The Political Affairs Hall was sparsely occupied.
The morning court had ended, and everyone who was supposed to leave had gone. Only those in positions of power, capable of influencing the Heaven Dou Empire, remained for another meeting.
Xu Lanqing followed Vina into the main hall, one behind the other. With her back to him, Vina wore a fitted red palace gown. As she swayed, fleeting glimpses revealed the supple curves of her waist and hips beneath it, her ivory-white skin lustrous and smooth as polished jade.
Even the solemn Political Affairs Hall seemed to gain a touch of splendor.
After taking two glances, Xu Lanqing kept his eyes straight ahead and followed Vina along the red carpet. The scarlet carpet blended with the girl's attire, and only her striking short white hair kept him from losing his direction.
The great doors behind them slowly closed, and the sunlight gradually vanished. Only the candle flames blazing brightly within the hall gave off threads of warmth.
"Father Emperor, he has arrived."
Vina dipped into a royal salute, then ascended the steps and stood quietly to the left of the dragon throne.
For women of the inner palace to interfere in political affairs was a grave taboo, yet Vina made no effort to avoid it. It seemed her status in the Heavenly Soul Emperor's heart was exceedingly high.
But that was hardly surprising. The entire Heavenly Soul imperial family had only Vina as a direct descendant. If they did not cultivate her, would they not be handing the throne over to someone else?
Xu Lanqing raised his head slightly and looked directly at the elegant middle-aged man in a bright yellow dragon robe. He had a dignified appearance and piercing eyes; one glance was enough to make others afraid to look again.