Huu~
The candlelight in the room was blown out.
The window stood open a crack.
Spring was withering on the streets of Linzi.
The sliver of daylight was like a sword embedded in Xiang Ling'er's face, casting that innocent, radiant countenance into sharp light and shadow.
She sat curled up in a tall grand tutor's chair, directly facing the window. The crack she had opened in the window made the great chair itself the sheath for that sword of light, splitting it along with the light. After a while, she smiled. "It feels like we're peering through a crack at other people's lives."
Liu Xiuzhang sat quietly by the window.
The crack was open beside her, but she did not raise her eyes.
The bustle of Linzi filtered through that narrow gap.
The gong-beating and drum-pounding procession passing outside was nothing particularly remarkable.
It was merely a letter of betrothal, a formal engagement.
Issued by the Yan Clan, delivered to the Wen Mansion.
Liu Xiuzhang was embroidering, stitching a large crimson flower. She was wholly absorbed, as though she had heard nothing.
"Did your brother truly inherit the Hegemon's Immortal Palace back then?" Xiang Ling'er asked as if casually. "Was that why Tian Anping killed him?"
Liu Xiuzhang slowly drew up her needle. "I only heard my brother mention it once. I know the name of that immortal palace, but I cannot be sure whether he obtained its inheritance—or whether Tian Anping truly took it from him."
"But since the Hegemon's Immortal Palace has appeared, and happened to be overseas, while remaining so deeply concealed all these years..."
"Then I will certainly bite down on Tian Anping and never let go. Whoever comes, that is what I'll say."
"I didn't fabricate this, and I have no proof. But I remember