Chapter Fifty-Two: Lu Jue Returns to the Palace

Feng Yewu picked up a piece of pastry and placed it in her mouth. It melted instantly, the delicate sweetness spreading between her lips and teeth, flowing gently into her heart. Savoring the smooth texture, a faint smile appeared at the corner of her lips, reminiscent of the warmth and ease she had shared with him the night before.

At that moment, a gentle breeze drifted in, stirring the light veil before her. In her mind, Feng Yewu pictured Lu Jue’s eyes.

“Your Majesty, did Young Master Lu make these himself?” Han Yue recognized the pastry as she gazed at it. She remembered that only Lu Jue had ever made such delicacies. Han Yue’s words interrupted Feng Yewu’s wandering thoughts, pulling her mind back to the present.

Feng Yewu gave a self-mocking smile. Now that she sat on the throne, how could she permit herself the luxury of a maiden’s tenderness?

“Yes,” she replied, gathering her composure. The gentle expression vanished, replaced by her usual regal dignity.

Han Yue failed to notice the shift in Feng Yewu’s demeanor and, oblivious, praised Lu Jue as she admired the pastries. “Young Master Lu is truly thoughtful. Even when he’s away, he remembers to send pastries for Your Majesty.”

The heart she had steeled wavered slightly at Han Yue’s unintentional mention, and Feng Yewu’s brows drew together in a faint frown. “I wonder how he is now,” she murmured, gazing out the window, a trace of worry in her voice.

She looked upon the palace’s opulence, only to feel it was a gilded cage. Though she ruled a vast empire, beneath this boundless realm she possessed only a fleeting, unstable moment of peace.

Once, she had been uncertain how to govern, how to uphold the laws and rituals. Now, fate had granted her a second chance, and she was determined to erase past mistakes. But as for Lu Jue, she was unsure whether she could hold on to him in this lifetime.

“Is Your Majesty worried for Young Master Lu?” Han Yue observed Feng Yewu’s profile—a delicate face marked by the weight of years, though she was still in the bloom of youth, already carrying the burden of a nation.

“I possess a kingdom, yet cannot protect even one person’s peace. Do you not find that ironic?” Feng Yewu glanced at Han Yue, her words tinged with helplessness.

Han Yue gazed at her with a pang of sympathy. “Your Majesty, Young Master Lu is blessed by fortune. I’m sure he will be safe and well.”

As the two conversed, a figure suddenly entered from outside. Feng Yewu and Han Yue looked up to see a young palace eunuch in court dress. Feng Yewu’s expression darkened—how presumptuous the eunuchs had become, barging in without announcement.

Before Feng Yewu could speak, Han Yue had already begun to reprimand the intruder coldly. “Stop! Who are you, and how dare you enter without permission?”

The eunuch paused briefly at her words, but then continued forward until he stood before Feng Yewu.

“You—” Han Yue glared, about to call for the guards, but Feng Yewu raised her hand to stop her. The figure seemed increasingly familiar, and Feng Yewu’s heart stirred with recognition.

“Your Majesty, I have returned,” the eunuch said, rising slowly. His handsome features and star-bright eyes were gentle and clear, a warm smile at his lips as he spoke softly to Feng Yewu.

Han Yue gasped in surprise and quickly covered her mouth. It was none other than Lu Jue, the man who had been on Feng Yewu’s mind.

Feng Yewu gazed quietly into Lu Jue’s eyes, her lips unconsciously curving in response to his gentle smile.

“It’s good you’re back,” she said simply, yet her words carried all her heart.

Han Yue, realizing the moment, quietly slipped out, leaving the two alone.

“She’s grown more considerate,” Lu Jue remarked with a smile as he noticed Han Yue’s silent departure. Yet his eyes could not bear to look away from the woman before him.

“Your Majesty, did you enjoy the pastries?” he asked, noting that only one piece had been taken. His voice was low and tinged with anticipation, though his eyes betrayed a growing heat.

Feeling his gaze, Feng Yewu’s serene face flushed with a gentle blush. Embarrassed by her reaction, she quickly turned aside, avoiding his eyes, and feigned displeasure as she coughed lightly.

“The taste is a little lacking this time. Perhaps it’s missing something,” she remarked with mock criticism.

Lu Jue was momentarily taken aback, then broke into a knowing smile. “Does Your Majesty think the pastries lack the flavor of my company?”

Feng Yewu could not help but laugh softly at his reply.

After a few moments of tender conversation, their discussion turned serious.

“Your Majesty, I have a list here,” Lu Jue said, producing a document from his robe and handing it to her. The list contained many names, each annotated with detailed notes.

Feng Yewu examined it silently, her expression returning to its customary severity. The list was filled with the names of civil and military officials, each entry accompanied by meticulous records. All of them had ties to the feudal lords and were intent on thwarting her rule.

“These are the results of my investigation,” Lu Jue explained, frowning as he watched her face darken. “Each of these men is guilty to varying degrees, and the number of implicated officials is vast. That is why I disguised myself to report back without arousing suspicion.”

Only then did Feng Yewu understand the reason for his appearance.

“Should I continue to pursue this, Your Majesty?” Lu Jue asked, concern evident in his voice. If these officials—already half the court—were all to be investigated, he feared it would be difficult for Feng Yewu to maintain loyalty and order.

“Why shouldn’t we?” Feng Yewu retorted, coldly tossing the list onto the table. Her eyes narrowed, her expression resolute with anger.

“Your Majesty, such a sweeping purge might destabilize the court,” Lu Jue cautioned, though he knew these men would have to be dealt with eventually. He only hoped Feng Yewu would not act rashly.

She gave a cold laugh, her gaze steely as it rested on the names. “Every one of them is a traitor. My government is already in chaos!”

In her previous life, as Lu Jue had said, she had failed to punish the guilty, and the result had been disaster. Now, with nearly all her ministers corrupt, it was only thanks to Lu Jue’s thorough investigation that she was not still in the dark—otherwise, she would soon repeat the mistakes of her past.

Seeing her unwavering determination, Lu Jue chose not to dissuade her further. The court was rotten to its core; her iron resolve eased his worries instead of heightening them.

Sensing his silence, Feng Yewu asked, “Do you think I am too harsh?”

Lu Jue looked at her resolute face and smiled, his eyes as unwavering as hers. “Your Majesty, even if one day the entire court turns against you and the feudal lords denounce you, I will remain by your side.”