The third day before the year’s end, the Emperor returned to the Capital City with his entourage.
Lu Ziyuan requested all officials of fifth rank and above, along with their families, to exit the city to welcome them.
Though he himself wasn’t concerned with such formalities, his Wanwan was returning to the Capital as the Empress, and the necessary authority ought to be established, so the officials naturally should show their proper attitude.
Returning from Bianzhou to the Capital took nearly half a month, with the exhaustion from travel and the antics of an Emperor who had been restrained for several years. Xie Wanqing was experiencing backaches and sore legs, her complexion rather haggard.
It was snowing outside, terribly cold, so even with the officials welcoming them, she remained in her carriage the entire time.
Soon, the Imperial procession returned to the palace.
Snowflakes were large. After five years in the Southern regions, Xie Wanqing hadn’t seen snowy landscapes for quite a while.
She wore a big red cloak as she was helped out of the carriage.
After five years, she stood once again on the ground of the Capital City, cautiously sniffing the air as she tried to find her parents amidst the crowd.
Lu Ziyuan knew her thoughts, squeezed her palm, and smiled, saying: "There’s no rush, Wanwan. You can summon whoever you want to see tomorrow. It’s cold outside, let’s return to the palace first."
Being the God of Killing wasn’t just a figure of speech.
Lu Ziyuan ascended the throne four years ago, and countless officials in the court had been dismissed. Every official standing before him was trembling, never mind laughing, they had not even seen a single amicable expression from him.
Thus, hearing him speak gently now, and smiling like this...
In short, the previously noisy crowd suddenly fell silent.
A sea of people, surprisingly in such silent agreement, even their breathing became almost inaudible.
Only the sound of snow pressing down branches occasionally broke the silence.
Xie Wanqing sensed something, glanced at the man beside her, and said: "It’s too cold, let them return first."
Lu Ziyuan naturally complied.
After waving them off, he took Xie Wanqing by the hand and left together.
Their palace had already been tidied up.
It’s very close to Qinzheng Hall, almost within a step’s reach.
In Lu Ziyuan’s words, this is the place where they would live together for the rest of their lives.
From now on, except when he attends court, he wants to keep her in his sight at all times.
Even when reviewing documents or discussing state affairs with ministers, she must be by his side.
Of course, Xie Wanqing wasn’t aware of this just yet.
As she looked at the brand-new palace, her interest was piqued.
The floor heating made it pleasantly warm, and she eagerly toured inside the palace, sighing: "I never thought I would become an Empress one day."
Just a casual sigh, yet it made Lu Ziyuan’s heart feel heavy.
He had been Emperor for two lifetimes and his beloved girl was posthumously honored both times.
Fortunately, this life hasn’t been too harsh on him.
She was alive.
In the future, they can always be together.
He would present her with the best things in the world.
Lu Ziyuan held the girl who was about to explore the side chambers, embraced her, and cooed: "Once spring arrives, we’ll hold another Empress enthronement ceremony. Then, a pardon will be issued to the world, allowing all people to celebrate together, and the officials will pay homage to you for your dignified presence as the Empress."
"Forget it, you did that once already, didn’t you? Everyone knows it’s me, why go to such great lengths for another ceremony?" She felt indifferent about being the Empress.
She only knew that since she was already the Empress, there was no need for unnecessary actions.
Which Empress holds two enthronement ceremonies?
Is it a joke?
It’s not as if she’s being deposed and reinstated.