Standing below the throne, Shen Yao really didn't know how to react.
Guo Yun's gaze remained gentle as he held Shen Yao's eyes for a moment longer.
Shen Yao looked away.
From what he could tell, the emperor may seem in active in most parts, but he seemed to have a clear goal and that was to suppress the major families holding any influence in the kingdom.
In this situation it was better to avoid unnecessary trouble so Shen Yao ignored it feeling that the unease would eventually fade. But unfortunately, even after a while, he could still feel the weight of that gaze.
He sighed turning his attention to the proceedings, his face calm, his thoughts still turning.
As long as I ignore him, maybe he'll eventually get bored.
This was going to be a very long session.
---
Under the warmth of the morning sun, court proceeded in its usual rhythm.
With continuous reports delivered and petitions heard, the session slowly drew to a close. The emperor's voice carried across the hall, measured and unhurried. Shen Yao listened without hearing, his mind still half-elsewhere.
He could still feel the weight of that gaze.
He felt the attention like a thin thread. Then it broke.
When the heated gaze finally turned away, Shen Yao felt relieved.
After a long time, the court session ended.
Ministers walked out in clusters, their voices low, their steps unhurried. Shen Yao moved with them, his pace even, his expression unreadable.
He did not glance back.
" Today had felt like too much of a risk. "He sighed.
He didn't know what sort of connection he had with that envoy, but one thing was for sure.
He just had to avoid him from now on.
---
Walking through the corridors, Shen Yao seemed distracted.
What was up with today?
It felt like he had to find out something important, but he hadn't caught on yet.
He frowned slightly.
Having finally walked out, he was about to pass through the main gate when a servant quickly approached him.
Shen Yao frowned looking at him.
"Young Master Shen."
Shen Yao paused. The servant bowed and extended a small scroll towards him.
"A message for you."
Shen Yao hesitated for a while before taking it. He did not open it immediately.
"Thank you, " Shen Yao said
The servant quickly bowed before quickly withdrawing as if he was afraid of being seen. Shen Yao glanced at it for a while then with a sigh he placed the scroll into his sleeve.
He knew he should have moved faster.
Walking forward he headed toward the carriage silently, his thoughts already turning.
Xi Shu appeared next to him.
"Young Master"
He looked hesitant as if wanting to say something but, in the end, he stopped himself.
Shen Yao glanced at Xi Shu silently. His mind was too occupied with thoughts of why the envoy from Dalishu had approached him in such a way.
"Let's go" Shen Yao said
He climbed into the carriage and they left.
---
The carriage rolled through the capital; the sounds of the city muted behind the curtains.
Shen Yao sat alone, the scroll was still tucked in his sleeve. He slowly took it out, then unrolled it.
Unlike the dense threats or commands he expected to see, the scroll only had one line written on it.
The message was short and clear.
We will meet again.
He glanced at the line again, then again. Searching for any hidden meaning, any trap, but found nothing. It was clear as day.
"We will meet again. "He whispered
He closed his eyes.
When?
How?
And on whose terms?
He sighed folding it again and placing back into his sleeve.
Why did everything feel more complicated now?