#cql reader inserts

"Sorry, Zewu-Jun and Lan Furen," the lan disciples offered apologetic bows.

Lan Xichen raised a hand, signaling a halt, and offered a reassuring smile to the disciples before they left. He turned his attention back to the scene unfolding before him, where d/n stood with her parents.

"A-niang!" D/n's voice was a symphony of delight as she addressed her mother. "Are you feeling better?"

Y/n's lips curved into a warm smile, her eyes shining with affection for her daughter. "I am, especially now that you're here."

D/n's face lit up with joy, her happiness radiating like a sunbeam. She approached the bedside, her small hands reaching out to brush a strand of hair away from y/n's face.

"But Lan Jingyi told me that if you're sick, you'll grow worms in your belly and have bugs coming out of your head," d/n said, her innocence evident in her tone as she relayed the curious information she had picked up.

Y/n couldn't help but giggle at the absurdity of Lan Jingyi's imaginative warning. "Oh, really?" She exchanged a knowing glance with Lan Xichen, amusement dancing in their eyes.

Lan Xichen joined the conversation, his voice gentle and reassuring. "Well, d/n, Lan Jingyi's imagination can be quite vivid, but I assure you, your A-niang is in good hands. She's resting and will be better soon."

D/n's brows furrowed in contemplation, her expression a mix of curiosity and concern. "I guess worms and bugs are not very good caretakers, are they?"

Lan Xichen chuckled softly, his gaze fond as he ruffled her hair affectionately. "No, they're not quite the nurturing type."

D/n nodded, seemingly satisfied with this clarification. Her attention shifted back to her mother, her expression softening with affection. "A-niang, can I stay with you for a while?"

"It's best for A-niang to be alone for a while so she can recover," Lan Xichen gently explained to his daughter as they exited the room, leaving his wife to rest and recuperate.

D/n's brows furrowed in a mix of concern and curiosity as she mulled over her father's words. "But Lan Jingyi told me that if you're alone for too long, you won't get better. He said little bugs will start to collect your soul." Her pout was accompanied by a worried expression.

Lan Xichen couldn't help but hide a small smile at the imaginative explanation provided by Lan Jingyi. "Oh, is that so?" He knelt down to her eye level, his tone conspiratorial. "Well, I think Lan Jingyi might have been having some fun with his words. You see, A-niang just needs some quiet time to rest and regain her strength. No bugs involved."

D/n's eyes widened with a mix of skepticism and curiosity. "Are you sure, a-die?"

Lan Xichen nodded with an earnest expression. "Absolutely sure. Sometimes, being alone and resting can help our bodies heal faster."

D/n pondered his words, her pout slowly transforming into a thoughtful expression. "So, no bugs?"

Lan Xichen chuckled softly. "No bugs, I promise."

D/n's lips curled into a relieved smile, her worry dissipating. "Okay, then. I guess I can let A-niang rest."

"That's very considerate of you," Lan Xichen praised, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Your A-niang will appreciate it very much."

D/n beamed with pride, her worries now replaced with a sense of understanding. "I want her to get better soon so we can play together!"

Lan Xichen stood up and held out his hand, ready to continue their journey. "That's a wonderful thought, d/n. Now, how about we go for a little walk while A-niang rests? We can come up with fun ideas to surprise her when she feels better."

D/n's eyes lit up with excitement at the prospect of planning surprises. She took her father's hand, her grip firm and determined. "Yes, let's do that, a-die!"

As the father and daughter strolled through the tranquil corridors of the Lan Clan residence, the serenity of the surroundings seemed to trigger a flood of memories for Lan Xichen. The way y/n interacted with d/n, their laughter and affectionate exchanges, transported him back to his own childhood days alongside Lan Wangji, a time when their mother's presence still graced their lives.

Lost in his reminiscences, Lan Xichen was suddenly brought back to reality by the sound of d/n's exuberant voice. "You know, a-die!" Her declaration echoed down the hallways, drawing curious glances from passing disciples.

