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Suda suddenly smiled and said, "Wei Ying, thank you. Thank you for everything you've done for us."

A slight smile played on my lips. "Let's eat. Today, we say goodbye. We step off our separate paths. Goodbye." My smile blossomed, swaying like a flower.

Emotions and memories, how can they withstand the passage of time?

We should all cherish it.

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Hey everyone, getting lots of recommendations from you guys would be my biggest encouragement! ~~~~~~~o(∩_∩)o

Volume 3, Chapter 114: Dust and Shadow

The turmoil came to an end. The palace, the capital, and even the entire Jin Kingdom began to recover from the plague and rebellion, and people's lives began to improve again, with vitality everywhere.

However, the only thing that has changed is that Jun Jin's status in Jin is now unassailable, and Jin Shao's identity has become even more mysterious. Rumors and speculations about Jin Shao's various identities have begun to circulate among the people. Some have even written a so-called autobiography for Jin Shao, published by his own publishing house, "The Other Shore." But the content is far too exaggerated and fantastical. As someone directly involved, I almost burst out laughing after receiving the sample copy from Xiao Qi. These people are truly adorable.

But I know that they genuinely love me, the number one extraordinary person on the mainland, Jin Shao.

Now, I'm sure no one can take my place on the mainland's wanted criminal list. I've heard the price for my head has more than doubled. Rumors are spreading throughout every country on the mainland that whoever possesses Jin Shao will rule the world; wherever Jin Shao is, no other country will dare to invade. Thus, a wave has begun to rise: everyone wants to capture Jin Shao. The wicked want to kill him, the virtuous want to express their gratitude, and even national leaders want to possess Jin Shao, for possessing Jin Shao is equivalent to possessing the entire Junjin.

Although Jin Shao's whereabouts were shrouded in mystery, and almost no one except the three kings knew anything about him, those who were determined to find him still did not give up. For a time, Jin Shao became the talk of the town. Even the imperial palace was affected.

I live alone in the Frostfall Palace. Although Little White stayed to keep me company, it often basks in the sun and sleeps late, then goes off to chase after other women, rarely paying any attention to me. I can only draw and write, sometimes going to chat with Li Jiu in the middle of the night, or following my old habit, scaling the walls of his palace and sitting there silently watching him. I watch him find women, watch him drink and make merry, watch him hold all sorts of banquets, and watch him gradually grow indifferent amidst the glitz and glamour.

Because I often dressed up as a palace maid and swaggered around the inner palace, I often heard those shy-looking palace maids talking about that peerless handsome young man, about his aloof face, about his uniqueness, his unparalleled talent, his unmatched prestige and methods... I listened with great interest, my curiosity gradually growing, and I almost wanted to ask them who this god-like figure they were talking about was. They said, "That Young Master Jin of Jun Jin, he's simply a rare and extraordinary man in the world."

When they learned that the person I had been so curious about and admired for so long was actually me, I was so shocked that I almost choked on my saliva. My face turned bright red with shame. After they left, I crawled out from behind the artificial hill where I had been hiding and lying down to look at the sky (because my legs were a little weak from all the praise). When I saw that no one was around, I fled in panic.

Sima Rui seemed to know that I disliked going to his palace to serve him in bed, or perhaps he wanted to wait for me to accept some change. So after he finished his urgent business, he did not force me to serve him in bed. It was as if we had reached some kind of silent agreement, and neither of us broke the thin veil between us.

We both knew everything. He was waiting, and so was I. He was waiting for me to fall in love with him, for me to be willing to stay by his side, while I was waiting to see if I should compromise, if I should choose according to my own wishes.

Actually, many things were already predetermined on my chessboard. I was just waiting to collect my pieces when the game was almost over and get the result I wanted.

Everything that has happened recently is just a scheme to seize power that I've orchestrated.

I naturally take everything in stride. From beginning to end, I can only remain an outsider in this game, observing everything unfold with a clear mind and seeing through the illusions of the world.

Sima Rui's attitude towards me became somewhat strange. In modern terms, it was somewhat ambiguous, and I wasn't used to it. He had always been cold and aloof towards me, and his current strange attentiveness made me quite uncomfortable.

After he finished his court session, he would come to Lengshuang Palace to keep me company. Sometimes we would play a game of chess, sometimes we would quietly watch the falling flowers and flowing water, sometimes we would play a piece of music together, sometimes we would silently watch the clouds roll and unroll, sometimes we would have some strange conversations, sometimes he would just stare at me blankly, and sometimes we would drink tea and sip a few cups.

I'm waiting, waiting for a change to happen.

I know that this outcome between us was hard-won, so naturally I cherish and treasure it carefully.

