The Snow Empress stopped and leaned against the cold jade railing, gazing at the boundless, surging sea of clouds below the Heavenly Court.
Ten years is a long time for ordinary people, but for her, it was just a slightly longer glance in the long course of her life.
Lin Hao gave himself ten years to "get used to it".
For a moment, that strange feeling in Snow Empress's heart resurfaced.
interesting.
Yes, it's fun.
Her long life was certainly accompanied by companions like the Ice Empress, and revered and followed by countless Soul Beast from the Far North, but more than anything, it was filled with the loneliness and unchanging nature of Eternal ice field.
Her growth in power had slowed to almost a standstill; the rules of the world were clearly visible to her, but that also meant there would be no more surprises.
She stood atop the Far North, witnessing countless cycles of wind and snow, and the rise and fall of Soul Beast, her heart as still as ancient, icy ice.
Then, this man appeared.
She barged in with a completely different world, with power and status that she couldn't comprehend, in such a domineering yet "natural" way.
His very existence is a subversion of all "common sense".
Snow Empress's icy blue eyes narrowed slightly. "Ten years?"
"Perhaps, we could... give it a try?"
"If, ten years from now, I still can't get used to it, then I'll just retreat back to... Douluo Continent?"
Thinking this, the Snow Empress straightened up, took one last look at the moon that hung high in the otherworldly sky, yet was equally clear and bright, then turned and walked towards her palace.
Meanwhile...
White Jade Capital, Xiangxiao Hall.
The ground, paved with warm jade, exudes a gentle warmth, and the air is filled with a faint fragrance of orchids, which can calm the mind and nourish the spirit.
On a large, brocade couch big enough to accommodate several people, four graceful figures leaned against each other in different poses.
The Zhu sisters, Zhu Zhuyun and Zhu Zhuqing, sat on the edge of the couch, their gazes fixed on Jiang Xiaoxiao and Jiang Wanwan in the center of the couch, their eyes filled with a hint of inquiry.
At this moment, the Jiang Family sisters were completely different from their usual dignified and elegant selves.
They wore only thin, Snow Silkworm nightgowns, the lapels slightly open, revealing their beautifully shaped collarbones and a glimpse of radiant skin.
Her hair was slightly disheveled, and her cheeks still flushed. Her eyes were glistening with moisture, carrying a seductive charm that seemed to have been nourished.
They leaned lazily against the soft cushions, their bodies radiating a sense of weakness and exhaustion, yet a breathtaking femininity inadvertently emanated from their brows and eyes.
That was the tenderness and charm that emanated from her very bones after she had just received the first rain and dew.
Zhu Zhuyun watched this scene and sighed softly in her heart.
really...
Not returning home for two consecutive days—that's when she truly became a woman.
Meanwhile, Zhu Zhuqing, standing to the side, had a pair of clear, cat-like eyes filled with curiosity.
She blinked, leaned closer, and her gaze swept back and forth between Jiang Xiaoxiao and Jiang Wanwan before she couldn't help but ask:
" Wanwan, Xiaoxiao, you two seem a little different today?"
I feel... well, I think I'm more feminine now?
"And why did you move here again? This place is so much more luxurious than where we lived before."
Upon hearing Zhu Zhuqing's blunt question, Jiang Xiaoxiao and Jiang Wanwan exchanged a glance, and the absurd scene from not long ago involuntarily surfaced in their minds.
In that palace filled with misty steam, how did the two sisters set aside their reserve and serve the supreme Heavenly Emperor...?
Recalling that embarrassing scene, the two sisters' fair cheeks flushed even more deeply, and even their ears turned a blush.
Jiang Wanwan lowered her eyelids shyly, her voice carrying a slightly hoarse, alluring quality:
"You'll know in time... you'll understand eventually. Zhu Zhuqing, you... you'll experience it too."
Jiang Xiaoxiao, being the older sister, composed herself slightly. She coughed lightly to hide her shyness, her gaze shifting to the spacious and magnificent palace, attempting to change the subject:
" Zhu Zhuqing, Zhu Yun, what do you think of this ' Xiangxiao Hall '? From now on, this will be our new home."
The Xiangxiao Hall was one of the palaces built specifically for the emperor and his consorts within the Heavenly Court, and it was of extremely high standard.
The palace was lavishly decorated with carved beams and painted rafters.
The dome is inlaid with luminous pearls, emitting a soft and bright halo that illuminates the entire hall as bright as day.
The surrounding walls are adorned with exquisite murals depicting ancient myths and legends.
The furnishings inside the hall were all extraordinary, with tables and chairs made of ancient sandalwood and screens carved from deep-sea jade. The spiritual energy in the air was so dense that it was almost tangible mist. One day of cultivation here was equivalent to several months of arduous training outside.
Normally speaking, given that Zhu Zhuqing and Zhu Zhuyun are not yet officially recognized, they are absolutely not qualified to live in the same palace as the Jiang Family sisters, who have already been formally conferred the title of concubine.
The Heavenly Court has strict rules and a clear hierarchy; any transgression will invite criticism.
However, Jiang Xiaoxiao and Jiang Wanwan brought the Zhu Family sisters with them.
The reason for this is...
Jiang Xiaoxiao's gaze swept over Zhu Zhuqing's alluring figure, then glanced at Zhu Zhuyun's shapely and charming figure, and nodded to herself.
These two sisters are exceptionally outstanding in terms of appearance, talent, and their unique natural advantages.
In particular, their unique charm, a blend of youthful innocence and futuristic flair, perfectly suits His Majesty's taste.
Moreover, and most importantly, His Majesty specifically mentioned them.
Although His Majesty said at the time, "No special treatment is needed; just let nature take its course," how intelligent were Jiang Xiaoxiao and Jiang Wanwan?
They knew that if His Majesty truly didn't care, he wouldn't even mention it.
His Majesty specifically mentioned it, yet instructed that "no special treatment is needed," the deeper meaning of which is quite intriguing.
This clearly shows that His Majesty has taken a liking to these two sisters and wants to give them "special treatment," but doesn't want them to notice.
As Lin Hao's confidantes, Jiang Xiaoxiao and Jiang Wanwan naturally had to be concerned about what His Majesty was anxious about and think what His Majesty thought.
Having these two promising sisters by my side will not only strengthen my relationship with them, but also give me two more allies in the harem should they gain favor in the future.
Secondly, this also subtly demonstrates to His Majesty that they understand his thoughts and are "close" to him.
Zhu Zhuyun was quick-witted and naturally understood the significance of the Xiangxiao Hall, and also vaguely guessed the intentions of the Jiang Family sisters.
She nodded slightly, a hint of gratitude and determination flashing in her beautiful eyes. "This place is excellent, full of spiritual energy, with magnificent palaces, far surpassing what I had before. Thank you both for your care."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Xiaoxiao's lips curled into a meaningful smile. She extended her slender finger and tapped Zhu Zhuyun's forehead, her tone carrying a hint of teasing and encouragement:
"Since you think it's good, you should work harder."
Only by truly gaining His Majesty's favor can one rightfully possess their own palace, instead of being dependent on us sisters as we are now."