"The timber is already a boat; the rice is cooked.* I have sent word to my brother Emperor to annul the old Imperial edict binding you both to my service. In a few days... Sst, stop shaking your head... In a few days I shall be given the new decree setting both you and Jian free. In addition, Taizong rather surprisingly agreed to the fifteen years of back pay for your labour."
Li Ji raised her head and gave him a soulful glance. "Summer, winter, spring and autumn, seasons coming, seasons falling. Everything changes in this world, except my devotion to Your Highness that will stand the test of time."
The adversities of the past and the reasons they were able to sail past those storms came rushing to her as her tone went from downhearted to irritation then to air grievances. "You once said that because we are relatives not related by blood, that we are better than siblings and a couple. So why would you so wish to cut all ties with me? Were those words a lie?"
