Chapter 896: Faith in the Ancestor Grants Eternal Life

Zuan cupped his hands and said, "I am injured, so I shall take my leave now."

At the same time, he secretly used vital energy to transmit a comforting message to Bi Linglong: "Don't panic; I've got everything under control."

Though she had no idea what he could possibly do in this situation, her heart instantly settled. After witnessing him repeatedly turn the impossible into reality within the secret realm, Bi Linglong replied, "In that case, we won't detain Sir Zu. Please go back and rest well."

After speaking, she called in the young eunuchs from outside and also sent several people to help carry the medicinal herbs and other gifts back with him.

The Empress immediately felt relieved, presuming Bi Linglong was simply shy. While she herself didn't view Zuan as an outsider, she understood that a young lady might feel awkward discussing such matters in front of other men.

Zuan, for his part, was quite perceptive and tactful, knowing when to excuse himself.

After Zuan left, the Empress smiled and said to Bi Linglong, "Don't worry, just let the nannies examine you. It's only a formality."

She didn't believe Bi Linglong would do anything to tarnish the royal reputation. After all, everyone had witnessed her impeccable conduct over the years; she was clearly a refined lady from a distinguished family, a perfect candidate for Crown Princess, and had never put a foot wrong.

Secretly, she chastised the Emperor, thinking his actions were truly absurd and his personality excessively suspicious.

"Hmm, it seems I must be extremely careful when interacting with Zuan in the future."

Bi Linglong forced a smile. Naturally, she dared not refuse again, lest she arouse suspicion, so she said, "Does Your Majesty wish to see the Crown Prince first?"

The Empress had just mentioned the purpose of her visit, so delaying a bit like this wouldn't make her suspicious.

The Empress nodded. "Yes, I should indeed see him. That plump boy must have been terrified this time, wasn't he?"

He was her biological nephew, so such a form of address was not inappropriate.

Bi Linglong replied, "The Crown Prince was indeed greatly frightened and sustained many injuries. He was still wailing in pain when the imperial physician applied medicine to him just now."

In her mind, she couldn't help but recall how Zuan, covered in blood, had fought against Zhao Hao's spirit clone and against Xu Fu. *That* was a true man, a great hero, utterly unlike the Crown Prince...

"That brat wailing so loudly means it's nothing serious," the Empress chuckled, evidently very familiar with the Crown Prince's disposition.

As they spoke, they arrived at the Crown Prince's chambers. He was currently hunched over with two young eunuchs, playing with crickets. However, feeling someone approach, he immediately leaped back into bed, sticking his rear out and moaning dramatically.

Bi Linglong: "..."

The Empress: "..."

Seeing his "burying his head in the sand" act, the Empress was equally speechless. However, it was not appropriate to expose him in front of the servants, so she simply sat by the bed and offered her condolences.

"Auntie," Zhao Ruizhi began to whine affectionately. Although he was usually somewhat simple-minded, he still possessed such instincts.

"No manners. In the palace, you must address me as Her Majesty the Empress," the Empress said, though without the slightest hint of anger.

Bi Linglong, standing by, heard the Empress ask a string of seemingly casual questions and immediately understood that she was using the opportunity to inquire about what had happened in the secret realm.

Unfortunately, Zhao Ruizhi was a complete simpleton. Furthermore, his body had been taken over by the Emperor's spirit clone midway through their time in the secret realm. Consequently, he knew nothing about many things, which only left the Empress utterly bewildered.

Seeing that she couldn't get any information, the Empress gave up, thinking she would find an opportune moment to ask Zuan.

After instructing the eunuchs and palace maids to take good care of the Crown Prince, she rose to leave. Once outside the room, the Empress stared intently at Bi Linglong.

Bi Linglong knew there was no avoiding it, so she shyly said, "Please, two nannies, come into the room with me."

The Empress nodded, signaling the two nannies to follow Bi Linglong in. It was naturally inconvenient for her to enter for such a matter; she would simply wait outside for news.

Once inside the bedroom, Bi Linglong tried to stall for time but was interrupted by the two nannies.

"Crown Princess, please be quick. It will be easier for us to report once our task is done," one nanny urged.

"Take off your clothes."

Bi Linglong cursed inwardly. No wonder the young palace maids and eunuchs feared these old nannies the most; they were all fierce and ill-tempered.

Unfortunately, she had no choice but to slowly begin removing her clothes.

Countless thoughts flashed through her mind. Should she pretend to faint from an internal injury, or should she simply kill these two old nannies to silence them?

Unfortunately, either method would lead to a host of dire consequences, and she would still be at a dead end.

When she had stripped down to only her intimate undergarments, one old nanny chuckled:

"The Crown Princess's skin is truly beautiful—so fair and soft, like tofu."

"This slender waist, this shapely rear—you will surely bear a prince in the future!"

"Crown Princess, just sit there and spread your legs."

These old nannies, at their age, had very vulgar tastes. Their special status in the palace meant they didn't need to fear the Crown Princess, so they joked back and forth like common market women.

Bi Linglong was both ashamed and furious, wishing she could slap them both to make them shut up.

At the same time, she silently fumed at Zuan, who had just told her not to worry. But now that things had come to this, where was he?

As she sat on the bed, the two old nannies bent and squatted on the floor, moving closer to her. A hint of murderous intent flashed in Bi Linglong's eyes, and she quietly channeled vital energy into her palm. At this point, she could only take a risk.

Just then, the bed board beside her suddenly lifted, a dark figure shot out, and the two old nannies immediately collapsed.

"Ah!" Bi Linglong gasped instinctively. She had never expected someone to emerge from under the bed!

However, once she recognized Zuan, she quickly covered her mouth.

But it was too late. From outside, the Empress's bewildered voice came: "What happened?"

"Nothing, it just hurt a little," Bi Linglong quickly replied, reacting swiftly.

"Oh," the Empress did not suspect anything. Instead, she reprimanded the other two nannies, "Nanny Du, Nanny Wang, be gentler. Linglong's body is precious; she cannot endure your rough handling."

"Yes, yes, yes," Zuan replied indistinctly, pinching his voice.

Bi Linglong was both surprised and delighted. "Ah Zu, how did you get here?"

Then she noticed his eyes staring directly at her. Only then did she realize she was wearing only her most intimate undergarments, with large areas of her skin exposed.