When they reached the visitor's chamber, Leng Yue knocked lightly on the door.
"Come in," Wu Zhen's calm voice replied from within.
Leng Yue turned to Mei, her small hand clutched tightly in his.
"This is it," he said softly, his eyes searching hers.
Mei's throat tightened, but she nodded. Leng Yue pushed the door open and led her inside.
Wu Zhen stood by the bed, folding a sheet. As he turned, his eyes fell on Mei—and the sheet slipped soundlessly from his hands. Despite the years, despite the distance, he knew that face. That little round face, her petite figure… all of it struck a chord deep in his heart.
Tears welled in his eyes.
Mei froze, her gaze locked on him. Her cheeks were already wet with tears she hadn't realized were falling.
"Papa?" she whispered, her voice trembling.
Wu Zhen's breath caught. Slowly, shakily, he nodded. The moment the word left her lips, he was moving—crossing the distances between them in hurried strides before pulling her into his arms.
Mei clung to him, sobbing, burying her face against his chest. For the first time in her life, she felt the warmth of a father's embrace.
Wu Zhen's tears spilled freely as he held her close. Lifting his gaze over her shoulder, he met Leng Yue's eyes. His voice cracked with gratitude.
"Thank you… thank you so much."
Leng Yue gave a slight nod, quickly turning his head to hide the tears gathering in his own eyes.
When the storm of sobs finally eased, Wu Zhen guided his daughter to sit down. Mei refused to release him, her fingers clutching at his sleeve as if afraid he might vanish.
"I am so glad you're safe," Wu Zhen said thickly. "I thought I would never see you again."
Mei's voice broke as she answered, "And I never thought I'd have a father to call my own. All these years… I believed I had none. Where have you been? Why didn't you come for me?"
"I tried," he whispered, guilt etched in every word. "I searched everywhere. But I was a marked man… always hunted, forced into hiding. I lived with the weight of that failure every day." His eyes brimmed once more.
"I heard that the head maid took care of you? Where is she now?" He added.
"She died five years ago and since then, I've been living in the palace. The only family I had was the princess, Yuyan and prince Leng Yue." She said smiling.
Mei then sniffled, searching his face. "And my mother? Is she alive?"
Wu Zhen's hands tightened around hers. "When our village was attacked, I hid you first. Then I ran back for your mother. But she was gone. And when I returned for you…" His voice cracked, grief piercing through. "You had disappeared. It was the greatest shock—and regret—of my life."
Mei lowered her gaze, heart aching, but Wu Zhen gently lifted her chin. His expression softened, full of love.
"Don't cry, my angel. From now on, I'll stay by your side. I'll make up for the years we lost. And if your mother is still out there… we will find her. Together."
He kissed her forehead tenderly.
By the door, Leng Yue stood with a faint smile. Seeing Mei in her father's arms filled him with quiet joy. She finally had the family bond she had longed for.
Knowing they needed time alone, he slipped out silently and closed the door behind him. Passing a maid in the hallway, he gave an order:
"Bring fresh water and cleaning tools to Lady Mei. She will care for her father herself."
It was his way of giving them space—and letting their bond deepen with every small act of care.
---
When Tian Yu returned, he spotted a maid hurrying down the corridor.
"Is Yuyan in her room?" he asked.
"Yes, Your Highness. She hasn't slept all night. She sat outside waiting for you," the maid replied with a gentle smile, bowed, and went on her way.
Tian Yu's lips curved faintly. With a flicker of energy, he teleported straight into Yuyan's chamber, intending to startle her.
But instead of catching her awake, he found her fast asleep on the floor, her back against the bed. Her knees were drawn up, and her arms were wrapped around them like a child who had waited too long.
He crouched down in front of her, his gaze softening. Her face looked so calm, so heartbreakingly lovely in slumber. And her lips—those lips—made his chest tighten. Without thinking, he leaned in, about to steal a kiss.
Her eyes fluttered open, startled. When she realized it was him, her face lit up with unrestrained joy, and she threw herself into his arms.
He chuckled quietly as he hugged her back.
When she finally let go, she smacked him lightly on the chest.
"You jerk! What were you trying to do?" she demanded, raising an eyebrow.
"I don't know," he teased with a grin. "Your lips just… looked too kissable to resist."
She rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile. Then her expression turned serious as memory struck her.
"Wait—did you save Mei's father?" she asked in a rush.
Tian Yu smirked. "What do you think? Two warriors against one mission. Did you really doubt us?"
"You and Leng Yue think too highly of yourselves," she scolded, though relief softened her tone. "So you did save him?"
He nodded.
Her eyes brightened, and she hugged him again, this time with overflowing happiness. But when she pulled away, a small yawn escaped her lips.
"A sleepless night waiting for me, huh? Are you that in love?" he teased, leaning closer.
She shoved him playfully aside and stood, cheeks slightly pink.
"Don't flatter yourself. … How about we go visit them?"
"You need rest first."
"No! I'm not tired. And even if I am, I'll rest there." She stuck out her tongue before slipping into the bathroom to wash up.
Tian Yu stayed where he was, watching her retreat with a quiet smile. His heart felt lighter than it had in a long time—because she had missed him, all night.