Lan Yin Bi Yue

Kapitel 8

Lin Suyang waited for a long time but Qin Hao didn't come. She walked to the table and gently picked up the scroll. Slowly, she unrolled it. It was Gong Jidi's "Moonlit Night Journey." No wonder it looked so familiar. Lin Suyang remembered that after receiving the painting, she had given it to Qin Hao for safekeeping, saying she would retrieve it later. She hadn't expected to forget about it. But how did the painting end up here again?

"I've kept this painting very well," Qin Hao's voice came from the palace gate. Lin Suyang turned around. He saw Qin Hao dressed in a royal palace robe, a dazzling golden color. The jade pendants at his waist jingled with his steps. The tassels on his crown drew a dazzling rainbow in the air like starlight in the darkness. His serious and cold handsome face further accentuated his imperial aura, full of conquering and arrogant domineering power.

Lin Suyang suddenly felt that this person had become so unfamiliar. The Qin Hao from the peach blossom forest a year ago was no longer Qin Hao. Instead, he was the Crown Prince Yide of the Great Yang Kingdom, who was about to ascend the throne. He had completely donned a mask of indifference and defensiveness. The innocence and peace of the past would probably never appear on him again.

Lin Suyang wondered if it was just his imagination, but it seemed that his ex-husband had become much more distant since returning from Shenzhou. Although they shared a room every day, they didn't exchange a single word except when discussing official business. The rest of the time, they either read or wrote, each doing their own thing and not interfering with the other. Lin Suyang was a naturally aloof person; he wouldn't say a word unless someone initiated it. Given this situation—with little official business to do and the opportunity to leisurely read—why wouldn't he be happy?

"Your Highness, this humble subject greets you." Lin Suyang bowed to Qin Hao.

"No need for formalities." Qin Hao waved his hand, then walked expressionlessly to the desk and sat down. He picked up the painting that Lin Suyang had just put down and handed it to him, saying, "This is a painting that Grand Tutor Lin asked me to keep safe. Now it can finally be returned to its rightful owner."

Lin Suyang hurriedly bowed her head and said, "This humble subject dares not. Thank you, Your Highness." She reached out to take it, but Qin Hao suddenly loosened his grip, and the scroll fell to the ground with a "thud." He said nonchalantly, "Grand Tutor, please forgive me, my hand was a little weak." Then, with a stern face, he lowered his head and began to review the memorials.

Lin Suyang slightly closed his eyelids, concealing the coldness within, and silently bent down to pick up the painting that had been torn apart. At this moment, Qin Hao said again, "Since the Grand Tutor has nothing to do, he may organize these memorials for me." Glancing at the mountain of memorials beside Qin Hao, he sighed inwardly and said, "Your subject obeys."

It was already dark when Lin Suyang left the Imperial Study. As soon as he stepped out of the palace gates, he saw Lin Ziyan standing there waiting, dressed only in a thin shirt. He walked over and looked at Lin Ziyan softly, saying, "It's so cold, why aren't you wearing anything warmer?"

Lin Ziyan smiled and said, "I practice martial arts, so I'm quite strong. Father wants you and the princess to go home for dinner, and he told me to come and pick you up." "Oh," Lin Suyang said, taking Lin Ziyan's hand and walking towards the carriage. "Did Yu'er go first?"

Hearing Lin Ziyan address Qin Yu so affectionately, Lin Suyang's face darkened, but he quickly regained his composure and said, "The princess has only just returned. By the way, brother, are you settling in well in the Imperial Study?" Lin Suyang knew that Lin Ziyan had always harbored resentment towards Qin Yu because he had never called Qin Yu "sister-in-law," and their interactions were always lukewarm. Lin Suyang wanted to improve their relationship, but one was stubborn and the other didn't care, so in the end, he had no choice but to let it go as long as it wasn't too excessive.

"What, Yan'er, don't you trust my ability to adapt as your tutor?" Sitting in the carriage, feeling the warmth of the enclosed space, Lin Suyang's mood improved. He leaned against the soft couch, one hand supporting his head, the other casually resting on his knee, and gently closed his eyes, remaining silent. In his hazy state, he felt something cover him; he tried to open his eyes but was too tired to do so. A short while later, he heard someone call him, "Brother, wake up, we're home."

