璃問道。華國公皺眉，皇後是墨景祁的嫡妻，無論哪個皇子登基都要尊她為皇太後，這是常理。然而他同時明白，雖然十皇子的母親懦弱無能不怕皇後壓製，但深宮中的女人最善變多端。而且如果十皇子順利親政，袖手旁觀的華家絕對討不了好。到時候皇後日子也不會好過。如果十皇子出了什麼事，那麼作為嫡母的皇後同樣不會有什麼好聽的。華國公猶豫地看向皇後，這些年他對這個女兒一直心懷愧疚。她是為了華家才加入皇室的，但同樣的因為華家...16. Twin Pearls (Part 2)

16., You Only Come to See the Twin Pearls (Part 2)

Outside Duke Hua's Manor

In a torrential downpour, a disheveled youth sat huddled against the wall, allowing the rain to mercilessly wash over his not-so-robust body. His already pale face appeared even more ghastly under the rain.

"Get up!" A handsome young man in a snow-white robe landed gracefully beside him, holding an oiled paper umbrella to shield himself from the rain. In contrast with his pristine appearance, the youth looked even more forlorn and bedraggled.

Mo Xiuyao sneered as he walked over to Feng Zhiyao and squatted down in front of him. "What's wrong Don't you want to live anymore"

"Mind your own business!" Feng Zhiyao impatiently closed his eyes; he was in a terrible mood, even if the person before him was his friend, he didn’t care to acknowledge him. Mo Xiuyao sneered again. "Since you’re already half-dead, why don't you just go ahead and die Maybe Sister Hua will shed a few tears for your pitiful state."

"Mo Xiuyao! Go to hell!" Feng Zhiyao roared as he lunged at his mocking friend. At this moment of extreme need for venting, someone offering themselves up to be beaten was an opportunity not to be missed. But in the heat of anger, he had momentarily forgotten that beating this guy wasn’t within his reach.

Indeed, just as Feng Zhiyao started moving, Mo Xiuyao, who was still squatting next to him, had already stood up and stepped back several paces out of harm's way. Feng Zhiyao’s attack immediately missed its mark. People in a bad mood tend to get angry easily; normally, with an unsuccessful hit, he would have stopped, but now he seemed determined to take on Mo Xiuyao regardless. Rising to his feet and swinging his fist towards Mo Xiuyao's face, the latter merely raised an eyebrow and let Feng Zhiyao attack again. Thus began a skirmish in the rain, with Feng Zhiyao’s already drenched body now muddied from rolling around like he had fallen into a mud pit, while Mo Xiuyao remained impeccably dressed with his white robe floating gracefully despite the storm, holding an umbrella that shielded him from any raindrops. He fought as if strolling in spring rain.

When Feng Zhiyao finally ran out of energy, Mo Xiuyao smiled and kicked him several feet away. Looking down at Feng Zhiyao lying face-down in the mud and unwilling even to get up, he said with a smirk, "I'm leaving for the Southern Frontier tomorrow. Want to come along If you do, stand up and follow me; if not, just stay there."

Saying that, he turned around without waiting for Feng Zhiyao’s response.

Stuck in the mud with rainwater pummeling his beautiful face, Feng Zhiyao lay there motionless for a long while before slowly getting up. He looked back at the lit windows of Hua Manor under the night sky and headed towards where Mo Xiuyao had left.

Seventeen Years Later

In a small estate outside Li City, Hua Yunxi sat by the window staring blankly at the chrysanthemums in the courtyard. Despite being over thirty years old, time had barely etched any lines on her youthful face. Instead, the aura of nobility and her past status as the empress gave her an air of dignity that ordinary women lacked.

"Mother!"

Mos Wuyou pushed open the door with a smile.

"You're being silly," Hua Yunxi helplessly tapped her daughter's forehead with a smile and said, "Your mother-in-law is taking such good care of you that there’s no need for me at all. You’re also a sensible child; it’s extremely rare to have an in-law like the First Lady Xu. Why are you being so unreasonable"

Mo Wuyou stuck out her tongue, she certainly did not mean to be unhappy with her mother-in-law, merely wanting to play around with her mother for a bit. Looking at her mother, Mo Wuyou’s eyes roamed about before she said, "Right, Mother, I saw Uncle Feng San outside earlier. Why didn’t he come in"

Upon hearing this, Hua Yunxi was taken aback and replied, "He doesn't have anything important to do; he'll naturally leave soon."

Mo Wuyou smiled with a hint of skepticism. In the past few years, she had watched every move Feng Zhirao made closely. As her daughter, if she said that she truly wished for her mother to find another man for herself, it would be a lie. However, Mo Wuyou also knew how hard her mother worked and suffered over these years, as well as the depth of Feng Zhirao's affection. If not for Feng Zhirao’s insistence on rescuing her from the palace when she was young, her mother might not still be alive today.

