••••••••

A few days later

Four days.

I had been waiting for exactly four days, as Zian requested for the safety of my well-being and our child's until I was released from the bound Zian placed at my feet. During the time, I stayed in my palace, mostly in bed or around my quarters unable to do anything for myself without my hands burning in raging pain or bleeding through the cloth wrappings. Yan Ran, Wanue, and my other attending ladies had to do everything for me as if I was a baby just born; they even had to lift my cup whenever I was thirsty.

But during the night, I pondered. About everything; everything Mo Lian Tan confessed to me. And I became curious about Madam Xuan's involvement with Xu Donghai. Why did she choose me out of all to make acquaintance with him? And how does my relationship with him benefits her? Most importantly, is she a friend or an enemy to me and my child?

Mo Lian Tan had been released from the Attending Office a day after being interrogated. He showed up at my palace dressed in fine armor, though it wasn't as extravagant and thick as the guards who patrolled the Inner City, neither casual nor able to blend amongst the people as Zhao Ji, it was simple to assume he was meant to be seen as my protector. An all-black attire with a red glare built into the dragon-looking petals of his black pauldron, connected to the padded long-sleeved shirt tied over his black tunic, tightly fitted and held with a darker shade of black belt. Of course, he was never going to tie up his hair to fit in that tiny head wrap if it could, but instead, he wore half his hair struggling to hold up with a clip while the rest hung free down his neck.

I was watering — watching Yan Ran water the plants when I made contact with Mo Lian Tan leaned against the wall watching me intensively under his dark lashes, whom Zhao Ji kept in her sight at all times. Wanue helped Yan Ran water the plants, and a great amount of heat warmed my face being watched under his gaze. He didn't panic as I thought he would, as I currently was, but instead offered me a smile. It was a teasing smile, a friendly smile, a nervous smile; all to seek my reaction, to grasp my attention, to know what I was thinking by his offer. I only stared. His face was annoying to look at that I wish I could pound it in with my fist. His smile lingered before Zhao Ji filled his view and his smile dropped.

"Do you always have to be so close to me?" I turned to face Zhao Ji and she was a lot closer than before, almost at my hip and it took me off guard. I moved a step over to allow space between us.

Her gaze lingered on Mo Lian Tan before she faced me. "I do when I don't trust him." She continued to add before I could say anything, "You can trust him as you do, but I personally don't. Something about him puts me off."

"Trust," To myself, I said with a light huff. "A word I tend to throw around a lot at freewill."

"But it will allow you guidance, remember?"

She responded to my cold glare with a grin before our attention shot to Wanue squealing in glee as the water spilled on her dress. Yan Ran rushed to care for her quickly despite Wanue's joyful laughter filling the fresh air. She always managed to get water on herself whenever watering the plants, but I'm starting to think she does it on purpose since she is a child and loves playing with water, or because she missed when we'd go to the lake at my gifted palace — Vision of Youth, I named it — and swim for hours until the sun risen and set.

My gaze drifted to his — still on me.

The past few days, I've wondered what to do with Xu Donghai. He is a threat to more than just Zian, and to deal with him I need to personally create a view of my own and not painted by others before I proceed with a plan.

Noticing my figure headed in his direction, Mo Lian Tan stood off the wall immediately and cocked his head. "You come to me at last? You must need something." He said, already reading me.

I'm baffled even through trying times, after his brash confession, he had time to find humor.

"You read me well," I stood near him watching Wanue from afar. I lifted my hand stopping Zhao Ji from scurrying at my side when she saw I wasn't where she left me. Angrily, she obliged.

"You aren't that hard to read; you wear your expressions well."

He was trying to start something with me so I ignored his statement. "I need to meet with Xu Donghai. Where can I find him?" I finally tell Mo Lian Tan what I needed from him. The amusement in his eyes fell upon my demand, a soft but harsh breath sucked between his teeth and I pulled back with an 'Ah' raising my brows. "You wear your expressions well too." I teased.

"No," Already shaking his head, "No, you will not meet with him."

My head jerked at his response. "I wasn't asking, you will take me to see him. What right do you have to refuse me?"

He took a step back, allowing space in between when my tone caught the attention of a few including Zhao Ji, and lowered his head with a short bow of respect. "My life is yours and what you ask of me, I will do, but I have sense! And I have fears." My gaze narrowed as he continued. "You can use your high ranking against me all you like, but I will not allow a lamb into a lion's din unattended, so I refuse, kindly. Use me for something else."

