"Who are you...?" Su Qingjue choked on his words, unable to ask the question. If his guess was correct, how would the three siblings face the current situation?
Upon hearing her eldest brother's voice, Su Nian raised her eyes and froze in place, gazing silently at Situ Ruoyan's face.
She resembled her, just like the person in her memories, and also like her and Momo.
Su Zimo became even more puzzled, exchanging a quick glance with Mu Yunxuan.
Mu Yunxuan also felt that something was amiss.
"Yunhan, Yunfan, you should go back first!"
Mu Yunhan and Mu Yunfan looked at each other, nodded, and got up to leave.
Nalan Lixin remained seated, motionless.
"Jue'er, Nian'er, don't you remember your mother? Momo is still young, she can't recognize her mother, but can't the two of you recognize her either?" Situ Ruoyan looked at them with a face full of sadness, expectation, and longing.
Suddenly, Situ Ruoyan's words shocked everyone into silence.
Su Zimo's brows furrowed tightly. No wonder Golden Butterfly detected her presence in Nalan Yi. She had guessed correctly—she wasn't really dead. But why did she appear now, claiming to be their mother as the Queen of Li Xia? What was her purpose?
"Wow? Uncle, does that mean I become a prince in an instant?" Su Qi exaggeratedly joked, trying to ease the tense atmosphere.
It was the first time he felt such a heavy and oppressive atmosphere, even more so than being on the battlefield, making it hard to breathe.
"Qier, stop causing trouble," Su Li scolded sternly.
Su Li blinked his big eyes innocently and crawled into Mu Yunxuan's lap, who then lifted him onto his knee.
If they didn't say it, they didn't say it. But it should be fine to listen, right?
Situ Ruoyan's face was filled with excitement, tears glistening in her eyes.
"Qingjue, Nian'er, Momo, your mother is sorry for what happened to you three." Situ Ruoyan's voice was filled with guilt and a sobbing tone.
"Qingjue, Nian'er, Momo, it's all your father's fault. He was too weak and abandoned the three of you for over twenty years," Nalan Wenhao's words shocked everyone, leaving them at a loss.
Especially Mu Yunxuan. The King of Li Xia was actually Momo's father?
"What do you mean...?" Su Zimo abruptly stood up from the chair. He claimed to be their father, called her Momo, and even blocked a sword for her. They knew that they, the three siblings, had always been in Haoyue Kingdom. However, they had never returned to visit them even once.
"Momo, I'm sorry. Father has always known about your existence, but he was incapable and couldn't bring you back to Li Xia Kingdom."
Nalan Wenhao lowered his head with guilt. If the circumstances had allowed, he wouldn't have waited so long to bring them back home.
"Can an apology make up for everything? Can it make up for all these years?" Su Zinian shouted in excitement, the tassels on her head swaying with the force of her movement, producing a crisp sound.
On her tear-stained face, her eyes glared at Situ Ruoyan with hatred.
"Do you know? When you died, Momo was still very young and didn't understand anything. At that time, we were so scared. You can never understand. During the time right after your death, I had dreams every night of you abandoning the three of us. That dream lasted for a whole year. Every time I woke up from that nightmare, I convinced myself that you didn't abandon us, but that you were dead and would never come back. But now you suddenly appear. Why?" Su Zinian shouted in pain. She had already decided to leave them behind, so why did she come back? It would have been better to live as a queen and not return to acknowledge them.
"Nian'er, calm down. Perhaps Mother has her reasons?" Su Qingjue held Su Zinian's shoulders, trying to calm her down. In his memory, their mother had always been very kind to the three of them. He didn't believe that she would abandon them.
"What reason could justify her faking her death and abandoning her own children? Brother, no matter what her reasons are, she abandoned us," Su Zinian said, more excited than ever.
Su Zimo silently watched her. It was right for her sister to be excited and heartbroken. She inherited all of Su Zimo's memories. In her impression, her sister was always able to endure. Even after suffering mistreatment in the Su residence, she would still smile and cherish her younger sister Su Zimo. That love had settled in her heart, allowing her to feel that sisterly bond. That was why she hurried back on the day her sister got married.
"Nian'er, Mother knows that saying it was for too long is just an excuse. But Nian'er, at that time, Mother had no other choice. Staying in the Su residence, Mother truly believed she would die. That's why she faked her death with Jie's help. Mother thought she could quickly come back and take you all away. But she never expected that it would be so long," Situ Ruoyan explained, her voice filled with regret.
"Nian'er, if you want to blame someone, blame your father! It's all his incompetence that caused suffering for the three of you," Nalan Wenhao said, his voice filled with guilt.
