The black-clad man’s gaze flickered as he turned to Shan Xiaoya. Weakly, he said, “We have many such people, mostly used by the royal family. If someone becomes emperor, they’ll do whatever he commands.”
“Is this true?”
“I never speak nonsense.”
“Good! In that case, brother, you’ll be his body double. We might have a chance to return.”
Shen Zhonglei thought it made sense. He said, “Okay, I’ll listen to Xiaoya and be your body double. After I complete these tasks, I’ll find a suitable person to replace me as emperor. Then we can leave. Is that acceptable?”
The black-clad man was overjoyed. Trembling, he pulled out a large seal wrapped in yellow cloth and held it before Shen Zhonglei. “This is Manyi Country’s national seal. You must protect it. It represents power and status…” Suddenly, Shan Xiaoya’s vision went dark, and she inexplicably collapsed.
The national seal emitted a dazzling, sky-piercing light.
The light surrounded the black-clad man and Shen Zhonglei, spinning faster and faster… Finally, the black-clad man disappeared in the light, leaving only Shen Zhonglei standing there, his eyes gleaming.
Shan Xiaoya awoke to find herself already on the road to Manyi Country. She looked curiously at Shen Zhonglei’s back as he drove. “Brother, where are we going?”
“A brief response came: Manyi Country!”
“How do you know the way to Manyi Country?”
“I know.”
Shan Xiaoya looked puzzled at the luxurious carriage. She said nothing more, observing Shen Zhonglei driving. She felt he was different somehow but couldn’t quite pinpoint how.
The two arrived at the tribute city of Manyi Country. Dan Xiaoya walked into the tribute city, unexpectedly seeing a scene completely contrary to her expectations. She had thought a country ravaged by war would be desolate and filled with anxious people. Instead, her first impression was of prosperity and peace. The citizens were content and happy, showing no signs of war’s side effects.
The two arrived at the main gate of the imperial palace. The imposing palace gave a sense of oppression. Two rows of fierce, expressionless guards stood at the gate. Dan Xiaoya followed Shen Zhonglei, who appeared calm, but were stopped by the guards.
The two guards closest to them blocked their path with their weapons. One of them spoke in a slow, gentle tone: “Stop! Can people like you enter this imperial palace?”
Somewhat nervous, Dan Xiaoya glanced at him and coldly retorted: “Open your eyes and look carefully. Is this gentleman someone you can stop?”
Shen Zhonglei raised an eyebrow, looking at Dan Xiaoya with interest…
The guard was stunned by her words and carefully looked at Shen Zhonglei. His expression suddenly changed. He hurriedly knelt on the ground, shouting loudly: “Long live the Emperor! Your servant deserves to die! Please forgive me, Your Majesty!” The other guards followed, kneeling en masse…
Shen Zhonglei’s innate aura and imposing presence were like an official pass. He impatiently waved his hand, not even saying “rise,” and walked past the guards. Dan Xiaoya quickly followed…
Shen Zhonglei walked through the palace, where palace maids and eunuchs knelt to greet him. Their eyes showed curiosity but none dared to ask questions. Everything was contained in their lowered gazes… Dan Xiaoya followed him, too amazed by what she saw to care about others’ reactions.
Having never seen such a magnificent, dignified, and beautiful place, she naturally wanted to take it all in.
Shen Zhonglei brought Dan Xiaoya to a courtyard guarded by imperial guards. This courtyard was different, primarily in its color – everything was yellow, even the dragons on the eaves looked more spirited and imposing than in other courtyards. The front door was inscribed with “Imperial Study” in elaborate calligraphy. Shen Zhonglei swaggered in, with the imperial guards kneeling on one knee to pay respects before standing at their posts.
Shen Zhonglei sat leisurely in the imperial study, with Dan Xiaoya standing to the side. While her eyes were on the bookshelves, her peripheral vision was fixed on Shen Zhonglei. Since seeing the man in black on the grasslands, she felt he was different, and this feeling had only grown stronger here. How could someone who had never been here be so familiar with the palace’s layout? Moreover, his demeanor had changed – previously gentle, now he seemed unreachable and distant.
Shortly after, an elderly man entered, his face full of caution and worry. He immediately knelt and began to cry: “Your Majesty, this old servant thought you… Heaven has eyes! This old servant…” He couldn’t finish, breaking down in tears.
Shen Zhonglei coldly looked at the kneeling man. “We are tired. You may rise.”
A single sentence froze the old man’s sorrow, and he awkwardly retreated.
Dan Xiaoya turned, puzzled. “Who are you, really?”
Sitting at the desk, Shen Zhonglei laughed wickedly. “Who do you think I am?”
“The man in black.”
Shen Zhonglei’s eyes showed admiration. “Clever. But women who are too smart are not likable.
He then shouted outside the door: “Someone come!” A eunuch-like person walked in. “This servant greets Your Majesty!” “Xiao Linzi! From now on, you will follow Princess Shunyang and obey all her orders. Understood?” Xiao Linzi curiously glanced at Shan Xiaoya. “This servant obeys! This servant Xiao Linzi greets the Princess!” Saying this, he knelt before Shan Xiaoya. Shan Xiaoya uncomfortably waved her hand. “You may rise!” Shen Zhonglei looked at the awkward Shan Xiaoya, and the corners of his mouth involuntarily raised, rescuing her from her embarrassment. “Take Princess Shunyang to the Water Courtyard. From now on, it will be renamed Shunyang Palace.” “This servant obeys!” Xiao Linzi led the way, with Shan Xiaoya following behind as they left the Imperial Study. Shen Zhonglei gazed thoughtfully at her back, taking a long time to come back to his senses.
Xiao Linzi knew that Lifei was someone he couldn’t offend, so he quickly knelt before her. “Your Highness, please calm down! This servant is just following orders.”
Lifei spoke with a sharp tone: “Yanzi, don’t make things difficult for Gong Gong.”
Let’s wait a moment! After all, she is a princess personally enfeoffed by the Emperor. Gong Gong, you may go!”
Xiao Linzi heard Lifei’s words and played dumb: “Thank you, Your Highness, for not blaming me. This servant will go now.” He then ran away in a flash…
Shan Xiaoya sat on the bed, coldly looking at the entering Lifei. She wore a light pink long dress with long ribbons trailing past her skirt. Her jet-black long hair was tied high up, and she was graceful and charming. Two unfriendly maids followed behind her. Such a stunning beauty was indeed worthy of being the Emperor’s consort. Unfortunately, she was too cunning…
Lifei entered and met Shan Xiaoya’s cold eyes, feeling extremely displeased but maintaining a happy smile on her face. She walked up to Shan Xiaoya affectionately and gently grabbed her hand. “Princess Shunyang? I am Lifei. From now on, we’re family. If you need anything, you can tell me. I live in the Chunyang Palace.”
She had heard their previous conversation outside with Xiao Linzi but couldn’t be bothered to intervene. Since she wanted to come in, let her come in and see what she could do. Remaining calm and waiting was her usual approach. Shan Xiaoya looked at this woman who appeared gentle and beautiful but actually disgusted her, and gave a subtle smile. She pulled her hand back and blurted out: “Lifei? What a vulgar name.”
“She noticed the instant change in her expression.
Shan Xiaoya acted as if nothing had happened and stood up. “Lifei, if you wanted to see me, you’ve seen me now. I won’t see you off.” She didn’t even look at Lifei and walked inside…
