As it happened, just as Zhou Junlin was leaving the Imperial Garden, he ran into King Qing, Zhou Cangyan.
"Imperial Uncle." Zhou Junlin bowed to him.
"Mm."
Zhou Cangyan had returned to Ling'an City at the age of twenty. Though only two years Zhou Junlin's senior, his cold, composed, and battle-hardened aura was something a pampered prince like Zhou Junlin could never match. He carried an innate air of intimidating authority.
He didn't leave right away, instead looking his nephew up and down.
The scrutiny made Zhou Junlin squirm. That, and the fact that a certain part of him was still throbbing with pain. Steeling himself, he asked, "Has Imperial Uncle come to the palace to visit the Empress?"
"The Empress summoned me."
"I see."
