Wu Zheng's Study
Wu Zheng lounged in his chair, swirling a cup of wine as he watched his mother, Empress Dowager Ahn Xi, seated across from him.
"Mother, I need to check on my people. I cannot remain in the palace, relying solely on reports from court officials. Seeing is believing." He took a sip before setting down his cup. "Now, tell me, why are you here?"
Ahn Xi reached for the wine bottle and drew it toward her. After uncorking it, she inhaled its aroma appreciatively. "Hmm. A fine wine."
She poured herself a cup and took a leisurely sip before speaking.
"It is time for you to take an Empress, Zheng Zheng. I need to retire and see the world while I still can. A grand banquet will be held to find the woman destined to stand beside you."
She lifted her gaze and froze.
Her cold, emotionless son was smiling.
A rare sight.
Narrowing her eyes in disbelief, she asked, "Is this really my Zheng Zheng?"
Wu Zheng's smile vanished, replaced by his usual icy expression. "What makes you say that?"
Ahn Xi smirked over the rim of her cup. "You smiled. You never smile."
He leaned back, idly tapping his fingers against the cup. "Oh? I met her."
Her eyes gleamed with curiosity. "Who?"
"The Empress." His tone was calm, yet certain.
Ahn Xi raised an eyebrow. "You have found yourself a wife?"
Wu Zheng's lips curled into a smirk. "Mother, I have found the Empress. Proceed with the banquet preparations. I will choose her before everyone. What do you think?"
Ahn Xi studied him carefully. Her son was not one to make idle claims. Whoever this woman was, she had managed to capture his interest.
And that was dangerous.
The Emperor's Study: A Silent Command
Wu Zheng sat at his desk, writing a letter with precise, commanding strokes. His trusted bodyguard, Xian Ye, entered and knelt before him.
"Your Majesty, we have traced the assassination attempt to Prince Ye Manor. We also recovered a letter from one of the assassins confirming their involvement."
He presented the evidence.
Wu Zheng examined its contents, a cold smirk appearing on his lips.
Xian Ye felt a chill creep down his spine as the atmosphere in the study grew oppressive.
Then came a single command.
"Erase them."
Xian Ye bowed and left immediately to carry out the order.
Wu Zheng returned to his letter, completing it before summoning a guard.
"Deliver this to the Retired Emperor."
The guard bowed and departed with the message.
Leaning back in his chair, Wu Zheng briefly closed his eyes.
Tomorrow would be an interesting day.
Morning: Lin Xue's Courtyard
Sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating Lin Xue's delicate features. She stirred beneath her covers, stretched lazily, and yawned.
"Mmm... What time is it?" she murmured, rubbing her eyes before calling for her maids.
The pink maid entered first. "Young Miss, I will prepare a hot bath for you."
She hurried away to draw the water.
"I will fetch your breakfast from the kitchen," the blue maid offered, leaving with the purple maid close behind.
Only Xu An, the yellow maid, remained beside the bed.
Lin Xue glanced at her sleepily. "Did I wake up early today?"
Xu An hesitated. "Young Miss... it is already afternoon."
"What?!"
Lin Xue shot upright, her drowsiness disappearing instantly. "The man! I need to meet him!"
Before Xu An could respond, she dashed out of the room, scaled the courtyard wall, and landed effortlessly on the other side.
"Young Miss, wait!" Xu An cried, rushing after her.
Lin Xue stopped long enough to glance back. "Do not follow me. Just pretend I am still in my room. If Grandfather finds out, you will all be in trouble."
Xu An hesitated before finally nodding and returning to her duties.
Satisfied that she had escaped unnoticed, Lin Xue hurried toward the forest.
The Forest: A Stolen Breath
Lin Xue hurried between the trees, her heart racing with anticipation.
Then she saw him.
Wu Zheng.
Her breath caught as sunlight illuminated his tall figure. His black robes stirred in the breeze, and his long hair flowed over his shoulders like silk. His chiseled features and piercing eyes made him seem almost unreal.
He was beautiful, like a star that had descended from the heavens.
For a moment, Lin Xue could only stare.
Warmth crept into her cheeks as she bit her lip to suppress a giggle.
I'm so lucky, she thought. How did I end up with such a handsome husband?
Her heart fluttered as she gazed at him, a shy smile tugging at her lips.