The bright moon hangs high, beckoning him down from his pedestal.

In the morning, inside the Taiji Hall.

Wei Zheng and Yun Wenhan bowed their heads as they entered the hall, and respectfully performed a grand salute to Shen Wangxi, who sat on the dragon throne.

"Your subject Wei Zheng pays his respects to Your Majesty. Long live Your Majesty!"

"This humble subject, Yun Wenhan, kowtows to Your Majesty. Long live Your Majesty!"

Shen Wangxi's voice was clear and calm, revealing little emotion. "Rise."

The two men rose as instructed, but their gazes involuntarily drifted to the girl standing beside the dragon throne.

That was their blood relative, Aruo.

Looking down at her travel-worn grandfather and biological father, Shen Qingruo disregarded all formalities and couldn't help but take a small step forward:

"Grand Tutor Yun, General Wei, you must be tired from your journey."

Shen Wangxi glanced at her but did not say anything to stop her; she simply watched in silence.

Shen Qingruo remembered the gift she had prepared and quickly gestured to the palace servants behind her.

Two palace servants stepped forward, one carrying a long sword with simple, antique decorations and a chilling aura, and the other carrying a sandalwood box. The lid of the box was opened, revealing several well-preserved and precious ancient books inside.

A faint smile graced her face, and her voice was soft and sweet: "Aruo has prepared a small token of her appreciation. I've heard that my grandfather is fond of ancient books, and these are all rare copies from the previous dynasty; General Wei is a military officer, and this Qing Shuang sword is forged from refined steel. I hope you like it."

Wei Zheng looked at the precious sword, and Yun Wenhan looked at the box of ancient books. Both of them were slightly stunned, their expressions strange, and they hesitated to speak.

The hall fell silent for a moment, leaving Shen Qingruo somewhat puzzled.

Shen Wangxi's noble demeanor was starting to falter. Could he have guessed wrong?

Finally, Yun Wenhan coughed lightly, his face showing a mixture of embarrassment and gratitude. He cupped his hands in a gesture of respect and explained:

"Your Highness is so kind."

"Although I am a scholar, I have always loved collecting famous swords and weapons to satisfy my eyes and as if I could glimpse the bravery and heroism of the soldiers on the battlefield."

"This ancient book is indeed precious, but..."

Before he could finish speaking, Wei Zheng interjected, his voice tinged with unease:

"The Wei family are all rough men, used to wielding swords and spears. In private, they prefer to read ancient books by scholars, finding it more peaceful."

"Your mother, Yun Wan, was a talented woman who loved poetry and books, which is why I fell in love with her at first sight."

Shen Qingruo was completely stunned. Her small mouth opened slightly, and she subconsciously turned her head to look at Shen Wangxi.

Shen Wangxi received a slightly aggrieved look from her and her eyes darted away.

How could he have expected that Grand Tutor Yun and Wei Zheng's preferences would be so unconventional?

He made it up entirely based on stereotypes about civil and military officials.

Seeing the little girl's somewhat helpless expression, Shen Wangxi remained calm despite feeling embarrassed, and stood up from the dragon throne.

He descended the steps in a few steps and entered the hall. He first took the Azure Frost Sword from the palace servant and handed it to Yun Wenhan, speaking calmly:

"I must have misremembered."

"Grand Tutor Yun has refined tastes; this sword is just what you would appreciate."

Yun Wenhan quickly bowed and accepted the gift with both hands, saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty, thank you, Your Majesty."

Shen Wangxi turned around again, took the wooden box, and handed it to Wei Zheng: "General Wei, I hope you will like this rare book."

Wei Zheng bowed and accepted the gift, saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

The two held the gifts in their hands, quickly exchanged a glance, and both saw surprise in each other's eyes.

Upon their first meeting, Shen Wangxi not only refrained from using his imperial authority to intimidate or punish these two surrendered officials, but also personally descended the steps to smooth things over for them and hand over gifts.

After doing all this, Shen Wangxi walked to the little girl's side with a calm expression and gave her a reassuring look.

Shen Qingruo gave him a coquettish look, deciding to settle the score with him when they got back.

-

Back in Yilan Palace, as soon as the palace servants silently withdrew, Shen Qingruo couldn't hold back any longer.

She gave a soft hum and snuggled into Shen Wangxi's arms, extending her slender white index finger to gently poke his firm, warm chest, tilting her head back with mischievous glint in her almond-shaped eyes.

"Your Majesty~" she drawled, her tone a mix of coquettishness and stubbornness.

"What's going on? If I remember correctly, Aruo, you have an exceptionally good memory, you can remember everything you see. Could you really forget something so simple?"

Shen Wangxi felt a tickle in her heart from her teasing, and was also stared at by her beautiful eyes, making her feel unusually embarrassed.

His gaze flickered, looking at the beams and pillars inside the hall, then at the potted plants by the window, but he didn't look at the little girl in his arms.

Then, he coughed lightly, trying to gloss over the situation, "Ahem, perhaps I've been too busy with official duties lately and just got confused for a moment."

Shen Qingruo, however, did not buy it.

She used both her small hands to grab his neck, pulling gently, determined to make him look down at her.

"Your Majesty, please look at Aruo and speak," she requested softly, her rosy lips slightly pouting.

Shen Wangxi couldn't resist her, looking at her beautiful face so close to his, her long eyelashes fluttering.

He sighed, finally resigned to meeting her gaze, wrapped his arms around her slender waist, and pulled her closer to his embrace.

"Alright, Aruo." His tone carried a hint of helpless indulgence.

"I'm telling the truth, I'm talking nonsense."

"When you asked me, I didn't actually know what they liked, so I just made something up."

Shen Qingruo's eyes widened slightly in surprise.

She sighed, "So even His Majesty of the Great Zhou Dynasty isn't omnipotent or omniscient?"

Shen Wangxi found it both funny and infuriating.

He lowered his head and kissed her soft lips, frankly admitting, "Yes, I am not omniscient."

"And this time, it was my wild guess that almost made Aruo look foolish. Please don't blame me, okay?"

Seeing the rare embarrassment on his face, Shen Qingruo's eyes curved into beautiful crescent moons. She shook her head vigorously and sweetly coaxed him, "It's not Your Majesty's fault!"

She leaned forward and planted a kiss on his thin lips, then looked at him earnestly and said, "Even if Your Majesty isn't omniscient, Aruo still likes it~"

Shen Wangxi was overjoyed. He held the soft and considerate girl in his arms and deepened the kiss.