*Harmen palace, King Li palace*
In a grand ancient princess chamber, the ambiance is one of exquisite elegance and tranquil beauty. The spacious room is adorned with delicate silk tapestries hanging from the walls, showcasing intricate designs of mythical creatures and floral motifs in soft pastels.
At the center lies a magnificent bed, cloaked in luxurious pink silk, inviting and soft. The bedding is pillowed high with plush cushions, and a silken canopy drapes gracefully overhead, creating a cozy and serene sanctuary fit for royalty.
To one side, an ornate dressing table stands proudly, crafted from rich mahogany and elegantly draped with complementary pink silk. The table is adorned with a beautifully framed mirror, reflective and ornate, surrounded by delicate carvings. On the tabletop, an array of fine brushes, fragrant oils, and elaborate jewelry boxes are carefully arranged, reflecting the princess's meticulous nature.
Richly colored rugs cover the wooden floor, providing warmth underfoot and complementing the overall palette of soft pinks and golds. Along the walls, intricately designed cabinets hold an assortment of silk garments and treasures, while delicate porcelain vases filled with cherry blossoms or peonies are scattered throughout, adding a touch of nature's beauty.
A small altar in one corner gently wafts the scent of sandalwood, enhancing the room's serene atmosphere. The soft glow of lanterns, hanging from the ceiling, casts a warm light, illuminating the beauty of this opulent sanctuary, where every detail whispers of comfort, grace, and royalty.
In front of the dressing table stood a pretty young lady, staring at her reflection in the mirror and smiling foolishly.
"Princess! Princess!" A young girl's voice called, driving Princess Li Na back to reality. "My lady, it has been months already, but you always forget yourself in front of the mirror," the young girl commented worriedly.
Princess Li Na smiled beautifully and looked at the young girl. "You don't get it, Clara, you are way too young," she chuckled.
"But my lady, you are losing yourself too much. You have changed a lot as well. Is it because of the man you asked the guards to search for?" The young girl blinked.
Li Na's face flushed, and she was about to reply when there was a knock on the door. "Did you find him?" she asked directly as if she was already aware of the presence of the person that knocked the door.
"We are sorry, princess; we still couldn't find him," a thick voice replied.
Li Na's face pale. "It's okay. You may leave," she replied softly.
"Yes," the thick voice replied before departing.
"My lady, the man you are looking for— is he powerful enough to be worth you?" Clara asked, concern etched in her youthful features.
"Very powerful! Even if you see him, your only wish will be to be his concubine. Not only is he powerful, but he is even more handsome," Li Na smiled, recalling Han Jun's face.
"My lady! The king summons you!" a female maid shouted from outside the entrance.
"Father is looking for me. Let's go," Li Na said, standing up readily. After checking herself to ensure she looked perfect, she nodded in satisfaction and walked out with Clara following closely behind.
*King Li palace Hall*
The grand palace gleams with opulence, its walls adorned with intricate designs and details crafted entirely from gold. The entrance is marked by a massive, intricately carved gate, a breathtaking golden masterpiece that towers above, symbolizing power and majesty.
Inside, the palace opens up into a magnificent great hall, where the ceilings soar high above, adorned with intricate frescoes depicting scenes of legendary battles and divine feasts, all done in rich gold leaf.
At the far end of the hall rests the king's throne, a grand piece elevated on a dais, crafted from intricately entwined gold vines and encrusted with precious gems that sparkle like stars in the night. The king, a stately figure dressed in sumptuous robes of deep royal hue, sits regally upon the throne, exuding an air of authority and wisdom that commands respect.
To the side of the throne, a young blond-haired handsome man sits comfortably, an aura of charm and grace surrounding him. He is dressed in elegant attire, with golden embroidery accentuating his outfit, showcasing refinement befitting a guest of such a luxurious palace. His striking features and confident posture suggest he carries a noble lineage, and he observes the surroundings with a curious and appreciative expression.
Beside him, a middle-aged man in general's clothes with a dignified demeanor sits in a richly upholstered chair, covered in sumptuous golden fabric. His silver hair glints in the palace light, and he carries a wise air about him, illustrating years of experience and counsel. He engaged the young man in a quiet conversation, their voices reverberating softly in the marble-clad hall.
