Emperor Jianhong's expression was calm as the massive Imperial Carriage pressed over the ground, rolling out two parallel ruts.
"May Your Majesty live ten thousand years!!"
The hundred officials bowed in worship.
"Rise, my ministers."
Emperor Jianhong raised a hand, then sat down expressionlessly.
Empress Bai followed behind Emperor Jianhong.
The moment they sat down, Empress Bai's gaze anxiously searched through the crowd for something.
When her eyes fell upon a little monk in the plaza—
Her hand beneath her sleeve gently clenched the corner of her robe.
Seeing this, Emperor Jianhong's eyes flashed with a sharp glint. Without drawing attention, he reached out and placed his hand over Empress Bai's.
"After today, we can bring him back to the palace."
His voice carried a trace of magnetism, containing some indescribable meaning.
Empress Bai did not dare raise her eyes, keeping her lashes lowered.
A faint, almost imperceptible sigh slipped from her lips.
Only then did the officials behind them cry out, "Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Eunuch Scribe Si Zhongxiao carefully stepped behind Emperor Jianhong and waited there with a bow.
Emperor Jianhong's gaze swept across the officials. Noticing an empty place, he revealed a look of surprise.
"Why has Duke Wenqing not arrived?"
The officials looked at one another.
At such a grand occasion, even the Emperor had arrived, yet an official was absent. It truly made no sense.
"Reporting to Your Majesty, someone in Duke Wenqing's household has been injured. He may have been delayed while treating the wound."
An official carefully stepped forth to report.
"Oh~" Emperor Jianhong appeared to understand, then a faint trace of displeasure surfaced on his face. "I know that the old Daoist in the arena had some misunderstanding with Duke Wenqing the other day. But I never expected someone to actually be