Xuan Yuan Mo Yu stopped his steps, turned around, and looked at her.
"Second Brother, I really want to learn to dance," Xuan Yuan Zi Yao said, her voice choked with sobs.
"Mm, I'll teach you, but I can't guarantee that I'll be able to teach you," Xuan Yuan Mo Yu said. "After all, I only know three dances, and I can't remember the rest clearly."
"I don't mind!" Xuan Yuan Zi Yao quickly replied.
"Then go back and prepare yourself. Come to my place tomorrow morning to practice."
"Okay." Xuan Yuan Zi Yao nodded, then added, "Second Brother, if you're tired, just tell me."
"Alright." Xuan Yuan Mo Yu smiled.
Xuan Yuan Mo Yu returned to his chambers, feeling a bit restless.
Xuan Yuan Zi Yao was an intelligent girl, but also a sentimental and stubborn one.
He didn't want to lie to her, but if he couldn't give her love, he hoped she could find a path that suited her better.
He didn't want to hurt her.
Xuan Yuan Mo Yu sighed.
The next day.
Xuan Yuan Zi Yao arrived at Xuan Yuan Mo Yu's study early. A faint smile graced her lips. Dressed in a pink gauze skirt, she looked like a delicate rose in full bloom, perfectly complementing her exquisite features.
She stood before Xuan Yuan Mo Yu, her head bowed, a faint blush on her cheeks. "Second Brother, I'm ready. Can we begin?"
"Yes, we can. Let's start now," Xuan Yuan Mo Yu said softly.
"Okay, Second Brother!" Xuan Yuan Zi Yao exclaimed happily. She then took a deep breath and began to dance.
Xuan Yuan Zi Yao's movements were graceful, each detail perfectly executed.
Her long, fair legs gleamed in the sunlight. Every sway and smile exuded an indescribable allure.
Xuan Yuan Mo Yu's gaze remained fixed on Xuan Yuan Zi Yao, never wavering.
As the music ended, Xuan Yuan Zi Yao slowly raised her head, her eyes fixed on Xuan Yuan Mo Yu.
"How was it? Did I dance well?"
"Very beautiful," Xuan Yuan Mo Yu said with a smile.
Hearing his praise, Xuan Yuan Zi Yao's face bloomed with a shy smile. "Second Brother, I know more dances. Once you've recovered, I'll teach you the others."
"Okay."
"Second Brother, your complexion is truly not good," Xuan Yuan Zi Yao said with concern.
"This king is fine," Xuan Yuan Mo Yu said faintly.
Xuan Yuan Zi Yao's eyes flickered as she looked at Xuan Yuan Mo Yu. After a moment of hesitation, she gathered her courage and asked, "Second Brother, do you not like me?"
Xuan Yuan Mo Yu was taken aback.
Seeing Xuan Yuan Mo Yu's expression, Xuan Yuan Zi Yao knew her guess was correct. Her face instantly turned ashen.
She bit her lip, her eyes brimming with tears.
A flicker of heartache crossed Xuan Yuan Mo Yu's eyes, but he said nothing. He turned to continue practicing his dance, but Xuan Yuan Zi Yao grabbed his sleeve.
"Second Brother..." Xuan Yuan Zi Yao cried, her voice choked.
Xuan Yuan Mo Yu's heart clenched.
"Second Brother, don't be angry. I know you don't have romantic feelings for me, but I really want to be a dancer. I like the feeling of fighting alongside you, that's why I dared to disturb you. Please forgive this clumsy me," Xuan Yuan Zi Yao said, weeping.
Looking at her tear-streaked face, the softest chord in Xuan Yuan Mo Yu's heart was struck.
He slowly turned around, then reached out, pulling Xuan Yuan Zi Yao into his arms. He gently stroked her back and said softly, "Silly girl, why would I blame you? It's just that some things are not as you imagine."
"Second Brother, I..."
"Zi Yao, we are not suited for each other."
"Why?"
Xuan Yuan Mo Yu pursed his lips and remained silent.
The age difference between him and Xuan Yuan Zi Yao was too great. They were siblings.
He didn't know how to explain it to her, so he could only remain silent.
