Xiaoling sat in the Empress' palanquin after properly thanking her. The Empress seemed like the only sensible person so far. The Empress' servants carried the palanquin to the Imperial Study. Right outside was Hou Hai, standing next to his carriage with a frown on his face.
Xiaoling got off the palanquin and approached him, bowing to show respect. He scoffed loudly and turned away to walk to the courtyard of the Imperial Study. There, he offered her to take his hand. Although hesitant, she knew they were going to the Heaven Realm. She grabbed his hand and watched him pull his Celestial Tablet from his hanfu.
Xiaoling had seen a similar tablet in Weisheng's hand. She had held his hand the same way when it was time for the Arbiter's coronation ceremony. She hated that she had to go to the Heaven Realm with someone like Hou Hai, but she had no choice.