Feng Zhirao had already surpassed his thirties but adamantly refused to marry against the wishes of Feng Zhihuan. He cared about Mother with meticulous attention and warmth; it could be said that even Xu Qingbai couldn't treat her as well as he did. Now, at only thirty or so years old, her mother’s life was still long ahead of her. If possible, Mo Wuyou naturally wished for her mother's later years to be happy.

"Mother, why don’t you let Uncle Feng San come in and talk things out Looking at his expression, I doubt he will leave easily," said Mo Wuyou softly.

Hua Yunxi sighed bitterly. How could she not understand the feelings of Feng Zhirao over these years However, despite understanding, reality was that he was one of Ding王府’s (Ding Wangfu) most trusted subordinates and held high status with a promising future ahead. She was merely an emperor's widow from the previous dynasty; even if they changed their names now, could it truly fool everyone else If they were to be together, not only would Feng Zhirao’s reputation be destroyed but also Mo Wuyou, Xu Family, and even Ding王府 (Ding Wangfu)'s.

Mo Wuyou could clearly see her mother's concerns, yet she didn’t know how to persuade her. The Prince of Ding and the Princess would not care about these matters, nor would the Xu Family, but no matter what she said, her mother still couldn't let it go.

"Since Mother doesn’t want to meet Uncle Feng San, I’ll send him away."

Hua Yunxi did not comment either way as Mo Wuyou shook her head with a hint of regret and turned around to leave.

Outside the door, a handsome man in red robes was anxiously pacing about. Hearing Mo Wuyou’s voice made him turn back in surprise but when he didn’t see the figure he wanted to see, his gaze dimmed.

"She still refuses to meet me" Feng Zhirao asked softly. Although already past thirty years old, this Third Young Master Feng in red robes was still exceptionally handsome and had become even more resolute and steady after countless battles. The current Third Young Master Feng was naturally no longer the playboy of Chu Jing back then. Having achieved fame and fortune, he still couldn’t get what he wanted most. Ever since Mo Wuyou got married, Hua Yunxi moved out of Li City to live in a small villa near Mount Li’s Academy. Since then, she had been staying indoors as if the world outside didn't exist; recently, she even refused to meet him.

Mo Wuyou shook her head apologetically, looking at Feng Zhirao with pity. She knew well how determined her mother could be once set on something.

Feng Zhirao’s smile was bitter as Mo Wuyou felt a pang of不忍 (unbearable sympathy) seeing his dejected expression. "Well, Uncle Feng, why don’t you go back first Perhaps in two days, Mother will feel better..."

Feng Zhirao shook his head and said, "Forget it, could you please give this to your mother" Mo Wuyou nodded as she saw Feng Zhirao take out a night pearl the size of an almond from his bosom and place it in her hand. Mo Wuyou frowned at what was in her hand; it felt strangely familiar. Soon enough, she recalled that her mother did indeed have a similar night pearl. The only difference was that her mother’s was tied with a light red ribbon while this one had a dark blue one. When she was young, she once asked for it but her usually indulgent mother hadn’t given it to her.

"Uncle Feng, don't worry. I will definitely help you deliver it," Mo Wuyou nodded and promised.

Feng Zhiyao forced a bitter smile and said, "Thank you for your trouble. I have to take my leave."

Seeing the desolate back figure of Feng Zhiyao as he left, Mo Wuyou sighed deeply.

"Rejected again," a young man in black robes landed lightly beside the wall, looking at the departing figure of Feng Zhiyao with a chortling smile on his face. He then let out a sigh, "Rather than destroy ten temples, it's better to not disrupt one marriage. Who would have thought that this Prince would have to take up matchmaking again I wonder how Feng San will repay me for this He must be overwhelmed by gratitude and unable to stop the tears of emotion. Then he'll swear to follow me into boiling water or raging fire."

On the wall, another boy a couple years younger than him spoke expressionlessly, "He would struggle to hold back from killing you."

"Brother Zhirui, isn't it better for ungrateful people to have some limits How unfortunate this Prince is to meet such an opportunistic cousin!" Mo Wuyou complained.

Classmate Xu Zhirui's mouth twitched. He asked darkly, "Why would I cross a river! Do you remember that well, Brother" Digging a hole for someone to jump into and then pulling them up while expecting gratitude was something he didn't think everyone had the same issue as Mo Xiaobao did.

Mortified, Mo Xiaobao patted his nose and sighed. "Forget it. For the sake of Feng San's future, I'll take a risk!"

