The night was deep as Li Yuanjing stepped into Yongning Palace.
Under the eaves shrouded in darkness, lanterns glowed brightly, and the warm yellow candlelight spilled from within. Though the spring night carried a slight chill, Yongning Palace remained cozy.
Just as it always had been.
Shen Wei came forward with her attendants to greet him.
Li Yuanjing looked over and saw Shen Wei stepping out happily from the room, fresh from her bath. Her hair, dried and loosely tied with a green silk ribbon, swayed as she moved. She walked so quickly that the hem of her pale dress fluttered gracefully in the breeze.
Simple and pure, like a lotus emerging from clear water.
"Your Highness—" Shen Wei called out joyfully, only to pause as if realizing her mistake.
She stopped in her tracks, a hint of embarrassment coloring her beautiful face as she corrected herself softly, "Your Majesty."
Her voice was light and tender.