That day, we were playing chess in the empty courtyard, enjoying the cool air. Neither of us spoke; it was very quiet, with only the rustling of the wind through the ground and the sound of the chess pieces falling onto the board. The whole world seemed to have fallen silent, and there were only the two of us.

Finally, the last black piece was captured by a white piece, and Sima Rui suddenly laughed and said, "This is the only time you've ever beaten me without intentionally letting me win."

I smiled faintly and said, "How could that be? It's Your Majesty's chess skills that have surpassed mine. Today's outcome is merely a coincidence." It was also a prophecy. I will eventually defeat him.

He looked at my pale face and suddenly said, "Wei Ying, you and Consort Huan are really alike, with that innate indifference to fame and fortune, and a lack of ambition, maintaining your true self even in this harem. But I can't quite put my finger on it, yet you are different from her. It's as if you don't know what you want, as if you've always been searching for something." He sighed softly, "I've always been afraid, afraid that one day you'll suddenly disappear. I don't know why I have this feeling."

I smiled calmly and said, "Your Majesty is joking. I am a perfectly healthy person, staying here all day long. How could I possibly disappear into thin air?"

He chuckled at his own absurd idea, then looked at me seriously and said in a deep voice, "Wei Ying, what do you want? You have saved me twice, I will definitely give it to you."

I lowered my head to tidy up the white and black glass chess pieces on the chessboard. An unconscious, alluring smile curled at the corner of my lips, like a delicate lily. I closed my eyes briefly and finally whispered, "Your Majesty, what I want is beyond your means."

How could you possibly give the emperor's only love?

If I give it to you, how can I be sure I can afford it?

I fear my emotions will flow away like water, straying far from the sturdy castle of my dreams. Trapped in place, beneath a silent smile, tears suddenly stream down my face. My heart aches like the night rain; I can find no shelter to rest under.

The night was cool and still. A faint melancholy lingered on the young man's white robe, and a flowing sadness permeated his vaguely bewildered face. In the misty haze, his face and expression were obscured, and sometimes, in that soft glow and thin fog, he seemed not to truly exist in this world.

He lowered his head and slightly lowered his eyes, and a strange, shimmering light bloomed on his cheeks. His black eyes shone brightly, his skin was snow-white and flawless, and his cherry lips were red and charming, but they were tightly pursed at this moment, with a soft line between his brows.

"Qingci, have you prepared everything I asked for?" As if he had made up his mind, the boy spoke softly, his voice as clear as a stream in the night, yet with a touch of allure.

The scholar-like, clean-cut man lowered his head, his brows slightly furrowed. After a long silence, he asked hesitantly, "Young Master, are you really sure?"

With an open and honest heart, he is unparalleled in the world; with integrity and uprightness, he is admired by all.

This is how the common people describe a young master.

But who understands the unspeakable sorrow behind this strong and resolute young man? How much responsibility and burden does he bear that no one comprehends? Some know that an 18-year-old boy, through countless hardships and efforts, has created Junjin, a power unmatched on the continent, even surpassing that of a nation.

The boy's face, slightly hazy in the moonlight, suddenly broke into a faint smile, graceful and serene. Looking at the unspoken opulence of the hall, his gaze distant, he said, "Yes. Qingci, I've long since run out of options, haven't I?"

Hearing this, Qingci smiled with relief: "This is Young Master's decision, and Qingci will follow him forever. What Young Master wants has been prepared. Qingci awaits Young Master's safe return."

Upon hearing this, the young man smiled with breathtaking beauty, "Tell Xiao Qi that besides managing the affairs of the Cyathea City well, he must not forget what I instructed him long ago."

Qingci grinned, "Xiao Qi will never forget that the young master's affairs are far more important to him than a country."

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Dear friends, Yueyue hopes to get your support!!! It gives me the motivation to keep writing! Yueyue sincerely thanks you all!! o(∩_∩)o

Volume 3, Chapter 115: The Flower of Another World (Part 1)

On the eve of the Mid-Autumn Festival, what should have been an ordinary day became extraordinary because the three kings of Jun, Jin, and Jin were joining forces to celebrate Jin Shao's eighteenth birthday. The entire Jin Kingdom was different because of Jin Shao's eighteenth birthday. The relationship between the three kings and Jin Shao was known throughout the land, thus arousing everyone's breathless anticipation.

When the news spread, the people who admired and respected Young Master Jin were amazed at how young he was, while the secret agents who hated him were also surprised that there could be such an extraordinary young man in the world.

Zhuque Wang Maiqi held a grand gala and a new product launch event.

King Xuanwu Qingci ordered all medical clinics in the Jin Kingdom to provide free medical care and medicine to the people for one day. He also distributed free steamed buns and rice to the charitable institutions for one day. This act of kindness was widely praised among the people.

