The gesture was too intimate. How could he act so naturally, without a trace of shyness on his face, as if it were the most ordinary thing in the world?

Mingyi glanced at him twice and couldn’t help but reflect on herself—was she being overly sensitive because of Situ Ling’s earlier confession? He just wanted to eat bird’s nest soup, nothing more.

After repeating this thought twice, her expression relaxed, and she continued eating the bird’s nest soup in her hand.

Ji Bozhai watched from the side, his lips pressed into a tight line.

Was there anyone in this world more obsequious than Situ Ling? No.

If even he could be so open and unguarded, what was Ji Bozhai hesitating for? If he kept hesitating, he’d lose his wife entirely!

Taking a deep breath, Ji Bozhai pulled out a scallion pancake and handed it directly to her.

Mingyi had just finished the bird’s nest soup when a pancake appeared before her.

The aroma was unmistakably from that street vendor in Star Yearn City, instantly familiar. Her eyes lit up, and she reached out to take it, but upon seeing it was Ji Bozhai offering it, she hesitated for a moment. "Your Majesty gave this to me?"

"Yes," he nodded, casting a glance at Situ Ling before adding in a low voice, "I knew you liked it, so I had the vendor brought from Star Yearn City and kept in the palace for half a month. He’s made many pancakes, but I never had the chance to bring you one to try."

Mingyi was stunned, then found it amusing. "If Your Majesty truly wanted me to try it, you could’ve just sent him to my courtyard."

"That wouldn’t do," he said, meeting her gaze. "Only if he’s with me do I have a reason to bring you pancakes."

He had never been so blunt about his feelings before. The moment the words left his mouth, his ears turned red.

Mingyi felt uneasy, frowning at the pancake, unsure whether to take it or not.

Situ Ling shot Ji Bozhai a sidelong glance and reached out to take the pancake from him. "How thoughtful of Your Majesty to remember what my sister likes. But eating too much at once will upset her stomach. It’s best to set it aside for now."

Ji Bozhai narrowed his eyes as Situ Ling placed the pancake to the side and remarked coolly, "Why doesn’t Young Master Situ mention this time how I’ve used this tactic on others before?"

Situ Ling grinned. "Your Majesty overestimates me. I only ever speak the truth—no slander or false accusations here."

"You’re too modest, Young Master. If not for your constant reminders to your Ming sister about my 'tactics,' I wouldn’t have been painted as a cold, calculating schemer in her eyes."

"Your Majesty flatters me," Situ Ling inclined his head. "You are exactly that kind of person."

Nearby, officials resting and snacking overheard the argument and began glancing toward the inner chamber. Mingyi quickly pulled the two apart, whispering, "Gentlemen, this isn’t the place for such discussions."

Situ Ling grabbed her hand in return, and so did Ji Bozhai—both applying subtle force.

"Come sit with me, Ming sister."

"By protocol, I take my seat first, and she follows behind me."

Mingyi, caught in the middle of their tug-of-war, froze for a moment before her expression darkened. "Let go."

Both men startled and released her at once.

Straightening her robes, Mingyi forced a smile. "Fight however you want, but don’t drag me into it."

"Ming sister, did I hurt you?" Situ Ling’s eyes reddened slightly as he immediately leaned in to check her wrist.

Ji Bozhai stiffened for a second before murmuring, "My apologies."His sudden apology startled Qin Shangwu beside him. Since when had his disciple learned to apologize? Before, even when wrong, he would rather die than admit it. Now, the words slipped out so smoothly it was almost shocking.

Ji Bozhai no longer cared about such things. He suddenly realized that Situ Ling's thick skin was quite admirable—saying whatever came to mind without worrying about face or dignity. After all, life wasn’t lived for the sake of appearances or pride.

With this realization, the weight in his chest eased slightly. Turning to Mingyi, he said, "After the council, I still have something to say to you."

Mingyi was puzzled but nodded anyway.

The legislative discussions continued. Although Azure Snow City still disagreed with some of the laws proposed by Sunspire City, consensus was reached on most statutes. Three days later, as the sun rose over Sunspire, the Six Cities entered an era where most laws were unified, while a few remained temporarily adjusted to local customs.

As soon as everyone left the Council Hall, Ji Bozhai caught up with Mingyi. Noticing her slightly weary expression, he pressed his lips together and said, "I had Yan Xiao prepare some nourishing soup for you. It’ll be sent to your quarters soon. Also, I—"

"Minister Superior." Zhou Zihong stood outside the Council Hall, calling from a distance.

Mingyi turned, her eyes lighting up.

He wore a lake-green robe with a jade hairpin and pearl-adorned belt, his face as fresh as morning dew. Standing at the foot of the steps, he opened his arms to her.

Who wouldn’t be moved by such a sight? Mingyi immediately ran toward him with a smile, throwing herself into his embrace. "My dear minister, you came to fetch me," she said, touched.

"Minister Superior has worked hard. A meal is already prepared in your chambers."

"Good."

Joyfully, she took his arm and walked off. After a few steps, she suddenly remembered something and turned back to wave at Ji Bozhai from afar. "Your subordinate takes his leave."

The words he hadn’t spoken stuck in his throat. Ji Bozhai watched gloomily as the two walked away together, his fists clenched tightly in his sleeves.

"Your Majesty, do not be angered," Buxiu whispered in consolation.

"I don’t understand," he said coldly. "Is she blind? Does she really think I’m not as good-looking as that Zhou Zihong?"

"Your Majesty possesses a dragon and phoenix appearance, unparalleled in the world," Buxiu said, cupping his hands. "But Zhou Zihong is, after all, part of her inner court. It’s only natural Ming Guniang favors him somewhat."

The men of the inner court had sacrificed their reputations to be by her side. In her eyes, they naturally seemed more agreeable than someone like him, burdened with past grievances.

Ji Bozhai scoffed. "She only sees the good in those men of hers, never mine."

Did she really think he’d suddenly pushed for legislation and held it in Sunspire City on a whim? Did she believe her ideas alone could persuade the other cities with mere words?

Everything she wanted, he had been quietly giving her. Yet she remained oblivious, moved instead by Zhou Zihong’s simple act of fetching her.

He wasn’t angry. Of course he wasn’t angry. What was there to be angry about? It was her poor judgment… It infuriated him!

Flicking his sleeves, he descended the steps. "Return to the palace. Unless I’m homeless, I’ll never step foot in her inner court again to suffer such indignities!"

Buxiu followed in stunned silence, wondering if His Majesty had finally seen reason—to utter such harsh words.

However.

Half an hour later, as he stared at the palace engulfed in roaring flames and his sovereign hurriedly packing his belongings, he found himself at a loss for words."There's no place to stay." Ji Bozhai said calmly, "Send word to the city lord of Sunspire City to vacate a courtyard for me."

Buxiu: "Your Majesty, the fire was in the middle of the courtyard, it didn't even reach the walls."

"The fire's too loud, I can't hear what you're saying. Get in the carriage."