The Imperial Palace stood as the iconic landmark of the Great Empire’s capital. This magnificent castle gleamed with white and gold tiles, a symbol of wealth and honor.

Its sheer size was unmatched. From its construction, Queen Ellyria had divided it into three strict zones: sleeping quarters, administrative areas, and relaxation spaces.

Every rule was crystal clear—who entered, when, and why. No exceptions. Disobey, and Queen Ellyria’s punishment would be severe.

Finally, after the cold night wind blew awhile, Baiyi drove his carriage into the Imperial Palace before Hailwind worsened. He settled the horses in their stables.

Baiyi carried the restless Qiu Qiu into the residential zone. Timid Maid Xiao Ling trailed closely behind.

“I’ll take her back first,” Baiyi said, pointing to the maids’ rest area. “You report to the Head Maid now.”

“But Young Master,” Xiao Ling replied, “I must accompany you to Queen Ellyria. If I leave first, she’ll punish me.”

Baiyi fell silent. He carried the mischievous Qiu Qiu toward his room.

“Da… da.”

“Huh? What is it, kid?”

“Stinky…”

Stinky? Baiyi glanced at Qiu Qiu’s military coat. It was stained with black-clad assassins’ blood. The bloody stench had grown unbearable.

“Tch. We’ll bathe soon, dummy.”

“Oh…”

Baiyi headed straight for the royal bath in the relaxation zone. To his dismay, the door was shut with an “In Use” sign.

“Hey! Anyone in there?” He hammered the door harshly. He and Qiu Qiu reeked; they needed to wash fast.

“Xiao Yi?” Queen Ellyria’s voice echoed from inside.

“Mom?” Baiyi froze. He’d interrupted someone important bathing alone.

No time to retreat. The door swung open violently. Thick white steam billowed out.

A tall, curvaceous figure emerged slowly from the mist.

“Xiao Yi! You’re finally back!”

“M-mom!”

The familiar dark silhouette materialized fully. Queen Ellyria’s voluptuous body was tightly wrapped in a long white towel.

Baiyi’s face burned hot. He couldn’t meet her eyes.

“Xiao Yi, where were you? So late returning to the palace.”

“N-nowhere! Mom, put on clothes! This is indecent!”

“De…cency!”

He tried to look away. But at sixteen, his curiosity warred with restraint. His gaze flickered, torn.

“Xiao Yi, who is this girl?”

“Mom, she’s—”

“Never mind. Come in.”

Before Baiyi reacted, Queen Ellyria yanked him and Qiu Qiu inside, slamming the door shut.

“Ah! Mom!”

Panicked, Baiyi almost bolted as she locked the door. But he saw her slightly furrowed brows, her eyes brimming with worry.

He could break free easily. Yet hurting his mother’s feelings stopped him. After a silent struggle, he gave up escaping.

“I’ll bathe myself! D-don’t look!”

He placed Qiu Qiu on a sponge mat. Then he dashed to the far end of the large bath pool, sinking deep into the water. Only half his head remained above the surface.

“Xiao Yi, let Mom wash your back. You’re filthy.” Queen Ellyria picked up his discarded coat, placing it in her laundry basin. She lifted Qiu Qiu, who crawled on the sponge, and sat by the pool.

“No! I can wash myself!” Baiyi sank lower as her footsteps neared.

“Wash…” Qiu Qiu waved her chubby limbs, giggling. She threw the white soap block onto Baiyi’s half-submerged head.

“Hey! Kid!”

“Hehe…” Unfazed, Qiu Qiu burrowed deeper into Queen Ellyria’s ample bosom, laughing harder.

“Xiao Yi, what’s her story? Where did you find her?” The Queen watched the girl giggle foolishly at her son, puzzled.

“How should I know? Outside the city, black-clad men tried breaching our gates with her. I wiped them out. Just trash.” Baiyi sneered, dismissing the killers.

“What? Who tried to kill you?” Queen Ellyria rushed to his side. Her hand gently stroked his dark, short hair.

“Xiao Yi, don’t scare me, okay?” Her touch was soft, her eyes overflowing with concern and doting love.

She wasn’t a ruler or idol now. Just a mother—worried, overbearing, fiercely protective. Baiyi was her only child, her most precious treasure.

“I know! I’ll be careful…” Baiyi felt grown-up. Years campaigning with armies had hardened him; he wasn’t easy prey anymore.

Silently, he resolved: he’d grow stronger. He’d shield his mother from every danger he faced.