Chapter 41: The Appearance of Baozhen, Returning in Total Triumph

Inside the Imperial Library, dust hung like a translucent veil, casting an air of mystery over the ancient tomes.

He Yunsheng and I scurried about like a pair of industrious little bees, weaving between the towering bookshelves, eager to turn every single volume upside down.

Yet, after searching for ages, let alone any trace of treasure, we hadn't even found a single copper coin. It was terribly exasperating!

Suddenly, with a sharp "bang," the heavy door behind us slammed shut by itself!

The library was instantly plunged into pitch darkness, so absolute that we could not see our own hands in front of our faces.

Startled by this sudden turn of events, I instinctively grabbed He Yunsheng's arm. A chill crept down my spine, feeling as though someone was breathing cold air against my neck.

In the gloom, shadowy figures shifted and flickered, lunging toward us like phantoms.

I was so terrified I almost screamed, managing just in time to clap a hand over my mouth.

True to his martial training, He Yunsheng instantly drew his sword, slashing through the darkness and standing before me like a guardian deity.

However, those shadows seemed to possess no physical form; He Yunsheng's blade sliced right through them to no effect.

The shadows multiplied, growing ever more ferocious. We were like rats trapped in a cage, with nowhere to run.

Just as despair began to take hold, I suddenly recalled the enigmatic old man I had encountered earlier in the imperial garden.

He had rambled on and on with a string of riddles concerning some hidden treasure. At the time, I had dismissed him as a senile eccentric, but now, reflecting upon his words, perhaps...

"Yunsheng, wait!" I gripped He Yunsheng's hand abruptly. "I think I know what to do..."

The rambling old man's words flashed vividly in my mind: What was it he said? "When the dragon raises its head, when the phoenix nods its crest, gold and silver riches wander the mountain's breast"?

Back then, I thought his wits had completely unraveled, but now, upon reflection, perhaps...

Wait!

The dragon raises its head, the phoenix nods its crest...

There actually seemed to be such a place within the Imperial Library!

Hastily pulling He Yunsheng along, I felt my way forward guided purely by instinct.

Sure enough, near the very top of the bookshelves, there were two exquisitely carved dragon and phoenix heads.

With cautious hesitation, I pressed the dragon head. A sharp mechanical click echoed, and the floor beneath our feet began to shudder, frightening me into hugging He Yunsheng tightly.

"Wan'er, what is it?!" he asked anxiously, his voice tense.

Swallowing hard, I pointed toward a concealed door that had suddenly materialized in the wall. "It seems... something is happening!"

We stepped inside with bated breath, and our field of vision instantly expanded.

This was no mere chamber of riches, but a vast and expansive study!

The shelves were lined with an overwhelming array of ancient volumes that dazzled the eye.

"This... this is the true Imperial Library?" He Yunsheng stammered, his jaw nearly dropping to the floor.

As I glanced around, my gaze suddenly locked onto a single volume resting at the very center of the shelves.

Unlike the others, its cover was plain and unadorned, yet it emanated an inexplicable aura of mystery.

I walked over and gently lifted the book.

Flipping open the first page, I found only a single sentence inscribed within: "The strategies to govern the state and pacify the realm are contained entirely herein."

A tremor ran through my heart. Could this... could this be the legendary treasure?!

At that moment, the doors of the library swung open once more, and the Emperor strode in, flanked by a retinue of attendants.

Catching sight of the book in my hands, tears of elation welled in his eyes. "I have finally found it! Blessings of our imperial ancestors!"

As it turned out, this was no hoard of gold and silver, but an ancient treatise recording the profound arts of statecraft and national governance!

It was infinitely more precious than any material wealth!

Overjoyed, the Emperor immediately decreed me the Inspector of Imperial Treasures and bestowed upon me countless gems and gold.

As for He Yunsheng, he too was richly rewarded.

Gazing upon the mountains of accumulated gold and silver, my heart blossomed with joy.

Not only had I managed to preserve my life, but I had also become the wealthiest maid in the entire palace!

He Yunsheng and I exchanged a knowing smile; all was understood without a word.

Yet, not long after we began to savor this hard-earned tranquility...

Someone delivered a mysterious letter...