The royal physician wears a grave look on his face as he solemnly approaches Yinzhen and Thirteenth Prince. A look of sadness and apology emerges on his face as he kneels before Yinzhen and cups in his hands together in respect and reverence.
"Emperor, Gege's heart is extremely infected and the damage is too severe. Even now, Gege's experiencing palpitations. As such, should she collapse again, she may not live. Even with medicine, there is not much I can do. I am sorry."
Yinzhen stands speechlessly as he watches his beloved daughter rest. How is it that he can protect his empire but not those he loves? He couldn't protect his Thirteenth Brother and Ruoxi from suffering. Now he can't shield his daughter from something as little as an illness. It is as if he is condemned to helplessly watch her succumb deeper to her disease, closer to death. Is this his punishment for all he has done for the throne?
Thirteenth Prince realizes Yinzhen is at a loss for words and turns to the physician with a knowing nod. "You're excuse," he says kindly.
The physician nods and walks out slowly. Nearby, Qiaohui cries quietly as Yinzhen continues to stand quietly, unnervingly stunned by all that he has learned.
"Thirteenth Brother, what I have done wrong? Have I been a bad father?"
"Royal Brother, please don't blame yourself. None of this is your fault. These things happen when we least expect them."
Yinzhen shakes his head and walks towards Muxue's lying form. He bends down and gently caresses her head, slightly warm with a fever and tears up. He doesn't want her to get hurt of anyone, yet here she lies, in the worst shape possible. How can fate be so cruel? He understands above all people that losses are greater for those residing in the palace in particular. He recognizes there are certain feuds that can't be forgotten and certain actions that must be taken with consequences that have to be faced. But he didn't expect this loss to occur, especially when Muxue is just about to enter the best years of her life.
This time, he can't keep the tears at bay. He weeps quietly so as not to disturb Muxue from her rest. Thirteenth Prince stands silently, watching as his brother grieves. In his heart, he is in just as much pain as his older brother. For all the years he has known her, Thirteenth Prince had watched Muxue blossom from an energetic bubbly child into a refined and elegant young lady. He doesn't want to ever say goodbye to this flower so soon. Yet this flower is already beginning to wilt and there is nothing he or Yinzhen can do about it.
Softly, a delirious cry is heard from Muxue. "Zhen Huagui, Zhen Huagui, please don't leave me. Zhen Huagui…"
Yinzhen tearfully turns and shares a look with Thirteenth Prince. They both know in Muxue's heart, Zhen Huagui has never truly left and her love for him is just as strong as it was before. Even in her weakened state, Muxue is still dreaming of her prince in shining armor, Zhen Huagui. Another cry erupts from her once more.
"Zhen Huagui, please come back. Don't leave me alone…"
As he listens to his most cherished daughter cry for the one man she ever loves, he realizes he needs to bring Zhen Huagui to her side if it will lessen any pain she feels. He rises determinedly from his spot beside Muxue and crosses the room over to Thirteenth Prince. Thirteenth Prince sees the look on Yinzhen's face and follows without another word, instinctively knowing exactly what his brother is thinking of.
"Qiaohui, take good care of Muxue. We will be back soon."
"Yes."
In the dream world, Muxue gazes around and finds herself standing in a very crowded street, the same street she stood on when she first met Zhen Huagui in the town. She sees a man who looks nearly identical to Zhen Huagui and begins calling to him as she runs forward.
"Zhen Huagui, Zhen Huagui," she urgently calls as she pushes people aside, hurriedly trying to reach him
She comes close to him and is about to hug him when he disappears. Muxue frantically looks around. "Zhen Huagui, Huagui, where are you?" she cries desperately and looks all around hoping to see him reemerge.
Around her, the scape of the town and the crowded streets disappears. Muxue stands still watching all of it fade into darkness and wonders where she could be exactly. Soon, she stands alone in a pitch black space with nothing. As she contemplates what to do in the given surroundings, she sees a door appear and carefully approaches it.
She opens the door and peers, wondering what could possibly lie within and is stunned by what she sees. It's herself, swinging to and fro elegantly on a swing set, a look of happiness on her face. Suddenly, someone pulls on one of the ropes of the swing, stilling her. Muxue looks closer and releases her hands on the door as she takes steps through the door. She is stunned to see that the person is Zhen Huagui.
