Dafeng lowered her head, then gently nuzzled Xie Pan'Er's face. With Ji Youzhi on her back, she soared skyward, heading towards the sea.
Xie Pan'Er stood below, gazing steadily as Dafeng carried Ji Youzhi away. She remained rooted to the spot for a long time.
"You... can't bear for him to leave, can you?"
A familiar voice suddenly sounded beside her. Xie Pan'Er was startled and quickly turned to curtsy. "Your Majesty!"
"I've said it before; there's no need for such formalities when we are outside."
The early winter air was growing colder, yet the folding fan never left the Emperor's hand. He was fanning himself with it now, seemingly unaffected by the cold.
"You have developed feelings for Youzhi!"
The Emperor's voice was low, but Xie Pan'Er heard every word clearly.
She did not respond. Instead, she stared at her toes, her handkerchief clutched so tightly in her hands that her knuckles had turned white.
