280: Zixuan is back in Beijing!

Empress Dowager Su Jingyu's wish was fulfilled, and her face was filled with unconcealed joy.

She then pulled Li Shengyuan and Female Emperor Mu Qingning to talk for a while longer, mostly about family concerns, and the atmosphere became even more harmonious.

Seeing that her objective had been achieved, she tactfully stood up and said with a smile, "Well, The Empress Dowager've finally put half of my worries to rest. You two have been reunited after a long time and must have many intimate things to say, so The Empress Dowager won't be an eyesore here."

Her gaze lovingly swept over the two of them, "The Empress Dowager will now go to the Li Residence to discuss important matters with your grandfather and parents."

With that, she gracefully turned and slowly left the bedchamber, leaving behind the two with unsettled hearts.

The palace door gently closed, and silence returned to the bedchamber, yet it was filled with an atmosphere entirely different from before, one tinged with sweetness and solemnity.

Li Shengyuan and Female Emperor Mu Qingning looked at each other, both feeling somewhat dazed for a moment, as if the scene of their lifelong decision was still a dream.

"Qingning..."

"Shengyuan..."

Almost simultaneously, they called out each other's names, their voices filled with a gentle, profound meaning, as if in confirmation.

No longer the "Your Majesty" and "Subject" of the imperial court.

Nor the address between senior and junior disciples, but the most direct, most intimate call.

Female Emperor Mu Qingning proactively stepped forward, throwing herself into Li Shengyuan's embrace. She looked up, her beautiful eyes shimmering with moisture, reflecting his figure, her red lips luscious and inviting, exhaling a burning fragrance, utterly captivating.

Li Shengyuan, unable to control his emotions, lowered his head and deeply kissed her red lips.

This kiss, unlike the previous passion and longing, carried an added solemnity of promise and a lingering sense of belonging.

Between their intertwined lips was the certainty of shared hearts, and an infinite yearning for a future spent together.

They embraced tightly, as if through this kiss, they wanted to deeply engrave the decision of their impending "engagement," which would change their relationship, into their souls.

After a long while, their lips parted... Their foreheads rested against each other, their breaths mingling, both seeing the same joy and determination in each other's eyes.

Li Shengyuan stayed in the palace the entire afternoon, accompanying Female Emperor Mu Qingning as she dealt with some backlog of memorials, sometimes conversing, sometimes just quietly by her side.

Until evening, when the palace lanterns were first lit, the two shared dinner together, the atmosphere as warm as that of an ordinary couple.

Shortly after dinner, a female official came to report, "Your Majesty, Xuanyi Guard Commander Miss Zixuan has returned from overseas and requests an audience to report on Xuanqiong Immortal Island matters."

"Let her in."

Female Emperor Mu Qingning quickly regained her imperial demeanor, sitting upright behind the desk, while Li Shengyuan sat beside her, sipping tea.

Soon, Zixuan, dressed in dark robes, dusty from travel but unable to conceal her capable and heroic spirit, strode into the hall and knelt on one knee:

"Your subordinate Zixuan pays respects to Your Majesty and to the Marquis!"

"Rise... How are things overseas?" Female Emperor Mu Qingning asked, her tone calm.

Zixuan stood up. Although she had departed later, she returned at full speed, not much later than Li Shengyuan and his group.

She then reported clearly and concisely: "Replying to Your Majesty, Xuanqiong Immortal Island has been fully taken over."

"The core of the formation The Empress Dowagers operating normally, and the remaining personnel have been initially screened and reorganized, largely stable. The island's treasury The Empress Dowagers being inventoried and registered, and all resistance forces have been cleared."

"Commander Xue Yao The Empress Dowagers temporarily staying on the island to oversee affairs, handling follow-up matters. She will return to the capital to report once the situation The Empress Dowagers completely stable."

Female Emperor Mu Qingning listened carefully, occasionally asking for details, and Zixuan answered fluently.

However, during her report, the meticulous Zixuan keenly noticed an indescribable tacit understanding and atmosphere between His Majesty and Marquis Jingyuan.

The occasional glances exchanged between them seemed gentler and more affectionate than before. A hint of the usual coolness in His Majesty's brows had diminished, replaced by a subtle brightness.

And Li Shengyuan's gaze towards His Majesty carried an unprecedented, almost doting sense of stability.

This feeling... was very different.

But Zixuan couldn't pinpoint exactly what was different; she only felt as if the air in the hall was much softer and warmer than usual.

She dared not think too much, nor look too much. After completing her report and receiving Female Emperor Mu Qingning's commendation, she respectfully bowed and withdrew.

Walking out of the bedchamber, a gentle night breeze blew, and Zixuan quietly exhaled, muttering to herself, "It seems something good has happened between His Majesty and him?"

She shook her head, suppressing these thoughts, and focused on her upcoming official duties.

Inside the hall, Female Emperor Mu Qingning looked at Li Shengyuan, her lips unconsciously curving upwards: "It seems the overseas matters are even smoother than expected."

Li Shengyuan put down his teacup, walked to her side, naturally took her hand, and smiled:

"Thus, you can worry less."

Then he stood up to bid farewell, "It's getting late. The Empress Dowager should go back and see my grandfather. Don't overwork yourself, rest early."

"Mm."

Female Emperor Mu Qingning nodded in agreement. Li Shengyuan's concern made her heart quite sweet, and this time the feeling was different from before!

Leaving the bedchamber, Li Shengyuan leisurely strolled through the palace, and soon saw that familiar figure in the dark night.

Li Shengyuan smiled slightly, followed her, and said to Zixuan:

"Miss Zixuan, why do you seem so preoccupied? Would you mind telling me?"

Zixuan turned her head to look at Li Shengyuan blankly, saying nothing...