Chapter 97
The emperor sat upon his golden throne, the weight of his crown light compared to the burden of ruling an empire on the brink of unrest. Yet, as he observed the young woman before him. poised, unyielding, and bearing the undeniable mark of the Feng bloodline, he felt a rare spark of satisfaction.
Feng Jiao Xue had not only returned, but she had returned with strength, intellect, and a sharpness that the court had not expected. In his eyes, she was no longer just the neglected pitiful miss of the Feng Clan but a formidable force standing beside his favored son, Liang Feng.
His gaze swept across the grand hall, taking in the divided expressions of the nobles. Some still reeled from the power shift in the court, while others, particularly those from the old noble factions, eyed Feng Jiao Xue warily, recognizing the threat she now posed to their schemes.
Slowly, the emperor leaned forward, the flickering candlelight casting long shadows across his regal face.
"Jiao Xue" he said, his voice carrying through the chamber, steady and rich with meaning.
Feng Jiao Xue met his gaze, lowering herself into a respectful bow. "Your Majesty."
The emperor studied her for a moment longer before a slow, knowing smile touched his lips.
"You’ve grown well."
It was a simple statement, but the meaning behind it was anything but. It was acknowledgment. It was approval. And, most importantly, it was a declaration to the court that the emperor saw her, favored her, and would not easily cast her aside.
The murmurs in the hall grew hushed, as those who had assumed Feng Jiao Xue to be merely an opportunist realized that she had just gained the emperor’s favor in a single move.
With an air of casual authority, the emperor shifted his attention to the gathered ministers. "Lady Feng has presented us with much to consider. It is clear that there are those in this court who underestimate loyalty, cunning, and the weight of true alliances." His voice darkened slightly. "Let us hope they do not come to regret it."