The Star Luo Empire's court session drew to a close, and the golden sunset draped the imperial palace buildings in its warm afterglow.
Dai Youheng and Xu Jiujiu walked out through the palace gates side by side and boarded the carriage back to the Princess's Mansion. Inside, Xu Jiujiu leaned naturally against Dai Youheng's shoulder, her fingertips idly winding around the ties of his robe. The dignified composure she had maintained at court gradually gave way to a young woman's tender attachment.
"It's finally over. Those old ministers always ask such long, tedious questions," she complained softly, a hint of petulance in her voice.
Dai Youheng smiled faintly and stroked her silky hair. "Thank you for your hard work, Your Highness."
Back at the luxurious yet somewhat empty Princess's Mansion, they ate dinner together, then chatted for a while in the inner hall. Outside the window, the night deepened and the first stars appeared. Judging the hour, Dai Youheng rose. "Jiujiu, it's getting late. I should head back to the hotel."
The smile on Xu Jiujiu's face froze at once. She caught Dai Youheng's hand, her eyes full of confusion and disappointment. "Youheng, we-we've already come this far. Why are you still so attached to that hotel room? Wouldn't it be better to stay at the Princess's Mansion? Isn't this your home?"
There was a trace of pleading in her words. Before love, even her exalted status seemed insignificant.
Dai Youheng turned around and held her shoulders with both hands, his gaze intent and his helplessness somewhat deliberately contrived. "Jiujiu, it's precisely because I treasure you that I can't do that. Our hearts may belong to each other, but we aren't married yet. If I stayed at the Princess's Mansion for too long, those censorial officials would probably pile His