The image of Muxue laughs delightfully at Huagui and allows him to pull her away from the swing. The pair of them runs down the fields, chasing each other merrily. The image allows Huagui to catch her and spin her around before holding her tightly in his arms.
Muxue sees the two of them talk about something she cannot hear when there is a faint sound of music from far away. The images smile at one another as Huagui reaches out his hand for the image of Muxue to take. The image takes his hand and the two begin to dance to the music.
As she watches the images dance with one another, tears fall from Muxue's eyes.
"Is this what my heart desires and yearns for? I look so happy with him, yet this is something I may never have. I wonder what our future would have looked like," she thinks sorrowfully.
As if answering her questions, the scene suddenly changes and she sees herself standing before Zhen Huagui dressed in red from head to toe with a red veil covering her face. Zhen Huagui lifts the veil off her and the two of them gaze into each other's eyes lovingly. The two of them kneel before Yinzhen and bow ceremoniously before offering cups of tea.
Muxue realizes this would have been the day of her wedding and looks as Yinzhen proudly drinks the offered tea, signaling them to rise. Nearby, Thirteenth Prince stands proudly with Hongxiao, Qiaohui and more importantly Chenghuan. Muxue looks to the other side and sees all of her brothers, Hongshi, Hongli, and Hongzhou, clapping happily without a hint of their rivalry and battle on their faces.
The scene changes again and Muxue sees she is back on the field the images were previously running around in. The image of Muxue turns as if hearing a call. A smile delights her face as a little girl comes running up to the image's arms happily with Zhen Huagui. The image lifts the child and smiles before running again. Zhen Huagui smiles brightly and looks younger than ever as he chases behind the two girls.
Tears spill from Muxue's eyes as she now knows her future with Zhen Huagui would have been glorious. Their daughter would have been beautiful, everything would have been beautiful. But she knows that in reality, none of this is possible. Zhen Huagui is probably farther than ever from her. There would no wedding and she would not have the little girl or family she just saw. From the pain she has been experiencing, Muxue knows it will not be long before she succumbs to her illness, whatever it may be. She continues to stare at the image of the happy family before her and hopes she can commit this imaginary moment in her mind for all time when a voice speaks from behind.
"Why do you think you don't stand a chance of having this?"
Muxue turns and sees her Uh-liang standing there, a smile gracing her lips. Muxue hurriedly wipes the tears off her face. "Zhen Huagui is farther from me than ever. Even if we could be together, there's not much time left."
Ruoxi smiles gently at Muxue. "Time is only what you make of it. Besides, it is never too late to ask. You will have your chance at getting the future you want with him. It may be just a little different from what you hoped for."
The guards and servants kneel as Yinzhen and Thirteenth Prince walk hurriedly into Lord Akdun's residence. Lord Akdun and his wife turn and immediately kneel in respect.
"Auspicious greetings Emperor."
"Rise. Where is Zhen Huagui?" asks Yinzhen urgently when Huagui steps out into the hall. He looks up and sees Yinzhen and instantly kneels.
"Huagui bids Emperor auspicious greetings. What could be the matter that you seek me so urgently?" he asks.
Yinzhen walks forward and asks Huagui to rise. "There is something I must discuss with you. It's about Muxue."
Disconcerted, Huagui nods and gestures Yinzhen in the direction of another room so as to have some privacy from the others. Thirteenth Prince nods his head at Lord Akdun and his wife. He follows Yinzhen into the study.
"Zhen Huagui, Muxue is very ill. She wants to see you," says Yinzhen as he sits in the seats.
Yinzhen sees a flicker of worry pass through Huagui's eyes before he brushes it off. "She's already told me all I need to hear. I don't want to get hurt anymore. It will probably be best we don't talk or see each other anymore."
"Zhen Huagui, Muxue has not forgotten you nor has she ever stopped loving you. You should know that the pair of earrings you gave to her never left her side. She constantly looks at it every day," says Thirteenth Prince.
"Then why did she say all of that to me if she meant none of it?"
"She was trying to protect you. She doesn't want you to become involve as a pawn between Third and Fourth Prince's battles against each other. Who would have thought her words would actually waken you the other day in court?"
