In the solemn quiet of the imperial study, the scent of aged parchment and fresh ink mingled with the faint fragrance of sandalwood. Emperor Shen Hóngtú, ruler of the mighty Shen Yao Empire, sat beneath a vast mural of celestial dragons, his deep-set eyes scanning an imperial scroll. His face was as unreadable as ever—calm, regal, and cold, except to those who truly knew him.
The heavy silence was broken by a polite knock at the door.
"Enter," came the emperor's deep voice.
Clad in silver and black armor that gleamed even in the dim light, General Shen Língxiāo stepped inside. His short black hair was neatly combed, and his handsome face bore the confident composure of a seasoned war hero. A direct descendant of the Shen clan, he was more than a general—he was the emperor's closest confidant, his brother in arms, and one of the greatest reasons Shen Hóngtú now sat upon the throne.
He bowed respectfully.
"Your Majesty."
The emperor looked up, a flicker of warmth in his eyes. "Língxiāo, have all the arrangements for Ruòxuě's return been made?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. Everything is in place. The city is in order, and the imperial guard has been stationed discreetly but thoroughly. There will be no disturbances."
The emperor leaned back slightly. "Good. No matter which clan, sect, or royal family they belong to, if anyone causes trouble today, they are to be punished without mercy. Today is not just any day—my daughter, the jewel of Shen Yao, returns from the Yōuxuán Sect."
General Shen Língxiāo placed a fist over his heart. "Understood, Your Majesty. I was just about to head to the city gates to receive her alongside Lady Lan."
The emperor nodded. "Go. And let nothing ruin this day.
Outside the palace walls, imperial banners fluttered across the capital city. The streets were decorated with ribbons and symbols of the Shen clan. Musicians played festive tunes, and incense filled the air with reverent joy. The people, nobles and commoners alike, gathered eagerly to catch a glimpse of the prodigious Princess Shen Ruòxuě, said to be the most talented youth in recorded history.
In a grand carriage headed toward the city gates, Lady Hei Lan sat in anticipation, her heart fluttering with joy. She had spent the past days preparing gifts, food, and even hand-made decorations for her daughter. Dressed in soft lavender silk, she looked every bit the noble she had grown into—despite her humble origins.
Clutching a small handkerchief, she muttered to herself with a smile, "My little girl… how much have you grown?"
Meanwhile, riding parallel was General Shen Língxiāo on horseback, scanning the city perimeter with a sharp eye. Though his station demanded respect from all concubines, even the Empress, today he offered Lady Lan a polite warning as he noticed her pacing restlessly near the gate.
"Lady Lan, please be patient," he said. "She will be here soon."
Lady Lan chuckled softly, embarrassed. "Forgive me, General. It's just… it's been three long years."
He gave a rare, understanding smile. "It's only natural."
Suddenly, shouts rang out from the watchtower.
"A carriage approaches! Bearing the Yōuxuán Sect crest!"
A wave of hushed awe spread through the waiting crowd. The Yōuxuán Sect, symbolized by the floating mountain crest, was the strongest sect across all five continents. Few dared to even speak its name aloud.
The general turned to Lady Lan, gesturing ahead. "You see? She's here."
As the grand carriage finally arrived after ten suspenseful minutes, its presence alone silenced the capital's bustle. A guard leapt forward and opened the door with reverence.
From within stepped a girl with flowing black hair and striking violet eyes, radiating grace and strength despite her youthful age of sixteen. Though still in the bloom of adolescence, she stood with the composure of a veteran warrior. She wore the subtle insignia of the Yōuxuán Sect on her robe, and her aura was undeniable.
Shen Ruòxuě, the unrivaled genius of the Shen Yao Empire, had returned.
Spotting her mother, her dignified posture melted. She rushed into her arms.
"I'm sorry, Mother. Ruòxuě made you wait…"
Tears streamed freely down Lady Lan's cheeks as she embraced her daughter.
"Oh my dear, it's nothing. I'm just so glad you're home. How have you been?"
"I've been okay." Ruòxuě smiled, brushing a few tears from her mother's cheek. "I missed you."
General Shen Língxiāo stepped forward and bowed slightly. "Welcome home, Your Highness. Your father awaits you."
"Have you been waiting long?" she asked.
"Nearly three hours," he replied calmly.
The princess looked apologetic. "I'm sorry. I hope I didn't cause too much trouble."
He shook his head. "Not at all."
Ruòxuě and her mother entered the carriage Lady Lan had arrived in, and the convoy turned toward the palace.
Inside the carriage, mother and daughter sat closely.
"Mother, how have you been?" Ruòxuě asked warmly.
Lady Lan smiled. "Busy, but happy. I even cooked your favorite dishes myself this morning."
Ruòxuě's eyes lit up. "Really?! I can't wait!"
Lady Lan laughed. "You're still the same—always ruled by your stomach."
"I'll take that as a compliment." They both laughed.
Then Lady Lan's tone softened. "By the way, your Aunt Qingcheng recently gave birth."
Ruòxuě blinked. "She did? I have a new sibling? When?"
"Just a few days ago. You now have a baby brother."
Ruòxuě's eyes sparkled with curiosity and excitement. "A baby brother! That's wonderful news!"
As the carriage passed through the outer and inner courtyards of the imperial palace, they finally reached a high balcony overlooking a garden pavilion. There stood Emperor Shen Hóngtú, his imposing figure bathed in golden light.
For once, his ever-stoic face softened. A rare smile curled his lips as his eyes met his daughter's.
Ruòxuě smiled back. "I'll be back soon, Mother. Let me greet Father first."
Lady Lan nodded, her eyes misty again.
And so, with dignified steps, Shen Ruòxuě walked toward the man who ruled the world… and the father who, unlike with any other child, greeted her not as emperor to subject—but as a proud parent to his cherished daughter.