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墨書 Inktalez
Lost Years are always beautiful, like a lovely meteor that briefly streaks across the sky, yet leaves behind eternity. Remembering those past years, it was in this palace where they shared meals, studied together, chatted happily, and even slept side by side.
Uncle Qi touched the bed where they once slept; the bedspread and curtains were still the original ones, though they had faded slightly over time.
He said softly, "Do you remember that you didn't sleep well? You often kicked me out of bed."
San Chun was surprised. "You already knew?"
"Knew what?"
"Knew that I am..." She had always been afraid to mention that name, fearing it would scare him. But seeing his calm expression, it was clear he already knew.
Qi nodded.
She found it hard to believe. She thought she had hidden it well and assumed that such an unbelievable thing would go unnoticed by others. Clearly, she was wrong. Not only Zhong Xue and Ji Xun knew, but even he did.
She asked, "When did you find out?"
"When you were still at Ju Mansion."
So it was that early; he had noticed back then. But since he already knew, why? Why would he still marry her into the palace? Had he forgotten that she was his biological sister?
Uncle Qi said nothing, only gazed at her quietly. His eyes held a faint affection and a subtle sadness that made one want to escape yet could not help but feel heartache for him.
This was not the way he looked at her in their childhood; back then, his gaze was filled with attachment. Now, however, his eyes made her feel deeply unsettled.
Although he had nothing, she suddenly dared not face him anymore. She was scared, afraid of his gaze and also afraid of his heart.
She rushed out in a hurry, without even saying goodbye to him. She heard him calling her, heard his footsteps chasing after her, but she did not dare to look back. Like a madwoman, she ran through the once-familiar Yan Palace, disregarding the gazes of everyone around her. Perhaps in their eyes, she was just a madwoman, someone who had just been brought back by the king and immediately lost her mind.
She did not know how long she had run before she finally stopped. In front of her was the palace gate; just a few more steps and she would be out of the palace.
Just as she was about to step forward, a group of palace guards surrounded her. A leader bowed to her and said, "By the king's order, you cannot take another step forward. If you do, you will not see someone again."
It seemed that her frantic running in the palace had already become common knowledge. The reason he did not let anyone chase after her was that he had arranged for people to wait for her here.
She knew exactly who this person referred to—Ji Xun. Qi understood her thoughts just like Zhong Xue always knew what could threaten her. He must have known that these guards would not be able to stop her; only Ji Xun mattered now—he was the only one she was worried about.
Turning to look at the magnificent palace, she felt a wave of confusion. On one hand, it was due to his sudden feelings; on the other hand, she realized she had forgotten to ask Uncle Qi where she would be staying.
Time had changed; in this vast hall, was there really no place left for her?
As she made her way back, Uncle Qi was still waiting for her. When he saw her return, he couldn't help but smile and said, "Did you feel good after getting some exercise?"
San Chun awkwardly smiled back. She felt that running so fast earlier was a bit overreactive. Not wanting to address it directly, she waved her arm and said, "I ran a lap and broke a sweat; I do feel much better."
Uncle Qi did not call her out on it and settled her in the Crown Prince's quarters before leaving. This was her place now; only she could stay here.
That night, as San Chun lay on the bed she once slept in, memories flooded back to her mind. No matter what, she could not fall asleep. She sighed inwardly; having gotten used to living in Thatch House these days, it seemed that returning to this high bed with soft pillows was indeed uncomfortable.
Uncle Qi thought it was only natural for her to stay in the Crown Prince's quarters, but others clearly did not think so. The news of the king bringing a woman from outside the palace quickly spread within the palace. Many people witnessed this woman running wildly through the palace and even spread rumors that she was a mad girl.
Empress Dowager Hua was also aware of this matter, especially since the King had actually arranged for someone to stay in the Crown Prince's quarters, which had never happened before.
The King was not yet married and could not have offspring. Although this palace had not been inhabited for a long time, it was still a sacred place. How could they allow an unknown woman to live there?
She believed that as the master of the harem, she had the responsibility to uphold the royal family's dignity, so she went to Uncle Qi to argue with him, saying loudly, "Don't you know the rules of the palace? What you are doing is no better than just letting her live in the Queen's Chamber!"
Uncle Qi smiled and replied, "Mother, your words remind me that she is actually my Queen; there is nothing wrong with her living in the Queen's Chamber."
Empress Dowager Hua was taken aback. "What did you say?"
Uncle Qi glanced at her and ignored her as he waved his sleeve and walked away. There were some things he couldn't be bothered to explain to her; she could think whatever she wanted.
Empress Dowager Hua was so angry that she stomped her feet, continuously muttering about his unfilial behavior, but he had already walked far away—who would listen to her?
Uncle Qi had warned her more than once that one should know their place. Just because she was Empress Dowager Hua didn't mean she could act like his mother. But this old woman refused to learn and insisted on meddling in everything. Since she liked the Steward so much, he would find something for her to do.
