The killing intent flashed like cold light along a blade, gone in an instant, yet enough to chill the spine.
The Star Luo Emperor studied his son's profile and fell silent for a moment.
He lifted the cup of tea, now gone cold, and drained it.
The tea slid down his throat with a faint bitterness, but he barely noticed.
He set down the cup, rose, and patted Dai Mobai on the shoulder.
His broad, warm palm rested there, carrying a father's trust and a father's charge.
"Tomorrow, I'll arrange for him to report to the East Palace. Do what you think is right. Your father will back you up, whatever happens."
Dai Mobai turned and smiled at the Star Luo Emperor.
There was a touch of youthful mischief in his smile, but also the certainty of a ruler.
Their eyes met. Father and son needed no more words; one look said it all.
"With your word on that, Father, I can rest easy."
The Star Luo Emperor said nothing more and left the pavilion.
His figure paused for an instant beneath the archway, then disappeared into the depths of the corridor.
Dai Mobai stood by the lake, watching the direction his father had gone. His smile slowly faded, replaced by quiet thought.
Day after day passed.
At last, the day of the Political Marriage arrived.
It was the first Political Marriage between Heaven Dou and the Star Luo Empire.
Neither Xue Ye nor the Star Luo Emperor appeared in person, but each sent his crown prince.
The Heaven Dou Crown Prince, Xue Qinghe, personally escorted Princess Xue Ke to Barak City, while the Star Luo Crown Prince, Dai Mobai, received her there on behalf of the Star Luo Empire.
The presence of both crown princes showed how seriously each