Yellow palace lanterns swayed in the wind and snow, flickering bright and dim like the opening and closing eyes of a giant dragon.

The procession soon reached the palace gates of Ruixiang Palace. The guards recognized this as His Majesty’s warm palanquin and quickly knelt to greet him, about to go in and announce his arrival.

Tie Yan’s voice came from within the palanquin: “No need to announce. In this bitter cold, why make Ci’er come out to greet me? Just carry me straight in.”

The palanquin was thus carried directly inside, straight into the central courtyard. The main hall doors opened, and Chi Xue hurriedly led people out to greet him, bowing and saying, “Your Majesty.”

Dan Shuang followed behind, her face slightly tense. She admired how experienced Chi Xue had become – in such situations, she would have panicked in the past, but now she bowed while simultaneously gesturing to A’li Fu behind her, signaling her to quickly go notify His Highness.

But Tie Yan didn’t enter the hall. Looking around, he asked, “The Crown Princess isn’t here?”

If Tie Ci hadn’t come out to greet him, she definitely wasn’t in the main hall.

Chi Xue had no choice but to say, “Reporting to Your Majesty, His Highness is bathing.”

Tie Yan looked at the sky and said in surprise, “Bathing at this hour?” Then he continued, “I heard that Murong Yi was summoned into the palace, and later the Crown Princess summoned the entire Imperial Medical Academy for consultation. I was worried and came to see what was happening… A’li Fu, where are you sneaking off to?”

A’li Fu stopped, and with Chi Xue as her role model, she said without changing expression, “Reporting to Your Majesty, this servant was going to notify the Crown Princess.”

“If she’s bathing, let her bathe. Let her soak properly before coming up, so she doesn’t rush and catch cold.” Tie Yan indicated she needn’t go, then looked around. “Where is Murong Yi? Have him come see me first.”

Chi Xue silently groaned inwardly and exchanged a glance with A’li Fu.

A’li Fu understood and headed toward the side hall, smiling as she said, “Young Master Murong is ill. He just fell asleep after taking medicine. This servant will go wake him.”

Tie Yan suddenly said, “There’s no one in the side hall. Are you trying to fool me?”

Chi Xue turned her head and saw that a window in the side hall had been blown open by the wind.

Tie Yan stood under the gallery, silent for a while, then suddenly lifted his foot and headed toward the bathhouse in the back.

A large group of people followed after him.

The people of Ruixiang Palace had no choice but to steel themselves and follow. Dan Shuang wanted to call out loudly to warn His Highness, but Chi Xue held her back.

She gently shook her head.

His Majesty loved his daughter like his life and could be said to know every detail about Tie Ci. In this situation, it meant His Majesty had already guessed what was happening. If Dan Shuang foolishly tried to warn them now, it would only provoke His Majesty’s anger.

Tie Yan walked quickly, heading straight into the rear courtyard where the bathhouse was located. At a glance, he saw no one around the courtyard, thinking that Chi Xue and Dan Shuang, who usually attended the Crown Princess’s baths, were both in the front hall. His expression darkened, and he stopped in his tracks.

Then he looked back at the people following him.

Everyone immediately understood and withdrew.

Just as they retreated to the central courtyard, there was a splash of water, and half the bathhouse window was splashed wet.

A low laugh simultaneously reached Tie Yan’s ears.

Tie Yan: “…”

Tie Yan’s face darkened.

There wasn’t a father in this world who could watch someone brazenly enter his home and pry open his daughter’s door.

He stood in the central courtyard and coughed once.

The sound wasn’t loud.

But Tie Ci in the bathhouse suddenly stiffened, then hissed.

She had gotten a cramp.

Murong Yi quickly grasped her calf and massaged it. Tie Ci sat frozen like a wooden statue, reaching out to push him away, saying, “Quick! Get dressed quickly!”

Murong Yi turned to look outside and also noticed something was wrong.

This father-in-law wasn’t doing his job as emperor properly.

What was he trying to accomplish by not working properly on such a snowy day and running to his daughter’s room to catch adulterers?

Seeing that there was still no movement, Tie Yan could no longer endure it and angrily shouted, “Get out here!”

Tie Ci frantically pushed Murong Yi out of the water with one palm.

The bathhouse had underfloor heating, so it wasn’t cold. Murong Yi chuckled and unhurriedly walked behind the screen to dress.

The silk transparent screen reflected his silhouette, every line flowing and indescribable.

But Tie Ci was in no mood to admire the view. She hastily dried herself, threw on her clothes, grabbed her still dripping wet hair with one hand, and was about to go outside.