Xuan Yuan Zi Yao looked at Xuan Yuan Mo Yu. For a moment, her heart was filled with a complex mix of emotions, making her miserable, yet unable to change anything.
"I understand," Xuan Yuan Zi Yao said, her voice tinged with disappointment. She lowered her gaze, hiding her feelings, then released Xuan Yuan Mo Yu's waist and stepped back a few paces.
"Alright, I need to start training. After training, I'll have the imperial physicians examine you."
"Mm." Xuan Yuan Zi Yao responded and then left.
"Miss..." Qing Ning saw Xuan Yuan Zi Yao's troubled expression and asked with concern, "Miss, what's wrong?"
"Nothing," Xuan Yuan Zi Yao shook her head.
"Then... shall I help you back to your room to rest?"
"Okay, thank you for your trouble."
"It's no trouble at all. As long as it's for you, Miss, it's all worth it." Qing Ning smiled warmly.
Xuan Yuan Zi Yao returned to her room and lay on the bed, closing her eyes. Tears welled up and spilled from her eyes.
"Master, is it time for us to go on a trial journey?" Feng Yun An Wei stood respectfully before Xuan Yuan Mo Yu and asked.
Xuan Yuan Mo Yu sat in his chair, practicing calligraphy on rice paper. He nodded upon hearing the question. "Mm, I've made all the necessary arrangements. We'll depart tomorrow morning. You go and make the arrangements, ensuring Father Emperor grants permission."
"Yes!"
Feng Yun An Wei received the order.
"Master, do you have any other instructions?"
"No."
"Then I shall take my leave."
Feng Yun An Wei departed.
Xuan Yuan Mo Yu looked at the characters on the paper, lost in thought, his eyes reflecting complex emotions.
The next morning, Xuan Yuan Zi Yao was dressed and had finished her grooming. She sat by the bedside, sipping tea and waiting.
Today, she wore a goose-yellow silk skirt embroidered with lifelike butterflies. It was beautiful and form-fitting, accentuating her graceful figure and making her particularly eye-catching.
"Young Master, the Second Madam wants you to come for breakfast quickly!" A maid entered with a tray and placed it on the table.
"Okay." Xuan Yuan Mo Yu responded and picked up his chopsticks to eat.
The meal was eaten with each of them lost in their own thoughts.
"Second Brother, did you sleep well last night?" Xuan Yuan Zi Yao asked tentatively.
Xuan Yuan Mo Yu's eyes flickered slightly, and he nodded.
A faint smile curved Xuan Yuan Zi Yao's lips.
The following morning, Xuan Yuan Zi Yao opened her eyes but found no trace of Xuan Yuan Mo Yu. Her brow furrowed.
Where had this fellow gone?
Xuan Yuan Zi Yao sat up and looked around. Xuan Yuan Mo Yu was nowhere to be seen.
She was a little confused. Had her rash behavior last night frightened him?
"Miss, you're awake!" Qing Ning entered the room with a basin, smiling.
"Qing Ning, where is your master?" Xuan Yuan Zi Yao asked.
"Master has gone to the morning court."
"Oh." Xuan Yuan Zi Yao nodded and asked no further questions.
After breakfast, Xuan Yuan Zi Yao left the mansion with Qing Ning.
As Xuan Yuan Mo Yu arrived at the palace gates, he encountered Xuan Yuan Mo Han emerging from a carriage.
"Second Brother, you're here too." Xuan Yuan Mo Han's tone was very calm.
"Eldest Brother, do you have time to accompany me out for a stroll today?" Xuan Yuan Mo Yu asked.
"Of course." Xuan Yuan Mo Han smiled.
Xuan Yuan Mo Yu also smiled. "Then I shall await news from Eldest Brother."
"Okay." Xuan Yuan Mo Han said with a smile, then got into the carriage and left.
The two left the capital together, enjoying the scenery along the way. Finally, Xuan Yuan Mo Yu found a secluded spot and stopped.
"Eldest Brother, the weather is nice today. Let's rest here!" Xuan Yuan Mo Yu said to Xuan Yuan Mo Han with a smile.
"Alright." Xuan Yuan Mo Han readily agreed.
"Then let's go for a walk by the river," Xuan Yuan Mo Yu suggested.
"Okay."
And so, the two walked towards the riverbank.