When the first ray of morning sunlight fell over the Imperial City, Qiqi had already arrived at the Hall of Mental Cultivation. She had come early to request an audience with the emperor, expecting that she might once again be turned away. To her surprise, Long Xuan'en had risen early and agreed to see her.
Qiqi asked Yin Zheng, "How is His Majesty's mood today?"
Yin Zheng reported quietly, "Your Highness, His Majesty is in a reasonably good mood today."
Long Xuan'en did indeed look well that day. Having just finished breakfast, he was sitting by the window, resting quietly. Only when he heard Qiqi pay her respects did he slowly open his eyes and say warmly, "Qiqi, you're here!"
Qiqi said, "I heard Your Majesty has been unwell lately, so I came to visit!" She made no mention of the several times the Old Emperor had refused to admit her.
Long Xuan'en smiled. "I carelessly caught a chill a couple of days ago, but I feel much better today. Qiqi! I was just hoping to speak with you in person."
Qiqi said, "I shall wash my ears and listen respectfully to Your Majesty's guidance!"
Long Xuan'en chuckled. "I'm not here to lecture you. Qiqi, before I knew it, you had grown into a young woman. Every time I see you, it's as though I'm looking at your mother." As he gazed at her, a tenderness long absent appeared in his eyes.
His gaze, however, made Qiqi feel faintly nauseated. If everything Hong Beimo had told her was true, the Old Emperor before her was one of the chief culprits behind her mother's death. Remembering Long Xuan'en's deception, hatred immediately rose in her heart. Perhaps Long Xuan'en truly believed he was her father. She quickly rejected that thought. Even a