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墨書 Inktalez
"Father, Xi Meng is right. The more people and strength we have at this time, we definitely cannot avoid this war... Holy Spirit Village will eventually see the light of day again," Bai Zhan said.
I looked at Bai Zhan gratefully and then spoke to the White Clan Leader, "Leader, I apologize for Xi Meng's overly emotional words. Please forgive any offense. However, I hope you understand my intentions; this is for everyone's good."
The White Clan Leader smiled lightly and said, "How could Old Man not know your intentions? It's just that being in my position, I must prioritize my clansmen and cannot take risks lightly."
"Of course, I understand. If I've caused you any trouble, Xiaopu will take the clansmen away," Xiaopu said awkwardly, feeling a bit embarrassed to stay any longer. She stood up to leave.
"Wait a moment, young lady," the White Clan Leader stopped her. "There's no rush; I haven't finished speaking yet."
"I owe a debt of gratitude to Miss Xi Dream... and as Zhan'er said, we will eventually see the light of day again; we won't be confined here forever."
"Do you mean—" Xiaopu asked with wide eyes.
"Stay. We need to join forces to face our enemies," the White Clan Leader smiled.
"Thank you so much, White Clan Leader!" I said excitedly, bowing repeatedly with Xiaopu in gratitude.
"Oh dear, no need for that!" the White Clan Leader hurriedly waved his hand and stepped forward to support us.
"Thanks," I said with a smile to Bai Zhan.
"No need to be polite!" Bai Zhan replied jokingly.
"Since that's the case, you two can stay here at ease," the White Clan Leader said. "Steward, instruct the servants to prepare two courtyards for the young ladies to rest."
"No need, White Clan Leader. I would like to go outside and stay with the clansmen... I'm afraid they might still be a bit uncomfortable without me."
"Yes, I overlooked that. I'll have someone take you there shortly," the White Clan Leader said.
"Thank you, Clan Leader," Xiaopu said.
"The White Clan Leader doesn't need to prepare anything for me. Let's just go back to that courtyard from last time." Although the Bai Residence is somewhat remote, it is quiet, and it holds the memories of everyone.
Last time, there were six of us, protecting and relying on each other in that courtyard. I never expected to return only to find myself alone.
"Alright, since Miss Xi Dream has said so, Butler, please take the young lady there," the White Clan Leader noticed my thoughts, and a hint of sadness crossed his face.
"No need to trouble the butler; I would like to walk there myself..."
"Yes, if you need anything, just tell the servants. Don't stand on ceremony," the White Clan Leader said.
After expressing my gratitude, I left the inner hall and walked slowly through the vast Bai Residence. Although I hadn't been here long, every corner was filled with memories that mattered to me.
I stared blankly at a courtyard not far away, quiet and desolate.
Bai Li, I am back.
The shadow of a boy instantly flooded my mind; it felt as if everything that happened was just a few days ago, so vivid.
Bai Li's anger, Bai Li's vulnerability, Bai Li's smile, and... Bai Li's trust. That fragile boy ultimately protected me with his life until the end. As these memories surged back, they struck my heart fiercely, and tears began to fall slowly. Even now, I cannot let go. Neither he nor Sister Hua Lei should have died, right?
Occasionally passing servants saw me like this but said nothing and hurried away. It became very quiet afterward; it was just me left here.
I don't know how long I stood there until a gentle voice called me back to reality, "Xi Meng."
I turned around to see a beautiful face, and the pang in my heart intensified... truly, she looked too much like White Soul.
"Zhen'er." I quickly organized my emotions and responded with a smile.
"I just heard from the servants that you have returned, so I hurried over to see you." Zhen'er walked over lightly, affectionately linking her arm with mine and pulling me to sit on a nearby bench.
"Are you doing okay?" Zhen'er asked with a smile, her starry eyes particularly bright.
"...I'm fine," I replied, biting my lip. Sigh, how could I be fine? Not at all.
"I've heard about your situation. Father has been thinking of ways to rescue my brother. If there's anything you need from me, just let me know. I will do my utmost to help," Zhen'er said sincerely.
"Okay," I responded.
Zhen'er must be anxious for Silver Moon's sake... I sighed, wondering how it was possible to let such a delicate girl get involved in a war.
There was a moment of silence, and after a long while, Zhen'er hesitantly spoke up, "How are things between you and His Highness?"
I was taken aback, unsure how to answer, afraid of hurting this kind girl.
"Actually, as long as His Highness is happy, I'm satisfied. I always felt that His Highness had a pair of sorrowful eyes. Every time I saw them, it seemed like those eyes could speak, making my heart tremble."
Listening to Zhen'er talk about Silver Moon, I didn't know how to continue the conversation and could only quietly listen.
"Later, I thought I could ease that sorrow, but unexpectedly, I ended up becoming a joke... Xi Meng, I'm really sorry. I never intended to ruin things for you." Zhen'er tightened her grip on my hand, feeling guilty.
Now I felt even more awkward; suddenly it seemed like anything I said would be wrong. I decided to remain silent and let Zhen'er speak.
"Just tell me one thing: are your feelings for His Highness—genuine?" With a slight frown, Zhen'er looked at me with an expression of inquiry, wanting some answer from me.
Sigh, at this point, what else could I say? I couldn't hesitate any longer; continuing this way would only hurt Zhen'er.
