On the way to the palace, Mo Qu walked beside me, silent. He was known for being taciturn, but I sensed anger in his icy demeanor. Had I offended him unknowingly?
I attempted to engage him in conversation, but he only responded with nods or shakes, remaining mute. Frustrated, I fell silent.
Yan Huo had chosen an excellent location. His Ping Yao Imperial Palace, built on high ground, featured a water pavilion overlooking the city, offering a breathtaking view.
“How is it?” Yan Huo stood beside me, with Mo Qu nearby. The setting sun painted the sky with rosy clouds. “Isn’t the scenery of Xi Liang just as beautiful as that of Nan Rui’s Da Qi?”
“Your Majesty’s invitation to the palace surely isn’t just to appreciate the scenery.”
With the Crown Prince and now Yan Huo, I felt my time was wasted unless I learned more about Xia Zhichun and An Jin.
“Don’t you want to sit and enjoy the scenery?” Yan Huo asked regretfully. “The Grand Princess Zhao Hua is no longer the thirteen-year-old from before. I thought you would have many questions.”
“Zhao Hua indeed has many doubts,” I said. “Your Majesty is wise and knows what Zhao Hua wants to ask.”
“Let me guess,” he said, touching his forehead and glancing at Mo Qu. “I hear the Nan Rui court is unstable, with senior officials urging Emperor Hong to have the Grand Princess hand over the Wujin Token. This token was in the hands of Xia Zhichun, the third prince of Qi Kingdom, who brought it to Xi Liang. Could it be that the Grand Princess has traveled to Xi Liang for this Wujin Token?”
I smiled and took a sip of wine. Social engagements were a torment. I hadn’t eaten since the afternoon and was starving, yet I had to maintain my composure.
In the past, when An Jin was by my side, he would never let me go hungry. I was getting distracted.
Yan Huo, seeing my silence, seemed pleased. “I thought the Princess had come for An Daren, but it turns out it’s for this Wujin Token. Those who achieve great things must sometimes be ruthless. The Princess is becoming more like a true heir.”
