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Morning arrived peacefully over the vast Tianzhou Imperial Palace.
Golden sunlight filtered through the carved wooden windows of Shen Yunxi's chambers, painting soft patterns across the polished floors. Outside, the cherry blossom trees danced beneath the gentle spring breeze, scattering pale pink petals into the air like drifting clouds.
The world seemed unusually peaceful.
For once, the palace did not feel suffocating.
Seated beside the open window, Shen Yunxi quietly admired the scenery.
A small smile lingered on his lips.
The memory of last night's encounter beneath the willow tree continued to replay inside his mind.
The Emperor's voice.
His rare smile.
The unexpected conversation.
It all felt strangely unreal.
A soft breeze lifted several strands of his long black hair.
Without realizing it, the smile on his face grew slightly wider.
Unfortunately-
Someone noticed.
Mei Lian narrowed her eyes from across the room.
The maid had been arranging breakfast dishes on a nearby table, but now her attention was entirely focused on her master.
"...Young Master."
Shen Yunxi blinked.
Mei crossed her arms.
"Why are you smiling?"
The smile immediately disappeared.
Shen quickly shook his head.
Nothing.
Mei snorted.
"Oh, please."
The maid pointed dramatically.
"That is not the face of someone thinking about nothing."
Shen immediately looked away.
His ears were already turning pink.
Mei's eyes widened.
Then she gasped.
"Wait."
A pause.
"Something DID happen!"
Shen nearly choked on air.
The maid looked delighted.
"What happened?"
Shen frantically shook his head.
Mei ignored him.
"Did someone confess their love?"
No.
"Were you gifted flowers?"
No.
"Did you secretly discover buried treasure?"
Absolutely not.
Mei placed both hands on her hips.
"Then why are you smiling like that?"
Shen grabbed a nearby book and pretended to read.
The maid leaned closer.
"Oh."
Her eyes widened dramatically.
"It wasn't a treasure."
A pause.
"It was a man."
Shen nearly dropped the book.
Mei burst into laughter.
His ears turned completely red.
The maid pointed accusingly.
"Aha!"
Shen covered his face.
Mei laughed even harder.
"You are terrible at hiding things."
A soft knock suddenly interrupted them.
Both froze.
Mei quickly straightened herself.
"Come in."
The door slid open.
Standing outside was General Liang Fengxiao.
Immediately-
Mei Lian forgot how to breathe.
The handsome general stood beneath the morning sunlight, dressed in dark military robes embroidered with silver thread.
His posture remained straight and dignified.
His expression calm.
His face-
Unfortunately for Mei-
Was very handsome.
Far too handsome.
"General Liang."
Mei bowed quickly.
The general nodded politely.
"Miss Mei."
His voice remained professional.
Though Mei's heart still skipped a beat.
"I apologize for disturbing you."
He lifted a small sealed letter.
"A message has arrived from Princess Xiao Lihua."
Inside the room-
Shen Yunxi immediately looked up.
His eyes widened.
The Princess?
Liang Fengxiao stepped inside.
"I was instructed to deliver it personally."
The general approached respectfully before placing the letter into Shen Yunxi's hands.
The familiar seal of the Tianzhou royal family decorated the front.
Shen stared at it for several moments.
Then carefully opened it.
Inside was a neatly folded letter.
The handwriting was elegant and familiar.
To Shen Yunxi,
I hope this letter finds you well.
By the time this reaches you, I will have already spent several days within the Guo'an Imperial Palace.
The journey here was safe, so please do not worry.
Although everything is beautiful, I find myself missing Tianzhou very often.
I miss my brother.
I miss the palace gardens.
I miss the lotus ponds.
I even miss the old palace servants who constantly reminded me to take my medicine.
Most of all, I miss the friends I left behind.
Including you.
I wonder how you are doing.
Have the concubines bothered you recently?
Have you been eating properly?
Has Mei Lian continued forcing you to drink bitter medicinal soups?
I hope she has.
Please continue taking care of yourself.
The Guo'an Empire is very beautiful.
The architecture here is different from Tianzhou.
The lantern festivals are especially wonderful at night.
One day, if circumstances allow it, I hope I can show them to you.
I have also met Prince Guo Mingze properly.
He is kind and respectful.
Though I still find everything slightly awkward.
You know me.
I have never been very good at these sorts of things.
Please do not worry about me.
I am safe.
And whenever I feel lonely, I remember the kindness you showed me before I left.
The gift you gave me remains beside my bed.
I treasure it greatly.
Please continue smiling, Shen Yunxi.
Even if life becomes difficult.
Because your smile reminds people that kindness still exists in this world.
I hope we can meet again soon.
Your friend,
Xiao Lihua
By the time Shen finished reading-
His eyes had softened considerably.
The letter felt warm.
As though the Princess herself were speaking beside him.
Mei Lian sniffed dramatically.
"Your Highness is too sweet."
Shen nodded.
A small smile returned.
Liang Fengxiao quietly observed.
Then smiled faintly himself.
"It seems Her Highness is adjusting well."
Shen nodded again.
The general looked relieved.
"That is good."
After a few more words, Liang Fengxiao excused himself.
Though not before accidentally making Mei Lian blush for the twentieth time that morning.
Later.
Inside the Emperor's Study.
Liang Fengxiao presented another letter.
"This one is from Her Highness."
Zhenyu immediately set down his brush.
His usually composed expression softened slightly.
He opened the letter.
To My Dear Brother,
Before anything else, please remember to rest.
I know you are probably reading this while surrounded by mountains of documents.
Please stop working for a moment.
Yes, right now.
I mean it.
Drink tea.
Stretch.
Or at least eat something.
You always forget.
I am doing well here.
The journey was safe.
The people have treated me kindly.
Though I still miss home very much.
I miss our gardens.
I miss our willow trees.
I miss drinking tea with you.
Even when you spent most of the time reading reports instead of speaking.
The palace feels quieter without you.
I suppose Tianzhou must feel quieter without me as well.
Please do not worry too much about my safety.
General Fengxiao's arrangements were excellent.
The guards remain attentive.
And Prince Guo Mingze has shown nothing but kindness.
I know why you sent me here.
And although I complained before leaving-
I understand.
You were trying to protect me.
Thank you.
You have always protected me.
Ever since we were children.
Please take care of yourself too.
You may be Emperor.
But you are still my brother.
And brothers are not allowed to overwork themselves.
I miss you very much.
When the cherry blossoms bloom again next year, I hope we can watch them together.
Your troublesome sister,
Xiao Lihua
Silence filled the room.
The Emperor read the letter twice.
Then a third time.
A rare smile appeared.
Small.
But genuine.
Liang Fengxiao noticed immediately.
And for the first time in several days-
The Emperor looked less burdened.
Outside the study windows, spring sunlight illuminated the palace gardens.
Far away.
Two siblings thought of home.
And within the vast walls of Tianzhou Palace-
Several hearts quietly carried on.
Some filled with friendship.
Some with longing.
Some with secrets.
And some-
With feelings they did not yet understand.
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(End of Chapter 28)