After a few days, the time for the ceremony had arrived, and all the invited guests made their way to the party, none of them eager to attend a celebration in the midst of mourning.
However, the crowd was filled with princes and princesses, and the question on everyone's mind was "Who will rule this kingdom?"
The guests arrived and stood waiting for the new king to make his appearance. Minghao grew impatient, expressing his dissatisfaction. "The king must not take his words lightly," he muttered. "Does he think we are his servants? Why does he keep us waiting like this?"
Mimi Let out a yawn and chimed in, "I'm just sad to have gotten up so early."
Lingjie offered a different perspective, saying, "He isn't making us wait for no reason. Haven't you seen that everyone here is rich and important? He could be planning a shocking surprise or perhaps something more sinister."
Suddenly, a figure appeared, dressed in red from head to toe. Tall with long black hair and sharp features, he descended the stairs holding the hand of a girl also dressed in red. It was the missing crown prince – Hao Ran – and the girl with him was none other than Nana.
The moment the revelation hit them all, the smiles vanished from their faces, and a myriad of thoughts ran through their minds.
As Hao Ran descended, he sneaked a brief glance at Minghao and Shushin before trying to avert his gaze and put on a smile. Shushin couldn't help but smile in annoyance when she noticed his attempt to avoid her gaze.
The palace was filled with an awkward silence, broken only by the whispers of the attendees, who were now busy speculating about the identity of the new queen and the reasons behind Hao Ran's sudden reappearance.
Hao Ran reached the bottom of the stairs with Nana, his grip on her hand firm as he turned to address the crowd. "Greetings, everyone," he began, his voice steady and authoritative. "I apologize for the delay. There were some last-minute preparations to attend to."
Hao Ran stood before the assembled crowd, his voice confident and clear as he addressed them: "I am sure you are well aware of my identity, Prince Hao Ran. I have recently gone through a harrowing accident. However, it was thanks to Nana that I survived, and she nursed me back to health. The arrow struck my heart, making recovery especially difficult. Therefore, it took time for me to fully recover."
Hao Ran paused, his face taking on a more solemn expression. "I admit that I was ashamed to return as a crown prince with such a problem,"
"So, I decided to exercise and strengthen myself to make a worthy return," he continued with determination. "I regret that my return has caused disruptions, but it is not too late to fix things. I will make things even better than they were before, so do not worry. Now, I also wish to announce something that may be late, but nonetheless crucial: Nana and I are engaged."
Li Xin couldn't help but laugh, trying to contain his amusement, but his composure eventually shattered, and he hurled the cup he held onto the floor, it shattered against the cold tiles with a loud clatter. Li Xin swiftly turned and left the area in a huff, and in response Shushin signaled to Mimi to follow him. Mimi, on the other hand, nodded, and went running after Li Xin.
Once Hao Ran had concluded his speech, he gave the order for everyone to proceed with the ceremony.
Shushin made her way to leave the place, but she was halted in her tracks by Jianguo, who questioned her intentions.
"Where are you going?" he asked.
Shushin responded, "I will take a walk around the palace, as I may not have another opportunity to do so."
Jianguo responded, "I'll go with you, as this place is my home after all."
Shushin pushed his outstretched hands away and stated firmly, "No, I want to go alone."
She proceeded to exit the place, and Jianguo watched her go, a mix of emotions reflected in his eyes – disappointment and resignation.
Shushin entered the room and headed towards the king's grave, her gaze fixed on the white roses placed there. In the midst of them, she tossed a single black orchid rose. Hao Ran, who was already present, turned and smiled as he noticed her action.
"You still love orchids," he said, a hint of sadness in his voice.
Shushin looked up at him, a mix of anger and sorrow in her eyes. "Why did you have to name this wicked kingdom after them?" she demanded, her voice trembling. Hao Ran approached her, taking her hands in his own.
"I wanted to remember you, always," he murmured, his tone sincere and vulnerable. Shushin, however, pushed his hands away, her voice firm and resolute. "Well, that's good, because I'm leaving, I'm going home," she declared.
Hao Ran stared at her, his expression darkening at her words. "Home? What home?" he retorted; his voice tinged with frustration. "We are together now, we are supposed to be together, sister, so why are you leaving? Stay with me."