"Yes, we are both sincere with each other."
I knew that at this moment, I was being cruel...
Zhen'er slowly let go of my hand, turned to the side, and I still caught a glimpse of the glistening in her eyes.
I'm sorry, Zhen'er.
I didn't say it out loud; I just thought it in my heart. In this outcome, none of us three are at fault, right? The only one at fault is fate.
I couldn't bear to see Zhen'er like this, so I stood up and said gently, "I'm a bit tired. I'm going to rest now. Come find me when you have time, and we can have a good chat."
"…Okay." A very soft voice replied.
Zhen'er lowered her head, and I couldn't see her expression. I didn't know what else to say, so I could only turn and leave.
……
Returning to the courtyard of White Soul, it finally fell completely silent. For some reason, I felt a sense of unease in my heart, as if something was about to happen.
“Xi Meng.” A distant voice called out, faint yet clear, as if it were coming from far away… it seemed to be calling me.
It was too faint; I couldn't hear it clearly.
I stood up, confirmed that no one was around, and cautiously positioned myself, focusing my mind.
“……Xi Meng.”
It came again! It was too vague! I couldn't sense where the voice was coming from!
I remained silent, watching to see what the other party was up to.
“Xi Meng, Xi Meng, Xi Meng—”
One call after another, urgent… like being underwater, I couldn't hear clearly nor discern its direction.
It didn't seem like they were trying to harm me; the other party appeared anxious. I spoke up, "What are you saying? Who are you?"
The voice suddenly disappeared.
"Hey, speak up!" I called out.
Still no response!
That unsettling feeling returned, seemingly stronger this time, causing a bit of panic. It seemed I couldn't leave just yet; something must be happening here.
"Xi Meng," Bai Zhan suddenly called from the doorway.
I was taken aback, startled.
"What's wrong with you? Did you not notice I was here?" Bai Zhan stepped forward, frowning as he asked.
"...Ah, I was just lost in thought and didn't pay attention," I replied, deciding not to tell Bai Zhan about what had just happened. It would be better to wait until I figured things out myself; otherwise, it might cause unnecessary worry.
With that thought in mind, I made my decision.
"Well, as long as you're okay. But your complexion doesn't look too good," Bai Zhan observed me carefully.
"It might be because I haven't recovered from the battle at the Spirit Cat Clan. A little rest should help."
"Then make sure to rest well. I just came to see if you needed anything."
"No, I'm fine."
"…Take care of yourself and don't always rush to the front. Alright, I'm leaving." Bai Zhan turned and walked away. I stared at his retreating figure, realizing too late that I hadn't had the chance to thank him.
Indeed, no matter when, I was never alone. This feeling... it was truly wonderful.
……
However, if something is really going to happen, where should I go to find clues?
Thinking about it, I felt the urge to leave the house immediately.
……
Following a small path I had taken before, Lady Bai's grave was not far away; it would be good to pay my respects.
“...Mother.” Zhen'er was whispering something there, and when she finished, she performed a proper bow.
Huh? Isn't that Zhen'er? How did she get here so quickly?
It seemed she had been here for a while. When I arrived, I saw her finishing her bow and preparing to rise.
“Xi Meng?!” Zhen'er exclaimed in surprise upon seeing me.
It was a bit strange, but why did I feel like Zhen'er was somewhat flustered... Just a moment ago, she was grieving at the residence, and now she appeared here. The way she knelt seemed nothing like her usual delicate self. Although I didn't know what Zhen'er had said to the tombstone, her expression was very serious.
“What are you doing here?” Zhen'er asked.
“Um, I came to pay my respects to Lady Bai,” I replied.
“When did you arrive... Did you hear anything?!” Zhen'er asked increasingly anxiously, her voice rising significantly.
“I just got here; I didn't hear anything. What's wrong?”
“Nothing, nothing at all.” Zhen'er seemed a bit panicked, unable to hide it from me.
“I’m fine; I just came out for a walk. I'm about to head back to Bai Residence. Let's go together.” Zhen'er said something without context again, but her demeanor only raised more suspicion.
"Zhen'er, what's wrong?" I asked in confusion. "Is something bothering you? You can tell me."
Zhen'er remained silent, looking down as if lost in thought. Seeing that she didn't want to speak, I decided not to press further. "Just let me know when you're ready to talk. We're friends, right?"
Zhen'er whispered something that seemed meant for no one but herself. When she finally looked up, her smile returned, bright and cheerful. "That's right, we are friends."
"Alright then, you should head back. After paying my respects to the lady, I'm planning to move on."
Zhen'er's expression changed again as she said, "You're going to the ancestral hall?!"
My heart sank once more; it was clear that something was off with Zhen'er.
Looking down the path, it was evident that it led directly to the ancestral hall. But why did Zhen'er react so strongly when I mentioned it? I hadn't even stated where I was going.
Realizing her reaction might have been too intense, Zhen'er quickly added, "I-I didn't mean anything by it. It's just that you know, the ancestral hall is a forbidden place in Holy Spirit Village. Outsiders can't enter freely; it could cause trouble."
"Yeah, I was just saying it casually. I know I'm not supposed to go there; don't worry." I went along with Zhen'er's pale and stiff words for now, but my curiosity only deepened.
...Another mention of the ancestral hall?
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