Budding Lotus — I

Li Xinyuan's shoulders slumped as he trembled, seeing Liu Mingyun's eyes turn wide at the declaration as his head snapped to look between the Emperor and him, Li Xinyuan weakly smiled to himself.

This was a cannon event. Inevitable and inescapable.

"This lowly one expresses a million thanks to His Majesty the Emperor." Li Xinyuan spoke finally, voice barely above a whisper as he added breathlessly. "This lowly servant is endlessly honoured to be wedded to the Crown Prince of DàHuǒ. How can this lowly servant even think of refusing the Crown Prince?"

The Emperor nodded, satisfied as he glanced at his son for the last time and waved. "This assembly is over." He stood up, slow and majestic as he passed by Liu Mingyun.

"The Crown Prince might wish to speak to the Specter of the Blood Moon," he hummed to Liu Mingyun, glancing at him from the corner of his eyes. "He should do so."