"Haoran, why did you have to be so cruel?" Shushin's eyes welled up with tears, her voice thick with sadness and disappointment. "Everything you did, you did in the name of us, for me. But don't pin the blame on me for your mistakes. I'm leaving, because I cannot stop you, and I cannot bear to watch your descent..."
Hao Ran gently grabbed her shoulder, determination in his eyes. "Sister, everything I did, I did for us, for you," he repeated, his voice pleading. But Shushin quickly pushed him away, anger rising in her voice as tears streamed down her face.
"Stop lying to yourself!" she exclaimed, her voice rising in volume. "You were playing, and I was a pawn in your game! You wanted me to have nothing so I would never leave, so I would always have to choose you. Don't try to put it on me!"
Her eyes were aflame with emotion, a mix of anger and sadness. "I'm leaving," she stated firmly. "And I hope we never meet again, because the next time we will, it will be your downfall."Hao Ran smiled sadly, his eyes meeting hers with a mixture of resignation and regret. Slowly, he pulled his hands away from her, the connection between them reluctantly breaking. In a quiet, resigned tone, he admitted, "You're the only one I wouldn't mind dying by your hands."
Hao Ran's confession hung in the air, his declaration of acceptance to the danger posed by her hands. It was a stark admission, revealing the depth of his vulnerability and trust in her, even in the face of potential destruction.
His smile was tinged with sadness as he spoke, acknowledging the irony of his statement. The one person who could potentially harm him the most was also the one he trusted the most. It was a bittersweet revelation, a testament to the complexity of their relationship and the deep bond they shared.
Hao Ran's vulnerability was laid bare in those words, his admission that he would rather die at her hands than anyone else's. It was a display of trust, a testament to the strength of the connection between them, even in the face of potential harm.
Hao Ran stood there dumbfounded, watching her turn around and stride out of the room, the sound of her footsteps fading in the distance. The king's grave was left alone, surrounded by white roses and a lone black orchid, a symbol of the complex and turbulent bond between the siblings.
The silence that followed was deafening, broken only by the soft rustle of the breeze blowing through the chamber. Hao Ran stood there for a moment, his mind reeling, his heart heavy with regret and sadness. He looked down at the black orchid, its dark petals stark against the whiteness of the roses, and his eyes filled with a mixture of anger, resignation, and longing.
The realization that his actions had driven away the one person he cared about the most hit him with brutal force. He clenched his fists and closed his eyes, a wave of self-loathing washing over him.
Shushin, standing silently outside, quietly whispered to herself, almost as if she was weaving a tale for her own ears. "Long ago, I came back to that house, and I could always feel his presence by my door. My spear nearly plunged into his heart, but I feigned ignorance. I imagined that the young boy had returned, yet growing up meant I could no longer laugh in his face as I once did."
Her voice trembled as she continued, "The past cannot be relived, and when I saw him in the palace that day, my worst fears were confirmed.
"He still burned my pain, fueling my desire to leave," she murmured, her voice tinged with a mixture of rage and sadness. "Deep down, I knew that only he and Churan could destroy everything."
As she spoke, Shushin's thoughts became more intense, her emotions roiling beneath the surface. "But the truth is, the one person I'm most afraid of is Hao Ran," she confessed, her voice barely a whisper.
"His cunning, his cruelty, his power – they all terrify me," she continued, her voice quivering. "Yet even knowing that, I can't bring myself to hate him completely. Instead, a strange mixture of feelings churns within me, a tangle of love, fear, and anger."
Shushin paused for a moment, and then added, almost to herself, "Perhaps it's because, somewhere deep down, I know that his flaws are what make him. And despite everything, I can't bring myself to truly hate the person I've loved for so long…"
With that, Shushin fell silent, her thoughts swirling in her mind like a tempest. The conflicting emotions she felt towards Hao Ran were a complex web, interwoven with memories of the past and the uncertainty of the present. But even amidst the turmoil, one thing was clear – her heart was torn between the love she had for him and the fear he instilled in her...
…
Everyone gathered at Shushin's house after the ceremony, Ziyi's voice filled the room, her words tinged with disbelief. "I can't believe Nana," she exclaimed. "With her parents just passed away, how can she just get with Haoran in front of everyone?"
