Chapter 37: "How about we call you Li Jing, okay?" Caijing teased her daughter in her arms, and it seemed like Little Jing understood as she giggled. Originally, the baby had an angelic face, with features that combined the best of both parents—her eyes and mouth resembled Caijing's, while her nose was a replica of Xin's. With that smile, she looked like a blossoming flower, which delighted both Caijing and Xin. In ancient times, beauties could topple cities with their smiles and bring down kingdoms with another; now, the adorable little Li Jing could captivate hearts with one smile and enchant them even more with another. "Xin, look..." Caijing started but then realized Xin was nowhere to be found. It turned out Xin had rushed back to the room to fetch the camera—he wanted to capture every beautiful moment of his daughter on video. From then on, everything about their daughter—eating, drinking, toileting, sleeping, crying, or making a fuss—became classic footage for Xin. In his eyes, his daughter was so talented; even a yawn was charming, and her cries left echoes of beauty. As for the baby, Caijing felt somewhat disappointed since, for royal succession, a son would have been a better choice than a daughter. However, influenced by Xin's emotions and the fact that Little Li Jing was genuinely lovable, Caijing’s disappointment disappeared. Her cheerful nature had won over not only Grandma but also Great-Grandma.
Thus, everyone gathered to discuss the upcoming full moon celebration for Li Jing. "I think we should celebrate this properly. Let's go to Jeju Island," suggested the Empress Dowager. "Will one day be enough?" asked the Queen Mother cautiously. "Of course not! We'll stay there for a few days to relax," replied the Empress Dowager. "Do we really need that much time?" Caijing was surprised. She remembered how Xin's birthday had only involved a same-day return, yet now they were celebrating just a princess's birth? "What's wrong, Princess? Do you think it's too long?" questioned the Empress Dowager. "I just feel it might not be necessary," Caijing said softly. "Why isn't it necessary? Even interviews with journalists will take quite some time. I don't want my granddaughter to be overlooked," said the Empress Dowager as she tickled Li Jing, held by Chen Shanggong. "Do you think what your Great-Grandmother says makes sense?" Caijing was about to say something when the Queen Mother stopped her. "Let's follow the Empress Dowager's wishes," she said.
In Spain, "Yu, what's wrong recently? Mom hasn't seen you smile for quite some time. Is something bothering you?" Hui Zhenggong asked with concern. "Nothing," Yu didn't want to worry his mother. Ever since his last conversation with Yoon Min's father, he hadn't been able to laugh genuinely. Maintaining a fake smile had become burdensome for him. "Can you tell me the truth, Mom? It seems like Yoon Min hasn't visited here in a while either. Are you two having problems?" "No, Mom. I'm fine. Maybe I'm just tired." "Then you should rest more," advised the mother. Although she understood her son's well-intentioned concealment, she currently had no perfect solution. "Yu, all I can say is that some things must be done according to your heart. Only then can you experience true happiness," she reminded him gently. "I'll try," Yu agreed, thinking that perhaps he should have a talk with Yoon Min. Previously, even leaving Caijing hadn't made him feel this exhausted.
Meanwhile, Yoon Min was trying hard to explain to her parents at home. "Mom, Dad, I haven't gone to school for over a month. Isn't this inappropriate?" "There's nothing inappropriate about it. I've already explained to your professor. You'll temporarily take a break from school and accompany your mother back to China next week." Mr. Yoon knew that during these past few weeks, his daughter had been seeking opportunities to leave the house. "Dad, I'm fine here. Why do I have to go to China? And in China, I won't be able to continue my studies!" "Don't worry. I've already arranged a tutor for you in China. Experiencing different teaching methods will benefit you more," reassured Mr. Yoon. "Mom!" Yoon Min turned to her mother for help. "Min-min, your dad is doing this for your own good. Perhaps being away for a while will help you forget about Yu," said Mrs. Yoon. "Is forgetting so easy?" Yoon Min muttered to herself. "It is possible. After all, you two haven't had deep interactions. Min-min, you need to understand that staying with someone who doesn't love you will make you very tired. Your parents are doing this for your own good," continued Mrs. Yoon. "But I really want to be with Yu. Even if he doesn't love me, being with him brings me joy and satisfaction," pleaded Yoon Min. "Must you insist on doing this, Mom?" Yoon Min's eyes carried a hint of helplessness and blame. "You have to forget, whether you like it or not! What's so great about Yu? The prince who secretly loves his sister-in-law and frames his brother—what's so good about him? Don't say he's unworthy of being a prince; those actions show he has issues as a person," exclaimed Mr. Yoon. "Dad, please stop. You don't know the whole story," Yoon Min retorted angrily. "You'll never understand how Yu considers everyone's feelings because you only see part of the picture," she added. "Then you know the whole story? Aren't you just seeing reports?" "Because I've interacted with him, I know his character," insisted Yoon Min. "His character? Treating you as a substitute—is that his character?" Mr. Yoon grew extremely frustrated with his daughter's stubbornness.
