The house of Wei Guqng yue, the General of Xiyue had not known peace since Yue Rong disappeared. Almost two months had passed, yet not a single whisper of her whereabouts reached home. Madam Yue mie, her mother, had become a shadow of herself.
She sat alone in her quiet sewing room, stitching a half-finished dress as she hummed Yue Rong's favorite tune. Her hands trembled, as a tear slid down her cheek.
"I have not been a good mother", she murmured. As more tears flow down her cheeks. "I have pampered you, supported every decision without question, never teaching you right from wrong. I have watched you slip further into pride and stubbornness, yet said nothing."
"You ran away without looking back,"she continues, " is that how much we mean to you?."
At that moment a maid burst in and kneeling,
"Madam… Prince Lianyi and his wife are here."
Madam Yue froze for a moment, wiped her eyes, and forced herself to stand straight.
"Bring them inside."
Moments later, Lianyi entered with Mimi beside him. They bowed respectfully.
"Good day, Madam," Lianyi greeted.
Mimi bowed as well. But even in her politeness, she looked concerned at Madam Yue's exhausted face.
"What do I owe this honor?" Madam Yue mie asked gently, gesturing for them to sit. She turned to a maid. "Prepare their favorite dishes...."
"N...no, please," Mimi said quickly, rubbing her stomach. "I… I don't want to eat anything."
Madam Yue's eyes dropped instantly to Mimi's belly. She gasped softly.
"You are… with child, my dear."
"Yes, Madam," Mimi replied shyly, lowering her head.
Madam Yue placed a trembling hand over her hand as she said. "May this child be great."
"Thank you," Mimi whispered.
"I've not been feeling well lately," Mimi added. "That's why I haven't come to visit."
Lianyi cleared his throat and brought out a folded paper.
"Madam… I have a message from Yue Rong." He handed her the letter.
At the mention of her daughter's name, Madam Yue's entire body shook. She held the letter as though it were a precious jewel.
Then she gently opened it. Her eyes moved over the words. Slowly.
---
Dear Mother and Father,
How are you? I hope you are well. I'm sorry I left without telling you. If I hadn't run away… I think I might have killed myself. I am sorry for the pain and shame I caused you. Please stop looking for me. I am not ready to come home.
Goodbye...
Yue Rong
---
By the time she finished reading, Madam Yue was shaking. Tears streamed down her face, her hands trembling as the letter slipped from her grip. Her chest ached with regret and fear, and she finally broke down, covering her face as a quiet, broken cry escaped he mouth.
"Please stop crying," Mimi begged softly, holding her. "The good thing is that she's safe, wherever she is. Yue Rong wouldn't want to see you like this. Please… be strong for her."
While Lianyi stood there, confused on her to console her.
-----
In the kingdom of Lianhua, the royal family gathered in the throne room. The air felt heavy, as though the walls themselves were listening. Everyone sat in silence for a moment, each weighed down by the same thought, Ji Woo and fang Leng has become immortal..
Mei's father, who had just returned from his journey, sat among them, his expression dark and unreadable.
"I don't think Ji Woo will act immediately," Leng Yue finally said. His voice was calm, but his eyes were sharp. "With the baby dragon newly hatched, she will be occupied for now."
"That may be true," the Emperor replied, his fingers tightening around the armrest of his throne, "but Ji Woo has never waited for the right moment before striking. We cannot sit still and hope for mercy."
Yuyan nodded slowly. "Father is right. The Ji Woo I know never rests for long. And if she attacks any kingdom, it will be Lianhua." Her gaze hardened. "I am still her greatest obstacle."
The Empress inhaled quietly. "Then what do we do?"
"With what Ji Woo and Fang Leng have become," Tian Yu said, his voice low but sharp, "this is no longer a battle for one kingdom. We must unite all kingdoms."
Mei's father frowned. "Does that mean they cannot be killed?"
Leng Yue answered at once. "Only God can't be killed." His brows drew together. "They may be hard to destroy, but they are not invincible."
Yuyan met Tian Yu's eyes and nodded. "They can be stopped. It will not be easy, but it is possible."
"How do we convince the other kingdoms?" Mei's father asked.
"They already know," the Emperor said gravely. "Ji Woo and Fang Leng have left too much blood behind. War is coming whether they want it or not."
He turned to Leng Yue. "You will travel to the great kingdoms. Warn them. Tell them about the dragon, immortality, and what is at stake. You will go with Mei's father and Tian Yu."
"I will go as well," Yuyan said immediately.
Leng Yue looked at her sharply. "After what happened last time?"
"I'm not leaving Tian Yu again," she replied, firm and unwavering.
The Emperor stared at her for a long moment, then nodded. "Very well."
As the meeting drew to a close, Leng Yue rose, and smirked. "So now you're babysitting your husband?"
Yuyan shot him a glare. "Say one more word."
Tian Yu laughed softly. "Ignore him. I rather enjoy having my wife close." He leaned in just enough to add, "Especially in weather like this."
Leng Yue's jaw tightened.
The Emperor cleared his throat sharply. "Prepare yourselves. You leave in two days."
Later, as Leng Yue headed toward his chambers, he found Tian Yu leaning lazily against the doorway, a knowing smile on his face.
"What do you want?" Leng Yue asked, already irritated.
"Just checking how you're handling the jealousy," Tian Yu replied lightly. Then, lowering his voice, he added, "I need to spend time with my wife."
He walked away toward Yuyan's chambers, leaving Leng Yue standing there, watching his back disappear, unsure whether to laugh, or curse or just followed him and beat him up.