After a long day of hustle from 9 a.m., the kids can finally head home. Chinese New Year traditions like family reunions are deeply ingrained in our culture—Xiao Xi naturally looks forward to the holiday every day, since Mom was too busy to care for him during this period. Hes been free to eat, drink, and play games... As for Ning er, though shes used to living alone, she still attends the New Years Eve dinner every year!
Of course, Ah Jun was equally eager to return home immediately, to push his limits and embark on a journey with Xiao Xi and the others. Yet the fear of heights remained a lingering burden in his heart. While the long-altitude experience might not trigger severe reactions now, the shadow cast by that moment in his soul could never be easily erased.
The childhood traumas—those persistent suppression, shocks, and torments—have become an unconscious habit, even the mere thought of them feels like a burden. After all, a childs heart is fragile. No matter how resilient one might be, enduring storms alone is impossible. Yet the seeds of cause and effect within remain ever-growing, sprouting, flourishing, blossoming, bearing fruit, and multiplying endlessly.
It was only when he had enough courage and strength that he could face it correctly. By then, it might have been deeply rooted— and the wound must heal, just like a wound, after cleaning, apply the right medicine, and temporarily protect it with a bandage, which will take some time.
It takes so much to heal a trauma, let alone a young heart. So its only natural for Ah Jun to hesitate. As for how the outside world... what does it have to do with him?
Fortunately, this child was born with the innate healing conditions—being an orphan might be a cleansing process, and his family could very well serve as the best bandage. As for the medicine, it likely refers to the experiences of growing up... When the healing will come is left to time, and ultimately, it all depends on Ah Juns own will.
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, I..."
At this moment, looking at Xiao Xi and Ning Er, the receding back, Ah Jun was really pleased, but as his attention gradually returned, he began to realize his own problem.
So the child, who was in a state of inner confusion, suddenly asked about his plan for the Spring Festival travel rush--but was interrupted by the emperors words, and the long-pondered words in his heart had to stop immediately...
Oh, right, wait a minute—hey, sir, are you ready? Why are you dragging your feet? Hurry up! The kids waiting in a rage, not even checking the time! Quick, hurry up!
Then, a phone call from the Emperor made the child fall into another dilemma--should he continue to ask? Are they preparing? What... it seems to have something to do with me?
"Come on, come on, come on... all you know is to talk, do you think its so obedient!"
"What youre saying... well, isnt that going well? Youve never been so capable before, have you?"
—Whats going on? Uncle Yue, whats he up to...? Theres something following him. Ah, I see it—its a horse, mine? But it doesnt have wings. Could that be a celestial beast?
I said, "You try it... it really is! But today its going really well, it seems to be really happy!"
"Well... oh, Xiao Jun, come!"
"Hmm? Why hasnt this kid come home yet? Does he really want to stay here for the New Year? What nerve! Wait, thats... How did the Father Emperor bring it along too? Is this for him to ride? Hmph, indeed! Hmm, sigh. Ha, but Ill see what he does next!"
As Commander Boyue led the horse closer, Ah Jun gradually noticed that the horse looked a little familiar. Then he suddenly turned his head to look at the red rabbit beside him, and then turned back to compare it.
—Well? There are more than just two... They look almost identical. Could it be that its not the only one?
"We know you are afraid of heights, so I specifically told Boyue to bring it!"
"Well... but it depends on fate!"
—Us... who else? The princess and Yuwen Lu... Wait, that cant be the Empress Dowager... Oh, thats terrifying! Ah, I get it—maybe its the Retired Empress Dowager... Hmm, shes such a kind old lady, but I probably cant keep my promise...
" lot or luck by which people are brought together ?"
After a moments deliberation, the bewildered child voiced his second inner dilemma. Naturally, there was also the concern about timing—after all, land and air transport differ significantly in speed. While Xiao Xi and Ning er should arrive in time, as for him, given the current situation, it seemed somewhat uncertain...
"Hi, dont make a big deal out of it--no problem... try?"
—Hmph! Even a princess cant tame this horse, and you, a total rookie, think you can ride the Red Hare? Dont cry Mom when youre done!
However, the little princess knew something about the new horse in front of her, but now she saw her right hand on her left elbow, her face a little unwell, and she said to herself.
As for Ah Jun, his mind was full of doubts at this moment--question one, what is it? And, can I ride well... So, will it be in time?
The childs innate sensitivity and naivety had already planted many little fantasies in his mind. Then Ah Jun, still in a daze, turned his head hesitantly and looked again at the horse, suddenly revealing an ignorant foolishness...
"How about them two..."