Category: My Girlfriend is a Cold and Aloof Sickly Beauty

Chapter 15: I Suspect Her Sister Died in Battle!

Xiao Luohan was too embarrassed to show Jiang Xue the new drawings. She kept them with the drawing of the giant cat.

Knowing that Jiang Xue not only liked her drawings but also enjoyed drawing herself, she asked Shizhu to cut a stack of paper the same size as the book, so she could sketch whenever inspiration struck.

She also began working on a larger painting – depicting the journey of her marriage alliance.

This was inspired by Jiang Xue’s words: 【If Your Highness wants to show me a larger painting, you can fold it and send it through. We have ways to remove creases without damaging the artwork.】

She knew Jiang Xue’s weekend would soon be over and that she would return to school on “Monday,” living in her rented apartment. So, she decided to save the paintings and send them all at once when Jiang Xue returned home.

Even in a seemingly idyllic world, a young woman still had her worries. If her drawings and companionship could bring Jiang Xue even a moment of happiness, then it was worth it.

While Jiang Xue was busy with her studies, Xiao Luohan browsed through the miscellaneous books, her thoughts drifting to her own future.

She had heard many stories of princesses sent for marriage alliances from her elder sister and mother since childhood, and she’d asked herself countless times during her journey to Daying:

What could she do for Beiliao?

Nothing. She was merely a discarded pawn.

Her father was still clinging to power with the help of his loyal officials, so the burden of a marriage alliance had fallen upon her. The moment her father had chosen her, she had become a tribute, a peace offering to Daying.

The Daying emperor had demanded a princess, claiming it was a “marriage alliance to end the war,” but Beiliao’s fate was already sealed. Daying was merely toying with them, like a cat with a mouse, loosening its claws slightly with this marriage alliance, only to tear Beiliao to shreds when the time was right.

So, before that happened, before her illness consumed her, she had to do something for herself.

After several days of contemplation, Xiao Luohan asked Jiang Xue:

【After taking your medicine, my health seems to have improved. If I wish to start exercising, what do you recommend?】

She needed to improve her physical condition, but given her circumstances, she couldn’t engage in strenuous activities like her sister. She could only ask the knowledgeable Jiang Xue for advice.

That afternoon, Jiang Xue sent two books, The Eight Brocades and Chen-style Tai Chi Sword, along with a silver telescopic sword.

【Start with the Eight Brocades! The Tai Chi sword movements are also gentle, but I’m not sure if your body can handle it. You can read the book first.】

【This sword is telescopic. Just flick your wrist, and the blade extends. It’s blunt but sturdy, so don’t worry about damaging it.】

Both the books and the sword showed signs of use. Jiang Xue must have taken them directly from her home, eager to send them to her.

Xiao Luohan found this endearing. As she flipped through the books, she saw the sisters’ notes and annotations. Examining the wear and fingerprints on the sword, she pictured the sisters practicing with it.

This inspired her to draw. She sketched the Eight Brocades exercises on small sheets of xuan paper, replacing the male figure in the demonstrations with Jiang Xue, to help her memorize the movements.

This way, it was as if Jiang Xue were exercising with her.

Performing these stretches felt a bit silly. Suppressing a giggle, she completed a set of drawings, deciding not to show them to Jiang Xue. She asked Shizhu to bind the pages into a booklet and began practicing.

Since she hadn’t mentioned it, Jiang Xue didn’t know what she was doing. During her free time, Jiang Xue continued to update her on the talent show preparations.

Starting this week, Jiang Xue would rehearse with Xie Xitong and the others during lunch break in a borrowed dance studio.

The main organizers were Xie Xitong and her longtime friend, Dan Yuan Yuan, the class arts and culture representative.

Besides them, six other girls were participating, performing the group dance sections.

Dan Yuan Yuan, usually quiet, became energetic during these events. Watching the projected video, she commented, “Only eight people for the group dance? Doesn’t that lack impact?”

“Everyone’s busy in their senior year. We’re lucky to have eight people,” Xie Xitong said.

Jiang Xue nodded in agreement. While the group dancers discussed the choreography, she told the Third Princess a story: 【This reminds me of when my sister was in college. There was a traditional Chinese cultural event, and the guys in her club were useless. The president asked them to find dancers for a group performance, but they couldn’t find anyone, so they ended up doing the group dance themselves! My sister’s sword dance saved the day!】

She had cringed for her sister, watching from the audience. Fortunately, her sister’s commanding presence and impressive swordsmanship had captivated the crowd, everyone filming with their phones. The performance hadn’t been a complete disaster.

Afterward, those two guys had followed her sister around, calling her “Boss” with exaggerated respect. They didn’t seem to realize they were the reason she’d had to steal the show!

This time, Jiang Xue didn’t avoid mentioning her sister. She hadn’t found the right opportunity to ask about the Third Princess’s sister directly, worried it would be too intrusive. She hoped this story would prompt the Third Princess to share more.

The Third Princess replied quickly: 【Back then, my elder sister also donned armor and joined the army because she didn’t trust men.】

Jiang Xue: ???!

She read so quickly that it took her a few seconds to process what the Third Princess had written.

Joined the army?!

Even though female generals in stories often retired peacefully, if the Third Princess’s sister had been a successful general, she wouldn’t have allowed her beloved younger sister to be sent away for a marriage alliance!

