The eunuch Fu Hai went to the bathing room and ordered two eunuchs to immediately go to Prince Lin's mansion to summon the prince to the palace. The Emperor wished to see him and told him to come to Qingxiao Palace.
The young eunuchs received the order and left. Fu Hai took a deep breath and walked in.
The person in the bathtub was slowly emerging. Tall and dignified, not only were his features handsome, but his physique was also devoid of any excess flesh, perfectly proportioned and just right.
Just standing there, even without a stitch of clothing, he possessed unparalleled grace, a proud demeanor that looked down upon the world, and the innate presence of an emperor.
Fu Hai quickly led the eunuchs forward to attend to the Emperor, drying the water droplets from his body, then helping him put on his underpants and a loose bath robe.
He couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Such a stunning and unparalleled Emperor, which woman would be fortunate enough to receive his favor?
If he were willing, he suspected that all the women in the world would rush forward, and even receiving his favor for one night would be considered a blessing for three lifetimes.
"Your Majesty, this servant has already sent someone to summon Prince Lin."
"Mm."
Shangguan Yin said nothing, turning and walking out. Fu Hai led the others to follow.
Although the Emperor was handsome and outstanding, his methods were even more bloodthirsty. They had to be careful in their actions and not displease him, lest they bring trouble upon themselves.
Upon receiving the eunuch's report, Shangguan Lin's heart sank heavily. To be honest, he already had a vague premonition as to what the Emperor wanted to ask.
From the bottom of his heart, he did not wish to deceive his imperial brother. But if he didn't deceive him, what if his bloodline truly reversed?
Shangguan Lin was feeling troubled. He followed the young eunuch into the palace, heading towards Qingxiao Palace.
Emperor Shangguan Yin was waiting for him, lounging lazily on a soft couch, his eyes closed in repose.
Having just bathed, a subtle fragrance emanated from him. His dark hair, like black silk, shone brightly as it cascaded over his shoulders. The bath robe on his chest was casually open, revealing his alluring skin, vibrant and full of life.
Shangguan Lin performed the customary bow: "This subject greets my imperial brother."
"Lin, come and sit. No need for formalities."
In private, Shangguan Yin was as gentle with Shangguan Lin as before. The two seemed to have returned to their childhood days, possessing both brotherly affection and the respectful deference between a sovereign and his subject. In short, this was the scene Shangguan Lin dreamed of.
He did not stand on ceremony with Shangguan Yin and walked over to sit on another couch beside him.
"Imperial brother, for what reason have you summoned this subject in the middle of the night?"
Shangguan Yin reached out and gently rubbed his forehead, slowly playing with the Dragon Jue in his hand, and then slowly began to speak, "Lin, do you think I have ever loved someone?"
Upon hearing his words, Shangguan Lin's heart lurched. He didn't notice that a piece was missing from the Dragon Phoenix Jue in his imperial brother's hand. He only knew that he had to rack his brains to figure out how to address this matter.
Finally, he thought of Murong Yingxue's words. It seemed the only way now was to use Murong Yingxue's plan. He slowly cupped his fist.
"Has Imperial brother remembered? Actually, because Imperial brother was once injured, he forgot someone. That person was named Sima Bingxin, a woman Imperial brother once loved."
"Sima Bingxin."
Shangguan Yin's brow furrowed even tighter. Why did this name evoke no feeling in him at all? Sima Bingxin.
"Is she the daughter of Chancellor Sima?"
Shangguan Yin asked Shangguan Lin.
Shangguan Lin quickly nodded: "Yes, Imperial brother, she is the daughter of Chancellor Sima. Imperial brother used to dote on her dearly."
"Oh, then I shall meet her tomorrow."
Shangguan Yin suddenly clenched his fist tightly. The Dragon Jue in his palm felt warm. If Sima Bingxin was indeed the person he liked, then she must have his Phoenix Jue.
Shangguan Lin's heart did not relax; on the contrary, it was hanging in his throat. He had met Sima Bingxin. She was much more beautiful than Yun Xiao.
To be honest, Yun Xiao's appearance was merely pleasant and sweet, a far cry from Sima Bingxin. If Imperial brother was a man who acted on his desires, he would definitely choose Sima Bingxin to enter the palace. But he knew he wasn't, which was why it was troublesome.
He loved Yun Xiao deeply, in a way that couldn't be compared to ordinary people. Even though he had forgotten, if one loved to the blood, loved to the bone, then the subconscious might know, even if the mind had no memory.
In that case, how could Sima Bingxin move him?
But what could he say now? Shangguan Lin smiled and nodded: "Yes, Imperial brother should meet her."
"Mm, then Lin, you may return to rest. Although the throne has been reclaimed, the pernicious insects are not completely dead. There are still many such people in the court. I intend to eliminate them one by one, so Lin must work hard with Imperial brother."
"Yes, Imperial brother."
Shangguan Lin received the order and returned to Prince Lin's mansion.
The next day, after the morning court, Shangguan Yin ordered a eunuch to go to the Sima mansion to escort Sima Bingxin into the palace.
In the study.
Sima Bingxin nervously knelt on the ground: "Sima Bingxin pays her respects to His Majesty."
"Raise your head."
A cold voice rang out. Sima Bingxin couldn't help but tremble slightly, slowly raising her head to look at the man seated on the high throne, clad in a bright yellow dragon robe that fit him perfectly.
His handsome features, brows like delicate threads, eyes like cold stars, a proud nose, and sensual lips. This man was so beautiful that one couldn't look away.
Sima Bingxin took only one glance and felt her heart pound fiercely. Her heart was uncontrollably drawn to him, and she fell in love with this man at first sight.
Although there was a chilling aura about him and a piercing gaze in his eyes, Sima Bingxin couldn't help but be drawn to him, feeling like a moth drawn to a flame. Just being close to him, even his presence, his hands, made her feel a burning passion.
However, a fleeting look of disgust flashed in the eyes of the man above.
Was this woman the woman he liked? He felt a slight disappointment in his heart. She was clearly a superficial admirer. He knew he was exceptionally handsome, but he disliked people who made his appearance the sole criterion for liking him.
Intuitively, he felt he shouldn't be such an uncivilized person, to like such a hollow and beautiful woman with nothing in her head.
Shangguan Yin, without changing his expression, spoke in a deep voice: "Sima Bingxin, did I like you?"
As soon as the Emperor's words fell, Sima Bingxin was startled. She quickly raised her head and looked at him. She saw confusion in the Emperor's eyes. It seemed he had forgotten something. Did Imperial brother have a woman he liked, and had forgotten her, which was why he was asking her?
Regarding the Emperor's question, Sima Bingxin's mind raced. She then nodded immediately: "Yes, Your Majesty. Imperial brother said he liked Bingxin before, but I suppose it was just playful banter."
"Playful banter?"
Shangguan Yin's expression turned very cold. He didn't know where things had gone wrong, but he knew what kind of person he was. He was not the type to engage in playful banter, especially with such a woman who nauseated him.
"Where is the Feng Jue?"
Shangguan Yin asked directly. If the Feng Jue was truly in this woman's hands, he wanted to retrieve it immediately and then drive her out. Perhaps his past self had done so for some unknown reason.