"You should leave! We don't blame you. Since you decided to abandon us back then, you shouldn't have come back to acknowledge us," Su Zimo said coldly. In her entire life, no matter how much suffering she endured, the one thing she would never do was abandon her children. As a mother, she wanted to understand the decision she made back then, but what she couldn't agree with was abandoning her own children.
"Momo, Momo, calm down. Things in this world are unpredictable. Perhaps your mother and..." Su Qingjue glanced at Nalan Wenhao, "Perhaps Father and Mother had their reasons. After all these years, I understand the value of family."
Tears glistened on Su Qingjue's handsome face. He couldn't deny feeling angry, but even in his anger, he was grateful that both his father and mother were still alive.
"Brother..." Su Zinian shouted in disagreement.
Su Zimo fell silent. Perhaps her brother placed greater importance on this family bond. So be it. Let her eldest brother make the decision!
"Thank you, Qingjue. Thank you for giving Father a chance to explain," Situ Ruoyan said gratefully. Nalan Wenhao looked at her, shocked.
"Father and your mother never intended to abandon you all. Father just didn't want the three of you to suffer or die with us. Given the circumstances at that time, leaving you in Haoyue Kingdom was the safest option," Nalan Wenhao explained earnestly. He truly never intended to abandon his children, but he couldn't afford to jeopardize their safety.
"Nian'er, Momo, be calm. Perhaps Mother and Father had their reasons. Let's listen to them. After all these years, I understand how precious family is," Su Qingjue said, his voice trembling with emotion.
Su Zinian and Su Zimo exchanged glances. They understood their brother's perspective. Fine, let their elder brother make the decision.
"Thank you, Qingjue. Thank you for giving Father a chance to explain," Situ Ruoyan said with gratitude. Nalan Wenhao's eyes were filled with sorrow as he gazed out the window, his thoughts drifting far away.
In his mind, he recalled that gloomy day, with the setting sun casting a desolate atmosphere over the vast grasslands of Li Xia Kingdom.
"I was the designated crown prince of Li Xia Kingdom. The queen's son was cruel and heartless, so my father bypassed him and chose me as the future king. The former queen was furious upon learning this. Her son was the legitimate heir, but he couldn't inherit the throne because my mother was just the daughter of a tribal chieftain with no influence. The former queen developed a murderous intent towards me, and in order to protect me at all costs, my father sent me to Haoyue Kingdom. At that time, your mother was from Haoyue Kingdom. Given the circumstances, my father couldn't let me marry an ordinary foreign woman and risk exposing my identity, which would lead to my swift demise. So, your mother and I secretly married and soon had Qingjue. But the situation became more intense. The queen's people were closing in on Haoyue Kingdom, although they hadn't discovered my whereabouts yet. However, my true identity couldn't stay hidden for long. To prevent your mother from being implicated, I went into exile for two years. After returning to Haoyue Kingdom, I learned that your mother had married Su Weichen. But when I saw the letter she left me, I understood her reasons. Your mother didn't have the proper status to return to the Situ family. If she did, they would have quickly discovered her pregnancy. Helpless, she married Su Weichen. Later, after your mother's fake death, we lived in the most difficult border regions of Li Xia Kingdom for many years. In secret, I collaborated with my father, gradually dismantling the former queen's influence. It was only six months ago that my father passed away, and I was able to ascend to the throne smoothly. After settling all matters in Li Xia Kingdom, your mother and I couldn't wait to come to Haoyue Kingdom and acknowledge you three as our children."
Nalan Wenhao looked at them earnestly. "Qingjue, Nian'er, Momo, I say all this not to find excuses for abandoning you, but to let you know that we never intended to abandon the three of you. We only wanted to provide you with a better and safer living environment."
After listening to his father's explanation, Su Qingjue's fists tightened. How could they ever enjoy a life bought with the blood of others?
"What the king said is true, Qingjue, Nian'er, Momo. The king and queen have suffered greatly all these years. My father and the king are true blood brothers. One operates in the light, the other in the shadows. Together, they overthrew the former queen's influence. Li Xia Kingdom is now peaceful, all thanks to the king and queen's efforts."
"Brother, elder sisters, please forgive Father and Mother. They never forgot about you," Nalan Yixin hurriedly explained.
Following closely behind, Nalan Yixin entered the room.
"Wow! So you've become our little uncle?" Su Qi exclaimed in surprise, blinking her big eyes. Her mother had just dropped such a bombshell.