Startled by her enthusiastic announcement, Lan Xichen couldn't help but pause in his steps. "D/n," he interjected gently, his voice laced with a mixture of surprise and amusement. "Let's keep our voices down. We must show respect for our elders as they go about their duties."

D/n nodded in understanding, though her enthusiasm remained undeterred. "Yes, a-die," she responded in a hushed tone, her eyes shining with energy. "But you know, when I grow up, I want to marry Lan Jingyi!"

Lan Xichen's steps faltered as d/n's words hit him like a sudden gust of wind. Her declaration seemed to reverberate through his mind, momentarily jolting him out of his composed demeanor. He looked down at his daughter, his eyes wide with a mixture of astonishment and disbelief.

"You want to marry Lan Jingyi?" he repeated, his voice tinged with shock as he struggled to process her straightforward statement.

D/n nodded enthusiastically, her innocent expression unchanged. "Yes, a-die! When I grow up, I want to marry Lan Jingyi. He's funny and nice, and we play together all the time!"

Lan Xichen's mind raced, trying to reconcile his daughter's innocent proclamation with the reality before him. He hadn't expected such a candid revelation, especially from someone so young. He cleared his throat, attempting to regain his composure.

"D/n, that's a very interesting thought," he managed to say, his voice gentle yet tinged with surprise. "But you're still very young, and there's a lot of time ahead for you to grow and explore different paths."

D/n looked up at him with wide, earnest eyes. "But a-die, you always say that we should find someone who makes us happy. And Lan Jingyi makes me really happy!"

Lan Xichen blinked, her innocence cutting through his momentary shock. He had indeed imparted those values to her, encouraging her to seek happiness and kindness in her relationships. He couldn't help but smile at her conviction, a mixture of fondness and amusement in his expression.

"You're absolutely right, d/n," he conceded, his smile softening. "Finding someone who brings joy to your life is important. But remember, there's no rush. Take your time to grow and discover what truly makes your heart happy."

D/n's face lit up with a bright smile, her trust in her father unwavering. "I will, a-die!"

Lan Xichen crouched down to her level, his hand gently resting on her shoulder. "That's the spirit, d/n. Enjoy your journey of growing up, and know that your family will always be here to support you."

D/n's smile widened, and she gave him a quick hug. "Thank you, a-die!"

As they continued their walk, Lan Xichen couldn't help but chuckle softly to himself. His daughter's candidness and straightforwardness were a constant reminder of the purity of childhood innocence. And in her innocent aspiration, he found a reminder that life's dreams and aspirations often take root in the most unexpected moments.

Lan Xichen's attention was swiftly captured by d/n's excited exclamation. Her little finger pointed towards a group of baby bunnies, their soft and pristine coats standing out against the green backdrop of the lan clan's surroundings. Their playful hops and wiggles were a sight to behold, and a smile involuntarily graced his lips.

"Indeed, they are quite the adorable sight," he replied, his voice gentle.

D/n's request to take one of the baby bunnies home pulled at his heartstrings. Her earnestness and cute expression were hard to resist, yet he knew the importance of teaching her about the balance of nature and the creatures that shared their world.

He crouched down to her eye level, his eyes meeting hers as he spoke. "My dear, while it's a wonderful thought, these baby bunnies have their own homes and families here. They belong in our lan clan's environment, and it's best to let them remain where they thrive."

A soft smile graced his features as he brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, his fatherly affection evident. "How about we sit here for a while and observe their playful antics? We can appreciate their beauty and happiness without disturbing their natural habitat."

D/n's expression held a mix of disappointment and understanding, and he marveled at her capacity to grasp such concepts. She nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips.

"All right, A-die," she agreed, her voice soft but content. "Let's watch them play together."

On their journey back, d/n's excitement seemed to radiate as she bounded towards her mother, eager to share the day's enchanting escapades.

"A-niang, guess what?" d/n bubbled with enthusiasm. "A-die and I had the most amazing adventures today!"

