The rumbling sound of carriage wheels, dust billowing in the air, the vanguard clearing the way, and eunuch guards holding bright yellow canopies and flags surrounded dozens of carriages without end.

Le Xiu elegantly brewed tea, smiling as she said, "When I was little, I heard my father talk about the landscapes outside the border, describing vast green grasslands where cattle and sheep roam, the gentle breeze bringing a sense of clarity as if reborn in a fairyland, evoking infinite longing." As she spoke, she poured a cup of tea for the Emperor: "I always imagined what a beautiful scene it would be, but I never thought I’d have the chance to see it in my lifetime. I sincerely thank the Emperor for fulfilling a childhood dream of mine."

The Emperor took a sip of tea and smiled at her: "It seems that this decision of mine was the right one." Le Xiu covered her face with a smile, her gaze filled with tender love as she looked at him.

The Emperor’s heart stirred, he held her hand and gazed quietly at her. Le Xiu lowered her eyes and leaned against his shoulder. As if recalling something, the Emperor spoke softly, "I remember the first time I saw you; you seemed so delicate that a gust of wind could whisk you away. I didn’t notice you much then, but that time in the Imperial Garden, you were bent over, eyes closed, leaning among the flowers, intoxicated by their fragrance, sunlight delicately falling on your face like a layer of gold..." He finished speaking, gently caressing Le Xiu’s cheek, adding: "My heart was just like now, soft enough to melt into water, wanting to hold you in my arms, preserving your beauty."

Sweetness emerged on Le Xiu’s face, she snuggled in the Emperor’s arms, passionately saying: "To meet a fine person in the most beautiful time and receive the Emperor’s love, I have no regrets even in death."

"Nonsense." The Emperor chuckled: "You and I have many more beautiful moments ahead; this is just the beginning."

Le Xiu nodded with emotion: "I can’t bear to leave the Emperor, not even for a day."

At this point, a call resonated, and shortly after, the imperial carriage halted. Someone replied through the curtain: "Emperor, there’s someone ahead who has come to receive you, saying you’ll be staying here tonight."

"Then let’s go." The Emperor responded calmly.

The convoy then slowly moved into a standalone two-story inn ahead, which had been cleared and redecorated newly a half-month prior, surrounded by bright yellow satin. Eunuchs helped the Emperor out of the carriage, smiling, he nodded and walked inside, where Chief Chang greeted him with a salute: "Emperor, everything has been arranged. Would you like meals served now, or to rest for a while?"

The Emperor turned to look at Le Xiu, then seeing Noble Lady Ying entering from the doorway, he asked them both: "What do you think, my beloved?"

Le Xiu laughed: "I don’t mind." She then turned to ask Noble Lady Ying: "What do you think, my sister Ying?"

Noble Lady Ying’s eyes skimmed around the inn, a brief furrow of her brows quickly fading, she cheerfully walked over to Le Xiu’s side and linked arms, playfully replying: "I’ll follow whatever the Emperor and sister decide."

Still undecided, the Emperor instructed Chief Chang: "Later, we’ll wait for everyone to be present before dining." He raised his hand pointing upstairs: "Where am I staying tonight?" His mood appeared elevated.

Chief Chang pointed to a central room marked with a heavenly character: "This one, would you like to go see it, Emperor?"

"Sure!" Came the answer, a group of people then bustled upstairs, opening the door to find the interior freshly decorated, awash in bright yellow hues. The Emperor nodded, praised Chief Chang: "I trust Old Chang’s arrangement." He sat down on the Imperial Concubine’s Couch.

Le Xiu and Noble Lady Ying seated themselves in the chairs on either side, Chief Chang served tea, bowing: "I dare not accept the Emperor’s compliments."

As they spoke, a female official entered and reported: "Emperor, the Eldest Prince, Second Prince, Grand Commander Xiao, and Master Xiao along with several lords have arrived. This time, only Lord Dai and Lord Huang from the Cabinet are accompanying."

The Emperor nodded in acknowledgment, footsteps could already be heard approaching outside, soon the Eldest Prince and Second Prince entered in succession, Fourth Master Xiao brought Min who stood at the door, the group completed their salutations. The Emperor asked the Eldest Prince: "Was the journey smooth?"

The Eldest Prince’s face was a bit pale, having vomited several times due to the bumpy ride causing motion sickness, yet he still replied: "Everything is well, thank you for your concern, Father."

The Emperor nodded, then turned to the frail Second Prince, who replied: "I found it wonderful, the scenery along the road is truly beautiful." Appearing excited.

The Emperor smiled, had the two children sit down. Fourth Master Xiao and Min entered, the Emperor glanced at the spirited Min, and spoke to Fourth Master Xiao: "Only twenty miles traveled today and we rested, do you think we should quicken the pace tomorrow? Otherwise, it’s uncertain which day we’ll reach outside the border."

Fourth Master Xiao clasped his hands in response: "Lord Han must have calculated also, surely considering the Emperor’s health and the princes’ youth making swift travel difficult!"

The Emperor nodded without further comment, then looked at Min: "How are you feeling, are you tired?"

Min lowered his eyes and replied respectfully: "In response to the Emperor, I’m not tired!" saying no more.

The Emperor nodded slightly, here Le Xiu waved to the Second Prince, who obediently snuggled up to her. Le Xiu wiped his face with a cloth: "Look at the dust on this little face, I’ll take you to wash up." Affectionately taking the Second Prince’s hand, she bowed to the Emperor and exited, leaving the Eldest Prince alone. Noble Lady Ying laughed: "Eldest Prince, I’ll accompany you to freshen up before the meal."

The Eldest Prince hesitated momentarily, glanced at the Emperor, then nodded: "My thanks."

Noble Lady Ying took the Eldest Prince’s hand and addressed the Emperor: "Emperor, I will accompany the Eldest Prince to wash up, requesting leave." The Emperor looked at her approvingly, nodding: "Fortunately, you are here!"

The Eldest Prince’s mouth twitched slightly, Noble Lady Ying with a flowerlike smile exited the room.

"Everyone, go and rest now, we’ll meet downstairs for a meal later." He said with a smile: "Haven’t had such a large gathering for dinner in a long time, today I’ll savor the experience."

Everyone accompanied with smiles, echoing in agreement before dispersing, Fourth Master Xiao and Min exited one after the other, but the Emperor called: "Min, come to me." Having spoken, he addressed Fourth Master Xiao: "These past days traveling, lessons have been delayed, I have time to spare and will inspect their studies." He pointed to Min: "Starting with you!" playfully teasing Min.

Min lowered his head and replied: "Yes!" and stayed behind.

Fourth Master Xiao glanced at Min, bowed to the Emperor, and led the way out. Everyone assumed the Emperor found the journey uninteresting and sought a child for amusement.

Chief Chang left Min inside, closed the door, and stationed himself at the entrance.

"Sit down." The Emperor pointed to the chair opposite him, Min complied and sat uprightly, silence descending in the room.

Looking at the child before him resembling himself, the Emperor recalled past events, envisioning that night within the residence, surrounded by the tumultuous army calling out, the gate being hammered loudly as if about to collapse. Servants fled with their belongings amidst chaos, he held crying Yuerong who was in labor, for the first time in his life experiencing despair.