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墨書 Inktalez
As midnight approached, Lin Xueqing arrived outside Yangxin Hall accompanied by Xiao Cui. The moonlight bathed the Forbidden City in a serene glow.
"Your Highness," Xiao Cui whispered, "I will wait for you outside."
Lin Xueqing nodded and pushed open the hall door. In the flickering candlelight, Lang Shining was already waiting there.
"Your Highness has arrived," he said. "Please follow me."
The two of them passed through numerous halls and arrived at a dimly lit chamber within the inner palace. Lang Shining took out an ancient brass key and unlocked the door to the dark room.
The interior was simply furnished, with a table at the center displaying an unfinished painting.
"This is..." Lin Xueqing leaned in for a closer look.
"The Wanguo Laichao Tu," Lang Shining replied. "On the surface, it appears to be a tribute map, but in reality..."
He lifted a corner of the painting, revealing dense text and symbols beneath.
"This is the gatekeeper's secret document," Lang Shining explained. "It records the locations of all the gates and how to open them."
Lin Xueqing studied the symbols closely. "Why are you telling me this?"
"Because I know where you come from," Lang Shining said, looking directly at her. "Or rather, from when you come."
Lin Xueqing's heart raced. "How do you know..."
"The gatekeeper has his ways of discerning," Lang Shining replied. "Moreover, your aura is out of place in this era."
"Do you know why I came here?"
"Perhaps it is not by chance," Lang Shining suggested. "Recently, disturbances have been reported at various gates. It seems someone is attempting to break the boundaries of time and space."
"It’s the same in my time," Lin Xueqing said. "Someone wants to exploit these gates..."
"Which is why we must stop them," Lang Shining interrupted her. "But before that, you need to know the truth."
He took out a wooden box from beneath the table. "This records the beginning of everything."
Just as Lin Xueqing was about to take it, footsteps suddenly echoed from outside.
"Someone's coming," Lang Shining said alertly.
The footsteps grew closer.
"Quick, hide," Lang Shining urged Lin Xueqing toward a Dark Compartment. "No matter what happens, do not make a sound."
As soon as Lin Xueqing concealed herself, the palace door was pushed open.
"Lang Aiqing." A commanding voice rang out.
"Your Majesty," Lang Shining replied, bowing.
It was Qianlong! Lin Xueqing held her breath.
"Is there anything unusual?" Qianlong asked.
"Replying to Your Majesty, everything is as usual," Lang Shining said.
"Do not conceal anything," Qianlong's voice turned grave. "I know someone has breached the time portal."
A silence fell over the room.
"Yes," Lang Shining finally admitted. "But I believe this person may be part of a divine arrangement."
"Arrangement?" Qianlong scoffed. "I have gone to great lengths to seal these doors precisely to prevent anyone from interfering with the course of history."
"But Your Majesty," Lang Shining countered, "what if this is indeed part of history?"
Another silence ensued.
"You are too clever, Lang Aiqing," Qianlong sighed. "Sometimes, being clever can be a danger."
"I dare not," he replied.
"Enough," Qianlong turned away. "Continue monitoring all entrances. If you find any suspicious individuals..."
"I understand."
The footsteps gradually faded away. Lin Xueqing emerged from the Dark Compartment and noticed that Lang Shining's forehead was already covered in cold sweat.
"The Emperor..."
"He is the highest gatekeeper," Lang Shining said, "but his philosophy differs from ours."
"What do you mean?"
"He believes that the gates should remain forever closed," Lang Shining explained. "But we know that some truths must be uncovered across time and space."
He handed a wooden box to Lin Xueqing. "Finish this before Daybreak. Remember, the answer lies within the painting."
Lin Xueqing returned to her chamber and gently opened the wooden box. Inside was a stack of yellowed letters, the first page reading:
"To the Future Gatekeeper: When you read this letter, the secret of time and space will have been set in motion..."
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