Y/n's tender smile welcomed her daughter's chatter, her eyes reflecting a mixture of fondness and curiosity. "Tell me all about it, sweetheart."

D/n's yawn was a testament to her day's energy expenditure, but it didn't dampen her animated storytelling. "We explored and saw so many things. But the best part was when we found these cute little bunnies! I really wanted to bring one home, but a-die said we shouldn't."

Y/n's soothing voice carried a note of understanding as she responded, "I'm glad you had such a wonderful time, my love. Exploring with your a-die sounds like so much fun."

Lan Xichen's arrival with their tired daughter in his arms was a gentle interruption. D/n's eyelids drooped as her yawns continued to punctuate her words. Her mother's arms welcomed her into a cozy embrace, and Lan Xichen swiftly tucked her into bed.

"Time for you to rest, my little adventurer," y/n cooed softly, brushing a gentle kiss against d/n's forehead.

D/n's voice was a sleepy murmur as she nestled in her mother's embrace, recounting the day's highlights one last time before slumber claimed her. "Tomorrow, maybe the bunnies will have babies of their own..."

As Lan Xichen quietly left the room to give their daughter the rest she needed, he couldn't help but smile at the bond they shared and the joyful memories they were building together. Back in their own room, he rejoined y/n, the warmth of their daughter's stories lingering in the air.

"It seems like you guys had quite the adventure," y/n remarked with a knowing smile. "D/n's energy and curiosity remind me of someone."

Lan Xichen's expression shifted, a mixture of emotions passing through his eyes. "You promised, y/n. We agreed never to bring him up."

A heavy sigh escaped y/n's lips, her gaze soft but steadfast. "I understand your feelings, Xichen. But we both know Wei Wuxian isn't solely at fault. The past is complex, and there's more to it than what meets the eye."

Lan Xichen's brows furrowed, his frustration and lingering resentment evident. "He brought trouble to our clan, and Lan Wangji bore the burden of his actions. It's not so simple."

Y/n reached out, her hand finding its way to his. Her touch was a comforting reassurance as she spoke, her voice gentle but firm. "I know it's not simple, Xichen. But it's important not to let anger and blame cloud our judgment. We've seen the good he's done too. Just as Lan Wangji has."

Lan Xichen's gaze met hers, a storm of conflicting emotions swirling within. He knew y/n was right, but letting go of years of resentment wasn't an easy task. Their hands remained intertwined, a silent understanding passing between them, bridging the gap between differing perspectives.

"He caused an overwhelming amount of chaos within the clan," Lan Xichen's voice carried the weight of history as memories resurfaced. "The repercussions of his actions were extensive, leading to the loss of many innocent civilians. It's difficult to fathom how a single individual could bring about so much death and pain."

Y/n's gaze softened with understanding, her eyes reflecting the shared pain of their clan's past. She leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to Lan Xichen's temple. "You're right, my love. It's a topic best left untouched for now. The past can't be changed, and Wei Wuxian is no longer among the living."

Lan Xichen's shoulders relaxed slightly at her touch and words, the weight of his thoughts eased by her presence. "You're right, y/n. Thank you for being here with me."

With a gentle smile, she intertwined her fingers with his, their bond a testament to the strength they found in each other. "Always, Xichen. We face our challenges together, no matter the weight of the past."

For Wei Wuxian, the exchange was a whirlwind of emotions, his heart a canvas splattered with colors of uncertainty and understanding. He listened as Lan Y/n's voice wavered, her hesitation a reflection of the complexity of the situation. "A-cheng, I'm flattered," she admitted, her words laced with both gratitude and uncertainty. "But this is inappropriate behavior. I'm with A-xian now. It's time for you to accept that."

"If you'd only give me a chance," Jiang Cheng's voice was laced with a mixture of desperation and longing, his words hanging in the air like a plea. In a moment fueled by his emotions, he leaned in, attempting to bridge the distance between them with a kiss. But Y/n's instincts kicked in, and with a resolute push, she managed to create a space between them, halting his advances. It was a gesture that spoke volumes, a silent boundary that held within it her unwavering stance.

