The situation in the Liangzu capital was stabilized by the support of legendary figures like Fu Xiao Jin, Zhang Yu Hao, and Wu Tian Zi. Ming Yue Yin's position as Empress was solidified, especially when everyone learned she had inherited the sacred tree's power and befriend the Hei Shen Sect – who normally weren't partial to anyone. No one dared to go against her despite her young age.
Ming Yue Yin wanted to give Lory a noble title when she thought of everything Lory had done for her. It was clear to all who knew that the Hei Shen Sect won't have helped if it was not for Lory, but Lory's reaction when she heard about the noble title was a simple, 'Heck no!'
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Corruption and nepotism thrived in every sector of the Kingdom because of Emperor Ming Wang. Ming Yue Yin as a new ruler needed to convince her people she was not the same. Giving Lory a noble title would make people question Ming Yue Yin's judgment. Although Lory helped, what she did was not something that could be easily explained or believed. This was because everyone knew she was a crippled girl with no cultivation and was only fortunate enough to make Long Ming fond of her.
The next two years were crucial for Ming Yue Yin as she needed to prove she was a great ruler and making Lory as a noble was an unwise decision. Zhang Yu Hong and Wu Tian Zi supported Lory's decision. They were all grateful for Lory, but there were many things to get done right before Ming Yue Yin could cement her position.
They were thankful for Lory's wise assessment of the matter. It was very rare to find a young lady who maintained a clear-headed mind without the influence of wealth and greed. Their admiration for Lory was taken to another level. They were also glad she was Ming Yue Yin first friend as they believed Ming Yue Yin would become a splendid empress with her guidance.
Lory and Zhao Li Xin left Jing An city a few days after Ming Yue Yin's coronation. Zhao Li Xin departed to Sun Jan city to investigated the red jade placard given to him. The journey took them three days from Jing An city.
Lory was surprised to find Sun Jan city was filled with peach blossom trees. The young girls in the city wore soft pink or peach and soft blue colored hanfu. They all looked delicate and pure. The men were handsome but looked too feminine and refined for her taste. Some women liked this type of men but Lory was surrounded by strong and enigmatic men throughout her life, and she found it hard to appreciate delicate men. She rather preferred looking at the women in the city as they all looked young and vibrant.
Girsha flew away without notice as usual once they arrived in the city. He was not called 'the Lord of the Sky' for nothing. Zhao Li Xin knew Lory liked to stroll every time they reached a new city so he took her around despite hating crowded places. Zhao Li Xin wore white robes with a silver flower on his sleeve to look less conspicuous. He wore a white half-mask that covered most of his face minus his mouth and chin. Lory had helped him tie his hair with a simple jade hairclip.
Zhao Li Xin couldn't hide his noble and dangerous aura despite his disguise. He still stuck out like a sore thumb. Zhao Li Xin didn't care about others since his focus was to make Lory wear the same hanfu design as his robes, a subtle gesture to show everyone they were a couple.
Zhao Li Xin drew people's attention once he alighted from the carriage. His mask only made others, especially women, curious about the appearance behind the mask. The women giggled and whispered to each other but Zhao Li Xin didn't realize as his attention was elsewhere. Mong Yi lifted the carriage's curtain while Zhao Li Xin helped Lory get down.
Lory already expected he would lift her waist before he put her on the ground. They smiled at each other without care while others gazed at the two love birds with envy.
"Where do you want to go?" Zhao Li Xin opened a white parasol to cover them from the sun.
"Let's walk around first," Lory shrugged. She was eager to enjoy the romantic view around her. She held Zhao Li Xin's arm as they walked under the white parasol. Mong Yi and Mong Ki followed their lord at a safe distance. They knew Zhao Li Xin never liked anyone to disturb his sweet time with Lory.
Lory was getting used to being stared at with envy and jealousy when she walked with Zhao Li Xin. She was already numb to it and Zhao Li Xin was learning to be patient when men ogled at his little savior. He could now control his anger and control his Qi at the same time.
"Where is that sound coming from?" Lory asked about the sound of a Gu Qin and women singing.
