"Prince, you've never given Yun'er a chance to explain. Yun'er has already conveyed the message to you. The incident that night was orchestrated by Mingyue Villa. How could Yun'er harm you? Even if you give me a thousand reasons, Yun'er would never be capable of harming you."
"You waited all this time just to say that."
His cold and merciless tone plunged Su Ziyun's heart to the depths.
"Prince, do you truly refuse to forgive Yun'er?" Su Ziyun lowered her gaze, tears streaming down her face. She had sacrificed so much to be with this man, but in the end, she had gained nothing.
Junlintian looked at her coldly. "How can I forgive you? You betrayed me by getting involved with another man. Every time I see you, I feel a sense of humiliation. But if you want to stay by my side, I don't mind."
Suddenly, Junlintian lifted Su Ziyun's chin, looking at her teary eyes without a trace of pity.
"It's a pity your face has been ruined. And to think you and your sister share the same father. How can there be such a stark difference?"
Junlintian abruptly released Su Ziyun, shaking off his hand in disgust.
However, Su Ziyun was frozen in shock at Junlintian's words. The implication was clear: was she not as beautiful as her sister, Suzimo?
"Prince... it was Suzimo who ruined us," Su Ziyun almost blurted out, looking at him incredulously.
"Indeed, she ruined us. If not for you, Suzimo would have been my princess. Look at her now, and then look at you. I can't even compare the two of you. Considering you have followed me for many years, I won't hold you accountable. Do as you please!"
After Junlintian finished speaking, he turned away resolutely.
"Wu...!" Su Ziyun slumped to the ground, watching Junlintian's departing figure, sobbing uncontrollably in the pitch-black night, feeling immensely desolate.
In the shadows, Yafu watched Su Ziyun's plight with great delight. That man had always belonged to her. Even in the end, the woman standing beside him would only be her.
Butler Lin Puda quietly left after witnessing everything. Soon, a carrier pigeon flew into Mingyue Villa.
In the Su Residence, two figures stealthily made their way inside and quickly entered the courtyard where Su Weichen resided.
Su Zimo was engrossed in designing jewelry patterns, while Muyun Xuan looked over the account books.
Suddenly, a gurgling sound came from the window. Su Zimo raised her gaze, set down her pen, and walked towards the window.
Taking off the bamboo tube attached to the carrier pigeon, she released the bird once again.
Su Zimo opened the note and found it empty. Muyun Xuan looked puzzled. "Why is there nothing written on it?"
"Junlintian is cautious, so I am cautious as well. This paper is special and will reveal the writing only when it comes into contact with water."
Saying that, Su Zimo gently lifted the tea beside her and evenly dropped it onto the note. Soon, several lines of text appeared.
Muyun Xuan looked astonished. "Mo'er, this is incredible. Even if Junlintian suspects something after seeing this blank paper, there is no evidence."
Muyun Xuan was shocked by how Su Zimo had invented such paper.
"That's right. Junlintian is very cautious now. If it weren't for his confidant, he wouldn't believe anyone," Su Zimo read the words on the note.
She continued, "It says, 'Junlintian's recent behavior has been unusual. He is practicing some kind of treasure to enhance his cultivation. His strength is increasing day by day. Moreover, he has secretly taken Su Ziyun to the Sanwang Mansion.'"
"Practicing?" Muyun Xuan furrowed his brows. "Junlintian has always desired the throne. Previously, he was busy plotting against the Crown Prince, but now he suddenly remembers to practice cultivation?"
"Muyun Xuan, don't you find this situation peculiar?" Su Zimo frowned at him.
"If there's something wrong, it's that Junlintian returned unscathed from Bugui Mountain."
Muyun Xuan had been regretting that incident all along.
"Perhaps Junlintian has stumbled upon some treasure in Bugui Mountain. Otherwise, he wouldn't change his behavior and talk to me like this."
Su Zimo sighed inwardly, feeling more discontent with Junlintian.
"Oh! Mo'er, are you drawing rings?" Muyun Xuan suddenly noticed the intricate patterns on the table, one large and one small, delicate in design.
"Oh! These are the jewelry pieces I'm preparing to sell in the second half of the year. That's a couple's ring, designed for people in love. It's a meaningful ring. Although there are countless symbols of love, the couple's ring is special. It can bring warmth to love, add points to love, and give a tender expectation to couples immersed in the river of love. It's a commitment of the heart," Su Zimo explained passionately, her eyes shining with a unique color. She had always been fond of gemstones with a touch of mystery.