Lin Suyang lazily propped himself up, only then noticing that the coat that Lin Ziyan had been wearing was now draped over his own shoulders, sliding to the side as he stood. He frowned, rubbed his temples, and waved to open the carriage curtain. Qin Yu saw him get out of the carriage and hurried over to help him: "Why are you so late today? Did you have a lot of things to do? You look exhausted."

Lin Suyang smiled, patted her hand and said, "There are quite a lot of memorials today, the Crown Prince can't handle them all by himself." Qin Yu said, "Alright, go in quickly, Father and Ziyan are waiting."

The meal was eaten rather listlessly, everyone was distracted, and the atmosphere at the table was quite heavy. Lin Cheng ate a few bites and then put down his chopsticks, saying to his two sons, "After you finish eating, come to the study." Lin Ziyan nodded in agreement, while Lin Suyang remained silent, only occasionally serving food to Qin Yu. Lin Cheng glanced at them and then left the table.

Volume One, Peach Blossoms, Chapter Twenty-Three: The Death of Emperor Shun (Part 1)

Lin Suyang and Lin Ziyan stood one after the other in front of the study door. The light was on inside, and Lin Cheng's shadow was projected onto the window like a paper cutout. Lin Suyang knocked on the door, and only opened it after hearing a sound from inside. Lin Cheng was sitting behind his desk, flipping through a yellowed book, seemingly casually. Knowing they had arrived, he said, "Close the door." Lin Ziyan turned around, closed the door, and then stood beside Lin Suyang.

After a long while, Lin Cheng slowly raised his head, looked at the two of them, and asked, "Do you know why I called you here?"

Lin Ziyan shook his head honestly. Lin Suyang thought for a moment and said, "Is it because of the Crown Prince?" Lin Cheng nodded approvingly, put down the book in his hand, and walked over to them.

"The situation in the court is constantly changing. Although we have never competed with others for fame or fortune, we cannot guarantee that others will not ignore our existence, especially Yang'er." Lin Cheng said, glancing at Lin Suyang.

"Ever since you became the top scholar in the imperial examination, the Emperor's regard for you has far exceeded the normal range. As the saying goes, serving a ruler is like serving a tiger. As subjects, we cannot presume to guess the Emperor's intentions, but it is clear to everyone that the Emperor has intentionally used our Lin family as a pawn. And the key to this pawn is you."

Lin Ziyan also saw through the scheme, and he asked incredulously, "Father, do you mean the Emperor wants to use us to attack those who oppose him..."

"To be precise, it's about cracking down on those who are hindering the new emperor's ascension to the throne," Lin Suyang said from the side.

"What?" Lin Ziyan was taken aback.

Lin Cheng said, "Judging from the current situation, the day when the Crown Prince ascends the throne is probably not far off."

“When the Crown Prince ascends the throne, not all the ministers in the court support him. In order for the Crown Prince to secure his position, the Emperor needs to win over one faction to help him. Once the new Emperor has the strength, there is nothing to fear,” Lin Suyang continued.

"Does His Majesty already know?" Lin Ziyan asked.

Lin Cheng nodded and said, "Over the years, I haven't sought power because I didn't want to get involved in this murky water. But it's impossible to gain a foothold in the court without influence. I, Lin Cheng, have worked hard for decades. My disciples are all over the court. Even if I asked myself if I had no ambition, who would believe me? Especially not the fickle emperor." The imperial family is the most ruthless place. How many people pour their hearts and souls into it, only to find a good end?

Lin Cheng sighed, "Alright, alright. I don't want to say any more. I just hope you all behave yourselves and fulfill your duties. As for anything else, don't think too much about it. Just walk your own paths." I'm afraid that path will be very difficult then…

At the last morning court session of the forty-second year of the Shunli reign, the Emperor, who had been listening attentively to the ministers' reports with renewed vigor, suddenly collapsed on his throne for unknown reasons. That night, all the imperial physicians were summoned to the Wende Hall for a consultation. Every official of the fifth rank and above stood guard outside the hall. At midnight, everyone heard a heart-wrenching cry of anguish emanating from within the hall. Immediately, an eunuch rushed out shouting, "The Emperor has passed away! The Emperor has passed away..." The ministers, their faces filled with grief, removed their official hat ornaments and knelt before the hall.

In December of the forty-second year of the Shunli reign, Emperor Shun of the Great Yang Kingdom suddenly fell ill and died despite all medical efforts. The entire nation mourned for seven days. In January of the following year, Crown Prince Qin Hao ascended the throne, changing the kingdom's name to Hong and becoming Emperor Hong. That same month, Emperor Hong received a personal letter from Emperor Sheng Han of the Yan-Liao Kingdom, stating that he would visit the Great Yang Kingdom the following month to congratulate the new emperor on his ascension.

