Chapter 27: Kim Hyun-joong, the Revered Emperor Reissued

As Mo Yiran escorted Yuan Qian'er toward the imperial palace in his carriage, the refreshing, fragrant scent wafting through the cabin was enough to soothe anyone’s spirit. Unable to contain her curiosity, Qian'er asked, "Mo Yiran, why does your carriage smell so wonderful?"

"It’s crafted from the finest ebony," Mo Yiran replied, sounding like a child seeking praise. "Ebony carries its own natural fragrance. What do you think? Not bad compared to Bing Qinghua’s, right?"

"Mhm, it's truly remarkable. It’s so steady that I can barely feel it moving. Wealth really is a wonderful thing, isn't it?"

"From now on, whenever you need to go out, take this carriage. Once people see it, they won't dare to bully you!"

While those inside the carriage felt no sense of motion, it did not mean they were traveling slowly. All the horses pulling Mo Yiran’s carriage were top-tier steeds capable of galloping a thousand miles a day. While others treated such horses as their most prized possessions, he used them simply to pull his carriage—a display of wealth and eccentricity.

In about the time it takes for a stick of incense to burn, they arrived at the palace gates. The guards recognized the iconic carriage from a distance and immediately cleared the path. They passed through several palace gates without a single delay.

After alighting at their destination, Mo Yiran led Qian'er toward the Emperor’s Imperial Study. Along the way, countless people greeted them or tried to curry favor. Upon seeing Qian'er by Mo Yiran’s side, they cast looks of astonishment and confusion—since when had Prince Mo been hiding such a beautiful young woman?

Oblivious to their stares, Qian'er was busy examining the palace, repeating the same phrase wherever she went: "Wow, talk about filthy rich!"

After walking for a while, Mo Yiran stopped and looked at her. "Qian'er, stop looking around. We’re here. Watch your step!"

"Oh, right." Qian'er looked at the shimmering golden plaque inscribed with the words "Imperial Study." Suppressing her excitement, she followed him inside.

Inside, Emperor Bing Qinghua had just finished his morning court session and was reviewing memorials. Hearing the commotion, he looked up and smiled upon seeing his old friend. "Yiran, it’s been a long time. So, you finally decided to return?"

"Qinghua, it has been a while. You’re carrying yourself more like an emperor every day. Weren't you the one who used to fall asleep while reading these?"

"Let’s not bring up the past. Qingwan came to see me early this morning, asking me to grant a marriage decree for the two of you. So? Have you finally come to your senses and decided to marry my sister?"

"She’s just being unreasonable. She’s been making a scene for years; you actually believe her?" Mo Yiran sat down as if he were in his own home. He noticed that Qian'er had been looking around like a curious child since they entered, completely ignoring the two men. He prompted her, "Qian'er, this is the current Emperor, Bing Qinghua. Didn't you say you wanted to soak up some imperial luck? He’s right here in the flesh—why are you ignoring him?"

Hearing this, Qian'er looked up at Bing Qinghua, who was seated at the imperial desk. Her eyes nearly popped out of their sockets, and she stammered, "Ki... Kim Hyun-joong?! Ho... how is it you? How are you here?"

Bing Qinghua looked at Mo Yiran, utterly bewildered. Mo Yiran simply shrugged and looked at Qian'er.

Qian'er rushed to the side of the desk, staring at Bing Qinghua with a look of pure infatuation. "Wow, haha! It’s him! You look exactly like him! My greatest wish in this life was to meet Kim Hyun-joong in person, and I never expected to find someone who looks just like him here! Your Majesty, I like you so much! You’re so handsome!"

Indeed, Qian'er’s idol was Kim Hyun-joong, and the current Emperor, Bing Qinghua, happened to share his exact likeness. How could she not go crazy? She confessed her feelings on the spot. Even though Mo Yiran was arguably even better-looking, one does not simply switch idols they have adored for so long.