Chapter 5: Night Exploration of the Desolate Garden

“Xunyan, you need not belittle yourself. In your father’s eyes, you are naturally the best girl in this world, worthy of any man. What’s more, we have an inside contact in the palace; as long as there are no accidents, you will certainly be chosen.”

Mo Yunluo patted Mo Xunyan’s hand. “Although your grandmaster’s great cause of restoring the nation is important, in your father’s heart, your happiness is more important. If the Third Prince takes a fancy to you, your life will be easier after you are married.”

“Father, I understand.” Mo Xunyan lowered her eyes, her expression unreadable.

“Although your grandmaster had people teach you palace etiquette years ago, in order to avoid suspicion, I must still hire a governess to teach you again tomorrow.” Mo Yunluo instructed in a low voice, “Just pretend you know nothing.”

“Xunyan understands. If Father has no other matters, Xunyan will take her leave.” Mo Xunyan stood up, curtsied to Mo Yunluo, and retreated.

Mo Junming was still waiting outside the study. Seeing Mo Xunyan come out, he hurried forward.

“Little sister, since ancient times, the imperial family has been heartless. Although the princes are outstanding, for the sake of imperial power, they are forced to maneuver between different women. Being a woman of the imperial family seems glorious, but in reality, there is endless desolation behind it. Brother only has you as a sister; I would rather you marry into an ordinary family and spend your life with your husband, never leaving each other’s side like Father and Mother—that would be the best.”

Mo Xunyan gave a bitter smile in her heart. What right did she have to speak of happiness? After that night, she lived with only one goal, and this goal had nothing to do with happiness.

“Xunyan, you are still young. Brother will keep an eye out for good men in the capital for you.” Mo Junming took Mo Xunyan’s small hand and shook it a few times. “No matter what, Brother will accompany you, protect you, and guard your happiness for a lifetime!”

“Brother…” In the darkness, Mo Xunyan’s beautiful eyes flickered, but in the end, she only said, “Thank you.”

“Alright, go inside and rest. You’ve been traveling for days; even if you aren’t tired, I am.” Mo Junming ruffled Mo Xunyan’s hair, watched her walk into the main hall of Yan Garden, and turned to leave with a smile.

A moment later, Mo Xunyan, dressed in night-traveling clothes, walked out and stood in the garden.

“Mistress, it is late; you should rest.” Gu Nuo and Gu Yin stood behind her. Because she was not used to being served by others, there were no other servants in Yan Garden; Gu Nuo and Gu Yin were both her guards and her personal attendants.

“I want to walk by myself; you don’t need to follow.” Mo Xunyan replied indifferently, pulling a veil from her bosom to cover her face.

“Mistress…” Gu Nuo was about to say something, but was pulled back by Gu Yin. The two watched longingly as Mo Xunyan leaped out of Yan Garden.

To avoid exposure, Mo Xunyan first quietly left the Mo residence, then leaped from the street-facing wall into the West Garden of the Prince Wei residence next door.

Eight years of time had long since changed everything. The once-exquisite garden was now nothing but broken walls and ruins, overgrown with weeds; a scene of desolation met her eyes.

Mo Xunyan stood in front of the main hall for a while, her gaze distant and somewhat unfocused, not knowing where it landed. She then turned and walked to the west wall, looking down at the dog hole from her memories. Although the east wall of Yan Garden had been repaired, traces could still be faintly seen on the west wall here.

After standing for a while, she leaped onto a large tree, leaned against the trunk, and casually plucked a leaf to place in her mouth, beginning to play a tune.