Her heart pounded. She instinctively pulled out her phone and sent a message to her sister: 【The Third Princess said her elder sister joined the army. I suspect her sister died in battle!】

Perhaps because it was lunch break, and because she’d been going home frequently lately, Jiang Mei didn’t question her about having her phone at school. She simply replied sternly: 【Don’t ask!】

【Yu Xue: I definitely won’t! I’ll wait for the Third Princess to tell me herself!】

【Sword: Screenshot and send it to me?】

Just as Jiang Xue sent the screenshot, she heard Dan Yuan Yuan call out, “Xie Xitong said you’ve finalized the solo dance choreography. Can you show us?”

She had brought her sister’s sword with her. She quickly wrote to the Third Princess, “We’ll talk later,” put away her phone, and opened the sword bag.

Xie Xitong played the music for the sword dance segment, and as Jiang Xue danced, Dan Yuan Yuan sat on a small stool, observing.

“…Besides needing more practice, it’s perfect.” As soon as Jiang Xue finished, Dan Yuan Yuan began applauding. “You’re amazing! We only finalized the performance last Friday!”

Jiang Xue rubbed her aching arm and smiled. “Maybe it’s because I have a sister who knows sword dancing? We practiced a lot over the weekend to adjust the choreography.”

“Then you should wear a costume for the next rehearsal,” Dan Yuan Yuan suggested. “Our winter uniforms are bulky, but it’s not the same as the long, flowing sleeves of traditional costumes.”

The former were cumbersome, the latter too long, especially the lower hems, which were easy to trip over during more dynamic movements.

Not to mention, they would likely be wearing wigs and hair ornaments for the actual performance, so it was best to get used to them early on.

Jiang Xue had the same thought. She had only brought the sword today because it was their first rehearsal. Her costume was at her apartment.

After finalizing the details, she watched the group dancers practice their routine a couple of times, then the group dispersed for their lunch break.

Usually, Jiang Xue would fall asleep as soon as her head hit the desk, waking only when the bell rang. But today, she couldn’t sleep, her mind filled with thoughts of the Third Princess’s sister.

Jiang Mei hadn’t replied yet, probably busy with work. Jiang Xue didn’t dare contact her outside of lunch break, so she closed WeChat, focusing on how to respond to the Third Princess.

Finally, when the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch break, she wrote, accompanied by the soothing melody of A Farewell to Yesteryear: 【I’ve always admired female generals. Would Your Highness be willing to tell me about your elder sister’s story?】

Chapter 14: Sharing the Frame

True to her word, Shizhu kept silent, but she also kept a closer watch over Wangmei Pavilion. Any servant attempting to enter or leave was stopped at the door.

Even the food delivered was now tasted by Shizhu first before being presented to Xiao Luohan.

Xiao Luohan wasn’t worried. As a princess from a defeated nation, she had little to offer. Associating with her could even jeopardize one’s future – the Daying Crown Prince clearly despised her.

She was simply curious about Shizhu’s motives.

Shizhu, always of few words, merely lowered her gaze when asked. “Think of it as me accumulating merit for my deceased daughter.”

Xiao Luohan understood.

When her elder sister was alive, she hadn’t truly grasped the concept of life and death. After her sister’s death, every object in her room that reminded her of her sister brought a fresh wave of grief.

So, she murmured, “You loved your daughter very much.”

If she hadn’t cherished her daughter, how could her daughter’s death affect her so deeply?

This shared grief brought them closer. Shizhu knew her place, attending only to her duties. Whatever the princess did in her free time, if she wasn’t asked for assistance, she pretended not to notice.

Xiao Luohan planned to tell Jiang Xue about this later.

Not only Jiang Xue, but she herself was curious about the cause of those dreams. She had a theory, but it would take time and effort to confirm it.

For her, life after losing her sister and being separated from her mother had felt stagnant, each day a repetition of the last. Only after meeting Jiang Xue had she found something new to focus on.

But Jiang Xue was always busy, even on weekends, though she would find time to tell her what she was doing.

【I’ve adjusted the sword dance choreography. I think I can actually use my sister’s sword for the performance!】

【I have a friend named Xie Xitong. She likes to come over on weekends and study with me. You’re the only person outside my family I’ve told about you, and she’s always giving me advice.】

【I tried making brown sugar tapioca pearls, but A-Xi and I both thought they weren’t very good, so I won’t make you try them ＿（：з」∠）＿】

【I’m going out for Western food, so I’ll be home late. Don’t wait for me. I’ll show you the menu later!】

Xiao Luohan, as always, went to bed early. The next morning, she found something tucked inside the closed book beside her pillow. Opening it, she found… a stuffed dog in a clear plastic bag?

Jiang Xue explained: 【I saw it at the mall and thought it was cute, so I bought one.】

【This is the original color Shiba Inu. There’s also a different color version, with pink leaves and blue paw pads. If you like it, I can send you one next time!】

“Original color Shiba Inu?” she murmured, holding the adorable stuffed dog, reading each word carefully and examining the toy. She couldn’t help but giggle.

The small green dog, shaped like a cabbage, now resided on her bedside table.

Xiao Luohan had already received so many gifts from Jiang Xue. Even if she was curious about the other Shiba Inu, she wouldn’t mention it. Stroking the stuffed dog, she considered what she could give Jiang Xue in return.

She wasn’t skilled at needlework, only capable of embroidering simple flowers and plants. She had some knowledge of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting.

After some thought, she decided her first gift should be a painting.

But the book was so small. Folding a painting to fit inside would create creases and ruin it.

