Chapter 5: Xiao Ruxue

On the second day, at dawn, Xiao Ruxue, who had slept deeply for a long time, slowly rose from her bed. After a moment of confusion, she instantly regained her clarity and hurriedly surveyed her surroundings.

She was covered by a soft silk quilt from Songjiang, warm and delicate, with even the corners tucked tightly. Turning her head, she found that the man who had entwined with her throughout the night was nowhere to be seen.

She reached out to touch the bedding—it was cold, clearly he had left long ago.

"Where is His Majesty, the Retired Emperor?" Xiao Ruxue’s beautiful eyes dimmed. Had the Retired Emperor departed last night, uninterested in her after all?

Impossible. Last night, the Retired Emperor had been utterly enraptured by her, clinging to her every moment. How could...

She tried to get up, but instinctively pulled the quilt over herself. The reason was simple: at this moment, she wore nothing, her skin smooth and pristine, exposing a great expanse of springtime beauty.

Her exquisite face flushed, and she bit her lip. "The Second Prince’s grace is as heavy as a mountain; I have no way to repay him. I originally intended to serve him with my humble appearance, but unexpectedly..."

"In gratitude, I was willing to give myself, to serve the Retired Emperor."

"From now on, am I to grow old in isolation with the Retired Emperor in the Cold Palace?"

Her eyes grew bitter. The title "Retired Emperor" sounded grand, but true power could never compare with that of the reigning sovereign. It was like those consorts banished to the Cold Palace—her remaining years destined to be lived out in the Purple Palace, or some other secluded hall.

"Attendants!" she called, and soon the door was pushed open. Two palace maids entered.

"Greetings, Beautiful Lady."

"Where is the Retired Emperor?"

"His Majesty is outside," replied one.

"His Majesty?" Xiao Ruxue glanced at the two women, but took no offense. The Martial Yu Emperor had not yet ceded the throne to the Second Prince, so naturally he was still addressed as His Majesty. But abdication was only a matter of time. The entire palace was now under the Second Prince’s influence—soon, he would be emperor.

"Enough, prepare my toilette."

"Yes, Beautiful Lady."

With the two maids assisting her, Xiao Ruxue rose, her flawless body illuminated by the morning sun, appearing even more delicate and fair.

After two steps, she felt a sharp pain below, and her brows knitted together. The Retired Emperor, though he seemed aged and frail, possessed surprising strength and stamina—worthy of a founding sovereign.

Helpless, she allowed the maids to support her, leading her into the inner chamber of the Purple Palace.

Here was the bathhouse, with hot springs flowing year-round. There were also the latest silk undergarments and palace robes.

Steam enveloped the chamber as Xiao Ruxue submerged herself in the hot spring, nourishing her tender body.

After a period of rest and self-care, she finally recovered. After all, she had been trained as a death warrior by the Second Prince from a young age; such minor wounds were no hindrance.

Ten years of death warrior training had forged her temperament into unyielding steel. Never before had she been able to bathe leisurely in a hot spring like today.

She indulged in the pleasure, relishing the experience.

Once cleansed, Xiao Ruxue changed into palace attire and, led by the maids, set out to find the Martial Yu Emperor.

Her green palace robes shimmered softly in the sunlight, the hem fluttering gently in the breeze like spring water. With a graceful figure, she walked lightly along the vermilion corridor, every step exuding composure and elegance.

Her beauty was like a peach blossom’s first bloom—delicate and alluring. Her almond-shaped eyes seemed to speak a thousand emotions, their corners slightly upturned, as if she had stepped from a painting.

Her jet-black hair was intricately styled into a cloud bun, adorned with pearls and jade, making her skin appear even more lustrous. A dab of cinnabar on her forehead added a touch of charm.

Her lips parted in a slight smile, mingling shyness and warmth; anyone who glimpsed her would be captivated by her dimples, intoxicated by her gentleness.

Outside the Purple Palace, Xiao Ruxue saw more than ten fully armed Shenwu Guards standing sentinel, their sharp gazes sweeping the surroundings.

The Shenwu Guards—personally established by Second Prince Zheng Yuansen, formed around martial artists, undefeated in battle.

In the decade-long chaos of the Jin dynasty, tens of thousands of Jin soldiers, rebel kings, and martial artists had fallen to the Shenwu Guards. They were the source of the Second Prince’s confidence in launching his palace coup and subduing the Yu kingdom.

Xiao Ruxue asked, "Where is His Majesty?"

The maid beside her looked peculiar, then raised her head and said, "Beautiful Lady, His Majesty is... over there."

She pointed to the side.

Curious, Xiao Ruxue followed her gesture and saw, atop the glazed yellow tiles of the Purple Palace roof, an elderly man clad in a bright yellow dragon robe, sitting cross-legged.

His eyes were gently closed, his breath deep and steady.

His posture was dignified, his palms open as if cradling an invisible force.

Sunlight streamed through the clouds, bathing him in a faint golden aura.

The glazed tiles shimmered, the air filled with a peaceful and solemn atmosphere.

He was cultivating!

Xiao Ruxue was astonished; she knew exactly what His Majesty was doing.

Cultivation. The Zheng clan of Yu Kingdom, cultivating the Purple Mist Technique.

At sunrise each day, they circulated their technique, absorbing the morning essence to refine their vitality, strengthen their spirit, and elevate their abilities.

The Second Prince, too, cultivated this internal technique and had reached a profound level.

She hadn’t expected the Martial Yu Emperor, now nearly sixty, to be so diligent.

No wonder last night... he was no less vigorous than the young princes.

At this thought, Xiao Ruxue’s cheeks flushed again.

She glanced at the sky and softly asked, "Has breakfast been prepared?"

"Beautiful Lady, breakfast has long been ready. May I..."

"Soon. Go and summon the meal."

"Yes!"

The maids withdrew, and Xiao Ruxue waited quietly beneath the hall.

Before long, a figure leapt down from above—it was Zheng Yi!

"Ah..." Zheng Yi let out a long breath, amazed at how comfortable it was to cultivate the Purple Mist Technique.

The morning sun brought a gentle warmth, flowing through his meridians, nourishing his blood and aging body.

For a moment, he felt a rare vigor.

Finishing his cultivation, he leapt down from the hall and immediately spotted an exquisite beauty waiting for him.

"Awake, my lady?"

Zheng Yi stepped forward and naturally took her delicate hand.

Her body hesitated, but she relaxed, allowing him to hold her hand.

She smiled shyly, "I am prone to sleep, Your Majesty. I beg your forgiveness."

Zheng Yi led her towards the Purple Palace.

"A beauty's sleep is a scene of rare charm; how could I ever dare disturb it?"

"Alas, now I am but a bird in a cage, unable to command beyond these halls. Otherwise, I would surely confer upon you the title of consort!"

"For now, I can only call you 'my lady'. It is a hardship for you."

Xiao Ruxue’s gaze flickered as she replied quietly, "Titles do not concern me. I admire your Majesty’s renown, and willingly entered the palace to serve you."

"Truly?"

"As true as can be."

"Heh, indeed you are a rare beauty."

Zheng Yi laughed, "From now on, we shall rely on each other in this place."

"If you remain loyal to me, I shall remain loyal to you!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

"Your Majesty, breakfast is ready. Please partake."

"Very well, let us dine together."

As they conversed, a Shenwu Guard hurried over, paused outside the hall, and respectfully reported, "Your Majesty! By order of the Second Prince, I am to escort you to the Hall of Supreme Harmony for a meeting."