Glancing at the hourglass on the table, he sees the sand trickling relentlessly downward. Each grain seems to mock his patience, taunting him with the passage of time, his mind incapable of focusing on anything but the absent empress.

He clenches his fists, his nails digging into his palms. A surge of anger courses through him, fueled by jealousy and a sense of betrayal. You're not visiting him because he fought with Sheng, your favorite concubine. But it wasn´t his fault, but of him who consumes all your attention.

As the night deepens, Yao's hope dwindles, replaced by a bitter resignation. He extinguishes the candles, plunging the room into darkness and collapses onto his bed, his body weary, his spirit defeated.

The first rays of dawn filter through the window, casting a pale light on Yao's haggard face. He rises from his bed, his body aching, his spirit drained. He knows that he must face the day, but the thought of seeing the empress fills him with anticipation.

He dresses meticulously, each movement a deliberate act of defiance against the despair that threatens to consume him. He will not let his emotions control him. He will face you with dignity, even if his heart is breaking. As he exits his chambers, he steels himself for the encounter that lies ahead.

As he opens the door, his eyes widen in surprise when he sees you standing there. They stand facing each other, the air thick with unspoken emotions. Yao's initial surprise gives way to a hint of resentment, his voice laced with tension:

"Your Majesty. This is an unexpected surprise. I must admit, I was not expecting to see you." He said with a hint of underlying tension.