Journey to the Zhu Family, Sisterly Misunderstanding Resolved

Two days later, early morning.

At the entrance of Shrek Academy, an inconspicuous carriage sat quietly. Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu stood by the gate, reluctantly holding onto Zhu Zhuqing's hands.

"Zhuqing, you must take care of yourself." Ning Rongrong's eyes were slightly red. "If anyone from the Star Luo royal family dares to bully you, just have Master teach them a lesson!"

Xiao Wu nodded vigorously. "That's right! Master is so powerful, he'll definitely be able to settle things! You can rest easy!"

Zhu Zhuqing looked at her two good friends, a wave of warmth surging in her heart. She nodded gently, her voice still cold but carrying a hint of warmth. "Mm, I will."

Yi Chen walked over from beside the carriage, glanced at the three girls, and said indifferently, "Alright, it's not like it's a final farewell; you'll be back in a few days."

Only then did Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu let go, watching as Yi Chen and Zhu Zhuqing boarded the carriage.

The curtain was lowered, the sound of hooves rang out, and the carriage slowly pulled away from Shrek Academy, heading southeast toward Star Luo City, the capital of the Star Luo Empire.

Inside the carriage, Yi Chen leaned against the soft cushions, closing his eyes to rest. Zhu Zhuqing sat opposite him, her hands resting on her knees, her gaze fixed through the gap in the window at the scenery rapidly receding outside, lost in thought.

"What are you thinking about?" Yi Chen didn't open his eyes, yet he seemed to see right through her thoughts.

Zhu Zhuqing was silent for a moment, then whispered, "I was thinking about... my sister."

Yi Chen opened his eyes and glanced at her. "Zhu Zhuyun?"

Zhu Zhuqing nodded slightly, her voice low. "She is three years older than me and has been the most outstanding genius of the Zhu Family since she was a child. Everyone said she would be the finest daughter of the Zhu Family in this generation and would become the Empress of the Star Luo Empire. As for me, I was just her backup."

Her voice was calm, but Yi Chen could detect the complex emotions hidden within.

"When we were young, my relationship with my sister was actually very good." Zhu Zhuqing's gaze became distant, as if she had fallen into memories.

"She would sneak me out to play, intercede for me when I was punished by our father, and help me bandage my wounds when I was injured during training. Back then, I thought she was the best sister in the world."

"And then?" Yi Chen asked.

Zhu Zhuqing's eyes dimmed slightly. "Later, she awakened the Nether Civet spirit and was confirmed as the fiancée of Dai Weisi, the eldest prince of the Star Luo Empire. Meanwhile, I was confirmed as the fiancée of Dai Mubai. From that moment on, she changed."

"She began to distance herself from me, speaking to me with cold words, and even deliberately making things difficult for me during training. Once, she beat me into a serious injury during a sparring match, and I was bedridden for an entire month."

Zhu Zhuqing's voice trembled slightly. "Ever since then, I have never called her sister again."

Yi Chen listened quietly, not interrupting.

"I know she was trying to force me to leave the Star Luo Empire."

Zhu Zhuqing lowered her head, her hands gripping the corners of her clothes tightly.

"The rules of the Star Luo Empire dictate that the heirs must compete against one another, and the losers face only death. She didn't want me to die in the final competition, so she wanted to drive me away beforehand."

"But she didn't know that I would rather die with dignity in battle than flee in such a pathetic manner."

There was a hint of stubbornness and resentment in Zhu Zhuqing's voice.

"That is why I left the Star Luo Empire and came to Shrek Academy. I want to become strong—strong enough to fight her fairly. Then, I will tell her that I do not need her pity."

The carriage fell into a brief silence.

Yi Chen looked at Zhu Zhuqing, his gaze gentle. "Have you ever considered that perhaps your sister wasn't pitying you?"

Zhu Zhuqing looked up, a hint of confusion in her eyes.

"She was trying to protect you," Yi Chen said slowly.