But Murong Yi caught her. With one hand holding her hair and the other holding a dry cloth, he dried her hair, saying, “What’s the rush? In this weather, going out with wet hair – do you want to catch typhoid?”

His voice wasn’t low, and Tie Yan in the gallery across heard it and snorted softly.

Tie Ci buried her head in the dry cloth in his hands, vigorously rubbed it twice, and said, “Done!” But then she took a comb and quickly arranged her hair neatly before trying to go out.

Again Murong Yi stopped her, draping a cloak over her head. Murong Yi’s voice still carried laughter, “I should go out first. I’m definitely the one who’ll get scolded. I’m not afraid, so what are you afraid of?”

Tie Ci whispered with a laugh, “I’m rushing out to take the blame for you.” She pushed him back, saying, “Get dressed properly and dry your hair before coming out. Your fever hasn’t broken yet.”

Outside, Tie Yan, who had been waiting for a long time, had lost his temper.

They really weren’t guilty at all!

When catching people in the act, if the other party wasn’t guilty, then the catcher’s towering rage seemed to lose its foundation, becoming hollow and ridiculous.

But when Tie Yan saw that it was indeed Tie Ci who came out first, the anger he had suppressed for Tie Ci’s sake exploded with a bang.

Combined with his body’s private discomfort, it transformed into his rare cold expression.

What virtue and ability did Murong Yi have to make his A’ci protect him so!

Tie Ci had been raised as the heir apparent since childhood. Although kind-hearted, she possessed all the decisive judgment and prioritizing of the greater good that an heir should have. He had never imagined Tie Ci would be so caught up in romantic feelings, would entrust herself to Murong Yi in such circumstances, would disregard public opinion to announce him to the world, even bringing him into the palace without proper matchmaking or betrothal.

It simply bewildered him.

Was this still his Tie Ci? Was this still the Crown Princess of Da Qian who had completely turned things around in two years and earned universal praise and heartfelt submission from the entire court through her own efforts?

But the colossal entity that had just fallen clearly told him that Tie Ci hadn’t been blinded by passion. She remained clear-minded and discerning, thorough in her considerations. With a backhanded move, she had ruthlessly smashed the Xiao Family into the dust, raising clouds of smoke while maintaining order in all directions.

Then… it could only be called karmic entanglement.

Tie Yan watched Tie Ci stop before him, break into a smile, and drape the cloak in her hands over his shoulders, “Father Emperor, you mustn’t stand in this snowy ground. If you want to scold or beat me, let’s go back to the hall first.”

With just this one sentence, Tie Yan’s heart became both sour and soft. He threw the cloak back onto Tie Ci’s shoulders, saying, “Your hair isn’t dry yet. Wrap yourself properly.”

The door creaked, and Murong Yi slowly pushed it open and emerged.

He appeared even more composed and neat, even his hair knot was properly arranged, with a deep red lovesick wood hairpin glimmering on his hair, complementing his ebony-like hair and snow-like skin. His long eyebrows were like willows, lowered over a pair of eyes with brilliant depths. His hair was still slightly damp, with a strand scattered across his forehead, making his gaze appear even more rippling with waves, possessing both ethereal air and alluring beauty.

A full-length black cloak hung straight to the ground, like a majestic black jade mountain, crisp and noble.

Indeed, he had the appearance that could bewitch rulers and topple nations.

He bowed to Tie Yan, smiling as he called him uncle. His demeanor was damned composed.

Tie Yan looked at him with a dark face for a while, then turned and entered the hall. The two followed.

Chi Xue had already dismissed everyone and prepared steaming hot tea on the table, then withdrew herself.

Tie Ci said softly, “Father Emperor, Murong is unwell. I was afraid he wouldn’t be properly cared for outside the palace, so I brought him in for the Imperial Medical Academy to attend to. In dealing with the Xiao Family this time, he made great contributions…”

Tie Yan waved his hand irritably, “Enough!”

Sitting down, he said, “I came for two matters. First, I have issued an edict ordering the arrest of Xiao Liheng, with Qi Ling leading the Five Military Commissioners Office to examine his family assets. The Xiao mansion offered no resistance and has now been handed over to the Ministry of Justice.”

Tie Ci nodded, “I’ve already spoken with Di Yiwei. She brought thirty thousand elite troops this time, responsible for controlling the Xiao mansion and the areas outside the city. She’ll keep watch.”

“Additionally, Chief Minister Rong submitted his retirement petition today. It will be brought up publicly at tomorrow’s grand court assembly. Just be prepared.”

Tie Ci was silent for a moment, then turned to Jian Xi, “Send word to Qi Ling and Di Yiwei to watch the Rong mansion’s movements.”

