Underneath The Moonlit Night

Chapter 65 - Storm Brewing in the Southern Court

King ChengLi diligently stamped his insignia onto the last report from his financial advisor, feeling the weight of the day finally lift. The sun cast long shadows through the grand windows of the throne room, signaling the approach of evening. Flickering light from the braziers mounted on the walls blended with the growing twilight outside, casting a warm, golden glow.

"Very well," the King said, his voice calm but authoritative. "Set up a meeting with the current Lord of Xiaoyu sometime next week. The reconstruction of the royal palace into one of my own estates shall commence once we finalize the necessary funding."

His financial and royal advisors exchanged a glance and nodded in unison. "Understood, Your Majesty," they replied before quietly exiting the room, their footsteps echoing in the spacious hall.

King ChengLi reclined back in his chair, the weight of his responsibilities momentarily easing as he let out a long, weary sigh. He placed a hand over his forehead and gently closed his eyes. An image of He Xuan, her serene face and gentle smile, flashed through his mind, reminding him of how little time he had spent with her lately.

The peaceful moment was interrupted by the soft but clear voice of his attendant, who approached the table with a respectful bow.

"Your Majesty, Lord Wei Sheng is seeking an audience with you."

King ChengLi opened his eyes, the brief respite over. He straightened in his chair, his expression becoming one of composed authority once more. "Send him in," he commanded, his tone steady.

As the attendant bowed and exited the room, the King prepared himself for yet another discussion.

Wei Sheng, a trusted imperial guard appointed by the King to watch over He Xuan, entered the throne room with purpose. The flickering light from the braziers cast dancing shadows across the walls as he approached, the echoes of his footsteps reverberating through the chamber.

Kneeling respectfully before the King, Wei Sheng spoke with a tone of deference, "Your Majesty, apologies if I disrupt your rest."

King ChengLi acknowledged him with a gentle smile, rising gracefully from his intricately carved chair. He walked towards Wei Sheng with a regal bearing, his robes flowing behind him like a river of silk. "Rise," he commanded softly, extending his hand in a gesture of reassurance. Wei Sheng bowed once more before standing upright, his posture reflecting years of disciplined service.

"Any word from He Xuan?" the King inquired, his voice tinged with a mixture of hope and concern.

Wei Sheng nodded solemnly, his expression betraying a deep sense of responsibility. "Forgive my incompetence, Your Majesty. I have not been able to keep a close watch on her. I have yet to locate her," he confessed, his voice heavy with disappointment. "It appears her clinic has been abandoned for several days."

The King's brow furrowed in worry as he absorbed the news. "Abandoned?" he repeated, his mind racing with possibilities. "Did you uncover any clues as to her whereabouts?"

Wei Sheng shook his head, his frustration evident despite his disciplined demeanor. "No, Your Majesty. There were no signs of struggle or indication of her intentions. It is as if she vanished without a trace."

Disappointment clouded the King's eyes, a frustrated sigh escaping his lips. "Damn it! Where could she have disappeared to? Must I resort to dispatching shadow assassins to scour the land for her whereabouts?"

Wei Sheng, sensing the King's growing frustration, became cautiously attentive. He bowed his head respectfully before speaking. "Your Majesty, I have also stumbled upon something intriguing," he began, prompting the King to turn his attention back to him. "There have been murmurs among the palace maids. They speak of a young Koeh woman being summoned to the Guifei's palace several days ago."