Xuanyuan Moyu's heart tensed upon hearing this.
Did she mean that Yun Lang also liked Xuanyuan Ziyao like everyone else?
"Ziyao, are you really going to be stubborn? Are you really going to be with Yun Lang?" Xuanyuan Moyu asked. "I know you genuinely like him, so I won't stop you."
Hearing this, Xuanyuan Ziyao felt both grateful and heartbroken. She knew Xuanyuan Moyu didn't want her to leave, but she also knew she couldn't go on like this. If she did, Yun Lang's objective would be achieved, and the Xuanyuan family wouldn't let it slide. She absolutely couldn't give him another chance!
She had to find a way to mess things up!
"Second Imperial Brother, thank you for your understanding," Xuanyuan Ziyao said. "But I can't be with him, because... because I'm already married to him. So, I'm sorry, Second Imperial Brother."
Xuanyuan Ziyao lowered her head, her voice very quiet, as if confessing.
Xuanyuan Moyu's heart tightened. He didn't know how to comfort his sister.
This matter was indeed too selfish of him, and he was in the wrong.
"I'm sorry," Xuanyuan Moyu said softly. "I know it was my fault. I shouldn't have forced you."
With that, he turned and walked out without looking back.
Xuanyuan Ziyao was stunned for a moment, then suddenly called out to him.
"Second Imperial Brother!"
"Hm? Is there anything else?"
"Second Imperial Brother!" Xuanyuan Ziyao hesitated for a moment, then mustered her courage, raised her head, and said, "Please, don't let her down, don't let me down. I hope you can be happy! I also hope you can be happy."
After speaking, intense sadness flickered in Xuanyuan Ziyao's eyes.
Xuanyuan Moyu's footsteps halted. He turned back, his gaze deep, staring into Xuanyuan Ziyao's eyes.
Xuanyuan Ziyao's pupils reflected Xuanyuan Moyu's clear and melancholic black eyes. Her eyes were slightly red, filled with anticipation and longing, as if her heart was full of hope that Xuanyuan Moyu would agree to her, allowing her to be with him.
At this moment, a strange emotion suddenly welled up in Xuanyuan Moyu's heart.
"You..." Xuanyuan Moyu hesitated for a long time before saying, "Alright, if you can be happy, then I will let you go."
"Really?" Xuanyuan Ziyao asked excitedly, her eyes brimming with tears.
She got off the bed, quickly rushed into Xuanyuan Moyu's arms, and hugged him tightly.
"Second Imperial Brother..."
"Silly girl!" Xuanyuan Moyu gently stroked Xuanyuan Ziyao's head and said, "Whether you like Yun Lang or not, you did like me once. Now, I can only bless you in finding your own happiness."
Hearing Xuanyuan Moyu say this, Xuanyuan Ziyao began to cry even harder.
"Wuwu, Second Imperial Brother, I'm sorry, I'm sorry... it's all my fault..."
"Alright, Ziyao, don't cry anymore."
"Mm-hmm, Second Imperial Brother, you're so good to me." Xuanyuan Ziyao stopped crying and broke into a smile. She then took Xuanyuan Moyu's arm and shook it, saying.
Xuanyuan Moyu sighed softly, "Alright, you should rest well. I'll go out first."
"Mm!" Xuanyuan Ziyao nodded obediently.
Seeing this, Xuanyuan Moyu pushed the door open and walked out.
He stood at the doorway and let out a long sigh.
Although Xuanyuan Ziyao was not his sister, nor was she his fiancée, he had seen her efforts over these past few days and was naturally touched.
Perhaps, this was fate destined by heaven. She was destined to be his sister, destined to be the right person for him in this lifetime.
Xuanyuan Ziyao, let's work hard together!
After Xuanyuan Moyu left, Xuanyuan Ziyao's room fell silent.
She sat on the bed in a daze, unable to snap back to reality for a long time.
For the past few months, she had visited him every day in the Imperial Garden, but she had never been to his courtyard, nor even to the Imperial Study.
Every day, she would sneak around near the Imperial Study, waiting for him to return from court.
Today, her wish was finally granted.
However, she felt no joy, only an immense heaviness.
This was because she was afraid of seeing him, afraid that he would find out about her and Yun Lang, afraid that he would blame her.
But she had to tell him, otherwise, the Xuanyuan family would definitely not let them off, and might even kill her and drive them both out of the palace!
Thinking of this, Xuanyuan Ziyao felt another pang of sadness.
If... if that accident hadn't happened back then, she and Xuanyuan Moyu would surely have been a fairy-tale couple. They would have married and grown old together.
But, where in the world are there any "ifs"?
She and Yun Lang were destined to have no connection.
Xuanyuan Moyu walked back, his mood somewhat complex.
He felt a sense of unease in his heart.
He had originally intended to matchmake Xuanyuan Ziyao and Yun Lang, but Xuanyuan Ziyao refused and even said words that hurt him, leaving him feeling helpless and bitter.
"Your Highness!"
"What?"
"Your injuries..."
"This Prince's injuries are already of no concern. You don't need to worry." Xuanyuan Moyu waved his hand and said.
"Yes."
"Let's go, back to the mansion." Xuanyuan Moyu commanded.
"Yes, Your Highness."
As Xuanyuan Moyu entered the Imperial Study, he saw Yun Lang discussing something with a minister, his expression very serious.
Upon seeing him enter, the ministers respectfully bowed. "Greetings, Second Prince!"
"Rise." Xuanyuan Moyu said indifferently, then looked at Yun Lang. "Young Master Yun, your injuries have almost recovered. It's time for us to depart."
"Very well, then please lead the way, Second Imperial Brother." Yun Lang stood up, cupped his hands, and said with a faint smile, "This time, I must thank Second Imperial Brother again."
"There's no need to thank this Prince. This Prince is merely on the way," Xuanyuan Moyu said calmly.
A playful curve appeared at the corner of Yun Lang's mouth. He smiled without speaking.
Xuanyuan Moyu and Yun Lang walked ahead, with Xuanyuan Ziyao following beside Xuanyuan Moyu.
"Second Brother," Xuanyuan Ziyao called out softly, then stopped and turned to look at Xuanyuan Moyu. "Your complexion doesn't seem very good. Would you like to find a doctor to examine you?"
Xuanyuan Moyu looked at Xuanyuan Ziyao and asked indifferently, "How did you know I was injured?"
Xuanyuan Ziyao smiled, then pointed to her chest. "Here."
"Hehe."
Xuanyuan Ziyao's words amused Xuanyuan Moyu.
Xuanyuan Moyu reached out and patted Xuanyuan Ziyao's shoulder. "Thank you, but it's not necessary."
With that, he continued forward and entered the inner chamber.
"Second Imperial Brother," Xuanyuan Ziyao called out. "Do you remember my dream from before? I had a dream that we were dancing under a blue sky and clear sea. I was wearing a white dress, and you were in white, dancing gracefully. I saw how well you danced, and I wanted to learn too, but... but I couldn't learn."
By the end of her words, Xuanyuan Ziyao's eyes began to water.