Pondering this, Bing Yi returned to her room. Suddenly, Xiao Jin’s voice echoed in her ears. Yes, how could she have forgotten? It must be the effect of the “Cold Transformation Pill” – the pill that Xiao Jin had risked losing all his martial arts to help her obtain! Bing Zhi couldn’t help but feel touched. At first, she hadn’t thought much of it, believing it was just an ordinary relief medicine, but the effect was so remarkable. No wonder Xiao Jin had been so desperate.
She still clearly remembered Wang Bo’s words, that Xiao Jin had been deeply concerned about her. At the time, the situation was chaotic, but now it seemed not without reason. What was the unfinished meaning behind Wang Bo’s words? Perhaps only her mother could explain everything.
If Xiao Jin truly had her best interests at heart, could she set aside her hatred and dedicate herself wholeheartedly to this relationship for the rest of her life? Bing Zhi couldn’t help but ask herself.
Chapter Seven: Secret (Part 1)
“What are you thinking about so deeply?” This was the first time Yun Qi had seen Bing Zhi look so lost, her face bewildered, yet a soft and yearning emotion flickered in her eyes. He knew it was due to her personality, but he couldn’t help feeling uncomfortable.
“Ah, I was just thinking about the events of the past few days. I haven’t had a chance to sit down and think about them.” Bing Zhi was interrupted from her thoughts by Yun Qi’s voice.
“Are you thinking about him?” Despite hesitating, Yun Qi finally asked.
“Who?”
“Xiao Jin.”
Bing Zhi blushed instantly, feeling somewhat at a loss. This wasn’t her usual demeanor.
Yun Qi understood Bing Zhi’s inner thoughts immediately. He loved the woman before him, but the man she was thinking about was not himself, but someone named Xiao Jin. He forced a smile and teased, “So even my master can be shy.”
Bing Zhi didn’t know how to respond, and they sat in silence, facing each other.
“Knock, knock.” Someone knocked on the door.
“Come in,” Yun Qi called out.
“Young Master, the ship has docked. Would you like to disembark?” It was a young attendant.
“Okay, go prepare.”
“Yes.”
“The ship’s navigation is quite good. We’ve docked without any sensation.” In fact, Bing Zhi knew these sailors were not ordinary people; most had martial arts skills. This ship likely belonged to Luoxia Palace. Everyone on board called Yun Qi “Young Master” rather than “Young Lord,” indicating they were all from Luoxia Palace.
“Mm, let’s go,” Yun Qi said flatly, seeming in a poor mood.
Bing Zhi said nothing more, following Yun Qi off the ship.
“What a hidden paradise!”
Yun Qi exclaimed, looking at the scene before him.
Although it seemed to be a dense plum forest before docking, with nothing special, being inside revealed a surprisingly open view, with many important passages visible on the island. What surprised Yun Qi even more was that despite being near summer, the plum blossoms on this island had not fallen.
“This is the marvel of the formation. It relies on different perspectives and positions to change the array. It’s not really a transformation, just that the human eye sees different things and assumes it has changed,” Bing Zhi explained, nodding slightly. “Are you well-versed in the Five Elements and Eight Trigrams?”
Yun Qi shook his head, “Not really. Just a little knowledge. Without your guidance, I’d probably be lost in this plum forest. I’ve never seen such a formation. Why did your mother set up such an array?”
“Just stay close to me later. The view changes with even a slight difference in distance. As for this formation, it’s actually just for self-protection. Besides, she doesn’t want to see old acquaintances again.”
“Okay, I’ll be careful,” Yun Qi said, sensing Bing Zhi’s reluctance to discuss the topic further, and he didn’t press the matter.
The woman originally had her eyes closed, seemingly asleep, but upon hearing Bing Zhi’s voice, she opened her eyes. Not surprised by her appearance, she smiled and said: “Are you still calling me master? I have now been freed from the past, and that formation no longer needs to exist.”
I planted the plum trees because Chong loved them most!”
“Why? After so many years, why now?” Bing Zhi was puzzled.
“It’s because I, as a mother, have wronged you. After you left, Wang Bo brought Xiao Jin, who told me everything that happened at the time. I was blinded by hatred, never thinking carefully about those things. I harmed you, causing you to lose your true nature, to be consumed by hatred, to practice martial arts from a young age, unable to be happy and carefree like other children.” Tears began to flow down her face.
“Mother! I truly can’t understand why you’ve changed so much after just over three months. What exactly did Xiao Jin tell you? Why are you like this? Are you sick? I’ll go find him and settle the score!”
“Daughter, don’t go! He simply spoke the truth.” The woman’s gaze suddenly became deep, as if seeing beyond this time and space.
Chapter Eight: Secret (Part 2) (1)
During the reign of the previous emperor, Xiao Chong was the crown prince, and Xiao An was the second prince. These two were the most valued princes by the previous emperor, both young talents who were politically astute, standing out among the many princes.
The previous emperor was hesitant between these two and believed his health was still good, so the position of heir remained undecided.
Xiao An and Xiao Chong were in their prime, sharp and competitive, yet they maintained a mutual respect, bringing all their competitions to the surface, creating a positive rivalry that pushed the court to its peak.
Unfortunately, good times don’t last. This golden age lasted less than a year before the previous emperor suddenly fell ill.
Many ambitious ministers raised the issue of succession, pressuring the emperor to make a decision. Although neither wanted to destroy each other, Xiao An and Xiao Chong each had their own advisors and supporting officials. The two factions privately competed, forcing them into opposition. The court was soon in turmoil.
Finally, the emperor’s prolonged coma brought the struggle for the throne to its peak, almost reaching a white-hot intensity. Even though Xiao An and Xiao Chong had no desire to compete, the forces behind them would not back down.
In less than half a month, Xiao An’s officials colluded with the imperial guards, rushed into the palace, hastily proclaimed Xiao An as emperor, and reduced the previous emperor to a retired emperor. Ostensibly, they claimed it was to let the retired emperor recuperate in a quiet part of the palace, but in reality, they placed him under house arrest.
Xiao Chong originally did not want to compete for the throne with his brother, but his subordinates were dissatisfied with Xiao An’s ascension, believing Xiao An had usurped the throne unforgivably!
They contacted various parties and planned a rebellion, intending to assassinate Xiao An during the ceremony conferring Xiao Chong the title of King of Jing and seize the throne.
Unexpectedly, this conspiracy was discovered by spies planted by Xiao An’s subordinates. They prepared in advance, ready to immediately capture Xiao Chong’s forces at the first sign of rebellion.
On the day of the conferral ceremony, despite Xiao Chong’s forces believing their plan was foolproof, they were completely captured.
Xiao Chong was unaware but could not escape responsibility. Xiao An had originally wanted to suppress the matter and save his brother, but Pei Yi was ruthless, insisting that the officials demand Xiao An execute his brother, with poison already prepared.
Xiao An could not withstand the officials’ pressure. Understanding these stakes, he was forced to reluctantly execute his own brother.
Xiao Chong did not resist, calmly accepting death. He preferred to be the one to die.