"Qier, yes, I was born in the border regions, and I have always heard Father and Mother talk about you and your sisters. That's why Yixin secretly came to Haoyue Kingdom to find out about your whereabouts," Nalan Yixin explained, stepping forward slowly.
"Brother, if you can forgive, then Momo won't say anything, right?" Su Zimo looked at Su Qingjue.
She knew that after hearing King Lixia's words, her brother's thoughts would change.
"Momo, as children, we can't be unfilial. There are no parents in this world who don't consider their children," Su Qingjue said, his voice filled with understanding.
Upon hearing his words, Su Zimo had to admit that her eldest brother was right. As a mother, she believed in that sentiment.
"Qingjue, Momo, Nian'er, thank you," Situ Ruoyan said, knowing that if her son forgave them, Nian'er and Momo would naturally forgive them too. The long-cherished wish of many years was finally coming true, and Situ Ruoyan wept tears of joy.
"Grandmother, Grandmother, Mother and Uncle have forgiven you. Grandmother should be happy," Su Qi jumped off Mu Yunxuan's lap and ran to Situ Ruoyan's side, her eyes shining.
Situ Ruoyan wiped her tears and smiled through her tears.
"You're truly a good granddaughter, come, let Grandmother hug you."
"That's right! Qi'er was sad because she couldn't see Grandmother's face. Now that she can see Grandmother, Qi'er is very happy. This is what a family reunion should be, right?"
The idea of a family reunion impacted Su Zinian. His eyes flickered as he looked at Situ Ruoyan, and his gaze softened.
Su Zimo walked towards Su Zinian and held his hand.
"Sister, family is precious. Sometimes, forgiveness brings more peace than holding onto hatred. Scars will heal eventually, but if we miss out on family, we'll become strangers. It's better not to be hurt," Su Zimo looked deeply into Su Zinian's eyes, believing that it was better not to be hurt than to be hurt.
"Zinian, life is not easy. Every family has its own struggles, and every person has their own hardships. What Momo said is right. What's already missed is missed. Father only hopes to give you a safe home from now on."
"Gold is not the most valuable thing, and no one is perfect. Even in the happiest of people, there are moments of helplessness. Aunt, why don't you forget the nightmares of the past and start a new life?" Su Li understood that a good mother would not want to see her children sad. A good mother would be willing to endure the pain of separation to protect her children, hoping they would survive. For the sake of seeing hope, no matter how long the journey, as long as there is hope, one will persevere, just like how their mother did for the three of them.
It was the first time Su Li had spoken such words, even Su Zimo was surprised by her usually calm son's words of comfort.
Su Zimo wiped away her tears and smiled at Su Li.
"Li'er, family warmth comes from dependence. Aunt will listen to you, Li'er." Su Zimo also found a way out. No child in the world would not long for their parents to be by their side. Although she was already an adult, she still wanted her mother to prepare her dowry when she got married. That would be the happiest moment for a daughter.
"Uncle Xu pays respects to Father-in-law and Mother-in-law," Mu Yunxuan knelt before Nalan Wenhao and Situ Ruoyan, respectfully bowing.
"Mu Yunxuan, are you crazy?" Su Zimo angrily shouted, but deep down, she was deeply moved by Mu Yunxuan's kneeling. He was such a proud person, yet he was still willing to kneel before her parents.
"Li'er, why do you say that? We are husband and wife, and your parents are naturally my parents as well," Mu Yunxuan smiled warmly at Su Zimo, his smile filled with genuine happiness. Su Qingjue smiled, expressing her satisfaction with Mu Yunxuan as her brother-in-law.
Nalan Wenhao and Situ Ruoyan were momentarily taken aback by Mu Yunxuan's kneeling gesture but quickly reacted. "Son-in-law, please rise," they said, and Nalan Wenhao personally helped Mu Yunxuan stand up.
Mu Yunxuan turned around and looked at the bewildered expression on Su Zimo's face. He curved his lips in a gentle smile, a glint of amusement shimmering in his eyes. "Li'er, you see, even Father and Mother have acknowledged me as their son-in-law."
Su Zimo's expression darkened, and she snorted coldly, "Mu Yunxuan, who agreed? Huh? We just went through a ghost marriage, and our marriage contract states that we are ghost husband and wife. During our living days, we had no relationship whatsoever. Don't go around telling everyone we're husband and wife, or I'll be embarrassed."
Su Zimo expressed her concerns in a single breath, although her heart was touched, she tried to maintain a tough front.
Mu Yunxuan simply listened quietly, his handsome face showing no signs of impatience or anger, and his eyes seemed to be filled with a playful smile.
