Heaven Dou Imperial Palace.
"This son greets Imperial Father."
Xue Qinghe reported the results of the Four Academy Exchange to Xue Ye.
"Huangdou Academy suffered a narrow defeat against Godwind Academy."
"However, Jian Jiu, the Gold Badge holder of the Imperial City Soul Fighting Arena, swept aside Godwind Academy's captain, Feng Xiaotian."
A smile appeared on Xue Ye's pale face.
"Excellent."
"Bestow upon Jian Jiu a thousand bolts of brocade and ten thousand taels of gold."
"Such talent should be put to use by the imperial family."
A trace of helplessness appeared on Xue Qinghe's face.
"Reporting to Imperial Father..."
"That Jian Jiu has a free-spirited nature, like an idle cloud or wild crane."
"This son once promised him a high position, yet he remained unmoved. I fear it will be difficult to summon him into the palace."
Xue Ye's regret was plain to see.
"That is indeed a pity. Then let it be."
"Qinghe, you handled the Four Academy Exchange very well."
"Ever since you began overseeing the state, you have risen early and slept late, working with great diligence."
"Both I and the court officials have seen it. What reward do you desire?"
Xue Qinghe was slightly stunned.
Her gaze drifted toward the towering red walls beyond the hall.
The thought from yesterday—how should she repay Li Zhexian?—once again surfaced clearly in her mind.
Perhaps...
The most precious gift she could offer right now was to cast off this disguise and spend a few more days by his side.
Countless thoughts swirled through her heart.
Xue Qinghe lowered her head, her voice carrying just the right amount of weariness.
"This son has recently... felt utterly exhausted in body and mind."
"I humbly ask Imperial Father to grant this son a few days of leisure, to temporarily step away