Only one lamp was lit in the vast Imperial Study. Dim, like an open net, tightly encircling a flickering flame, seemingly ready to be extinguished at any moment. Lin Suyang approached quietly, placing the memorial he held on the table. He glanced around at the empty surroundings, then turned to leave. Suddenly, he heard a voice from behind the screen: "Grand Tutor Lin..."

Lin Suyang paused for a moment, then quickly walked around the screen. A faint candlelight shone through, and a human figure could be vaguely seen in the dim shadows.

"Your Majesty?" Lin Suyang asked tentatively. After a long silence, he walked over and seemed to kick something. Looking down, he smelled a strong odor of alcohol. He kicked the bottle away and took a few more steps forward when he saw Qin Hao slumped on the ground, leaning against the wall, holding an unfinished bottle of wine.

Lin Suyang squatted down and softly called out, "Your Majesty." Qin Hao lowered his head, shifted his body, and then stood up unsteadily, leaning against the wall. He quickly went up to support him, and as soon as he grabbed Qin Hao's arm, he leaned against him. The warm smell of alcohol hit him. Lin Suyang frowned but dared not let go. He could only slowly help Qin Hao to the dragon throne in front and sit down.

Qin Hao lay slumped in the chair with his eyes closed, his neatly tied hair disheveled, and his bright yellow dragon robe was in disarray from his forceful tearing. This was a side of Qin Hao Lin Suyang had never seen before; he had lost his usual cold, serious, and domineering aura, like an eagle soaring in the sky suddenly caught in a storm, injured and fallen, unwilling to show weakness yet alone in lonely sorrow.

Lin Suyang had always believed that all relationships within the royal family were based on self-interest, and that even the closest relatives were separated by vast distances. But now, seeing Qin Hao's appearance, Lin Suyang had to admit that he had been too one-sided in his view of things.

Emperor Shun's treatment of Qin Hao was a cruel form of protection. He doted on him, gave him everything, even the empire, while simultaneously pushing him to the highest peak, leaving him to endure a suffocating coldness, isolating him from all emotions, leaving only cold-blooded rationality.

The dim light on the tall candlestick appeared monotonous and helpless, making one feel as if they were struggling in extremely deep water, waving their hands and screaming with all their might, but no one heard them—a kind of desperate loneliness.

The imperial study was bitterly cold. Lin Suyang saw that Qin Hao, who was seated on the throne, was already fast asleep, so he took a cloak from the high shelf next to him and draped it over Qin Hao's shoulders. Then he hurried out of the hall. As soon as he stepped out, he saw An Zhen guarding the door. Lin Suyang whispered to him, "Eunuch An, the Emperor is asleep inside. It's cold. Please find someone to help the Emperor back to his palace."

Upon hearing this, An Zhen bowed to Lin Suyang and said, "Thank you, Grand Tutor. This old servant will send someone immediately." After saying that, he immediately beckoned several palace servants and hurriedly went inside. Lin Suyang glanced at the not-so-bright inner hall and heard An Zhen instructing the palace servants not to spread the news of today's events. He then nodded and turned to leave.

The Lantern Festival of the first year of the Hongli reign gradually faded, dispelling the somber atmosphere brought by the death of Emperor Shun. Families removed their mournful white silks and hung bright red lanterns high. The streets and alleys were filled with the joyful sounds of children running and the crackling of firecrackers. The main streets of Yundu were bustling with activity, and the surrounding brothels and taverns were brightly lit, their glow warming the hearts of all who heard it.

Lin Suyang led Qin Yu by the hand, walking slowly through the surging crowd. Qin Yu remained quiet throughout, allowing Lin Suyang to guide her through this dazzling spectacle. Lin Suyang knew that Emperor Shun's death had deeply saddened Qin Yu. Although she usually appeared distant from this so-called father, he knew that she still loved her father—not the emperor, but her father. If it weren't for her mother, Lin Suyang believed that Qin Yu's love for Emperor Shun might not have been any less than Qin Hao's.

