Dugu Chen saw the Crown Prince of Mingyi Country’s carriage approaching the city wall and stood up to lead Minister of Rites Ma Xiang down the city wall to welcome Crown Prince Ming Shang.

"Crown Prince, the Charm Prince has arrived." The guard driving the carriage said from a distance, spotting the striking red robe flamboyantly worn by the Charm Prince, Shiyuan reported to the master in the carriage behind him.

A languid voice came from the carriage, "Yeah, I know."

As the carriage gradually arrived at the foot of the city wall and came to a halt, Crown Prince Ming Shang stepped out at a leisurely pace.

"Hahaha, Charm Prince, it’s been years since we parted, hope you’ve been well." Ming Shang, fan in hand, approached the Charm Prince with an air of casual grace.

"It’s been years, Crown Prince, you’re much the same, only even more handsome than before." Dugu Chen raised an eyebrow, looking at the moon-white brocade robe.

Upon hearing these words, Ming Shang laughed uproariously, "Thanks for the compliment."

"Crown Prince, the station has been prepared, please." The Charm Prince had no interest in discussing history with Ming Shang, as he was merely a former rival defeated by his hand; he just wanted to return home early and spend time with his beloved wife.

"Thank you." As Ming Shang turned, the long eyelashes hid a fleeting trace of cold light in his eyes, and a mischievous smile formed on his lips.

Dugu Chen watched carriage after carriage enter the Capital City in an orderly fashion, preparing to head for the station when, at that moment, the carriage of the Sunset Kingdom’s Crown Prince Lou Qianyu also approached the city wall rapidly. The Charm Prince glanced at Ming Shang’s carriage, then turned to Minister of Rites Ma Xiang and said, "Go to the station and make arrangements for the Crown Prince of Mingyi Country."

Ma Xiang, wiping sweat from his brow and trembling at the Charm Prince’s command, hurried forward with a bow and said, "Yes, Charm Prince," and fled the scene as if on wings.

Shortly after Ma Xiang left, the carriage of the Sunset Kingdom arrived at the city wall.

Once the carriage came to a stop, Crown Prince Lou Qianyu alighted with a suave and debonair flourish.

"Welcome, Crown Prince Lou, to Xueyan Country." His normally bright countenance was unusually serious.

Lou Qianyu slightly narrowed his eyes upon seeing this person and lifted the corners of his lips, pale as cherry blossoms, "Thank you, Your Highness Charm Prince, for coming to welcome me; Qianyu is deeply grateful."

"Crown Prince Lou is too kind. Please."

"After you." 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

Dugu Chen leapt onto his horse, and the steed seemed to sense its master’s intentions, softly clip-clopping its hooves towards the station.

Following behind were several carriages, grandly making their way into the Capital City.

The onlookers who saw the luxurious carriages passing by began to talk amongst themselves about the new emperor’s ascension to the throne.

After settling the Crown Princes and envoys from both countries, the Charm Prince was finally able to leave, mounted a fast horse, and rode back to his mansion.

"Prince." Yingsu, who was waiting at the palace gate, was taken aback by the Prince’s sudden return, then quickly bowed in greeting.

"Where is the princess?" Not seeing his wife outside the halls, he turned and entered while asking the maids outside.

"My lord, the princess is taking a nap," the servant reported softly, following the Prince’s steps.

The Charm Prince, hearing it was just a nap, slowed his pace and quietly went to the bedroom. Seeing his wife sleeping peacefully, the weariness of the day’s busyness vanished in an instant. He placed a gentle kiss, watched her quietly for a while, and then stood up to head to the Imperial Palace.

Night arrived quietly, and the Emperor hosted a banquet for the Crown Princes and envoys from various small countries, which lasted until 9-11 PM.

On August 17 of the solar calendar, July 3 of the lunar calendar, the sky, which had been clear that morning, suddenly became oppressively overcast with dark, dense clouds as if they were about to press down, dark and heavy.