108 Reunion of Siblings

Setting aside my resentment toward Li Yexuan, the arrival of the child filled me with immense joy. It felt as though I had finally forged an unbreakable bond with the world, a continuation of my bloodline, leaving behind my own mark.

My hand gently caressed my abdomen. He was still so small; the child was innocent. Once he had come, there was no right for any of us to decide his fate. Besides, Li Yexuan was unaware of his existence. From now on, the child would be mine alone.

In the darkness, my eyes opened slowly, my pupils blending seamlessly with the black night. Such nights no longer frightened me. Countless times, I had stared into the void alone, reflecting on the path I had walked.

Huangfu Ziyun, did you truly think Mu Fan had forgotten her true nature? Content with a modest little gold and jade workshop and satisfied with a man’s sweet words, had the word “duty” ever truly left you? Born a princess, one might indulge in a little princess syndrome, but to be born a princess of a fallen kingdom meant either becoming a captive, forsaking your pride to cling to life; or living as a fugitive; or dying with grand ambition, ending a brief life with glory recorded in history; or, the last option, overturning the world and defying fate itself.

My gaze sharpened, as if it could pierce through the entire night. Li Yexuan, it’s time we settle accounts properly.

That night, I grew up rapidly. No matter the pain, I pulled out every memory and examined it thoroughly. From now on, I must never be so foolish again.

The next day, before dawn, I was already awake. After a sleepless night filled with countless thoughts of my younger brother ahead, how could I rest?

“Princess, why not sleep a little longer? You’re up so early,” A’fu appeared, still yawning.

“I can’t sleep. You came just in time—come, comb my hair. You’ve been gone for a year, and I’ve been quite careless.”

I smiled, handing her the sandalwood comb.

A’fu took it and expertly began tending to my long hair.

“What kind of hairstyle do you want, Princess?”

“Something simple will do.”

Her skilled hands gently gathered the hair near my temples, pinning it with a single pearl flower.

“You’re still the same, Princess—fond of simplicity. I remember when you wore your palace attire and a crown of jewels, how you threw a tantrum.”

Recalling that foolish time, I laughed aloud. After that, I often insisted on lightening my hairpins, but it was those grand ensembles that fully revealed my beauty, and my reputation spread far and wide.

“Princess, you should eat some breakfast. It should take about two hours to get there.”

I rose, and A’fu led me to breakfast.

I hadn’t expected the little maid to have matured so much in a year, no longer hiding in corners to slack off.

Never had two hours passed so slowly. I could barely wait, standing at the bow of the ship, staring into the distance.

“Ziyun.”

A weight settled on my shoulder as Dongfang Qingyu draped a cloak over me.

“You’re here.”

I didn’t turn to look at him.

“How many times have I told you? The sea breeze is strong, and we’re almost there. Why the rush?”

“Qingyu, do you know? I’ve dreamed of this day. For a whole year, countless dreams of us siblings reunited, dreaming of my younger brother safe and sound. In those dreams, I never wanted to wake. Now that it’s real, it still feels like a dream. I’m afraid I won’t hold up.”

My voice was calm, contrasting with the ceaseless waves.

“What do you have to fear? I’m here, and I’ve brought you all the way.”

I smiled at Dongfang Qingyu, our eyes meeting. “Meeting you is my fortune, Huangfu Ziyun’s fortune.”

“Accompanying you is my honor, Dongfang Qingyu’s honor.”

The sea wind whispered in my ear, and though I couldn’t catch the words, I smiled again. As I tried to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear, blown across my face by the wind, Dongfang Qingyu was quicker. As if he could read my thoughts, his hand brushed my hair.

“Ziyun, has anyone ever told you that you’re beautiful, a smile that could topple cities and kingdoms…”

His words made me step back two paces. The strand slipped from his fingers. His slender, fair hand clenched, but he couldn’t grasp the single lock.

Yes, Yun Heng had said I was beautiful.

This scene echoed that moment, tearing open the wound in my heart. Had I not fallen for Yun Heng, only to be used, would the tragedy have unfolded? You reap what you sow; a simple “You’re beautiful” is not to be taken lightly.

“Sorry, did I scare you?” Dongfang Qingyu tried to step forward but held back under my unyielding gaze.

“It’s nothing.” I turned away to look at the distance, ignoring the awkwardness behind me. There were no outsiders here; I didn’t care about the discomfort.

