Su Jin's reunion with Ye Lingyun was filled with surprise and contradiction. What should have been a warm family reunion was instead marked by the many years of separation and the divergent paths their lives had taken, making their relationship delicate and complicated. Ye Lingyun's sudden appearance stirred many questions in Su Jin's mind: Where had he been all these years? Why did he show up only now, at such a critical moment? Whose side was he on?
They returned to Su Jin's hideout, both remaining silent, seemingly unable to find the right words to break the tension. Su Jin sat at the table, her eyes calmly observing Ye Lingyun, while he kept his gaze lowered, as if contemplating how to speak.
There was a strange and indescribable awkwardness and unfamiliarity between them. The familial bond they once had had been replaced by the alienation caused by years of separation. Su Jin had an instinctive trust in Ye Lingyun, but that trust had been eroded by time and harsh realities. She knew that Ye Lingyun might no longer be the protective brother she once remembered.
At last, Ye Lingyun broke the silence. "I know you have many questions, and I will give you answers."
Su Jin said nothing, waiting quietly for his explanation. Although a long-lost sense of family affection stirred in her heart, she was no longer the girl who easily believed in others. She needed clear facts, not vague explanations.
Taking a deep breath, Ye Lingyun began slowly. "After the massacre of the Ye family, I was saved by someone and have been living in hiding ever since, evading the court's pursuit. During that time, I tried to find you and other family members, but I was powerless against the might of the court. I had no choice but to lie low."
He paused, a painful memory flickering in his eyes. "For years, I've been gathering strength in secret, waiting for the chance to avenge our family. I never expected to meet you again under these circumstances."
Su Jin's expression remained unchanged, her voice cold. "So why now? Where were you all these years when I was on the path of revenge?"
A complex look crossed Ye Lingyun's face, and he said softly, "Because I've learned a greater secret—one tied to the truth behind the Ye family's massacre."
Su Jin's heart tightened at his words, instantly reviving painful memories she had buried deep within. For years, she had believed that her family was killed because they were caught in the power struggles of the court's powerful ministers. However, Ye Lingyun's words seemed to hint at a deeper cause.
"What secret?" Su Jin's voice was low and icy, as if suppressing her inner rage.
With a grave expression, Ye Lingyun slowly explained, "The fall of the Ye family wasn't just because we were caught in the power struggles of the court. In reality, the Ye family's influence was far greater than we imagined. Our father held a significant imperial secret—one that involved the royal succession. This secret sparked conflicts between the royal family and the ministers, ultimately leading to the Ye family's extermination."
As Su Jin listened, a storm raged within her. She had never imagined that her family's destruction was tied to the imperial succession. Clenching her fists tightly, her gaze turned icy. "What was the secret?"
Ye Lingyun hesitated briefly before continuing. "It concerns the legitimacy of the imperial throne. There are rumors that the current emperor is not of true royal blood. Our family possessed evidence of this. If the truth were to be revealed, it would shake the foundations of the entire court."
Su Jin was so stunned that she couldn't speak for a moment. She had thought her revenge was aimed at the ministers responsible for her family's death, but now she realized she had been drawn into a far more intricate web of power struggles. This wasn't just about revenge—it was about the future of the entire dynasty.
"So, you've been gathering evidence all these years?" Su Jin asked, already guessing Ye Lingyun's plan.
He nodded. "Yes. I've been collecting proof of the emperor's illegitimacy. This is not just about revenge; it's about justice for our family."
Su Jin fell into deep thought. This new information complicated her path of revenge. She needed to reevaluate her goals and position. She could continue with her original plan of seeking vengeance, but now she understood that if the truth about the imperial succession were revealed, the entire court would be thrown into chaos.
Ye Lingyun's reappearance and his secret left Su Jin deeply conflicted. For years, she had walked the path of revenge alone, convinced that only she could avenge their family. Now, Ye Lingyun's return seemed to offer her a different path—one where they could overthrow the corrupt court by exposing the imperial secret.
Yet doubt still filled her heart. Though Ye Lingyun's plan seemed grand, she couldn't fully trust him. The years apart had created distance between them, and his secretive actions and long absence made her uneasy. She couldn't tell whether her brother still stood by her side or if he had ambitions of his own.
A few days later, Su Jin and Ye Lingyun had a deep conversation. She directly asked him, "What is it you really want? Revenge, or power?"
Ye Lingyun was silent for a moment before answering. "What I want is justice. The Ye family shouldn't have been unjustly slaughtered, and I won't forsake our revenge for personal ambition."
Su Jin nodded, but her doubts lingered. She understood that in this power struggle, anyone could be tempted—or even betrayed. She had to rely on herself while cautiously observing everyone around her.
Ye Lingyun's eyes held a determined gleam, but Su Jin couldn't be certain that his determination came from the same place as hers. The years of separation had taught her to be skeptical, and that skepticism was the reason she had survived.
Meanwhile, the Prince was quick to notice the changes in the relationship between Su Jin and Ye Lingyun. As a shrewd strategist, the Prince soon became aware of their sibling bond. Su Jin knew the Prince couldn't ignore Ye Lingyun's sudden appearance, and she, too, had to confront the suspicions that the Prince might now harbor about her.
One night, the Prince sought her out. They met in a secluded courtyard, the night wind gently blowing, the surroundings eerily silent.
"I hear your brother has returned," the Prince opened bluntly, a hint of scrutiny in his gaze.
Su Jin didn't deny it, nodding. "Yes, he's alive, and he knows more secrets about the fall of the Ye family."
The Prince's eyes flickered briefly, clearly surprised by the news. He spoke slowly, "So, what will you do now? You have two paths before you—continue with our plan or follow your brother to expose the royal secret."
Su Jin stared back at him calmly, knowing this was a test. She couldn't reveal her true thoughts too easily. She chose a vague response. "No matter what, my goal hasn't changed. I will avenge the Ye family."
The Prince smiled slightly, seemingly satisfied with her answer, but there was still a hint of wariness in his expression. He knew Su Jin was not easily controlled, and Ye Lingyun's appearance only added uncertainty to this intricate web of power.
"I hope you remember that our cooperation is built on a shared goal," the Prince said with a meaningful look. "I don't want to see any betrayal."
A chill ran through Su Jin as she understood that the Prince had already begun to question her loyalty. But she knew she had to maintain the facade of peace, continuing to work with the Prince while seeking opportunities to secure more control for herself.
The Prince's gaze was deep and piercing, as if he could see through everything. But Su Jin wasn't afraid; she had grown accustomed to navigating the abyss of power struggles. Now, she had to tread even more carefully, as every step was a matter of life and death.
As time went on, the triangular relationship between Su Jin, Ye Lingyun, and the Prince grew increasingly complex. Each had their own goals and plans, and the trust between them was gradually eroded by suspicion and unease.
Su Jin knew that her path of revenge had reached a critical juncture. Ye Lingyun's appearance had shown her another possible way—overthrowing the court by revealing the imperial secret. Yet, she couldn't ignore the Prince's plan either. No matter what, she had to survive this power struggle and ensure that her goal remained intact.
Late at night, she stood alone by the window, contemplating her future. The flames of revenge still burned within her, but she was beginning to understand that the end of her revenge might not be simply the death of the ministers. It might mean the complete upheaval of this corrupt world.
Her eyes flickered with complex emotions. She knew that every step forward would be filled with danger, but she was ready to face it all.