Chapter Two: A Reunion

“Let’s not pay her any mind. Let her go. We’ll keep shopping, and when we get back tonight, I’ll deal with her properly.” Xiao Ze’an tossed out the harsh words and continued browsing with Shen Shuwan, while the gift boxes on the ground were quickly scooped up by several young masters from noble families.

...

“Chief Steward Li, do you know where the Emperor and Empress are?” Luo Ningsang had just returned to the palace when she ran into Chief Eunuch Li and hurried over to ask.

“Oh my, my little princess, it’s been so long since I last saw you. You finally came back to the palace today,” Chief Li said fondly. He had even held Luo Ningsang in his arms when she was just a little bundle.

“I just suddenly missed you all, so I came,” Luo Ningsang said playfully. Around Chief Li, she didn’t have to be cautious. Everyone in the palace feared Chief Li, saying he was cunning and shrewd enough to maintain his position as chief eunuch.

But Chief Li was exceptionally kind to Luo Ningsang, and she always smiled brightly when she saw him.

“My little princess, the Emperor of Da Qi has arrived today; the Emperor and the Mo Emperor are in the council hall discussing state affairs.”

“Mo Youli is here?”

“Yes, Your Highness. The Emperor and Mo Emperor are discussing governance. Why don’t you go to the side hall and wait? Wait for the Emperor—Hey, slow down, princess! I haven’t finished speaking yet.”

Chief Li looked helplessly as Luo Ningsang ran off. The princess was still as lively and adorable as ever.

Luo Ningsang hurriedly lifted her skirt and dashed toward the council hall, ignoring the guards’ warnings at the door, and barged straight in.

“Father…”

She went directly to the Emperor and looked up at him, still vividly alive before her. Tears welled up in her eyes as she thought of the last life when her father died tragically. Like a spoiled child, she threw herself into the Emperor’s arms.

“Why, Ningsang? Were you bullied? Tell your father if anyone from the Grand Tutor’s household dares to harm you. Your father will stand up for you,” the Emperor said anxiously as he noticed Luo Ningsang dressed plainly, a tear trembling in his eye.

Luo Ningsang shook her head. “No, no one bullied me. I just missed Father.”

“You, always with that Xiao boy in your eyes. No matter how many times I summoned you back to the palace, you wouldn’t come,” the Emperor chided, but his heart was secretly delighted. His daughter had taken the initiative to return; that alone made him happy.

“Please forgive Mo Emperor’s embarrassment…” The Emperor affectionately patted Luo Ningsang’s head and then cast an apologetic glance toward Mo Youli.

“It’s nothing,” Mo Youli’s captivating voice rang out. Luo Ningsang turned her head sharply and looked at him intently.

She gazed at Mo Youli, who looked very young then, dressed in a dark robe. The collar and cuffs were embroidered with intricate golden patterns, contrasting sharply with the dark fabric, adding a touch of splendor and nobility.

A subtle elegance mingled with a hint of charm lay between his brows, like a mysterious lotus blooming quietly in the night—both enigmatic and alluring. His deep eyes seemed to see through souls, making one easily fall under their spell.

He was only fifteen then, but appeared very composed.

Recalling the last life before she died, Mo Youli’s anxiety and love for her, and the warmth he ultimately gave her, Luo Ningsang’s expression was complicated.

Mo Youli noticed Luo Ningsang’s gaze seemed to look right through him, as if trying to see beyond. Yet he had never approached the princess because she had always avoided him.

“Princess Ningsang,” Mo Youli greeted politely.

“You look better in red...” Luo Ningsang blurted out after sizing him up, then froze.

She had said the exact same words in her previous life, back when Xiao Ze’an was with her and they saw Mo Youli together.

Xiao Ze’an had always hated Mo Youli, because not only was Mo Youli’s status far beyond his, but even his prideful scholarly achievements were outclassed by him.

Xiao Ze’an was jealous of someone who was superior in birth, appearance, and intellect—a person who had everything going for him.

But this man was the husband the Emperor had arranged for the princess, and he seemed to have a special love for her.

As long as Xiao Ze’an had Luo Ningsang, he felt he had beaten Mo Youli. So what if Mo Youli’s status was higher? The woman he loved was just like a dog at his side!

Luo Ningsang had always resisted the marriage arranged by her father, feeling like she was just a political pawn to be married off to Da Qi, losing the right to choose whom she loved.