On the day Emperor Shun died, Qin Yu knelt at a distance in the Wende Hall, listening to the weeping of the many concubines, princes, and princesses around her. She didn't rush to his bedside like them; she didn't even see him one last time. She remained kneeling, her hands clenched so tightly that her long nails dug into her flesh, and crimson blood slowly seeped out, dripping onto the gleaming floor tiles. She loved her father, just as he loved her, a love that was subtle and unspoken.

Everyone knew she was out of favor. She never had the same opportunities as her older siblings to be close to Emperor Shun, to be embraced by him, or even to receive a glance of concern or a word of encouragement. Yet, she was so arrogant that no one dared to bully her, because everyone knew she had an extremely doting older brother—the Crown Prince, Emperor Shun's most beloved son. Few could see that this unfavored princess's ability to live freely in the treacherous palace was entirely due to Emperor Shun. If he didn't love her, why would he have his favorite son protect and care for her? If he didn't love her, why would he allow her to act recklessly and run wild outside? If he didn't love her, why would he agree to let her marry into the family he was always wary of, simply because she liked him?

Emperor Shun devoted himself entirely to his two children. Sometimes Lin Suyang wondered if Emperor Shun did this out of longing and guilt for their mother, or if he truly loved them as his own children. Emperor Shun must have been happy. In his life, he had Empress Jin, whom he loved, and the mother of Qin Yu, who lost her heart for him. Even if his love for Qin Hao and Qin Yu was only a continuation of his own, it still made his two children's affection for him a thousand times greater than that of others in the royal family.

Lin Suyang couldn't see through other people's thoughts, let alone those of emperors behind the layers of palace walls. After all, the most difficult thing to understand in this world is not the human heart, but the mask worn by that heart.

Volume One, Peach Blossoms, Chapter Twenty-Four: The Death of Emperor Shun (Part Two)

Unbeknownst to them, Lin Suyang led Qin Yu through several streets, finally stopping at the entrance of Liuci Alley. Since Feng Hanyu left, Lin Suyang had never been here again, and Liuci Alley was as crowded as ever, even after more than a year.

Although Guangyue Pavilion had changed hands, its layout remained completely unchanged. Lin Suyang and Qin Yu avoided the noisy lobby and went straight upstairs, choosing a quiet private room. The room wasn't large, containing a table and several chairs. Against the wall stood a half-person-high bookshelf, neatly displaying several books, papers, and pens. The table was by the window, so even sitting down, one could enjoy a clear view of the bright lights and bustling scene outside.

Soon, a young servant boy carrying a tea tray knocked and entered. He paused for a moment upon seeing the two people inside, then quickly blushed and lowered his head, timidly placing the tea and cups on the table before standing awkwardly to one side. Lin Suyang glanced at him and said gently, "You may leave; we can handle it ourselves." The servant boy looked up and saw Lin Suyang's smile, feeling dizzy again, and ended up forgetting how he even got out.

Lin Suyang watched the door close before turning around, picking up the teapot on the table, and pouring two cups. Qin Yu stared blankly out the window, and it took Lin Suyang a while to bring her back to her senses.

"What are you thinking about?" Lin Suyang asked gently, pushing the hot tea in front of her.

"It's so lively outside..." Qin Yu felt her eyes getting hot, so she immediately picked up her teacup and pretended to drink. Lin Suyang felt sorry for her when he saw her like this, but he also knew that she had to calm herself down on her own.

“I was seven when my mother passed away,” Lin Suyang said softly, his gaze drifting towards the window. Qin Yu put down her cup, her eyes still red, but she quietly watched Lin Suyang. She had never heard him mention his mother, her mother-in-law, Su Qingwan, the once-famous top courtesan of the entertainment district. Qin Yu knew very little about her; most of what she knew came from what others had told her.

"She is beautiful, but I find her beauty utterly repulsive. I always wonder if she could have found someone who truly loved her and lived a happy life if she hadn't been so dazzlingly beautiful."

"You...don't hate her for dressing you up like this since you were little?" Qin Yu asked.

Lin Suyang chuckled softly upon hearing Qin Yu's words, a desolate yet breathtaking laugh. "Hate? Why hate? I only know how cold the hands that held me were when I woke up in the dead of night, how scalding the tears that dripped onto my face. I could do nothing, and I wanted to do nothing. This woman was simply pitiful enough to evoke sorrow. At her funeral, I didn't shed a single tear. I burned the portrait of the person she longed for and all the things he had given her. I thought that might offer her some solace."

Lin Suyang's voice remained steady and clear. He smiled bitterly, finished his tea—cold, it chilled his stomach from the journey. He had somewhat forgotten what she looked like, but he only remembered that winter, when it snowed heavily.

