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墨書 Inktalez
Flowing Smoke
Time flowed gently, yet Sima Rui looked closely and still could not see that person clearly, unable to grasp anything about them.
He opened his mouth, "Little Jin..." but the moment the words entered the air, they vanished without a trace. Sima Rui's gaze became somewhat dazed, as if everything before him was a blank expanse, his mind feeling empty and lost.
Sima Rui stood there in a stupor. Watching him, Gaze grew shallower, and his pupils widened.
Li Jiu looked at the emperor's reaction with confusion, unable to understand why the usually serious and wise emperor would display such a vacant expression, one resembling a lost child searching for belonging. He looked like a helpless child!
How could Li Jiu believe that a sovereign emperor could show such an expression?
Suddenly, the young man seemed to sense something, turning his head abruptly to meet the emperor's gaze, filled with an overwhelming sense of loneliness and fatigue. Who was truly longing for whom?
So clear, so transparent, so sorrowful like flowing water; so helpless, so solitary, so desolate... A thousand twists of tender affection, warmth intertwined in lingering moments.
In the end, it all transformed into a silent sigh. That sigh of loneliness was hasty; it did not escape his throat, did not circle the room three times, did not linger in echoes or leave any traces behind.
Just as it had arrived softly, it departed like faint clouds on the horizon, drifting away leisurely.
That white figure became an exquisite shadow in the world, lingering in people's hearts long after it had gone.
Sima Rui gazed at him earnestly, watching him for a long time. When he heard that sigh, a sudden pang shot through his left chest, a sharp pain slicing through his heart.
Then, as the sunset cast its glow on the ground and stretched his shadow longer and longer, Sima Rui suddenly smiled with ease. That smile mirrored that of the departing youth—lightly melancholic and breathtakingly beautiful.
After the rebellion was quelled,
The Three Princes were stripped of their titles but continued to enjoy court support as nobles.
Su Jun was thrown into the death cell, and his accomplice son, Su Xunnan, was also imprisoned in Sky Prison awaiting trial. His family members were exiled or demoted to commoners by the merciful emperor, who did not pursue a complete extermination. For a time, everyone in the country praised the emperor's virtue.
Huan Wen and a few others from his army narrowly escaped death and returned triumphantly. They were generously rewarded. After Su Xunnan was imprisoned, he sent a message to Huan Wen with only three heavy and simple words: I'm sorry.
That day, Huan Wen wore a cold expression and spent the entire day in his courtyard. The next day, he drank for a whole day and became so drunk that he was unconscious for three days and nights. When he finally woke up, he began to grow reclusive and withdrawn. He became reserved and quiet. The other young nobles from Jiankang tried to comfort him multiple times, but their efforts were in vain.
"Suda, have you truly made this decision? Do you really not wish for me to restore your position as consort?" Sima Rui's voice was steady and powerful.
Suda respectfully knelt on the ground. "Suda thanks Your Majesty for your great kindness. However, Suda wishes to follow my master forever and serve her for a lifetime."
I looked at her with concern and said, "Suda, you don't have to do this; you should choose your own path. Be yourself." I knew such words were somewhat willful and rebellious, but I hoped she would choose her own happiness.
She smiled lightly and resolutely replied, "My master need not worry about Suda; I have already made up my mind. To be by my master's side is Suda's blessing."
Hearing her say this, I suddenly fell silent. The returning Suda seemed different from before; she appeared to possess a tranquility and coolness that was new. I didn't know what had happened between her and Huan Wen during the march, nor would I ask. However, I hoped she was happy. I would spare no effort if it meant helping her.
I suddenly smiled faintly and said to Sima Rui, "Your Majesty, since she has decided this way, let it be as she wishes. However—" I paused with an enigmatic smile, "In the palace, there are never masters and servants; there are only sisters. I wish to become sworn sisters with Suda; may I?"
Sima Rui smiled gently at me, his eyes filled with indulgence and affection. "Then it's settled."
"Then," I shifted my tone, "if Suda is my sister, does that make her your sister as well?" Sima Rui stared at me blankly, somewhat confused.
Yet he nodded in agreement without realizing he was stepping into my trap. "Of course."
Suda knelt on the ground, looking at me in confusion. I offered her a reassuring smile.
I sweetly and cunningly smiled at Sima Rui: "If she is the emperor's sister, then surely she should have the status of a princess?"
Sima Rui was taken aback for a moment, then he laughed happily, "Consort Lian, you have set a trap for me. Now I cannot let my 'own' sister be wronged no matter what I say. How about this," he pondered for a moment and said, "let's grant her the title of 'Nankang' Princess."
I nodded with relief and respectfully said, "This servant thanks Your Majesty on behalf of Suda."
Suda finally understood my intentions and was moved, saying, "Master—"
I walked over to help her up and gently said, "From now on, there will be no more master and servant between us; we are sisters. You just heard it, the Emperor has also granted you the title of 'Nankang' Princess. Suda, from now on, you are free."
Suda cried out, "Thank you, Your Majesty. Thank you, Lotus Consort."
I knew that Suda had followed Huan Wen through life-threatening situations and had survived several perilous encounters. Although Huan Wen had never fallen in love with her, his attitude towards her was no longer as harsh and indifferent as before. On the contrary, there was now a profound bond forged through shared experiences of life and death. Those feelings were something I could never compete with.
To Huan Wen, I was merely a dream from his youth; once the dream faded, he would inevitably have to face reality.
Therefore, I would do everything in my power to create opportunities for happiness for these two people I cared about.
I did not know if this could be considered compensation, but I always understood clearly that the person who would bring happiness to Huan Wen would not be me.
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