He was rarely like this. In the past, even when his emotions ran as strong as wine, he kept them hidden, like a fine vintage, long-lasting and leaving a lingering fragrance.
He had never erupted like a volcano before, and this was quite unsettling for her.
His tall frame quickened his steps, moving forward to take her hand. Qingyao turned and gracefully sidestepped, evading his grasp.
The current him was somewhat unfathomable. Although still as handsome and imposing as ever, there was something different, a subtle shift from before.
She found it difficult to accept him in this state. Had she, after being with Yin Xuan for so long, grown to prefer the unrestrained elegance of Yin Xuan, creating a distance from Liu Zun?
Qingyao speculated, moving towards the side of the grand hall without a word.
Murong Liu Zun’s pupils casually swept over his empty hand. His gaze darkened, but he said nothing. He walked to the high seat and sat down. Following this, a hearty laugh rang out, his voice, warm like ancient jade, resonating.
“Yao’er, as soon as I heard someone report your return, I was overjoyed.”
“Your Majesty is too kind,” Qingyao replied faintly, her clear, bright eyes gazing meaningfully at the man on the throne, whose eyebrows were as beautiful as blooming flowers. His smile was radiant and striking. He hadn't been one to smile much in the past, and even when he did, it was always restrained and composed…
Once the man on the throne was seated, everyone in the hall knelt in unison, respectfully exclaiming, “Greetings, Your Majesty.”
“Rise, everyone,” Emperor Xian said with a wave of his hand, his voice powerful and decisive, echoing throughout the hall with its steady, firm tone.
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
The crowd rose and stepped aside. Little Yu’er gazed at Emperor Xian, seated on the high throne. For some reason, she couldn’t bring herself to feel close to him. What was wrong with her? Father Emperor had always doted on her, often spinning her around in his arms or lifting her high above his head.
Yet, now she felt no inclination to approach him. However, she would not forget the proper etiquette. She stepped forward and bowed respectfully, “Little Yu’er greets Father Emperor.”
“Rise, Little Yu’er. You have returned too. Father Emperor is truly happy.”
The Emperor seemed genuinely delighted, which prevented Qingyao, who had been secretly observing him, from discerning anything.
Prince Nan’an was imprisoned in the great jail, yet the Emperor seemed entirely unaware.
Was this man simply a good actor, or was she overthinking things? In any case, the current Emperor, despite having the exact same face and the same commanding aura, gave her a subtly altered feeling.
As Qingyao was lost in thought, Little Yu’er thanked the Emperor and stood to the side, showing none of her usual playful affection towards the Emperor.
The hall fell silent. Qingyao snapped back to attention, her cool voice breaking the stillness.
“You may all withdraw.”
“Yes, Your Highness,” everyone retreated, and Mo Chou led Little Yu’er away.
In the empty hall, the man’s gaze was fixed on Qingyao, fervent and dark. Qingyao calmly avoided his gaze and slowly spoke, “Your Majesty, why did you imprison Prince Nan’an? Did he commit an unforgivable crime?”
Murong Liu Zun laughed softly, his eyebrows as warm as a spring breeze.
“Yao’er, you worry too much. I merely wanted you to return to the capital. Now that you are back, I will have him released immediately. However, to avoid any excessive talk from the court officials, Prince Nan’an will stay at his residence for a temporary period of confinement.”
Qingyao’s eyebrows arched slightly. She understood the Emperor’s meaning – Prince Nan’an was under house arrest.
Although dissatisfied with the Emperor’s actions, she did not wish to argue with him on this matter upon her return.
Moreover, she felt that the Emperor had indeed changed in some way, and she was determined to investigate why, and where the deviation had occurred, or if it was merely her own perception.
“It is good that Prince Nan’an is unharmed.”
“Yao’er,” Emperor Xian descended from his throne, walking towards Qingyao step by step. His dark pupils sparkled with fire, and his thin lips curved into a smile. His voice was so soft it seemed to stir a pool of deep affection.
As he drew closer, his long hand reached out to touch Qingyao’s cheek. Qingyao suddenly stood, causing his hand to miss its mark. She spoke as if casually, “Your Majesty, I am tired and wish to retire early.”
“Very well,” Murong Liu Zun said upon hearing her words, naturally withdrawing his hand.
A fleeting glint of coldness flashed in his eyes, followed by a gentle tone. He shifted his body, preparing to leave, but not forgetting to offer Qingyao a thoughtful reminder.
“Yao’er, now that you have returned, you are the Empress of Da Xian. In the unification of the Seven Kingdoms, you made invaluable contributions to forging this magnificent empire. Henceforth, this empire shall be shared by you and me.”
Having spoken these bold and commanding words, he turned and strode away. Qingyao looked after him, only able to see his tall, erect back, bathed in golden light, as it slowly disappeared.
Outside the hall doors, the eunuch Ah Jiu’s voice soon rang out, “Your Majesty is returning to the palace.”
“Farewell, Your Majesty.”
After the Emperor departed, Little Yu’er rushed in from outside, followed closely by Mo Chou, Bing Xiao, Shen Yu, and Ming Yue.
The eunuchs and maids of Feng Luan Palace dared not intrude without the Empress’s summons.
In the grand hall, Little Yu’er rushed to Qingyao’s side, her expression grave as she spoke.
“Mother, Father Emperor seems to have changed. He’s different.”
Upon hearing Little Yu’er’s unrestrained words, Mo Chou quickly stopped her, “Princess, you must not speak carelessly in the palace, do you understand?”
Bing Xiao also nodded in agreement, “Mistress is still the same Mistress, there’s no change.”
Shen Yu and Ming Yue offered no opinions, as they were not familiar with the Emperor. Little Yu’er, seeing that no one agreed with her, pouted in dissatisfaction, “Mother, I don’t like it here.”
Qingyao looked at Little Yu’er, surprised that the girl was reacting this way, as she had always eagerly wished to enter the palace.
It seemed her father Emperor had disappointed her. Even she felt a sense of unease upon their return.
In Wuxing Valley, she had been eager to see Liu Zun, but now that she had finally met him, that urgency had dissipated. Looking at him, she felt a disconnect.
“Alright, Little Yu’er, no more complaining. Mother is tired and wishes to rest.”
The main point was a tired heart, for she felt something was different within the palace. That thought flashed fleetingly, yet she could grasp nothing concrete.
“Okay.”
Little Yu’er immediately nodded obediently. Qingyao stood up, preparing to enter the sleeping quarters for a rest. Since she was here, she would make the best of it. After all, she was back, and there was no rush to sort things out immediately.
Just then, a young eunuch ran in from outside the hall doors and reported respectfully, “Reporting to Your Highness, Princess Xing Zhu requests an audience.”
“Xing Zhu?” Qingyao’s eyes lit up. How could she have forgotten Xing Zhu? She had remained in the palace all along. If the Emperor truly had undergone some change, she would be the first to know. Qingyao immediately waved her hand, signaling, “Have her enter.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
The young eunuch retreated, and soon, a graceful figure appeared at the hall entrance. Xing Zhu, dressed in a pale pink silk gown, was even more charming than before.