"Before I go to China, can I visit the school one last time? Just to see my teachers and classmates. You know he and I aren't in the same major. We won't run into each other," Yoon Min attempted to plead with her parents, knowing that insisting firmly wouldn't lead anywhere. If she could go to school one more time, whether or not she'd see Yu again would depend on fate. But she was determined to make this attempt. If their destiny wasn't meant to be, she would accept her parents' decision and go to China. "Just once?" Mr. Yoon usually spoiled his daughter, but due to the special circumstances, he had no choice but to resort to such measures. "Yes, just once. If you're still worried, you can send someone with me." "Alright, let's grant Min-min's request! Hmm?" Mrs. Yoon couldn't bear to see her daughter's sadness. "Fine, you can go tomorrow morning, but you must be home by afternoon, otherwise, consider yourself permanently banned from returning," Mr. Yoon finally agreed to his daughter's request. "Thank you, I know what to do."
In Japan, "What did you say? This time, the abdication of the throne was voluntary on Hui Ming's part?" Yao listened to the latest report curiously. "Hui Ming, are you really ready to give up? Why?" "Yes, the Emperor hopes for a free future. There are also rumors that the Empress plans to continue traveling around the world." "Understood. Continue observing the situation there." "Hui Ming, do you intend to continue traveling? Are you looking for me?" Yao recalled a joke he once shared with Hui Ming: "Hui Ming, if one day I suddenly disappear from your life..." "If you still love me at that time, I will definitely find you. No matter what objective factors, I will overcome them with all my efforts and stay by your side forever. If it's because you no longer love me, I won't seek any answers anymore. I only hope to see your happiness from afar." "Hui Ming..." Touched by such heartfelt words, Yao could only tightly embrace the beloved figure before him, silently vowing in his heart, "I will always be with you." Now, he couldn't fulfill his promise due to many complications, but watching Hui Ming sacrifice so much for him made him reluctant. "I must prevent further tragedy from happening."
Chapter 38: Thinking of Yao, he dialed Hui Ming's phone number. The unfamiliar number startled Hui Ming, but she still answered, "Hello, may I ask who you are?" Hearing Hui Ming's voice, Yao hesitated, unsure if his actions were correct, and stayed silent. "Hello, may I ask who you are? Are you looking for me?" Hui Ming grew a bit irritated. How strange, even if it was a wrong number, there should be some response. "Hello, can you hear me? May I ask..." "Hui Ming," Yao finally spoke. "Yao, is that you? Is it really you?" Upon hearing Yao's voice, Hui Ming couldn't control her emotions; he had finally contacted her. "It's me." "Why didn't you contact me for so long? My emails went unanswered, and all your phone numbers changed?" Hui Ming complained sorrowfully. "I'm sorry," Yao sincerely apologized, his tone making Hui Ming realize her improper behavior. "I'm sorry, I got too excited earlier. I know you must have a reason." "You know?" Yao was surprised. "Because I believe you wouldn't leave without cause, and I've recently investigated your situation." Hui Ming informed Yao of everything she knew. "Did you leave because you were concerned about your special status?" He was transparent before Hui Ming, and only she could understand him so deeply. "Hui Ming, I truly don't want to harm you." "Yao, after spending time with you, don't you understand me? Compared to you, status and identity mean nothing to me." "Hui Ming, forgive me. Some things are beyond my control." "Because you chose to escape." Hui Ming cut straight to the point.
After a long silence, Yao countered, "And you? Why did you give up the throne?" "That wasn't giving up. Originally, it was Xin's position, and I merely filled in for a while. Moreover, I've never abandoned what I care about. Leaving this position might allow me to walk my own path better." "Hui Ming, do you really have to make so many sacrifices for me?" "Yao, for men, the most important thing is their career; but for women, the greatest happiness is being with the one they love." "Hui Ming..." Yao was moved again, unsure how to express his feelings. "Yao, follow your heart, alright? If you want to see my happiness." "Aren't you afraid of what might happen if we're together?" "Yao, as long as you remain the same to me as you always have been, everything will be worth it." "I'll do my best," Yao reaffirmed his commitment. "Yao, before I leave Korea, can you agree to one thing for me?" "Are you really planning to leave Korea?" "That way, you won't have a heavy heart. I don't want to see you living under pressure." "Hui Ming, meeting you has been the happiest event of my life." "Then can you grant my wish?" "What is it?" "Meet my parents once, so they can rest assured handing me over to you." Such a reasonable request, how could I deny it? "Alright, you arrange it." "By next Wednesday, okay? I want to announce my decision at the princess's full moon banquet, so can we meet my parents before then?" "I'll come the day after tomorrow, and I'll make sure they're satisfied." They ended their sweet conversation reluctantly.
In Spain, "Yu!" Yoon Min didn't expect to see him again. "You finally came to school?" Yu had waited outside Yoon Min's building for over a week. "Yeah, because I'm leaving, I came to see everyone one last time," Yoon Min tried to sound emotionless, though leaving him caused her immense reluctance. Sacrificing family ties for someone who didn't love her was something she couldn't do. "Are you leaving? Not coming back?" "Maybe. I don't know." "Then I wish you happiness." Yu turned away sadly; the person who could bring him happiness was leaving. Perhaps this was his punishment for not cherishing her enough? Go ahead, since you've already decided, why not be graceful about it? But he couldn't bear to witness her departure, so he bid her farewell with his back turned. "Yu, I also wish you happiness." Could she really have such an opportunity for happiness? Losing Caijing had already made him unable to laugh comfortably, and now Yoon Min was leaving too. He felt completely drained, utterly exhausted. Yu gave a desolate smile, "Thank you."
