The Yiyuan Empire welcomed the cold winter of December, with swirling snowflakes covering the eaves and ground, and a thick layer of snow fluff accumulating on the tree branches in the courtyard. Occasionally, the wind would sweep through, causing the snow on the branches to fall gently, resembling willow fluff in spring, creating a dreamlike scene of beauty.
However, inside the palace, the atmosphere was far from harmonious as outside. The air had dropped to the freezing point, chilling the body and soul!
Tianchen Hall was where the Beast Emperors of past generations handled state affairs. At this moment, several ministers were kneeling, with a man in luxurious brocade sitting above them, perusing documents with lowered eyes.
He was born with dazzling beauty, his face mesmerizing, without a flaw to be found.
Yet, at this moment, his brows were tightly knit, with a hint of anger in his eyes, exuding a sharp pressure that made the ministers kneeling below tremble uncontrollably.
"Is this the plan you all submitted to Your Emperor? Calling it āpainstakingly devisedā and coming up with this useless stuff, I see thereās no need for you to remain in these positions; itās time to retire!"
Shen Li lost his temper, throwing the document to the ground, scaring the ministers below him pale.
Since officially taking over state affairs more than half a year ago, Shen Liās methods were nothing short of vigorous and resolute, his approach to court matters extremely strict, utterly different from his former weakness.
The ministers were suffering immensely, trembling with fear every day they attended court, terrified of offending His Majesty.
They had expected to be severely punished today, but unexpectedly, the angered Emperorās expression suddenly changed, with a hint of joy appearing in his captivating brows.
He instantly paid no attention to the documents in his hands or the ministers below, swiftly got up, and hurried outside.
A small figure like a cannonball collided with his embrace.
Someone who didnāt know might think it was some bold assassin!
"Tangtang?"
Shen Li, however, didnāt mind at all, catching the furry bundle steadily, looking at the little cat in his arms in surprise.
The delicate whiskers still quivered with tiny snowflakes, and her pair of dark, watery cat eyes looked at him both aggrievedly and joyfully, softly calling, "Shen Li!"
The snow on her whiskers fell off as she moved.
Since their last farewell, the two had not seen each other for a long time.
Upon hearing this familiar yet sweet call again, Shen Li felt his heart tremble. His charming fox-like eyes immediately curved into crescent shapes, teasing, "Hmm? Where did this little stray cat come from, not afraid of strangers, directly burrowing into my arms?"
With his slender fingers gently brushing the snow from her ear tips, he carried her into the hall, a faint red glow emanating from his jade-like palm, warming her chilled little body.
"I wouldnāt burrow into anyone elseās arms," Shen Tang rubbed comfortably in his embrace, squinting her eyes and curling up in the crook of his arm, her head against his chest, clearly hearing the light-hearted laughter resonating from the manās chest.
The ministers kneeling in the hall, upon hearing this laughter, were absolutely terrified as if they had seen a ghost.
My dear Beast Mother!
Normally, His Majesty was simply like the cold and unfeeling King Yama! A devil! When he let out a disdainful cold laugh, it usually meant he was planning which treacherous ministerās head to chop off.
But today, this laughter was so hearty and joyful, his alluring fox-like eyes curving up, truly depicting "a smile as radiant as a flower," like a warm March breeze suddenly dispelling the sky full of flying snow, a stark contrast to usual!
Shen Tang, considering Qiu Yangās loyal protection of his master, permitted him to return to Yiyuan Empire under the guise of retirement to always accompany His Majesty.
Shen Li also had a loyal subordinate beside him whom he could trust.
Qiu Yang, seeing His Majestyās joyful smile and then looking at the little cat in his arms, couldnāt help but smile as well.
It was only when seeing Shen Tang that His Majestyās mood could become so good.
How wonderful.
He glanced at the kneeling few, gesturing, "His Majesty, in his great mercy, will not hold you accountable for your foolishness, so hurry up and get lost!"
The ministers hurriedly thanked him in a panic and discreetly retreated.
"Your Majesty, um... someone outsideās looking for me, so Iāll take my leave!" Qiu Yang quickly found an excuse to slip away; he didnāt want to be the bright, shining third wheel.
The grand hall left with only the two.
Shen Li carried Shen Tang through the courtyard towards the bedroom, fingers gently rubbing her little ears, laughing softly, "Coming today, why not say so in advance? I would have sent someone to pick you up."
"I didnāt want to make a big fuss, I just wanted to see you."
"Oh? Rushing over so eagerly, turns out you missed Brother Li?" Shen Liās lips curved wider, his fox eyes filled with gentle charm, intoxicatingly lovely.
Shen Tang buried her little face in his arms, her voice muffled, "Yes! I missed you."