Lingjie nodded in agreement, adding his own thoughts to the mix. "Haoran's words ring hollow to me."
Amid the confusion, Shushin spoke up. "I can't stay here anymore," she declared. "I'm going back to the Magic Kingdom. What do all of you think about coming with me?"
Lingjie interjected, a frown on his face. "But isn't it forbidden for people from this kingdom to enter the Magic Kingdom?" He questioned.
"You are correct," responded Shushin. "However, I believe I can solve that issue."
With a determined look on her face, Shushin continued, "To be perfectly honest, much of the trouble that's afflicted us was orchestrated by Haoran and Churan."
Minghao, still reeling from the betrayal, voiced his astonishment. "What do you mean?" he asked, disbelief etched on his face.
"The chaos that unfolded in Ho Castle was her doing," Shushin explained, "and so were the killings. The injury that befell Haoran was also a result of Churan's actions."
"However," she continued, "the fire and other calamities were instigated by Haoran. He," she paused, her expression filled with gravity, "he is the illegitimate son of the king, he's my mother son."
Jianguo was taken aback by the revelation, his hand involuntarily releasing the cup it had been grasping. Shushin's voice cut through the air, her tone edged with exhaustion. "Please, can you control yourself," she implored. "My nerves are completely shattered because of you."
She took a moment to recompose herself before continuing, "I understand it's a shock, but he truly is my brother. That's why I cannot remain in this kingdom."
Minghao interjected, seeking clarification, "Is that why you grew upset when we spoke of your hometown? And why you went on a walk in the palace, and helped him in ho castle? You knew who he was from the very beginning, correct?"
Shushin, still gathering up the fragmented glass, replied, "Yes, I knew of his identity all along. From the moment I laid eyes on him, I recognized him immediately. It's difficult to forget someone who has consistently encircled you."
She paused for a moment, her expression thoughtful before continuing, "He thought his identity was concealed, but I saw everything. He was observing me discreetly, yet I noticed all."
Lingjie, seeking further understanding, asked, "So then, does that mean you and Jianguo are siblings?"
Ziyi, overhearing the conversation, slapped the back of Lingjie's head in response. "Considering the gravity of the situation, why are you concerning yourself with such trivial matters? They certainly aren't siblings, sharing neither the same mother nor father."
Despite Ziyi's rebuff, Lingjie pressed on, his curiosity piqued. "But even if they lack shared parents, it's still an unusual circumstance – they have a common brother. How could their relationship turn into anything more?"
Shushin chuckled softly, her eyes glimmering with an unreadable emotion. "Of course," she responded. "I regard him as my brother." Her words hung in the air; a statement devoid of deeper implications.
Meanwhile, Jianguo's laughter reverberated through the room, yet beneath his outward display of humor, his eyes betrayed a profound sense of pain. The unfolding situation and the complex relationships had undoubtedly left him deeply affected.
He stood there, a mixture of conflicting feelings swirling within him, knowing that the dynamics had forever changed. The future path they would tread was uncertain, and the secrets that had been unveiled had irreparably altered the foundation upon which they stood.
Shushin's question hung in the air, her serious expression adding weight to her words. "If you come with me, you'll have to leave everything behind. Things and people there are different, even me. When we go, I won't be the same person as you know. Are you prepared to accept my truth without questions or anger?"
Minghao responded without hesitation. "I am absolutely willing to go anywhere with you."
Shushin, a hint of concern in her eyes, questioned, "But aren't you the owner of your family hospital? You are the only grandson of your family, and you're also Hao Ran's friend. He probably wouldn't harm you, so why not stay here?"
Minghao met her gaze, his determination evident. "You told me to grow up and let go of the past. Money and fame don't quite suit me. I'm willing to risk my life for you.
He then looked at the others, noticing their looks, silently signaling them to refrain from intervening in their conversation. In a soft tone, he added, "That's because you're my friend, and I owe you a debt as well."
Shushin's expression softened a bit at his words. "Well then," she began, "we have learned everything about this city. Pack your things because we have a long journey ahead. How about you guys, will you come?"