A look of regret appears on Huagui's face. "Silly girl, it's not I who needs protection, but her. Can't even care for herself properly," he says with a sigh.
Yinzhen looks at Huagui and asks a question he knows Thirteenth Prince is also wondering. "Do you still love her?"
Huagui turns and looks Yinzhen straight in the eye. "I've never stop loving her. Not for a single second. Not even when she said what she did to me."
Yinzhen walks up to Huagui. "Muxue has been ill for quite some time. Ever since she knelt all night in the garden, she hasn't been the same. The physician says she has Rheumatic Fever and is at risk for heart infections. He prescribed some medicine for her but she has refused to take it. Now her heart's severely infected."
Huagui looks worriedly Yinzhen. "But she will get better right?" he asks tentatively but knows from the look of Yinzhen's eyes that the answer is not something he wants to hear.
"How much time does she have left?"
"We don't know. The physician says that the next time she collapses, she may not live."
Tears build in Huagui's eyes but he sniffs to keep that at bay. "In that case, I will go with you to see her. But before I do, I have one matter to ask of you," he says keeping a firm look at Yinzhen.
Blinking blearily, Muxue allows her eyes to adjust to the brightness when she sees Yinzhen looking down at her.
"Royal Ama," she calls weakly before coughing again.
"You're finally waking up. You had us all worried for a while," says Yinzhen as he helps Muxue sit up.
"How long have I been asleep?"
"Already three days and soon to be a four. Tell me, why did you stop taking your medicine? Do you really consider me and your Thirteenth Uncle not good enough reasons to keep living?" asks Yinzhen fiercely.
Muxue weakly reaches a hand to Yinzhen's. "It's not that. I'm just too tired. I don't want to lose myself to greed. I don't want to trade my kindness and sincerity for riches, only to watch others fight and suffer. I don't want to be in a place that only takes away all that matters to me. I can't watch my two brothers fight each other anymore. I'm tired, really I am. I just want to be free."
Yinzhen places a steady on Muxue's shoulders. "Is it so hard that you don't even think of me as a good reason anymore?"
Muxue shakes her head exhaustedly. "It's not you Royal Ama. It really is not. But I'm afraid. I'm so afraid that this place will change me to someone I don't want to be. I just can't bear to see the tension anymore. I can't watch this palace, this horrible place take away everything I love. Please, I just want to be free."
"You must know it's not your fault."
"I don't care. I just want to be free!" cries Muxue before she slumps against Yinzhen crying heavily.
Yinzhen rubs Muxue's back hoping to comfort her. Having experienced a battle himself with Eighth Prince, he knows the extent one must go to achieve all that one desires. But he never considered the ones that get dragged into it. Now he knows how Ruoxi must have felt all those years ago when she was put in such a spot.
"Don't cry anymore. It's not good for your health. Besides, how will Zhen Huagui find you beautiful if he sees you have been crying?"
"I can never be with him again so why would this matter?"
"Really? Look who's here," says Yinzhen as he nods to Qiaohui who opens the door. Huagui walks in and kneels beside the bed.
"Huagui bids auspicious greetings to the Emperor and Muxue Gege."
Yinzhen smirks. "Rise."
"Thank you Emperor."
Muxue quickly rubs her eyes, trying to remove all evidence of her crying and sleep. She seriously wonders if she's still dreaming and turns to Yinzhen once more for confirmation.
"Royal Ama, I'm not dreaming am I?" she asks tiredly. Yinzhen smiles and plants a gentle kiss on Muxue's head before standing.
"Why don't you ask him yourself?" he says to Muxue before nodding at Huagui and walking out of Muxue's room, closing the doors behind him.
Muxue looks confusedly at Yinzhen's leaving form and turns to look once more at Huagui.
"He looks very healthy. In fact, he looks better than ever. Perhaps leaving my side is doing some good for him after all."
Muxue reaches a hand out thinking Huagui will disappear just as in her dream. She is relieved to see Huagui still looking at her when her hand touches his face. She freezes when she remembers that she has slapped him during their last encounter and gently touches the spot that was red.
"Does it still hurt?" she asks weakly.
Huagui smiles gently and wraps his own hand around hers. "No. But it sure woke me up and made me take action to defend everyone I love."