The atmosphere was one of grandeur and warmth, with golden candelabras casting a flickering glow, illuminating the fine details of sumptuous rugs that adorned the floors, enhancing the rich ambiance of this royal abode. The palace was a splendid display of wealth and power, where every corner reflected the majesty of the kingdom's rule.
The giant door was opened by two guards, and at the entrance, the beautiful Li Na, dressed in her elegant pink dress, came into view. She walked gracefully into the hall, the air around her delightful.
"Greetings, Royal Father," she bowed respectfully.
"Haha, have your seat, my dear princess, have your seat!" King Li laughed wholeheartedly.
"Thank you, Royal Father," Li Na replied gracefully as she found her respectable seat.
"Haha! I didn't believe the rumors at first, but seeing the princess in person, I must admit, you really surprised me; it's exactly as the rumor said," the silver-haired middle-aged man laughed.
Li Na gave a chilling smile inwardly and responded with a fake smile. "I wonder what the rumors about me are," she said in a calm manner.
"Haha!" the silver-haired man laughed again. "Princess, there are rumors that you have changed a lot. Though the old version of yours was quite entertaining and lovely, this new version of yours is very heart-touching, I must say."
"Idiot," Li Na scoffed inwardly knowing that the silver haired man was just flattering her. "Royal Father, why have you summoned me?" She turned to the king, ignoring the middle-aged man's insensible flattery.
Seeing Li Na ignore him, the old man cleared his throat lightly, erasing the awkwardness.
"Look, this is Bin Zhao, the eldest son of the Bin family and the middle disciple of the Tang Sect. He is already at the third stage, the middle cultivator level four at the age of thirty. He is very talented and handsome; he cultivates the fire element. He is a noble man from a noble family, the popular Bin family. What do you think about him?" The king asked Li Na with full attention.
Li Na's mouth twitched as she could already figure out her father's intention. She looked at the blonde-haired man who was gazing at her with desire, and a disgusted expression briefly crossed her face before she hid it and decided to play dumb. "Royal Father, you have described him well," she commented, forcing a smile.
"Erm..." the king coughed twice. "What I mean is, would you like me to pair you both together? Worry not, there won't be any problems; General Zhang is with him, and things will go smoothly," he assured.
Li Na sighed and slowly stood up. She stepped a few meters away to stand before the king and bowed slightly, as a princess should. Then her sweet voice filled the hall. "Royal Father, I would like you to help me find My husband for me."
Li Na's statement landed like a bomb in everyone's ears, even the king, who was always composed and calm, felt as if his heart was bleeding.
"What did you say!" the king shouted, his voice no longer calm.
Li Na stole a secret glance at her already paled face father, then feigned emotion. "Royal Father, I didn't tell you all this while because... because I was afraid that it would be too sudden for you to accept. Royal Father, I just didn't want to bother you," she sounded emotional.
"Li... Na!" The king's anger-laden voice reverberated. "Tell me when this all started," he demanded.
"About two years and a half ago," Li Na replied almost immediately.
"Two years!!!" the three men in the hall echoed in shock. The king's anger reached its limit, and he stood up from his throne, slamming his hand down on the armrest. "Tell this king... did you two already..."
Understanding the king's unfinished words, Li Na nodded in response.
Imaginary thunder seemed to strike everyone, and blood drained from their faces. The king lost his balance and fell back into the throne.
"Your Majesty!"
"Your Majesty!"
The blonde-haired Bin Zhao and the silver-haired General Zhang called out in worry.
"You..." The king pointed at Li Na, his expression twisted. "Tell this king who he is!" he demanded, returning to a semblance of calm.
Hearing the king's request, Li Na smiled. "Royal Father... about his appearance, he is more handsome than a god. His long crimson hair is graceful, and his crimson eyes exude breathtaking beauty. As for his power, even I can't ascertain his level or stage or cultivation level. His background... erm," Li Na stammered. "Since he is so perfect, his background must be worthy of royalty, and as for the sect he belongs to... I believe he is independent," she explained.
"You... a royal princess having an affair with a strange man whose background you aren't even sure of! What a disgrace!" the king shouted angrily.
"Your Majesty!" The blonde-haired Bin Zhao stood up from his seat and walked to Li Na's side. He bowed respectfully and said, "Please calm your anger, Your Majesty. Even though the princess has already lost her innocence to an unknown man, I am still willing to marry her."