Did he just refuse me? Is that even possible with my high rank? I bit my lower lip not expecting his refusal though it wasn't far from his character. I knew he wouldn't agree easily and because of my rash decisions, his trust in my behavior wavered as mines in his did too. Not only was I putting myself in danger, but my child, Zian, and Mo Lian Tan. Of course, I was aware of the many possibilities, I had days to think of it but it's imperative I meet with Xu Donghai. I have business with him outside of his business with Mo Lian Tan.

"I won't visit him unattended." I quickly think of another way to make him agree with me. Another way he won't refuse. "I want you to come with me. After all, it is your job to protect me."

A light lit in his brown eyes. He was considering my proposition, but it wasn't enough. He sighed. "I don't know what you're planning to do, but I — "

I rolled my eyes with a huff. "I just want to meet him, why are you making it more difficult than needed to be?" I snapped.

It was a question that needed no answer to as his eyes fell from my face towards my pregnant belly. My jaw clenched anxiously. Since I had been hidden away in my quarters away from the eyes of everyone besides my close attendants and Wanue, this was the first time Mo Lian Tan was able to see me fully as clear as day without a cloak covering me up, and it was intense. Or at least, it felt intense for me. His unreadable gaze fled my belly out towards the situation with Wanue when I wrapped my arms around myself, swallowing down my dry throat.

Despite my guilt, I softened, and let out a breathy sigh. "Does it look like I can do much? I'm pregnant. What more could I possibly do to him without thinking of my child first?"

Mo Lian Tan stayed quiet as he thought of his options, only to realize there weren't many to begin with and I won't back down until I'm given what I want. "Only to meet with him?" He asked, giving up his fight with ease.

My smile broadens. "Only."

"To do what when you meet with him?"

"A friendly chat."

"A friendly chat?" He repeated as if he didn't believe me but I was telling the truth for the most part. He rubbed along his chin, grazing the black stubbles and peered down at his new shoes in thought. "I can't guarantee he will be present if we go to him because he is a busy man, but I can take you and see how it plays out. But only this time. Not a few times after — only one."

I nodded. "Only is all I need."

Xu Donghai lived within the Forbidden City outside of the Inner City where noblemen and those of high-ranked and honored titles lived within. It wasn't as far as I thought, but it wasn't a short journey too since the land of the Forbidden City grew for days, I'm sure we lost almost an hour or more to reach here. Xu Donghai's residence was nowhere close to as big as both my palace's but it was a decent size for a man of his background who I hear often doesn't sleep in his bed most nights.

A tall man dressed as a eunuch was seen hurrying through the front doors to greet me as I got out of my carriage with the help of Yan Ran. "Your Imperial Noble Consort Pearl," He greeted with a clear voice, recognizing my attire.

"I came to visit Xu Donghai. Is he home?"

He stood in a way avoiding my contact as most normally did respectfully and replied, "My master, Xu Donghai is currently having his meal, you will have to come another time."

"Well that is perfect," One of my ladies came forward with a basket of warm Lotus soup getting colder by the second. "I came bearing fruits. Please tell him I would love to join him if he will have me — "

My gaze lifted behind the eunuch where an older man stood dressed in a fine robe, pushing himself through the front door of the residence. I recognized the calculating expression he wore. It was when I first arrived at the city stood before many high-ranked officials in the Throne Room. Immediately, I knew he was Zian's uncle, Xu Donghai.

Upon his sudden appearance, I and those who accompanied me bowed. "Xu Donghai, how nice to meet you." I greeted.

The eunuch followed my voice to his master and rushed to his side. As he informed him of the situation, his calculated gaze found Mo Lian Tan who stood somewhere behind me. I made no move to witness their exchanged expression, though I sensed Mo Lian Tan was stiff and found comfort looking elsewhere.

He raised his hand to quiet the eunuch and averted his gaze onto mines. Filling me in his view, he offered a welcoming smile despite his clenched jaw. "And what brings you here at this time of day, Guìfēi Pearl? Is His Majesty aware of your visit?"

"I was hoping you were good with secrets?" His brow rose in interest, indicating he could keep a secret if worth keeping. I gestured behind him. "Will you let me inside for tea?"

