No one had expected the emperor to suddenly visit the Bright Moon Palace. At dusk that day, Long Yelin, sovereign of Great Kang, arrived without notifying anyone. By the time Wen Ya heard the news, he had already entered the palace. She hurried out with several eunuchs and palace maids, knelt before him, and said, "I did not know Your Majesty was coming. Please forgive any failings in my reception."
Hu Xiaotian and Baobao knelt behind Wen Ya. Their eyes met briefly before darting apart. Hu Xiaotian's eyes roved about, brimming with curiosity. He wanted to see just what this sovereign of Great Kang looked like.
"Rise!" Long Yelin said amiably. He helped Wen Ya up himself, and Hu Xiaotian and the others rose with her. Hu Xiaotian took the opportunity to study Great Kang's newly enthroned ruler. Long Yelin was forty-one, hardly an advanced age, but perhaps his many reversals of fortune had taken their toll. He looked somewhat haggard, with considerable gray at his temples and wrinkles at the corners of his eyes. His complexion was fair, his build slightly plump and of medium height. This emperor's appearance could only be described as ordinary. He possessed none of that legendary imperial aura.
As Wen Ya rose, Long Yelin stared at her lovely face and visibly froze, clearly stunned by her beauty. Wen Ya lowered her head bashfully and murmured, "Your Majesty..." The words were soft and melodious, with a power that seeped straight into the heart. Even Hu Xiaotian, standing behind her, felt his heart sway, let alone Long Yelin, who took the full force of it.
"My beloved consort!" Long Yelin said, a hint of a smile finally appearing at the corners of his lips. Hu Xiaotian seethed at the sight, inwardly cursing Wen Ya as a