An Emperor or a Prisoner

The black boots tread upon the silvery-grey floor, their high shafts enveloping the lower legs. Rising further, one's gaze lands on the black military uniform. An ebony cape drapes over, its right side adorned with golden epaulettes. The cape's interior reveals a glimpse of the black military attire beneath. His appearance exudes excellence – stern, rarely smiling, his lip's contour always firm. As he walks, a commanding air of superiority and leadership accompanies each step, innate to those in power.

Labeling him with the term "military uniform" may imply austerity, yet he has achieved an unsettling aura that suppresses the urge to ponder such things.

Gu Lan's assessment of the newcomer, however, was a thorough head-to-toe appraisal. Don't ask why – she simply found his military boots quite handsome and secretly desired a pair herself.