Qinglong Wang Gekong gathered evidence and arrested corrupt officials throughout the country. Overnight, they were all bound and appeared at the gate of the Ministry of Personnel's prison, drawing cheers from the people. Some villains harbored even greater resentment towards Jun Jin.

Legend has it that Junjin also has a hidden king within the city—the unknown White Tiger King. Whether he will appear at this grand event is a matter of speculation.

The entire capital was filled with joy, a dazzling display of light and color. Everyone eagerly awaited this day.

On such a day, I get up early. It's a clean and refreshing morning, and the weather is slightly cool. I stand on a high place in the imperial city, wearing a worn apricot-red robe. Behind me, there is a wave of golden and green glazed tiles, with no end and no shore.

Clinging to the vermilion railing, worn smooth and polished by time, I quietly watch the rise and fall of this dynasty. Quietly, I watch the fate of this empire. Or perhaps, my own fate.

Her pale fingertips were like a strange flower blooming in the warm, yellowish sunlight of dawn, untouched by rouge or the green of paulownia leaves, possessing a dark and alluring charm that was subtly hidden and unassuming.

Standing comfortably against the wind, I stretched and yawned. How many touching stories are there in this imperial city? And how many beautiful women have been confined in this lonely palace, spending their lonely lives in solitude...

On the way back, as I passed the lush, white-flowered grove beside the road, I brushed aside the blossoms and leaves, letting the delicate petals fall softly onto my head and shoulders. Quietly stepping on the blue-gray stone steps, my fingers traced the moss-covered ancient stone wall beside me, feeling its uneven surface, I softly recited to myself: "...I don't lament the flowers' fading, but I lament the western garden, where fallen petals are hard to gather. The morning rain has passed, where are the traces left? A pond of shattered duckweed. Spring's beauty is divided into three parts: two parts dust, one part flowing water. Looking closely, they are not willow catkins, but each speck is a tear of parting..."

A gray hem of clothing fluttered up from around the corner of the palace, and a man's deep voice asked, "Who's there?"

"Ah—" I exclaimed softly, clearly not expecting to encounter someone so early in such a remote place.

The newcomer was a tall, handsome man with a reserved and mature expression. He was dressed in a guard's uniform and seemed vaguely familiar.

My mind raced through a jumble of memories, and after a long pause, I finally remembered him. I couldn't help but think of him; our encounter was truly quite interesting. Before I could even react, he had already knelt respectfully: "Your humble servant greets Consort Liande, may Your Majesty enjoy boundless blessings."

Looking at his serious and respectful face, I was stunned for a moment, then suddenly covered my mouth and laughed, "Guard Du, don't you recognize me?" After he let me go that day, I specifically asked Xiao Quanzi to find out who the guard on duty nearby was that night. Who knew that the soft-hearted person was him. It is said that he is a wealthy young master from the capital. Because he has practiced martial arts since childhood, he entered the palace and became one of the emperor's personal guards, protecting the emperor's safety.

As I spoke, I unleashed a palm strike. He had already sensed it and quickly dodged, standing a short distance away, looking at me with a puzzled expression. I gave him a mischievous grin: "What, can't you remember?"

Du Shaotang was stunned. Looking at that stunningly beautiful face, he suddenly recalled the ethereal, otherworldly face etched deep within his soul. That unforgettable night, she was dressed in white, floating gracefully in the sky, her silhouette elegant and alluring. That beautiful, funny, and adorable little palace maid, that fairy-like figure playing alone in the night—she deeply captivated his heart.

Thinking of the mischievous little palace maid who had appeared in his life out of nowhere and whom he could never forget, and the resolute and stubborn woman who had loudly rebuked those selfish and cowardly people outside the Jingyang Palace that day and resolutely rushed in without regard for his own safety, Du Shaotang's expression became slightly dazed, and then he came to his senses.

Seeing his complicated expression, I found it quite amusing and chuckled, "Speaking of which, Wei Ying should thank you for showing mercy that day."

Du Shaotang suppressed his somewhat reverent expression and respectfully said, "This humble subject dares not. It was I who offended Your Majesty. Please forgive me." He lowered his eyes and remained silent. He had reminded himself a thousand times not to covet the Emperor's women, for they were all celestial beings. However, his heart could not deceive him. Du Shaotang sighed softly in his heart, but his face remained calm and expressionless.

I moved closer to him, leaned down and whispered in his ear, "I don't mind, but I'll definitely ask Guard Du for a few pointers when I get the chance. I've heard that Guard Du is the most outstanding talent in the Imperial Guard."

He stiffened, but still said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, I dare not."

