Zhou Chengbai nodded to Murong Cheng, who clasped his hands in gratitude saying, “Thank you, Fu Shaoxia, for saving my… sister.”
Zhou Chengbai asked, “May I ask if you two are from the Murong family?”
Murong Cheng was surprised and nodded, “How does Fu Shaoxia know?”
With both siblings bearing the surname Murong, it would be difficult to guess another family. “Fu Bai has long heard of the legendary reputation of Murong Shaoxia, and seeing you today, it truly lives up to its fame.”
Murong Cheng laughed exaggeratedly, “Oh, it’s nothing. I didn’t expect to gain fame in the Jianghu just one month after stepping out.”
Zhou Chengbai replied earnestly, “I am new to Jianghu and don’t understand many things. I wonder if Brother Murong could guide me a little?”
“Of course, no problem.” Murong Cheng readily agreed.
Finally, Zhou Chengbai thought, he could wander the Jianghu with Miss Murong.
Three years later, Zhou Chengbai succeeded the position of Wulin Alliance Leader. The next day, he found a letter and a book left behind by his master and mistress, who had promised to propose to the Murong family for him. Murong Ling was also leaving with her father. Before she left, Zhou Chengbai called her to the study to talk.
“Fu Gege, are you reluctant to see me go?” Murong Ling asked with a smile, her fair cheeks displaying two adorable dimples. Though she was already eighteen, she still looked like a child.
Zhou Chengbai suppressed his nervousness and gazed at Murong Ling, filled with the emotions he had held back for three years. Murong Ling met his gaze and couldn’t help but blush, “Fu Gege… why does it feel a bit warm? My heart is racing.”
Zhou Chengbai said, “Ling’er, how about marrying three years later?” Zhou Chengbai knew it might be too much to let a girl wait for him until he was in his twenties, but he would return to the palace in three years, and then he could give Murong Ling a more noble identity.
Murong Ling replied without thinking, “Sure, that’s fine.” After all, he was a boy, so there was no rush. He also had to tell his father not to betroth him to anyone.
Zhou Chengbai felt relieved, believing that Murong Ling loved him sincerely, which was why she agreed to such an unreasonable request.
He placed the jade pendant that Zhou gave him into Murong Ling’s hands and said, “Ling’er, take this and wait for me for three years.” In three years, I will definitely marry you and make you my empress.
Murong Ling felt the warmth of the pendant, which was Zhou Chengbai’s body heat, and her heartbeat quickened, her fair ears turning red. “Fu Gege, I will wait for you.”
Three years later.
The chief eunuch He Sheng brought an imperial decree to the Murong family.
Murong Zhao welcomed him anxiously and slipped a piece of silver into He Sheng’s hand, cautiously asking, “Uncle He, may I ask why you have come?”
He Sheng smiled and replied, “There is no need for such formality, Murong master. I bring you great news.”
Murong Zhao felt a bit more at ease.
He Sheng suddenly became solemn and declared, “Murong Zhao, receive the edict—”
Murong Zhao was about to kneel but was stopped by He Sheng, who said, “The emperor specifically instructed that you should stand while receiving the edict.”
“By heaven’s mandate, the emperor decrees: Murong Ling, daughter of Murong Zhao, is of gentle demeanor, diligent and compliant, warm and pure in nature, virtuous and kind, deserving of the honor. She is to be immediately enshrined as the empress, thus decreed!”
“Congratulations, Master Murong! Your family is to have an empress!”
Murong Zhao was bewildered and smiled, “Yes, yes, thank you, Uncle He.”
Suddenly realizing, he exclaimed: “But Uncle He, my daughter is only six years old! How can she be made empress?”
He Sheng responded, “I don’t understand this either. The new emperor, having just ascended to the throne, chose your daughter as empress. It does not matter how old Ling is; once she enters the palace, she will be above all others. Do not be foolish; the new emperor is ruthless, and you never know who might be executed in a fit of anger.”
Murong Zhao: “Wait a moment, Uncle He. What Ling? There’s only my second daughter Yao Yao. Can you show me the decree?”
He Sheng unfolded the edict for Murong Zhao to see, “The emperor writes ‘Murong Ling,’ Master Murong. Do you have a daughter named Murong Ling?”
“There is one, but…” That’s my son!
He Sheng assumed Murong Zhao was reluctant for his daughter to be empress and patiently said, “That’s great! The emperor has prepared the phoenix crown and wedding garments. Quickly, Master Murong, dress the empress, and we must depart! If we delay the empress’s coronation ceremony, the emperor will be angry!”
Murong Zhao turned pale from fear at He Sheng’s words and hurried to find Murong Ling.
When Murong Ling saw his expression, she was startled. “Father, what’s wrong?”
“Ling’er, I’m sorry.” Murong Zhao cried as he explained the situation regarding the decree.
Murong Ling responded, “Father, what’s the big deal? It’s just a phoenix crown and wedding garments. I can wear them; once I’m in the palace, the emperor will see I’m a boy and realize his mistake. By then, won’t I be able to return?”
With that, carefree Murong Ling donned the phoenix crown and ceremonial robes and was carried into the palace.
After a day of the empress’s coronation ceremony, Murong Ling returned to the chamber feeling utterly depleted.
The maid beside her watched and wouldn’t let her lift the veil, nor let her lie down to rest. After a while, a deep male voice said, “Step back.”
The maids bowed and answered, “Yes,” before leaving the chamber.
Murong Ling thought, so this is the emperor. She contemplated how to confess without making him too angry.
Zhou Chengbai restrained his excitement as he stepped in front of Murong Ling, gently lifting the veil to reveal her now more mature face. “Ling’er…”
Murong Ling looked up, startled, “Fu Gege?!”
What is going on? How did Fu Gege become the emperor?
“Ling’er, thank you for waiting three years. I have finally married you.” Zhou Chengbai embraced Murong Ling tightly, “Ling’er, you don’t know how long I’ve awaited this day. From now on, I’m the emperor, and you’re the empress. Let’s be together forever, alright?”
Murong Ling, momentarily dazed, replied sleepily, “Alright.”
In an instant, she found herself underneath Zhou Chengbai, his handsome face close to hers, his heavy breath warming her face, bringing about a rush of heat. “Fu Gege…”