Ziyi, her resolve firm, spoke up, "Yes, I have decided. I will not defend this kingdom for even a single moment."
"Ziyi is my only family," Eugene chimed in. "I can't leave her. Besides, Shushin, you're my sister. I'm definitely going with you."
They turned their attention to Lingjie, awaiting his response. "Well, I don't mind," he said with a glimmer of excitement in his eyes. "I love adventures. I wouldn't miss the opportunity to go to the Magic Kingdom!"
"But" Lingjie continued, "there's still something we don't know. What about everyone's relationship to the king? I only know about you and Jianguo."
Shushin sighed, a hint of resignation in her voice. "Ziyi mentioned that you are quite curious, didn't she?"
"Excuse me, what does that mean?" Lingjie responded, his curiosity piqued. Ziyi quipped, "Just shut up."
"It means," Shushin answered, her gaze steady, "that you're the only one who doesn't know everyone's connection to the king."
Ziyi added, rolling her eyes at Lingjie's obliviousness. "You really are thickheaded sometimes."
The others couldn't help but stifled their laughter at Lingjie's expense, amused by his characteristic lack of awareness.
Lingjie, sensing the chuckles, feigned a melodramatic air of offense. "My, my, what a loving bunch you are! Just shower me with your affection, why don't you?"
Ziyi smirked, unbothered by his theatrics. "Oh, please. We wouldn't want to overwhelm your delicate sensibilities."
Eugene joined in, a teasing smile playing on his lips. "Yes, we wouldn't want you to faint from the sheer adoration."
Ziyi and Eugene shared a look, their amusement growing at Lingjie's mock indignation. "What ever should we do with this easily flustered creature?" Eugene remarked, shaking his head in playful dismay.
Lingjie, trying to salvage his dignity, crossed his arms. "Oh, please, I am perfectly fine, thank you very much. I can handle your 'affection' just fine."
Shushin chuckled at the playful banter, "Oh, truly? Your blushing face says otherwise."
"Blushing? Me? Never." Lingjie tried to vehemently deny, a hint of a blush rising on his cheeks. Ziyi and Eugene exchanged knowing glances, clearly enjoying every moment of his flustered state.
Mimi's voice was hopeful in the air, as she reminded Shushin, "Li Xin and I will stay here. I can send for you anytime, and we can meet whenever we want, right?"
Shushin's heart felt heavy with sorrow at the thought of parting from her friend once again. However, she didn't want to show her sadness and instead, she responded calmly, "Of course, but please stay in my house for your own safety."
Shushin met Jianguo's gaze, her expression solemn. "I think this may be our final meeting," she began, her voice tinged with sadness. "While I didn't hope for this day to arrive so soon, I am grateful for your kindness and for saving me."
Jianguo's tone was filled with bitterness, as he replied, "I suppose I cannot claim the first place in your life."
Shushin took a deep breath before continuing, "Neither of us can become the first in each other's life. Did you hear what my brother said?"
Eugene interjected, his voice calm and firm. "The king has arranged an engagement for you without your knowledge. Haoran will finalize the engagement, and you will soon marry your future wife."
Jianguo's anger flared, his face betraying his disbelief and shock. "What are you talking about?" he exclaimed, his voice taut with emotion. "How can this be true?"
Lingjie, who had intervened in the conversation, said, "I think a man like him, who is inherently cruel and ruthless, will not meet an end so easily. He should pull some people down with him."
Shushin sought to pacify Jianguo's anger, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Don't succumb to unjust treatment," she advised, her tone steady. "If your future wife is a decent person, treat her kindly. But if she's not, don't hesitate to leave her. Don't let your life and hers be wasted."
Jianguo, his emotions raw and conflicted, responded with a sense of resignation. "Me? Who will return the life that has slipped from me without my awareness?"
Shushin, her expression a mix of empathy and understanding, spoke her final words, her voice soft. "Life cannot be rewound, and those moments are lost forever. But you now have a choice of how to move forward. It is in your hands to make the best of the time you have left."
The room fell silent, each person feeling the poignancy of the moment and pondering the paths their lives would take. Life, with its unexpected turns and difficult choices, had brought them to this crossroads, where their paths diverged, leaving an air of melancholy and contemplation in their wake.