Xiao Yu had imagined what might happen when he brought Qi Yunheng back.
He had also imagined Emperor Jinyuan questioning him to his face, demanding to know whether he had truly found himself a male consort.
He had never intended to hide it.
But that was a private matter between them, not something to discuss under circumstances like these.
Every civil and military official was here, along with the princes and nobles.
How was this any different from announcing it to the world?
His mind went blank with a thunderous rush.
Seeing his expression change slightly, Qi Yunheng thought he regretted bringing him back. A flicker of panic and unease flashed through his eyes.
He lowered his head.
He pressed his lips tightly together.
Dark emotions churned in his eyes.
He had never imagined they would go public immediately after he and Xiao Yu had finally opened their hearts to each other.
What if these ministers disliked him?
What if Xiao Yu abandoned him under their pressure...
A painful squeeze of his hand brought Xiao Yu back to his senses.
He saw that the man beside him was already enveloped in a faint air of anxiety and melancholy.
His expression softened, and he squeezed his hand back to reassure him.
His heart steadied at that moment.
He was not alone.
So be it. They would have to face this sooner or later.
A little sooner or a little later hardly seemed to matter.
He shifted Qi Yunheng behind him, shielding him protectively so that no one could intimidate him.
Then he raised his eyes to Emperor Jinyuan and asked in his usual tone, "Elder Imperial Brother, what brings you here all of a sudden?"
Seeing him act as though he feared the emperor would bully his consort, Emperor Jinyuan snorted.