Underneath The Moonlit Night

Chapter 76 - Alliances and Bloodlines

As the cheers outside the balcony faded, Kai Ze turned to face the grand hall, his gaze sweeping over the assembly of royal courtiers, noblemen, and dignitaries gathered in solemn ranks. He stepped forward to the throne and settled onto it, the weight of authority settling over him like the mantle of kingship itself. Beside him, Qing Yi took his seat, a step below, but their closeness spoke volumes. Every subtle exchange of glances between the two bore testament to the unity of purpose and shared strength they brought to Khufu.

Behind them, Baihu's massive form rested silently, his brilliant white fur gleaming under the sunlight streaming through the grand chamber's tall windows. His green eyes, glowing with a quiet intensity, watched over the hall with an air of regal detachment. Coiled with calm strength, the celestial beast's presence was both awe-inspiring and reassuring. His tail flicked lazily against the marble floor, but his gaze never wavered from the gathered assembly, as though silently judging their worthiness to stand before the throne.

The palace herald cleared his throat, his voice echoing in the grand chamber.

"In the presence of His Majesty King Kai Ze and His Grace Grand Duke Qing Yi, the Court may present itself."

One by one, the royal courtiers approached, each bearing the symbols of their respective positions as they offered congratulations and pledged loyalty to their new rulers. Xie Zhongwen, the Master of Coin, bowed deeply and offered a short speech on the readiness of the treasury to support the vision of a new Khufu. Governor Ho Jian, overseeing the provinces, made a firm commitment to the stability of the kingdom's cities. City Chairman Zhang Ruolan, responsible for Khufu's capital, pledged his allegiance to keep order and harmony. Each figure approached, one after the other, their faces a mixture of reverence and guarded curiosity.

Amidst the formal pledges, Lan Xichen observed from his place among the other cultivators, quietly taking in the ceremony with a subtle but visible sense of pride and awe. He watched as these prominent officials, men of long-held influence in Khufu, lowered themselves in respect to Kai Ze and, even more notably, to Qing Yi. The realization of Qing Yi's rise to this position—so powerful and so significant—filled Lan Xichen with a warm sense of admiration and wonder. The love he held was mingled with a profound respect that, even in this moment, was almost hard to believe.

Beside him, Wei Wuxian leaned over, his eyes gleaming with a hint of mischief and satisfaction. "I never thought I'd live to see this day," he murmured with a grin, voice low. "His Majesty Kai Ze and Qing Yi—standing side by side, ruling Khufu. Now that is a sight to see."

Lan Xichen nodded, his smile soft with genuine happiness. "It is quite a sight," he agreed quietly, his gaze still fixed on Qing Yi as another noble approached.

"They've carved this path with their own hands. Such unwavering determination in the face of impossible odds." Lan Xichen's voice held a note of pride, reflecting the admiration and love he felt for Qing Yi and the respect he had for the journey that had led them both to this moment.

Jing Shi, holding young Lan Yu in her arms, caught their words and turned to face them, smiling warmly. "It really is a moment I never expected. Let's just hope I won't be required to call him 'Your Grace' now," she said with a playful sigh.

Jing Xiang rolled her eyes, sharing in the playful tone. "Oh, please," she scoffed lightly, though her smile was filled with pride. "Just imagine how insufferable Qing Yi will be now that he's the Grand Duke."

"Perhaps," Lan Xichen responded with gentle warmth, a soft smile gracing his features as he watched Qing Yi's graceful acknowledgment of each pledge, "such formalities might depend entirely on which sister has earned his favor for the day."