Quietly. As if in another world, isolated from everything else. Lin Suyang gazed at the dark night sky. The wind blowing in made him cold. Suddenly, he felt a warmth in his hand. Looking down, he saw Qin Yu holding his hand and saying, "Whether now or in the future, you'll always have me."

A tiny tear clung to her long eyelashes. Lin Suyang reached out her other hand and wiped the corner of her eye: "So, you're not allowed to cry anymore." Qin Yu smiled and nodded.

"Come on. I'll take you to see the lanterns." After saying that, Lin Suyang pulled Qin Yu out of Guangyue Pavilion and headed towards the East Market.

The festive atmosphere in the East Market was even stronger than elsewhere. Everywhere was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers. The cries of vendors mingled with the constant noise of the crowd. There were people banging drums and gongs, fire-breathing, tightrope walking, and acrobatics; there were people patiently hawking their goods, asking all sorts of questions; and there were people lingering among the lanterns, enthusiastically solving riddles and puzzles. Lin Suyang saw Qin Yu dazzled by the sights, and her earlier sadness lessened considerably. She couldn't help but smile slightly, letting her pull his hand and wander around.

They stopped in front of a small stall selling lanterns. Qin Yu's eyes widened as he saw rows of lanterns hanging from the stall's ceiling. Curious, he asked the stall owner, "Why aren't there any words written on these lanterns?"

Lin Suyang looked up. Sure enough, the colorful lanterns were completely blank. There weren't even the most common landscape paintings. Not a single poem was to be seen.

"Madam, you don't know, but the lanterns are usually chosen by the guests themselves, and then they paint and write on them themselves. As for what to paint and write, it's all up to the guests' preferences."

As the stall owner explained, he took out a few more lanterns and placed them in front of Qin Yu. "Madam hasn't tried them yet, has she? Why don't you pick one to write on?"

"The shop owner has a very innovative idea. I imagine their business will be even more booming with this," Lin Suyang said, picking up a lamp.

The stall owner blushed and chuckled sheepishly, "This...this was my wife's idea. Hehe..."

"Then congratulations to the shopkeeper for having such a virtuous wife," Qin Yu said with a smile.

"Not at all, Madam is too kind." The stall owner blushed even more.

Qin Yu picked out a pink lantern and said, "This one will do."

Then he turned to Lin Suyang and said, "Can you write something for me?" The stall owner immediately took out a pen and handed it to him.

Lin Suyang held the pen and thought carefully for a moment, then glanced at Qin Yu before slowly writing:

The peach tree is young and tender, its blossoms are bright and beautiful. This maiden is going to her husband's home, may she bring harmony to her family.

The peach tree is young and tender, its fruit abundant. This maiden is going to her husband's home; may she bring harmony to her family.

The peach tree is young and tender, its leaves are lush and green. This maiden is going to her husband's home; may she bring harmony to her family.

Although I can't give you a real home, and although this is just an empty promise, I will truly take good care of you for the rest of my life, if you are still willing.

Qin Yu stood there blankly, holding the lantern. Lin Suyang took it from her and said softly, "Go light it." He then took her hand and led her into the crowd. Just after they left, a man in blue stood where they had been, watching their retreating figures in silence for a long time.

Prince Yin's Mansion. Lin Suyang walked through the withered flower corridor towards the inner courtyard of the mansion. He had traversed this path countless times. Beyond the lake behind the flower corridor lay Prince Yin Qin Ke's favorite study. There were no women in the mansion, so he didn't need to walk cautiously.

After marrying Qin Yu, he kept his promise and would come to stay here for a day almost every month. Qin Ke would indeed only drink tea and talk about poetry with him, and occasionally they would talk about matters of state. The palace even prepared a room for him to rest in. Gradually, he lost his initial aversion and, through further contact, realized that Qin Ke was not just a pretentious person as rumored.

On the surface, the Ninth Prince, who shared a deep brotherly bond with the late emperor, seemed to enjoy a tranquil and peaceful life. In reality, however, he was often deeply concerned about the country and its people, harboring lofty ambitions. His analysis of the national situation was incisive, and his insights often left Lin Suyang feeling inferior. His concealment of his ambition from others made Lin Suyang sense his true nature, but why did he reveal everything to him? Was it because he knew Lin Suyang's secrets and was certain he wouldn't betray him, hence his unreserved openness?

