Chapter 4652: Interests Pan’s father watched the Emperor depart, he looked like he wanted to say something but was holding back. He had a sinking feeling that the Emperor’s unexpected visit was not good. Just wait and see, he thought grimly. This time, they had inadvertently offended an Immortal, and the consequences could be dire, not just for the Emperor but potentially for the entire Pan family. “Master, the eldest Young Master is here,” the attendant announced from outside. Hearing this, Pan’s father glanced at the Emperor, the words “Your Majesty…” forming on his lips. “Let him in,” the Emperor said listlessly, sinking back into his chair. So Pan’s father went to open the door himself. Seeing his eldest son maneuvering his wheelchair into the room, he stepped forward to assist, pushing it slightly before closing the door behind them. “Greetings, Your Majesty,” Pan Hong said, bowing his head from his wheelchair. “No need,” the Emperor replied with a dismissive wave, his gaze fixed on Pan Hong. “What brings you here? Are you perhaps inviting me to join your dinner?” “Your Majesty.” Pan Hong’s expression was serious as he looked at the Emperor. “Your Majesty, what I am about to say may sound disrespectful, but I assure you it is entirely for your own benefit. I humbly beg your forgiveness in advance.” Hearing this, the Emperor’s expression shifted, a flicker of unease crossing his features. He remained silent for a moment before simply saying, “Speak.” “Yes.” Pan Hong took a breath and continued, “I believe the Emperor’s actions just now were… inappropriate. Those are Immortals, beings from the heavens above. Even as the ruler of our great nation, you cannot afford to offend such beings. Your Majesty is surely aware of the nature of immortals. If you were to anger even one of them, they possess the power to obliterate our entire empire in the blink of an eye.” Observing the Emperor’s increasingly tense demeanor, Pan Hong pressed on. “In the lands under Your Majesty’s rule, the arrival of Immortals at our imperial court is an immeasurable blessing, a stroke of fortune that cannot be sought or bought. Any monarch in the world, upon hearing such news, would undoubtedly bend over backwards to show goodwill and establish friendly relations. How can Your Majesty allow such a monumental blessing, such incredible good fortune, to be jeopardized by a moment of… confusion?” “Then, according to you, what should I do now?” The Emperor’s voice held a newfound urgency. The gravity and importance of the situation had finally sunk in, the haze of infatuation momentarily dispelled. He looked at Pan Hong expectantly. Pan Hong, confined to his wheelchair due to his paralyzed legs, had long since resigned from his official duties and now lived a quiet life at home. As a former court official, he technically should not have interfered in such matters. However, this situation concerned not only the Emperor but also the well-being of his own family, so he felt compelled to speak up and clearly lay out the potential consequences. Seeing that the Emperor was finally listening intently, a sliver of relief washed over him. “If Your Majesty heeds my advice, you should go and apologize in person immediately, and then return to the palace.” “Apologize?” The Emperor hesitated, a flicker of his royal pride surfacing. He was the supreme ruler of the land; how could he lower himself to apologize? “If Your Majesty feels that a personal apology is inappropriate, you could return to the palace first and then dispatch someone with generous gifts as a token of apology. My father and I will certainly speak well of Your Majesty to the Immortal and implore her forgiveness,” Pan Hong suggested again. Hearing this, the Emperor quickly agreed. “Alright, alright, we shall do as you say. I will return to the palace at once and send a lavish gift. You must both speak favorably of me to the immortal. I truly did not intend to cause any offense.” “Yes, Your Majesty,” Pan Hong replied. Seeing the Emperor’s cooperation, Pan’s father felt a wave of relief wash over him. He stepped forward. “Your Majesty, allow me to see you out.” “No need, no need. You go and keep the Immortal company! I can manage on my own.” He waved his hand dismissively, took a deep breath, and walked out of the room, escorted by his guards. Watching him leave, Pan’s father and Pan Hong exchanged a knowing glance and a small, hopeful smile.