"All right, my Empress."
Tang Xiao set down the comb, turned over to lie beside her, and drew her into his arms.
Qian Renxue leaned against his chest, tracing circles lightly over it with her fingers.
"Xiao, when are we returning to the Sun Moon Continent?"
"Once everything here has been properly settled, we'll set out."
Tang Xiao answered.
"Although the Heaven Dou Empire has surrendered, Xue Beng's remaining followers are still operating in secret. They must be completely eliminated. I don't want to leave behind any hidden dangers."
A glint of coldness flashed through his eyes, yet his voice remained gentle when he spoke to Qian Renxue.
"Also, the merger of the Spirit Hall Empire into the Blue Silver Empire will need time to settle in."
"With the cabinet and Bibi Dong watching over those matters, we don't need to worry too much."
Qian Renxue nodded in understanding.
"Mother... hasn't had it easy, either."
"She's suffered greatly all these years."
Mentioning Bibi Dong dimmed Qian Renxue's mood somewhat.
Tang Xiao held her tighter and comforted her softly.
"I know. That's why we should be more filial to her from now on."
"Once the world is united and the threat of the God Realm is resolved, we'll bring her to the Sun Moon Continent too and let her enjoy a peaceful life."
Qian Renxue lifted her head in surprise.
"Really? You're willing to accept her?"
She had thought Tang Xiao would harbor resentment toward Spirit Hall because of what had happened back then. She had not expected him to be so magnanimous.
Tang Xiao found her delighted expression rather amusing.
"She's your mother, which makes her my mother too. Why wouldn't I be willing?"
"Besides, she has already completely let go. Why should we cling to the past?"
Qian Renxue's