Beneath a pair of narrow, elongated brows were eyes as deep as a bottomless well, phoenix eyes framed by long, dark lashes that made his pupils shine like crystal.
His nose was high and straight, exuding an undeniable air of arrogance and defiance. His lips, cool and thin as water, curved into an attractive line. Some said men with thin lips were heartless; she wondered if it were true.
Although Mu Qing Yao marveled at Emperor Xian's peerless beauty, she did not agree with his warning.
"If His Majesty summoned Qing Yao to the palace, wasn't it because he valued Qing Yao's exceptional intelligence? Otherwise, there are countless remarkable women in this world; why bother making Qing Yao Empress? Now, to issue such a warning – isn't that just tying Qing Yao's hands?"
Mu Qing Yao questioned him coldly. Murong Liu Zun was taken aback. He quickly regained his composure, withdrew his gaze, and felt a faint annoyance. Just now, looking at the delicate features of this woman, he had been momentarily dazed.
This woman, clad in a crimson bridal gown, possessed an unparalleled elegance. Yet, her alluring beauty was tinged with an overwhelming aura of wisdom. Her eyes sparkled with intelligence, and her demeanor was as aloof and detached as clouds, like a wisp of floating mist from the heavens, making one desire to grasp it tightly.
He had actually been captivated. He, who had always considered himself a master strategist and possessed of unparalleled calm and self-control, had felt his heart stir, if only for a brief moment. This bothered him.
Murong Liu Zun straightened his thoughts and turned to face Mu Qing Yao. His dark, profound pupils were veiled with their usual inscrutable depth. He extended a long, slender hand and gently removed the phoenix coronet from Mu Qing Yao's head. His deep voice, in a tone rarely heard in a thousand years, spoke softly.
"Qianqing Gate is near. Do not lose your decorum; you are the Empress."
"You?" Mu Qing Yao stared, her vision filled with red. How quickly this man could change. When roused to violence, he was like a wild beast in the forest; when cold, like a grim executioner from hell; and when gentle, he was like a pool of spring water, making one wish to melt into it. How many more faces did he possess?
As Mu Qing Yao was about to retaliate, those long, slender hands reached out and took her own soft ones.
His hands, which had been as cold as ice at first, were now warm, just like him, changing so rapidly. This man was truly unfathomable. How many people in this world could be his match?
His voice rang out, firm and admitting no doubt.
"I promise you, as long as you do not cross my bottom line, I will allow you to act freely."
He knew she understood his words. This woman was incredibly intelligent, exactly what he desired. His fingers tightened, fitting perfectly, and a sudden thought arose: he wished to hold only this hand for the rest of his life.
No one else in the world was worthy of standing by his side. Only she could ascend to the peak with him.
Hearing his words, Qing Yao finally breathed a sigh of relief. Such a promise was a great boon. She had no other thoughts, only wishing to retreat unharmed once this matter was concluded.
Since they had reached an agreement, there was no need to dwell on the matter further. Mu Qing Yao tugged her hand free with a little force and continued to sit demurely to the side.
Beside her, the man's exquisitely handsome features were graced with a faint smile, his gaze hazy, making it impossible to discern his thoughts.
During this brief interlude, they arrived at Qianqing Gate.
Throughout history, only the Empress was permitted to pass through Qianqing Gate.
Murong Liu Zun's life was now set. Since Mu Qing Yao had passed through Qianqing Gate, no other woman in this life would ever pass through it.
At this moment, he felt a sense of relief, as if truly only she, in this life, could pass through this gate, while all others were as dirt and clouds.
This was, after all, only their second meeting.
Before Qianqing Gate, the strains of music began, lingering and melodious. As the melody ended, Eunuch Ah Jiu, outside the imperial carriage, announced, "We respectfully invite His Majesty and Her Majesty the Empress to alight from the imperial carriage."
The voices of the eunuchs followed, "We respectfully invite His Majesty and Her Majesty the Empress to alight from the imperial carriage."
Before Qianqing Gate stood the court officials of the second rank and above, all kneeling on either side, calling out in unison, "Your subjects respectfully invite His Majesty and Her Majesty the Empress to alight from the imperial carriage. We wish His Majesty and Her Majesty the Empress a harmonious union."
Hearing these pronouncements, Mu Qing Yao felt a prickling sensation, almost as if her scalp were tingling. Though she was proud and self-assured, at this moment, she felt a little flustered.
The man beside her slowly rose. His fair, slender hand extended, and his warm, clear voice spoke, "Empress, alight from the imperial carriage and accept the worship of all officials."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
She placed her hand in his, feeling a sense of reluctance. Yet, having come this far, what was there to refuse?
A fleeting smile crossed Murong Liu Zun's handsome features. In the dazzling sunlight, he led Mu Qing Yao out of the imperial carriage and onto the white jade steps.
A perfect couple, all the world seemed to pale in comparison.
Though the Empress wore a phoenix coronet, her delicate figure, standing beside the tall and upright Emperor, was so perfectly suited.
Imperial yellow and crimson, both dazzling colors, now emitted a captivating radiance.
The auspicious hour had arrived. The Imperial Astrologer announced loudly.
"Bow to His Majesty and Her Majesty the Empress."
Before Qianqing Gate, a sea of people knelt uniformly: "Your subjects pay homage to His Majesty and Her Majesty the Empress."
Mu Qing Yao's expression was cold, and she did not wish to speak. Emperor Xian, Murong Liu Zun, squeezed her slender hand, reminding her of the proper etiquette. Mu Qing Yao frowned and slowly spoke in unison with the Emperor, "Rise."
"Present the gifts."
As the Imperial Astrologer's voice fell, the Right Prime Minister, Chu Feng Yu, immediately stepped forward and presented the gifts.
It was a jade carving of Guanyin holding a child, exquisitely crafted and lustrous, a truly rare and fine piece.
Chu Feng Yu's expression was one of palpable resentment; he gnashed his teeth in anger. He had always believed Yu Yan would be the Empress. He and the officials had meticulously prepared such precious gifts, only to have them go to another.
The Xian Yue Kingdom had a long-standing custom of officials presenting gifts to the Empress. Therefore, Chu Feng Yu and the other officials had prepared congratulatory gifts. A jade carving of Guanyin holding a child, even with great wealth, might not be able to procure such a magnificent item.
Mu Qing Yao's personal maid, Mo Chou, stepped forward to receive the gifts and then retreated a step.
The sunlight shone on the phoenix coronet, and Mu Qing Yao could faintly see that Minister Chu's complexion was extremely grim. The civil and military officials were all bowing, awaiting her words.
Her expression remained cold; she did not wish to speak. Murong Liu Zun beside her squeezed her hand again, this time with a noticeable force, causing her to wince in pain. She could only slowly open her mouth.
"You have all worked hard."
"Your subjects dare not claim merit," replied all the officials in unison.
Among the officials today, Mu Hen was absent. Because the Mu residence was celebrating a joyous occasion, the Prime Minister remained at home to entertain guests. Therefore, His Majesty had specially permitted him to be excused from attending the ceremony of the officials' obeisance at Qianqing Gate.
"See off His Majesty and Her Majesty the Empress."
The assembled officials knelt again. Mu Qing Yao breathed a sigh of relief.
The sooner it ended, the better. She was so tired; the phoenix coronet on her head was nearly flattening her skull.
If one hand were not held by Murong Liu Zun, and she were not holding an apple in the other, she would truly have wanted to massage her neck. Her neck would likely be stiff tomorrow.