My smile broadened as Xu Donghai opened his door and invited me inside. Yan Ran and I exchanged a look before she took my arm and led me behind Xu Donghai's figure. Mo Lian Tan and Zhao Ji followed in while most stayed behind.

"I have met all of my husband's family members but you. You are a tough man to meet." I said as we entered a tea room where Xu Donghai was currently eating, judging by the half-eaten food being picked up and placed elsewhere by his attendants at his command without saying a word. "I brought you some Lotus Soup. I made it myself with some help, of course, and heard it is very healthy for the soul."

I sat after Xu Donghai did and signaled Yan Ran to deliver the basket, who signaled another to take the basket on his behalf and placed it next to his unfinished dish being relocated. I thanked his servant who poured me fresh warm tea and carefully lifted the cup which felt nice and warm against my hand and took a sip. Yan Ran stood awfully near in case there was a moment I couldn't do for myself and she would take over with ease.

"That's because I am a busy man. I don't have the luxury to sit around and sew blankets and plant flowers or feel the sun warm against my skin for hours." He spared no thought or care of his words as they scorned between his lips. My head tilted slightly while he was busy mixing his tea, then suppressed a smile when he leaned back to blow away the heat despite his words eating at me. "But I have met you before; you as well made yourself known when you entered the Throne Room, a forbidden place not just anyone can say they have seen with their eyes."

"Have I?" My lips quirked. "That's the first. I keep hearing my husband made such an impact when he arrived, not me. However, I am honored."

I felt the heat of everyone's stare as I took another sip of my tea. It burned my tongue. I hissed.

Yan Ran's hands were already wrapped around the cup taking it from my fingers. She looked down at my fingers with concern. "Your Highness— "

"I'm fine."

Though she didn't believe me, she reframed from saying any more. Still, everyone's stare burned a hole in my head. Has she lost her mind? I'm sure is what they were thinking as opposed to me. I knew exactly what I was doing by provoking him thoughtlessly, but I don't think anyone else liked the idea. Not even my ancestors, which might be why I burnt my tongue.

Xu Donghai cleared his throat and backed into his chair with a still smile on his old face. "You must have some reason for being here unless you truly wanted to meet all of His Majesty's family members." Eyes glued on Mo Lian Tan as he spoke.

"What reason would I have when I know no one here? Truthfully, I'm a bit homesick and the only form of family I have is here but everyone seems somewhat isolated from one another."

"It's a family thing," He stated. "But your reasoning is understandable. Homesickness is unbearable and not knowing or getting along well with your husband's family can be discouraging and dreadful. But you are not entirely alone, I hear you have that girl staying with you."

"Wanue," I corrected. "But yes, she fills my lonesome hole especially with her child-like aura. I love having her around. She is more like my sister, family."

He hummed.

There should be no surprise he knew of Wanue's existence as he also knew of my daily activities and so forth, but it rubbed me wrong. It made me feel as if he had been watching my every move. Like a ghost I could never see or feel but he always had sight of me. Mo Lian Tan felt my gaze as he stood far left from me to the side. He was staring down at the floor avoiding Xu Donghai but also took note of those who entered and exited, before he lifted his head, his eyes warning me to heed my words carefully. To not say too much or he would suspect something's been told. That he was walking on broken glass shoved deep in his foot, stuck in between, and he regretted bringing me here to meet with Xu Donghai.

"You tend to know a lot about me than I do about you." Out of the blue, I spoke. It was stupid, I know, but I wanted to test the waters a bit more. He kept up a hard wall but it was easy to break through with the right timing and the right words.

He shrugged. "I only know what I hear."

"I hope you hear more good than bad."

Again, he shrugged. "It is whatever you make of it." His eyes narrowed on the wrapping of my hands and frowned. "I heard about the attack, I'm glad you made it out safely. How are you feeling?"

"Fine," I scratched at my neck, my mouth suddenly dry. He must be testing me too; testing if I knew more than I did. I calm the irregular beating of my heart as I recalled that night and told him what I've practiced. "But it was a nightmare. It was a peaceful night and His Majesty stepped away for a moment. And in that moment, chaos unfolded. Men I didn't know came to take me away — "

"Men?" He questioned.

"I assumed them to be His Majesty's guards until I realized they weren't. It was so dark I couldn't see their faces. I thought I was going to die until I was saved by this brave, low-ranked soldier." Xu Donghai followed my gesture toward Mo Lian Tan as I continued. However, his gaze lingered a bit longer. "That night opened my eyes to many things, and I questioned a lot including the intentions of these men and why would they come for me when I am no one of value."