Muxue smirks as best as she can. "I've heard. You should be proud of yourself. Congratulations Officer Zhen of the Chivalric Order."
"Now who's teasing who?" he says to Muxue with a smirk. "You are such a fool! Do you know how much pain I would feel if you got hurt even if it is for my own good?" he asks as he takes a tight grip of Muxue's cold hands.
"I'm sorry you had to suffer. But that was the only way I could think of to protect you and save you.
"It should be me who's protecting you, not the other way around! You must know how I feel for you. I love you," he says tenderly as a tear trickles down Muxue's face.
Muxue does not reply but look into Huagui's eyes deeply, hoping he senses her acknowledgement. She leans against him and closes her eyes, relishing in the warmth of his body.
"I love you too," she whispers as tears well in Huagui's eyes. He nods tearfully, knowing the princess is weaker than ever.
"When you're feeling stronger tomorrow, head to the imperial garden. I have a surprise for you."
The next morning, Qiaohui dresses Muxue in her warmest clothes and accompanies Muxue to the imperial gardens.
"Gege, what do you think Officer Zhen has in store?"
"Qiaohui, I am not too certain myself. But knowing Zhen Huagui, he's full of strange and unpredictable ideas. Since it's a surprise, I'm not thinking too much of it though."
Qiaohui laughs. "Surprises are surprises but you must have a guess as to what he's planning for you."
Muxue smiles and continues walking with Qiaohui. Soon they arrive at the imperial gardens but are surprised to see a plethora of people: Hongli, Hongzhou, Hongxiao, Thirteenth Prince and, Yinzhen. All of them are relieve to see that Muxue is well enough to stand on her own two feet.
"Fifth Sister, it's good to see you up and about. You look so much better with some color in your cheeks," says Hongli as he smiles at Muxue and Qiaohui as they approach the tiny pavilion.
"Auspicious greetings Royal Ama, Thirteenth Uncle, Fourth Brother, Fifth, Brother."
"Auspicious greetings Emperor, Thirteenth Uncle, Fourth Prince, Fifth Prince."
"Rise."
"Why are you all here? Did he put you up to this?" asks Muxue.
The others snicker at Muxue's confusions. Hongxiao walks over to Muxue and takes her hand, leading her over to one of the chairs.
"Muxue, you just sit there," says Hongxiao as he hurriedly walks away in the direction Muxue and Qiaohui came from. Muxue gives a curious glance to Qiaohui.
"Are you in on this too?" Muxue asks Qiaohui. Qiaohui instantly shakes her head. Frustrated, Muxue turns to Yinzhen whose face is as stoic as ever.
"Royal Ama, you will tell me what's going on right?" Hongli, Hongzhou, and Thirteenth Prince turn to Yinzhen who is startled to see them looking at him, obviously doubting his abilities in keeping such a secret from Muxue.
Yinzhen nervously shakes his head. "Sorry, but you'll just have to wait as well."
Muxue crosses her arms petulantly and waits for Hongxiao to return. After minutes, Hongxiao still has not returned and Huagui has yet to show up. Getting impatient, Muxue stands angrily and grabs Qiaohui's arm to walk away.
"Since he's not coming, Qiaohui and I will leave. We have more important things to do other than sit and wait for something to happen that we don't even know about."
The men immediately snicker and Muxue frowns. "What's so funny?" she asks giving them all very curious looks. Thirteenth Prince coughs and looks away as Hongli and Hongzhou turn their eyes in another direction, pretending to be very interested in something random.
"Fine, be that way! Qiaohui, let's go."
Muxue walks a few steps out of the pavilion when suddenly she sees a swarm of kites flying high in the sky like stars in the daylight.
"Gege, look at the kites. They are so many and they come in so many colors."
Muxue nods and continues to look up at them. However, she finds it weird that the kite she and Zhen Huagui flew before is not amongst them. Even stranger is the fact that Zhen Huagui is still nowhere to be found."
Hongzhou runs out and taps Muxue's shoulder. "Do you like it? Come on, he'll be here soon. Just go sit down."
