"Wei'er, are you satisfied with that imperial edict?" His deep voice rang in my ears, carrying a hint of barely perceptible tension.

Xin Jiuwei looked up, her eyes shimmering with tears—tears of emotion, happiness, and a heavy sense of responsibility: "Brother Xun...why do you have to be like this? I..."

"It must be so!" Xiao Xun interrupted her, his tone resolute. "Without you, I could not have conquered this empire, let alone defended it. You deserve the highest honor in the world to share with me. I want the whole world to know that my Empress is not a vine clinging to me, but a towering tree supporting this vast empire alongside me! I also want future generations to remember that I, Xiao Xun, have loved only Xin Jiuwei in this life, and have recognized only Xin Jiuwei as my Empress! This vow of 'never taking another concubine' is the heaviest dowry and the deepest protection I give you."

He cupped her face in his hands, gently wiping away the tears from the corners of her eyes with his fingertips, his gaze as deep as the vast starry sea: "Wei'er, with this empire as my dowry, I will never betray you. For the rest of our lives, in this court, we will rule the world together; within this palace, only you, Chengji, and I will share the joys of family life. Is that alright?"

Xin Jiuwei felt no more doubts or burdens, only overflowing happiness and determination. She hugged him tightly, burying her face in his firm chest, her voice choked with happiness, yet incredibly clear and resolute: "Yes! Brother Xun, I will hold your hand and grow old with you. This country, these years, Wei'er will be with you, sharing everything, until we grow old together!"

The red candles burned brightly, illuminating the figures of the emperor and empress embracing. Outside the window, a bright moon hung high, its gentle light spilling across the tranquil palace gardens and softly enveloping the vibrant capital city.