This troubled her. While Jiang Xue was busy with her studies, Xiao Luohan pondered what to paint and how to make it small enough.

The more she thought, the more confused she became. She decided to look through the books Jiang Xue had sent.

Some of the books contained illustrations, some of them strangely proportioned “little people.” Initially, she had been so engrossed in the stories that she’d ignored the drawings. Now, she flipped through the pages, looking for the “little people.” Suddenly, inspiration struck.

She immediately found some xuan paper, cut it into squares smaller than the book, and carefully selected her finest brush. Imitating the style of the “little people,” she sketched the scenes from her dreams.

One depicted a young woman walking down a street, her cheeks puffed out as she ate a sticky rice ball.

The other depicted the dream from a few days ago, but she only drew the two sisters, omitting herself.

—She was superfluous. The sisters were happy as they were.

---

Jiang Xue was surprised to receive the chibi-style drawings.

“The Third Princess can draw like this?!” She excitedly showed the drawings to her sister. “They’re so cute! And it’s us!”

Jiang Mei examined the drawings carefully. “She probably copied the style from the illustrations you gave her. This style is practically non-existent in ancient art.”

This reminded Jiang Xue that several of the books she’d sent contained illustrations. She immediately added another item to her gift list: “I need to send the Third Princess some art books!”

She had so many things she wanted to give the Third Princess, but both her sister and Xie Xitong had cautioned her against being overbearing. The Third Princess seemed to have a sincere and unassuming nature. Constantly receiving gifts would likely make her uncomfortable. Giving too much would only add to her burdens.

Jiang Xue agreed. She jotted down her gift ideas, deciding to wait a few days and find suitable occasions to send them.

She loved the drawings so much that she immediately scanned them and saved them on her computer.

But as she looked at them, she frowned.

“There should be three people in both drawings. Why didn’t she include herself?” Jiang Xue wondered. “Does she see herself as just an observer? But we interacted in the second dream!”

Jiang Mei didn’t reply.

Having more life experience, and knowing some friends who were overly sensitive, she tended to read deeper into such situations.

She had considered this when she’d refused to let her sister send a knife, and she considered it again now.

“Why don’t you add her in?” Seeing her sister’s continued speculation, she suggested. “Don’t you like drawing on your tablet?”

Jiang Xue didn’t quite understand her sister’s meaning, but it seemed like a good idea. She retrieved her drawing tablet and pen, opened her drawing software, and created a new canvas.

“Would it be rude to draw the same things as the Third Princess?” She stared at the screen, thinking. “Why don’t I draw the Third Princess from my perspective?”

She drew two “reverse” images, but in realistic proportions, not chibi-style, as she wasn’t good at that.

---

Xiao Luohan hadn’t expected to receive a gift from Jiang Xue so soon, especially not two drawings.

Jiang Xue’s drawings resembled the book illustrations in their printing style, but her brushstrokes were clearly visible – she hadn’t erased all the pencil lines.

【Your Highness, think of these as the scenes from my perspective.】

【But I really wanted to share the frame with Your Highness… You’re so beautiful! And your aura is captivating.】

Xiao Luohan now understood what “sharing the frame” meant. She stared at the drawings, her heart pounding as warmth spread through her.

She didn’t understand this feeling. She sat there for a long time, feeling she should do something in return. She cut two pieces of xuan paper and drew the same “little people” as before.

But this time, she carefully drew her own “little person” beside the two sisters.

Chapter 13: Pearl Milk Tea

After many days, Xiao Luohan finally returned to that strange and wondrous world in her dreams.

This time, she was in a brightly lit room. Two sisters, both dressed in clothes that revealed their arms and legs, were busy with something.

Ice clinked in a clear glass, and a faint, sweet, fruity fragrance filled the air.

She heard the younger girl, about eleven or twelve years old, address her with a cheerful “Your Highness.” She responded instinctively, and as their eyes met, a sudden understanding dawned on her.

—That must have been a younger Jiang Xue, and the woman beside her, her older sister.

Xiao Luohan stood in the dream, watching silently, etching the scene into her memory.

Until the young girl spoke again: “Aren’t you warm, Your Highness?”

Then, the dream dissolved.

But she couldn’t fall back asleep. She climbed out of bed, grabbed the book from her pillow, threw on her robe and fluffy pink slippers, and hurried to her desk.

She had to tell Jiang Xue!

But the moment she opened the book, she saw a line of text appearing, describing the very scene she had just dreamt of!

But halfway through, Jiang Xue stopped writing. A moment later, a streak of white passed over the words, erasing them completely.

No new words appeared.

…Why?

Xiao Luohan waited for a full two quarter-hours (30 minutes) before sighing softly and closing the book.

There must be a reason.

She didn’t ask, nor did she mention her own dream. She quickly returned to her cold bed and lay down.

She also clutched the hot water bottle Jiang Xue had sent, fully charged, not wanting to get cold.

Regardless, since she was being so well cared for by the sisters, all she needed to do was take care of her health and strive to live each day to the fullest. There was no need to dwell on such minor matters.

---

At nine o’clock in the morning, Jiang Xue was jolted awake by her sister’s cold hands, scrambling out of bed with a yelp.

Her sister had finalized the sword dance choreography last night and wanted to practice it in the morning, making further adjustments if needed.

As Jiang Xue danced, Jiang Mei sat behind her phone, which was mounted on a tripod, filming and observing.

After Jiang Xue finished, breathless, they reviewed the recording together.