Muxue shrugs her shoulders and allow Qiaohui to lead her back to her seat. She sits in boredom, waiting for something even more interesting to happen, when she hears the sounds of a lute playing. The more she listens, the more she realizes that this is the same exact song she danced to the night of the midsummer's day when Min-Min Gege and Prince Zuoying visited the palace.
As the song reaches its climax, Huagui walks up with Hongxiao following, carrying a covered cage. Muxue watches with interest. Huagui continues to play the lute until the song ends just as he walks into the pavilion.
He kneels and bows before all the royals.
"Auspicious greetings Emperor, Fourth Prince, Fifth Prince, and Thirteenth Prince."
"Rise, we have been waiting a while for you."
"My apologies for the wait. Hongxiao didn't have everything prepared as I told him so we were delayed."
"Zhen Huagui, don't you dare put this on me. It's your own fault that you made this so extravagant," says Hongxiao playfully.
Ignoring him, Huagui turns to Muxue who looks expectantly at him. "Did you like the kite display?"
Muxue scoffs. "I did. There sure were many kites. However I do not see the one we flew together."
Huagui chuckles and recognizes an order. "My apologies Gege, but I thought you dislike the kite. You did say it looked like a little bird with big eyes."
Muxue pouts, recognizing his teasing immediately. Huagui immediately reaches a hand out and wraps it around Muxue's, appeasing her instantly. "Please don't be upset Gege. I thought that kite was too precious to fly. Since you want to see it so much, then here," he says as he holds out the butterfly kite out before Muxue.
Everyone instantly laughs at seeing the ridiculously large eyes of the butterfly. Muxue beams and reaches out to hold the kite. "That's more like it," she says as she happily admires the kite.
Hongxiao shakes his head and smirks teasingly. "If I had known you like butterfly kites so much, I should have made one for you earlier. It would definitely be better than the one this bloke made."
Everyone snickers as Muxue sends Hongxiao a glare. "Don't tease, Hongxiao. I like it just the way it is," she says proudly.
"If you like that, then I promise you will like what you see next," says Huagui as pulls out from behind him, a bouquet of cherry blossoms and holds it in front of her.
Shocked at seeing such a beautiful array of freshly picked cherry blossoms before her, Muxue gasps and hands the kite for Qiaohui to hold. Huagui smiles at seeing the delight on Muxue's face.
"Do you like them? I picked them just for you," he says as he hands them to Muxue, who continues to gaze at them lovingly.
"How on earth did you know these are my favorite flowers?" asks Muxue as she smells the fragrance coming from the blossoms.
"The first time I saw you, you were dressed in the color of these blossoms. I instantly knew you liked them."
Hongxiao rolls his eyes. "He certainly noticed but asked me, Ama, and Royal Uncle about this little detail before picking them," adds Hongxiao. Hongli and Hongzhou snicker as do Thirteenth Prince and Qiaohui. Huagui sends a look of annoyance at Hongxiao.
"Would you stop the wise cracks? I'm trying to do something important here."
"So do it then. It's not like I'm stopping you."
Huagui shakes his head in exasperation and turns back to Muxue. "Since we first met, I told you to find your own happiness and to live your life to the fullest. I want to tell you, the times I spend with you have been the happiest in my life. I want to keep spending my days with you," he says as he kneels before Muxue. Muxue looks up in surprise.
"The other day, I have already asked the Emperor for his permission. He has granted it on the condition that we wait until you're old enough at the age of fourteen."
Muxue smiles embarrassingly but is elated by Huagui's words. "Whoever said I was marrying you? You didn't even ask me."
Huagui has anticipated Muxue's retort and produces the butterfly hairpin from his pocket. "Then will you marry me? If you do, you'll have to wear this hairpin for the rest of your life."
Muxue is excited to see the hairpin again and puts on a thoughtful front. "Marry you just to wear my favorite hairpin. I'm not so sure…" she contemplates teasingly.
Hongzhou takes pity on Huagui. "Oh Muxue, you should stop teasing Zhen Huagui. If you keep doing this, he may change his mind and then where will you end up?"
"Very well, I'll marry you. But like I said before, you can only give me this pin when I am as free as a butterfly."
"And when's that?" asks Huagui curiously as he puts his arms around her shoulders.
