39 Second Princess (2/2)

Duke Wen Xuan showered all of his children with love, all except his eldest son. No one questioned his style of parenting, especially when they learned that Wen Jinkai's birth resulted in the death of his beloved first wife. Rumor has it that he still hadn't moved on from the death despite the two decades that had passed.

The Empress took in Wen Jinkai and treated him like her own son. She was close friends with Wen Jinkai's mother, the late Duchess Ye. She would never forget the image of a lonely boy standing beside a tree as he watched his family happily interacting with one another while he stood on the outside like an outcast.

Wen Jinkai turned towards the Empress. His frigid expression slightly softened.

”I was saving the best for last.” He strolled towards the Empress, cupped his fists and bowed to her lower than he did to the Emperor.

Had it been anyone else, the Emperor would've felt insulted and angered, but he wasn't. Instead, he was slightly grateful towards Commander Wen Jinkai.

All of the Imperial Consorts and Concubines were present today, and the Empress despised the sight of them. She always kept her emotions in check and had ruled over the harem with an iron fist, but it never absolved the deep hatred she felt in her soul. Her mood had soured this morning when she heard a rumor that the Emperor was going to enter into yet another marriage alliance.

But after hearing Wen Jinkai's words, the Empress's mood was significantly lifted and a genuine smile graced her lips.

”You've lost your baby face,” the Empress gently said, placing a tender hand on his face.

”I never had a baby face,” he curtly said which prompted light laughter from the Emperor and Empress.

”Of course not, dear child,” the Empress said with a small smile that reached her eyes. They were filled with love and adoration for the Commander, so much so, that it was beginning to make her own sons very jealous.

Their mother greatly doted on them, but anyone would feel jealous when their mother showered the same love on another who wasn't even her biological son.

”Uhm...” a light voice spoke up from the Empress's right side.

The Empress turned towards the small voice that sounded like the beautiful jingles of bells.

It was her second daughter, the famed Second Princess of Wuyi. She was the Empress Dowager's favorite granddaughter, and one could tell why.

With beauty as delicate as the Peach Blossom trees, expressive and adoring eyes, she was the definition of perfection.

”W-welcome home, Jinkai,” the Princess softly uttered, her face red with shyness. She gently gathered her hanfu and did a light bow for him. She glanced up with a hopeful expression, her smile widening just for him.