"Young Master," the coalition of small nations was gathering to discuss the campaign against the Jin Kingdom at Later Qin. Interestingly, Yan Kingdom was also among the invitees. Lianbao's blue eyes seemed to flow like an endless spring tide. As he gently turned his gaze, countless hidden waves rippled beneath.
I had always wondered why his eyes were a watery blue. It was only later that I learned his mother was from a different tribe, a woman taken by his father. His father deeply loved that woman with the beautiful blue eyes, who was gentle and serene, her eyes reminiscent of the clear sky over the vast grasslands, shimmering endlessly. They were like the ocean, clear and deep blue, embracing all that existed.
However, although Lian had never spoken of his past, we learned much about the painful truths through rumors. His escape, his rebellion—he became one of history's most tragic figures, a prince abandoned and hunted because of those unbearable nightmares.
After his mother's death, his father began to treat him as if he were her, mistaking him for her in drunken stupors several times. This humiliation was almost unbearable for someone who had been cherished since childhood by the father he revered; he nearly chose death.
Yet ultimately, he chose to escape. He chose to forget everything.
This escape defined his life thereafter. Later, he was chosen as the High Priestess of the Maya People, completely detached from his former identity; thus, Murong Han died.
Leaving behind the reborn Lian.
A lotus that emerged untainted from the mud.
"Song Kong's" cold voice broke through my thoughts: "Do they really think that old thief Yuwen from Later Qin intends to destroy Jin Kingdom? He cannot even begin to estimate Jin Kingdom's power nor dare to challenge it. He is merely using this opportunity to eliminate the other Three Kingdoms; he seeks to dominate Central Plains."
Azure Thorn glanced at me and asked, "Will Young Master go?"
I smiled lightly. "With such a spectacle to witness, why not? I will accompany Lian in the Yan Kingdom delegation. Little Seven, Azure Thorn, Song Kong—I'll leave things here in your hands for now."
Mai Qi's round face bore a calm smile at that moment. "If it weren't for some disputes arising in Suaru City and Young Master's new products needing to be showcased, Little Seven would really want to go see the show with Young Master."
I chuckled softly.
Looking at them with a smile, I realized that over four years not only had I transformed but they too had grown more composed and restrained with time; their abilities had strengthened. The Four Great Kings of Jin Shao and the four prime ministers of Jin Kingdom had walked this path together; our bond had become closer than family—companions in arms and supporters through life and death.
"Little Seven," I said, "there will be opportunities ahead. Perhaps we will need to direct our own play for those people to see and believe that all the illusions we create are real. Little Seven, that day is not far off; it will come soon." My expression was calm, my tone casual as if discussing something trivial, yet it pertained to the safety of the entire continent.
They remained silent and restrained in their expressions; they must have understood the deeper meaning behind my words.
I will direct a scene that will carry the entire Jin Kingdom through generations, hidden in the currents of history, concealed in an invisible world.
The atmosphere was charged with unspoken tension. We sat together, seemingly chatting, our expressions relaxed and smiles light, yet we were discussing the life and death of a continent.
Suddenly, a smiling face appeared—An Yijun's innocent and mischievous grin. She waved her hand at us as a greeting and cheerfully said, "Mom, are you going on a long journey? Hehe, I want to go too." Her tone was assertive, not seeking my permission. The other four had long since grown accustomed to her playful antics and simply smiled gently at her.
I had no intention of refusing her. Since she is my child, there would come a day when she must stand on her own. My approach to her education has always followed modern principles. Although I am her mother, we treat each other as equals. We speak with her without demanding anything simply because we are elders; instead, we allow her to understand things for herself and choose what is right. From a young age, she has been independent—this is my goal for her. She must learn how to survive so that even if one day I am no longer here or have passed away, she can still live well on her own. That is my expectation of her.
From early on, I taught her how precious life is and how hard it can be to come by. No matter what challenges she faces in the future, she must learn to endure and let go. Life is both valuable and fragile; as long as one survives, other matters can be discussed. I also instilled in her the dignity of living, the importance of integrity, and the pursuit of goals and ideals.
Most importantly, I hope she can lead a simple and stable life. However, it seems this little girl is not content with such a fate; with her cleverness, it appears impossible for her to settle for mediocrity. Thus, I allow her to choose her own way of life and future because ultimately, those choices belong to her alone—the path ahead is hers to walk.
Nevertheless, kindness has always been the most important lesson I imparted to her. This little girl seems to have understood from an early age that while being kind is essential, one must not be soft-hearted. When dealing with matters, one should consider their nature; blind kindness can lead to weakness. If one becomes too harsh, they lose the broad-mindedness and generosity needed to embrace the world.
"By the way, Mom," she said as she climbed into my lap, her beautiful eyes sparkling slightly. "Aunt Yun Ying sent me to call you all for dinner; she’s probably going crazy waiting for us after all this time."
Looking at her playful demeanor filled me with affection; this is my bloodline—someone connected to me in this world. She will carry on my life and ensure that new bloodlines continue into the future.
I remember the first time I held her; I shamefully cried out loud in overwhelming joy.
That profound feeling of life still resonates within me even now.
"Let’s go," I said as I took her soft hand in mine and gently asked, "Have you called the Ten Weird Grandpas?"
She pouted slightly. "The Ten Weird Grandpas got up early and went out to play without taking me along."
I couldn’t help but laugh. The Ten Weird Uncles had long been at their wit's end with her; her pranks were no ordinary child's play. Each time they went out together, they returned in disarray, covered in dirt and bruises.
Fortunately, they genuinely loved her and showed more tolerance and affection than annoyance. However, constantly being outsmarted by a four-year-old was something they found hard to bear; thus, they often sneaked out without An Yijun.
Walking along a path bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, a stunningly beautiful boy dressed like a man held the hand of a little girl who smiled brightly, equally enchanting like a fairy. The sunset stretched their shadows long behind them, followed by four other men who looked at them with smiles, equally striking in their own right.
It was as if they had stepped out of a painting, the scene harmonious and warm, beautiful and gentle.
The girl bounced along beside the boy, her curiosity bubbling over as she asked, "Mom, will it be fun there?" A hint of cunning and peculiarity flickered in her eyes, unusual for a child her age.
The boy smiled lightly. "Yes, An Yijun will have a great time."
An odd conversation, yet filled with an unexpected warmth.
A warmth deep within their hearts.
Comment 0 Comment Count