A five-year-old goddess, raised to become an emperor for all time through a bronze mirror.

Suddenly, a subtle, almost imperceptible, unusual light flashed in Pei Nanxing's deep, ocean-like eyes, like a shooting star streaking across the night sky.

However, this unusual color vanished in an instant, so quickly that it seemed to be merely an illusion in the blink of an eye.

He slowly turned his head and looked at Niannian beside him. His originally cold and hard face softened instantly, as warm as the spring sun.

He said softly, "Niannian, let's go! Come with your uncle to the palace to meet the Empress."

Upon hearing this, Niannian's large, watery eyes immediately lit up with excitement, as dazzling as fireworks suddenly bursting in the night sky.

She quickly and gently placed the longan in her hand on the table, and then nimbly leaped off the soft and comfortable couch;

With light, quick steps, she ran towards her room, eager to begin preparations for entering the palace.

For young Niannian, the word "Empress" was full of mysterious and fascinating charm.

After all, in those wonderful TV dramas, the empress is always a beautiful, charming, gentle and elegant figure.

They not only possess stunning beauty, but also an elegant temperament and noble demeanor that are truly captivating.

Thinking of this, Niannian couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation, eager to meet the legendary Empress.

Before long, a group of well-trained maids escorted Niannian back to the door.

At this moment, Niannian had been completely transformed, dressed up in an exceptionally gorgeous manner from head to toe.

She wore exquisite jeweled hair ornaments, which sparkled brilliantly and complemented her fair and delicate skin, making her look even more adorable.

She was draped in a magnificent, colorful brocade robe, the long skirt trailing on the ground like a splendid cloud in the sky.

Dressed like this, Nian Nian looks both playful and dignified, making people want to take a second look.

Pei Nanxing smiled and stepped forward, gently taking Nian Nian's chubby little hand in his. The two walked side by side and stepped out of the gate of the Pei Prince's Mansion together.

At this moment, a luxuriously decorated carriage was already parked outside the gate, and the coachman stood respectfully to the side, waiting for the master to arrive.

Pei Nanxing carefully carried Niannian into the carriage and settled her in. Then he stepped onto the carriage shaft and sat down next to Niannian.

With a sharp crack of the driver's whip, the carriage slowly started moving, its wheels rolling forward as it sped along the bustling street toward the palace.

Along the way, the scenery outside the car window kept changing, but Nian Nian's thoughts were not on these bustling street scenes at all.

She was overjoyed, planning what she should say when she saw the Empress, and whether she should speak like the characters in TV dramas.

Niannian was completely unaware of the passage of time.

Before they knew it, the carriage had arrived safely at the main gate of the palace.

Pei Nanxing got off the carriage first, then reached out and carefully helped Nian Nian down.

Then, led by a eunuch, they passed through one tall and majestic palace gate after another, finally arriving at the Fengyi Palace where the Empress resided.

Two rows of palace maids and eunuchs stood neatly at the palace gate. When Pei Nanxing and Niannian approached, they all bowed their heads and paid their respects with humility and courtesy.

The entire scene was solemn and dignified, showcasing the majestic aura of the royal court.

Inside the magnificent Fengyi Palace, the air was filled with the fragrance of incense. The Empress sat gracefully on her phoenix throne, her demeanor elegant and poised. Upon seeing Pei Nanxing and Niannian enter, a gentle smile appeared on her face.

"Your subject Pei Nanxing pays respects to Your Majesty the Empress!"

Pei Nanxing stood tall and straight like a pine tree, merely nodding his head, without performing the grand salutes of ordinary officials.

Immediately afterwards, as if no one else was around, he gently held Niannian in his arms and then leisurely walked to the carved sandalwood chair next to him and sat down.

"Long time no see, Nanxing..."

The Empress sat regally on her phoenix throne, a faint smile playing on her dignified and noble face, her voice gentle yet dignified.

She waved to Niannian and said affectionately, "Niannian, come to my side quickly."

Niannian blinked her bright, lively eyes, which sparkled with curiosity and caution. She gently turned her little head toward Pei Nanxing beside her, as if seeking his opinion.

Her little mouth opened slightly, and she asked in a soft, sweet voice, "Is it alright, Father Nanxing?"

Before leaving, Pei Nanxing specifically instructed her that she must address him as Father Nanxing in front of outsiders in order to conceal her true identity.

Pei Nanxing raised the corners of his mouth slightly, revealing a gentle smile. He nodded slightly to Nian Nian, his deep eyes filled with encouragement and approval.

Although the gesture was slight, it was a tremendous support for Niannian.

After receiving Pei Nanxing's permission, Niannian took small, light steps, like a fawn in early spring, and cautiously approached the Empress.

Her movements were elegant and cautious, each step so careful, as if afraid of disturbing the tranquility of the palace.

Seeing this, the Empress's smile deepened, her gaze following Nian Nian tenderly.

After Niannian approached, she stretched out her slender, fair hands and gently took Niannian's pink little hand in hers;

Then he gently stroked Niannian's jet-black hair, his eyes filled with boundless love, as warm as the spring sun.

"Niannian is truly a beautiful and lovely young girl, no wonder she is a princess of our Prince Pei's mansion!"

The Empress praised softly, her tone full of affection. Her voice was gentle and magnetic, making people want to get closer to her.

At this moment, Pei Nanxing stood quietly to one side, his deep, ocean-like eyes occasionally shifting between the Empress and Nian Nian.

His outward appearance was calm and composed, but inwardly he was in turmoil, pondering why the Empress had suddenly summoned the two of them.

He knew all too well that in the palace, every word could conceal a deeper meaning...

"You will be traveling south recently, and the affairs of the court are quite busy. You must be careful."

The Empress suddenly changed the subject, her gaze sharp as she looked at Pei Nanxing. Her concern was evident in her tone, but her sharp eyes seemed to hint at something else:

"Some things don't need to be taken too seriously, understand?"

Pei Nanxing lowered his head slightly, his handsome face remaining calm and composed, without the slightest ripple.

However, beneath this seemingly calm surface, a subtle, almost imperceptible ripple flickered deep within his eyes.