Si Chen said nothing.
He watched the figure by the window, offering no response to that word, "uncle."
Ye Hong waited a few breaths. When no response came, he gave a soft laugh instead.
There was a hint of self-mockery in that laugh.
Si Chen watched his back and only spoke after a few breaths:
"Whether you're my uncle..."
"Depends on what my mother says when she gets here."
Ye Hong's shoulders stiffened slightly.
Then, suddenly, he laughed.
At first it was a low chuckle, but then his shoulders began to shake, and his laughter grew louder and louder, echoing through the empty hall until he almost lost his composure.
But as he laughed, the sound gradually faded again, finally becoming a complicated sigh.
He turned around, the traces of laughter still on his face, a faint glimmer seeming to flicker in his eyes.
"My imperial sister..."
He murmured the words.
Then he walked up to Si Chen, drawing very close, and studied his face carefully.
Something indescribable showed in those eyes that always held a hidden majesty.
"So alike."
Ye Hong spoke softly, as though talking to himself.
"The eyes, the nose... even your temper is more unyielding than my imperial sister's was back then."
Ye Hong said nothing more. He walked over to the long table and picked up a flask of wine.
Without using a cup, he tipped his head back and took a long swig straight from the spout.
A little wine trickled from the corner of his mouth. He could not be bothered to wipe it properly, merely swiping at it with the back of his hand.
"I understand why you won't acknowledge me."
"After all, in everyone's eyes..."
"I... am a butcher."
Ye Hong looked at Si Chen, no longer using the imperial "we."