The setting sun hung like blood, spilling over the majestic palace walls and dyeing the Liuli tiles to look like congealed flames. In a corner of the Imperial Garden, the begonia blossoms were in full bloom, yet that vibrant crimson appeared as dim to Xiao Jue as a faded old dream. He stood beneath the covered walkway, his fingertips instinctively brushing against the jade pendant at his waist—one she had tied there with her own hands many years ago, back when her brows would curve in smiles and her face was more radiant than the spring flowers.
"Her Imperial Majesty has arrived."
The eunuch's shrill voice pierced the silence, and Xiao Jue's spine stiffened, his posture straightening almost instantly. He turned around to watch that familiar figure in bright imperial yellow approach from a distance, a heavy grip tightening around his heart so painfully that even his breathing hitched.
Chapter 121