After Xu Chen left Phoenix Hall, the hall became much quieter.
The Emperor also soon departed to attend court affairs, leaving the Empress and Yue Ning together.
Sunlight poured gently through the tall carved windows, lighting the elegant hall with a warm golden glow. The scent of fresh lotus tea filled the air.
The Empress gestured gently.
"Come, Ning'er. Sit beside me."
Yue Ning obeyed respectfully and sat on the seat beside her.
For a moment, the Empress simply looked at her.
Not with the sharp eyes of a ruler judging a subject…
But with the warmth of a mother observing someone important to her son.
"You are younger than I expected," the Empress said softly.
Yue Ning smiled politely.
"I have just turned fourteen, Your Majesty."
The Empress nodded slowly.
"Yes. Chen'er mentioned that."
Her expression softened further.
"My son… is not someone who easily trusts others."
She lifted her teacup gently.
"Since he was young, he has always been calm and distant."
Yue Ning listened quietly.
"But when he spoke of you," the Empress continued, "his tone was different."
A faint smile appeared on her lips.
"It was the first time I heard him sound like a young man in love."
Yue Ning's cheeks warmed slightly.
The Empress laughed softly.
"Do not be embarrassed."
She placed the cup down and took Yue Ning's hand gently.
"Seeing you now… I understand why."
Yue Ning looked slightly surprised.
The Empress continued kindly,
"You are calm, respectful, and intelligent."
"Most importantly…"
Her eyes became warm.
"You look at my son with sincerity."
Yue Ning lowered her gaze slightly.
"He has always treated me with respect."
The Empress nodded approvingly.
"That is good."
For a while, they talked quietly.
The Empress asked about Yue Ning's childhood, her family, and life in the Yue household.
Yue Ning answered honestly and politely.
The Empress found herself liking the girl more with every passing moment.
There was no arrogance in her.
No false modesty.
Just calm sincerity.
Finally the Empress smiled warmly.
"I am very satisfied."
Yue Ning looked up slightly.
"With what, Your Majesty?"
The Empress chuckled softly.
"With my future daughter-in-law."
Yue Ning blinked in surprise.
Then her cheeks turned slightly red again.
At that moment—
Small hurried footsteps echoed from the outer corridor.
A bright childish voice followed.
"Mother! Mother!"
The Empress sighed softly but smiled.
"Ah… here comes trouble."
The doors opened and a small girl rushed inside.
She looked about six years old, wearing a bright pink palace dress decorated with tiny phoenix embroidery.
Her large eyes sparkled with curiosity and energy.
This was Princess Xu Yue, the youngest daughter of the Emperor.
She ran straight to the Empress.
"Mother! I heard Brother returned "
The Empress gently pulled her closer.
"Yes, he has returned."
The little girl looked around excitedly.
"Where is he? I wanted to see him!"
Then her eyes suddenly noticed someone sitting beside her mother.
She stopped.
Her curious gaze locked onto Yue Ning.
The little princess blinked.
"Mother… who is this sister?"
The Empress smiled gently.
"Come here first."
Xu Yue obediently stepped closer.
The Empress then said,
"This is Yue Ning."
"She is someone very important to your eldest brother."
The little girl tilted her head.
"Important?"
She stared carefully at Yue Ning for a moment.
Yue Ning smiled softly at her.
Xu Yue suddenly gasped.
Her eyes widened.
"Wait…!"
She looked at her mother with excitement.
"Is she the sister Brother likes?!"
The Empress almost laughed.
"You noticed quickly."
Xu Yue immediately ran closer to Yue Ning.
She looked at her from head to toe with open curiosity.
"You're really beautiful!"
She suddenly grabbed Yue Ning's hand happily.
"So you are the one Brother always thinks about!"
Yue Ning was slightly surprised by the child's directness but smiled gently.
"Your Highness is very clever."
Xu Yue puffed her cheeks proudly.
"Of course!"
Then she asked eagerly,
"Does this mean you will become my sister-in-law?"
The Empress raised an eyebrow slightly but did not stop her.
Yue Ning looked at the small princess and nodded softly.
"If everything goes well… yes."
Xu Yue's eyes sparkled even brighter.
"Really?!"
She suddenly hugged Yue Ning happily.
"That's wonderful!"
The Empress laughed softly at the sight.
Xu Yue looked up at Yue Ning again with excitement.
"Brother is always so serious."
"But when he talks about you, he smiles!"
She whispered loudly,
"I've never seen him smile like that before."
Yue Ning couldn't help but laugh softly.
Xu Yue then held Yue Ning's hand firmly.
"From now on you must visit the palace often!"
"I want to play with you!"
The Empress gently touched her daughter's head.
"You have already decided everything?"
Xu Yue nodded seriously.
"Yes!"
She looked at Yue Ning again with pure happiness.
"I really like this sister-in-law!"
The Empress watched the two of them quietly.
Her heart felt extremely satisfied.
Because the girl her son had chosen…
Was exactly the kind of person she had hoped for.
Calm.
Kind.
And already loved by her family.
The Empress smiled warmly.
Phoenix Hall felt brighter that day than it had in many years.