I thought Dongfang Qingyu would retreat to the cabin, but he remained silently behind me. I paid him no mind.

The vast sea stretched out, empty and indistinct. I continued to stare, as if the next moment what I longed for would emerge.

Sure enough, breaking through the dense mist, I saw it in the distance…

An island. I had named it Lingyun Island. Since Father’s passing, it had been given to me. At barely ten years old, I became the mistress of this island. Father never meddled in how I managed it, saying Lingyun Kingdom would one day belong to my younger brother, so the island was mine. He would never neglect his little princess. I had visited the island a few times; though small, it was enough.

The ship’s movement stirred the waves, chasing after us. The island grew clearer, as if parting the fog to reveal a rainbow’s glow.

Many people stood densely on the shore. At the front of the crowd was a shadowy figure. He was shorter than those behind him but taller and a little heavier than I had imagined. It seemed he was well.

Sensing the ship’s approach, I felt a crowd behind me—only Dongfang Qingyu and A’fu stood close.

The ship docked.

I hadn’t yet stepped down when the islanders knelt.

“Princess…”

These were the original islanders, survivors of Lingyun Kingdom.

“Everyone, rise.”

I moved to the edge of the ship but didn’t disembark.

Because I saw my younger brother approaching, his steps strong and steady—not like an eleven-year-old child. Tears fell with each step he took toward me. For every pace he gained, my tears fell more freely.

My body wavered, perhaps due to pregnancy and standing too long. Dongfang Qingyu quickly came behind me.

“Don’t panic.”

With a glance, he signaled, and A’fu hurried forward to support me.

My younger brother reached the ship’s edge quickly. I stood on the ship, he below, our eyes locked.

“Younger brother…”

“Sister, welcome home.”

He extended his hand, and I smiled, ignoring the breach of protocol, clasping his tightly. His grip was firm as he helped me down.

Walking side by side, I noticed he had grown half a head taller.

“Sister, you must be tired. Rest first.”

I nodded.

We entered the house arranged by my younger brother. Everyone else had left; only he and I remained.

“Sister…” The strong facade dropped, and he collapsed into my arms, tears streaming. We clung to each other, crying aloud.

“I’ve come back.”

“Sister, did you see Father and Mother? They said they have… they have…”

I patted his back, speaking slowly, “When I came looking, Father had already passed. Mother went with him. Before leaving, she told me to live well and forget hatred…” My voice trembled. We were orphans now, siblings relying on one another.

“It’s fortunate we still have each other.”

I pulled out a handkerchief to wipe his tears.

“Men don’t shed tears lightly. Our reunion is rare, so don’t cry so easily again. I can’t bear it.”

He nodded vigorously.

“I didn’t cry just now in front of everyone.”

“Well done.”

Suddenly, nausea overwhelmed me, and I collapsed to the floor. A dull pain pressed against my lower abdomen.

“Sister, what’s wrong? Don’t scare me!” He clung to me, shouting outside.

The islanders, unaware of my pregnancy, were confused. Fortunately, Dongfang Qingyu and A’fu, nearby, rushed back.

“Let go of your sister and call the doctor!”

My brother, only eleven, was slow to react.

“Ziyun,” Dongfang Qingyu lifted me gently and carried me inside.

“Qingyu, the child…” I couldn’t say more, pain stealing my words. I feared I might lose the baby.

“The child will be fine. Just stay strong.”

They laid me on the bed, and the doctor arrived promptly, prescribing medicine to protect the fetus. A’fu hurried to prepare the herbs.

The discomfort was nearly unbearable.

“Don’t sleep yet. Drink the medicine first. You’ve made it through the journey,” Dongfang Qingyu held my hand and said. I turned my head and saw my brother standing silently nearby.

“Go outside.”

Those two words escaped with difficulty. I didn’t want him to hear.

He tried to speak but was cut off by Dongfang Qingyu.

“Zijun, right? You go out first. I’m here with your sister. You’d only distract her.”

He nodded and left. I noticed his clenched fists, a brewing storm within him.

“You must be optimistic. You’ve jumped from cliffs far higher than this. This child is destined to be with you—it won’t leave.”

I nodded desperately.

The medicine was brought in.

Dongfang Qingyu fed me spoonful by spoonful.

The bitter taste wrinkled my brow, but I gritted my teeth and swallowed.