C177

As the dance concluded, the grand hall fell silent. Xiying was the first to rise, striding confidently to Gu Zhuohua and extending a hand with a warm smile.

Once the two stood together in the center of the hall, the Emperor, seated high above, cast a deep, unreadable glance at Gu Zhuohua before shifting his gaze to Rong Qin, who stood with his head bowed. With a calm yet authoritative tone