They were still in the library when the empress walked in, her presence filling the quiet chamber.
"Your Highness," she said warmly, "I heard the prince of Lianhua has visited."
Leng Yue quickly bowed with elegant composure, and Tian Yu followed, lowering his head respectfully.
The empress's eyes lit up the moment she sighted Leng Yue. "Leng Yue, you've grown so tall," she exclaimed, surprise lacing her tone. "How are the Emperor and Empress of Lianhua?" she asked, studying him with keen interest.
Leng Yue straightened, his voice calm but respectful. "They are well, Your Majesty. My father sends his greetings, and my mother never ceases to praise the kindness of the Xiyue court. She bade me carry her regards to you."
The empress's expression softened at his polite answer. Then her gaze drifted curiously to the young man beside him. "And who is this handsome young man?" she asked, her eyes narrowing in surprise as they fell upon Tian Yu.
"This is Tian Yu," Leng Yue replied, a small smile tugging at his lips. "He is Princess Yuyan's husband."
The empress gasped softly, staring at him in wonder. "You mean this is the hero who defeated the Black Scorpion and his men?" Her eyes widened even more, shocked not only at Tian Yu's striking beauty but also at how young he looked. "What a lucky girl Yuyan is…" she murmured under her breath.
Then, turning to the emperor, she added lightly, "Don't starve your guests, dinner is ready." With a final glance at Tian Yu, she swept out of the library.
Prince Lianyi hurried after her, calling sheepishly, "Mother, is Mimi back?" He scratched his head awkwardly, avoiding her gaze.
"She's on her way," the empress replied, rolling her eyes. "Now, go back and feed your visitors. They've traveled far and need rest." She waved him off before disappearing into the other side of the palace.
Lianyi returned to the library, cheeks slightly red, and led Leng Yue and Tian Yu toward the grand dining hall.
---
The table was already set when they arrived. Golden lanterns glowed softly above, casting warm light across lacquered dishes. Steaming bowls of lotus root soup, stir-fried mountain greens, honey-glazed duck, braised pork belly, and delicate dumplings filled with wild herbs lined the table. In the center rested a platter of fresh river fish, glistening with ginger and soy glaze, while small porcelain cups of rice wine stood ready by each seat.
The emperor sat at the head of the table, with Lianyi on his right, Leng Yue beside him, and Tian Yu opposite. Servants moved quietly, refilling dishes and pouring tea as the four men began their meal.
For a time, the only sounds were the soft clink of chopsticks and the fragrant simmer of hot broth. Then, Leng Yue raised his head, his gaze steady on the emperor.
"My father instructed me," he said "That you may reveal to the kingdom you have allianed with what he has told you. The people should know what awaits them. But apart from that…" His eyes briefly flicked toward Tian Yu, "…no one must know about the vampire prince."
His tone carried deep understanding—both the weight of secrecy and the danger that came with it. He knew the truth could protect, but it could also destroy if spoken carelessly.
The emperor nodded slowly, then turned to Tian Yu with a softer expression. "I hope you are enjoying the food, young man."
Tian Yu smiled faintly and gave a polite nod.
The emperor's eyes glinted with humor as he shifted his attention back to Leng Yue. "Leng Yue, your in-law is very quiet."
Leng Yue laughed aloud. "You don't know him, Your Majesty. Just wait until a leaf covers him—you'll see he's a master pretender. I'm used to his tricks." His tone was teasing, yet affectionate, and even Tian Yu's lips curved at the corners.
Meanwhile, Lianyi ate quietly, his thoughts drifting elsewhere—far from the palace and closer to the girl he longed to see.
---
By the time they finished, night had fallen. Darkness pressed gently against the palace windows, and the soft hum of crickets filled the air.
Prince Lianyi was about to slip away when his father's firm voice stopped him.
"Where are you rushing off to in such a hurry? Wouldn't you at least take your visitors to their rooms?" The emperor's tone held mild irritation.
Flustered, Lianyi bowed and quickly led Leng Yue and Tian Yu to the guest chambers. He opened the carved wooden doors and said, a bit too quickly, "Your baths have been prepared. Please rest well—we'll meet tomorrow."
As he turned to rush away, Leng Yue chuckled, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "In such a hurry, Lianyi? Don't tell me Mimi is waiting for you under the moonlight."
Lianyi's ears turned red, but without a word, he darted off down the corridor.
Leng Yue shook his head with a knowing grin, while Tian Yu let out a quiet laugh.
Lianyi rushed down the corridor and stopped at Mimi's door, his heart pounding. He knocked lightly, but before an answer could come, the urgency in his chest drove him to push the door open.
Inside, Mimi had just finished bathing. Her damp hair clung to her shoulders as she hurried to dress, startled by his sudden entrance. She froze, half-covered, her cheeks flushing in embarrassment.
"Lianyi!" she gasped, clutching the fabric to her chest.
But instead of turning away, he crossed the room in two strides and wrapped his arms around her. His embrace was tight, trembling with the weight of unspoken feelings.
"Mimi…" His voice was low, strained, as if he had nearly lost her and couldn't let go.
Her breath caught, her protest melting against the warmth of him. Slowly, her hands relaxed, resting against his chest. When she looked up, their eyes met, his gaze was gentle and calm, while her eyes were sad and pained, making his heart tight.
Without another word, Lianyi lowered his head and pressed his lips to hers, gentle at first, as though afraid she might push him away. The kiss deepened, carrying the rush of everything he had been holding back.