Mu Xing, having already seen the appearances of his Imperial Father and Imperial Mother, waved his hand with practiced ease, displaying the demeanor of a Crown Prince, "Rise, all of you."
"Thank you, Your Highness the Crown Prince."
Mingyue and Caixia, looking at the Crown Prince in this manner, were quite pleased and withdrew to the side with smiles.
Feng Xie and Liu Liu, witnessing Mu Xing's remarkable ability to imitate, were filled with astonishment. They had initially thought the boy would struggle to adapt, but he had picked it up so quickly and carried himself with such dignity. For the first time, they shared a knowing smile.
News of the Empress's return to the palace spread rapidly through the harem. Everyone learned that the Empress, thought to be dead, had not perished but had left the imperial palace with the Crown Prince in her womb. For Lou Sijing, this news struck like a muffled thunderclap. She had always believed this woman was dead, only to find she had returned, bringing a child with her. Her usually gentle face was now ashen, her hands twisted together. Yu Lou, the imperial prince who had been squatting before her, seeing his mother's distress, cautiously reached out and tugged at her sleeve.
"Mother Consort, what is wrong?"
Lou Sijing started, snapping back to reality. Seeing that her son was frightened by her, she quickly shook her head. "It's nothing, Mother Consort was just thinking. Lou'er, don't be afraid. Mother Consort will take you to meet your brother later."
"Brother?"
Prince Yu Lou's eyes widened in surprise. He had never heard of having a brother. How could there be one? Yet, he was happy. He had always lacked a playmate. Prince Yu Lou was of a delicate, effeminate appearance. Although five years old, he was somewhat thin and small, possessing a rather solitary nature. He was extremely timid before Feng Xie, which made Feng Xie dislike him, and he had rarely seen him in five years.
"Yes," Lou Sijing's voice was heavy, her thoughts in turmoil. She had always believed Yu Lou was the Crown Prince of Tianfeng. Even if she couldn't become Empress, she would at least be the venerable Empress Dowager. She had never imagined a Crown Prince and an Empress would suddenly appear, shattering the status and wealth she had always taken for granted. However, she reminded herself, only the one who laughs last truly wins. The Lou family now held considerable influence in court, and she herself was a figure of considerable authority in the harem. Therefore, she must not lose her composure. Lou Sijing assumed a graceful and noble demeanor, looking at her son, Yu Lou, by her side.
"Lou'er, Mother Consort will take you to play with Mother Consort Xiu Yi."
"Okay," Yu Lou nodded vigorously. He was very fond of Mother Consort Xiu Yi, who doted on him. Thus, Yu Lou was always happy whenever he saw Mother Consort Xiu Yi. Mother and son left Changxin Palace one after another, heading for Guangyang Palace. Meanwhile, the Emperor, along with Liu Liu and Mu Xing, had gone to Cining Palace to pay their respects to the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager sat regally above, gazing in disbelief at the two figures standing below, unable to react for a long time.
Feng Xie stood to the side, reminding her, "Mother Empress, Liu'er and Mu Xing are paying their respects to you."
"Oh," The Empress Dowager came back to her senses and was immediately overjoyed. Liu'er was alive and had brought back a child. Such a beautiful and adorable child, she found herself increasingly fond of him the more she looked. The once-silent Liu family would finally rise again – this was the Empress Dowager's greatest joy. As long as Liu'er had returned, Liu Ting would surely enter court as Chancellor, and the Liu family would regain its glory. The Empress Dowager immediately beckoned.
"Liu'er, come closer quickly. Bring this child to me to see. He is truly handsome, even more so than Xie'er was as a child."
Liu Liu, hearing the Empress Dowager's words, led Mu Xing to the elevated platform. Little Mu Xing gazed at the woman before him with wide eyes, his expression filled with excitement. His chubby little hand tightly gripped his own, and after appraising him for a while, she spoke kindly.
"What is your name?"
"My name is Mu Xing. My mother gave me this name," little Mu Xing replied with a beaming smile, filled with pride. Because his mother had named him, he would proudly tell anyone who asked. Liu Liu reached out and gently tugged her son, softly instructing, "Mu Xing, this is your Imperial Grandmother. Greet her."
