Meanwhile, happening at the same time. Ying Yue was dealing with her own issues. A week had gone by since their visit to the temple. Jianyu has been busy dealing with the borders as Bai Chun is still on his killing spree. Ying Yue wasted her days away training with the divine sword she got. One thing she discovered was that the sword holds its form if she is the one holding it. After finishing her morning routine; Ying Yue had a habit of locking herself up in her residence as Jianyu refuses to let her out of the palace for now. While lost in thought, and reading scrolls. Ying Yue hears a sudden knock on her bedroom door.
"Knock Knock."
"Come in."
"My lady, please get ready. The emperor will be coming here to dine tonight."
"Oh! If it isn't Shen An. He's coming here? How much time do I have to get ready before he comes?"
"A good hour, your highness."
"Good! Help me clean up. I have my things everywhere."
"Your highness that is my job, please let me do it."
"Alright, I'll leave it to you then. By the way, where is Li An?"
"She is out on a errand, your highness."
Ying Yue made her way to her makeup table and glanced at herself in the mirror for a good five minutes, before turning her head to face Shen An who was cleaning. Shen An notices Ying Yues glares and turns her gaze to face Ying Yue.
"Is something the matter, your highness?"
"Ah, not really......Shen An, what do the people think of the dragon emperor and me? Please be honest with me."
"Your highness, the emperor is like a god to commoners like me. He's strong, upholds justice and compassionate. If he shows you a side of himself that we don't know about, that just means he's comfortable around you. The emperor chose you, so please have more confidence in yourself. "
"........"
Unable to reply to what Shen An said, Ying Yue turns her gaze away and stares back into the mirror. Watching her own reflection, Ying Yue could find see herself blushing from the thought of marrying Jianyu. Before she realized it, she had come to care for Jianyu. Being pursued so persistently, Ying Yue found it too hard to resist his advances.
"Your highness, let me help get you ready. The emperor is coming soon."
"Ah, thank you Shen An. Just do something quick."
Ying Yue sat still as Shen An fixed her hair and makeup. Going with an easier look today, Shen An braided Ying Yue's hair, while leaving some down. Rolling the braids into a bun, Shen An places a gold hairpin in. With not much time left, Ying Yue quickly wore a mint colored dress with a jade colored peacock on the front and back.
"Shen An, you may go ahead and let the kitchen staff know they can start serving the food."
"Yes, your highness."
Shen An had just left the room and closed the door, but all of a sudden Ying Yue hears a knock on her door. Thinking maybe Shen An forgot something Ying Yue quickly opens her doors.
"Did you forget something Shen An?"
"Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm not Shen An."
"Ah! Zi Tai! What brings you here?"
"Your highness, when the sun has set, and the moon is barely visible. Please meet me at the royal library corridor and do not tell the emperor about me being here."
With that message Zi Tai quickly left Ying Yue's residence. Ying Yue stood in front of her bedroom door with a puzzled face. Unsure if she should tell Jianyu of what just happened or keep it to herself. Ying Yue was now pacing back and forth inside the courtyard of her residence. Without paying attention to her surroundings, Ying Yue bumped into a tall figure. Finally looking up, she realizes it was Jianyu.
"Ah! I'm sorry! I wasn't looking."
"What's on your mind my love?"
"It's nothing, don't worry about it. You're here earlier than planned."
"Well, I couldn't afford to waste any of the little time I get with you, so I came here as quickly as possible."
"Heh, look at you and your sweet talking."
"I don't say these things to just anyone."
Jianyu grabs hold of Ying Yue's right hand and places it over his heart. Ying Yue was now blushing and unsure of what he was planning to do. As Jianyu slowly leaned in for a kiss; they were interrupted by someone.
"Ahem, your majesty. I believe that; that is better to be done in private."
"Ah! Shen An. You're back."
Ying Yue quickly releases her hand out of Jianyu's hold and stares at Shen An and the other maids who were bringing in the food. Everyone, but Shen An were in shock at how bold the dragon emperor was, and at how different he was being towards Ying Yue. Jianyu continues to stare at Ying Yue in dissatisfaction after being interrupted.
"Shen An, you could've waited a bit before interrupting us."
"Now, don't be mean to her, She's my maid Jianyu."