As the echoes of their interaction reverberated, Y/n's gaze darted, her heart seizing as she caught sight of Wei Wuxian turning to leave. "A-xian!" she called out, her voice a mixture of desperation and urgency. "Wait! What you saw was a complete misunderstanding!"

But his form continued to recede, each step carrying him away from her, and her words seemed to dissipate into the air, unheard by the retreating figure.

"A-y/n," Wei Wuxian's voice was gentle yet resolute, his words carrying a weight that held a spectrum of emotions. "I've seen the ways you guys interact with each other. You don't need to hide it."

His statement hung in the air, the truth of it echoing in the space between them. Y/n's heart ached at the apparent inevitability of his conclusion, the misunderstanding solidifying into a perception that cast shadows over her truth.

With a voice choked by emotion, she sought to break through the barriers that had emerged. "But A-xian," her voice trembled, the words carrying the depth of her feelings, "I love you! Why won't you believe me?"

Tears glistened in her eyes, emotions raw and unfiltered as they overflowed. Her heart laid bare, her words carried the weight of her vulnerability, a plea to be heard, understood, and believed. In that moment, the connection between them seemed to hang in the balance, the threads of their shared story stretched to their limits, waiting for a resolution that could bridge the gaps of misunderstanding and reveal the truth that lay hidden beneath the surface.

"Perhaps, this is for the best," Wei Wuxian's words fell like a quiet sigh, heavy with a mixture of resignation and regret. With a gentle but deliberate movement, he gently removed her hands from his, the action speaking volumes of the distance he felt compelled to put between them.

The weight of his statement settled upon the air, a sense of finality hanging between them like an unspoken truth. Y/n's heart clenched at the realization of his decision, a blend of understanding and heartache weaving within her.

But her desire to salvage what they had refused to be quelled. "A-xian!" Her voice rang out, charged with desperation, as she tried to chase after him. Her feet propelled her forward, fueled by the fervent need to close the gap, to mend the fraying threads of their connection. But her efforts were in vain, for he outpaced her effortlessly, his strides longer and faster.

As she watched him slip through her fingers, her heart ached with a sense of helplessness. The space between them widened, a visual representation of the emotional chasm that had come to define their interaction. She felt a wave of frustration mix with her longing, her fingers stretching futilely toward him as if to bridge the distance that separated them.

The echoes of her cry, the unspoken plea that had been woven into her voice, reverberated through the air. In that fleeting moment, it felt as though the universe itself was conspiring against their desires, emphasizing the challenge of trying to hold onto something slipping through their grasp.

Timeskip

As the sound of Lan Wangji's voice reached Y/n's ears, a rush of emotions surged within her, compelling her to move hastily towards the doorway. Her heart raced with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation, the mere possibility of seeing Wei Wuxian again propelling her steps. However, as the scene unfolded before her eyes, her hopes were met with bitter disappointment – there was no sign of Wei Wuxian.

Her breath caught in her throat, and her eyes scanned the surroundings in vain, desperately seeking a glimpse of the man she longed for. "A-zhan," her voice wavered, her tone tinged with desperation and a silent plea, "where is A-xian?"

There was an unspoken urgency in her question, a fervent hope that her worst fears had not materialized. Yet, even before a response could be offered, the weight of silence settled upon the air, and realization dawned upon her like a cruel revelation that Wei Wuxian was truly gone.

The truth hit her like a physical blow, and the world seemed to blur around her. The ground beneath her feet felt unsteady as her legs threatened to give way. Her vision swayed, and her consciousness teetered on the edge of oblivion. Just as darkness began to encroach on the edges of her awareness, Lan Wangji's presence became her anchor, a lifeline that prevented her from succumbing to unconsciousness.

Y/n's voice trembled, her words etched with a raw and unrestrained pain that seemed to emanate from the depths of her soul. "He promised," she managed to choke out between sobs, her voice a broken whisper, "he promised that he knew he could control it."

