The day unfolded in an unusual way for Xiang Ru, a day that left a strange echo in his thoughts.
Still, he had managed to complete all that was required of him. First, he visited the pavilion, where whispers of the enemy’s plans reached his ears. Then, blending seamlessly into the marketplace, he procured items on behalf of the Emperor—not just necessities, but things that would set tongues wagging and fuel the court’s endless chatter. By the time the sun dipped low, painting the sky in hues of gold and crimson, he returned to the palace, weary but satisfied.
As he stepped through the grand gates, a curious sight caught his attention. Servants moved in deliberate haste, arms laden with offerings—delicacies wrapped in silk, bolts of fine fabric, and even glimmering jewels. Each item exuded opulence, the kind reserved for tributes. The air buzzed with quiet urgency, as if the palace itself was preparing for something extraordinary.
"Is it normal for the Emperor to receive so many gifts?" Xiang Ru asked, his voice low but curious as he glanced at the commander standing beside him.
The commander, burdened with the assortment of items Xiang Ru had bought in town, shifted uncomfortably. His arms were full, yet he still managed to exude an air of stoic authority. With a sigh, he followed Xiang Ru's gaze toward the bustling servants.
"Yes," the man replied, his tone flat but tinged with disdain. "It’s normal. Those nobles think that showering the Emperor with treasures and trinkets will secure their survival. Pathetic, really. But I don’t mind. Let them exhaust their coffers. They deserve to squirm."
A wry smile played on his lips as he adjusted his grip on the parcels, the weight of the day settling over them both.
Without a word of explanation, Xiang Ru strode forward, cutting off the servants in their tracks. His sudden movement startled them, but he didn’t pause to offer reassurance. Naturally, Pan Zhiqiang followed close behind, his expression a mixture of curiosity and mild exasperation.
Without ceremony, Xiang Ru reached out and took the gifts from the startled servants. "I’ll deliver these to His Majesty myself," he declared calmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. "I have something of my own to present to His Majesty, and it would be more convenient to bring everything at once."
The servants exchanged bewildered glances, their hands hovering awkwardly as if unsure whether to protest or comply. They only began to retreat when Pan Zhiqiang gave a slight nod, his commanding presence silencing any objections.
The servants bowed hesitantly and stepped away.
The two made their way to the Emperor's private chambers in silence, their footsteps echoing softly along the polished floor. Upon reaching the doors, Pan Zhiqiang stepped forward, announcing their arrival with his usual crisp efficiency. He then pushed the doors open, revealing the serene yet regal atmosphere of the Emperor’s room.
Without hesitation, Pan Zhiqiang carried the gifts Xiang Ru had purchased and placed them neatly before the emperor, bowing slightly as he straightened.
The Emperor observed them with a bemused smile. "What an unusual pair," he remarked, his voice laced with amusement. "I never thought I’d see you getting along with Xiang Ru."
Pan Zhiqiang froze for a moment, caught off guard by the comment. His gaze flickered briefly to Xiang Ru before he turned his eyes to the floor, a faint shadow of discomfort crossing his face. There was no trace of the hostility he once held for Xiang Ru.
"Xiang Ru is someone Your Majesty personally brought into the palace," he explained, his tone even but firm. "Considering the... incident at the banquet, I felt it was my duty to ensure such a situation wouldn’t occur again."
YOU ARE READING
A Tale of Loyalty and Desire
RomanceBorn from a prostitute, Xiang Ru learned how to be the best in the industry. His dream is to stand on a high position, looking down on those who looked down on him and his mother because of their origin. He thought he wouldn't need the emotion calle...
