The bright moon hangs high, beckoning him down from his pedestal.

Not far from the royal court, there stood a simple mound with a wooden sign in front of it, without any writing on it.

This is Yun Wan's final resting place, so simple that it is almost buried by sandstorms.

Shen Qingruo knelt before the grave, saying nothing, her eyes quietly reddening as she gazed at the blank wooden plaque, as if she could see her mother's gentle face.

In her heart, she silently told her mother in the afterlife: Mother, Aruo is doing very well now.

The person you loved, General Wei Zheng, did not let you down. He kept searching for you and never married.

However, the fact that you couldn't see it with your own eyes is Aruo's biggest regret.

Shen Qingruo remained quietly like this for a long time, until a tingling sensation came from her legs.

She tried to get up, but her knees buckled and she staggered slightly.

"Aruo!" Xiao Jiu called out worriedly in her mind.

Shen Qingruo quickly regained her balance and breathed a sigh of relief: "I'm fine." She stood there, waiting for the numbness to pass.

She asked herself, "Little Nine, if I want my mother to return to the capital and be buried in the Yun family ancestral cemetery, is that alright?"

The ball of light immediately began to flash: "Let me check. The Yun family was a family of civil officials in the previous dynasty. After Shen Wangxi came to power, although he did not exterminate them all, the Yun family members were all dismissed from their posts and their property was confiscated."

"Now the entire Yun family lives in Wuyi Lane in the capital. They've fallen on hard times, but they're still alive."

Shen Qingruo nodded, her eyes calm: "It's good that the person is still alive."

She then asked, "What about the Wei family? Where did they retreat to?"

Xiao Jiu's aura rippled: "The remnants of the Wei family army, along with your father Wei Zheng, were forced to the northwest border by Shen Wangxi's army, where they are relying on natural defenses to hold their ground."

"Shen Wangxi's army has been stationed on the outskirts, watching with predatory eyes, but for some reason, he has never ordered a complete annihilation."

Xiao Jiu paused, then said with a hint of speculation, "Aruo, I think it might be because of you."

"Perhaps he's considering your feelings? After all, he's your biological father."

She didn't answer, standing in front of her mother's grave with a distant gaze.

-

When Shen Qingruo returned to the royal tent, she seemed to have all her strength drained away; she was listless and lacked energy.

Shen Wangxi had been waiting inside the tent. When she saw her return, he immediately got up and went to greet her.

He didn't ask any questions, but simply led her to a cushioned spot to sit down, poured her a glass of warm water, and brought it to her lips.

"Have some water," he said in a low voice.

Shen Qingruo took a few small sips from his hand and then shook her head.

She nestled softly into his arms, burying her face in his chest without saying a word.

Shen Wangxi put his arm around her slender shoulders and back, sensing her low spirits.

He stayed with her in silence for a while, his large hand gently stroking her back.

After a long pause, he carefully chose his words, his tone tentative: "Aruo, I'll help you move your mother's grave back to the capital, okay?"

He felt the body in his arms move slightly, and continued to explain in a low voice, "Let her return to her roots, so she can be closer to you."

"The Yun family is your maternal family. Let her return to her ancestral home; it is perfectly legitimate."

"Or, the Wei family is your biological father's family. If you're willing, that's also possible..."

"Go back to the Yun family." Shen Qingruo interrupted him, her voice muffled but clear.

Shen Wangxi immediately nodded: "Okay, then let's go back to the Yun family."

"I will have Wu Tian make the arrangements. We will choose a safe day and invite your mother back in a grand and respectable manner. She will not be treated unfairly."

He made a promise, but the little one in his arms only gave a soft "hmm," still showing no interest, just quietly leaning against him, looking extremely listless.

Shen Wangxi knew that although moving the grave could offer some solace, the pain of losing a loved one and the irreparable regrets of the past could not be eased overnight.

He didn't say anything more, but tightened his arms and held her tightly in his embrace, silently telling her that he was still here.