"It seems you are still in shock."

Shock?

"This lifestyle and the luxuries of respect that come with the title of Guìfēi is nothing you are used to, so I expect nothing less with the questions you might have. Being married to the Emperor has a big role you must play and comes with an even bigger responsibility, one you are unfamiliar with. And to those who have nothing but dirt to their names will look at you as a god, or motivation, or even treasure they cannot touch."

With an unsure nod, "I never thought of it that way."

He smiled. "Of course not, but I admire your humbleness."

My head cocked at his comment, briefly looking to Zhao Ji confused of what he meant by my humbleness. Maybe he could've had a good meaning behind his words, but for some reason, I didn't get the feeling of positivity. It felt almost like a smart remark sugar-coated as a compliment, as I've received many times.

Xu Donghai continued with his remark. "I wish I could live a heedless life in the center of fire, kept from the reality of an illusion that has been created for me and fed a fortune of comfort after living a life of need. You are a true inspiration."

I suppressed a smile to contain myself from wearing my expressions as Mo Lian Tan mentioned, as everyone stood quiet after Xu Donghai just called me many names in one; a poor, ignorant, mouth-feeding woman who assumes the world is all but black and white. An inspiration to families without wealth, to girls — if such thing — as black as me, to women who do as told as long as wealth funds their daily activities of nothing. But enough was enough. The bad guy I will become.

"Are you still in shock?"

His brows furrowed. "What do you mean?"

Yan Ran lightly touched my hand as if she knew what I was going to say. I ignored her warning and proceeded.

"I...well..." My face softened and my eyes filled with pure ignorance, I pulled back in the chair and fidget with my fingers. As I've had before and many times, I become another person. "...I heard it was you who ran the country before my husband took back the throne and I feel much sentiments. It must have been traumatic as it was a job you were used to and was good at doing, and the country thrived in your hands. And I hear at such a rich age, repetition is good for the brain and comes with many benefits as you get old. But now that your daily routine has changed, it must feel different now? Displaced, even?"

A deep crease formed in between his thick brows and his lips suppressed into a thin line, astonished to hear what I've said without minding my manners first. Zhao Ji's figure brushed my arm as she came forward. She pretended to refill the cup that was already filled and sent me a stare with dancing brows, warning I should stop playing foolish games and make amends. She returned to her post, anxious of what I'd do next. I wasn't going to taunt him anymore, but I find it silly how I became the bad guy when Xu Donghai crossed the line first. The only difference is while he sugarcoated his words with the intentions to hurt my feelings, I spoke forward and didn't beat around the bush as he did. I guess that's why I am the bad guy now. Of why there continues to never be a place for me.

"Did I say something wrong?" Knowing I did, I still searched for confirmation.

Xu Donghai stared. He brushed his thumb along the knuckle of his index finger and then rest it under his long grey beard. Still, nothing was said.

As If I found my mistake, I threw my hand over my mouth with a gasp. "I apologize sincerely. I tend to speak without thought, without thinking of my consequences and that is my biggest flaw." My eyes drifted around the room as I continued, somehow catching  Mo Lian Tan in my view. He was bothered by the exchange, stressed even, but his eyes were amused. As if the character I portrayed brought back familiarness, he failed to hide his enjoyment and tilted his head to try and hide it. I drift back to Xu Donghai being forced to listen to my excuses. "I assumed it was no secret to speak of and I'm so ashamed of myself for being curious. I am still learning of the ways here, please forgive me. I only wanted to know more about you than you did of me."

Xu Donghai raised his hand, no longer wanting to hear anymore as he grew tired of my excuses. "It's alright, please, no need to explain yourself. You don't know any better. But next time, speak carefully." He forgave me.

"I will, yes."

Behind him, the tall eunuch is back. He trails in with his head lowered and bent at his knees waiting for Xu Donghai to lean forward so he may proceed with the message. Receiving the message whispered in his ear, He sent me an apologetic look. "As much as I enjoy spending my time with you, duties call. Will you allow me to see you out?" He stood from his chair fixing down his robe.

Yan Ran helped me to my feet. "You are a busy man, I can't ask that of you."

"Alright then."

"Don't forget to drink the Lotus soup I made," I reminded. "And please come visit my palace soon!"

