The eunuchs hurriedly set down the palanquin.
Li Yuanjing surveyed the dilapidated palace walls—it was Xiangyun Palace. Years ago, Liu Qiao'er had angered him and was demoted to the rank of Concubine Qiao. She had lived here with their two children ever since.
Though Concubine Qiao was technically the mistress of this palace, the outer walls were shockingly worn. If the envoys from the Yue Kingdom were to see this, they might gossip behind Qing State's back, claiming the imperial consorts were poorly treated.
As the emperor arrived, the palace servants dropped to their knees in haste.
The two children in the courtyard, upon seeing Li Yuanjing, stammered nervously, "F-Father... Your Majesty, we greet you."
Li Yuanjing beckoned them. "Come here."
The children shuffled forward reluctantly.
His gaze lingered on them—their clothes were worn, their frames thin, and their demeanor timid as quails. At the sight of him, they trembled, eyes downcast.