I remained silent, staring at him for a long while before leaving with a charming laugh. The sound of her laughter was alluring and lingering, melodious and pleasant, echoing in his ears for a long time.

Du Shaotang was left standing there, stunned, for a long, long time, without leaving.

Her fresh, warm breath still lingered in my ears, and the delicate, elegant scent of her perfume filled my nostrils, like the wafting fragrance of osmanthus blossoms. My eyes still caught the glimpse of her long, crimson skirt trailing behind her as she departed. The sheer fabric swayed gently.

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There will be another update this afternoon, possibly longer and more exciting. Please support me!!

Volume 3, Chapter 116: The Flower of Another World (Part 2)

I once read a Buddhist saying that asked what happiness is. I don't remember the specifics, but I remember the spider trapped in its own desires saying that happiness is what you haven't gained and what you've lost. Buddha transformed her into a beautiful young woman and sent her to the human world. There, she met her destined lover from a past life, but no matter what she did, he couldn't love her and fell in love with another woman. The spider entered a trap with no way out; he became a shadow she couldn't escape. Buddha told her that happiness isn't about what you haven't gained or what you've lost, but about what you have now and what's happening right now. Perhaps the person you've chosen is just a passing breeze in your life; the wind blows and it's gone, never staying. Perhaps there's someone beside you who has been watching and admiring you for thousands of years. You've just been blinded and haven't seen them.

The Buddha said that there are seven sufferings in life:

Birth, old age, sickness, death, separation from loved ones, resentment and hatred, and unfulfilled desires.

But when you lose something, let it go, forget it, and reunite, will the suffering cease? Sometimes I'm truly confused; I don't know. Perhaps while I'm struggling in this sea of suffering, a new sea of suffering quietly and imperceptibly engulfs me.

If loss is painful, would you still give? If falling is painful, would you still want happiness? If confusion is painful, would you still begin or end it? If pursuit is painful, would you choose to be strong or stubbornly persist? If giving up is painful, would you insist on quitting the game or continue on?

Every time I see Buddhist scriptures, I think that life is a series of karmic obstacles. The more I try to understand it, the more I sink into an endless swamp, unable to find the answers. I mentioned this when I discussed Buddhist principles with Consort Huan. The Buddhist principles that Ya Ya discussed with her back then were taught to me, so today, when I talked to her about Buddhist principles again, I had a different feeling and a better mindset.

Sometimes, with just a slight flick of the wrist, fate can decide the separation of life and death.

Whenever the concubines in the harem were mentioned, Consort Huan would always say indifferently, "Even the most beautiful women cannot withstand the passage of time."

At this point, I smiled faintly. My laughter was so loud it made my body tremble.

Which of the women in this palace is not like that?

All I can do is remain calm and composed.

Even if he is the most heartless butterfly in the world, I still want to be his flower from another life.

After returning to the palace alone, he heard on the way that the emperor was unwell that day and was reportedly staying indoors. The imperial physician diagnosed him as needing to rest quietly, and without the emperor's decree, no one in the palace was allowed to disturb him.

Hearing this, a strange smile crept onto my lips. Heh. Had he heard the rumors too? He couldn't wait to rush over to Jin Shao's birthday celebration.

For the first time, I finally admit that in love, we are often too clever and too foolish. We are very familiar with all the concepts of love, but those concepts are like the golden headband that binds us tightly.

Even Sun Wukong would find it difficult to move an inch.

Not to mention me, a mere An Jin. I was just incredibly lucky to be sent here by fate, becoming a transmigrator.

I stood not far from Yunying, quietly watching the grand fashion show. Graceful beauties, adorned with classic makeup and possessing exquisite figures, moved with captivating catwalk steps to the melodious music, every gesture exuding a thousand charms and ten thousand allurees. I suddenly remembered how, in modern times, I had often imagined myself one day standing on a high runway, looking down at the vast crowd below, surrounded by admiring gazes, walking with the models, radiating elegance, the spotlight shining on me, and together we taking our final bow for the perfect fashion show. What a perfect performance that would be!

But now that it's finally come true, I suddenly no longer have that desire. I just want to stay quietly to the side, watch, and smile with satisfaction.

However, with a slight smile, I knew Xiao Qi wouldn't allow it. He wanted me to share everything he had prepared for me tonight. Of course, there was also a special birthday cake waiting for me to cut.

Yunying sighed softly behind me: "Miss, I have always hoped that you could be happy and that you could do what you want to do. When you were young, you were too weak and quiet, a lonely person. I never expected that after that great calamity, you would become a different person. Although I still like the original Miss, I am even happier with the current Miss."

I gazed at the capital city, which seemed to have been illuminated by lights in an instant. The city was brightly lit and breathtakingly beautiful.