"Clip-clop, clip-clop."
In the still of the night, an unassuming carriage slowly drove out of the imperial palace.
The Empress lifted the carriage curtain and looked back at the palace gates receding behind them, a trace of worry in her eyes. "Your Majesty, is it really all right for us to leave the Jin Kingdom to Chang'er just like this...?"
Emperor Jinyuan raised his eyes slightly. "He has already had his Coming-of-Age Ceremony. Why shouldn't we?"
At that, the Empress sighed softly. "At the very least, we should have waited until he chose a Crown Princess before leaving."
"Look at all the excuses he keeps making. Does he seem like he wants a Crown Princess?" Emperor Jinyuan's tone carried a hint of exasperation.
"Wanwan, our children and grandchildren will find their own happiness. We needn't worry about that."
He drew her into his arms and said tenderly, "Wanwan, I failed you in the first half of my life. For all the years we have left, I will never fail you again."
The Empress blushed at his words. "Your Majesty..."
"Wanwan, you ought to call me 'husband' now."
The Empress gently pushed him away. "Your Majesty, Xiyue is still here..."
Little Xiyue, who had been happily enjoying her late-night snack, suddenly felt her Emperor Father's intense gaze upon her.
Swinging her short little legs and gnawing on a small chicken drumstick, she said, "Ah, carry on. Don't mind me. Just pretend I'm under the carriage."
The corner of Emperor Jinyuan's eye twitched.
He turned to the Empress. "Wanwan, how about-"
"Your Majesty."
The Empress interrupted him. "Xiyue is only four. I want to keep her with me for a few more years."
Emperor Jinyuan was speechless.
So much for the time alone together he had planned...
At court the following morning.