Soft whispers and familiar arms. Zhuo Qing regained her senses, not in panic, but rather, she nestled deeper into the man behind her and sighed softly, "Is Su Mufeng really beyond saving?"
A few days ago, she and Gu Yun had already discussed Su Mufeng's split personality with Dan Yulan and Xiyan. From their initial disbelief to their later understanding, they had done everything in their power. Yet, despite all their efforts, the outcome remained the same: according to the laws of Qiong Yue, Su Mufeng would undoubtedly face execution. As a practitioner of human psychology, Zhuo Qing understood Su Mufeng's mental state and circumstances. Seeing him sentenced to such a severe punishment was still hard for her to accept.
Luo Xiyan remained silent for a moment before finally replying, "Whether it was Su Mufeng or the so-called Xifeng who killed, the fact remains that he murdered three innocent women. That cannot be argued. If we do not punish him severely, how can we justify this to the deceased? Perhaps Su Mufeng is innocent, but does that mean the women he killed deserved to die?"
Luo Xiyan truly did not want to argue with Qing'er over this matter. She might understand some of her stance, but was not justice all about fairness? Turning around to meet Luo Xiyan's gentle yet firm gaze, Zhuo Qing explained, "That's not what I mean. But as the dominant personality, Su Mufeng was unconscious at the time. He is essentially a patient, and he killed during an episode. We cannot punish someone who is already ill. Is there really no way to resolve this?"
Luo Xiyan shook her head firmly and sighed deeply, "Killing demands retribution, it's an undeniable law of nature. This has been understood and upheld by the common people since time immemorial. If we justify murder by claiming illness, where is the justice? Su Mufeng didn't kill ordinary people. Their families lost their beloved daughters—how could they ever forgive him? Qing'er, this matter is beyond your reach. Not even Dan Yulan, I, or the emperor can do anything!"
Zhuo Qing had already expected this answer, but hearing it from Xiyan's mouth still left her feeling helpless. Her modern beliefs clashed too much with the principles of this world. Yet, thinking back, wasn't the concept of law in modern society only achieved after years of historical development? How could she expect Qiong Yue to accept her ideology at this moment?
Regarding Su Mufeng, beyond her sorrow, what more could she do for him?
Though Zhuo Qing didn't say anything further, her mood remained clouded. Gently patting her cheek, Luo Xiyan comforted her, "Enough, you've done all you could. Don't think about it anymore."
Zhuo Qing nodded slowly, but her mind was clearly elsewhere.
Luo Xiyan glanced at the red wedding gown on the round table. It had clearly been delivered some time ago, yet it remained untouched. Leading Zhuo Qing by the hand to the table, Luo Xiyan smiled, "The dress is here. Have you tried it on?"
Knowing that Luo Xiyan was trying to change the subject to lift her spirits, Zhuo Qing complied, shaking her head and smiling, "I can't wear it."
The dress had been delivered early this morning, but she hadn't been in the mood to try it on and had asked them to leave it. Now, though simplified, the gown still seemed to be adorned with a multitude of accessories. She truly didn't know how to wear it.
Luo Xiyan smiled lightly. "Didn't you say you'd make your own decisions regarding the gown? And now you can't wear it?"
Picking up the gown, Luo Xiyan glanced at it before saying, "I'll help you."
"You can?" Zhuo Qing blinked in surprise.
Luo Xiyan only smiled faintly, saying nothing, as she began to dress her. Zhuo Qing couldn't help but murmur, "Are you sure this is how it's supposed to be? I don't remember it being this complicated."
Luo Xiyan remained focused, measuring, adjusting, and dressing her. Though unfamiliar with the process, it seemed simple enough. As she watched Luo Xiyan's focused and serious demeanor, a subtle warmth filled Zhuo Qing's heart, and she obediently fell silent, allowing him to dress her. After all, she couldn't wear it herself, so she had no right to speak.
A while later, Luo Xiyan let out a long sigh of relief. Zhuo Qing looked down at herself. The gown, though somewhat modified, still fit her much better than before.
"Is it beautiful?" she asked, lifting her head.
Zhuo Qing looked up to find Luo Xiyan staring at her intently. She had thought it looked good, but the intensity of his gaze made her feel somewhat self-conscious.
Fiddling with the hem of the gown, she frowned and asked, "Do you think the usual bride's dress style would have been better?"
