Gu Xiangzhu sighed softly. "Are you still as carefree as you used to be?"
Zhao Ci fell silent, a shadow crossing his eyes.
"And what about later?"
Gu Xiangzhu shook her head, a hint of emotion in her voice. "This is only the first day you've felt lonely. One day is bearable, one month is still manageable, and even a year is fine. But... what about ten years?"
Zhao Ci's gaze wavered. After a moment's hesitation, he finally sat down opposite Gu Xiangzhu.
He couldn't help but ask, "Are... are you also unhappy in the palace?"
"It's not a matter of being happy or unhappy."
Gu Xiangzhu shook her head with a smile. "It's just being surrounded by people who have never treated you with sincerity, while doing things you don't particularly enjoy. But it all adds up, bit by bit, and eventually brings some peace of mind."
Hearing this, Zhao Ci fell into a long silence.