“I was thinking…”

After watching it several times, Jiang Xue pressed pause. “Should I put some things on my old phone and send it to the Third Princess?”

Dancing had reminded her that she had only agreed to Xie Xitong’s request because the Third Princess had said she enjoyed sword dances. She was performing for the Third Princess, catering to her interests.

So, she wondered if she should download some sword dance performance videos for the Third Princess to watch during her free time.

“Don’t overwhelm her with gifts. She’s already feeling indebted,” Jiang Mei objected.

“Then I’ll wait until we pass the audition and send her a video of our performance.” Jiang Xue wasn’t in a hurry. This was the first time she’d been so invested in caring for someone. She didn’t want to be overbearing and have the opposite effect.

The video resumed playing, but Jiang Xue’s mind was elsewhere.

“I dreamt of the Third Princess again last night,” she murmured. “Remember how you said you’d make me a mojito in the spring? I dreamt of when we were younger… maybe eleven or twelve? When you first tried making cocktails, and I was playing with the ice cubes.”

Jiang Mei was used to multitasking. Her eyes followed her sister’s movements in the video, her mind working on how to improve the choreography, her ears still listening attentively. “Go on.”

“Then, I saw the Third Princess, wrapped in her robe, standing there watching us.”

“Did you talk to her? In the dream,” Jiang Mei asked.

Jiang Xue thought for a moment, recounting every detail she could remember.

“After our eyes met, I only called out to her once, and then the dream ended.”

“I actually wrote about it in my diary right after I woke up, wanting to ask if she’d had a similar dream, but then I erased it… It was very early, before dawn. She probably didn’t see it.”

“Even if she did, she probably wouldn’t mention it,” Jiang Mei said. “Erasing it clearly means you didn’t want to talk about it.”

Jiang Xue paused, then her eyes widened as she understood her sister’s meaning.

“Next time, just write what you want to write. Don’t overthink it. Or wait until you’re fully awake before writing.” Jiang Mei smoothed her messy hair, her tone slightly stern.

Her younger sister sometimes got anxious and hesitant over trivial matters. She always made sure to point it out whenever she noticed it. She was still young and could learn to be more decisive.

Jiang Xue took her sister’s words to heart.

That afternoon, during a break from studying biology with Xie Xitong, she couldn’t help but say, “I still want to tell the Third Princess about that dream. What if…?”

What if the Third Princess had also dreamt of her? Would they then have a second way to connect, beyond the diary?

“If you think it’s okay to talk about it, then tell her!” Xie Xitong said, still working on a genetics problem, without looking up. “She hasn’t mentioned anything about her own sister. There’s no point in guessing. Just tell her and see how she reacts.”

So, Jiang Xue gathered her courage and wrote about her dream, downplaying the sister aspect and focusing on the “what if.”

And she received confirmation.

She quickly followed up: 【Did you respond because you heard my voice? After I asked if you were warm, did your dream continue?】

【Yes, but after you asked, the dream ended, and I woke up.】

Woke up… did she?

A sudden thought struck Jiang Xue, and she felt a pang of guilt.

But she had to ask:

【So… after you woke up, did you see what I’d written?】

She remembered that their previous shared dream had occurred at different times. If they dreamt at the same time, woke up at the same time, and could even interact in their dreams… maybe there was a second way to connect.

【No.】

The Third Princess’s immediate reply dashed her hopes.

Disappointed, yet also relieved, Jiang Xue let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding.

She hadn’t been fully awake when she’d written about the dream, so the description wasn’t as detailed as usual. She’d probably focused more on the characters and their actions, and likely mentioned her “older sister” multiple times.

It was better this way, that she hadn’t accidentally upset the Third Princess.

Half an hour later, the housekeeper brought her some milk tea.

Since both her mothers were home, it was Ms. Wei’s favorite: traditional brown sugar pearl milk tea.

Just as Jiang Xue was about to take a sip, she glanced at the diary and put down her straw.

【Your Highness, would you like to try some milk tea? It’s milk tea with brown sugar, but it’s not overly sweet. It also has tapioca pearls, cooked fresh at home.】

【Oh, and this is the first time I’m sending a hot drink in a cup. Be careful when you receive it!】

Making sure the housekeeper was out of sight and unlikely to disturb her, Jiang Xue watched the diary. As soon as Xiao Luohan replied with an “Okay,” she waited a full ten seconds to give her time to put down her brush before carefully placing the milk tea on the diary.

Xie Xitong had just finished a set of problems, so they both watched as the steaming mug vanished into the diary.

---

Xiao Luohan received the milk tea while Shizhu was cleaning her room.

She had only looked down for a moment, and when she looked up again, a cup she’d never seen before, steaming slightly, sat on her desk.

Shizhu’s usually unflappable expression faltered. She rubbed her eyes, thinking she must be dreaming.

But Princess Zhuìyù, as if this were a common occurrence, calmly picked up the cup and took a sip.

“Please don’t mention this to anyone,” Xiao Luohan said softly, noticing Shizhu’s gaze. “A spirit has taken pity on me and sent me many things to keep warm.”

Since Shizhu had shown her such kindness last night, she wanted Shizhu to be the first to know her secret.

Shizhu recalled the strange cotton shoes the princess had been wearing that morning.

She nodded solemnly. “Rest assured, Your Highness. My lips are sealed.”

Chapter 12: Cocktails

The “winter survival kit” was sent over piece by piece, only after receiving the Third Princess’s consent.