"She knew she couldn't change the rules of the Star Luo Empire, so she could only use the clumsiest method: pushing you away, making you hate her, and forcing you to leave this place of turmoil."

"That way, you wouldn't have to be dragged into that cruel competition, and you wouldn't have to face an outcome where only one of you survives."

Zhu Zhuqing's lips trembled slightly. "But..."

"But she didn't know that you would rather face death than be pushed away by her like that."

Yi Chen finished her sentence, his tone carrying a touch of emotion.

"You two sisters are both using your own ways to protect each other. It's just that the different methods ended up causing a misunderstanding."

Zhu Zhuqing lowered her head, her eyes slightly reddened, yet she stubbornly refused to let the tears fall.

Yi Chen said nothing more.

Some emotional knots need to be untied by the individuals themselves.

All he could do was create an environment where they might have the chance to sit down and talk properly.

The carriage continued forward, crossing mountains and rivers, passing through towns and villages.

Two days later, a magnificent city appeared on the horizon.

Star Luo City.

As the capital of the Star Luo Empire, the scale and grandeur of Star Luo City were in no way inferior to Spirit City.

The towering city walls were built from massive, dark-grey stones. Banners fluttered on the battlements, and the patrolling soldiers wore gleaming armor, exuding an aura of stern lethality.

The buildings within the city were packed closely together, the streets were wide and clean, and the constant flow of pedestrians created a scene of great prosperity.

The carriage was stopped at the city gate. A captain of the guard stepped forward and said in a deep voice, "Who goes inside the carriage? Present your identification."

The curtain was lifted a corner, and Yi Chen leaned out halfway, revealing a golden token in his hand. The emblem of Spirit Hall was engraved on the token, with a small line of text beneath it: Honorary Elder.

The captain of the guard saw the words on the token, his expression changed drastically, and he immediately knelt on one knee. "Greetings, Elder! I did not know of your arrival and have been negligent; I beg for your forgiveness!"

Yi Chen withdrew his token and said indifferently, "No need for formalities. My business here is private; there is no need to alert the imperial family."

"Yes, yes!" The captain of the guards hurriedly waved his hand to signal them through, and the carriage rolled smoothly into Star Luo City.

Zhu Zhuqing peered through the carriage window at the familiar streetscape, a complex mixture of emotions swirling within her.

She had left this place over a year ago and had assumed she would never return, yet she had not expected to set foot on this land again so soon.

"We'll find a place to stay first, then I will have someone deliver a letter to the Zhu Family."

Yi Chen leaned back against the soft cushions, his tone casual.

"Tomorrow morning, I will personally take you to the Zhu Mansion to settle matters once and for all."

Zhu Zhuqing nodded gently, feeling a mixture of nervousness and anticipation.

She did not know what would happen tomorrow, but she knew that with her master by her side, she had nothing to fear.

The night passed without incident.

The next morning, Yi Chen brought Zhu Zhuqing to the front of the grand Zhu Mansion.

The Zhu Family was a prestigious and influential clan in the Star Luo Empire, and their residence was exceptionally imposing.

The vermilion gates stood three zhang high, flanked by two majestic stone lions, while a plaque with gold-leaf characters hung above the lintel, reading: "Zhu Mansion."

Yi Chen stood before the gate with his hands behind his back. Zhu Zhuqing stood at his side, head slightly bowed, her hands unconsciously gripping the hem of her dress.

"Go and announce us. Tell them that Yi Chen, Honorary Elder of Spirit Hall, has come to pay a visit with his disciple, Zhu Zhuqing."

Yi Chen spoke to the guards at the entrance.

Upon hearing the title "Honorary Elder of Spirit Hall," the guards dared not dally and rushed inside to report.

Before long, the massive gates creaked open.

A middle-aged man dressed in fine robes walked out quickly, followed by several elders and clansmen of the Zhu Family.

