Xue Wenjie’s gaze turned cold, "I asked you to find a solution, why are you mentioning this person?"
He still remembered her. She was a pedantic woman. Back then, he was young and would often tease women he found attractive. Yet, in front of her, he had experienced an indelible shadow that would haunt him his entire life.
Jin Ming stepped forward and whispered, "Your Highness, I have received word that the Empress is also sending people to search for this individual."
"Why are they looking for her? She's merely a woman."
Jin Ming chuckled, "Your Highness, you've forgotten. The Grand Tutor's younger brother is General Gu Shaohan, who guards Xiling Pass."
Upon hearing this, Xue Wenjie let out a low, cold laugh. "I truly hadn't considered this. It seems that timid girl from back then has truly grown. Her ambition has been rapidly swelling in her heart, and this is not a good omen for me."
"Do you know where Gu Yungge is?" Xue Wenjie asked.
Jin Ming smiled, his smile carrying a hint of malice. "If I didn't know, I wouldn't have mentioned her to Your Highness."
A sinister smile curled up Xue Wenjie's lips. "Where is she? I wish to meet this woman."
As evening descended, Xue Zining finally awaited Hua Yunjin’s return.
"Your servant pays his respects to Your Majesty," Hua Yunjin began to kneel.
Xue Zining quickly stepped forward to support him. "Yunjin, there is no one else here. You do not need to formalize your greeting with me."
Hua Yunjin’s heart skipped a beat, and he lowered his gaze. "Your Majesty, etiquette must be observed."
Seeing Hua Yunjin’s insistence on performing the ritual, Xue Zining allowed him to complete his bow before stepping forward to help him up. She then scrutinized him. "Has Xue Wenjie troubled you?"
"Your Majesty, please rest assured. Even if I were a prisoner, I am still the head of the hundred officials. They would not dare to trouble me."
Xue Zining breathed a sigh of relief. "That is good."
"Your Majesty, you were too rash today," Hua Yunjin said, looking up. His eyes held an emotion she couldn't decipher.
"I know, but I could not wait any longer. Yunjin, you know that the number of people I can trust is extremely small. I cannot let you suffer any harm."
The maiden’s gaze was clear and bright, like the bright moon in the sky, radiant and dazzling.
Hua Yunjin felt his heart race. He turned his face away. "Your Majesty, your rescue of me today will make the Regent King even more wary of you. He may have already taken action."
Upon hearing this, Xue Zining stepped forward. Hua Yunjin saw an unprecedented determination on the maiden's fair face. Her red lips parted, and she spoke with solemnity, "If I cannot even protect the person I wish to protect, what is the meaning of my reign as Empress?"
"Your Majesty…"
"Yunjin, I don't just want this wasteland to completely belong to me. I also want those around me to remain by my side forever. These are the requirements for me to stand in this high position, and the determination with which I strive. Do you understand?"
Hua Yunjin trembled and knelt on one knee. "Your servant…"
"Yunjin, you are the person I wish to protect. No matter what difficulties or dangers we face, I will never abandon you, unless I die." Da Feng Novel Network
Hua Yunjin felt his heart pounding, as if something was breaking through the earth.
All his emotions converged into this single sentence, "Your servant, Hua Yunjin, belongs to Your Majesty forever…"
Xue Zining smiled. "That won't do. Your future Prime Minister’s wife will come looking for me to settle the score. I only need your loyalty."
Hua Yunjin blinked slightly, then looked up to see the maiden's bright and pure smile. He lowered his eyes, concealing the emotions he could no longer hide. In this life, Hua Yunjin belongs only to you.