The Empress Panics

Outside Luoyang City, Li Xiao watched two people approach from afar.

One was Li Yuanfang. The other was a pretty woman in a pale yellow palace gown—Su Xian'er of the Chameleon Spirit, now reformed.

"Yuanfang, it has been two years. Have you been well?"

After dismounting, Li Xiao immediately cupped his hands to Li Yuanfang in greeting.

Li Yuanfang returned the salute. "Thank you for your concern, Brother Li. I have been well! My lord will surely be delighted to see you as well. Brother Li, this is Ru Yan, Lord Di's niece."

Li Xiao nodded and cupped his hands toward Ru Yan. "Miss Ru Yan."

Ru Yan hurriedly curtsied in return, then teased, "So you must be the Marquis Li whom General Li has been 'thinking about day and night.'"

Li Yuanfang pretended to be angry. "What nonsense are you talking about? Brother Li, don't mind her. That is just how she is."

Li Xiao waved a hand and chuckled. "It is nothing. Miss Ru Yan is innocent and lively. She and Brother Yuanfang truly are a match made in heaven!"

"Brother Li, you too..."

Li Yuanfang was rather helpless.

Ru Yan, meanwhile, lowered her head shyly. Her impression of Li Xiao improved by several degrees.

The three of them headed into the main hall together.

Before they could take their seats, Di Chun came in to report, "General Li, Miss Ru Yan, Master has returned!"

Before Di Renjie even appeared, the three heard his warm, friendly voice. "Yuanfang, is that Marquis Li?"

They followed the voice and saw Di Renjie striding over.

When Di Renjie saw Li Xiao standing with his sword in hand, his smile only widened. "Good, very good! Two years have passed, yet Marquis Li remains as spirited as ever!"

"You flatter me, my lord.