Muxue ponders before lighting her eyes up with the answer. "You should know," she whispers only loud enough for Huagui to hear before throwing her arms around him and hugging him tightly. Around them applause sounds as Hongli, Hongzhou, Thirteenth Prince, and Yinzhen walk over to congratulate the happy couple.
"Royal Brother, looks like you can finally cast your burden away. Even your youngest daughter is getting married," says Thirteenth Prince as he observes Yinzhen's reaction.
Yinzhen nods but it is evident he truly misses the Muxue who would run to him to show off her newest creations or tell him of her most recent adventures. As he watches his sons encircle Huagui and welcome him into the family, he feels time has really slip by and he is getting old.
Hongxiao calls over to Huagui. "Zhen Huagui, I know you're really happy right now but did you forget about your final offering to Muxue? I've been holding onto it tiredly."
Huagui sheepishly looks to Hongxiao. "Sorry Prince Hongxiao. I totally forget about those in my happiness. Muxue, come look what I have caught for you." He helps Muxue stand and walk over to Hongxiao before lifting the cover off. The smile falters on Muxue's face as she stares at the cage full of butterflies.
"Zhen Huagui, you must have spent a lot of time catching these exotic beauties," comments Hongli as he walks closer for a better look of the butterflies.
"Fourth Prince, I caught half of those. He dragged me out into the field to catch them. Took me nearly hours to get them all in there," complains Hongxiao.
"Hongxiao, stop complaining. You've done a good deed."
As the princes playfully argue about Hongxiao's actions in helping Huagui, Huagui notices the smile from Muxue's face has disappeared.
"Muxue, you don't like it?" asks Huagui which immediately stops the commotion from the princes.
Muxue shakes her head but continues to look sadly at the caged butterflies. "I like them, but I don't like how they're caged. They're isolated from the rest of their family and the world. No one deserves to be like that."
"But if you don't catch them, how can you observe their beauty?"
"Their beauty and splendor will disappear if they are caged. It is only outside and free, that their beauty and splendor are truly admired," says Muxue as she lifts one of the latches to the cage to open the door. As soon as she does, the butterflies begin to fly out, filling the air with their pink hue. Everyone watches in amazement at the prettiness of the sight.
Yinzhen observes Muxue and recognizes the significance to Muxue's statement. He knows that the butterflies are metaphoric for her and is another way of her conveying that she desires her freedom. Yet as much as Yinzhen wants to give his little girl the one thing she truly wants, this is something he cannot fully grant. Now that Zhen Huagui is made Officer of the Chivalric Order of one of the army bands in Hongli's army, he will forever be tied with the court and the palace. As such, all Yinzhen has to do is designate a manor for them as soon as they are married. Muxue will still be by his side and continue to remain in the palace.
Watching the butterflies flitter happily towards the sunlight and into the air, Muxue sighs, hoping someday she will be able to join those butterflies in their dance in the sky. She recalls her Uh-liang's words about freeing the butterflies from before and finally understands the meaning of them.
"I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand," she says as she leans her head on Huagui's shoulders. Yinzhen turns curiously at Muxue's use of words but conceals the thought as he continues watching the skies. Huagui wraps his arms protectively around Muxue. He sincerely hopes these happy days will last just a bit longer.
But those days do not last for long, especially when Muxue grows weaker with each passing day. Huagui watches helplessly as the girl who was once filled with so much life and energy become a withered blossom. He is heartbroken to see she can no longer run around happily with a dance in her skip at the sight of him or entertain him with her mesmerizing dances. Rather, she's coughing continuously and is forced to remain in her bedroom, resting. He knows this does not satisfy Muxue who always likes to create mischief and noise so he tries to spend as much time with her whenever he could, bringing her favorite items from the outside and showering her with kisses. Muxue always upholds a smile whenever he's around but he knows this is just a front she puts for him. He knows she's miserable and wants to be free more than ever. So as he holds her close to him, he tries to give her as much comfort as he can, hoping this will free her just a bit.
"Is Eighth Uncle well?" Muxue asks curiously as she leans against Huagui one day. Huagui sighs and caresses Muxue's arm one more.
"He's as well as he can be. Since Third Prince lost his titles, the Emperor has been linking Prince Lian with several minor offenses," says Huagui. "Prince Lian never responds and just accepts whatever the Emperor says to him. Why do you ask?"