"Aunt Hua! Aunt Hua!" In the room, Hua Yunxi was still mesmerized by the night pearl that Mo Wuyou had given her when she heard Mo Xiaobao's anxious voice from outside. Without waiting for a response from Hua Yunxi, he barged right in. "Aunt Hua, have you seen Feng San!"

Hua Yunxi was taken aback and looked at Mo Wuyou, asking, "He just left… what's wrong"

"Left!" Mo Xiaobao cried out in alarm. "How did he leave Where did he go!"

“What happened” Hua Yunxi’s heart tightened as she hurriedly asked.

Mortified, Mo Xiaobao said solemnly, “It’s over, he definitely thinks there's no hope and has gone to die somewhere on his own. Hurry! We must send people immediately to find him. Mr Shen says that his illness can't be delayed any longer.”

“Illness What kind of sickness” Hua Yunxi’s face turned pale as she grabbed Mo Xiaobao anxiously and asked the same question. Behind her, Mo Wuyou frowned in confusion; Feng Zhiyao had just been seen by her, although he looked a bit down, it didn't seem like he was sick.

Mos Xiaobao shook his head weakly, “Mr Shen didn’t say what illness… only that he might not live beyond three months. Just now, Feng San told Father he wanted to leave for some time and then left straightaway. Mother and Father are sending people everywhere to look for him. I came over here to see if he had come here.”

Upon hearing this, Hua Yunxi's body wavered, nearly causing her to collapse. Mo Wuyou hurriedly supported her but hesitated when he saw Mo Xiaobao giving him a signal with his eyes. After some deliberation, Hua Yunxi asked: "Wuyou... What else did he say before leaving"

Mo Wuyou really didn't want to deceive his mother, yet he also wanted to preserve Mo Xiaobao's plan. Thus, he replied: "He said nothing... Uncle Feng San only told Wuyou to give the item to Mother."

Hua Yunxi trembled slightly as she took out another pearl. The two nearly identical purple night pearls lay quietly in her hand, radiating soft and resplendent light. The same old silk ribbon with matching knots were present, the only difference being one was pale red while the other was dark blue, clearly indicating that they were a pair. Suddenly, Hua Yunxi recalled a rainy night many years ago when a teenager's stubborn yet dim eyes and pallid face flashed before her mind.

Seeing Hua Yunxi's bewildered gaze, Mo Xiaobao shifted his eyes with a hint of crying in his voice: "Uncle Feng San told Father that he wanted to do what he always wished for. Auntie Hua, don't you know what Uncle Feng San wishes most Where did he go"

She knew, but she had driven him away!

"He... He... I'm going to find him!" With that, Hua Yunxi turned and rushed out.

In the room behind her, Mo Xiaobao put down his hand covering his face. His handsome features were clean and full of laughter; there wasn't even a trace of tears! Mo Wuyou frowned as he stared at Mo Xiaobao: "What do you intend to do now"

Mo Xiaobao smiled innocently, "Don't you think Sister Wuyou finds it a waste of everyone's time and energy to keep this up"

This has nothing to do with you, Mo Wuyou thought silently.

Muttering helplessly, Mo Xiaobao gazed at the bright yet sorrowful sky outside. The last time he played a prank on Feng San caused him to be listless and distracted for weeks; his father blamed it all on him and demanded that he fix everything immediately. Heaven knows what kind of trouble Feng San would have if left alone with Auntie Hua!

"Is this acceptable" Mo Wuyou asked doubtfully.

Feng San could only go further downhill if he didn't know how to take advantage of the situation, Mo Xiaobao declared indifferently. It was unreasonable and petty to force someone to bear responsibility for a mistake that wasn't theirs!

Outside of Li City somewhere on a cliff's edge, Hua Yunxi had inquired from nearby villagers as she ascended the cliff. She saw Feng Zhiyao standing there with his back to her, looking as if he might be blown off any moment.

"Zhiyao, what are you doing" By now, Hua Yunxi was a bit breathless. But seeing the red-clad figure at the edge of the cliff caused her heart to race and she dared not even breathe.

Feng Zhiyao turned around and looked at her indifferently: "Auntie Hua, why are you here"

Cloud Xi Yue spoke softly, "What are you doing here Can you come over and tell me what's on your mind" Feng Zhiyao smiled bitterly, saying, "There’s nothing to say. In the past, I was foolish and caused Sister Hua a lot of trouble. But in the future… it won’t happen again."

Seeing him looking like his heart had dried up and withered away, Cloud Xi Yue felt as if her heart were being squeezed painfully by someone’s hand, "Zhiyao, no matter what happens... we can always find a way to solve the problem. It’ll get better eventually. Why don’t you come over here I feel scared seeing you standing there."

