Chapter 120: Reunion (Fourth Update)

Yan Yan was unaware that the Ninth Prince had traveled through wind and dust, heading toward Shanhaiguan, nor did she know that her departure had already caused a massive stir in the capital. That day, she, Cui'er, and Nanny Song had brought the children to play by the seaside. Aside from Sweetheart, Hongzheng and Hongzhang were now able to walk, and as they were still in the stage of mastering this new skill, their daily joy consisted of toddling back and forth.

Yan Yan brought them to a spot a bit further from the tide where the sand was firmer, so she wouldn't have to worry about them falling or losing their balance in soft, shifting dunes.

Hongzheng and Hongzhang were having a marvelous time. They didn't forget to use reverse psychology to goad Sweetheart; every few steps, they would turn back, point at her, and shout "ah-ah," causing Nanny Song and Zisu to laugh until their stomachs ached.

Hongzheng was the naughtiest of the two. He would trot over to Sweetheart on his short little legs, chatter at her, and then dash away again. When he looked back and saw that Sweetheart wasn't following, he would run back to tease her, never tiring of the game.

Yan Yan chuckled from the sidelines. She had figured out the personalities of all three children: Sweetheart was usually good-natured, but if she truly got angry, she was the hardest of the three to appease. Hongzheng was the most lively, while Hongzhang was the most cunning, spending most of his time watching his older brother and sister make a scene.

Watching the children frolic, Yan Yan found herself thinking, for some unknown reason, of the historical outcome years later. She could not, for the life of her, imagine the lively Hongzheng imprisoned within high walls for the rest of his life. Even less could she imagine the pampered and exceptionally noble Ninth Prince being tortured to death.

Thinking of the Ninth Prince made her heart ache, as if the air around her had grown thin. She glanced at the children, then turned and walked toward the shoreline. Cui'er looked at her with some surprise but, being sensible, did not follow.

Ever since they arrived at this fishing village, Yan Yan had developed a fondness for standing by the sea, gazing at the vast, boundless water. Sometimes she would watch for as long as an hour. Cui'er could sense that Yan Yan was not happy. Even though traveling this far was Yan Yan’s own decision, and not sending word to the Ninth Prince was also her choice, she was the unhappiest among them all.

Cui'er thought that perhaps in Yan Yan's heart, she was still blaming the Ninth Prince—blaming him for leaving her behind, blaming him for his neglect. Cui'er looked at Yan Yan’s back again and sighed deeply.

Just as she was about to turn away, she saw a familiar figure strolling toward Yan Yan. Cui'er was about to call out but was stopped by the person beside her—it was Wang Quan'er, the Ninth Prince's attendant. Wang Quan'er smiled deeply and whispered, "We finally found you. You really traveled quite far this time." Cui'er gave an awkward smile, still looking at Yan Yan with concern. Wang Quan'er sighed, "Rest assured, the Master already understands the Ce Fujin's hidden difficulties. Now, there is only pity, no anger."

Cui'er squinted at Wang Quan'er, who merely shrugged without further explanation. Cui'er and Nanny Song exchanged a knowing smile; the bitter days were finally coming to an end.

Meanwhile, Yan Yan was staring blankly at the sea, her vision unfocused. Within her, two voices seemed to be warring: one told her to warn the Ninth Prince, at the very least to prevent him from continuing down the path of helping the Eighth Prince seize the throne. The other voice told her that self-preservation was paramount, and that neither the Ninth Prince nor anyone else was more important than her own life.

Yan Yan heaved a heavy sigh. She finally understood how the protagonist in the historical novel *Scarlet Heart* had succumbed to depression. She felt she was likely headed the same way; caught in the torrents of history, there was truly too much helplessness.

Sighing once more, she bowed her head and slowly turned to bring the children home. But as she looked up, she froze. She stared at the Ninth Prince, blinking repeatedly, unable to process the sight for a long moment.

Standing before her, the Ninth Prince saw her expression and couldn't help but curve his lips. "What? Don't you recognize me anymore?" At the sound of his voice, Yan Yan bit her lip. Her nose stung, and her eyes grew moist, tears threatening to spill.

She tried to turn away, not wanting him to see her in such a disheveled state, but the Ninth Prince was quicker. He pulled her into his arms and whispered, "Don't hide from me. From now on, you can tell me anything directly. Never hide from me again, do you understand?"

Leaning against his broad chest, the familiar scent of him acted like a cage, instantly imprisoning her—not just her body, but her heart as well.

Yan Yan let her tears flow freely, wetting his clothes and his soul. The Ninth Prince held her tightly, a surge of immense joy at their reunion washing over him. He had never felt so satisfied or so happy.

He tightened his arms, silently swearing that he would never let this little woman go again—the one who brought him such joy and fulfillment.

"Yan Yan, I've come to take you home." His voice was soft, falling heavily into her heart, impossible to shake off.

Before she could speak, the tender scene was interrupted by urgent cries. Nervously, she pulled away from him to look at the children. Hongzheng and Hongzhang were running toward them, sobbing and stumbling. Even Sweetheart had let go of Nanny Song's hand and struggled forward quite a distance, which left Yan Yan pleasantly surprised. She hurried to meet them, and as the two little boys threw themselves at her, she sat down on the ground.

The Ninth Prince, caught between laughter and tears, moved to help her up, but Hongzheng pushed his hand away. Standing beside Yan Yan, the toddler put his hands on his hips and glared at the Ninth Prince with such ferocity that it seemed he would fight to the death if the man dared to take another step.

The Ninth Prince was taken aback by Hongzheng's stance, but then he laughed with genuine delight. He asked Yan Yan, "Is this Hongzheng?" Yan Yan nodded with a headache, also surprised by the boy's performance. Although Hongzheng was usually fearless, he was no match for the Ninth Prince’s natural imperial aura. Who would have thought he would dare to stand up to his father?

The Ninth Prince was clearly very satisfied with Hongzheng's behavior. He ruffled the boy's hair with a large hand and looked deeply at Yan Yan. "You have taught him well. I am very pleased." Seeing the look in his eyes, Yan Yan felt a sudden shyness. She sheepishly avoided his gaze, though a smile spread uncontrollably across her face.