Wei Yanwan watched as Ru Yi was dragged into the Cold Palace by the guards. She took a deep breath; the night wind was cold, stirring the hairpins at her temples, producing a faint sound. "At last... it’s over," she murmured, her voice tinged with a barely perceptible tremor.
Jin Zhong stood behind her, hands at his sides, but his gaze remained fixed on Wei Yanwan. Noticing the unusual tone in her voice, he stepped forward and said softly, "Your Highness, it’s late and the dew is heavy; take care of yourself."
Wei Yanwan did not turn around but nodded slightly. The moonlight fell upon her face, highlighting her pallor and the weariness etched between her brows.
A cold smile crept onto Wei Yanwan's lips, though the chill in her eyes lingered. "This is the consequence of opposing me," she said quietly, her voice trembling ever so slightly.
Jin Zhong stood respectfully to the side, observing every change in Wei Yanwan's expression. He stepped forward and gently draped a cloak over her shoulders.
Wei Yanwan did not refuse; she merely adjusted the cloak before turning to walk towards Yikun Palace.
Jin Zhong followed closely behind, his gaze never leaving Wei Yanwan's retreating figure. He sensed that although she appeared calm on the surface, there was an underlying unease hidden deep within her.
Upon returning to Yikun Palace, Wei Yanwan dismissed all attendants and left behind the Cold Palace. The moonlight cast a long shadow over her, accentuating her solitude and desolation.
She waved away all the palace maids and eunuchs, sitting alone at her vanity. Looking into the mirror, she could not hide the exhaustion and confusion in her eyes.
"Your Highness, are you alright?" Jin Zhong entered with a bowl of calming soup.
"Jin Zhong," she replied as she moved to the window, gazing out at the stillness of the night. Her voice carried a hint of fatigue. "Do you think what I did was truly right?"
Hearing this, Jin Zhong's heart tightened. He understood that Wei Yanwan's inner turmoil was far from the calm facade she presented. He approached her from behind.
Wei Yanwan took the bowl of soup, gently sipping a mouthful. The warm liquid flowed down her throat into her stomach, yet it did nothing to dispel the chill within her heart. "Your Highness, those who achieve great things do not concern themselves with trivial matters. Ru Yi is your greatest enemy; eliminating her is the only choice."
Wei Yanwan turned around, her gaze complex as she looked at Jin Zhong. "But I can't shake this feeling of unease." She placed a hand over her chest, her brow furrowed.
Jin Zhong paused for a moment, then lowered his eyes to hide the complicated emotions swirling within. "Your Highness need not worry. I will vow to protect you with my life and help you ascend to the pinnacle of power."
Wei Yanwan studied Jin Zhong, a flicker of complex emotion crossing her eyes. She rubbed her temples, her expression tense. "The events of my past life keep resurfacing in my dreams, making it hard for me to breathe."
Jin Zhong moved behind her, gently massaging her shoulders. "Your Highness, you need not overthink it. In this life, we will change our fate and not repeat the same mistakes." However, as he turned away, a hint of worry flashed in his eyes. He understood that Wei Yanwan's inner demons were not easily vanquished.
In the following days, Wei Yanwan appeared calm on the surface but often found it difficult to sleep during the quiet nights.
With her eyes closed, she felt the warmth from Jin Zhong's fingertips as he pressed down on her shoulders, his gaze filled with compassion. He was willing to give everything for her, hoping she could let go of her burdens and find true happiness.
"Jin Zhong," Wei Yanwan opened her eyes and looked at Jin Zhong's reflection in the mirror. She felt slightly more at ease. "You're right; we cannot be bound by the past any longer. In this life, we must live for ourselves." She clenched her fists, her tone filled with determination. "We will stand at the peak of power and make all those who have ever humiliated us pay the price!" Jin Zhong was the only person she could rely on in this world; only he could truly understand her fears and anxieties.
That day, while Wei Yanwan was having her meal, a Little Palace Maid hurriedly entered and knelt down to report, "Your Highness, news has come from the Cold Palace regarding Ru Yi... she..." The Little Palace Maid's voice trembled slightly, as if she dared not continue.
Wei Yanwan set down her chopsticks, frowning deeply as she coldly asked, "What happened to Ru Yi?"
Taking a deep breath, the Little Palace Maid stammered, "Ru Yi... she took her own life."
Upon hearing this, Wei Yanwan's chopsticks clattered to the ground with a sharp sound. Her face instantly turned pale, lips trembling slightly but unable to produce any sound.
Jin Zhong rushed to Yikun Palace upon hearing the news. Seeing Wei Yanwan in such a disheartened state, his heart ached. He approached her and softly said, "Your Highness, please accept my condolences."
Kneeling on one knee, he spoke with unwavering determination, "I vow to follow you to the ends of the earth and help you ascend to the pinnacle of power!"
Wei Yanwan looked at Jin Zhong kneeling before her, a faint smile appearing on her lips as she reached out to help him up. "Get up, Jin Zhong."
With a heavy heart, Jin Zhong embraced Wei Yanwan, gently patting her back as he comforted her softly, "Your Highness, it’s all in the past now. I will protect you and ensure that no one can harm you again."
Wei Yanwan clutched Jin Zhong's clothing tightly, her eyes filled with fear and helplessness. She knew she had embarked on an irreversible path.
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