(Continuing the phone conversation with Xiaoqi) “Very well, Qi… we’ll go to your grandfather’s place later.
Don’t worry, I’m fine.
I won’t bring up my dreams — they don’t really matter anyway, it’s just my feelings getting in the way.
And I certainly won’t let this affect my work… Qi, I’ll hang up now.
See you at the office tomorrow,” Zhuzhu whispered softly to herself.
“Forgive me, Qi… I just don’t want you to get dragged into all this.” After ending the call, she lay back down and closed her eyes.
Her body felt utterly exhausted, yet her mind refused to settle.
Slowly, heavy drowsiness pulled her consciousness away — and finally, she drifted off to sleep.
⏳ SHIFTING BACK TO A THOUSAND YEARS AGO The Imperial Palace of the Tang Dynasty was in an uproar.
Soldiers and court officials scoured every corner, searching for any trace of Princess Zhu Ying — who had vanished without a word since the great earthquake struck days ago.
Every region surrounding the palace had been combed through, yet not a single clue had been found.
The Royal Physician, who also served as the kingdom’s chief advisor, held temporary authority.
The Emperor had fallen in battle against the demon Chen Lie, and now Princess Zhu Ying was the only rightful heir to the throne.
Her safety meant everything.
Yet even now, there was still no news of her.
Suddenly, a soldier came rushing over, breathless and hurried.
“Royal Physician!
We found something belonging to Princess Zhu Ying on the coast, not far from the royal family’s mausoleum!” Without wasting a moment, the Royal Physician set off with his guards.
There, lying upon the sand, was a jade bracelet — an ornament the Princess had never once taken off her wrist.
But its owner was nowhere to be seen.
“Search thoroughly in every direction!
Check the shoreline and search the shallow waters!” the Royal Physician commanded firmly.
Nearly two hours of searching followed, but it was all in vain.
“Forgive us, Royal Physician… there is no sign of Princess Zhu Ying.
Not even a trace of someone having drowned here.” The Royal Physician nodded slowly, then ordered the troops to return to the palace.
He alone remained standing motionless on the shore, staring out into the vast ocean with a gaze full of quiet foreboding.
The sea looked strange — unnaturally calm, shimmering faintly beneath a golden glow that did not belong there.
He let out a long sigh, and whispered softly to the sea wind: “My Princess… you are still alive, are you not?
I know you did not run away out of fear.
You left to atone for sins that were never truly yours to begin with.
You were willing to pay the highest price for your family… and most of all, for your sister, Princess Zhao Xixi.
Believe me… fate will never let you disappear forever.
One day, you will surely return to where you truly belong…”