Feng Zhiyao shook his head and smiled, saying, "This is fine. Sister Hua, please go back home. In the future, I won't bother you again." With that said, Feng Zhiyao turned around and slightly leaned forward.

"Zhiyao!" Cloud Xi Yue couldn’t help but cry out in alarm, reaching out to grab him as she tried to rush over. However, her position was quite a distance from where Feng Zhiyao stood; if he really wanted to end his life, there would be nothing she could do to stop him in time. Moreover, given her physique and strength, it wouldn’t have been possible for her to hold onto him. A sense of fear that had never before arisen spread through her entire being, "Zhiyao, didn't you say that you’d look after me Are you going back on your word"

Feng Zhiyao paused and slowly shook his head, saying, "I won’t be able to take care of Sister Hua for a long time from now on."

"That’s fine. As much as I can have is good enough. And… who knows what will happen in the future" Cloud Xi Yue said anxiously.

Feng Zhiyao turned back to face her, asking, "Sister Hua, are you pitying me now Just like when we were kids…"

Cloud Xi Yue shook her head and replied, "No... Zhiyao, I’m sorry. It was my fault earlier for being overly concerned about others’ opinions of me. But I know… I know that your feelings toward me are genuine."

"And what about you Do you feel the same way towards me" Feng Zhiyao asked with a hint of hope.

Cloud Xi Yue hesitated and then held on to the two pearls tightly, speaking firmly, "I can’t guarantee that I’m ready to feel like that right now… but I want to try. Zhiyao, are you willing to give it a shot with me"

"Even if all I can promise is three months"

Cloud Xi Yue nodded solemnly.

A long time passed before Feng Zhiyao finally moved away from the cliff and walked towards her. Cloud Xi Yue’s heart, which had been on edge, gradually relaxed as she stumbled to the ground, her legs giving way. She was never a physically strong woman; up until now, it had taken all of her willpower to stay standing. Now that she saw Feng Zhiyao was alright and had finally breathed a sigh of relief, she could no longer hold herself up.

Feng Zhiyao moved swiftly towards her, landing softly beside her and catching her as she fell. "Sister Hua… or should I say Yun Xi, do you really want to marry me" Cloud Xi Yue was taken aback, looking into Feng Zhiyao’s eyes that were filled with hope and joy; unable to find the words to refuse him anymore, she finally gave a slight nod.

"Really That's great… Yun Xi, I’m so happy…" Feng Zhiyao hugged her tightly and couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

Moxiaobao and Xu Zhirui, who had followed Hua Yunxi all the way, lazily leaned against a tree at the foot of the mountain. Moxiaobao’s handsome face twisted in anger, "Isn’t Feng Zhiyao too happy too soon"

Xu Zhirui glanced at him indifferently, "If one's wish comes true, shouldn't they be happy Are you jealous"

"Shouldn’t he first consider what to do if he doesn’t die three months later" Moxiaobao gritted his teeth. This was his idea; had he planned it well What about gratitude and loyalty

“…”

The Third Young Master Feng, who was hugging the person he loved on the cliff, didn’t have any thoughts for what to do three months later. All he knew was that after so many years, he had finally caught up with the beautiful figure that once made him obsessed and yearn in vain. The heart that had felt empty since the first time he saw her suddenly… filled with warmth and fullness.

Hua Yunxi leaned weakly against Feng Zhiyao’s chest without further struggle. In this world, no man loved her more sincerely than Feng Zhiyao, nor would any other man make her feel such heart-wrenching pain.

That was enough.

You know that I have a husband,

So you give me two pearls of jade;

Touched by your affectionate meaning,

I fasten them to my red brocade.

In our house the lofty towers rise above the palace walls;

My husband guards the gates and wears a sword in his belt.

I know that you are loyal as sun or moon,

And vow to follow him till life is done.

If I return your pearls with tears of sorrow,

It’s because we did not meet before I was a bride.

(Double Pearls, end)

—— Excerpt ——

In fact, this poem is somewhat inappropriate when used here and with the title of the side story. However, Feng Zhiyao likes this poem very much. The Third Young Master Feng's ending finally turned out to be a happy one~ Even though it might not seem as beautiful as the previous two endings, but considering my extreme desire for tragedy, this is the happiest ending I can give. Recently, friends have been getting married, and I’ve casually lamented about aging, so please forgive me for not updating on time... Who’s nextNodding, Feng Zhiyao replied with a smile, "Your Highness's concern is appreciated. Our royal highness has always been in good health.""Is that so" Mozhengli said, "I heard that Western Ling’s Souther...