Chapter Sixty-One: A Lifelong Beloved

"Li Suo, why doesn't Li Yue call you 'brother'?" Watching Li Yue's departing figure, Yin Yao arched her brows and looked at Li Suo.

Li Suo stared at Yin Yao in surprise. "When did you find out?"

Yes, Li Yue was his twin brother. That man was innately cold and cruel, and his appearance was not very similar to his own. Their father used to say, one took after their mother, the other after their father. Li Yue gave off an aura of thorough coldness, but precisely because of that, his actions were decisive and never muddled.

Hearing Li Suo's reply, Yin Yao confirmed her suspicion. She had guessed as much at first, but hadn't expected to be right.

"You don't need to know that. Now answer my question." Li Suo gave her a mysterious look and spoke with a touch of melancholy, "I would like to know that myself."

That answer was as good as nothing, and Yin Yao felt a little disappointed. She glanced at the place where Li Yue had disappeared and could only surmise it was another case where parents doted on one twin while neglecting the other. And perhaps the one showered with affection was especially fond of the unloved sibling—such melodramatic stories...

Yin Yao silently wiped the sweat brought on by her wandering thoughts... But perhaps Li Yue's personality had simply developed naturally this way! And, by the looks of it, he seemed to treat his brother fairly well~

"Does everyone know Li Yue is your brother?" Yin Yao suddenly grew curious.

"No!" Li Suo answered without a moment's hesitation.

This answer surprised Yin Yao. "Why not?"

Seeing how concerned Yin Yao was about his family, Li Suo felt inexplicably pleased, and was willing to confide in her. "It was his own request."

Yin Yao seemed to understand, and nodded.

Thinking of Li Yue's emotionless face and the aura that kept strangers at bay, Yin Yao suddenly grew curious—who could possibly get close to him, who might like him?

She rose from her chair and walked up to Li Suo, flashing a bright smile. For some reason, Li Suo felt a cold sweat trickling down his back at the sight of her smile...

"Hey, Li Suo, do you know if anyone likes Li Yue?"

"Mm?" Li Suo hesitated at the question, but seriously began to recall, searching for any suspicious candidates...

Yin Yao waited quietly for Li Suo's answer, wondering if she was about to play matchmaker...

Suddenly, Li Suo's eyes lit up. "Yin Rou!"

"Yin Rou? That woman with unrivaled capability? Isn't she your right-hand among your arms?" Yin Yao exclaimed, immediately recalling information about Yin Rou.

Yes, Yin Rou was his right arm, and the left was naturally Li Yue!

Li Suo nodded obediently.

Having confirmation, Yin Yao gave a sly smile. "Yin Rou~"

Soon, a woman in a pale blue dress appeared in the room—Yin Rou. She hadn't heard the previous conversation between the two, as Yin Yao had already set a barrier, and had summoned her using internal force.

"You are to discreetly follow, and must not reveal your presence," Yin Yao ordered solemnly.

Watching Yin Rou disappear with swift agility, Li Suo pondered for a moment and then smiled.

...

Within the resplendent palace hall, Ji Mu Yu reclined lazily on the dragon throne, locks of hair cascading from his shoulders, his right hand propping up his head, his gaze unfocused and distant. His imperial robe of dark gold was slightly wrinkled, lacking its usual majesty and lending him a touch of decadence.

A woman in a pink palace maid's gown entered, carrying a tray of ginseng soup, her steps light as she crossed the hall. The door creaked open. She glanced around—no one else, the silence eerie and unsettling, yet she was not at all disturbed.

She softened her steps, slowly making her way toward the throne, knowing the person she sought was there.

A listless figure in imperial yellow came into view; a flicker of pain and reluctance flashed in her eyes. She composed herself, brightened her smile, and spoke softly.

"Mu, I've brought you some ginseng soup~"

Ji Mu Yu heard her and raised his head, lazily glancing over to see who it was. Though he could recognize the voice instantly, he still looked out of habit—just habit.

"You Xue, you're here," Ji Mu Yu replied weakly, his voice tinged with vulnerability, evoking sympathy. He feebly beckoned the woman named You Xue over. He thought: only she could witness his current state and still live in peace...

Because she was the only one, the special one...

Wan You Xue smiled radiantly, the light illuminating her face. Her palm-sized visage, bright eyes, and cherry lips curved into a beautiful arc, and the two dimples declared her good mood. Her long lashes fluttered as she carefully carried the ginseng soup, her steps light as she approached Ji Mu Yu.

"Mu, I specially brewed this ginseng soup for you~ I added some extra nourishing herbs. Let me feed you—drink more, alright?"

Wan You Xue opened the lid, releasing a rich fragrance. She placed the tray on the table and was about to kneel to feed Ji Mu Yu when he suddenly rose and pulled her to his side, affectionately stroking her head. "Xue'er, you've worked hard."

Because of Ji Mu Yu's sudden movement, some soup spilled from Wan You Xue's hands. She glared at him in mild annoyance. "See, it's all your fault!"

To Ji Mu Yu, that glare looked more like a coquettish pout. He laughed softly. "Yes, yes, it's my fault. Alright, alright! I know I was wrong!"

"There." Wan You Xue filled the spoon generously, pursed her lips and blew on it, then offered it to Ji Mu Yu. He opened his mouth and drank. Wan You Xue beamed with delight, repeating the action, and Ji Mu Yu dutifully finished it all.

Gradually, the cup of ginseng soup was gone; Ji Mu Yu had drunk it all. His gaze grew deep as he fixed his eyes on Wan You Xue, trying to see something within.

Yes, he was looking at himself through Wan You Xue's eyes. In her gaze, he saw his own face, the gentle smile, the doting eyes, the easy-going expression—so unfamiliar, yet now so real before him. Such a look was a rarity for him...

Wan You Xue gazed at Ji Mu Yu's tender expression, so entranced she grew dazed, unconsciously smiling.

With a single motion, Ji Mu Yu pulled Wan You Xue into his arms, lowering his head to bury it in her hair, breathing in the faint medicinal fragrance, a charming smile curling his lips.

Wan You Xue obediently let Ji Mu Yu embrace her, her face alight with happiness: Mu, you will be my good match for life, won't you?