"Emperor!"
Xia Ruqing suddenly called out softly.
"Hmm?"
Zhao Junyao responded in a gentle voice, soft and tender.
Xia Ruqing slowly clasped his hand, their fingers intertwined, and the warmth from his fingertips was so comforting that it made her want to cry.
I... don't know what you have been through!
But I want to make things easier for you, I want to lighten the burden on your shoulders, I want you not to carry so much weight.
Thinking of this, she bit her lip and said.
"Emperor, I... will give the order tomorrow to conduct a selection in the Capital City!"
"There's no need to make a big fuss, just select some noble ladies in the Capital City to fill the harem."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Junyao turned his head sharply to look at her.
His eyes were full of disbelief, and... a faint disappointment and sadness.
"Qingqing, why?!"
"You..."
"Emperor!"
Xia Ruqing dared not meet his gaze and turned her head away.
