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1171 Words
Meeting His Majesty
The awkward silence following the Seventh Prince's fall did not last long.
A palace eunuch suddenly announced,
"His Majesty the Emperor and Her Majesty the Empress have arrived!"
At once, the entire banquet hall became orderly.
The princes returned to their seats.
The Eighth Princess reluctantly released Jing and hurried back to her place.
Even the Seventh Prince quickly stood up and straightened his robes.
Moments later, the Emperor and Empress entered the hall.
The Emperor was dressed in magnificent golden robes embroidered with dragons. Though age had added a few strands of silver to his hair, his presence remained commanding.
Beside him walked the Empress, elegant and graceful, her gentle smile softening the dignity she carried.
Everyone in the hall rose to their feet.
"We greet Your Majesty."
"We greet Your Majesty."
The Emperor raised a hand.
"You may be seated."
Only after the Emperor and Empress had taken their places did the others sit down.
Soon, servants began carrying dishes into the hall.
The royal banquet officially began.
For a while, the Emperor exchanged conversation with his sons and ministers.
Then his gaze eventually settled upon the unfamiliar faces seated near the Second Prince.
A young maid.
And a small girl with striking blue eyes.
The Emperor raised an eyebrow.
"Second Prince."
"Father."
"I do not believe I have met these guests."
The hall grew quiet.
Many of the princes became curious.
The Emperor turned his attention toward Yuri and Jing.
Only then did many people in the hall notice that the little girl had quietly moved closer to Yuri's side.
One small hand held onto Yuri's sleeve while curious blue eyes wandered across the grand hall.
Whenever unfamiliar nobles looked directly at her, she instinctively edged a little closer to Yuri.
"What are your names?"
Yuri immediately rose from her seat and knelt respectfully.
"This humble servant is called Yuri, Your Majesty."
She gently touched Jing's shoulder.
The little girl immediately remembered the lessons Yuri had taught her.
No matter who stood before her, respect must always be shown.
Jing stepped forward and bowed properly despite her nervousness.
"This child greets Your Majesty."
Several people in the hall looked surprised.
For a girl so young, her manners were remarkably refined.
Only after completing her greeting did she return to Yuri's side.
"And this child is Jing," Yuri said.
The Emperor nodded.
"Commander Wei informed me that you were discovered near the forbidden forest."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The Emperor studied her carefully.
"You do not appear to be from the surrounding villages. Tell me your story."
For a brief moment, Yuri's heart skipped a beat.
She could not reveal the truth.
Not here.
Not yet.
If anyone discovered Jing's true identity, everything Lian had sacrificed herself to protect could be lost.
Yuri lowered her head.
"Your Majesty, we once lived in a small village far from here."
The hall listened quietly.
"Several years ago, raiders attacked our village. Homes were burned, and many people lost their lives."
The Empress's expression softened.
Yuri continued.
"Jing's family perished in the chaos. I was her caretaker, so I fled with her. We spent years wandering from place to place, trying to survive while escaping those who pursued us."
She carefully avoided mentioning kingdoms, royalty, or bloodlines.
"We eventually lost our way and wandered through unfamiliar lands. For three years we survived wherever we could until Commander Wei found us."
The hall fell silent.
Even the princes appeared sympathetic.
The Eighth Princess looked particularly upset.
"That's so sad..."
The Emperor remained quiet for several moments.
Then he slowly nodded.
"You have endured much."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
The Empress looked toward Jing.
The little girl stood quietly beside Yuri.
Though nervous, she listened attentively to every word spoken by the Emperor and Empress.
From time to time her curiosity overcame her caution, and she found herself admiring the golden decorations, colorful lanterns, and magnificent hall around her.
The Empress smiled warmly.
"What a brave child."
Jing blinked in surprise.
Realizing the Empress was speaking to her, she immediately remembered Yuri's lessons.
She lowered her head respectfully.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Her small voice was soft but clear.
The Empress's smile widened.
Such manners were rare even among children raised within noble households.
Immediately, the Empress felt her heart soften.
The palace had many princes but only one young princess.
And the Eighth Princess often complained that she had nobody her age to play with.
Now another little girl had suddenly appeared.
The Empress found the situation delightful.
The Emperor noticed his wife's expression and smiled faintly.
He then addressed Yuri.
"You have shown remarkable devotion in protecting this child."
Yuri lowered her head.
"It was simply my duty, Your Majesty."
"Nonsense."
The Emperor waved a hand.
"Such loyalty deserves recognition."
Yuri looked up in surprise.
The Emperor continued.
"From this day forward, you shall serve within the Inner Palace."
Yuri's eyes widened.
"Your Majesty?"
"You will be provided with lodging, food, and employment."
For the first time in years, Yuri felt a weight lift from her shoulders.
They would finally have a home.
The Emperor then turned toward Jing.
"As for the child..."
The Eighth Princess immediately sat up straight.
The Empress looked interested as well.
The Emperor smiled slightly.
"Jing shall study alongside the royal children."
The hall grew surprised.
Even some of the princes exchanged glances.
The Seventh Prince looked toward Jing.
The Eighth Princess nearly jumped from her seat.
"Really?"
The Emperor chuckled.
"Really."
The princess immediately turned toward Jing.
The princess immediately turned toward Jing.
"Did you hear that? We can study together!"
Before Jing could respond, Princess Meiling had already rushed over and grabbed her hand.
Startled by the sudden attention, Jing instinctively looked toward Yuri.
The entire hall laughed softly.
When Yuri gave her an encouraging smile, Jing relaxed.
She then turned toward the Emperor and Empress and bowed politely once more.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
The Emperor nodded approvingly.
The Empress smiled.
Only after that did Jing allow Princess Meiling to pull her away into excited conversation.
For the first time since entering the palace, a genuine smile appeared on her face.
Perhaps this palace was not as frightening as she had first imagined.
The Empress laughed softly.
"It would be good for Meiling to have a friend her own age."
The Eighth Princess enthusiastically nodded.
"Yes! Yes! She's my friend already!"
The entire hall laughed.
Even Jing couldn't help smiling this time.
The Seventh Prince covered his mouth to hide his laughter.
The Emperor watched the children and smiled.
For the first time in many years, the palace felt unusually lively.
Little did anyone realize that the decision made during this banquet would alter the future of Xuanhe Kingdom.
For Yuri, it was the end of three years of hardship.
For Jing, it was the beginning of a new life.
And for the young Seventh Prince, it was the first step toward a bond that would shape the rest of his future.
- Writer
