Stunned, Grand Councilor Yan cursed inwardly. Everything must have been part of their plan. And Huang Wensheng was their target.

They turned to wait for the emperor’s arrival. Lin Haihai stood upright bracing the wind, watching him approach at a deliberate pace. The yellow dragon robe he wore accentuated his magnificent presence. Under his ink-black brows were deep, dark eyes. The heat in his gaze was a language only she knew.

He doesn’t hate me anymore, does it? At the end of the day, he still understands me. He understands my belief. Overwhelming emotions rose in her heart. She hadn’t fallen in love with the wrong person!

Yang Shaolun turned to Lin Haihai. It’d been a month since he last saw her. She’d lost weight. Her gaze landed on him with familiar adoration. He’d faltered too easily. Why would he doubt her feelings for him? Everything she did, she did for him. Warmth spread through all parts of his body, and his eyes crinkled with a hidden smile. They were still able to understand each other with a single glance. He was glad that their connection remained intact; glad that she still looked at him with love in her eyes.

“You’re here as well, Official Yan,” Yang Shaolun said coolly, his expression schooled into one of impassiveness and showing no discernible emotions. The well hidden flames in his eyes were the only indication of his delight and excitement.

“In response to Your Majesty, this old official...”...