I gently placed a hand on his shoulder, stepping back slightly to meet his gaze. "I... I appreciate your kindness," I began hesitantly, testing the waters. "But I truly don't remember anything. Can you... tell me more? About who I was? About... us?"
The servant's eyes widened in surprise, then softened. "Of course, Master. I'll tell you everything. You only need to ask."
I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. "Start with your name," I said, forcing a small, unsure smile. "If I'm to remember, I should at least know who you are."
His face lit up with pride as he bowed slightly. "I am Shun Yi, Master. I have been your loyal servant since you were a boy."
"Shun Yi," I repeated, rolling the unfamiliar name on my tongue.
What else?" I pressed gently, my voice trembling. "Who... was I? And why do you say my soul was stolen?" I paused, gripping the soft fabric of the hanfu draped over me as I tried to steady my breathing. "And what is this place? Who is Wei Xiaotian? And why is he calling me 'love'? I'm really confused, Shun Yi. You'll clear my confusion, right?"
Shun Yi's eyes widened at the torrent of questions, and his lips parted as if to speak, but no words came out immediately. He looked down, his hands clenching at his sides. "Master, I will tell you everything—everything you wish to know," he said softly, his voice tinged with hesitation. "But..."
"But?" I leaned forward, my brows furrowing.
"Some truths are too heavy to hear all at once, especially when your soul has just returned to this mortal plane," Shun Yi said cautiously. "You are... recovering. Your body and mind need time to adjust. If I overwhelm you now, it may cause more harm than good."
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Recovering from what? You're just dodging the question. Tell me the truth, Shun Yi! What's going on?"
Shun Yi fell to his knees abruptly, bowing deeply until his forehead touched the floor. "Forgive me, Master, but I must follow Lord Wei's orders. He has forbidden me from speaking of certain matters until he deems you ready."
"Lord Wei?" My eyes narrowed. "You mean Wei Xiaotian? The same guy who's acting like I'm his long-lost soulmate?" I scoffed, frustration boiling to the surface. "And now he's giving orders about what I can and can't know? I don't even know who he is!"
Shun Yi flinched but didn't raise his head. "Please understand, Master. Lord Wei only wishes to protect you. He has waited so long for your return... and he fears losing you again."
"Protect me?" I echoed bitterly, crossing my arms. "I don't need protection. I need answers."
Shun Yi hesitated, his voice trembling as he finally spoke again. "This place, Master, is the Meilan Sect—a haven of warriors and scholars dedicated to the Dao. Lord Wei Xiaotian is... is your husband."
I froze. The word hung in the air like a thunderclap. Husband?Married?" I managed to choke out. "That's impossible. I've never even met him before today!"
"To you, it may feel that way," Shun Yi said carefully, finally raising his head to meet my gaze. "But to him, you have been his everything—his heart, his soul, his entire world. He has waited years for this moment, Master. For you to return."
As Shun Yi put his hands together, his voice trembled with emotion. "Please, Master, take a bath and refresh yourself. This hanfu—wear it after. I'll help you, just... don't ask more questions for now." His plea was so earnest, his eyes shimmering with tears of relief and joy, that I couldn't find it in me to refuse.
I sighed, nodding slightly. "Okay... what should I do?" I asked in a soft voice, my resolve wavering at his sincerity.
As i was going to the grand bath i saw there were no women or female or girls here all were boys men some men looked rigid while other looked soft and kind but the only thing common in them was they all respected me really dearly
Shun Yi beamed with gratitude, bowing quickly before gently guiding me toward the grand bathhouse. The air was warm and fragrant, laced with the faint scent of peach blossoms. Steam rose in delicate tendrils, curling around the edges of a large bath
As I stepped inside, a huge mirror near the entrance caught my eye. The moment I looked into it, I froze, my breath hitching. My reflection...
I stumbled back in shock, nearly falling over. "W-What—!" I gasped, my voice breaking.
Shun Yi caught me, his hands steadying my trembling shoulders. "Master! What happened? Are you all right?"
I pointed a shaky finger at the mirror. "Who is that?!"
He tilted his head, confused, then chuckled softly as his hands reached up to comb through the long, silky strands of hair that cascaded down my back. "That's you, my Lord," he said gently, his tone filled with reverence. "Pretty, right?"
I turned back to the mirror, staring at the face reflected there. The skin was flawless, glowing with an otherworldly radiance. My hair, jet black and impossibly soft, fell in smooth waves past my shoulders. My eyes were large, framed by dark lashes, their depth almost mesmerizing. I hesitantly raised a hand to touch my face, feeling the smoothness of my cheek.
"This is... me?" I whispered, my voice trembling.
Shun Yi nodded eagerly. "Yes, my Lord. You've always been this beautiful. Even after all these years, your beauty hasn't faded."
I couldn't tear my gaze away. My mind raced. How is this possible? This isn't my face... not the one I've lived with all my life.I swallowed hard, my fingers brushing over my lips. "But... it feels so real," I murmured."It is real," Shun Yi said softly, his tone unwavering. "Now, please, Master. Relax. Take your bath. Everything else can wait."
I wanted to argue, to demand more answers, but the weight of my reflection—and the unfamiliar face staring back at me—held me captive. Instead, I nodded weakly, allowing Shun Yi to guide me toward the bath.