Night falls.

Yun Wanqing woke up from her dream, keeping track of the time.

[It’s midnight now, Second Brother should be asleep by now...]

[Second Brother, if I see something I shouldn’t, please don’t blame me, I’m doing all this for you.]

After a mental monologue, Yun Wanqing released her spiritual power, sweeping it outside.

The sky was pitch black, not a trace of moonlight or starlight.

Lanterns hung high in the corridor, emitting a faint glow, conspicuous in the endless darkness.

Yun Wanqing leisurely admired the night scenery within the estate, taking in the sight of the guards on duty as well.

Suddenly, a chaotic sound of fighting came from not far away, instantly capturing Yun Wanqing’s attention, and she began to wonder.

[Why is there the sound of fighting?]

[Has someone broken in?]

[Wait, that direction seems to be my sister’s courtyard. Could someone be trying to harm my sister under the cover of night?]

[No, no, I must go protect my sister...]

The moment the thought emerged, her spiritual power reached the scene of the fighting, yet the situation was different from what Yun Wanqing had imagined.

Two figures, shrouded entirely in darkness, repelled the guards with their swords, taking out a solid gold token and thrusting it in front of the Guard Team.

"The Emperor has arrived, why have you not knelt in welcome?"

The guards: "..."

Yun Wanqing: "..."

[What? The Emperor?]

[Really?]

Yun Wanqing was a bit stunned, her spiritual power probing beyond the two sword-wielding figures, indeed spotting a familiar face.

A man stood in the darkness, his expression cold and proud, his stature tall and upright, adorned in brocade attire, exuding an aura of dominance, none other than Mo Yuanlin.

[...]

[I thought someone was trying to harm my sister, how could it be the Emperor?]

[What is he doing here in the middle of the night instead of sleeping?]

Confirming the man’s identity left Yun Wanqing puzzled. Not only her, but even the multitude of guards were buzzing with confusion.

After a moment of exchanged glances, the Head Guard respectfully took the token from the Hidden Guard.

Under the flickering lamplight, upon seeing the words "Mandated by Heaven, Long-lived and Prosperous" on the token, the Head Guard’s face drastically changed, immediately kneeling, presenting the token above his head.

In the freezing cold weather, the Head Guard broke out in a cold sweat.

"Your humble servant..."

Before he could speak, the man in the darkness frowned and interrupted him.

"Enough, stand up, all of you need not bow."

Having so many people bowing together would undoubtedly create a large commotion, alarming more people, which he didn’t want.

That wasn’t what he wanted to see.

After the token was retrieved, the Head Guard expressed his gratitude, nervously rising, and the rest of the guards were equally jittery, not daring to make a sound.

In the dead of night, the Emperor sneaking in, what on earth is going on?

"You all may withdraw, and remember, do not report my presence here to Duke Ning, understood?"

The guards: "..."

Whimper, can they dare to forget?

The heads of their entire family are not something to be trifled with.

As for stopping the Emperor?

Heh, they wouldn’t dare, even the Duke wouldn’t dare, he would only respectfully follow orders.

The whole Da Wu Country belongs to the Emperor; he can go wherever he wishes.

Not daring to lie about reporting, nor daring to disobey an imperial command, the guards retreated with a difficult expression, feeling exceptionally troubled.

[Sigh, whether they report or not, it’s difficult for them, even as an observer, I feel for the guards.]

[Your Majesty, isn’t it interesting, sneaking around at night, making things difficult for others?]

[By the way, are you sneaking into my sister’s courtyard in the middle of the night to take advantage of her?]

Thinking of this possibility, Yun Wanqing immediately became cautious, but soon after, she was conflicted.

[If this person really intends to take advantage of my sister, what should I do?]

[Should I intervene or not?]

While she was conflicted, the two Hidden Guards had already opened the door, then their figures disappeared into the night.

As for Mo Yuanlin, he lifted his leg, stepping onto the stairs towards the door.

’Squeak,’ after he entered, the door was gently closed, causing Yun Wanqing to scream internally.

[Ahhhh, he went in, he went in, what should I do, what should I do?]

[Should I go in or not?]

[What if he bullies my sister?]

[But if I rashly intervene and ruin my sister’s romantic opportunity, what then?]

[A relationship needs many developments to progress; if I intervene rashly, the course will change.]

[Ahhhh, it’s so conflicting...]

[I just wanted to enter Second Brother’s dream, how did I encounter something like this?]

[Hmm, maybe I should go in and take a look, remain hidden and observe. If the Emperor just looks at my sister, I’ll turn a blind eye, pretending I didn’t see anything.]

[But if he tries any underhanded tricks to take advantage of my sister, I will teach him a lesson.]

[In any case, my sister must not be bullied; if she’s to enter the palace, it must be of her own will.] 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

[Alright, I’ll decide on this, there’s still time. After my sister’s matter is settled, I’ll go into Second Brother’s dream.]

Having made up her mind, Yun Wanqing activated her spiritual power, silently entering Yun Wanyao’s room.

Then, she saw Mo Yuanlin sitting by the bed, gazing affectionately at the girl sleeping soundly, clutching her quilt.

Despite the earlier commotion of the fight, and Mo Yuanlin not deliberately quieting his steps, she remained completely unaware, sleeping deeply.

[Tsk, sister, you really have good sleep quality.]

[If not for our numerous guards and strict vigilance, someone might steal you away without you knowing.]

[Sigh, but the guards can’t stop the Emperor, it’s fortunate he has no plans of stealing you.]

[...]

Yun Wanyao was dreaming when she vaguely heard a familiar-sounding murmur in her ear.

So noisy!!!

She impatiently frowned, her consciousness gradually awakening, though her mind remained groggy.

[Ah, sister, this man is touching your hand, wake up quickly, or you’ll be taken advantage of.]

The sharp voice rang out, this time, Yun Wanyao truly awoke, her sense of perception returning gradually.

Then, she slowly realized her right hand was being held, gently stroked.

The room was pitch black, only able to make out a vague silhouette, instinctively causing her hair to stand and her nerves to tense.

"..."

Just as she was about to scream, she felt a hand quickly covering her mouth.

A deep voice slowly entered her ear.

"Don’t be afraid, it’s I."