furthermore, once you reach the academy, inform Vice Headmaster Sun to arrange the finest cultivation dwelling for Young Master Jiang."

"Your subordinate obeys!" The black-armored Commander Zhang stepped forward swiftly and replied respectfully.

"You brat, why don't you thank Her Majesty?" Qin Jiangtang gave Jiang Hao a gentle nudge.

Seeing this, Jiang Hao hurriedly bowed and said sincerely, "Jiang Hao expresses his gratitude to Her Majesty the Queen!"

"Go." Nangong Xue waved her hand lightly.

"Young Master Jiang, please follow me," Commander Zhang stepped forward to lead the way.

"Then I shall trouble Commander Zhang to guide me." Jiang Hao cupped his fists in response, exchanged farewells with Qin Jiangtang, and quickly followed.

It was not until Jiang Hao and the commander had left the hall that Nangong Xue slowly rose from the dragon throne, turned to Qin Jiangtang, and said, "Pavilion Master Qin, please accompany me to the inner chamber for a chat. This monarch happens to have a matter requiring your assistance."

"This old man obeys," Qin Jiangtang responded respectfully.