Do you love the general?

Leisurely, I began to walk back. Qiao Ruoqing's scream would surely attract plenty of people. Both Wan Chun and I were Yun Heng’s personal maids; we might well become targets for the Old Madam’s wrath. Better to return early and rest. Not every place is the first to publish romance, but if you search, you'll know.

My younger brother once said my mood was as changeable as the weather in June, much like a child's face—not that I looked childish, but that I could cast off sorrow in the blink of an eye. Perhaps it was the foundation of the strong mindset I’d carry throughout my life. I admit, in countless idle moments, I recall the things my brother and I said when we played together as children. His words always resonated with me; I once called him a little philosopher, predicting he would achieve great things one day. But when Father heard of it, he gave me a good scolding. Father said my brother didn’t need to be profound; he only needed to be a good emperor.

But being a good emperor is no easy task. I’ve read so many books—my knowledge rivals the Imperial Library—and yet, in moments of life and death, not a single phrase has come to my rescue.

Passing the fish pond, I couldn't help but glare at the fish—lazy, well-fed creatures. But even if fish had things to do, it would only be nibbling at shrimp or the pond floor. I’ve learned not to expect much from them.

There were many rockeries in the garden, and as I passed one, I heard a faint sound—like a woman quietly crying. Who could be so frightened? I circled to the back of the rockery and found someone crouching there, none other than Wan Chun, who had run ahead of me earlier.

I searched myself and finally found a handkerchief, which I handed to her.

Wan Chun clearly hadn’t expected a handkerchief to appear before her. When she looked up and saw me, she was visibly surprised.

“Don’t cry, wipe your tears,” I said, seeing her stunned and not accepting the handkerchief. I squatted beside her and gently wiped away the tears from her face.

“I thought it would be you,” her voice was hoarse from crying, and her words made my hand tremble.

“You’re overthinking it.”

“You like the general,” she said, reaching out to grip my hand tightly.

“Let’s stand up first.” I helped her to her feet, and we stood behind the rockery.

“I’m a maid, he’s a general—there’s nothing to discuss about liking him. But you, I suspect you’ve liked him for many years.”

Wan Chun was silent for a while, then she admitted softly, “Yes.” She suddenly grew agitated, “But who is Qiao Ruoqing? She’s only been here a few days.”

“Qiao Ruoqing doesn’t matter, but she’s already the general’s woman. Wan Chun, you should understand—General Yun Heng doesn’t belong to any one woman, but to many.”

She lowered her head, silent. It was a truth we had long known but never dared to face.

“If you can accept it, if your affection can transcend the world’s conventions, then stay by the general’s side. He will notice you one day. You’ve guarded him for so many years—wouldn’t it be a pity to give up so easily?”

“Why are you telling me this?”

“Because my feelings for the general cannot overcome the world’s conventions.”

“Mu Fan…”

“Go wash your face and wait.”

Wan Chun and I walked out from behind the rockery.

A lifetime with one person is every woman’s fantasy, and yet an impossible dream. More importantly, I have not forgotten that I am Huangfu Ziyun, princess of Lingyun. Huangfu Ziyun can remain unmarried all her life, die alone, with no one to mourn her, but she cannot become a concubine and disgrace the Huangfu family. Fortunately, I have my brother—so it won’t be quite so tragic.