CHAPTER Five- THE EMPRESS.

Wu Zheng's Study

Wu Zheng lounged in his chair, swirling a cup of wine lazily. His sharp gaze remained on his mother, Empress Dowager Ahn Xi, who sat across from him.

"Mother, I need to check on my people. I can't just sit in the palace, relying on reports from court officials. Seeing is believing." He took a sip of his wine, savoring the taste. "Now, tell me—why are you here?"

Ahn Xi reached for the wine bottle, dragging it toward her. She uncorked it and took a whiff. "Hmm. A fine wine." Pouring herself a cup, she took a slow sip before finally speaking.

"It's time for you to take an Empress, Zheng Zheng. I need to retire. A grand banquet will be held to find the woman destined to stand beside you. I want to see the world while I still can."

She lifted her gaze and froze.

Her cold, emotionless son was smiling.

A rare sight.

Shocked, she narrowed her eyes. "Is this really my Zheng Zheng?"

Wu Zheng's expression darkened instantly, his usual icy demeanor returning. "What made you say that?"

Ahn Xi smirked, raising her cup. "You smiled. You never smile."

Wu Zheng leaned back, his fingers idly tapping the rim of his cup. "Oh? I met her."

Her eyes gleamed with curiosity. "Who?"

"The Empress." His tone was calm yet certain.

Ahn Xi arched an eyebrow. "You found a wife?"

Wu Zheng's lips curled into a smirk as he tilted his cup slightly. "Mother, I found the Empress. Go ahead with the banquet preparations—I'll choose her in front of everyone. What do you think?"

Ahn Xi observed her son carefully. He was never one to make idle claims. Whoever she was, she had piqued his interest.

And that was dangerous.

---

The Emperor's Study – A Silent Command

Wu Zheng sat at his desk, penning a letter. His calligraphy was precise, each stroke sharp and commanding.

His trusted bodyguard, Xian Ye, entered the room and knelt. "Your Majesty, the assassination attempt was traced back to Prince Ye Manor. A letter was found on one of the assassin's bodies confirming their involvement."

He extended the letter to Wu Zheng, who took it without a word. As his eyes skimmed over the content, a cold smirk ghosted his lips.

Xian Ye felt a chill creep down his spine. The air in the study thickened, suffocating and heavy.

Then came a single command.

"Erase them."

Xian Ye bowed and swiftly left to carry out the order.

Without hesitation, Wu Zheng finished his letter and summoned a guard. "Deliver this to the Retired Emperor."

The guard bowed and departed.

The Emperor leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes briefly.

Tomorrow would be an interesting day.

---

Morning – Lin Xue's Courtyard

Sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over Lin Xue's delicate features. She stirred, stretching lazily before yawning.

"Mmm… What time is it?" She rubbed her eyes and called for her maids.

The pink maid entered first. "Young Miss, I will prepare a hot bath now." She hurried off to draw the water.

The blue maid spoke next. "I'll go fetch your breakfast from the kitchen."

The purple maid nodded in agreement and followed her.

That left only Xu An, the yellow maid, standing by Lin Xue's bedside.

Lin Xue turned to her, still half-asleep. "Did I wake up early today?"

Xu An hesitated before answering. "Young Miss… it's already afternoon."

"What?! Lin Xue shot up from bed, her drowsiness vanishing in an instant. "The man—I need to meet him!"

Before Xu An could react, Lin Xue dashed out of the room, climbed over the courtyard wall, and leaped down effortlessly.

Xu An paled and ran after her. "Young Miss, wait!"

Lin Xue paused briefly and turned to her. "Don't follow me. Just pretend I'm still in my room. If Grandfather finds out, you'll all be in trouble."

Xu An hesitated but eventually nodded, returning to her duties.

Lin Xue, now free, sprinted toward the forest.

---

The Forest – A Stolen Breath

Lin Xue's heart pounded as she ran through the trees, her excitement building.

And then, she saw him.

Wu Zheng.

Her breath hitched.

The morning sunlight framed his tall figure, casting a golden glow over him. His black robes swayed slightly in the breeze, his long hair cascading down like silk. His chiseled face, his piercing eyes—everything about him was otherworldly.

He was beautiful.

Like a star that had descended from the heavens.

For a moment, she simply stood there, stunned.

Then, a slow blush crept onto her cheeks.

"I'm so lucky," she thought, biting her lip to stifle a giggle. "How did I end up with such a handsome husband?"

Her heart raced.

And without realizing it—

She was blushing.