Xiao Yanshao's future is bright, evident at a glance. The princess can finally breathe a sigh of relief, no longer worrying about his safety.
Perhaps this is the day the dark clouds finally part to reveal blooming flowers. The Emperor has offered the princess marriage several times, but each time it ends in discord. One night, under the cold moonlight reflecting on the flowers, I accompanied her for a few drinks. Taking advantage of the wine's influence, I asked her why she wouldn't let go of the past and look forward to the future. The princess took a sip of wine, a faint blush on her face, her gaze cold and clear.
"Ever since I lost my true love, every day feels like I'm barely surviving, a walking corpse. How can there be talk of... the future?" Her fingers unconsciously caressed the wine glass. "Even though my beloved is gone, my heart remains unchanged. If you're here as the Emperor's spokesperson, then stop right there."
"I don't understand." I spread my palm, a petal resting on it. "What is so special about that Han man?"
She remained silent for a long time, closing her eyes. Just when I thought she was about to fall asleep, I heard her say, "No one compares to him. Blade and sword together, love in life and death... If it weren't for unfinished matters, I should have gone to join him long ago."
"I wonder if, in my lifetime, I will see the Golden Blade return to its sheath."
At eight or nine years old, alone and wandering the Song-Liao border... I don't believe her eldest son has such good fortune. Even if he truly survives in this world, with Heaven and Earth so vast and the Liao palace so heavily guarded, how could he possibly meet her?
I think she understands this too, yet stubbornly clings to that sliver of hope.