"What?" An Ping shook her head, stumbling back several steps before finally collapsing onto the ground. "How... how is that possible?"
"Cousin, don't you understand yet? The King is merely using you to achieve his own goals," Yun Wei Shu said.
"No, no, Father King wouldn't do that to me. He clearly likes me. You're just jealous because Father King treats me well."
An Ping shook her head. How could she accept that her father king's kindness had ulterior motives?
She couldn't accept it.
"An Ping, Aunt was killed by King An with a single sword. He wants to revive Ming Zhan Zhu. Do you know who Ming Zhan Zhu is? An Ning's birth mother," Yun Duan Hai, who had been silent until now, spoke up.
An Ping trembled all over. "Impossible, you're all lying to me, all lying to me..."
"At this point, is there any need to lie to you?" Yun Duan Hai said coldly.
An Ping covered her ears. "You're all lying to me. I don't believe you..."
"An Ping, in your heart, you actually have a premonition, don't you?" Xue Zi Ning suddenly said.
An Ping's gaze faltered. She shook her head. "I don't know, I don't know..."
"Take Xue Yan away," Xue Zi Ning suddenly commanded.
Xue Yan called a few palace maids to drag An Ping out. Yun Wei Shu and Yun Duan Hai exchanged a glance and then walked forward, kneeling on the ground. "Greetings, Your Majesty!"
Xue Zi Ning looked at Yun Duan Hai and asked, "After experiencing so much, I believe you have grown."
Yun Duan Hai lowered his eyes. "Your Majesty, this humble one wishes to participate in the imperial examinations..."
"Yun Duan Hai, I now decree you to be King An. Report to An Cheng immediately."
Yun Duan Hai trembled. "Your Majesty..."
"What? Afraid you can't manage it well?" Xue Zi Ning asked.
Beside her, Yun Wei Shu quickly said, "Brother, aren't you going to accept? Hurry and accept..."
Yun Duan Hai kowtowed excitedly. "This humble one, no, this subject will certainly not fail Your Majesty's trust."
Xue Zi Ning nodded. "I chose you because I believe you can lead An Cheng well. King An, you won't disappoint me, will you?"
"This subject will not disappoint Your Majesty."
"You may withdraw!"
Yun Duan Hai stood up and saw Yun Wei Shu still kneeling there. He couldn't help but remind her, "Wei Shu, let's go!"
Yun Wei Shu did not get up. Instead, she looked at Xue Zi Ning and asked, "Your Majesty, do you still remember what you once promised this humble one?"
Yun Duan Hai heard this and said sternly, "Wei Shu..."
Yun Wei Shu turned to look at him. "Brother, this is my business. Do not interfere."
"Sister," Yun Duan Hai looked at Yun Wei Shu with some surprise.
Yun Wei Shu ignored Yun Duan Hai and looked directly at Xue Zi Ning, her gaze neither humble nor overbearing.
Xue Zi Ning chuckled softly. "Have you forgotten? You and I were once rivals in love. Do you think I would keep you by my side?"
Yun Wei Shu replied, "This humble one did once admire Your Highness, even harboring improper thoughts. However, I now know that Your Highness is an existence beyond my reach. This humble one will not dwell on unattainable things. Your words from before have enlightened me. Now, this humble one only wishes to do what I want to do. I beg Your Majesty to grant my wish."
The bedchamber was silent at this moment. Yun Wei Shu could even hear her own heartbeat. She knew this was a gamble, the outcome uncertain, but she only wanted to not regret it.
After a long while, she heard a light laugh from the throne. She instinctively looked up and saw the smile on that beautiful face. She breathed a slight sigh of relief; she had bet correctly.
"Yun Wei Shu, I now appoint you as the Imperial Aide of the third rank, to serve by my side."
Yun Wei Shu was overjoyed. She quickly said, "I... no, this subject accepts the decree."
Yun Duan Hai was also genuinely happy for his sister. The Empress was a wise ruler, and his sister would only fare better by her side.
"You may both withdraw!" Xue Zi Ning said.
Yun Duan Hai and Yun Wei Shu retreated. Xue Zi Ning stood up, and Xue Yan quickly walked over. "Tired?"
Xue Zi Ning looked at Xue Yan and asked, "Are you unhappy? Her position is higher than yours."
Xue Yan smiled at this. "It's only one rank higher. I am, after all, your Imperial Guard with a sword, of the fourth rank. Ask them who else can bring a sword to your presence?"
Xue Zi Ning smiled. "You're already a mother, and you're still so mischievous."
"Your Majesty, don't mention it. Those aren't children; they are two little monkeys who jump around. I'm so glad to be in the palace early every day, letting Xue Song watch those two monkeys."
Xue Yan said with vexation.
Xue Zi Ning rubbed her belly. "I wonder what kind of child I will give birth to?"
"If it's a princess, I think she will surely be overwhelmingly beautiful. They say daughters take after their fathers. Thinking of Your Highness's looks, I believe the little princess will be absolutely captivating."
If her son were to marry a princess in the future, wouldn't he then ascend to the pinnacle of life?
Then, what would she and Xue Song have to fear? It would be a win-win situation. Thinking of this, she couldn't help but smile.
Seeing Xue Yan's sly smile, Xue Zi Ning playfully swatted her head. "Don't think of such wicked ideas."
No, she had to discuss this with Xue Song when she got home. If it were a little princess, she had to make sure her monkey of a son made enough of an impression on the little princess.
"What if it's a prince?" Xue Zi Ning asked.
Xue Yan looked at her. "A prince would surely resemble Your Majesty more, seasoned."
"How come the little princess is cute, but I become seasoned?"
Xue Yan chuckled. "Your Majesty, to be frank, please don't be angry."
"Say it..." Xue Zi Ning said.
"Actually, your meticulousness is extraordinary. In my opinion, you already possess a wisdom beyond your years."
Xue Zi Ning couldn't help but twitch her lips. "Are you saying I'm not human?"
Xue Yan quickly said, "Your Majesty, please don't misinterpret my words. That's not what I meant."
"Then what do you mean?"
Xue Yan's face fell. "I was wrong, alright?"
Xue Zi Ning smiled. "I miss these days so much!"
Hearing this, Xue Yan's eyes deepened. "At that time, I wished I could just die. I couldn't even protect you. I've failed your kindness to me, I..."
"It's alright. It's all in the past. Now I am here, and you are by my side. That is enough. As for anything else, don't dwell on it. Cherish the present," Xue Zi Ning looked into the distance. Such peaceful days were what she longed for.
Having people she wanted to protect, people she loved, and the life growing within her, this life was enough.
"Your Majesty, you must be well..." Xue Yan suddenly choked up.
"I will be. I want to see you grow old..."
"Your Majesty, promise me, you'll let me watch you grow old too, okay?"
Xue Zi Ning turned. She saw the tear-filled eyes of Xue Yan and nodded with a smile. "I'll try!"
It seemed as if white light flashed before her eyes. She looked up and saw a tall, slender figure in a moon-white robe slowly walking towards her.
The afternoon sunlight fell upon him. At this moment, he walked towards her amidst the light.
Step by step, he approached her.
"A Ning..." He reached her and his low voice was pleasing to the ear.