Inside the chamber, Lianyi sat at the edge of his bed, the hair pin glimmering in his palm. His jaw tightened, but he refused to let his tears fall.
Yue Rong set down the tray of bathing herbs and a bucket of hot water down softly, her eyes sweeping over him. The raw pain etched on his face both thrilled and infuriated her. This was her chance.
"My lord," she said gently, her voice dripping with false tenderness. "You shouldn't torment yourself over someone so… unworthy. She does not deserve your heart."
Lianyi didn't look up, his thumb brushing over the jewel. "Leave." He whispered.
Instead of obeying, Yue Rong stepped closer, lowering herself beside him. Her fingers brushed his shoulder. "Why must you waste yourself on a girl who doesn't even know how to cherish you? I…" she leaned in, her lips dangerously near his ear, "I have loved you all this time. If you would only look at me, you'd see I am the one who can give you everything she cannot."
She adjust her clothes and let her robe slip slightly from her shoulder, exposing pale skin, and reached to cup his cheek. "Let me ease your pain, Lianyi. Tonight, forget her—"
Before she could finish, his hand shot up, gripping her wrist with startling force. His eyes, though brimming with sorrow, blazed like a storm.
"Do not touch me," he said, his voice low and cold, each word cutting sharper than a blade.
Her breath caught. "But, my lord, I—"
"You dare intrude into my chamber," he snarled, rising to his feet and forcing her hand away. "You think I am so weak, so pitiful, that I would seek comfort in the arms of someone like you? You disgust me."
The words struck her like a slap. Her chest heaved as she scrambled for composure. "I… I only wanted—"
"Out!" His command thundered through the chamber. "If you value your life, Yue Rong, never step into my rooms again."
Tears of humiliation stung her eyes, but she forced a smile as she gathered her robe back over her shoulder. She bowed stiffly, though her nails dug into her palms with rage.
"As you wish, Your Highness," she whispered, masking her fury with a trembling sweetness. She turned and swept out of the chamber, her heart a coil of venom.
Behind her, Lianyi sank back onto his bed, clutching the hair pin with in his fingers. Though he hated what he had seen, the image of Mimi's smile still haunted him—and the thought of betrayal hollowed his chest until it hurt to breathe.
_____
Back to Lianhua, Yuyan had just stepped down from the carriage with her husband Tian Yu when Mimi darted across the courtyard like a little swallow breaking free of its cage.
She threw herself into Yuyan's arms, her laughter bright. "I have a father!" she cried, hopping up and down like a little puppy. Her eyes shimmered with innocent joy. Then, as if a thought had struck her, her voice softened, trembling with longing. "I never knew… I would one day have a family."
Yuyan's heart clenched at the words. She brushed Mimi's hair tenderly. "Oh, I thought we were family all this while. I never knew you had never seen me as one," she said, her tone touched with a hint of sadness.
Mimi gasped, guilt flashing over her face. She quickly hugged Yuyan tighter, her tender hands clutching at her robe. "I'm sorry, Big Sister. I forgot my place. Please forgive me!"
Yuyan's lips curved into a gentle smile, while Tian Yu watching quietly from the other side. Without a word, he excused himself into the palace and went straight to Leng Yue's chamber.
"Where is your father?" Yuyan asked softly.
"He is with the Emperor," Mimi replied, her eyes shining as she tugged Yuyan along. Hand in hand, the two girls walked into the grand halls together.
Inside the throne room, the Emperor sat with a broad smile, sipping tea with a man whose presence carried both warmth and quiet authority—Mimi's father.
"Father!" Mimi chirped, running forward. Then, with both pride and shyness, she pulled Yuyan closer. "This is my big sister, Princess Yuyan. She is gentle and kind, and she takes care of me just like a real sister does".
Wu Zhen rose to his feet, his eyes softening at Yuyan. "So this is the young princess I've heard so much about?".
Yuyan, ever polite, bowed with grace. "It is an honor to meet you, Master." She paused, then added quietly, "In my father's library, I once read the records carved by seers. When darkness comes to drown the world, one blessed with the strength of ten shall rise, and he shall stand beside he who is fated to bring an end to the shadow. If such a man truly exists…" Her gaze lifted to him, steady and thoughtful. "Then the one fated to end the darkness must also be out there—we may not have met him yet."
The weight of her words drew a hush over the room. Wu Zhen's eyes flickered with surprise, then something like recognition. He turned toward the Emperor with a questioning look, but the Emperor only shook his head in silence—a signal that Yuyan was not yet to know more.
After a few more polite exchanges, Yuyan excused herself and made her way to the Empress chamber.
It was the first time Yuyan had returned to the palace since her marriage. As soon as her mother saw her, she rose in haste, tears glimmering in her eyes. She swept Yuyan into a tight embrace, holding her as though she would never let go.
"I missed you so much, my little baby," she whispered. She pulled back only slightly to look into Yuyan's face. "How is marriage life? Tell me—are you happy?" Her words came like a flood, one after another, not giving Yuyan room to breathe. "Does he treat you well? Do you still smile as you used to? Do you still… have those dreams?"
The last question made Yuyan stiffen. Her gaze lowered, lips pressing into a faint line. "No, Mama," she murmured softly. "I have forgotten about the dreams."
The Empress studied her daughter's eyes carefully, then smiled knowingly.
Before Yuyan could ask, Leng Yue entered into the chamber, "The Emperor awaits at dinner," he announced.
With that,mother and daughter walked together to the grand dining hall. The fragrant lotus root, glazed duck, steamed river fish, and bowls of rice filled the air with warm scents. Everyone settled and they dine together in harmony.