The princess was overwhelmed with gratitude as she received the items:

【You and your sister are too kind! You’ve sent me so many things to keep warm. I truly don’t know how to repay you…】

【Don’t worry about it! Just accepting them is repayment enough! If you can’t understand the instructions, just ask!】

Jiang Xue knew she should have told her sister. Her sister would definitely help her find ways to make the Third Princess’s life more comfortable.

However, she’d sent quite a lot this time, and unlike books and candy, these items weren’t easy to hide. She asked her sister for advice: “What if that jerk of a Crown Prince suddenly decides to check on her, or a nosy servant discovers the things we’ve sent? Will the Third Princess get in trouble?”

“Didn’t the Third Princess call you a ‘spirit’?” Jiang Mei said. “Even though she stopped mentioning it, people in ancient times were quite superstitious. Science wasn’t advanced back then, so many natural phenomena couldn’t be explained, let alone something like this, which would be considered ‘supernatural’ even in modern times.”

“So, let’s use that to our advantage.”

“The royal family believes themselves to be closest to the heavens and divine will, with the emperor’s power supposedly granted by the gods. Let’s use that belief against them. Let them know that this princess is under divine protection the moment she arrives in Daying, and they’d best not mess with her.”

Jiang Xue was taken aback but immediately relayed everything to Xiao Luohan.

Afterward, she couldn’t resist adding: 【If Your Highness has anything you don’t feel safe keeping with you, I can hold onto it for you.】

Perhaps influenced by too many historical dramas and novels, she couldn’t bring herself to trust the servants, especially since the Third Princess hadn’t even brought her own attendants.

Xiao Luohan did tend to see her as a spirit.

If not a spirit, how could she send such wondrous things out of thin air and show such kindness to a useless, dying person like her?

But the things the “spirit” sent, whether objects or books, were tangible. Although Xiao Luohan believed in the supernatural, these experiences were gently broadening her horizons.

Reading the book Jiang Xue had recommended, about a woman given a second chance at life, she recalled her elder sister’s words about the vastness of the world and the countless things she’d never heard of.

This book, and this connection, was one of those things.

On the other side of the book was another world, and Jiang Xue was a person living there, not a spirit from the underworld or a deity from the heavens.

So, when Jiang Xue emphasized this again, suggesting she use the “divine protection” angle to her advantage, Xiao Luohan finally accepted her theory. She received the gifts with a newfound sense of ease.

That evening, she put on the fluffy pink slippers.

She didn’t know what kind of cotton they were made of, but they were warm and cozy, with soft soles that were surprisingly comfortable to walk in.

The heat patches were also wondrous. These palm-sized “plasters” only needed to be applied to her undergarments to generate warmth, without burning her skin.

She was deeply grateful to Jiang Xue and her sister. Unfortunately, limited by her status and circumstances, she couldn’t think of a way to repay them. After pondering all night, she decided to carefully read the books Jiang Xue had sent and provide detailed feedback.

—Jiang Xue seemed eager for her to learn about the “modern era.”

---

Back in Jiang Xue’s world, Jiang Mei had watched the video Xie Xitong had sent, and the sisters were discussing how to modify the choreography.

“Use my practice sword,” Jiang Mei said, addressing the props as well. “Your custom-made sword is beautiful, but it’s too heavy.”

Jiang Xue shook her head. “But what if I practice with it every day? I should get used to it, right?”

“Your arms will be killing you.” Jiang Mei squeezed her arm through her jacket. “Do you like it that much?”

“Yes!”

Jiang Xue knew her sister’s sword was custom-made by a renowned craftsman. Its elegant design didn’t compromise its functionality. It was usually displayed in her sister’s study as a decorative piece, but every year, it was meticulously maintained, both the blade and the scabbard preserved in pristine condition.

It was beautiful to watch in motion. She’d seen her sister perform an impromptu sword dance last year.

“If you really want to use that sword, we’ll have to adjust the choreography to conserve your energy.” Jiang Mei dragged the progress bar on the video, pressed play, and carefully watched the solo sword dance segment several times.

Jiang Xue skipped over to her sister’s study and brought back the sword. After admiring the carved plum blossoms on the blade, she suddenly had an idea: “Could we get a small self-defense knife made for the Third Princess?”

“Absolutely not,” Jiang Mei said firmly. “If she’s never learned how to use a knife, she’s more likely to hurt herself if she ever needs to use it.”

She didn’t share her deeper concerns with her sister, pushing them aside and focusing on the video.

Around eleven o’clock, they heard their mothers’ voices downstairs.

“I wonder which bar Mom and Mama went to tonight,” Jiang Xue said casually, organizing her history notes, a smile in her voice. “When I’m old enough, I’m going too!”

Her mothers, Ms. Jiang and Ms. Wei, had met in a bar. After getting to know each other, they realized they were a perfect match, got married, and then had them.

“With your stomach, you’ll be limited to virgin mojitos,” Jiang Mei said, tapping her lightly on the head. “It’s too cold now. I’ll make you one in the spring.”

She knew how to mix a few simple cocktails, having learned from Ms. Wei during her college years.

Jiang Xue ducked her head and mumbled, “Okay.” Her gaze shifted to the diary. “Let’s make one for the Third Princess, too! I haven’t offered her any drinks from here yet!”

Because of this thought, she had a dream that night.

Her sister, still a college student, was slicing limes in the kitchen, the air filled with a tangy citrus fragrance.

