The Grand Princess was unconvinced. She believed Xiao Man had only ascended to the throne by relying on men and possessed no real skill.
"Second Sister, it seems Eldest Sister is quite displeased," the Fifth Princess, eager to stir up trouble, remarked. "Perhaps you need to persuade her further."
"There's no need. She won't listen to mere words," the Second Princess said slowly. "Sometimes, only through personal observation and experience can one understand what it means to be truly irresistible."
"Does Second Sister intend to watch Eldest Sister walk to her death?" the Fourth Princess inquired.
"Life and death are decreed by fate, and wealth and honor are bestowed by heaven. Everyone must pay the price for their actions," the Second Princess picked up her teacup, signaling for the other two to continue drinking. "You both have dealt with the Imperial Consort. Why don't you tell me what kind of person she is? I've never interacted with her before and don't know how to approach her."
"If Second Sister wishes to hear, then we shall share everything we know," the three sat together, sipping tea and chatting as if they were merely sisters catching up.
With Wen Mohhan's posthumous affairs settled, Prime Minister Yao also completed preparations for the enthronement. The custom-made imperial robes were delivered to the Imperial Consort's residence. Prime Minister Yao bowed his head upon seeing Xiao Man, who was still clad in mourning attire.
"Your Highness, the auspicious hour is approaching. You should change into your court attire," Yao Ran reminded Xiao Man.
Xiao Man's gaze fell upon the regal, ornate, and complex imperial robes. However, her heart remained as calm as a still lake, devoid of any joy.
She reached out and touched the magnificent court attire, a wave of sorrow washing over her. "In the end, you couldn't see me wear these robes."
"Your Highness."
"Change my clothes," Xiao Man's expression was indifferent as she concealed the sorrow in her eyes, transforming into a capable female emperor.
Yao Ran personally assisted Xiao Man in changing into the imperial robes. Her eyes were filled with admiration. She stepped back three paces and knelt in kowtow. "This minister greets Your Majesty. May Your Majesty live ten thousand years."
"Rise," Xiao Man stepped past Yao Ran and walked out of the room. The autumn air was crisp, the sun shone brightly; truly a fine day. "Let's go."
"As you command."
Though Xiao Man's enthronement ceremony was hurried and simplified according to her wishes, Yao Ran ensured that all necessary arrangements were made.
Seated on the throne and looking at the court officials kneeling below, Xiao Man still felt no ripple in her heart. The heights were indeed cold, and now, even the person who stood by her side was gone.
"Your Majesty, the court officials await," Bai Ling, still serving as the female official of the palace, announced.
Xiao Man's voice was steady. "All ministers, rise."
"Thank Your Majesty, may you live ten thousand years."
"Your Majesty, why are you standing on the city wall today, catching a cold wind?" Si Chen asked, puzzled.
Nangong Yu gazed at the distant horizon, as if looking through the sky to a faraway place, to the person he wished to see.
"Your Majesty."
"The weather is fine today, I wanted to feel the breeze," Nangong Yu said slowly. "For some reason, I feel an inexplicable sadness."
"Your Majesty is thinking of the Blue Moon Imperial Consort, aren't you?"
Nangong Yu fell silent. Calculating the time, she should have ascended to the throne as Empress by now. Yet, there was no news. He couldn't explain why, but a sense of unease gnawed at him.
"Your Majesty." A figure appeared beside Nangong Yu.
"Speak."
"There is news from Blue Moon."
Nangong Yu immediately took the message and opened it eagerly. After reading it, his face turned extremely grim. "Your Majesty, has something happened?"
"Wen Mohhan is dead."
"What?" Si Chen exclaimed in shock. "Then the Imperial Consort must be beside herself!"
Nangong Yu's eyes held intense worry. Wen Mohhan's sudden death made him fear Xiao Man would lose control, or worse, harm herself.
"I must personally go to Blue Moon," Nangong Yu declared, walking inwards without further ado. "Summon Wen Mian and Chu Yuan to act as regents."
"Your Majesty, you cannot," Si Chen protested. "You are now the ruler of a nation. How can you leave the imperial city so easily? Moreover, she is currently the Blue Moon Imperial Consort."
"Even if she is the Blue Moon Emperor, she is still herself to me," Nangong Yu stated firmly. "Let Nangong Yi assist in handling state affairs. If I am absent, he will be the only one who can stabilize the court. Do not blame me for being unfeeling."
"Your Majesty."
"Si Chen, you know very well what she means to me," Nangong Yu quickly shed his imperial robes. "And now, she needs me."
"Your Majesty, have you considered that she might not need you?" Si Chen did not want to be so cruel, but he had to make Nangong Yu calm down. Nangong Yu had only just ascended the throne, and his position was precarious. Leaving the capital at this time could very well destabilize his reign.
"Whether she needs me or not, as long as she needs me, I will be by her side," Nangong Yu said softly. "Si Feng will remain in the capital. No one must know of my absence."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"This minister objects," Chu Yuan entered from outside and bowed. "Your Majesty."
Nangong Yu adjusted his clothes. "I summoned you not for your objections, but to inform you that I need to leave for a period."
"News has come from Blue Moon that the Blue Moon Emperor's husband is a remnant of the former Qin. And the Blue Moon imperial family has always intermarried with the Feng family. This means that, to a certain extent, members of the Blue Moon imperial family are also descendants of the former Qin."
Nangong Yu sneered. "Lord Chu, are you implying that Xiao Man is a remnant of the former Qin?"
"In a sense, yes."
"You are quite heartless," Nangong Yu said slowly. "Your daughter is now a member of the Xiao family, Xiao Man's sister-in-law."
Chu Yuan's expression was somewhat subtle. "Your Majesty, what I speak are facts."
"The fact is, Xiao Man is Xiao Man. To me, she is herself. Nothing changes because she is from Blue Moon, or anyone else."
"Your Majesty, she is already the Blue Moon Empress."
"I know."
"There will be no outcome between you two. Why are you so persistent?" Chu Yuan was perplexed. Given Nangong Yu's disposition, he was neither lecherous nor someone to be driven by emotion. He simply couldn't understand why Nangong Yu lost his reason when it came to matters concerning Xiao Man.
"Lord Chu, do you understand Xiao Man?"
Chu Yuan started to nod, then immediately realized that he didn't even know Xiao Man's true identity. How could he possibly understand her? He shook his head. He did not understand Xiao Man, not at all.
"But I do understand her."
"She almost killed you."
"Yes, she almost killed me. If she intended to kill someone, no one could escape!" Nangong Yu picked up his sword. "After all these years, she's still the same, unchanged."
"Your Majesty, human hearts are fickle, especially after tasting the allure of power."
"Power?" Nangong Yu sneered. "Power means nothing to her. What she desires is not something as trivial as power. Lord Chu, when it comes to judging people, you are far inferior to your daughter."