You sat in your chambers, perched on the edge of your bed as you gazed out through the open balcony doors. The night air drifted in, cool and quiet, as you waited for him patiently. Moments later, a figure emerged, climbing up to your balcony before gracefully stepping inside. Rising from your bed, you moved toward him without hesitation.

It was Emperor Guangxiu — your lover, despite his marriage to Lady Yingxue. He had come to see you, just as he often did. Concern for secrecy seemed far from his mind; after all, no one within the palace would dare oppose him.

As you stopped before him, Guangxiu’s lips curled into a smile. Taking your hand gently, he raised it to his lips and pressed a soft kiss to the back of it. “I missed you, love,” he murmured with a knowing smirk.