At this moment, Xiao Chengkang and A Yuan changed into the magnificent attire prepared beforehand, befitting their status as nobles of Xiling. Xiao Chengkang wore a black brocade robe, over which was a cloak with a black fox fur collar, which accentuated his handsome face and gave him an air of refined nobility tinged with a touch of aloofness. A Yuan, on the other hand, wore a crimson palace dress unique to the Xiling royal family, embroidered with intricate feather patterns in gold thread. Her black hair was styled in a high bun, adorned with a golden-winged phoenix hairpin symbolizing her status as the eldest princess. She was breathtakingly beautiful, and her brows now held a long-lost air of noble dignity and sharpness befitting a princess.

The two abandoned their carriage and horses, carrying only two simple bundles, and rode two magnificent white horses, slowly making their way towards the huge and heavy city gate of the royal city.

"Princess Xilingyuan has returned to the palace!"

At the city gate, when A Yuan revealed the phoenix-patterned token, carved entirely from a single piece of mutton-fat jade and representing supreme authority, the guard general's pupils suddenly contracted. He then knelt on one knee, his voice filled with disbelief, excitement, and fear: "This humble general greets Your Highness the Princess! Long live Your Highness!"

The news spread like wildfire through the royal city! Princess Xi Lingyuan, the legendary eldest princess who was said to have died a violent death, had actually returned alive! And in such a high-profile and undeniable manner!

In less than half an hour, a troop of royal guards, gleaming in armor and exuding an imposing aura, galloped in. Leading them was the commander of the royal guards, a middle-aged general with a resolute face. He dismounted, knelt on one knee before A-Yuan, and spoke in a loud voice, tinged with barely perceptible excitement: "This humble general, by His Majesty's decree, respectfully welcomes Her Highness the Princess back to the palace! Please, Your Highness, proceed with your journey!"

The Imperial Guards quickly escorted the two to the center, and they marched in a grand procession through the streets and alleys. Countless people crowded on both sides of the road, whispering and looking at the suddenly returned princess, who was said to be the king's favorite.

A-Yuan sat upright on her horse, her gaze fixed straight ahead, her back ramrod straight. Only the slightly tightened reins betrayed the turmoil within her. Xiao Chengkang rode half a step behind her, like the most silent barrier, his gaze calmly sweeping over the crowds and towering palace walls on either side.

Stepping into the imposing and solemn Xiling Palace, built of cold, massive stones, A Yuan felt as if she had entered another battlefield. The palace path was long and silent, with only the orderly, heavy footsteps of the imperial guards echoing through it.

The oppressive atmosphere was almost suffocating.

Outside the council hall, she saw her long-lost father—King Xiling Hao. He sat high on the cold black jade throne, still tall, but his temples were now streaked with gray, and his majestic face bore a deep weariness and an undeniable air of illness. The moment he saw A-Yuan, a startling light flashed in his cloudy eyes, and he abruptly stood up: "Yuan'er... my Yuan'er! It really is you!" His voice trembled.

A-Yuan stepped forward quickly and knelt gracefully before the imperial steps, her voice choked with sobs yet crystal clear: "Your unfilial son has wandered far from home, causing Father King great worry!"

"It's good that you're back! It's good that you're back!" Xi Linghao excitedly walked down the steps, personally helping A Yuan up. He looked her up and down, his eyes filled with love and the overwhelming joy of having her back. His gaze then fell on Xiao Chengkang, who stood quietly to the side, exuding an extraordinary aura. "And this is?"

“Your Majesty,” A-Yuan turned slightly to introduce, “this is Prince Xiao Chengkang, the heir apparent of the Prince of Nan Jing. I was stranded abroad, and was fortunate enough to be rescued by the heir apparent many times, which allowed me to return safely.” She deliberately emphasized “rescued many times.”

Xi Linghao's gaze lingered on Xiao Chengkang for a moment, carrying the majesty of an emperor, before finally turning into a grateful smile: "So it's the Prince Jing's heir! Thank you so much for saving my beloved daughter's life! You must have had a long journey!"

"Your Majesty is too kind. The princess is blessed with good fortune, and I, Chengkang, have only done my utmost." Xiao Chengkang bowed respectfully, his demeanor composed.

However, this heartwarming reunion between father and daughter did not last long. A cold and slightly sharp female voice rang out from behind: "Oh, who did you think had returned and made such a commotion? It's Her Highness the Princess. It's been years, and Your Highness has become even more... radiant."

A-Yuan turned around. She saw a beautiful woman dressed in a magnificent phoenix robe and wearing a nine-tailed phoenix crown, walking slowly in, surrounded by many palace servants. She was well-maintained and looked to be no more than thirty years old. Her eyebrows and eyes were exquisite, but in her slightly upturned phoenix eyes, there was an undisguised coldness and a trace of uncontrollable shock and anger—it was the Empress, Lin.

A-Yuan met her gaze, a faint yet icy smile slowly curving her lips, her eyes sharp as knives: "It's been many years, Mother Empress, you still retain your charm. But... you seem to have lost some weight? It seems managing the harem is quite a burden."

They clashed fiercely, sparks flying! The air seemed to freeze instantly. Xi Linghao frowned slightly, but didn't speak immediately.

Xiao Chengkang stood behind A Yuan like a shadow, his gaze lowered, seemingly oblivious to everything before him, but all his senses were heightened to the extreme.