The middle-aged man's features bore a striking resemblance to Zhu Zhuqing's, and his brow carried the authority of one long accustomed to power. He was none other than the head of the Zhu Family, Zhu Zhuqing's father.

"I was unaware of Elder Yi Chen's arrival. Please forgive me for failing to welcome you properly!" The Zhu Patriarch cupped his hands in a salute, his attitude respectful yet composed.

Yi Chen nodded slightly in return. "Patriarch Zhu is too kind. I apologize for the unannounced visit, but I have a matter of importance to discuss."

The Zhu Patriarch's gaze fell upon Zhu Zhuqing beside him, and a flicker of complex emotion crossed his eyes—surprise, relief, and a hint of guilt.

He quickly composed himself and stepped aside to clear the path. "Please, Elder, come inside. We shall talk within."

The group crossed the courtyard and arrived at the Zhu Family's reception hall.

After they were seated as host and guest, a maid served fragrant tea and then withdrew.

Only Yi Chen, Zhu Zhuqing, the Zhu Patriarch, and a few core elders remained in the hall.

Yi Chen took a sip of tea, set the cup down, and went straight to the point. "Patriarch Zhu, I have come today regarding my disciple Zhuqing's marriage."

The Zhu Patriarch's brow twitched, but he remained silent, waiting for Yi Chen to continue.

"I wish for the Zhu Family to take the initiative to annul the engagement between Zhuqing and Dai Mubai." Yi Chen's tone was flat, yet it carried an unquestionable weight.

As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere in the hall turned heavy.

The elders exchanged glances, their expressions darkening.

The Zhu Patriarch was silent for a moment before saying in a deep voice, "Elder Yi Chen, this engagement is a covenant passed down through generations between the Zhu Family and the Star Luo Imperial Family. It is not something I can decide on my own."

"I am aware," Yi Chen nodded. "That is why I am not here today to request the Zhu Family's consent, but to inform you of the decision."

His tone remained calm, but the underlying dominance in his words made everyone present shudder.

"Zhuqing is my disciple, and her marriage is for her to decide. If she does not wish to marry Dai Mubai, then this engagement has no reason to exist."

Yi Chen's gaze swept across everyone in the room.

"As for the Star Luo Imperial Family, I will speak to them personally. If they have any objections, tell them to come find me."

The hall fell into a dead silence.

The elders looked at one another, wanting to speak but ultimately holding their tongues.

Although they did not know the full extent of Yi Chen's strength, he was an Honorary Elder of Spirit Hall—someone they could not afford to offend.

The Zhu Patriarch remained silent for a long time before finally letting out a long sigh. "Since Elder Yi Chen has put it this way, my Zhu Family has nothing more to say. However..."

He looked at Zhu Zhuqing, his eyes filled with complex emotions. "Zhuqing, have you... truly thought this through?"

Zhu Zhuqing raised her head, met her father's gaze, and for the first time, said with absolute firmness, "I have. I do not want to marry Dai Mubai, nor do I wish to participate in the struggle for the Star Luo throne. I want to walk my own path."

The Zhu Patriarch looked into her resolute eyes and, in a daze, felt as if he saw the shadow of her mother.

He was silent for a moment, then finally nodded slowly. "Very well. Since this is your own choice, I will not force you."

Zhu Zhuqing was stunned; she had not expected her father to agree so easily.

In her memories, her father had always been stern and unfeeling, never once caring for her thoughts or feelings.

Yi Chen spoke at the right moment, shifting the topic. "Patriarch Zhu, there is one more thing I wish to ask."

"Please, Elder, speak."

"Is Zhu Zhuyun, Zhuqing's sister, currently in the manor?"

The Zhu Patriarch was slightly taken aback, then nodded. "Zhuyun is in the backyard. Does the Elder wish to see her?"

"No," Yi Chen shook his head. "It is Zhuqing who wishes to see her."

Zhu Zhuqing suddenly raised her head to look at Yi Chen, her eyes filled with a trace of panic and resistance. "Master, I..."

