The Prince of Nan An's earnest demeanor made Mu Qingyao feel somewhat uncomfortable.
She didn't intend to lecture him, but was merely stating facts. However, this Prince of Nan An was indeed upright and honest. Right was right, and wrong was immediately apologized for. Who said he viewed women as nothing? It was simply that he hadn't met a woman who could impress him.
Seeing that he was still respectful towards her, Mu Qingyao smiled.
"Yao'er, what reward do you desire?"
The Emperor spoke. Regardless of what he had promised her, she had handled this matter beautifully, making him willing to reward her.
"Reward me?" Mu Qingyao's face instantly lit up with countless sparks; she was so happy. It seemed the Emperor was indeed a man of loyalty and righteousness. Who wouldn't want a reward? Antiques, jade, famous calligraphy and paintings, anything would be good. She quickly calculated in her mind.
But in the end, she felt these things were too ordinary. Never mind, it would be good to ask for it later when she thought of something.
"Your Majesty, owe me a favor, and I'll ask for it when I think of something, okay?"
In the grand hall, the three of them were stunned. Such a request! To have the Emperor owe her because she hadn't thought of something yet. Her style of action was truly unique. However, the Emperor seemed to be taken with this approach, his tranquil, deep eyes showing a hint of amusement.
"Very well, let us dine now. It is late."
The three ate in silence. Across from Mu Qingyao, Mu Rong Liu Zun's handsome face was adorned with a gentle, watery smile. His star-like eyes flickered, like the waxing moon in the night sky, warm and comforting.
Mu Rong Liu Zhao and A Jiu exchanged glances. The Emperor was rarely so amiable and in such good spirits. The depths of his gaze towards the Empress held a profound indulgence, perhaps even more than he realized himself through this small gesture.
Mu Rong Liu Zhao and A Jiu both smiled. But why was there a hint of bitterness in his heart? Mu Rong Liu Zhao's eyes darkened.
After the meal, A Jiu ordered the palace maids to clear the table. Mu Qingyao then rose to take her leave, and the Emperor did not stop her, only instructing A Jiu to escort her out.
In the vast side hall, Mu Rong Liu Zun's gentle radiance receded, and he returned to his usual composure. His heroic features were veiled in an unfathomable aura, making it difficult for Prince Nan An, Mu Rong Liu Zhao, to adjust. Slowly, he regained his senses.
The Emperor's shift in demeanor was truly swift. But was he sincere in his treatment of the Empress? Based on his understanding of his brother, he would never have feigned such affection if he didn't care.
"Brother Emperor, are you truly sincere towards the Empress?"
For some reason, Mu Rong Liu Zhao did not wish for his brother to hurt her. Such a capricious yet intelligent woman; if she were hurt, it would ultimately be himself who suffered, for the Emperor was already deeply captivated by her, perhaps without realizing it.
Mu Rong Liu Zun's lips curved slightly, and his eyes softened considerably. These actions were unconscious. When one likes someone, simply thinking of them brings about unconscious gestures that are easily noticed by others, but the person involved remains oblivious.
"Since when has Liu Zhao cared about such matters?"
Mu Rong Liu Zun countered with a question, making Prince Nan An, Mu Rong Liu Zhao, feel uneasy. Yes, he had never cared about such things. It seemed he was somewhat flustered tonight. Could it be the wine? But he had only had two cups.
"Brother Emperor?"
"You should know the great responsibility I bear. The Empress Mother's baseless death, the dying entrustment of Father Emperor. It is not the time to speak of sincerity. Although my heart yearns for her to be the one by my side in the end, nothing is absolute, is it?"
Mu Rong Liu Zun's pupils were deep, his lips curved with determination. At that time and place, who would accompany me in ruling the empire? I only hope she will still accompany me, my heart boundless.
Mu Rong Liu Zhao became much clearer. It seemed he was truly drunk tonight. What time was it? Internal strife had not been quelled, and external threats remained. How could he be concerned with romantic affections?
"Your younger brother understands."
"Did you discover anything in the envoy incident this time?"
Mu Rong Liu Zun's handsome face was shrouded in an unfathomable expression, his entire being lost in thought, making it impossible to discern his slightest intention.
Prince Nan An, Mu Rong Liu Zhao, understood his meaning and pondered seriously before shaking his head. "Your younger brother can confirm that there was nothing out of the ordinary. He merely treated guests with courtesy and maintained the appropriate distance with the six kingdoms. At all times and in all places, maids were present to attend him."
Whether it was genuine or intentional, Mu Rong Liu Zhao felt it was too deliberate. Why were there always people present at precisely these moments? If one has nothing to hide, why be so deliberate?
"Brother Emperor, what do you think?"
Mu Rong Liu Zun's lips curved into a chilling smile. "He is overly cautious, and his actions are so meticulous that not even the slightest flaw is revealed. This can only indicate one thing: his methods are no inferior to ours."
"Yes, your younger brother will be even more careful."
"From now on, you will monitor his every action. Even a fly must be inspected. Not a single mistake can be made. If he truly remains well-behaved, I will not arbitrarily kill my kin."
In the grand hall, Mu Rong Liu Zun's voice was restrained and dark. The Prince of Nan An nodded. It was precisely because of the Emperor's broad-mindedness that he pledged his loyalty unto death, indicating that he still possessed a sliver of benevolence.
The most cruel thing in the world is for siblings to turn against each other for the throne. What great slaughter that would be.
"Your younger brother accepts the order. Brother Emperor, rest assured."
The Prince of Nan An accepted the order and rose. The night was deep, and he should return to his residence. His tall figure walked outwards, nearing the entrance of the grand hall.
Suddenly recalling something, he slowly turned. The light of the night-blooming pearl illuminated his chiseled features. He curved his lips and spoke wantonly.
"Brother Emperor, your younger brother saw that Liu Qian Mu seemed to know the Prime Minister of Wan He Kingdom. Although they merely passed each other, your younger brother trusts his intuition; they know each other."
The Prince of Nan An's words alerted Mu Rong Liu Zun. His narrow eyebrows rose, his sharp black eyes were cold, dark, and sparkling, honed into an icy blade, emitting a daunting radiance.
He had long suspected his senior brother's identity. He knew he was of noble birth, but he had always been extremely cautious, rarely interacting with anyone.
For all these years, besides his master and himself, he had never seen him interact with anyone else.
"Good, I understand. I will pay attention to this matter."
Emperor Xian waved his hand, and the Prince of Nan An retreated. Outside the hall, A Jiu entered and looked up at the Emperor on his high seat. His face was grim, yet his lips held a smile.
This smile was unlike the gentle one he displayed to the Empress. This smile carried a bone-chilling coldness, as sharp as an icy blade in February, radiating a fierce light.
"Your Majesty?"
"Immediately send word to Duan Hun and have him investigate as quickly as possible whether Wan He Kingdom has any hidden princes."
A Jiu accepted the order and swiftly darted out, instructing the eunuchs outside to attend to the Emperor, while he went to handle this matter. Because he did not want any mistakes to occur, he handled many things personally.