The alterations were indeed a bit extravagant, but now there was no time to change it back. She certainly wouldn't allow herself to look like a Christmas tree.
After a long silence, Luo Xiyan finally shook his head and smiled, "You look beautiful like this."
The gown, now barely resembling a traditional wedding dress, was more like a slightly luxurious red gown. He had heard that every bride wished to wear the most magnificent dress, one that would sweep the ground with a long train. Yet, Zhuo Qing had been quite unconventional. But he wasn't lying. She was indeed beautiful. The light red fabric accentuated her ethereal beauty, revealing her graceful figure. The deep crimson sash at her waist cinched her figure perfectly. He naturally didn't waste this opportunity, pulling her closer, holding that slim waist.
Resting his forehead against hers, Luo Xiyan let out a conflicted but contented sigh, "Three more days. In three days, you will be mine."
He had never felt time drag on so slowly. The pressure on her waist was slightly painful, their breaths intertwined, and Zhuo Qing could sense the turbulence of Luo Xiyan's emotions. She smiled slyly, wrapping her slender arms around his neck, her soft lips whispering in his ear, "Would you like to practice how to undress me?"
Luo Xiyan's body tensed, and he growled, "Qing'er—!"
She was doing this on purpose! The sun was high, the door wide open, and she was teasing him deliberately!
Before she could continue, a bright voice interrupted them from outside, "Pretty sister, are you in there?"
Both froze. Luo Xiyan reluctantly let go, his frustration clear. It seemed that every time he and Zhuo Qing got close, someone would disturb them.
Zhuo Qing was just as helpless as she walked to the door. She opened it to find a young, handsome face grinning at her brightly, even more radiant than the sun outside. Before she could say anything, the person outside exclaimed, "Wow~ So beautiful!"
It was just a regular red gown, yet since Luo Xiyan said it was beautiful, she accepted the compliment graciously. This little imp sure knew how to make a scene.
White Yi circled Zhuo Qing, nodding enthusiastically, and said, "I want to marry a queen just like you!"
Luo Xiyan's eyes flashed slightly, but he said nothing, sitting down on the wooden chair to see what else the boy would say.
"Smooth talker," Zhuo Qing remarked with a playful smile, "What brings you here?"
He had been visiting frequently, yet they weren't even that close.
White Yi pulled a cylindrical object from his sleeve and handed it to her. Zhuo Qing looked at it and asked, "What's this?"
He was always giving her random things, usually the sort of trinkets kids liked. She couldn't help but wonder when her popularity had skyrocketed.
Pointing excitedly at one end of the cylinder, White Yi grinned, "It's so interesting, just look."
Zhuo Qing gave a reluctant glance. The colors in the cylindrical object changed as she twisted it. However, since there was no mirror, the reflection from the polished copper sheet didn't do it justice.
Unable to help herself, Zhuo Qing chuckled softly, "A kaleidoscope? How fascinating."
White Yi blinked, his big eyes widening in surprise. "Is this a kaleidoscope? The shopkeeper told me it's called the Thousand Spirits Mirror. I thought it was so interesting, so I bought it for you."
Zhuo Qing couldn't bring herself to crush the child's enthusiasm. She forced a smile, saying, "Thanks."
White Yi, excited again, began chattering, "You're welcome! Next time I see something even better, I'll buy it for you! By the way, I've been all around the capital these days, bought loads of things for Father and Mother. Qiong Yue is so big and rich."
Zhuo Qing nodded awkwardly, trying to smile as she felt increasingly out of her depth with this exuberant child.
Looking for rescue, she glanced at Luo Xiyan, who slowly stood up and smiled, "The Seventh Prince is new to Qiong Yue; I haven't had a chance to entertain him properly. Please forgive me."
White Yi waved his hands quickly, laughing, "No need, it's me who's been disturbing you."
"Stop!" Zhuo Qing interjected coldly, cutting off their endless pleasantries. "Please, go talk somewhere else. I need to change."
The heat was unbearable, and she had already tried on two outfits today.
White Yi quickly stood up
, laughing. "Alright, I'll go now. The wedding will be fun! We'll have plenty of games."
Luo Xiyan's expression tightened as the child ran out. He pulled Zhuo Qing closer again, holding her still in his embrace.
"Three days," he murmured again.
Zhuo Qing couldn't help but feel her heart flutter.
Would everything truly be different once they were married?