Chapter 21 Get-together

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"Lieutenant Yun, are you ready?" Ye An called from inside her chambers.


"I'm ready whenever you are, Your Imperial Majesty." Xi Chen said from the corridor just outside the emperor's private chambers, his arms crossed with his back against the door frame.


"Come in, I need your advice on something." Ye An requested which was immediately granted by Xi Chen who opened the door and entered.


Ye An rushed to change once she returned from the banquet. She was wearing a slave outfit this time. Xi Chen often wondered where the emperor obtained all of these clothes from.


"Lieutenant Yun, do you think I should put some dirt on my face? You know, to make it more realistic." Ye An didn't even turn around to face Xi Chen and only briefly looked at him through the reflection on the full-length mirror in front of her before fidgeting with her clothes again.


"Your Imperial Majesty.. The Northerners would probably either be at the inn or the tavern near the inn. Considering that the night is still quite young, I think they're more likely to be at the tavern and I don't think slaves dine in taverns."


Ye An sighed. "You're right. I just get bored of the scholar's outfit sometimes. I guess I'll just use this outfit another time. Give me a few more minutes to get dressed."


"Of course, Your Imperial Majesty." Xi Chen replied as he bowed and left the room.


In no time, Ye An was dressed in her signature black scholar's outfit, complete with the rattan hat that had a sheet of black organza cascading down its brim.


When she came out of her chambers, Xi Chen was the only person who was waiting for her outside. She had ordered the servants away earlier when they were on the way back to the East Palace.


"Your Imperial Majesty, we'll be going out through the back door on the Northern Wing this time. The one between the archery range and the stables." Xi Chen started when he saw the emperor. Even though the emperor had proven to be an agile wall climber, Xi Chen thought that it was better if the emperor did not risk breaking his neck just for a few hours out of the palace. Hence, he took it upon himself to make some arrangements with a few trusted palace guards so that they could leave and subsequently re-enter the palace compounds more safely.


"Oh? Alright, sure." Ye An replied, thinking that it would make her life easier. Noticing that the lieutenant had a black outfit on tonight, Ye An added. "Lieutenant Yun, I didn't realize that you have a black outfit on as well. We match." Ye An smiled.


"Yes, Your Imperial Majesty. I learned my lesson." Xi Chen returned the emperor's smile.


"But you look better in white." Ye An shrugged before walking towards the direction of the Northern Wing.


Xi Chen was momentarily stunned by the sudden remark. Was it a compliment? His ears were steadily getting redder at the thought. Xi Chen shook his head to clear his thoughts before following behind the emperor and leaving the palace together.

THE NIGHT EMPEROR: 夜安王 【The Night Emperor Book 1】| ✔️Where stories live. Discover now