Unbeknownst to her, Muyun Xuan's eyes flickered with a hint of brilliance, as he already had his own thoughts.
Su Zimo's delicate lips slightly closed, and in her captivating dark eyes, there seemed to be a hint of anticipation and longing. As a woman, she had always yearned for the beauty of love. She raised her gaze and looked deeply at Muyun Xuan. Could he be the one who would walk hand in hand with her until the end? If so, she would have no regrets about crossing into this era.
"Mo'er, your idea is very romantic. It will be sought after by many young ladies and gentlemen," Muyun Xuan remarked, amazed by her unique ideas and her ever-changing thoughts. He admired her diligence and confidence.
"I'm tired. Let's discuss anything else tomorrow." Su Zimo turned and walked toward the inner chamber's bed.
Muyun Xuan smiled brightly, as his intentions aligned perfectly.
Time passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, it was the day of the national celebration. These past few days had been calm, but the tranquility made Su Zimo feel like it was the calm before the storm.
Early in the morning, the noble ladies from various influential families in the capital were busy with preparations for the national celebration.
Muyun Xuan had already sent the clothes for Junzixi back to Yun City early in the morning. When Junzixi saw them, she was delighted by the peach-colored garments with their fresh and exquisite design, praising Su Zimo for being filial.
In Mingyue Villa, Su Zimo was also included in the invitation.
Nalan Wenhao had insisted on the three siblings acknowledging their ancestral roots and requested that they all enter the palace together. Unable to resist their father and mother, even Nalan Yi persuaded them.
Helpless, Su Qingjue and Su Zinian reluctantly agreed.
Su Zimo knew that this trip to the palace would be more dangerous than auspicious, so she instructed her two sons to bring their treasures with them and adapt accordingly once they entered the palace.
Due to his special identity, Heyun Ting had never mentioned it to Su Zimo. But Su Zimo also didn't bring up the matter of him entering the palace. Early in the morning, Heyun Ting went out for business negotiations, and Su Zimo let him be. If Yun Ting didn't want to face it, she would respect his decision.
As for Murong Shaofeng, he would be entering the palace today following the customs of the Star Moon Kingdom. After informing Su Zimo, he returned to his own courtyard.
Four carriages slowly made their way to the palace.
Su Zimo originally intended to ride on Chiyun, but Muyun Xuan disagreed and insisted on them sharing one carriage.
"Holy Lord, Madam, we have arrived at the palace," Qingfeng, who was sitting outside the carriage, informed them.
"Understood."
Muyun Xuan was the first to step out of the carriage.
Looking around, Muyun Xuan furrowed his brows. At this moment, there were already dozens of carriages parked outside the palace, and the surroundings were filled with beautifully dressed men and women, chatting together in groups, creating a dazzling sight.
"Wow! Uncle, there are so many beauties outside!" Su Qi exclaimed, lifting the curtain to look outside.
"We can't call them beauties. Your two sisters are the true beauties," Nalan Wenhao smiled, genuinely fond of his two sisters.
"Hehe! Uncle, Qier loves hearing you say that," Su Qi responded, his face beaming. His mother was indeed outstanding in her appearance.
Su Lijing sat quietly without saying a word.
"Hey! You are the Cloud City Lord!" someone exclaimed upon seeing Muyun Xuan, unable to contain their surprise.
Muyun Xuan was elusive, and for ordinary people, it was even harder to catch a glimpse of him. This time, appearing in public, allowed them to feast their eyes.
As everyone was amazed and excited, a woman stepped out of the carriage. Her face was exquisitely beautiful, and she wore a unique and simple purple dress that exuded a sense of elegance. Especially her starry eyes, large and bright, clear and radiant, they had a captivating charm that even women couldn't resist. Her rosy lips were crystal clear, unlike the vibrant red of other women's rouge. It wasn't dazzling, but it was enchanting. With her lightly adorned beauty, she surpassed all the other women present.
Everyone couldn't help but be amazed. They couldn't help but wonder, who could possess such beauty? Although many young ladies and gentlemen had returned in the past few days and had some understanding of Su Zimo's situation, seeing her in person was still unfamiliar to many.