Her tears flowed freely, each drop a testament to the overwhelming sorrow that had enveloped her being. She clung to Lan Wangji as if he were the last semblance of stability in her crumbling world, her grief pouring out in waves that seemed to echo through the very fabric of existence.

In the years that followed, the echoes of Y/n's cries reverberated within Lan Wangji's mind, etching themselves into his consciousness as an indelible mark. The sound of her anguish became a haunting presence, a recurring nightmare that visited him during countless nights. Each cry was a reminder of the pain he had witnessed and the helplessness he had felt in the face of a love lost.

Timeskip (resurrection era)

"Lan Zhan, how is y/n?" Wei Wuxian's curiosity about his former lover was evident in his question. "Has she married Jiang Cheng?"

"Wei Ying," Lan Wangji's voice held a touch of sadness. "What you witnessed back then was a misunderstanding."

"When it was discovered that Jiang Cheng played a significant role in your tragic fate," Lan Wangji continued, "she embarked on a path of seeking revenge against him, driven by the need to avenge you."

"All the suffering my sister endured was a consequence of your actions," Lan Xichen interjected, his tone laced with reproach. "You became a catalyst for countless tragedies in her life."

"If she had never crossed paths with you," Lan Xichen added with a hint of bitterness, "she wouldn't have experienced so much heartache, and she wouldn't have compromised her principles for one mortal man."

Wei Wuxian's gaze dropped, his expression a mixture of guilt and regret. He hadn't realized the extent of the pain he had inadvertently caused y/n. The weight of his actions weighed heavily on his heart as he absorbed the truth of Lan Xichen's words.

"Where is she now?" Wei Wuxian inquired anxiously.

"After your passing and her numerous unsuccessful attempts to seek revenge against Jiang Cheng, she secluded herself in her room for years. It seemed like history repeating itself again, and all of it traced back to you," Lan Xichen recounted before taking his leave, leaving Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian alone.

"Can I see her again?" Wei Wuxian's voice held a tinge of longing, the words escaping his lips like a fragile plea seeking solace.

Yet, silence remained in response, a heavy quietude that hung between them, only to be broken by the subtle incline of Lan Wangji's head. A silent understanding passed between the two as they continued their steps, advancing towards the door that Lan Wangji gently pushed ajar, unveiling the figure within none other than his own sister.

The effervescent radiance that once graced Y/n's complexion had now surrendered to a dry and lackluster pallor. Her eyes, once bright and vibrant, were now burdened by the weight of exhaustion, manifesting as deep shadows that had found their home beneath them. The hanfu, a symbol of grace, had lost its former elegance, now bearing wrinkles and creases that mirrored the unrest within. Even her hair, once meticulously arranged with utmost care, now cascaded in disarray, a visual testament to the upheaval that had touched her life.

"Y/n," Wei Wuxian's voice held a softness, a gentle murmur that hung in the air like a delicate secret shared only between them. With measured steps, he bridged the distance, each footfall a reflection of the cautious hope and tenderness he carried in his heart.

As he drew closer, it was as though time itself stretched, allowing him to absorb the changes that had befallen her. His gaze, filled with a mixture of empathy and affection, held the unspoken promise that he was there, not only as a witness to her struggles but also as a steadfast presence in her life.

The space between them seemed to hold an unspoken dialogue, a conversation that transcended words. In that fleeting moment, their connection was a bridge between separate worlds, drawing them together despite the trials that had sought to pull them apart.

"Y/n," Wei Wuxian's voice trembled with the weight of emotions too profound for words, a symphony of sentiments that resonated through the very fabric of the room.

Startled, Y/n lifted her gaze, her eyes meeting the figure standing before her. "A-xian?" Her voice quivered, a mixture of disbelief and vulnerability. "No, you can't be A-xian! He's gone, taken by Jiang Cheng, leading to his death."