Now that San Chun had returned, everything needed to be set back on track. She would become his woman, the Queen of this country.
He reached out and rang the bronze bell in his chamber. The clear sound of "dingling" improved his mood significantly.
Many people heard the bell and rushed over; below, there were numerous people kneeling on the ground.
His expression darkened slightly. "Summon Lord Ju to the palace."
"Yes." Someone hurriedly went down to deliver the order.
It is now time to clear her name, and the best candidate for this is Ju Rong. He must be very happy to see his daughter. In the entire Yan Kingdom, no one besides him knows that San Chun is Yan Dan, so they are not siblings and there will be no obstacles between them. The hardest part may be getting her to accept him, but regardless of whether she accepts it or not, he must accomplish what he intends to do.
Ju Rong was in his residence reviewing documents when he heard that the king had summoned him, and he hurriedly prepared to enter the palace.
The king rarely summons officials in his sleeping quarters; Ju Rong was somewhat of an exception, but this was only the second time. Usually, such sudden summons indicate that something significant is about to happen.
As he entered the hall, Uncle Qi was dining and appeared quite cheerful, smiling as he ate.
Seeing him in good spirits eased Ju Rong's mind considerably. He knelt and saluted, asking, "Your Majesty has summoned this humble servant; may I ask what the matter is?"
Uncle Qi approached and surprisingly helped him up with his own hands, which shocked Ju Rong and made him wonder what had gotten into the king.
Uncle Qi smiled and said, "Lord Ju is so busy yet still comes to the palace; I truly apologize for troubling you."
Ju Rong thought to himself that the king was indeed acting strangely; he had never seen him so friendly before.
After having a seat arranged for Lord Ju, Qi asked, "How long has it been since you last saw your daughter?"
Thinking of Ju Dan made Ju Rong's face turn sorrowful. "I haven't seen her for two years."
Two years! Uncle Qi sighed inwardly; it turned out he hadn't seen her for such a long time. Ever since she escaped with Zhong Xue, he had only just seen her again. That detestable Zhong Xue had kept them apart for so long.
Inviting Ju Rong to join him for a meal made Ju Rong feel anxious throughout the dinner.
Finally finishing the meal, Uncle Qi set down his bowl and chopsticks and said to him, "Let's go."
Ju Rong asked, "Where are we going, Your Majesty?"
"You'll know when we get there."
Ju Rong didn't dare to ask further and followed behind, noticing that ahead was the Crown Prince. Ever since the incident with Crown Prince Yan Dan, this place had been vacant. Could it be that someone has moved in now?
With a heart full of confusion, she entered the hall. Upon seeing San Chun sitting inside, Ju Rong was instantly overwhelmed with emotion, tears streaming down her face.
"My daughter, my daughter."
Uncle Qi wanted to give her a surprise. San Chun had been puzzled about what it could be, but upon seeing Ju Rong, she realized it was indeed a surprise.
She never expected to see Ju Rong so soon, the one who always regarded her as a daughter.
"You, how are you here?" Ju Rong exclaimed in delight.
San Chun smiled, "It was the King who brought me here." She added silently in her heart that it was against her will.
The two began to catch up on their time apart, naturally exchanging more than a few words. Ju Rong held her hand and asked what had happened over the years. San Chun briefly recounted some events, omitting details that were not convenient to share, only mentioning a few highlights.
Ju Rong listened attentively and learned that she had first gone to Zhao State, then spent some time in Yan State, and later went to Chu State. Although she didn't provide many details, this experience was enough to astonish anyone.
Uncle Qi seemed well-informed about her matters. Hearing her recount these experiences, he showed no signs of surprise. He smiled at the two and said, "Today marks your reunion as father and daughter, which is indeed a joyous occasion. Lord Ju, why not have lunch in the palace? It would be a good opportunity for you two to bond."
It was completely impossible for external officials to have family banquets in the palace; this was akin to bestowing grace. Ju Rong was immensely grateful and hurriedly knelt to express her thanks.
When the dishes and wine were served, the three sat together at the banquet, feeling like a family.
Ju Rong saw that Uncle Qi had not left; he sat down to eat with them and was enjoying his meal. Ju Rong widened his eyes at him, remembering that the king had just finished a big meal. Can one really eat two meals at once?
He was so astonished that he forgot to talk to San Chun, his gaze frequently lingering on Uncle Qi as he watched him devour a large plate of chicken, his eyes nearly popping out.
San Chun also had a good appetite today. Seeing her father in a good mood, she inevitably ate a bit more. In the end, most of the dishes on the table were consumed by her and Uncle Qi, while Ju Rong hardly touched his chopsticks.
San Chun asked, "Is the food not to your liking?"
Ju Rong shook his head, "I'm too full; I can't eat anymore."
Uncle Qi covered his mouth with his sleeve, probably stifling a burp. He said, "Lord Ju, you should come to the palace more often when you have nothing to do. It's quite boring for her alone; you can keep her company."
Ju Rong exclaimed, "Isn't she going back to the residence?"
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