It was midnight at the Crown Prince's Hall in the Sun Moon Imperial Palace.
Xu Tianran sat in his classically furnished study, smiling as he admired a valuable work of calligraphy and painting on his desk.
At such a critical juncture, he rarely had the chance to enjoy this hard-won leisure. Only because recent developments had all been turning in his favor had his gloomy mood eased somewhat.
Before long, familiar footsteps sounded outside the study. Ju Zi entered and said respectfully, "Your Highness, forgive my late arrival."
Xu Tianran smiled gently and nodded to her. "Ju Zi, there are many matters I cannot attend to in person. Thank you for all your hard work lately."
Only then did Ju Zi approach his side. She smiled. "You are too kind, Your Highness. These are all my duties. It is my honor to share your burdens."
Xu Tianran quickly raised a hand to stop her. "Ju Zi, how many times have I told you? When it is just the two of us, there is no need to be so concerned with rank."
"You are the person I trust most. Having you beside me to share my burdens is my good fortune, too. Besides, once you become the mother of the nation, your responsibilities will only grow."
Ju Zi forced a radiant smile. "Everything I have today is thanks to your kindness, Your Highness."
She had always understood that, although Xu Tianran claimed not to care about rank, she would come to a bad end if she truly presumed to elevate herself.
Only then did Xu Tianran continue, "Ju Zi, how have the recent arrangements been progressing?"
"Your Highness, all the recent news has been in your favor." Ju Zi could hardly conceal her delight as she delivered her reports in succession.