Coupled with Xiao Ze’an’s antagonism, Luo Ningsang had rejected Mo Youli and barely spoken to him in her previous life.

One of the few sentences she uttered was that Mo Youli suited red.

She simply thought his aura matched the color—bewitching and enchanting.

Yet that casual remark was etched in Mo Youli’s heart.

...

Afterward, Mo Youli always dressed in red...

“You’re such an impudent girl, no respect for Mo Emperor even when you see him,” the Emperor mockingly scolded but couldn’t hide his fondness.

The Emperor was quite pleased with Mo Youli—such an outstanding son-in-law.

Mo Youli was about the same age as his daughter and had displayed extraordinary wisdom and talent since childhood. Skilled both in literature—able to speak fluently and compose poetry naturally—and in martial arts—an expert horseman and archer.

By age five, he could recite poetry that amazed the court’s officials; by eight, he was a graceful horse rider; by twelve, he mastered statecraft, impressing everyone with his insightful opinions during council meetings.

Moreover, he fought fiercely among princes to claim the throne, demonstrating unusual cunning and strategy.

Da Qi was the only major power now, strong and well-armed. Their own Yan Chi Kingdom and Sangnan Kingdom were smaller satellite states depending on Da Qi.

For his daughter to marry Mo Youli… sigh, this disappointing daughter only had eyes for Xiao Ze’an!

While the Emperor’s thoughts swirled, Luo Ningsang walked brightly to Mo Youli and stared into his eyes.

“Mo Youli, after discussing state affairs with my father for so long, aren’t you hungry? Why don’t you dine with us?”

Mo Youli was taken aback. Luo Ningsang usually ignored him like he was invisible. After being treated like air for so long, he was surprised by the invitation to dine together.

“It’s my fault for not thinking ahead. Mo Emperor, would you join us for a meal?” the Emperor asked, pleasantly surprised by his daughter’s initiative.

“Then I shall gratefully accept,” Mo Youli replied, stealing a glance at Luo Ningsang, his ears faintly reddening. When he saw her looking at him, he awkwardly looked away.

Luo Ningsang was pleased inside, never expecting Mo Youli to be so innocent and endearing.

During the meal, the Empress hurried over upon hearing that her daughter had returned.

Luo Ningsang threw herself into the Empress’s arms upon seeing her young mother.

“Mother, I missed you so much. From tomorrow on, I’ll stay at the palace every night. I want to see you every day.”

Luo Ningsang’s spoiled words brought her the warmth of a mother’s love.

“Good, good, I’m happy you want to come back. Still acting like a child…” The Empress gently patted Luo Ningsang’s head.

“Mo Youli, how long will you stay this time?” Luo Ningsang wanted to cultivate a good relationship with him. In her previous life, she was ungrateful and missed the chance with Mo Youli, blinded by that scoundrel Xiao Ze’an.

“A little over a month. I’ll return home by mid-next month,” Mo Youli replied solemnly as he put down his chopsticks.

He had originally planned to stay only a few days in Yan Chi, but now… because of her, he wanted to linger a little longer.

The two guards beside Mo Youli exchanged surprised glances. Their Mo Emperor was known for being decisive; nothing ever swayed his decisions.

Yet this time, just because Luo Ningsang invited him to dine, he changed his mind and hesitated to leave.

“I have to attend the academy during the day, and you and Father have state matters. I’ll come back every night to dine with you and stay at the palace,” Luo Ningsang said.

She wanted to accompany her father and mother. The Empress often prayed for them in the temple, so she seldom saw her. Her father was even busier. In her last life, she died tragically because of them; this time she wanted to spend more time with her family.

Her elder brother, though somewhat inept, still cared deeply for his little sister.

“Where’s your brother? Why isn’t he here for dinner?” Luo Ningsang’s round little face looked around.

“Don’t mention your brother. If he doesn’t finish his homework today, he’s not allowed to eat!” The Emperor said angrily, truly exasperated with that son.

The Emperor glanced at Mo Youli across from him—such an outstanding man. If only he were his own son.

Luo Ningsang secretly slipped some snacks and a chicken leg into her handkerchief and tucked them into her bosom.

Everyone noticed her sneaky action but said nothing.

“Father, I’m full. I’ll go check on my brother,” Luo Ningsang said like a little rabbit and dashed off. The Emperor knew she had just smuggled the food for Luo Shaochen and didn’t stop her.