He gave a small nod though his mind was elsewhere. "I will visit as soon as I find the time. Get back safely."

He never left my sight passing him by to leave and preoccupied with the eunuch informing him more of the message he received in low voices. He was so old with a round belly and brittle bones, I could push him now and finish the job then we all live a happy life. Besides the power which holds him at a high stance, he was human. Nothing more than an old man close to his path of death. Feeling a burn at his neck, Xu Donghai turned to see me staring at him. My lips then pulled up into a smile. He bowed shortly but his eyes never left until I was out the room.

"....you must have your attendant brew these herbs in your tea every night before you rest. I have done the same every night while I was pregnant with my children. The herbs are popular across the East and they are known to help with brain development while the baby is growing. Wei Ren," — Défēi Wang Xu's son — "Is a quick learner. Whenever his teacher sets down a difficult problem, those of old age can't even figure out, he can solve it within seconds. He as well took a liking in astronomy and would study the stars all night with Scholar Yang. And Pen Mei," — Her daughter — "is very skilled with her hands. She has been complimented by many talented sewers. She has even sewed a piece for Grand Empress Dowager that she hangs on her wall; you might have seen it behind her chair up high. If it works for my children, I am positive it will work for yours."

I smiled when Défēi Wang Xu finished educating me the perks of the herbs she passed along Yan Ran, or maybe she used the opportunity to brag about her children while I couldn't since my child has yet been born, or she was trying too hard to befriend me as Zhao Ji would've said.

Nevertheless, I accepted her gift.  "Thank you. I will use this every night starting from tonight." Yan Ran waited for me to give her a signal and passed the herbs off to another servant who left to send it off to the kitchen. I haven't decided if I would drink the herbs since I'm a bit hesitant, but I doubt Défēi Wang Xu would try anything since she had children to think of as well.

I reached over for another pastry to stuff in my mouth, careful to not allow any crumbs to fall upon my dress as Défēi Wang Xu taught me. She was serious about filling in Yan Ran's job and taught me well about the Inner City and more of its rules within and the history amongst Zian's family and so forth. I learned that if I was harboring a fugitive, aware of their crimes, I would be sentenced to live out my days in darkness locked away from the world until I grow old and die or be sentenced to execution. That is unless I am unaware of the fugitive's crimes, then I may be pardoned.

We also had other duties to discuss since Shūfēi Yiyi began assigning the consorts to smaller jobs to help prepare for the arrival of the 4th princess of Zhendao. Défēi Wang Xu and I oversaw the decorations that will be placed in the main hall where the feast will be held. We took an afternoon stroll around the Imperial Garden – after convincing the Royal Physician and Yan Ran yet again that I felt fine; no headaches, no pain, no problems – to pick out which set of flowers would look best at the entrance of the hall and throughout the building. I could care less about anything having to do with the 4th princess of Zhendao and left the choice up to Défēi Wang Xu before heading back to my palace where sets and rolls of fabric had been laid out, held on trays and hung up decorating my quarters in a colorful mess.

Défēi Wang Xu explained it was to choose a fabric that caught our eye so the Department of Labor could have these dresses prepared before the 4th princess of Zhendao arrived. And because I'm currently with child, I would have multiple sets made for me depending on the roundness of my belly when she came.

"I love this one! The green details of gold outlining the unique patterning laid upon a petal pink color." Défēi Wang Xu reached out her hand, caressing her finger along the pink silk fabric of green and gold designs. She stretched out the fabric so that I was able to see its detail and smiled with her eyes beamed. "What do you think, Guìfēi Pearl? Should I use this fabric instead of the other?"

Despite calling my name, I had been in my own world to realize Défēi Wang Xu had been talking to me the whole time. She was a chatty person and would talk my ear off that I often found myself tuned out of her words either focused on replenishing my extreme hunger or anything else nontalkative. But this time, I knew she was speaking to me and not her attendant given by how she held out the fabric and waited patiently for a reply.

"It goes well with your complexion and brings out your eyes," With a soft smile, I agreed with her. "You should use that fabric instead."

Her smile broadened. "I should, shouldn't I? Have you found anything yet?"

"Still looking. There is too many to choose from."