A younger Jiang Xue was stirring a glass of crushed ice with a metal chopstick, the clinking sound echoing in the room.

As she stirred, she said with a smile, “Listen, Your Highness, it’s so refreshing!”

Even in her dream, she was thinking about offering the Third Princess a drink.

A soft voice beside her murmured in agreement.

Jiang Xue looked over and saw the Third Princess, wrapped in her robe, watching her, her lips pursed in a small nod.

She didn’t know how long the Third Princess had been standing there. She only remembered asking, surprised, “Aren’t you warm, Your Highness?” Then, the dream vanished like a popped bubble.

The dream was so strange. She had only seen the Third Princess once in her dreams before. She hadn’t expected her to reappear so clearly.

The moment she woke up, before dawn even broke, she sat at her desk, still in her pajamas, and wrote about her dream for the Third Princess.

Halfway through, she suddenly remembered her sister’s warning about the Third Princess’s deceased sister. Filled with regret, she grabbed some correction fluid and covered up everything she’d written.

Fortunately, the Third Princess hadn’t replied. She must still be asleep. It was better this way!

After making sure the correction fluid had completely obscured the words, Jiang Xue turned off the light and went back to sleep.

—She didn’t know that Xiao Luohan, who always woke early, had already read everything.

She hadn’t replied because the scene Jiang Xue described was exactly what she had dreamt of last night.

Chapter 11: Pampering the Third Princess

Xiao Luohan wouldn’t dare accept such a valuable gift!

But staring at Jiang Xue’s sister’s words, she suddenly understood. Jiang Xue felt the same way she did, reluctant to accept the bookmark, but also reluctant to disappoint her.

So, Jiang Xue had only said she would “hold onto it” for her, acting as a temporary custodian. Now that her sister was back, Jiang Xue had told her about the bookmark, and her sister had returned the favor with a gift of her own.

This was a proper exchange of gifts. She should accept them.

She expressed her gratitude profusely but simply stored the jade bracelets safely in her silk pouch. She had no intention of using them to bribe the servants.

This exchange cleared the fog from her mind, allowing her to focus on the new words that had appeared.

【My sister is straightforward. She does what she thinks is right and doesn’t stand on ceremony. Just do whatever you want with the bracelets. Don’t feel pressured.】

Actually, she wasn’t unfamiliar with this type of “older sister.”

Her elder sister, Xiao Linghan, had been the same. When she was younger, she hadn’t understood and had been apprehensive, but she’d eventually grown accustomed to it, accepting her sister’s gifts graciously, without protest—knowing they were given with genuine affection.

After some thought, she couldn’t resist adding: 【Indeed. My elder sister is also of a similar, forthright nature.】

This would hopefully reassure Jiang Xue.

Xiao Luohan thought the topic was over, but Jiang Xue continued: 【I’m a little curious. I have a guess. If I’m wrong, or if I offend you, please tell me, and I won’t mention it again.】

【The plum blossom jade bookmark you gave me a few days ago… was it a gift from your sister?】

【The design of the plum blossom carving is so bold and striking. After what you just said, I couldn’t help but wonder if it was a style your sister liked.】

Her brush froze in the inkstone.

Xiao Luohan didn’t want to talk about it.

If she did, she would inevitably recall her sister’s every gesture and the look of loving blessing in her eyes when she had entrusted the bookmark to her.

But then, she thought that since her sister had died in battle, and as a woman, in a war that Beiliao had lost miserably, her name and accomplishments would likely be omitted from the history books.

Her sister had accepted her fate with equanimity, true to herself, but having witnessed her sister’s struggles and triumphs, Xiao Luohan couldn’t help but feel a sense of injustice. In her dreams, she sometimes wished more people knew of her sister’s deeds.

That way, her sister would at least live on in the memories of others.

But life and death were weighty matters. After careful consideration, she decided to tell Jiang Xue about her sister’s life first, about what a wonderful person she had been. When they were closer, she would reveal the truth.

---

Jiang Xue was incredibly nervous.

She had already decided to postpone asking about the jade bookmark, but the Third Princess seemed to want to continue the topic.

She had asked her sister, and Jiang Mei had said it was fine to ask, even if it was a bit forward. It was just a conversation starter. They could simply go with the flow.

But after she asked, the Third Princess fell silent.

Jiang Xue grew anxious, wanting to apologize again, but Jiang Mei stopped her. “She’s not completely free over there. Either something has come up, or she has some reservations and needs time to think before answering. Don’t worry.”

She even found a task for Jiang Xue: “Don’t you have a lot of books in your study? Some are still unopened, right? You’re just keeping them as collector’s items? Send some to her. You can’t just give her textbooks and dictionaries!”

“I was planning to sort through them this weekend and send some to the Third Princess!” Jiang Xue immediately put down her pen and rolled up her sleeves, ready to get to work.

She definitely intended to send books. Yesterday, the Third Princess had subtly hinted that the only books available in Wangmei Pavilion were Lessons for Women, Women’s Precepts, and the like, which she found tedious.

But what kind of books would the Third Princess enjoy?

Jiang Xue hadn’t had a chance to ask. These past few days at school, she had been telling the Third Princess about modern subjects, which the princess seemed to find interesting.

Thinking it over, it seemed the Third Princess was interested in “stories” and “history.” Entering her study, she picked up a collection of classic novels recommended by her Chinese literature teacher and a two-volume edition of A Comprehensive History of China.