"Imperial Grandmother," Mu Xing called out obediently. He already knew that the person before him liked him. Anyone who liked him, he would genuinely accept. The sweet, soft voice entered the Empress Dowager's ears, and she could no longer contain herself, pulling Mu Xing into her embrace. She called him her "precious darling" repeatedly, showering him with affection. This child was truly adorable and endearing, not at all like Yu Lou, who was introverted and always passive in his actions. However, because the Empress Dowager was so delighted, she held Mu Xing so tightly that he couldn't breathe. He cried out, "Imperial Grandmother, Mu Xing can't breathe!"
"Good, good," the Empress Dowager released Mu Xing with a smile, finding him more lovable with every glance. He was intelligent, clever, and possessed an innate imperial bearing. Truly, Heaven had blessed the Tianfeng Dynasty! If Yu Lou were to be the Crown Prince, it would be a cause for great worry. Now, there was no need to worry. The Empress Dowager could not bear to let go of Mu Xing, pulling him to sit beside her. "Come, sit by Imperial Grandmother's side. Tell Imperial Grandmother about Mu Xing's years."
"Okay," Mu Xing nodded vigorously. He was often bored on the island, and now someone was willing to play with him and listen to his stories. He grinned broadly. "Imperial Grandmother, I have so many things to tell you. You won't get bored, will you?"
"How could I? Imperial Grandmother most wants to hear Mu Xing speak. I wouldn't tire of it even if you spoke all day," the Empress Dowager shook her head, embracing him tenderly. This child was so intelligent and thoughtful. She waved her hand, signaling the Emperor and Empress beside her. "You two may return. I am borrowing this child for a day; I want to spend some time with him."
"Very well, your subject takes his leave." Feng Xie and Liu Liu saw the two of them engrossed in conversation, leaving no room for their own input. They could only withdraw.
At the entrance of Cining Palace stood two sedan chairs. Liu Liu looked at Feng Xie gracefully. "Your Majesty should attend to state affairs. You have been away from the palace for some time and must have much to manage. I am a little tired and wish to rest for a while."
"All right, I will see you tonight." Feng Xie was pleased to hear Liu Liu's concern for state affairs. He nodded. He needed to go to the Imperial Study to see Prince Yan; from now on, he would begin to rectify the court. Feng Xie personally escorted Liu Liu into the sedan chair in front. The eunuchs already knew that the Empress was the former Empress Liu, who was presumed dead. However, this time was different. The Emperor doted on the Empress exclusively; this was an immutable rule. Therefore, in the vast imperial harem, no one dared to slight the Empress.
Liu Liu felt a warmth within her. Although her exterior remained somewhat cold, her heart was slightly warmed by his considerate actions. However, there were still many things they needed to do. Liu Liu looked up at Feng Xie. "Have Riyei transferred to me for my use. I have few trustworthy people in the palace."
"All right," Feng Xie nodded and lowered the sedan chair's curtains. He did not question Liu Liu about her plans, placing his complete trust in her. To love someone, one must first believe in them unconditionally, even an Emperor. Liu Liu returned to Weiyang Palace, while the Emperor went to the study.
Upon returning to Weiyang Palace, Riyei came to see Liu Liu. Liu Liu gazed at Riyei in the center of the grand hall and spoke calmly. "Five years ago, when I and Princess Wuyang went to offer incense at Tianxiang Temple, I discovered the whereabouts of Princess Jielan in a nunnery in the mountains behind Tianxiang Temple. Currently, Yuehua Kingdom is encroaching upon Tianfeng's borders, provoked by someone. Therefore, as long as Princess Jielan is found, this matter can be resolved. You must immediately take a few reliable people to Tianxiang Temple."
"Yes, your subject will attend to it at once." Riyei stood up and respectfully received the order. The Empress, with her regal bearing, descended like a celestial being, radiating a powerful and unrestrained aura. She was, after all, the楼主 (Louzhu - Master) of the number one building in the world, Qiye, and to establish the number one building in the world in just five years, her intellect was undoubtedly first-class. Riyei withdrew. Cui'er and Hongxiu, seeing that their mistress appeared somewhat tired, attended to her and accompanied her into the sleeping quarters to rest.