Only Mo Youli looked reluctant, greedily watching her figure disappear bit by bit.

“Brother...!”

Luo Ningsang kicked open the door and strode into Luo Shaochen’s chambers, clutching the food tightly to her chest.

Luo Shaochen was frowning, scratching his head anxiously. Hearing the noise, he looked up.

“Sis, why are you here?”

“Just afraid you’d starve as punishment, so I brought you some food,” Luo Ningsang said, pulling out the food.

Luo Shaochen hadn’t eaten all day. The Emperor’s severe punishment meant no one dared visit, not even the Empress.

Only his sister dared be so reckless.

Luo Shaochen didn’t hold back and gobbled the food down, nearly choking and rolling his eyes.

“Brother, slow down. Father won’t come for a while; he’s dining with Mo Emperor.”

Luo Ningsang poured him a cup of tea.

“Brother, stay away from Shen Shuwan! That woman isn’t as pure and kind as she seems!”

Luo Ningsang recalled how in her last life, her brother was harmed by Shen Shuwan, his head hung outside the city gate.

Now she understood Shen Shuwan’s heart: she was playing both sides, with her brother on one side and Xiao Ze’an on the other, waiting to see who would seize power and then choosing accordingly.

All she wanted was the position of Empress, possibly without any real love for either.

Shen Shuwan was only a daughter of the Prime Minister’s secondary wife, her ambition considerable as well.

This time, Luo Ningsang vowed to protect her brother and never let him get entangled with Shen Shuwan.

“Why do you say that?” Luo Shaochen looked at her.

“I’m with Shen Shuwan at the academy every day. How could I not know? Just trust me,” Luo Ningsang grabbed his arm, her gaze firm.

Luo Shaochen wavered at her words.

Though he was weak in both literature and martial arts, he admired strength. Shen Shuwan was talented and stunningly beautiful. Such a woman naturally moved his heart.

Many noble sons adored Shen Shuwan, and he wanted to win her heart too.

But since his sister said so, he would watch her character more carefully.

“You criticize me, but what about you? Stay away from that Xiao Ze’an. He’s nothing but a pretty face, not worth it!” Luo Shaochen retorted, starting to tease Luo Ningsang.

He disliked Xiao Ze’an because Shen Shuwan liked him, and he thought Xiao Ze’an’s character was questionable.

Even if Xiao Ze’an was among the top scholars in Yan Chi, so what? He just couldn’t stand that pretty boy.

“You’re right, brother. Xiao Ze’an is a scoundrel. I’m planning to slowly get revenge on him and make him lose everything!” Luo Ningsang said fiercely, tightening her grip on Luo Shaochen’s arm.

“Ouch...” Luo Shaochen winced in pain. His sister was really squeezing hard!

In the past, if he ever said anything bad about Xiao Ze’an, his sister would jump up to defend him and sulk for days.

What was up with her today? Not only did she not object but cursed Xiao Ze’an fiercely.

“Did Xiao Ze’an bully you? If he did, tell me,” Luo Shaochen asked seriously.

“No, I just suddenly saw his true nature,” Luo Ningsang’s eyes grew distant, then resolute.

“It’s late, brother. Eat well and keep studying. Don’t slack off. I’ll go now.”

Starting tomorrow, she would stay at the palace overnight. Tonight, she needed to talk to the Grand Tutor.

The cold moonlight, like shattered golden silk, lazily spilled over the towering vermilion gate of the Grand Tutor’s mansion.

Luo Ningsang had just stepped over the threshold and hadn’t caught her breath when a sharp voice shot at her like a cold arrow.

“Oh... who do we have here? None other than Miss Luo. No matter how Master Xiao treats her, she still comes back like a dog,” sneered Cui Yu, the head maid of the Grand Tutor’s mansion. She was accustomed to favor from Xiao Ze’an and looked down on others. Crossing her arms, chin raised high, a contemptuous smirk playing on her lips, she scanned Luo Ningsang like assessing merchandise.

“That’s right, that’s right. I heard she even upset Master Xiao today. He definitely won’t pay her any attention,” chimed in Cai Que, a little maid with twin buns, eager to please Cui Yu, her eyes rolling and a gleeful, mischievous glance cast at Luo Ningsang.

“If Master Xiao ignores her, she’ll probably be begging for forgiveness at his door again, standing all night without pardon.”