Finally, she added a recently published web novel with a female protagonist and no romance, about a woman in a wealthy household who, given a second chance at life, opens a shop and builds a successful business, living life on her own terms. Perhaps it would inspire the Third Princess.

As she carried the stack of books back to her room, she found Jiang Mei reading her diary.

“The Third Princess replied?” Jiang Xue hurried over and sat beside her sister, eager to see what she’d written.

Jiang Mei hummed in response, handing her the diary. “The jade bookmark was indeed a gift from her elder sister, and it was a style her sister liked.”

She paused, then added carefully, “But her sister might not be alive anymore. Let her tell you about it herself. Don’t ask.”

Jiang Xue froze, as if struck by lightning.

“H-how did you know?” She reread Xiao Luohan’s message in disbelief, but she couldn’t see anything that suggested that.

“The emotion in her writing changed,” Jiang Mei said vaguely. “It’s hard to explain. Just… don’t ask her about it.”

This actually made Jiang Xue less curious.

She had known since she was little that her sister had a different way of reading.

To her sister, words were like living beings, with their own emotions and stories. It was like how some people could read a story and say, “I can feel the author’s state of mind.” It was a… mysterious talent.

Since this was her sister’s assessment, someone highly attuned to the emotions conveyed through writing, it was likely very close to the truth.

“Then… I shouldn’t have mentioned having a sister!” Jiang Xue said, filled with regret.

“What’s done is done. Besides, you mentioned it in your earlier diary entries. She’s read them all.” Jiang Mei ruffled her hair. “Don’t blame yourself. Just treat her as you always have.”

Jiang Xue sighed, then read Xiao Luohan’s new message. It mentioned that her elder sister had shown her travelogues, told her stories of female merchants, and described the vast world outside the palace walls.

After carefully replying, she placed the web novel about the businesswoman on the diary.

---

【The story in this book is fictional. Don’t worry if it doesn’t match historical reality. Just enjoy it.】

【If you like this kind of story, I can find more for you!】

Xiao Luohan received the new book, confused at first. After reading Jiang Xue’s explanation, a smile touched her lips.

Like her own elder sister, Jiang Xue was willing to share all sorts of interesting stories and books with her. Reading these entertaining tales helped her forget her troubles.

Thanking Jiang Xue, and seeing that the spirit was going to have dinner, she unwrapped the book and began reading.

Unfortunately, she hadn’t read for long when a knock came at the door. It was Shizhu, bringing her dinner.

Xiao Luohan quickly hid the novel before opening the door. Although Shizhu was kind to her, she was still a servant of Daying.

Shizhu set the table, glancing at the charcoal brazier, then at the door.

“It’s getting colder.”

After Xiao Luohan had almost finished eating, she suddenly said, “If you’re worried about being disturbed, I can secure the door for you. But if you bolt it, it will be difficult to rescue you if something happens with the brazier.”

Xiao Luohan hadn’t expected her to say this. Her hand, holding her chopsticks, froze.

She heard Shizhu continue, “My only daughter… that’s how she died.”

---

“Where’s that rechargeable hand warmer you used to have?”

“Here it is! But I haven’t used it in a year. Should we buy a new one?”

Their parents weren’t home tonight, so after dinner, the sisters rummaged through the storage room, looking for “winter essentials” for the Third Princess.

Ancient times didn’t have electricity, so they needed things that didn’t require power or could hold a charge for a long time.

“Let’s buy a new one of the same brand,” Jiang Mei said without turning around.

She found a pack of heat patches and tossed them to Jiang Xue. “She can use these, too.”

Jiang Xue went to order a new hand warmer. Just after paying, she saw her sister walk over with a pair of brand new fluffy pink slippers, asking hesitantly, “Can this go through, too?”

Jiang Xue giggled, feeling like they were children again, playing house, Jiang Mei awkwardly “parenting” her doll daughter.

“Yes, my diary is pretty big.”

With the diary, they could pamper the Third Princess across time and space!

Chapter 10: Girlfriend or Not?

“So, it’s settled then~”

As they walked downstairs, Jiang Xue was still listening to Xie Xitong’s detailed plans. “Our rehearsals are during lunch break. It’ll only take twenty minutes, but I know you usually fall asleep the moment the bell rings…”

“It’s fine. I’ll just go to bed earlier,” Jiang Xue said. “Besides, we won’t rehearse every lunch break. You and Yuan Yuan usually do practice problems then, right?”

“Well… it is our last year. Rather than practice problems, I’d like to shine on stage one last time.” Xie Xitong laughed. “I’ll send you the original video when I get home. Your sister is back, so she can help you adjust the moves.”

Jiang Xue was about to agree when she remembered the Third Princess’s words, “I enjoy watching them.” She quickly added, “Whether or not we pass the audition, please remember to ask Teacher Ai for a video of our performance!”

Teacher Ai was in charge of the arts and always filmed school events, big or small.

Xie Xitong blinked. “You want to show it to your pen pal?”

Jiang Xue: …

She hadn’t even said anything directly, and her friend had already seen through her!

Amidst her friend’s laughter, they reached the school gate.

On Fridays, they usually went home together, riding with Sister Cheng and chatting on the way.

But today, instead of Sister Cheng’s silver car, a bright red sports car was parked outside.

—Her older sister had come to pick them up!

Remembering her evasiveness these past few days, her heart skipped a beat. Then, she heard Xie Xitong ask cheerfully, “Did you give Sister Cheng the day off?”

“…I had no idea!”

