Chapter 26: The Emperor Has Arrived

Ji’er likes Grandfather so much—!

Not long after, the second Dragon Boat race concluded.

Yan Jingquan, who had just left, swaggered back in. Holding his head high, he occasionally glanced at Murong Ji sitting on the chaise lounge swinging her short legs, his tone carrying a hint of smugness.

I won this round. Someone better prepare to be my follower for a month—

Murong Ji opened her mouth to bite the cherry offered by Ziyun, mumbling vaguely: What’s the rush? There’s still the most important race left.

Yan Jingquan’s gaze swept past Yu Qingluo, who remained standing on the viewing platform gazing at the lake. He squeezed onto the chaise lounge and lowered his voice:

I just went to the fourth floor. Mother said a Taoist once read Yu Qingluo’s fate—she’s the Star of Solitude and Calamity. Her destiny is so harsh that she brings misfortune to anyone close to her. You mustn’t get too close to her.

Murong Ji chewed on her cherry without responding.

Seeing this, Yan Jingquan snatched another cherry from Ziyun’s hand, tossed it into his mouth and quickly finished it. Then he pinched Murong Ji’s chubby cheek, his voice growing urgent:

Murong Ji, did you hear me?

Murong Ji blinked, then suddenly spat the cherry pit right onto Yan Jingquan’s face with a pfft.

Watching him wipe his cheek with disgust, she burst out laughing: You’re such a coward! This young master isn’t afraid!

Yan Jingquan fumed: This has nothing to do with courage! There’s something wrong with her! She’ll be the death of you!

Just then, Yu Qingluo finally walked in from the viewing platform.

She cast a calm glance at Yan Jingquan before sitting directly on the nearest rosewood chair, stating evenly: The final race has been delayed.

Yan Jingquan’s heart skipped a beat, but before he could speak, Murong Ji seamlessly picked up the conversation:

Because Grandfather and the others haven’t arrived yet.

Seeing that Murong Ji hadn’t taken his warning seriously, Yan Jingquan angrily pinched her plump cheek again and turned to leave.

This time, however, he couldn’t get away—Ziyun had already blocked his path.

Young Master Yan, my young master’s cheek is red. Shouldn’t you offer some apology?

Yan Jingquan tried to shake her off but found he couldn’t break free from the woman. He could only turn back.

There he saw the white-clad ball on the chaise lounge—her cheek reddened from his pinching, eyes glistening pitifully.

He coughed lightly and approached her: Sorry, I didn’t mean to.

Murong Ji raised her hand, signaling Ziyun to release him.

She jumped off the chaise lounge and delivered a sharp kick to his shin.

It’s fine. After the final Dragon Boat race ends, you’ll be this young master’s follower anyway.

Yan Jingquan rubbed his sore shin, grumbling quietly but offering no retort.

At that moment, Yan Qing emerged from the viewing platform: The Emperor has arrived.

Murong Ji’s eyes lit up as she scampered out on her short legs.

Ziyun hurried after her, fearful she might trip.

Since coming to the capital, the most troublesome thing had been paying respects to the nobility from the palace. But with imperial authority supreme, Yan Jingquan could only shuffle out slowly.

Inside Bright Moon Tower, the staircases were spacious and bright with open-design railings. Standing by the railings allowed clear views of people moving between floors. After news spread of Emperor Zhaoming’s imminent arrival, crowds from the second and third floors pressed against the railings, hoping to catch a glimpse of the imperial countenance.

Fortunately, Murong Ji’s special status meant people automatically made way for her, creating a small path.

She dashed to the stairwell just in time to hear a sharp announcement from below: His Majesty and Her Highness have arrived—

The entire Bright Moon Tower instantly fell silent, the atmosphere solemn and reverent, as if even the air had frozen.

Murong Ji scanned the area and saw Emperor Zhaoming ascending the steps, accompanied by the elegant and dignified Consort Shen Liang, followed by several ministers.

Her face immediately broke into a bright smile as she rushed forward: Grandfather—

Emperor Zhaoming effortlessly scooped the little bundle into his arms and asked, Well? Is this your first time watching the Dragon Boat Racing? Are you enjoying it?

Murong Ji first politely greeted Consort Shen Liang before answering: Of course it’s fun! This is Ji’er’s first time seeing such excitement! And Ji’er even won once, though unfortunately lost the second round.

Emperor Zhaoming chuckled, his tone carrying a lecturing note: The Dragon Boat Racing features the most skilled rowers. Until the very end, it’s difficult to determine who will win or lose. That you managed to win once is quite commendable. Don’t focus too much on the bets and outcomes.

Murong Ji pouted: Ji’er understands—

As Emperor Zhaoming continued upward, occasionally exchanging words with Consort Shen Liang and the ministers beside him, he never let go of the imperial grandson in his arms, astonishing all the officials and nobles present.

So the palace rumors were true!

His Majesty had genuinely taken a liking to the imperial grandson!

It wasn’t until they reached the fifth floor that Emperor Zhaoming finally set Murong Ji down, turning his attention to their guide, Wu Niangzi.

You’ve worked hard. The Dragon Boat Racing is hosted by Bright Moon Tower every year.