Ying Yue pinches Jianyu's arm for trying to stir up trouble. Shen An and the kitchen maids couldn't help, but giggle at the sight of their formidable emperor throwing a tantrum. Ying Yue notices everyone still standing in the court yard with food. She frantically motioned for everyone to place the food inside and leave them be. Silently eating and sitting across from each other now, Ying Yue knew she had to break the silence.
"So... uh I heard a rumor the day that the prime minister tried throwing his daughter to you?"
Jianyu places his chopsticks down and stares at the flustered Ying Yue. Breaking into a smile, lightly chuckles at Ying Yue's question.
"Why? Are you worried I might fancy someone else?"
"What? I said no such thing. I was only curious."
"Well, to answer your question, he did try. I know what people like him are like once they get too much power. I won't make such a stupid mistake."
"Hm....sounds like some people I know."
Jianyu couldn't help, but feel like Ying Yue was hiding something. Losing his appetite from all the talk, he decided he was going to take Ying Yue out for a walk. Seeing as she's been cooped up inside this whole time, Jianyu thought all she needed was a walk of fresh air.
"Let's go for a walk Ying Yue, the garden roses are blooming nicely lately."
"Alright, let's go. We can walk off some of the food too."
Jianyu takes Ying Yue by her hands and leads her out of the empress residence. As they walked and got closer to the royal garden, Ying Yue spots Shi Chen talking to Zi Tai in the distance. Shi Chen notices Ying Yue and Jianyu from a distance; holding hands. With a disgust look on her face, she stomps towards Ying Yue and Jianyu. Quickly clearing her throat, she came to block Ying Yue and Jianyu.
"Your majesty, it must be fate that we meet like this."
"Shi Chen, who let you into the palace?"
"I came through the front door of course as the future empress. Have you not heard the rumors your majesty?"
"What are you talking about?!"
Shi Chen turns her gaze to Ying Yue and smiles. Ying Yue couldn't help, but feel annoyed at how she was acting. She wasn't acknowledging Ying Yue at all.
"Your majesty, it's been the talk of the kingdom. Don't act so shy now, I heard you were going to come ask for my hand in marriage from my father."
Shi Chen was blushing at her own remarks. Ying Yue had never felt so disgusted. Even Jia Li wasn't this annoying to her. Unsure as to why everything was annoying her so much. Ying Yue breaks away from Jianyu's hold.
"If that's the case Jianyu should be accompanying you, pardon me. I will be returning to my residence."
Jianyu stops Ying Yue in her tracks. Grabbing hold of Ying Yues arm again. Jianyu glares at Shi Chen for spouting such lies.
"I believe I've heard enough. ZI Tai, kick this woman out of my palace and make sure she doesn't come back. Find the source of whoever was spreading this false rumor and report to me in two days."
"Yes sir."
Zi Tai grabbed hold of Shi Chen and dragged her away by force. Ying Yue couldn't help, but feel a sense of relief seeing Jianyu ignore that woman. It was even more fulfilling watching her jaw drop at how Jianyu was treating her.
"Are you happy now my love? I've kicked that horrible woman out for you."
"I didn't tell you to do that, what if she retaliates and comes back?"
"She won't be able to do anything. Now let's head to the garden. We have things to talk about."
After walking for another ten minutes, Ying Yue and Jianyu had finally made it to the pavilion within the garden. Ying Yue couldn't help, but stare at the beautiful scenery. Flowers grew endlessly, with birds and butterflies flying nearby. It was truly a sight to be seen. As Ying Yue was busy glancing at the scenery Jianyu finally speaks out first.
"Ying Yue, you've been here for almost a year already. You know how I feel about you. I love you more than anyone and anything. I want nothing more than for you to become my empress. Will you give me your reply today?"
Ying Yue stares into the eyes of the man in front of her and knew he was serious and sincere. Ying Yue knew she too, had come to love the emperor. After spending so much time together, he was the one person Ying Yue felt the closest too. Ying Yue squeezes Jianyu's hand and decided, that she too wanted to be happy with him by her side.
"I....I love you too, Jianyu. If you find me worthy, I will become yours."
"Yes! Of course! You don't know how happy you just made me Ying Yue!"
Seeing Jianyu happy made Ying Yue happy. Unable to contain his happiness, Jianyu picks Ying Yue up from her waist and spins her in the air. Ying Yue couldn't help, but break into laughter as well. Feeling satisfied, Jianyu puts Ying Yue down, and bends over. Finally sharing their first kiss as an official couple. Who knew that one of their happiest day was going to become their nightmare?