Princess Xue Ke was fourteen or fifteen years old.
Perhaps because she had spent so long studying at Moonlight Pavilion, she had delicate features and a quiet disposition. Dressed in a long white court gown, she looked all the more gentle and charming.
Her every gesture was courteous, elegant, and dignified.
She carried herself with all the stately grace of a royal princess.
She entered the imperial study and bowed to Xue Ye.
The sight of her brought a broad smile to Xue Ye's face.
He hurriedly beckoned.
"Little Ke, come here. Let your father have a look at you."
Xue Ke walked slowly to his side, smiling gently.
"How did you find the time to come back to the palace today?"
Xue Ye asked.
"Lady Yuehua gave us the day off today and said we could rest, so I wanted to come back and see you, Father."
Xue Ke spoke softly.
Her gaze traveled over Xue Ye, filled with sadness and worry.
"Father, your health..."
"Haha."
"Your father is getting old. Naturally, my health will only get worse."
He feigned a hearty manner, but he could not hide the sadness in his eyes.
"Is there still no news of my brother?"
Xue Ke asked softly.
Xue Ye's laughter stopped abruptly, and he shook his head bitterly.
"Not yet."
"I have sent men to search all of Heaven Dou City, but there is still no news of the crown prince."
"Father, please don't worry. Heaven watches over good people like my brother. Nothing will happen to him."
Xue Ke offered words of comfort.
Yet a trace of worry also showed in her eyes.
The crown prince's unexplained disappearance had enormous implications and consequences.
Especially while Xue Ye's health deteriorated by the day.
It could very well plunge the empire into