"Y/n," Wei Wuxian's voice was gentle, his eyes brimming with tears that mirrored the sorrow etched within his heart. Each tear seemed to carry the burden of countless untold stories, of regrets and longing that spanned time itself. "I'm sorry," he whispered, the words like a fragile promise, a confession of remorse that hung in the air.

Tears welled up in Y/n's eyes as her emotions erupted, the dam of her heartbreak finally breaking free. She trembled with a mixture of anguish and anger, her voice quivering as she spoke through the waves of pain that consumed her. "Why did you choose demonic cultivation?" Her words were punctuated by sobs, the syllables heavy with the grief she had carried for years. "Why did you choose this path? Why did you have to leave us behind, to die and be gone for so many years, only to return now?"

Her fists balled up, her grief finding an outlet in the form of strikes against Wei Wuxian's chest. Each blow was a testament to the tumultuous sea of emotions crashing within her, a physical manifestation of the questions that had haunted her in his absence. "Why?!" she cried out, the anguish in her voice echoing off the walls. "Why did you leave us to suffer? You said you could control it!"

Wei Wuxian's expression remained a canvas of sorrow, etched with the lines of regret and the weight of his choices. As he endured the physical outpouring of her pain, his voice held a soothing quality, laced with an understanding of the pain he had caused. "I never intended to inflict this much pain towards you," he confessed, his voice a whisper that sought to bridge the chasm between them.

The room seemed to hold its breath, the space between them charged with a fragile vulnerability. Y/n's fists slowly unclenched, her body trembling with the aftershocks of her emotional release. Her tear-filled eyes met his, and within their depths lay a tumultuous mixture of emotions – anger, sorrow, longing, and the remnants of a love that had weathered the storm.

Jin Zixuan's expression softened further, a mixture of understanding and conflict dancing within his eyes. He reached out, his fingers brushing against his son's tiny hand before he gently cupped Y/N's cheek, his touch an unspoken reassurance.

"I promise, Y/N," his voice was a solemn pledge, a promise etched into the very fabric of his being, "I will be there. I will not let this moment pass without sharing it with our son." With a final lingering kiss upon her lips, he reluctantly left the embrace of their chambers, the echo of his footsteps a testament to the weight of his responsibilities.

As Jin Zixuan departed, his footsteps echoing in the corridors of his thoughts, he found himself traversing the landscape of his memories. Each step seemed to unlock a vault of moments he had shared with Y/N, fragments of happiness and laughter that had once painted their lives with vibrant hues. In the midst of uncertainty, he held onto these recollections, as if they were the fragile threads that could weave a tapestry of hope against the looming shadows of the unknown.

The scenes of their past played out before his mind's eye, he found himself transported to a moment that seemed to encapsulate the essence of their shared journey.

The air was charged with a palpable tension as Jin Zixuan and Y/N faced each other, their words held a pregnant pause with the weight of unspoken emotions. The silence was as thick as the moonlit night, a canvas upon which their inner conflicts painted themselves.

"I know you still love A-Yao," Jin Zixuan's voice held a mixture of understanding and vulnerability, a confession that seemed to bridge the gap between their hearts. "But do not blame me," he continued, his words gentle yet firm, "I am strongly against this marriage as well."

Y/N's gaze was averted, her fingers tracing patterns on her robes as if they held the answers to the complexities that enveloped them. Her voice, when it finally emerged, was a reflection of the truth that had been buried beneath layers of tradition and obligation. "It seems as though none of us wanted this marriage," she stated plainly, her words a raw acknowledgment of their shared plight, "as it was arranged by our parents."

A pang of sympathy tugged at Jin Zixuan's heart as he observed her struggle to meet his gaze. The words that followed were a testament to the strength that lay within her, a strength that was willing to accept the circumstances they had been thrust into. "I guess the best thing for us," her voice held a quiet resolution, a resolution that carried the promise of finding harmony amidst discord, "is to try to get along instead of living a life of misery."

And as the night deepened, casting its shroud over their conversation, Jin Zixuan found himself taking a step towards the door, his heart heavy with the weight of both their history and the uncertainty of their future. It was in that moment, as he began to turn away, that her voice reached his ears once more, a whisper that seemed to linger in the stillness of the room.

