The Siblings

During her recovery, which spanned several days under the care of Zhelan and Zheng An, Suyin found herself immersed in a delicate exchange of knowledge and gratitude.

While she mostly dedicated herself to rest and recuperation, she seized every opportunity to glean insights from Zhelan's expertise in poison remedies.

In return, she generously shared her wisdom on herbal treatments, drawing from the teachings of her mentor, Wansun, and her own studies.

As Suyin gradually regained her strength, she developed a ritual of sorts, venturing outside the modest abode to seek solace under the watchful gaze of the moon.

Perched on a weathered wooden barrel beside the house, she would lose herself in the ethereal glow of the night sky, finding a sense of calm amidst the chaos that had brought her here.

The home itself, though showing signs of neglect, bore the mark of tender care bestowed upon it by its inhabitants. The walls, weathered and dusty, stood as silent sentinels of resilience, while the wooden gate, though aged and decayed in parts, still stood as a testament to the passage of time.

Surrounding the home, a verdant expanse of grass stretched out, punctuated by the occasional tree and veiled in the soft glow of moonlight. Beyond lay the imposing walls of Shu Qin, a constant reminder of the world beyond their secluded haven, while to the west, a dense forest beckoned, its secrets hidden in the veil of distance.

Under the moon's gentle caress, Suyin sat, her hair cascading over her right cheek in gentle waves. Clad in a simple light-blue hanfu, lent to her by Zheng An, she exuded a quiet elegance against the backdrop of the night.

Embroidered on her right shoulder, a delicate white three-petal flower caught the moonlight, casting a shimmering reflection.

Yet, amidst the tranquility of the night, a chill wind stirred, cutting through the silence and bringing with it memories of Qin Fuhua. In that fleeting moment, Suyin's heart clenched with a pang of longing.

Her thoughts wandered to Qin Fuhua and Areum, her heart heavy with concern for their well-being in her absence. Would Qin Fuhua be managing without her? Would Areum be safe and cared for, knowing that Suyin had vanished without a trace?

Yet, as much as she longed to reassure them of her safety, Suyin knew she couldn't leave just yet, bound by circumstances beyond her control.

If she could, she would embark on a journey to reassure them, to let them know that she was alive and well.

Her silent plea echoed in the night, carried on the whispers of the wind, reaching out to the moon as if it held the power to convey her message across the vast expanse of land.

In the quiet of the night, Qin Fuhua's image materialized in her mind, his warmth and strength calming her restless soul. With closed eyes, she conjured the memory of his embrace, a fleeting moment of solace amidst the turmoil of her thoughts.

But then, as if shaken from a dream, Suyin abruptly snapped back to reality, the cold wind brushing against her face, a stark reminder of the present moment.

"Wait," she whispered, her voice barely audible amidst the rustle of leaves. "Why am I thinking of him?" With gentle self-reprimand, she lightly slapped her cheeks, a gesture to dispel the nonsensical notion that had taken hold of her mind.

"Miss Suyin!" Zheng An's voice cut through the night, drawing Suyin's attention towards her approaching figure.

Riding gracefully atop a horse, a lantern casting a soft glow on her path, Zheng An arrived at the broken gates of their home. Suyin met her at the front, welcoming her with a smile.

Young and beautiful, Zheng An possessed a captivating allure that could rival the most renowned beauties of the present day. Her long, flowing white hair was gathered in a high ponytail, her sharp eyes gleaming with intelligence, her porcelain skin reminiscent of freshly fallen snow, and her lips tinted with the hue of a crimson phoenix.

Beside her, Zhelan stood tall and slender, his ethereal beauty mirroring that of his sister. With long, white flowing hair cascading around him and a fragile demeanor that belied his inner strength, he exuded a quiet grace that complemented Zheng An's fiery spirit.

Suyin approached Zheng An with a warm smile, noting the contrast between her own attire and Zheng An's dark red top and black pants. It was a reflection of Zheng An's practicality, often opting for clothing more suited to the tasks at hand rather than adhering to societal norms.

"How are you feeling?" Zheng An inquired, her gaze briefly flickering to Suyin's shoulders before she took a step back, respecting Suyin's space.

"I'm fine. How was the trip to Shu Qin?" Suyin returned the question, curious about Zheng An's journey.

"Nothing much, just the usual trades. But I got some food for tonight!" Zheng An's grin was infectious as she revealed the meat packed in brown paper, securely wrapped with a thick rope.

As the two women turned to head inside the house, the air suddenly filled with the sound of approaching hooves, a cacophony of horse's footsteps echoing in the distance.

It was as though a grand procession was making its way towards Shu Qin, their arrival heralded by the thundering rhythm of their steeds.

A hushed excitement tinged the atmosphere as a voice rang out, carrying the weight of importance.

"The young Princess is arriving at Shu Qin!"

Suyin's heart skipped a beat at the announcement, her curiosity piqued by the unexpected news. With an exchanged glance between her and Zheng An, the anticipation hung heavy in the air, stirring a ripple of intrigue amidst the tranquil night.