Seeing his eerie expression, Su Zimo immediately stopped speaking. She didn't want to be tormented tonight, realizing that she couldn't win against Mu Yunxuan at the moment.
Su Qi's lips twitched, thinking that his mother always spoke with hidden meanings.
Su Qi shook his head, sounding like an old man as he said, "Mother... didn't you say that meeting is beautiful but loving is easy and getting along is difficult? Look, both you and Father are already sharing a bed and pillow. Mother, you shouldn't worry about it anymore."
"Meeting being beautiful refers to a moment of beauty beneath the peach blossoms, an instant of prosperity in a dream. But Father and I met inside a coffin, so what's so beautiful about that?" Su Zimo glared at Su Qi. How could he remember every single word she unintentionally said?
"Mother, your meeting with Father is very special, a good fortune that a person may not encounter even after several lifetimes. Mother should feel fortunate. Now, you should spend the rest of your life happily with Father."
"Yes, I should feel fortunate, fortunate for not dying and even coming back to life. But do you know what a lifetime means? A lifetime is not just a year, a month, a day, or an hour. It's not any of those, it's too long. I seem to be a bit afraid to try."
Su Zimo's expression turned cold, she huffed and looked at Mu Yunxuan with a forced smile, trying to hide her embarrassment, but deep down, she was ecstatic. Mu Yunxuan's mind had finally opened up, and she could finally hear some heartwarming words.
"Hehe!" Mu Yunxuan's pleasant laughter echoed in everyone's ears.
With her by his side, every day would be filled with sweetness.
"My heart also dares not to be tired. I will warm your entire life with my heart," Su Zimo said. "Mu Yunxuan, did you smear honey on your lips today?" Su Zimo blinked her eyes, gave him a playful look, disguising her embarrassment, but deep inside, she was ecstatic. Mu Yunxuan finally came to his senses, and she could finally hear a few heartfelt words.
"Hehe!" Mu Yunxuan's pleasant laughter echoed in everyone's ears. With her by his side, his mouth would be coated with honey every day.
Situ Ruoyan watched them bickering and exchanged a smile with Nalan Wenhao. This was the happiness they had been looking forward to. From now on, their family would truly be reunited.
"By the way, Dad, Mom, there are still a few days left until the celebration in Qingguo. You can temporarily stay at the Bright Moon Villa. It may be a bit simple, but it's relatively safe," Su Zimo said as she looked at them. It was for the best. Without forgiveness, they wouldn't have this current sense of peace.
"Good! Mo'er, your father and I couldn't ask for more. Thank you, Mo'er, Qingjue, and Nian'er. Thank you for forgiving your mother and father so quickly. Your mother will spend the rest of her life making it up to you," Situ Ruoyan said gratefully.
"Mother, the best compensation is that you've come back alive. We, the three siblings, don't ask for anything extravagant. In this dog-eat-dog world, Qingjue only hopes that our family can live happily and peacefully," Su Qingjue added. He didn't expect any compensation or anything else. He truly enjoyed the current way of life.
"Big brother, big sister, second sister, now our family is finally reunited. Why don't we have a delicious feast tonight?" Nalan Yi said excitedly. No wonder he felt a sense of familiarity when he first saw his second sister. It turned out she was his sister.
"Mother, what Little Uncle said is right. We should celebrate tonight," Su Qi clapped his hands. If he couldn't sleep in the alchemy room, then he would get drunk at the dining table. In Su Qi's life, the two most significant things were alchemy and eating.
"Eat, eat! All you know is eating. Even the pigs have to make way for you when you're eating," Su Zimo pretended to be angry but had the same idea in mind. Let's have a celebratory meal!
"Mother, according to the pig's aesthetics, Qier can be considered a handsome man. Qier won't compete with pigs for food, so don't worry!" Su Qi tilted his delicate face and smiled at Su Zimo.
And her words brought joy to everyone's hearts. Su Zimo looked at each of them, smiling softly and contentedly. It was enough. With them by her side—her parents, her older brother and sister, Mu Yunxuan and their son, and Xiner—Su Zimo considered herself truly fortunate.
"Alright then! Qier, go and ask the kitchen to prepare," Su Zimo gave the order, and Su Qi excitedly ran outside. The others shook their heads and smiled.
"By the way, Mo'er, your shop opened today, and I didn't have time to bring you anything. Xin'er also sent something...," Situ Ruoyan started to say.
"Mom, we're mother and daughter. Do we really need to exchange gifts?" Su Zimo interrupted Situ Ruoyan's words, suddenly realizing that calling her "mom" felt quite natural.