Beside the Fish Pool
Lian Evelyn sat beside the fish pool in her house. She was staring at the fish swimming inside.
"Hurmmm… these fish just swim here and aren't free, but why do they look happy?" she mumbled.
"It's because even though they don't have freedom, we take care of them. We feed them, change their water… Our love makes them feel that even though they're caged, they still live a good life with people who truly love and care for them. It's the same with humans too," said Madam Qinan, who suddenly appeared and stood behind Lian Evelyn.
"Mommyyyyy!" Her tone instantly turned childish. She stood up and held her mother's hand.
"But what do you mean by 'same like humans'? Do humans not have freedom too?" she asked.
Madam Qinan smiled and replied, "Well, the answer is yes. For example: marriage. When a woman gets married, she must follow her husband, right? That's why some girls feel like their life is being cut off. They can't visit their parents often, they have to learn lots of rules, and they must obey their husband and mother-in-law. But what makes her stay in the marriage? Because her husband and in-laws love her, treat her kindly, and make sure she's never alone. That's what makes her feel—despite everything she has to give up—it's still worth it."
Lian Evelyn nodded, but a question popped into her mind.
"But Mommy, what if a girl gets married and her husband and his family treat her badly? That wouldn't be worth it," she said.
"That's why we must choose the right person to marry. Otherwise, life will feel like hell. Marriage is actually beautiful—it's about two hearts connected by love. But it gets destroyed by lies and betrayal. So Evelyn, you must find a good person, okay? Don't let your future husband bully you," her mother reminded her gently.
Lian Evelyn smiled. "Don't worry, Mom. I've decided to marry whoever you and Daddy choose for me, because I know my parents know what's best for me," she said happily.
Madam Qinan smiled. "Good child. But if you ever like someone, just tell me and your daddy. Because marriage is about spending your life with someone you love," she advised.
"Okay, I understand, Mom. By the way, why are you here? Were you looking for me?" asked Lian Evelyn.
"Yes, dear. Tomorrow we will go to the castle. Your father has achieved something again—he successfully created a war strategy map, and because of that, our country won the war. The Emperor is pleased and is holding a celebration for him. The Emperor asked your daddy to bring both me and you along," Madam Qinan explained.
Lian Evelyn's face lit up.
"Really, Mommy?! I can go to the castle! Aaaaaaa I'm so happy!"
That meant she could see Yan Yan at the castle tomorrow.
"Of course it's true. But remember, that's the palace—not our home. You must leave your bad habits behind. One small mistake could bring disaster to our whole family. Remember that," her mother warned her.
Madam Qinan was genuinely worried about bringing Lian Evelyn to the palace. She feared her daughter might make a mistake or fail to follow palace etiquette, since at home both she and General Lian always spoiled her and never scolded her for small disobediences. But because the Emperor had specifically requested Lian Evelyn's presence, she had no choice but to pray everything would go well.
"Aaaaaa Mommy, what do you mean 'bad habits'? You think I'm badly behaved? You don't like me anymore? You don't love me?" Evelyn sulked, pouting and looking away.
Madam Qinan chuckled.
"My baby, it's not like that, okay? I love all your behaviours simply because you're my child—my precious daughter. But when you go out, people can say whatever they want, because to them, you're just a stranger. So please, just this once, be an obedient girl, alright? Don't sulk," she comforted.
In Madam Qinan's eyes, Lian Evelyn wasn't a 16-year-old girl, but a 3-year-old baby who still needed her mother's love and attention.
Lian Evelyn kept pouting.
"I'll give you more pocket money if you behave this time," her mother added, trying to coax her.
"Money?!" Lian Evelyn's eyes lit up.
"Okayyyy! I'll be the most obedient child tomorrow! Give me the money!" she said excitedly, holding out her hand.
Madam Qinan smiled and shook her head at her daughter's behaviour, then handed her the money.
"Yayyy! Thanks, Mommy! I'm going to buy snacks!" said Lian Evelyn, kissing her mother on the cheek before running out of the house.
"Haishh, this child…" Madam Qinan muttered, shaking her head, before finally leaving the fish pool and heading to her bedroom.
Prince Zhan Nathenial's Chamber
Prince Zhan Nathenial sat at his desk, writing something related to his military duties.
"Are you done with your investigation?" he asked General Wei, who was standing beside him.
"Yes, Your Highness. I've already found someone with the eagle tattoo. But because of his background, I couldn't continue the investigation," replied General Wei.
"Huh? Really? Who is he, that you can't even touch him?" Prince Zhan Nathenial asked again.
"Err... his name is Cheng He. He's a soldier—but he's also the closest and most trusted person of General Lian," explained General Wei.
Prince Zhan Nathenial furrowed his brows slightly.
"General Lian? He's the one with many achievements, right? Father is even throwing a celebration for his success tomorrow," he said.
General Wei nodded.
"Then I want you to investigate General Lian too. Understood?"
General Wei nodded again.