“You mean…” Tie Yan’s expression changed.

“The Chief Minister’s retirement was Father Emperor’s idea, wasn’t it?”

Tie Yan paused, then said, “He’s always been making small moves. At first, I couldn’t touch him. Later, I didn’t want to make enemies everywhere and decided to deal with the Xiao Family first. I planned to let you handle it, but he became restless again recently. I thought since the Xiao Family’s defeat was already certain, and it would be best if there were no rift between you and Rong Pu, this matter should still be resolved by Father Emperor for you.”

Tie Ci felt warmth in her heart but also guilt – this should have been something she handled herself, yet she let Father Emperor take the blame for her.

“Are you worried that Rong Luchuan won’t accept it gracefully?” Tie Yan pondered, “I think he shouldn’t cause trouble.”

“You’ve forgotten about the Chief Minister’s wife.”

“Isn’t she already in religious retreat at the family temple? Most of her old soldiers have submitted to Commander Di.”

“Just being cautious,” Tie Ci smiled. “I dare not be negligent, fearing that one oversight could lead to unbearable consequences.”

Tie Yan looked at her with compassion.

A’ci had also become much thinner recently, and her complexion wasn’t good.

Feeling displeased, he glared at Murong Yi again.

Only then did he realize that he originally hadn’t granted Murong Yi a seat, intending to slight him, but somehow Tie Ci had already pulled him to sit down.

Seeing Tie Yan glare over, Murong Yi stood up again, bowing with a smile.

Tie Yan looked him up and down for a while.

Murong Yi maintained his smile, his posture humble but his expression neither servile nor arrogant.

Even though Tie Yan found him extremely displeasing at this moment, he had to admit in his heart that whatever else could be said about this fellow, his bearing and character were indeed worthy of his A’ci.

He sighed inwardly, stood up and said, “Come with me.”

Murong Yi followed without a word.

Tie Ci watched the heavy snow falling outside, her brow slightly furrowed.

The weather was too harsh now, and it was getting dark. Murong Yi’s complexion was poor and he was obviously unwell – he shouldn’t be troubled further.

But stopping them now would only make Father Emperor angrier. After all, in this situation, she could see that Father Emperor was already showing utmost accommodation and forbearance.

She could only order someone to bring a thick cloak for Murong Yi to change into. When she personally tied his sash, she whispered in his ear, “Endure it, humor him. Once his anger subsides, you can do whatever you want.”

Murong Yi slightly bowed his head, his lips brushing past her ear. The slight warmth and faint scent of sandalwood and patchouli wafted around her ear. When he spoke in a lowered voice, his tone became even more intoxicating like mellow wine, “Don’t worry. For you, I can endure anything.”

Tie Ci turned her head and lightly kissed his cheek. Seeing Father Emperor impatiently turning back, she quickly pushed him forward.

At the steps below, eunuchs held umbrellas high. Tie Yan turned back to look at his daughter in the hall. The lamplight spread behind her in deep and shallow yellows. She stood within the halo of light, only her delicate silhouette visible, and a hint of red on her cheek as she turned.

That peach-and-plum colored flush made his heart soften, thinking that she was, after all, just a young woman of eighteen years this year.

However, she didn’t yet know that soon the abdication edict would be proclaimed throughout the realm, and the vast territory of Da Qian would rest upon her not-so-broad shoulders.

This made him feel slightly guilty.

From then on, when she looked at heaven and earth, she would see golden halls and imperial maps; when she looked at rivers and mountains, she would see an artist’s brush strokes; when she looked at mortal fires, there would be a barrier between her and the human world.

Tie Yan smiled at his daughter from the steps below, pointing to the huge relief carving of thousands of miles of rivers and mountains behind her, saying softly, “From now on, this will be entrusted to you.”

The wind and snow suddenly intensified, sweeping away his voice in an instant. Tie Ci only saw that Father Emperor seemed to say something but couldn’t hear clearly.

She only felt that at this moment the snow was so heavy that heaven and earth blurred, obscuring even Father Emperor’s figure, as if heaven and earth had suddenly grown a giant brush, dipped in snow-colored paint, and erased that tall silhouette.

When this gust passed, Tie Yan and Murong Yi had already gotten into the warm palanquin one after the other and left the courtyard.

Tie Ci suddenly felt an emptiness in her heart and instinctively chased after them for a couple of steps. Watching the long procession leave through the gates of Ruixiang Palace, she hesitated for a moment, then made up her mind to chase after them as well.

But at this moment, Dan Shuang hurriedly ran through the gate and whispered something in her ear.

Tie Ci’s expression suddenly changed.