~ 𝑪𝑶𝑴𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝑺𝑶𝑶𝑵 - In the heart of an ancient Chinese dynasty, a young emperor reigns with wisdom beyond his years but carries a heart heavy with unresolved grief. Years ago, he lost his beloved under mysterious circumstances, a loss that has...
The past few days had been a strange, quiet lull in the palace. Lian went about his duties with a calm efficiency, though I could still see the flicker of anxiety in his eyes whenever he passed a reflective surface, catching sight of his snow-white hair. Yet, to my surprise, the palace whispers that had once been harmful were now shifting. People were talking, yes, but the tone had changed. They spoke of Lian with curiosity and, more often than not, respect. His diligence and dedication hadn't gone unnoticed, and his growing presence within the palace seemed to carry a certain admiration.
Sitting on the terrace with my father, I found a rare moment of peace. My father—always my silent, unwavering support through the years—sipped his tea quietly, watching the world with a contented sigh. He never once judged my choices, whether they were personal or matters of the heart. He had been there through everything, including my love for her, and I knew without a doubt that he would be the one person I could confide in.
My mother, on the other hand, had grown more difficult to look at since I'd listened to the recording. The revelation of her actions had shattered something inside me. The woman who had always guided and supported the palace, now stood as a symbol of betrayal, but I kept that knowledge hidden for now. My heart wasn't ready to confront the truth openly, not yet.
I glanced at my father, who sat across from me, his face serene as he raised his cup to his lips. The weight of the conversation I wanted to have with him pressed heavily on my mind, but for now, we shared the calm of the terrace, the sound of distant birds the only thing breaking the silence.
"That servant, Lian, is doing amazing work," my father said after a moment, breaking the stillness. He smiled warmly, his eyes twinkling with genuine approval. "He takes good care of you as emperor."
I returned the smile, nodding softly. "Yes, he does. I'm surprised how quickly he's adapted. He's made sure everything he does is not only by the book but also with a level of care and perfection I didn't expect. He reminds me of her," I added, my voice soft, almost nostalgic.
My father's smile grew a little wider at that, and I could see the understanding in his eyes. He was always quick to notice parallels and patterns in people, especially when it came to those I cared for.