Watching Yu's dejected back, Yoon Min was reluctant to let go. So, she made one last attempt. Thinking this, Min embraced Yu from behind, "Yu, you must smile happily. Even though I'm leaving, my heart will always be with you." "Then why are you leaving me?" Yu turned around, tears streaming down his face as he hugged Min tightly, "Do you know? During the time you were gone, how exhausted I was? Even maintaining a false smile became a burden. Why must you leave?" Yoon Min never expected Yu to cry for her, unsure of how to console him, "Yu..." "Sorry," Yu suddenly remembered the call from Yoon Min's father, "Your parents want you to leave, right?" Unable to hide it any longer, Yu deserved to know everything. "This isn't their fault. After all, you're their only daughter, and they just want to protect you." Considering all the wrongs he had done, how could he expect their parents to trust him with their daughter? "Yu, do you love me?" Yoon Min suddenly asked seriously, wanting to know the truth, perhaps using it to argue with her parents. After all, she was their only daughter; if she could be happy, they had no reason to oppose it, right? "I'm not sure. But being with you makes me incredibly happy, and leaving you causes me immense sadness. This feeling is stronger than when I was with Caijing." Yu honestly expressed his thoughts. "Yu..." Touched, Yoon Min hugged Yu tighter, deciding not to leave. She believed she could convince her parents to bless their happiness. "Min, don't leave me. I'll explain to your parents." Yu didn't want to let go of the girl in his arms; missing her would mean losing laughter from his life forever.
In Korea, "My parents will both attend the princess's full moon banquet next week. Can you meet them?" Xi Rui earnestly persuaded Cui Shanggong. "That might not be appropriate," Cui Shanggong still hesitated to meet Xi Rui's parents, uncertain if they would approve of Xi Rui's decisions. Would waiting yield results? "What's inappropriate? There are some things they should know." "Xi Rui, do you really believe we can be together?" "Silly, even if we can't be physically together, our hearts will always be connected, right? My parents should know their only daughter-in-law candidate." "Will they like me?" "My parents aren't unreasonable people. Don't worry." "Then I'll seriously consider it." "Please respond soon; they won't be in Korea for long." "Okay, I understand," Cui Shanggong nodded seriously.
Chapter 39: "Xin, is Little Jing asleep?" "Yeah, you should sleep too." As Xin spoke, he tucked his wife in bed. "Then Xin, sleep early too. Good night!" Caijing kissed her husband beside her. Just as Xin prepared to turn off the light, his phone suddenly rang. "Xin..." "Sorry for disturbing you so late, Xin. I just heard about Caijing's situation. I'm truly sorry. I never expected..." "Hyorin, did you call just for this?" "Xin, can you forgive me?" "Sorry, I can't decide that. Is there anything else? It's pretty late now." Hyorin sensed Xin's slight impatience through the phone. "Xin, can I see you one last time? I have something I want to discuss with you alone." Xin guessed Hyorin wanted to apologize, so he seriously responded, "Hyorin, the victim is Caijing, so you should talk to her." On the other end of the line, there was silence. Xin changed the topic, "Next week, we're celebrating Little Jing's full moon banquet on Jeju Island. Will you be available?" "Jeju Island?" "Yeah, if you come, both Caijing and I will welcome you." "Thank you, I'll think about it." "Is there anything else?" Xin prepared to hang up. "Xin, not even as friends?" Hyorin couldn't help but ask. "We are friends, so we hope each other leads happy lives, right? Hyorin, learn to cherish the happiness in front of you; maybe that way, you'll be happier." Xin reiterated his stance. "Yeah..." "If there's nothing else, I'll hang up. Sleep well."
Caijing listened to the entire conversation, and Xin's clear position left her with no doubts. "Xin..." "Hmm? Why aren't you sleeping?" Caijing shook her head. "Are you being too heartless?" "Not really. Only by doing this can she fully understand and move on to pursue her own happiness." "Silly, my love is entirely yours. How could there be space for anyone else? Besides, Hyorin should understand 'Little Turtle Car's' feelings for her, right?" "Xin, do you remember our last trip to Jeju Island?" Feeling better, Caijing reminisced about witnessing Xin and Hyorin's intimacy. "Yeah, it was the first time I received a gift made with someone's heart." "Is that so?" She didn't expect him to value that present so much. "Yeah, it was also the first time I felt a tinge of jealousy." "Ah?" Caijing was surprised. "Seeing you and Yu having fun together, I envied him greatly." Under Caijing's influence, Xin gradually learned to be honest, knowing that even if he didn't say it immediately, his wife would eventually uncover the truth. "Really?" Could it be that he had cared for her back then? Caijing still found it hard to believe. "Yeah, I envied his ability