"There are some things from which there is no use in running away." Yi Chen looked at her, his gaze gentle yet firm.

"Since we have returned, say what needs to be said. Regardless of the outcome, at least you will not be left with regrets."

Zhu Zhuqing looked into Yi Chen's calm, gentle eyes, and the resistance in her heart gradually dissipated.

She took a deep breath and nodded. "I understand, Master."

Although the Zhu Patriarch was somewhat puzzled, he still sent someone to summon Zhu Zhuyun.

Before long, a slender figure emerged from the inner hall.

She was a woman who looked to be in her early twenties, tall and graceful, with a face seven or eight parts similar to Zhu Zhuqing's, yet possessing a more mature charm and a sharper temperament.

She wore a purple combat outfit, her long, raven-black hair tied up high, and her gait carried the elegance and alertness of a hunting leopard.

It was indeed Zhu Zhuqing's sister, Zhu Zhuyun.

When she saw Zhu Zhuqing sitting in the living room, her footsteps faltered noticeably. A complex array of emotions flashed through her eyes—surprise and joy, but above all, a deep sense of guilt and pain.

"Zhuqing..." she whispered her sister's name, her voice sounding strained.

Zhu Zhuqing looked up at this sister who was both familiar and strange, her lips trembling, yet she did not know what to say.

The sisters stared at each other, the air in the living room seemingly frozen solid.

Yi Chen picked up his teacup, took a slow sip, and then stood up. "You two sisters should have a good talk. I will wait outside."

He signaled to the Zhu Patriarch, who understood and stood up, leading the elders out of the living room.

In the vast living room, only the sisters, Zhu Zhuqing and Zhu Zhuyun, remained.

The silence lasted for a long time.

In the end, it was Zhu Zhuyun who spoke first. Her voice was hoarse and trembled slightly. "Zhuqing... I'm sorry."

Zhu Zhuqing was stunned.

She had imagined many reunion scenarios: her sister continuing to speak to her with cold words, pretending not to recognize her, or even resorting to violence.

But she had never imagined that her sister would say "I'm sorry" to her.

"You... what did you say?" Zhu Zhuqing's voice trembled.

"I'm sorry," Zhu Zhuyun repeated, her eyes turning red.

"Everything I did to you back then, every word I said... I'm sorry. I didn't truly want to hurt you; I just... I just didn't know how to protect you."

Her tears finally spilled over. "You know the rules of the Star Luo Empire. A life-and-death struggle between Dai Weisi and Dai Mubai is inevitable. As their fiancées, we are forced to participate. I didn't want you dragged into this conflict; I didn't want you to face the threat of death. So, I could only use that clumsy method to drive you away..."

Zhu Zhuqing stared blankly at her sister, watching her tear-streaked face, and the wall of ice that had frozen her heart for years collapsed in that instant.

She suddenly remembered her childhood, the scenes of her sister holding her hand and taking her to the back mountains to pick flowers.

She remembered how her sister would carefully bandage her wounds whenever she was injured during training.

She remembered the nights her sister would sneak her snacks after she had been punished by their father.

Those memories she had deliberately forgotten now surged into her heart like a tide.

"Sister..." Zhu Zhuqing's voice choked with emotion. She stepped forward and gently embraced Zhu Zhuyun. "I don't blame you. I never blamed you."

Zhu Zhuyun's body shuddered, and she hugged her sister back tightly, sobbing uncontrollably.

Years of misunderstanding, guilt, longing, and pain transformed into tears, flowing freely.

Outside the living room, Yi Chen stood in the courtyard with his hands behind his back. Hearing the weeping from within, a gratified smile slowly curled at the corners of his mouth.

He looked up at the sky, where the blue sky was dotted with white clouds, the weather fair and bright.

"Very well, another matter resolved," he stretched and muttered to himself. "Next, it is time to go have a chat with the Star Luo Imperial Family."