Wu Niangzi smiled gracefully: Your Majesty flatters Wuyou. For Bright Moon Tower to handle all matters related to the Dragon Boat Racing is a blessing bestowed by Your Majesty. How could it be called hard work? Rather, it’s Bright Moon Tower borrowing Your Majesty’s imperial aura!

Consort Shen Liang covered her mouth with a light laugh, her tone teasing: That silver tongue of yours! Truly worthy of being called the Golden Mouth of the capital! His Majesty merely compliments you, yet you manage to return the praise to him!

Wu Niangzi blinked, feigning innocence: Your Highness overestimates Wuyou. Everything Wuyou says is true! Without Your Majesty, how could Bright Moon Tower be so prosperous? To be precise, Your Majesty is the true master of Bright Moon Tower!

Emperor Zhaoming glanced sideways: Speaking like that makes it sound as if I want to take what’s yours.

Wu Niangzi waved magnanimously: If you want it, just take it!

Consort Shen Liang laughed: Then why are you gritting your teeth? Is your heart aching too much?

Wu Niangzi stomped her foot in mock distress, putting on an expression of being seen through: Ah—Your Highness sees right through me—

With her playful antics, Wu Niangzi immediately lightened the atmosphere on the fifth floor. The following ministers took their seats, though their gazes frequently drifted toward the imperial grandson in the center.

Prince Chu was sickly, and the imperial grandson was also delicate. Yet now His Majesty had taken an interest in the imperial grandson. Was this a passing fancy? Or did it carry deeper meaning?

The ministers’ minds churned with countless thoughts, though their faces remained all smiles.

After being set down by Emperor Zhaoming, Murong Ji wandered around the fifth floor while observing the arriving party.

According to information provided by Ziyun, Bright Moon Tower’s second floor hosted fallen nobles and wealthy merchants, the third floor accommodated scions of noble families and imperial clans—essentially the children’s section—the fourth floor received notable figures from aristocratic and imperial families, while the fifth floor entertained royalty and important ministers.

Those who could ascend here must all be officials valued by Emperor Zhaoming.

But among them, aside from Wei Shizhong and Minister Xie from the palace banquet, and that icy-faced Divine Feather Guard, she had never seen the other four people before.

Murong Ji stopped looking at the overly proper ministers and gazed directly at the Cranes in Mist painting hanging on the wall, unable to resist admiring Wu Niangzi’s exquisite taste once again.

Murong Ji.

Emperor Zhaoming’s voice sent Murong Ji scurrying over obediently.

On the viewing platform, Murong Ji was once again lifted up by Emperor Zhaoming.

Looking down at the lake from the fifth floor, especially while being held high, Murong Ji instinctively wrapped her arms around Emperor Zhaoming’s neck.

Scared?

Murong Ji nodded, her small face tense: It’s so high here – Ji’er is afraid of falling down –

Emperor Zhaoming comfortingly patted the little white dumpling: With Grandfather here, you won’t fall.

Whether it was because of these words or Emperor Zhaoming’s tightening grip, Murong Ji’s tense body gradually relaxed.

After Emperor Zhaoming made a starting gesture, fierce drumbeats soon echoed across the lake. The final Dragon Boat race was about to begin.

When attendants brought wooden betting tokens, only Consort Shen Liang placed a bet, while the other ministers didn’t participate, merely watching the nine Dragon Boats ready for departure below.

Emperor Zhaoming asked: Murong Ji, which number do you want to bet on?

After observing for a while, Murong Ji couldn’t help looking toward the staircase: Grandfather, can we let Yu Qingluo and Yan Jingquan come up?

Facing Emperor Zhaoming’s questioning gaze, Murong Ji nervously fiddled with her fingers.

Ji’er made a bet with Yan Jingquan – if I don’t win this time, I’ll have to be his follower for a whole month! Ji’er doesn’t want to lose!

Emperor Zhaoming: Then why invite that Yu… Yu…

It’s Yu Qingluo! Murong Ji’s little face flushed with excitement, She’s amazing! She always guesses right, but she never has money to bet. When Ji’er offers her money she won’t take it, but this time Ji’er can’t lose, so I really need to hear her opinion!

Consort Shen Liang ate grapes while saying: Your Majesty, perhaps we should let Ji’er go downstairs instead. The third floor is full of children, it would be more relaxing for her.

Emperor Zhaoming smiled meaninglessly: Oh? Can’t she relax here?

This concubine didn’t mean it that way! Your Majesty…

Enough, I know you mean well for Ji’er, but since I’m here, there’s no need for her to go down, Emperor Zhaoming looked at Eunuch Gao and instructed, You go bring those two up.

Eunuch Gao responded respectfully.

The ministers exchanged glances, their eyes filled with deep confusion.

Murong Ji hadn’t expected Emperor Zhaoming to agree either – her original intention had been to go downstairs. Who would have thought Emperor Zhaoming would be so lenient with her?

It actually made her feel somewhat overwhelmed by the special favor.

Murong Ji quickly hugged Emperor Zhaoming’s neck and nuzzled against him, saying softly,

Ji’er likes Grandfather so much—

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