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墨書 Inktalez
The turmoil had come to a pause. The palace, the capital, and even the entire Jin State began to recover from the Plague and the rebellion. People's lives started to flourish again, and vibrant scenes were everywhere.
However, the only thing that had changed was that Jun Jin's status in Jin State had become insurmountable. Jin Shao's identity had taken on an even more mysterious hue, and rumors began to circulate among the people about various speculations regarding Jin Shao's identities. Some even went so far as to write a so-called autobiography for Jin Shao, published by the "The Other Shore" press under Jin Shao's name. Yet, its contents were overly exaggerated and fantastical. As the person involved, I nearly burst out laughing upon receiving the sample copy sent by Little Seven. These people were truly amusing.
But I knew they genuinely adored me, the greatest wonder of the continent, Jin Shao.
Now, I must be at the top of the wanted list across the continent. I heard that the bounty on my head had doubled. It began to spread across every country on the continent that whoever captured Jin Shao would gain dominion over all. Wherever Jin Shao was, other countries dared not infringe upon it. Thus, a wave began to rise; everyone wanted to capture Jin Shao—villains sought to kill him, while good-hearted individuals wished to express their gratitude. Even leaders of nations desired to obtain Jin Shao, for possessing him equated to possessing all of Jun Jin.
Although Jin Shao's whereabouts were elusive and known only to the Three Princes, those with intent still did not give up searching for him. In no time, Jin Shao became a topic of conversation among neighbors, even reaching the palace.
I lived alone in Frostfall Palace. Although Little White stayed behind to keep me company, it often basked in the sun and napped, waking only to flirt with others, hardly attending to me. I could only draw pictures and write words; sometimes at midnight, I would seek out Li Jiu for a chat or revert to my old habit of stealthily perching on his palace wall, silently watching him. I observed him pursuing women, enjoying wine with friends, hosting various banquets, and gradually becoming indifferent amidst all the revelry.
Because I often dressed as a palace maid and strolled around casually in the inner palace, I frequently overheard those delicate maids discussing that extraordinarily beautiful young man—their conversations about his cool demeanor, his uniqueness, his unparalleled charm and prestige… I listened with great interest, my curiosity swelling until I almost asked them who this celestial figure was. When they mentioned that it was none other than Jun Jin's Jin Shao—a rare man in this world—I was nearly choked by my own saliva in shock. My face flushed crimson with embarrassment after realizing that the person they idolized was actually me. Once they left, I crawled out from behind a rock where I had been hiding (my legs felt somewhat weak) and fled when I saw no one around.
Sima Rui seemed to know that I loathed serving him in his palace or perhaps he was waiting for me to accept some change. After he finished his urgent matters, he did not force me into his service; it felt as if we had reached some sort of silent agreement—neither of us dared to break through that thin veil between us.
We both understood everything. He was waiting; so was I. He waited for me to fall in love with him and choose to stay by his side while I waited to see if I should compromise or choose according to my own will.
In truth, many things were already predetermined on my chessboard. I was merely waiting for the game to conclude before collecting my pieces and achieving the results I desired.
Everything that had recently transpired was merely a strategy orchestrated by me.
I naturally watched everything with a smile. From beginning to end, in this game, I could only be an outsider—clearly observing everything that unfolded and seeing through worldly affairs.
Sima Rui's attitude towards me had become somewhat strange. To put it in modern terms, it felt ambiguous; I found myself unaccustomed to it. He had always spoken coldly to me, but now he was oddly attentive—this indeed took some getting used to.
After court sessions ended each day, he would come to Cold Frost Palace to accompany me. Sometimes we played chess together; other times we quietly watched flowers fall and water flow; sometimes we played music together; at other times we silently observed clouds drifting by; occasionally we engaged in peculiar conversations; sometimes he would just stare blankly at me; and sometimes we sipped tea together leisurely.
I was waiting—waiting for a variable.
I know that the outcome between us is hard-won, and I naturally cherish it carefully.
On this day, he and I sat in the open courtyard, enjoying the cool breeze while playing chess. We spoke not a word; the surroundings were quiet, save for the gentle rustling of the wind and the soft sound of pieces being placed on the board. The entire world seemed to fall silent, leaving just the two of us.
Finally, the last black piece was captured by a white one. Sima Rui suddenly laughed and said, "This is the only time you've beaten me without deliberately letting me win."
I smiled lightly and replied, "How could that be? Your Majesty's chess skills are superb; I humbly bow to your prowess. Today was merely a coincidence." It was also a prophecy. I would eventually surpass him.
He looked at my calm expression and suddenly said, "Firefly, you resemble Consort Huan very much—there's that innate tranquility and indifference to worldly affairs, maintaining your true self in this harem. Yet, I can't quite put my finger on it; you are different from her. It seems as if you don't know what you want; you appear to be searching for something." He sighed softly, "I have always feared that one day you might suddenly disappear. I don't know why I have this strange feeling."
I continued to smile lightly, "Your Majesty is joking. I'm a living person, staying here every day; how could I possibly vanish into thin air?"
He chuckled at his own absurd thought but then looked at me seriously and said in a deep voice, "Firefly, what do you truly want? You have saved me twice; I will grant you anything."
I lowered my head to gather the black and white glass pieces from the board. An unconscious smile curled at the corners of my lips, delicate like a frail lily flower. Closing my eyes briefly, I finally said softly, "Your Majesty, what I desire is something you cannot give."
The emperor's only love—how could you possibly provide that?
Even if you did, how could I be certain that I could accept it?
I fear that feelings flow like water, drifting away from my resilient castle of dreams. Trapped in place, beneath an inexplicable smile, tears suddenly streamed down uncontrollably. My heart ached like rain falling at night; I couldn't find a shelter to stop me.
The night was cool as water. The young man in his white robe exuded a faint melancholy; his vaguely confused face was suffused with flowing sadness. In that hazy atmosphere, it was hard to discern his features or expressions. Sometimes in that faint glow amidst the thin mist, he seemed almost unreal.
He lowered his head slightly, and a strange radiance blossomed on his cheek; his dark eyes sparkled brightly. His skin was flawless and pale, his cherry-red lips alluring yet tightly pressed together, with a gentle crease between his brows.
"Azure Thorn," he asked softly as if resolved, "Is everything I want prepared?"
The clean-cut scholar-like man looked down with slightly furrowed brows and after a long pause asked nervously, "Young Master, have you really made up your mind?"
With an open heart and unmatched spirit, he stands tall; his integrity commands the respect of thousands.
This is how the people regard the young master.
Yet, who truly understands the untold sorrows that lie behind this strong and resolute youth? Who can fathom the responsibilities and burdens that weigh upon him? Few know that an eighteen-year-old boy, having journeyed through countless trials, has forged a power on this continent that surpasses even that of a nation—Jun Jin—through unimaginable hardships and relentless effort.
Under the moonlight, the boy's somewhat hazy face suddenly broke into a faint smile, graceful and serene. He gazed at the opulence of the hall, which was rendered speechless by its grandeur, and said, “Yes. Azure Thorn, I have long since burned my bridges, haven’t I?”
Upon hearing this, Azure Thorn smiled in understanding. “This is the young master’s decision; Azure Thorn will follow him for eternity. What the young master desires is already prepared. Azure Thorn awaits your safe return.”
The boy, upon hearing this, smiled charmingly. “Tell Little Seven that while he manages affairs in Suaru City, he must not forget what I have entrusted to him long ago.”
Azure Thorn grinned widely. “Little Seven will surely not forget; to him, your matters are far more important than those of a nation.”
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