The morning court session quickly came to an end.
Although the issue with the neighboring small country's incursion was resolved, the treasury's lack of silver was a problem that couldn't be solved in a short time.
Bai Xilie was troubled by this, but didn't wish to show it on his face.
However, he couldn't hide it from the glimmering eyes of the little one.
Zhi'er gently rubbed Bai Xilie's brow with her soft fingertips.
"Daddy, don't worry. Someone will soon voluntarily bring the silver. With me here, everything will be fine, and then I'll spoil you!"
The little one patted her tiny chest, her round, white, tender cheeks revealing a charming and cute blush.
Upon hearing this, Bai Xilie, with sword-like brows and bright eyes, laughed loudly.
He took his daughter's words as just childish talk.
She's still young; what means could she have, other than wanting to cheer him up.
Bai Xilie was deeply moved.
He picked the little one up: "Zhi'er, let Daddy take you for a walk in the palace. You haven't seen our home yet."
The little one laid her chubby arms on her father's shoulders.
"Hmm, maybe I've seen it in a dream~"
"A dream?" Bai Xilie carried her out as the Chief Eunuch and the palace attendants followed from a distance.
Zhi'er nodded: "Yes, in the dream, I saw you with Mommy, climbing a very high staircase under the adoration and cheers of the crowd, ascending to the throne."
"Daddy, let me tell you a little secret. Mommy was so happy she cried when she saw it!"
Hearing this, Bai Xilie was momentarily speechless, his gaze turning complex.
He had lost contact with his wife and daughter while warring across the land.
Sitting on the highest throne, seeing the mass of people bowing below, he suddenly felt an emptiness in his heart.
Because at a moment like that, he always thought he should be holding his wife's hand and carrying their child, receiving the homage together.
Unfortunately, she was not there.
But unexpectedly, Zhi'er said they could see through dreams.
Bai Xilie immediately recalled that Jing Jia had also exhibited extraordinary abilities, like an Immortal.
She could easily predict fortunes and misfortunes and control the wind and rain.
He never had the chance to find out her true identity.
Whenever he asked, Jing Jia would jokingly say, "I am the Heavenly Daoist."
She refused to tell the truth, so Bai Xilie stopped asking.
After all, he loved her as a person. Whether she was an Immortal, a demon, or a human, what did it matter?
Bai Xilie lowered his head and held his daughter tightly.
The Dragon Robe was stretched perfectly by his strong muscles; his wheat-colored healthy skin made his sharp, sword-like brows and piercing eyes even more prominent.
His entire being exuded a primal energy.
Yet with his daughter in his arms, Bai Xilie's cautious demeanor revealed the gentle side beneath his tough exterior.
"Zhi'er, in a few years, when your mother is willing to come back, our family will be reunited. Before that, Daddy will manage the country well, ensure peace, and promise a secure life for you both."
Zhi'er's delicate little face flushed red, and she nodded emphatically.
With bright eyes, she said, "Yes! Daddy, Zhi'er will be with you, waiting for Mommy to return together!"
At this moment, a loud call came from behind them—
"Imperial Brother!"
Bai Xilie turned around, his smile fading slightly: "Third Brother, what's the matter?"
Zhi'er looked with her clear eyes.
She saw the newcomer wearing a wide robe, adorned with countless jade ornaments, and surrounded by riches and splendor.
His face bore some resemblance to Bai Xilie but lacked Bai Xilie's resolve, and his thinner physique made him appear somewhat frail.
He ran over, about to speak, but saw Zhi'er in Bai Xilie's arms.
With big eyes and long thin eyebrows, so adorable and lively, like a new year picture doll!
"Oh! This must be Zhi'er, right? Come, let Third Uncle hold you!"