really.

When the Grand Tutor rushed into the palace, the rain outside was getting heavier and heavier, with large raindrops pounding down as if to drown the whole world.

At this moment, Xuanming stood quietly at the palace gate, gripping a sharp longsword tightly in his hand.

The palace servants around them all knelt down, not daring to utter a sound.

The rain grew heavier and heavier, and every now and then a few dazzling flashes of lightning would rip through the sky, illuminating Xuan Ming's tall and upright figure.

He wore a magnificent black and gold dragon robe, exuding a suffocating aura of supreme authority that made people dare not look him in the eye.

“Unless Your Highness kills me and steps over my dead body, as long as I live, I will never let Your Highness risk your life alone.” Shadow knelt on the wet ground, pale-faced and looking slightly disheveled, head bowed, and said firmly.

Because the rain was so loud, he was completely focused on the person in front of him and did not notice the arrival of the Grand Tutor at all.

Are you threatening me?

Xuanming turned slightly to the side and stood in front of the shadow, one hand behind his back and the other holding the gleaming sword steadily.

Upon hearing Shadow's words, his eyes instantly turned icy cold, and the blade in his hand moved even closer, almost touching Shadow's throat.

"Your Highness, I dare not threaten you." Shadow felt the chill and anger emanating from Xuanming and couldn't help but shiver.

As a trusted confidant who had grown up with His Highness since childhood, he knew what it meant for His Highness to refer to himself as "I" – it meant that His Highness was truly angry, and extremely angry at that.

"I think you're too daring."

The shadow continued, repeating, "This subordinate dares not."

"Hmph, since you don't dare, why don't you step aside?" Xuanming's voice grew even colder.

Upon hearing Xuanming's words, Shadow's body trembled involuntarily, but he resolutely straightened up and knelt on the spot as still as a rock.

Xuanming was indeed angry.

I'm angry that he doesn't understand me.

Every extra day he lives is a bonus; every extra benefit he can bring to the people of Xuancang is also a bonus.

Therefore, he hoped that his shadow could understand him.

Xuanming was furious.

He's just taking advantage of the fact that he doesn't dare to kill him.

Xuanming was furious at his stubbornness, so he raised his foot and kicked the shadow to the ground.

The shadow took a deep breath and crawled back to its original spot, kneeling upright.

Xuanming turned his head with a gloomy expression, only to find that the Grand Tutor was standing quietly not far away, waiting for him.

I hadn't noticed the pillar over there until now, and I have no idea how long the Grand Tutor has been here.

Xuanming couldn't help but roar angrily, "Grand Tutor, if you came here to persuade me, then you can leave now. Men, escort the Grand Tutor back to his residence and arrange a stable carriage."

Upon hearing Xuanming's order, the palace servants kneeling nearby hurriedly stood up and prepared to go find the carriage.

However, the Grand Tutor raised his hand to signal them to stop, and then answered in a loud and firm voice, "This old minister has not come to persuade Your Highness, but to inquire about the preparations for the wedding banquet. My daughter is really eager to get married, alas, daughters are indeed hard to keep at home once they grow up."

Upon hearing these words, Xuanming's body stiffened abruptly.

He took a deep breath, trying to control his emotions, and slowly said, "Grand Tutor, the floods are severe and the people are suffering. I hope you can understand my predicament. I really cannot spare the time to personally prepare for the wedding. But please rest assured, the Ministry of Rites will handle all matters properly and ensure everything goes smoothly."

Grand Tutor walked over slowly, and Xuanming then noticed that Grand Tutor was soaked to the bone.

He quickly threw down the sword in his hand and ordered Yingzhu, who was kneeling next to the shadow, "Quickly prepare hot water and take the Grand Tutor to the side hall to change into clean clothes... Speaking of which, Muzhi left me a few sets of clothes. They were specially prepared for the Grand Tutor in the palace. She made them herself and originally wanted to give him a surprise, but I didn't expect them to come in handy now."

After saying that, he said to the shadow who was still kneeling on the ground with his head down, "Go and tidy up and prepare some tea."

Then, Xuanming turned and walked into the hall.

"Grand Tutor, it was I who caused you such a fright today." Xuanming handed the ginger soup to the Grand Tutor himself and bowed to admit his mistake.

The Grand Tutor deliberately didn't answer, stroked his beard, and looked at the young man in front of him. This young emperor, whom he had personally nurtured, was resourceful and strategic, but since falling ill, he was prone to losing his temper when it came to matters concerning the people.

"Hey, sit down." The Grand Tutor couldn't bear to punish him after all, so he took the ginger soup and gestured for him to sit down.

"When Zhi'er heard that you were leaving the palace to go to the refugee area, she ran to my study in the pouring rain and insisted on coming to the palace with me. I told her that if I couldn't stop her, I should send someone to tell her and then bring her into the palace." The Grand Tutor took a couple of sips of ginger soup before slowly speaking.

Xuanming was startled and was about to speak when the Grand Tutor raised his hand to stop him. "When I came, I already told her to go back to her room and change into clean clothes. Your Highness need not worry. However, I do ask Your Highness to reconsider. There may be something fishy about this matter."

Following that, the Grand Tutor shared his insights.

Xuanming fell into deep thought after listening.

This time, the Grand Tutor did not rush to persuade him again, but slowly picked up the ginger soup and continued to savor it.

He lowered his head, his loving and joyful gaze carefully examining the clothes he was wearing.

This garment is no ordinary piece; it was made by his beloved daughter herself.

Even if others don't understand, how could a father not know his daughter's feelings?

Mu Zhi was worried that he would strongly oppose her marriage with Xuan Ming, so she specially made these outfits to please him.

This girl...

Xuanming looked at the Grand Tutor with some doubt, his tone tinged with uncertainty: "Then, according to what the Grand Tutor says, I have to stay in the palace for now?"

The Grand Tutor nodded, but quickly shook his head, a smile appearing on his face. He suddenly said in a low voice, "No, you still have to go to the disaster area, and you have to go there openly and honestly."

Xuanming raised his eyebrows slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

He said softly, "Nothing can be hidden from the Grand Tutor."

Xuanming understood the deeper meaning in the Grand Tutor's words.

Since he fell ill, he has been preparing body doubles who look exactly like him.

He worried that if he were to suddenly fall ill and die one day, the Grand Tutor and those loyal old ministers would not be thrown into a state of panic.

All of this is to ensure the stability and peace of the Xuancang Continent.

"I never expected that such a person would appear in my Xuancang Continent."

“I don’t have conclusive evidence either. Right now, we’re just taking precautions. I understand your desire to go to the disaster area to understand the people’s situation, but there are more important matters at hand, matters concerning the life and death of the Xuancang Continent. We cannot be careless,” the Grand Tutor added.

Xuanming rose and bowed, "Thank you for your instruction, Grand Tutor."

Seeing that Xuanming's emotions had stabilized, the Grand Tutor said no more. "Alright, I'll go back and check on Zhi'er. That girl must be worried sick."