Muxue does not respond and pretends to shake everything off. "Just wondering," she says to Huagui before closing her eyes in pain to which Huagui notices.
"Are you in a lot of pain?"
Muxue tries to shake the pain off but to no avail. "I'm fine. Please don't worry too much about me. But I don't want to be caged here until I get better. I really want to go back to the garden when we first met. Please take me there."
Huagui's eyes widen. "That garden is not of the palace," he explains.
"Please? I really want to see those blossoms in the garden once more and sit in the swing we once sat in. Perhaps we can get marry there," she suggests hopefully.
Huagui doesn't know if this is something the Emperor will allow given Muxue's current state. But he will try, nonetheless to fulfill her wish. "I will ask the Emperor," he whispers hoping with all his heart that he will make this come true.
"No," says Yinzhen firmly.
Thirteenth Prince looks up from hearing this response.
"She's already sick enough. It's best she stays here where she will be cared for," continues Yinzhen.
"But she really wants to see that garden once more. Emperor, would you not satisfy her one request?"
Yinzhen doesn't respond and turns away from Huagui.
"Emperor, I know I have agreed to wait until Muxue is a bit older to marry her. But given the circumstances, Huagui wishes to marry her right now in that garden."
Yinzhen turns once more to Huagui, a fierce look on his face though he doesn't say anything. Huagui immediately kneels, knowing he has indeed offended the Emperor.
"Emperor, Huagui knows Gege is your greatest treasure. But Huagui promises you, he will take care of her for all the time she has left. Emperor, you must want to see your jewel get married before your very eyes. Huagui does not want either of you to miss this chance. Please allow us to do so," Huagui asks tearfully before bowing once more.
Yinzhen sees the reason in Huagui's words. But he doesn't want to let his delicate flower go so soon. He turns away calmly.
"I'll consider it. You are excuse," he orders quietly.
Huagui has no choice but to obey and leave the room. But before he walks out, he glances at Thirteenth Prince who nods to show he will try to help out and convince Yinzhen. Thirteenth Prince knows it is time he visits his Fourteenth Brother once more.
"Fourteenth Brother, looks like it's time we step in and fulfill our promise to Ruoxi," says Thirteenth Prince as he puts down one of his pieces on the weiqi board.
Fourteenth Prince quirks an eyebrow upward. "From what you have said, looks like Muxue has finally found the one Ruoxi has been talking about from the beginning. But why would we need to step in?"
Thirteenth Prince sighs. "Muxue is very ill but she wants to go the garden she and Zhen Huagui first went to when they first met. Zhen Huagui knows Muxue's time is limited and wants to wed her earlier than promised, but Royal Brother does not want to allow it. One reason is he's afraid this will worsen Muxue's health. Another is that he loves Muxue too much and does not want her to leave him yet."
Fourteenth Prince chuckles and places his piece down on the weiqi board. "Can't believe Ruoxi really foreseen such a thing will happen to Muxue. Royal Brother really loves Muxue with all his heart but now, even she's flying away to form her own nest. Would he be so cold-hearted to not let her do so?"
Thirteenth Prince smirks and adds another one of his pieces. "He wouldn't if we step in. So are you ready?"
Fourteenth Prince smiles knowingly. "Thirteenth Brother, I've been waiting for this moment to come ever since you told me that Muxue has a love interest. I'm ready if you are."
"Royal Brother, Courtier wishes you will reconsider and allow Muxue to wed Zhen Huagui in that garden."
Yinzhen does not say anything and continues to ignore Thirteenth Prince, an act that is rarely common given their closeness to one another.
"Royal Brother, Courtier knows you adore and cherish Muxue above all else. Won't you just grant her this one wish?"
Yinzhen continues avoiding the matter. He's not ready to let her go yet.
Thirteenth Prince realizes he needs heavier ammunition if he is to get his point across to his brother. "Royal Brother, Ruoxi knew you would be this stubborn and adamant."
Upon hearing Ruoxi's name, Yinzhen's interest is perked and he lifts his head, glancing at Thirteenth Prince.
"When Ruoxi brought Muxue to visit Fourteenth Brother by the mausoleum, she already had this request in mind and wanted both Fourteenth Brother and I to help her fulfill it."