I circled the stack of fabrics with Yan Ran at my side taking my arm. The way the fabrics were laid out reminded me of Lienna and her store. I have thought about her a few times and wondered where she might be and how she was doing, and with Zhao Ji here with me, I wondered if she missed her as Zhao Ji back. Despite knowing she knew about Zian longer before I did, she made me feel accepted and not alone and I learned so much under her wing. If she was here with me now, she would've had a stack of fabrics dragging in her arms ready to be made use of. At least, it would've been a lot easier than me picking for myself. I never had this many choices growing up and wore what my mother made or what Yiyan used to wear and left behind.

"What do you think of this one?" I came across a jam-purple fabric. There were gold stitches found throughout creating shapes of flowers. It was simple compared to Défēi Wang Xu's choice, but I think the color suited me well.

Yan Ran noticed the fabric I brushed along my fingers and gasped. "Your Highness, the color is perfect for you! It just might be your color," She complimented.

"I agree, it is perfect against your complexion." We jumped at Défēi Wang Xu's voice over my shoulder. I grasped my chest as Yan Ran grabbed onto me, the both of us not expecting her this close or so sudden. She pulled back with a giggle into her sleeve. "Did I scare you both? I am so sorry. I am very light on my toes. Shall I walk with heavy steps?" She giggled even more.

"It's fine." I turned to Yan Ran. "I will use this one."

With a bow, she took hold of the fabric I pointed out and left to deliver it personally to the Department of Labor alongside my measurements. Défēi Wang Xu's attendant left to accompany Yan Ran which left us both and a few of my maids alone.

"I can't wait for the 4th princess of Zhendao to arrive," Défēi Wang Xu spoke as they left. She sent me a cheerful smile and reached over for another pastry and plopped it into her mouth. "I hear her and their people are far different than us, more...earthy, tribal, and liberated but not as progressive in some ways as compared to us, but I believe different is nice. The city has been lonely for quite some time, I am glad there is finally a change and His Majesty is set on growing his harem, and soon," She gestured towards my belly. "There will be children running around. I can't believe I miss the sound of a baby's cry."

Yes, children. Not only mines, but hers, and whomever else Zian will have.

"I don't miss it at all," I told her ignoring the previous conversation. "I have two younger siblings and they cried every night for months. It was unbearable."

"Well, at least, now you will have some help. More time to be at peace and think for yourself."

I hummed lightly, hating myself for keeping quiet as it gave Défēi Wang Xu the opportunity to speak my head off about many topics into one. And I let her.

Our attention turned to LaoLiu as he entered my quarters. "Your Highness," He greeted. He stood in a way that told me there was something he needed to tell me.

"What is it?"

"There is someone here to visit you."

I looked to Défēi Wang Xu, who was just as clueless as I was, then back to LaoLiu. I wasn't expecting any guest, and if it was Zian, he would've entered by now or Zi Fan would announce his presence. For a moment, I assumed it could've been Xu Donghai but after our last encounter and because he was a busy man, I don't think he'd be keen on meeting with me so soon. But it wasn't new for someone to come to visit whenever without an invitation. Défēi Wang Xu did. Many times.

"It might be Shūfēi Yiyi checking on our progress. She is so punctual and precise when it comes to planning events." Défēi Wang Xu whispered.

I hid my displease and gave him a nod. "Let them through."

I prepared myself for Shūfēi Yiyi's encounter and stretched my muscles when Défēi Wang Xu wasn't looking so that my smile would come naturally and not forced before she entered.

Défēi Wang Xu immediately bowed upon her arrival and I followed pursuit, finding more interest staring at the ground than at her. "Shūfēi Yiyi, what a pleasure..." Her voice began to fade as the person she thought was Shūfēi Yiyi was a He. She tensed at the man she's never met a day in her lavish life and averted her gaze at me, still staring at the ground.

She softly nudged at my arm, and I lifted my head to the figure who stood within my lounging area idling his eyes around the room that has taken his interest. My heart hung heavy. I blinked a few times to make sure the man I saw wasn't a hallucination I created upon my desires but real in flesh and bones. I took a step forward. I stopped. I must be dreaming. This must be a dream, it has to be. Another step forward, I stopped again.

He smiled at my confusion — his smile resembled mother so well — conflicted between my realities and instead of confirming his existence with simple words, he stretched out his arms. "What are you waiting for then? Come on," He beckoned.

••••••••

I just realized after peizhi entered the palace, these chapters been almost 4–5k sometimes close to 6k words like this one. There's soo much to say in a chapter with little time to put together. But trust me we have a long way to go!