Those in the palace indulged Princess Shunyi, so they indulged her.
The Emperor indulged her, so they indulged her.
But she did not indulge them.
Princess Shunyi's expression trembled upon hearing she was to go to the Imperial Study. Her father had strictly forbidden her from pursuing marriage with Zhan Xiaoli. If her father discovered she had sought out Zhan Xiaoli and caused an unpleasant scene, he might punish her again!
Thinking of this, Princess Shunyi began to hesitate, her imposing demeanor faltering.
"This is a matter between us, why should it be brought before Father? Fine, if you dislike me, I happen to dislike you too! From now on, bridges will be bridges and roads will be roads. If you regret this later, I won't even spare you a glance!" Princess Shunyi gritted her teeth and spoke hurtful words directly to Zhan Xiaoli.
In truth, even she, despite her lack of wit, could see that Zhan Xiaoli was not playing hard to get.
He genuinely disliked her.
She couldn't comprehend it, having been showered with compliments and pursued by so many, only to be rejected by Zhan Xiaoli. She was the Emperor's most favored princess; marrying her meant an untold future of glory and wealth.
Yet, he was foolish enough to push her away!
Moreover, all four of them harbored hostility towards her.
"You're overthinking it," Zhan Xiaojun said, utterly speechless.
Princess Shunyi instantly felt her face burn, "You!"
How could they be so arrogant!
They were merely the children of a Prince, and they hadn't lived in the capital for years, yet they dared to disregard her so openly! Thinking of the numerous palace attendants behind her, she became even more enraged.
It truly infuriated her!
However, remembering her mother's words, she swallowed the command she was about to issue to her attendants to strike them and dared not speak another word.
"Fine, then remember your words today! I, in my magnanimity, shall not hold this against you." Zhan Xiaojun said, feigning generosity, then immediately walked out.
She left feeling both angry and anxious.
The palace maids accompanying her dared not even breathe.
This was the first time they had seen their Princess lose an argument.
Previously, apart from the Emperor and Empress, everyone else fawned over the Princess. They never expected that the young lords and ladies of the Night King's estate would dare to argue with the Princess like this.
It seemed the rumors circulating in the palace these past two days were true: the Night King was not to be trifled with, and neither were those around him, lest they lose their lives.
If the Night King was untouchable, then his children surely were as well.
"Eldest Brother, Princess Shunyi is truly smitten with you," Yun Xiaojing winked at Zhan Xiaoli.
In the past, his greatest worry was that Zhan Xiaoli would remain single his entire life. After all, Zhan Xiaoli was as cold as could be towards any girl who approached him, his fierce demeanor capable of frightening the timid to tears, and completely ignoring those with more courage.
Zhan Xiaoli cast a cold glance at Yun Xiaojing, "I can tell Mother and Father you like Princess Shunyi."
"No, no, no! Absolutely not! She's not my type," Yun Xiaojing waved his hands repeatedly. He was still young, just a child. He wanted to continue his adventures in the martial world, living a carefree life. Why would he want to get married?
Zhan Xiaojun smiled with curved eyes, "Although Princess Shunyi's temper is detestable, it's undeniable that she's bold. I've never seen anyone dare to like Eldest Brother so openly."
Zhan Xiaoli felt a headache coming on. His younger siblings were truly mischievous. "Let's go wait for Mother and Father outside the Imperial Study."
"Let's go. After we ask Mother and Father when we're leaving the capital, I can't stand living here anymore," Zhan Xiaofeng disliked the capital. Since arriving, he had found it far from the free and easy life he craved.
When he traveled the martial world, he could help many people, cure their illnesses, and encounter many difficult cases that improved his medical skills. His days were fulfilling and happy.
But in the capital, it was simply boring.
So much precious time was being wasted!
...
A month later.
After a month's stay in the capital, Yun Shu and Zhan Tianye decided to leave.
During this period, those in the palace clearly felt that the Emperor, who had seemed somewhat dejected before, was now much happier.
He often sent things from the palace to the Night King's estate.
However, over half a month prior, the Night King's son and daughters had already departed the capital.
But the Night King and Night King's Consort lived reclusively. Although there were more and more rumors about them in the capital, the nobles of the capital had not seen the Night King and Night King's Consort since the wedding day of Lord Xie.
Later, some tried to visit the Night King's estate to seek an audience, but they were all turned away.
Perhaps only Lord Xie could enter the Night King's estate.
Upon learning that the two were leaving, Zhan Tianhong immediately left the palace.
It had been several years since Zhan Tianhong had left the palace.
The moment he stepped through the palace gates, Zhan Tianhong felt as though a lifetime had passed.
He concealed his identity as he left the palace, not wanting to make too much noise. He knew his fifth brother disliked grand commotion that would draw public attention.
Entering the Night King's estate, he saw Yun Shu and Zhan Tianye preparing to depart.
They were somewhat surprised to see Zhan Tianhong.
"Fifth Brother, Fifth Sister-in-law, after you leave this time, will you return?" Zhan Tianhong asked softly, a hint of reluctance in his eyes.
If they left.
This vast capital, this magnificent imperial palace, would truly be left with only him, a solitary soul.
Yun Shu and Zhan Tianye exchanged a glance.
They had indeed decided not to return to the capital in the future.
Their children also disliked the capital; they yearned for the vast world and the freedom to roam it, while they themselves still desired the freedom to wander.
"Perhaps we will return one day," Zhan Tianye said solemnly.
Zhan Tianhong suppressed his emotions, his eyes slightly red. He knew that only in front of them could he unreservedly reveal his true feelings.
Only in their presence did he not have to be the Emperor whose intentions were unfathomable to his officials, the Emperor who controlled all, the Emperor who seemed profound and unknowable.
But, they were leaving.
He knew well that they would not return.
The throne she had so painstakingly tried to protect was worthless in their eyes.
Yun Shu came before Zhan Tianhong and handed him a small bundle. "Here are some medicines with various effects. You can take some regularly to nourish your health and spirit."
As the ruler of a nation, the constant worry and strain had taken a toll on his body from a young age, and his lifespan would not exceed sixty.
"Thank you," Zhan Tianhong clutched the bundle, its weight causing his eyes to sting with unshed tears, an unbearable feeling.
"Take care of yourself," Zhan Tianye also approached.
Zhan Tianhong looked at the two of them. A thousand words finally condensed into one: "Alright."
There are no feasts that last forever.
A lifetime is not long, nor is it short. They would meet again.
...
Three years later.