As Lin Suyang reached the lakeside, he stopped. The hazy sunlight cast shimmering reflections on the still-frozen surface. In the nearby pavilion, Qin Ke, dressed in white, held a bamboo flute, gazing at the desolate opposite shore. His tall figure appeared lonely and forlorn amidst the swirling yellow leaves, and the once-warm wind seemed to grow cold.

Since Emperor Hong ascended the throne, the new emperor has been gradually cracking down on the power of several major families, especially the Wang family, led by the Right Chancellor. Relying on being the cousin of the current Empress Dowager, Right Chancellor Wang Cheng not only did not restrain himself in front of the new emperor, but also openly recruited followers, engaging in open and covert struggles with other families, led by Lin Cheng, the Minister of Rites. The battles were fierce even though there was no visible gunpowder.

Lin Suyang had never been interested in these power struggles, nor had he ever inquired about his father's attitude. However, judging from the recent situation in the court, while the new emperor was suppressing and balancing the various forces, he was dealing the heaviest blow to Prince Yin, Qin Ke. It seemed that Emperor Hong was not on guard against Wang Cheng's unbridled behavior, but rather against his Ninth Uncle, who held considerable military power and acted somewhat eccentrically.

A decree from the late emperor, stating that "King Yin has rendered great service and hard work, and is hereby granted the ten provinces of Kasha in the northwest, ordering him to manage them with utmost care," stripped Qin Ke of most of his military power and cut off his reason to return to the capital with the clause that "he need not return to Yundu unless there is something important to attend to."

Even the deepest brotherly affection in the royal family ultimately boils down to the most persistent wariness. Lin Suyang's younger brother, Lin Ziyan, although working under Qin Ke's jurisdiction, was fortunate enough to remain in Yundu thanks to the strong support of General Xin and Minister of Rites Lin Cheng.

Everyone knows that the Northwest region is windy, cold, and has little rainfall, making it an extremely harsh environment. The conditions in the ten provinces of Kashi are even more difficult, with low crop yields and people often going hungry and cold. The imperial court sends most of its annual relief grain there. Sending General Zhenguo to that place is tantamount to imprisonment in another sense.

Lin Suyang had pleaded with Emperor Hong to rescind his decree, but Emperor Hong said it was the late emperor's decision and could not be changed, and forbade him from bringing it up again. Qin Ke, however, dismissed it and said to him, "It's enough that you keep me in your heart."

Volume One, Peach Blossoms, Chapter Twenty-Five: Parting from You

The sound of the flute rose, carrying a faint hint of melancholy. The clouds drifting across the sky were somber and desolate; where did this sadness come from? Lin Suyang felt a slight ache in his heart. The swirling snow, the cloak still warm from his touch, and that occasional shout, "Remember, my name is Ke'er..."

From when did this blurry shadow appear in Lin Suyang's memory, so distant that it was indistinct, yet it held a certain amount of longing?

The flute music stopped, and the figure in Lin Suyang's eyes slowly turned around, smiling at him: "You've come."

Long, slender fingers held the white jade wine glass, gently swirling it, creating ripples that resembled bitter tears. Qin Hao lowered his head, staring silently at the wine in his hand, before finally asking Lin Suyang, "If... I leave, will you miss me?"

Lin Suyang was a little stunned. He clenched his hands, which were tucked into his sleeves, and slowly closed his eyes. When he opened them again, he uttered a single word: "Yes." Qin Ke suddenly raised his head, his face full of shock.

"I will miss you," Lin Suyang repeated. Qin Ke stared intently into his eyes, as if trying to discern the truth in his words.

Feeling the intense gaze from the other person, Lin Suyang turned his head and said, "I will miss you... Thank you for the cloak that year, thank you for hiding my identity for me, and thank you for helping me and Yu'er."

"Is that so?" A hint of disappointment flashed in Qin Ke's eyes, then a smile returned. "But that's alright, at least you won't forget."

Lin Suyang didn't stay that day; he forgot how he left the Prince Yin's mansion. His hands gripped the front of his robe tightly, his heart suddenly aching so badly he couldn't breathe. Looking up at the sky, a dark cloud hung in the air, as if a giant net had bound him tightly, leaving him unable to move forward or backward, only able to offer a self-deprecating laugh.

Qin Ke stood on his horse at the city gate, gazing blankly towards the west of the city, but the person he had been waiting for never arrived.