"What was that request?" asks Yinzhen.
Thirteenth Prince looks nervously at Yinzhen. "That Muxue be allowed to wed the man of her choosing after which she will leave the Forbidden City."
Yinzhen drops the brush he is holding.
"You and Fourteenth Brother are real brothers from the same mother. Fourteenth Brother has a few words he wants to say regarding the matter. I have personally brought him to see you. Fourteenth Brother," calls Thirteenth Prince.
Fourteenth Prince walks in and kneels before Yinzhen. "Courtier bids Royal Brother auspicious greetings."
Yinzhen can only stare at Fourteenth Prince angrily though with a hint of remorse that their relationship is not as close as their mother had wanted.
Fourteenth Prince stares back knowingly. After so many years of imprisonment in Yong He Gong, Fourteenth Prince had the time to think through everything. He knows now the difficulty Ruoxi has been in nearly all her years in court, protecting himself, protecting Thirteenth Prince, protecting Fourth Brother, and protecting all of them. This time, he's willing to face any consequences if it will fulfill his promise, if it will grant Muxue one last bit of happiness.
"Royal Brother, Courtier wishes to share with you a letter Ruoxi wrote to me years ago," he says as he holds out the letter before Yinzhen. Yinzhen reaches for the letter and wonders what Ruoxi wrote to his brother all those years ago. As Thirteenth Prince watches this, he realizes this is the letter that was not addressed, the one he sent when Ruoxi was dying.
Yinzhen slowly opens the letter, expecting words of romance of ideas of a similar sort. What he finds however, is not a letter of romance. Rather, it is a letter written for only one purpose:
Fourteenth Prince,
I hope you and your family are doing well. Ruoxi knows, you are out of contact with the court and knows even less about all that is happening in the Forbidden City. Nonetheless, Ruoxi cares little for that. Ruoxi just hopes Fourteenth Prince will remember his promise to look out for Muxue for the rest of her life. As I write this letter, Ruoxi knows she is reaching her very end. I may have gotten to spend time with my Fourth Prince and experience the joys of watching Muxue grow into a fine young lady. But alas, the time has come and I can only hope with all my heart that she will be able to fulfill all she can in her life. I hope she can achieve all her dreams and find the one person who will care for her willingly and irrevocably. I wish that she lives her life with no regrets, no suffering, and no hardships. I hope she will have the freedom that I could only dream about. If she should find her happiness within the palace, then please forget all that I asked of you when I last visited. But if she should find her happiness outside, then I bid you, please take her outside so that she may see the flowers bloom once more.
Ruoxi will now head to the plains where she can ride the horses wildly, drink laugh to her heart's content, and dance the night away knowing her biggest achievement is safely in your guard. I humbly thank you for all that you've done and will do for me. Remember, Ruoxi will always work on your behalf, just as she once did in the plains of Mongolia when you defied the Emperor's orders and ventured out of the capitol.
Always,
Ruoxi
Yinzhen reads the letter tearfully and hands it back to Fourteenth Prince. As much as he wanted to avoid this, he knows he has to let his little girl go with her knight in shining armor. He can't help but cry even in front of his two younger brothers. Thirteenth Prince walks over to Yinzhen, knowing exactly how he feels about Muxue leaving.
"Royal Brother, you should not be sad that Muxue is leaving. You should be happy that she has found her happiness and that you're gaining a son through her. In time, the pain will lessen. But her love for you will never diminish or change. As Ruoxi once said, Muxue will always be your daughter."
Yinzhen ceases crying and nods thankfully at both Thirteenth and Fourteenth Prince. "If there's nothing else, Fourteenth Brother and I will take our leave," says Thirteenth Prince as he bows along with Fourteenth Prince before walking out of the hall.
Yinzhen composes himself and turns to Gao Wuyong. "Notify Officer Zhen of the Chivalric Order Huagui and Gege that they are to wed within three days at Feng Qin Yuan. Have the attendants ready all the items for travel and to make no mistake of it. Make sure Fourth Prince, Fifth Prince, Prince Hongxiao, and Thirteenth Prince know of this and will be in attendance. Also notify Lord Akdun, his family and Fourteenth Prince. They are to be in attendance as well. Make sure the event is glamorous and splendid."