At the same time.
On a high mountain several hundred li from Huanxi Village.
The void twisted.
A figure shrouded from head to toe in a loose black robe silently emerged.
He gazed at distant Huanxi Village. The hand behind his back loosened, then clenched; clenched, then loosened.
"Heh, they even sent this dog slave."
His voice was hoarse.
It was impossible to tell whether he was male or female.
A faint red glimmer rose in those captivating eyes, but quickly faded away.
He stood there for a long time.
In the end.
After a soft sigh.
The black-robed figure murmured quietly.
"I hope you know your place..."
As the words fell.
Her figure scattered into the wind.
Late at night.
In the rear courtyard of the Yun Family's old house, the lights were still on in a Side Room.
Yunxi had shed her moon-white palace robes and wore only a plain nightdress as she leaned against the window.
Outside, moonlight flowed like water.
After more than ten years, it was still the same moon from her memories.
She was lost in thought.
Then, a faint set of footsteps suddenly sounded outside the door.
Soon after came Qiu Ya's lowered voice.
"Madam, it is late. Her Highness has already retired."
"If there is anything, please come back tomorrow."
The person outside paused.
Yunxi recognized the voice. It was her sister-in-law, Wang Shi.
"Miss Qiu Ya, I... I only wish to see Her Highness once. I'll leave after saying a few words."
Wang Shi's tone carried a cautious, ingratiating note.
But Qiu Ya did not yield in the slightest.
"Madam, rules are rules."
Her sister-in-law was about to speak again.
But Yunxi had already opened her mouth.
"Qiu Ya, let her in."
Qiu Ya froze.
"Your Highness, this..."
"It's fine."