The pitch-black night was steeped in infinite chill.
Baili Moqing could not answer Shu He’s question, for he was plagued by the same one himself. In a way, Shu He and Baili Moqing were truly companions in misery. Between Shu Kelin and the Emperor—one a minor military officer, the other the ruler of the world at the pinnacle of power—selfishness never differed based on status. Human nature was such; it had nothing to do with one's position.
On that same day, Baili Moqing and Shu He had both endured eerily similar betrayals and wounds. Shu He finally truly understood the frame of mind Baili Moqing must have been in back when they were in the secret chamber beneath Prince Li’s estate. To have the person one trusted most become the source of one’s greatest injury—it was enough to shatter one’s entire worldview.
Returning to Prince Li’s estate, Shu He went to find Yi’er immediately.
Yi’er was fast asleep in bed, clutching the small ceramic doll that Zhang Zhirou had given her. The doll resembled Yi’er, looking much like a lucky charm. Shu He removed her outer robe and climbed into bed, pulling Yi’er tightly into her arms. Sensing movement, Yi’er was initially resistant, but the moment she opened her eyes and saw who it was through her drowsiness, the doll in her hand lost all its appeal. She tossed it aside and hugged Shu He tightly, burrowing into her embrace.
Chapter 513