"But I will never love you," her words were a crystalline declaration, a truth that hung between them like a delicate thread. "A-Yao is my only love."

The echo of those words seemed to reverberate in the chambers of his heart, a reminder of the complexity of emotions that bound them together. He carried her truth with him as he stepped into the corridor, the memory of her voice an imprint upon his soul.

However, life had a way of defying expectations, and the unfolding days revealed a truth that Y/N could not have foreseen. As time drew her closer to Jin Zixuan, a shift occurred within her heart, the tides of her emotions ebbing away from the shores of her feelings for Jin Guangyao. It was a transformation that took her by surprise, a realization that brought with it a sense of guilt, for she had once promised her heart to another.

The bond that she had believed to be love began to unravel like the delicate threads of a tapestry, leaving behind a tangled mixture of confusion and understanding. The more she spent time with Jin Zixuan, the more she found her feelings for him deepening, overshadowing the emotions she had once harbored for his elder brother. It was a bittersweet revelation, a recognition that her heart was not bound by promises made in haste.

She wrestled with her own emotions, grappling with the weight of her shifting affections. Had her feelings for Jin Guangyao been nothing more than a mirage, a connection born out of shared experiences and mutual understanding? The notion tugged at her, a mixture of relief and uncertainty intertwined.

One evening, as the moon cast its soft glow upon the world outside, Y/N found herself in the presence of Jin Zixuan. The words she had longed to speak swirled within her, carried by a courage that was fueled by the truth she had come to acknowledge.

"A-Xuan," her voice held a quiet earnestness, her gaze meeting his as if searching for the answers that lay within his eyes, "I love you, and I hope you feel the same way." Her words were a vulnerable admission, a confession that bared the depths of her heart. "If you don't, that's fine," she continued, her tone a blend of acceptance and hope, "we can remain friends, and perhaps time will bring clarity to our paths."

Before she could finish her sentence, he moved closer, his presence a comforting anchor amidst the whirlwind of emotions that surrounded them. His lips met hers in a tender kiss, a kiss that spoke of unspoken emotions and a shared understanding that transcended words.

"I..." he began, his voice a soft whisper as their lips parted, the weight of his emotions mirrored in his gaze. "I like you too."

In that moment, as the moon continued its journey across the sky, Y/N felt the weight of uncertainty lift from her heart. The bond that had once tied her to Jin Guangyao had transformed, evolving into a connection that resonated with the truth of her feelings. And as they stood there, two souls on the precipice of a new chapter, they found solace in the understanding that sometimes, the heart could find its way even when promises had been broken.

As the time slipped away, the anticipation that had surrounded Jin Ling's one-month anniversary began to mix with an undercurrent of worry. The sun cast its golden hues across the landscape, painting a picturesque scene outside the gathering, yet within the heart of the celebration, there was an undeniable absence, a void that was carved by Jin Zixuan's missing presence.

Despite his absence, the celebration pressed on. The grandparents, uncles, aunts, and sect leaders had all gathered, their smiles and laughter a testament to their shared joy. Among them, Y/N stood, her eyes occasionally flickering towards the entrance as if hoping to catch a glimpse of her husband's arrival.

"A-Y/N," the voice of Madam Jin cut through the hum of conversation, drawing Y/N's attention. She turned to face her mother-in-law, her lips curving into a respectful smile as she prepared to greet her.

But Madam Jin's words carried a note of understanding, a hint of sympathy that resonated with Y/N's own unspoken thoughts. "It's Jin Ling's one-month anniversary," she continued, her voice soft and gentle, "no need for formalities."

Y/N's smile grew warmer, a reflection of her appreciation for the maternal understanding that Madam Jin extended. "Of course," she replied, a soft nod accompanying her words, as if they were both acknowledging the complexities that lay beneath the surface.

"But where is Jin Zixuan?" Madam Jin's voice held a tinge of concern, a concern that echoed the worry in Y/N's heart.

