Within the imperial family, affection between relatives fell short even of that found in ordinary households. When her father held power, he had intended to marry her off to Shajia. Now that her imperial brother ruled, she still could not escape the fate of becoming a political tool. As Long Xiyue lamented her own destiny, she could not help thinking of her full brother, far away in Western Sichuan. If anyone still weighed on her heart, it was him. Long Yefang was now under house arrest by the Western Sichuan Li Clan, held as their hostage, and there was no telling what fate awaited him. She had never imagined that both their lives would end up so wretched. At the thought, Long Xiyue let out a sigh.
Hu Xiaotian walked in carrying a stack of books just then and happened to hear her sigh. He gave her a concerned glance and set the books on the desk. "Eunuch Li from the Library Pavilion just had these delivered. He said they were on the book list Your Highness prepared earlier."
Long Xiyue nodded. "Leave them there for now."
Seeing her grave expression, as though something weighed on her mind, Hu Xiaotian asked softly, "If something is troubling Your Highness, could you tell me and let me help share the burden?"
Long Xiyue said, "I kept wanting to see Father once more before leaving Great Kang. But now that I actually have the chance, I find myself hesitating."
Hu Xiaotian smiled. "A reunion between father and daughter should be a happy occasion. Why does Your Highness hesitate?"
Long Xiyue said, "Better not to meet than to meet. Seeing him again would only add to my sorrow."
"If Your Highness doesn't want to go, you needn't," Hu Xiaotian said. In his eyes, this