Outside the hall, the morning sun was just rising.
Qin Liangyu, who had been on night watch, heard the solemn tolling of bells. She led a squad of White Rod Soldiers over early and stood guard beneath the steps.
"Lord Samael!"
With a timid call, a little head with twin buns poked out from behind Qin Liangyu. She ran over and threw herself into the Ancient Serpent's arms.
The scrape of armor plates and the shifting shadows of people made her small shoulders tremble unconsciously.
The historical Yang Guifei had died in the Mawei Mutiny.
Even after receiving the favor and blessing of an Outer God, after time had turned back and her soul had been remade—
The fear carved into her bones still left the girl instinctively anxious and afraid.
"You're awake? Stand behind me."
Samael gently stroked little Yang Guifei's head and smiled faintly.
Feeling the warmth atop her head, much of the unease and nervousness in the little girl's heart faded at once. Her shoulders stopped trembling, and she obediently tucked herself behind Samael, clutching the hem of his robe tightly in both hands.
Like a lost lamb nestling beside a shepherd, seeking warmth and shelter.
"It seems the gift I sent suits your tastes quite well."
Seeing their little exchange, the First Emperor curled his lips in a teasing smile.
"Then I really have to thank you, Your Majesty..."
Samael replied with a false smile, unable to stop himself from rolling his eyes.
Come on, we're both foxes who've lived for millennia. Can we stop acting out Strange Tales?
And don't make it sound like I'm some lolicon.
Let me say this again: little girls are precious because they can be raised. Mature women are what I'm into.
Just as the two human emperors, who together