Chapter 258: Darkness took her softly

The next morning, the empire burst with excitement. The capital was alive in celebration—orchards of lanterns, ribbons dancing in the breeze, and children’s cheers echoing through the streets. The empire had not had something festive in the past few months, and this was quite the celebration.

The new Emperor and Empress were being crowned today. Crowds of people had gathered in front of the Imperial Palace, ready to witness this wonderful scene. There were members of the nobility present as well, but the celebration was kept very simple.

Zhao Ling Xu, wearing his phoenix robes, ascended the steps and entered the Imperial Hall, where he would sit upon the Imperial Throne. As soon as he showed up, loud cheers erupted outside—while inside, it was solemn, as if this were a moment carved into history.

The grand hall shimmered with gilded pillars and banners swaying in the gentle breeze. Silk fabrics of deep blue and gold draped every surface, and the scent of incense mingled with fresh blossoms that carpeted the aisles.

Courtiers, nobles, and foreign dignitaries swarmed through the hall, their voices buzzing in excitement. Hua Jing was there too. She wore a very simple pink gown that accentuated her figure just enough—but it did not draw attention. All eyes were on the Empress, who was now making her entrance.

Hua Jing had never seen Xia Lin like this. The lady, always pretty, looked positively radiant. Dressed in delicate red phoenix robes, she floated across the floor like she belonged there. Gasps filled the air as she entered, followed quickly by approving nods.

Back among the servants, soft whispers buzzed.

"I can’t believe she’s the new empress."

"If this can happen, maybe one day we could rise too."

There was jealousy, yes—but joy as well. Xia Lin walked confidently down the aisle. When she reached the front, Zhao Ling Xu extended his hand to her. The Emperor and Empress clasped fingers, and the hall erupted into chaos once again.

The ceremony was short—dignified, but not drawn out. Very soon, everyone was mingling happily and drinking to their fill.

Zhao Ling Xu stood tall on the raised platform, his robes gleaming. Though his face carried solemn responsibility, his eyes softened when they met Xia Lin’s. She blushed, gripping her hands tightly—every inch the poised empress she had become.

The Chief Ceremonial Officer cleared his throat. The room stilled.

"By the will of the Imperial Council and the blessings of the gods, let the crown be raised."

A hush fell. The golden circlet lifted into the air, catching the sunlight in a brilliant flare. Slowly, it descended onto Zhao Ling Xu’s brow.

"May His Majesty live long," thundered the gathering.

Every voice joined. Nobles bowed. Banners dipped. Musicians struck up the anthem.

Hua Jing felt her heart swell with emotion—power, promise, and peace filled the air.

Then came the Empress’s crown—polished jade and rubies shaped like phoenix wings. With equal grace, Zhao Ling Xu placed it upon Xia Lin’s head. Tears shimmered in her eyes.

The crowd gasped—then applauded.

"Long live the Emperor."

"Long live the Empress."

As the festivities went on, the Emperor and Empress made their way toward Hua Jing. They exchanged a few words, light conversation and laughter. Hua Jing, caught in the moment, even had a couple of glasses of wine. Feeling tipsy, she decided to retire early.

Outside, the celebration could still be heard—the laughter, the cheers, the sound of instruments floating through the night air. Hua Jing smiled faintly.

Indeed, everything had fallen into good hands.

Something tugged at her heart.

She turned and walked back toward her own courtyard. The moon was especially bright tonight. Not a soul was in sight.

She walked quietly inside, then entered the room that held her whole heart.

Zhao Yan still slept peacefully—but this time, his pale face carried a hint of color.

Hua Jing smiled.

She slowly lowered herself beside him. His complexion felt warmer—like something was stirring. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

She sighed softly.

Her hand lifted—but her vision was blurred from the wine. When she turned to look at him, everything came into focus again.

She laughed suddenly, sweetly.

"The throne has already been secured. Zhao Ling Xu will do an excellent job. When you wake up, let us go on a trip together... just you and I."

Her voice trembled slightly.

"You remember our honeymoon? We hadn’t even spent time together... we were forced apart before it even began. This time, my dear prince... let’s go properly. Just us."

Back then, she had just transmigrated to this place and did not understand what was happening.

As soon as she opened her eyes, she was told that it was her honeymoon and this man was introduced as her husband

Back then, she did not understand a thing only that she did not want whatever this was and was desperately trying to find a way to go back to her world.

Fate was quite something as later, she realized that it was actually the person she hated the most yet...

She had fallen in love with him.

Hard.

She wanted nobody else, nothing else apart from him.

Pretty please, she almost whispered.

The time they spent was not enough, no time spent with him was ever enough. It was as if they were always being pulled apart, always walking different directions and when they decided to walk together, fate would pull them towards opposite directions once again.

It was tiring, yet...

The room was quiet again.

But she didn’t feel disappointed—she had grown used to the silence.

She clung tightly to him, feeling his warmth seep into her skin. Her consciousness began to fade.

Sleep tugged at her, gentle and deep.

She smiled one last time, shifting to rest her head in the crook of his shoulder. Inhaling his scent—the soft, woody scent she had missed so much.

She knew his scent— it was distinct. No one smelled away the way he did. In this world or the other.

She was waiting.

Only waiting.

Darkness took her softly.

And then... her eyes fluttered open. Blurry. Stinging. Startled.

What—?