[The Awkward King]
In the Underworld's side hall, Hades You Nian sat rigid, his red eyes fixed on Gu Xingyu. The atmosphere was thick enough to suffocate.
"Sit," he commanded, his voice like a general ordering a soldier. Xingyu obeyed with a quiet reserve that only made You Nian's frown deepen. "In the Underworld, if anyone bullies you, speak my name. You are the Emperor's daughter; you shall not be slighted."
Qing Fei sighed inwardly. To a soldier, this was a shield; to a daughter, it was a wall. She took Xingyu's hand and looked at her husband. "You Nian, she is your daughter, not your subordinate. You don't need to bark orders to protect her."
You Nian froze. For the first time, the man who commanded ten thousand legions looked lost. "I... do not know how to be a father," he admitted, his voice dropping. "I only know how to command. But Qing-er... if anyone dares harm you, I will slaughter them all."
It was a clumsy, violent, yet profoundly sincere declaration of love. Xingyu looked up, seeing the flicker of panic in those red eyes, and whispered, "I do not blame you."
[The New Order of Yao]
Across the Rift in Yao-Capital, the Crown Prince convened the imperial court. He didn't just reward the Four Yao for their bravery; he integrated them into the heart of the government to drive the "New Policy."
Lin Lie (Wood) was appointed Vice Minister of Works, overseeing the new "Yao-Logistics" workshops.
Luo Ye (Fire) became Assistant Minister of Revenue, heading the "Relief Grain Department."
Sang Qi (Water) was named Chief of the Medical Bureau, standardizing medicine for the masses.
Cang Yuan (Gold/Metal) took the post of Water Conservancy Superintendent, rebuilding the irrigation systems.
Furthermore, the Prince established "The Yao Estate"—a joint residence and office for the Five Yao and the Saintess, signaling that these outcasts were now the pillars of the realm.
[The Shield and the Princess]
The most controversial appointment was for Li Yan (Earth). The Prince named him General of the Frontier Guard and Deputy Superintendent of Works, despite the protests of officials who claimed he "failed" because the Saintess wasn't brought back.
"Who among you," the Prince roared, silencing the hall, "stood before the gates of the Sanctuary and held back the Underworld's blade with their own blood? Li Yan's promotion is not a favor; it is justice!"
Amidst the political storm, Princess Si Yirou's daily visits to the infirmary became the talk of the town. The Minister of Rites even dared to protest her "lack of royal decorum." The Prince shielded her with a cold dignity, framing the visits as "Imperial Compassion for a wounded hero."
Leaving the hall, Yirou tightened her grip on her sleeves. The gossip was fierce, and the pressure was mounting, but her heart was firm. Let them talk, she thought. He is worth every word.