"It's from the tea house," Zhao Li Xin said.
A lavish two-storied building painted in red lay before her. The building was standing above a lake surrounded by white lampions with peach blossom trees. It stood out more compared to other buildings around it. Lory couldn't help but be curious about it.
"Do you want to go inside?" Zhao Li Xin who was always eager to spoil her smiled gently.
"Yes!" Lory nodded with excitement. Zhao Li Xin wrapped his hand around her and led her inside the tea house.
The waiter only needed one look to know Zhao Li Xin was not a simple rich man. He smiled politely and bowed courteously, "Welcome to Fu Hua, honorable guests."
"I want a private room with the best view," Zhao Li Xin said. His decisive words were considered normal for nobles in this world when they talked to those below their status. However, Zhao Li Xin sounded a lot better than the first time he went out with Lory. She remembered the servants then could barely stand close to him.
"Of course, mister. Please follow me…" The waiter's smile bloomed when Zhao Li Xin asked for an expensive room. He was right about the guests not being simple. They could be in the same standing as royalty. The waiter led them to the second floor. The room was not as big as the phoenix hall's private room, but it was still luxurious with a wooden square table. The window was covered with pink curtains and a beautiful lampion painting with peach flowers above the table.
The waiter asked for their order. Lory ordered for Long Jin tea and sweet red bean soup since she loved sweets. Zhao Li Xin never understood how she could eat many sweets but he had no problem fulfilling her wishes.
Lory could see the lake, a small boat with a girl holding a colorful parasol from the room. It was a mesmerizing view. The waiter arrived with a tea set and red bean soup for her. Lory smiled kindly at the waiter and held herself from saying 'thank you' as it would only scare the poor waiter.
The waiter bowed respectfully and left. The tea was not bitter so she could drink it easily but it was not sweet enough for her. She ordered it since she needed to reduce her sugar consumption.
"Is it good?" Zhao Li Xin asked.
Lory smacked her lips, "It's not bitter."
"Don't eat too many sweets. It is not good for you," He reminded as always.
"I know…" Lory pouted as she took the bowl and dug into her meal.
Zhao Li Xin smiled as he watched her eat. She didn't eat like other noblewomen but her movements were still smooth and graceful. It showed the training she had undergone to embody certain behavior. He was really curious about the kind of princess she was. He was sure she was not like the common princesses he knew.
Lory had finished her meal when someone knocked on their room's door softly. The waiter entered the room, "Master, young Miss, our lady wants to greet you."
The waiter opened the door without waiting for Zhao Li Xin's response. A beautiful lady with a soft purple hanfu stood there. The lady seemed to be Lory's age, seventeen years old. She had beautiful features with small pink lips, phoenix eyes, and fair skin. She almost had the same overbearing temperament as Zhao Li Xin.
Zhao Li Xin's mood became bad. Someone always messed his quality time with his woman every time they went out. He ignored the lady who entered the room and leisurely sipped his tea. He treated the lady like she was air. Zhao Li Xin was used to his behavior, but Lory thought the situation was awkward.
"It been a while, Li Xin," The beautiful lady said calmly.
"Not really," He answered carelessly.
The lady glanced at Lory who thankfully had a lot of training and didn't look awkward. She faintly smiled at the strange lady. Lory was suspicious of the lady's identity since she casually called Zhao Li Xin. Most people called him Milord or Master Zhao, but the lady seemed to be an old acquaintance or he would have kicked her out of the room. Zhao Li Xin never regarded his opponent's gender when he did such things.
"My name is Tang Mei Yi. May I know the young miss' name?" She cupped her fists elegantly with a gentle smile.
"My name is Luo Ri Yi. It is nice to meet you, Miss Tang," Lory cupped her fist politely.
"Is Miss Luo Li Xin's new subordinate?" Tang Mei Yi asked with a soft voice.
"Uhm…I-" Lory found it awkward to introduce herself. She was about to introduce herself as a friend but Zhao Li Xin cut her off before she could speak.
"She's my fiancée…" Zhao Li Xin answered with a calm face.
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