"He assured me that he would be here," Y/N's voice held a mixture of hope and unease, her gaze briefly averting from Madam Jin's knowing eyes. "There were matters that demanded his attention," she continued, her words chosen with care to shield Jin Zixuan from any potential judgment.

Madam Jin's expression shifted slightly, the frustration evident in her furrowed brows. "It's his son's one-month anniversary," she mused, her voice carrying a note of incredulity, "surely those matters could have waited."

Y/N's lips curved into a sympathetic smile, her gaze now focused on the other guests who had gathered to celebrate this milestone. "Of course," she agreed softly, her words a reflection of her understanding of the intricate balance between duty and familial commitments.

Amidst the mingling guests, a servant entered the hall, a hesitant expression etched upon their face. Their arrival was accompanied by a heaviness that seemed to settle over the room, casting a shadow over the festive atmosphere.

Y/N's heart quickened as the servant approached, and before words could be spoken, she already felt the gravity of what they carried. The news that fell from the servant's lips was like a thunderclap, jolting the celebration into stunned silence.

"Jin Zixuan was killed by The ghost general"

The words hung in the air like a lament, their impact rippling through the room. Shock reverberated through Y/N's veins, her thoughts frozen as if time itself had momentarily halted. The joy of celebration was abruptly eclipsed by the weight of tragedy, leaving Y/N standing amidst a sea of stunned faces, grappling with the sudden and profound loss that had shattered their world.

In that instant, the once joyous occasion was transformed into a gathering of mourning, a communal space where grief converged with the echoes of happiness that once filled the air. Y/N's heart ached as the realization settled upon her, Jin Zixuan, the man she had once loved and the father of her child, was now forever absent, leaving behind a void that could never be filled.

The news had struck Y/N like a physical blow, the words reverberating through her being as if they were echoing in an empty chamber. A feeling of nausea surged within her, an overwhelming sensation that threatened to consume her. She needed to see for herself, to confirm that it wasn't a cruel trick played by fate.

She ran, her feet carrying her outside and towards their chambers, her heart pounding in her chest as if trying to break free from the confines of her ribcage. Each step felt like a desperate plea to the universe, a yearning to wake up from the nightmare that had swallowed her reality. Her mind raced, torn between hope and despair, the memories of their happiness juxtaposed against the stark reality of loss.

As she entered the chambers that had once held their shared dreams and laughter, she was met with the cold reality that seemed to seep into her bones. The room felt both familiar and foreign, a place where their love had once flourished, now transformed into a realm of absence and ache.

And then, as if echoing the cruel irony of her thoughts, Y/N's eyes fluttered open. The transition from the dream world to her waking reality was disorienting, her senses adjusting to the soft light that filtered through the room.

Her heart raced as she took in her surroundings, her breath hitching as the remnants of her dream lingered like the tendrils of a fading fog. She was in her chambers, just as she had been in her dream. But the weight of the loss was no longer a mere illusion—it was her grim reality.

Her gaze shifted, and there, by her side, was Jin Guangyao. The sight of him was both comforting and perplexing, his presence a lifeline amidst the storm of her emotions.

"A-Yao," her voice was barely more than a whisper, a fragile thread that carried the weight of her grief, "is he really gone?"

His response was silence, an unspoken acknowledgment of the truth that hung in the air like a heavy shroud. And in that silence, Y/N felt her heart shatter anew, the pain of her loss threatening to engulf her.

Jin Guangyao's arms enveloped her, a gesture of comfort that she instinctively leaned into. Her tears flowed freely, a river of sorrow that seemed to have no end. She wept for the life they had shared, for the dreams that had been shattered, and for the future that had been stolen away.

In her anguish, Y/N didn't notice the slight smirk that graced Jin Guangyao's lips. His embrace was warm, his presence a balm to her wounded soul. As she sought solace in his arms, unaware of the hidden currents of his intentions, she was vulnerable to the comfort he offered, a comfort that was layered with his own agenda.