Shangguan Liqian exhaled softly, trying to force a smile, but the effort faltered.
She had to admit that the successive dreams were taking their toll. Many questions she had deliberately ignored were now surfacing one by one.
Why had she been reborn? Could she truly change the tragic end she and Luo Wushuang had suffered in their past life? These questions loomed over her heart like heavy, dark clouds.
It was fine as long as she didn’t dwell on them, but once she did, a bone-chilling cold swept through her. If she couldn’t escape the fate of death in a few years, wouldn’t Wushuang end up sacrificing her life for love all over again?
What exactly did she need to do to avoid the tragedy of their previous life?
Luo Wushuang felt her own heart tighten painfully the moment she noticed the flash of confusion and dread in her sister’s eyes.
“Did you have another nightmare, Sister? Do not be afraid. I will always protect you.”
Meeting the unwavering determination in Luo Wushuang’s gaze, Shangguan Liqian nodded gently. She knew Wushuang wasn’t lying. No matter what happened, Wushuang would protect her.
However, this time, she wanted to protect and help Wushuang in return. A relationship and a future shouldn’t rely on the efforts of only one person. If it did… that person would eventually grow weary.
The conversation between Master Yujing and Luo Wuyan unexpectedly drifted back into her mind, causing Liqian to frown.
Before this, she had been resolutely set on Luo Wuyan’s death. Armed with the memories of her past life, she felt that as long as Luo Wuyan drew breath, she would be a source of trouble for Wushuang.
But since learning from her dream that Luo Wuyan and Shen Youran’s current life was bought by the Luo Wuyan of the past—who had sacrificed her throne and her very life—Liqian wavered. Such deep devotion was difficult to remain unmoved by.
She remembered Master Yujing saying in the dream that even if Luo Wuyan didn’t become Emperor, she still possessed a Kingly Aura. To a demon, that Kingly Aura was a source of great nourishment. Perhaps that was why Luo Wuyan had been so desperate to ask Wushuang for a decree to marry Shen Youran immediately after her rebirth.
From this perspective, what Luo Wuyan wanted most in this life was love, not power.
Liqian wondered… Since Luo Wuyan loved Shen Youran so dearly, perhaps she wouldn’t covet Wushuang’s throne or cause her any trouble this time.
Then there was Shen Youran—a demon of unknown power and an unstable factor. If she asked Wushuang to grant a marriage between this woman and this demon, could both troubles be resolved at once?
After all, people were naturally afraid of the unknown. A demon of mysterious origins was far more intimidating than a prince prone to rebellion. If she could solve two problems with one stroke, it would be for the best.
She just didn’t know what Wushuang thought of the matter.
“Wushuang, how do you plan to deal with Prince An?” Liqian asked hesitantly, her voice carrying a hint of a probe.
Luo Wushuang’s heart skipped a beat at the question. She didn’t like hearing other people’s names from her sister’s lips, and she hated seeing her sister act so cautiously in her presence.
It made her heart ache—terribly, agonizingly so.
She didn’t want her sister to be like everyone else, walking on eggshells and trying to guess her whims. To her, Shangguan Liqian had always been different. They were never Sovereign and subject; they were lovers. And they were only lovers.
If her sister wanted to know something, she only had to ask. Wushuang would never hide the truth, nor would she lie. Her sister… could afford to be much more assertive with her.
With that thought, Luo Wushuang gently stroked Liqian’s somewhat pale face. “Didn’t you want me to kill Prince An, Sister?” she asked softly.
As long as it won her sister’s favor, she wouldn’t just kill Prince An—she would even dare to kill their Father Emperor.
Detecting the killing intent laced within Wushuang’s tender tone, Liqian’s brow furrowed. She was clearly hesitating.
Luo Wushuang saw her conflict and knew that her kind-hearted sister had likely changed her mind after a night’s sleep. She didn’t know why her sister had been so insistent on Prince An’s death before, nor did she know why the change of heart was so sudden.
But as long as it was her sister’s wish, she would make it happen. Anything… except leaving her side.
Her fingertips slid down, coming to rest on Liqian’s slightly swollen lips. Luo Wushuang pressed down with a hint of mischief and asked, “What is on your mind? Tell me, won’t you?”
Feeling the sting on her lips, Liqian gave the offending finger a warning nip. After hesitating for a long time, she finally spoke.
“I want you to grant a marriage between Prince An and Shen Youran.”
A flicker of displeasure crossed Luo Wushuang’s eyes at the mention of Shen Youran’s name, but she masked it well. “Can you tell me why, Sister?”
Afraid that Wushuang might misunderstand, Liqian spoke frankly, “I am afraid she will act against you.”
“Then why bother with a marriage decree? Wouldn’t it be easier to just kill them?”
Liqian fell silent at Wushuang’s confused response. She knew that was indeed the most efficient solution, but Luo Wuyan’s hopeful voice from the dream still echoed in her ears. She felt a touch of pity, yet she feared her own mercy might bring trouble to Wushuang.
She was caught in a dilemma.
Ultimately, Luo Wushuang couldn’t bear to see her distressed. She let out a soft sigh. “I will grant them the marriage decree then. Will you be a little happier for me, Sister?”
She didn’t want to see her sister so gloomy. It reminded her too much of the past, when her sister looked just as burdened every time she loathed Wushuang’s proximity or touch.
No, it was different now.
Luo Wushuang studied Liqian’s expression, not letting even the smallest micro-expression escape her. Now, her sister didn’t hate physical contact; sometimes, she even indulged Wushuang’s whims, just as she had in the study today…
Thinking of this, the displeasure in Wushuang’s eyes was gradually replaced by a different hue. She thought that perhaps her shadow was finally starting to appear in her sister’s eyes.
Then… would there come a day when she could live within her sister’s heart? The mere thought of the possibility filled Luo Wushuang with an intense, soaring joy.
While Wushuang was lost in her fervor, Liqian showed little joy at the agreement. Instead, her worry deepened.
She didn’t know if she was doing the right thing. But… did she really have to kill Luo Wuyan? And if she did, what about Shen Youran?
If she truly was a demon, Liqian didn’t think she could be killed easily. In fact, an attempt might bring significant trouble to Wushuang. Moreover, since Master Yujing was willing to help them with rebirth, the demon likely wasn’t entirely evil.
It was better to fulfill the wishes of this pair first. If they were grateful, that would be ideal. If not…
She remembered Master Yujing saying that the Dragon Qi protecting the sovereign’s body could harm demons. At the very least, Wushuang wouldn’t be hurt. This was the foundation of her confidence in pleading for the star-crossed pair.
I hope my soft-heartedness doesn’t turn into a blade that stabs Wushuang and me, Liqian thought helplessly.
