Chapter 72: Does Your Majesty Desire Lady Zhen's Company Tonight?

After completing Zhen Mi’s investiture ceremony and exchanging a few brief pleasantries, Liu Xie allowed her to retire for rest.

She must have endured considerable fatigue from the journey; it was essential she be given proper time to recuperate. It would be improper to detain someone solely because of their attractive appearance, engaging them in idle chatter within the Great Hall—it could tarnish his dignity.

However, to maintain his image before Ju Shou, Liu Xie continued staring at Zhen Mi’s departing figure, feigning an entranced gaze. Only after she vanished did he reluctantly turn away and address Ju Shou, “My dear minister, do you have any further matters to discuss? If not, please feel free to withdraw.”

“Congress shall now seek Lady Zhen for a heart-to-heart conversation.”

Witnessing Liu Xie’s impatience, Ju Shou couldn’t help but twitch slightly at the corner of his mouth, feeling as though a prized cabbage had been snatched by a pig. Truly…lucky him.

With an inward sigh, Ju Shou bowed and said, “Your Majesty, then this subject shall take his leave.”

He promptly turned and exited the Great Hall.

Once Ju Shou departed, a nearby palace official approached and asked, “Your Majesty, should I notify Lady Zhen to prepare for your overnight company?”

Upon hearing Liu Xie’s earlier words, Ju Shou assumed the emperor intended to immediately favor the newly arrived Lady Zhen.

Liu Xie’s expression stiffened, and he hastily replied, “Suddenly, we feel somewhat unwell. Perhaps it would be better later.”

His initial remark was merely for appearances before Ju Shou. After all, she had just entered the palace today, and he wasn’t so desperate as to indulge openly during daylight hours.

With that, Liu Xie rose and left the Great Hall.

As someone who, in his previous life, had never even been in a romantic relationship - remaining perpetually single since birth - suddenly having a wife thrust upon him felt quite surreal.

Honestly, he had absolutely no experience in this area!

Moreover, how should he approach Zhen Mi from now on? Liu Xie pondered this while walking out of the Great Hall.

He genuinely lacked any prior knowledge or skills in such matters. Yet, considering they would be spending constant time together, unable to avoid each other, he couldn’t afford to ignore the issue.

Lost in thought, Liu Xie inadvertently reached the imperial palace gates. There, he spotted multiple carriages parked outside.

Zhang He and Gao Lan were directing the imperial guards to unload boxes from these carriages and bring them into the palace.

“What is all this?” Liu Xie, somewhat puzzled, approached Zhang He to inquire.

Upon seeing Emperor Liu Xie, Zhang He hastily bowed and respectfully replied, “Your Majesty, these are tributes sent by the Zhen family.”

“Zhen family? Tributes?” Liu Xie raised his eyebrows slightly and instructed Zhang He to open several chests.

Inside, he found various treasures such as silk fabrics, gold jewelry, exquisite artifacts, calligraphy pieces, and decorative items. The sight overwhelmed Liu Xie, who had never witnessed such wealth before!

He then glanced at the carriages parked outside the imperial palace. A rough count revealed over a hundred, each one laden with dozens of boxes—a staggering display of riches.

“The Zhen family… truly has immense wealth,” Liu Xie marveled internally. It was clear that these were intended as dowry for Zhen Mi, merely labeled as tributes in formality.

No wonder Yuan Shao sought to curry favor with the Zhen family. If only Liu Xie could win them over too.

Although Yecheng’s imperial palace paled in comparison to Luo Yang’s grandeur, it still boasted seven or eight palaces and halls.

After receiving her title, Zhen Mi was escorted by a eunuch to one of these side halls, which would serve as her residence from now on.

“Lady Zhen, please rest here. This servant will take his leave.”

As the eunuch prepared to depart, Zhen Mi called out to stop him.

“Please wait, sir.”

The eunuch halted, bowing respectfully. “What further instructions does Lady Zhen have?”

Zhen Mi hesitated momentarily before speaking. “My personal maid is still outside the palace. Could you kindly bring her here?”

According to protocol, a newly appointed imperial concubine could bring one trusted maidservant with her, making this request reasonable. However, she had entered the palace alone with Ju Shou, leaving her maid behind in the procession. Now that she had been officially titled as a noble consort, she could no longer freely exit the palace. Thus, she relied on the palace eunuchs to relay messages.

“At once, my lady.” The eunuch responded respectfully before departing.

The eunuch respectfully acknowledged her request and left.

Once he was gone, Zhen Mi let out a slight sigh of relief, then glanced around the empty palace chambers, a hint of loneliness flickering in her eyes like autumn waters.

“From now on, this will be my home.”

Zhen Mi felt somewhat melancholic. Throughout her life, she rarely ventured outside, making this her first time being so far from home. Everything here was entirely unfamiliar to her: the new surroundings, environment, and…

the unknown people.

Recalling the Emperor she briefly met in the Great Hall, despite not being able to look directly at him, she had managed to steal a glimpse.

He appeared very young, only a few years older than herself, with remarkably handsome features.

Based on rumors, this Emperor wasn’t inherently bad, just perhaps weak and ineffectual. It seemed such a person might not be difficult to get along with.

As these thoughts crossed her mind, a wave of drowsiness washed over Zhen Mi, compelling her to lean against the dressing table where she succumbed to sleep.

Liu Xie wandered aimlessly around the imperial palace until twilight approached.

After hesitating for a moment, he decided to visit Zhen Mi, considering it was her first day at court and warranted some concern. He thought it would also be appropriate to share an evening meal with her.

Thus, Liu Xie promptly headed towards Qingli Palace, where Zhen Mi resided, intending to check on her well-being.

As soon as he entered the sleeping quarters, he spotted Zhen Mi asleep, slumped over the dressing table. The fading sunlight cast upon her, seemingly enveloping her figure in a golden glow. Her serene and beautiful face appeared even more enchanting than the dusk’s rosy hues beyond the horizon.

This sight momentarily captivated Liu Xie.

Standing still, he gazed for a long while before finally withdrawing his gaze. After a brief contemplation, he stepped forward gently and draped a garment over Zhen Mi.

Despite his utmost care, the instant his touch met her body, she startled awake.

“Y-Your Majesty?”

Zhen Mi, caught off guard by Liu Xie’s unexpected presence, hastily tried to rise and perform a bow. However, due to having slept too long in that position, her legs felt numb. As soon as she stood, her knees buckled, threatening to make her collapse.

“Careful!”

With swift reflexes, Liu Xie reached out and steadied Zhen Mi.

The sudden contact made Zhen Mi shudder like a startled fawn, quickly stepping back. She lowered her head nervously, saying, “My humble apologies, Your Majesty. I was unaware of your arrival.”

She deeply regretted falling asleep, not realizing the Emperor had entered!