Xie Xitong pulled her towards the bright red sports car, even “thoughtfully” opening the front passenger door for her, knowing she got carsick. She herself sat in the back.

Feeling her sister’s gaze, Jiang Xue busied herself with fastening her seatbelt.

Fortunately, Xie Xitong was unusually chatty with her sister today, talking non-stop about the talent show and their planned performance, even asking for advice on adjusting the sword dance moves. Her sister listened attentively, as always.

Jiang Xue was silently grateful for the distraction.

But Xie Xitong would eventually have to get out of the car. When they reached the Xie residence and after watching her walk away, Jiang Xue finally heard her sister speak: “Explain.”

Her voice was calm and measured, but cold, like a frozen lake.

Jiang Mei was nine years older than Jiang Xue and had practically watched her grow up, acting as both an older sister and a half-mother. Whenever their parents were busy with work and something happened to Jiang Xue, Jiang Mei would be there.

She wasn’t worried about her younger sister making bad friends, only puzzled by her secrecy. Jiang Xue, spoiled and affectionate, had always been close to her. They’d shared almost every secret since childhood, Jiang Xue always telling her everything first.

What was so unspeakable about this friend?

Even if it were a girlfriend, there was no need to hide it, right?

Thinking this, and seeing her sister’s continued hesitation, she casually asked, “Is it a girlfriend? As long as it doesn’t affect your studies, I don’t care who you date.”

“No!!” Jiang Xue almost choked, coughing before she could recover and hurriedly explain, “Not a girlfriend! It’s… uh… more of a supernatural encounter?”

“How supernatural?”

“Trans-temporal, does that count?”

She felt the car slow down, then stop completely. Something cool touched her forehead.

“…No fever. Why are you talking nonsense?” Jiang Mei withdrew her hand and started driving again.

“It’s true! I swear!” Knowing her sister wouldn’t believe her without proof, Jiang Xue continued, “A-Xi has seen it! I’ll show you the evidence when we get home!”

The Xie residence wasn’t far from theirs, so Jiang Mei didn’t press the issue, simply accelerating to the speed limit.

It was still early, and their mothers weren’t home yet. Before Jiang Xue could speak, Jiang Mei went straight upstairs to her room.

After closing and locking the door, Jiang Xue took out the diary, flipped to the first page of their conversation, and handed it to her sister. Then, she opened her safe and carefully retrieved the jade bookmark the Third Princess had given her.

“It’s not a prank. The brushstrokes appeared during self-study.”

She emphasized this softly and, seeing her sister frowning as she read the diary, sat down to wait, feeling slightly nervous.

She wasn’t afraid of her family seeing her dramatic pronouncements in the diary. She was used to venting and sharing her anxieties with her sister. She was more worried that her sister would think she was getting too invested and neglecting her studies.

But…

But after learning about the Third Princess’s situation, she couldn’t just ignore it.

They were separated by time and space. Even if she could offer some advice based on modern knowledge, she couldn’t fundamentally change the Third Princess’s fate.

A sickly young woman, trapped in a patriarchal society, sent away for a political marriage, and immediately relegated to the cold palace… even if she could instigate a palace revolt and escape, where could she possibly go in a foreign land?

All she could do was try to make the Third Princess’s life a little better, ensuring she had decent food and some emotional support. If she could help improve her health, even better.

“I wish your diary could transport her here.”

Her sister’s unexpected words snapped Jiang Xue out of her thoughts. Her eyes widened in disbelief. “Huh?”

“Let me see the bookmark,” Jiang Mei said, changing the subject, closing the diary, and extending her hand.

Jiang Xue obediently handed over the jade bookmark, adding, “I wrote in the diary that I’m just keeping it safe for her, and I’ll return it eventually. This jade looks really expensive. I’ve only given the Third Princess a few small gifts. I can’t accept something like this…”

“Don’t I know you?” Jiang Mei interrupted, amused.

Jiang Xue fell silent, clutching the diary her sister had returned. For some reason, her sister’s earlier words lingered in her mind.

Her diary wasn’t large, but… it could probably hold an adult, right?

Should she… should she ask the Third Princess to try? If she could come through, Jiang Xue could take care of her.

Seeing her sister still staring at the jade bookmark, Jiang Xue bit her lip and went to find a pen.

But before writing, she thought carefully. She didn’t dare to suggest the idea outright.

If it didn’t work, she would be giving the Third Princess false hope, only to crush it.

So, she simply mentioned her sister:

【My older sister is back from her business trip today. I told her about you and showed her our conversation.】

She paused, observing her sister’s expression before adding, taking some liberties:

【She likes you very much and feels sorry for you. She told me to take good care of you.】

“A-Xue.”

Jiang Mei called her. “You haven’t asked about her situation in detail, have you?”

Jiang Xue paused, recalling their conversations, then nodded. “We just met, and people in ancient times are usually quite reserved. I was afraid she wouldn’t tell me if I asked too soon.”

She had indeed been cautious in her inquiries, careful not to overstep any boundaries or make the Third Princess uncomfortable.

“A marriage alliance… it could be a genuine union, or it could be a tribute from a defeated nation to the victor.” Jiang Mei’s brow remained furrowed. “If it’s the latter…”

She didn’t elaborate, simply rubbing the jade bookmark in her hand and shaking her head. “Such a valuable piece of jade… someone wouldn’t give this away, even to a stranger, in exchange for better treatment. It means she not only trusts you but also that this object holds great significance for her. She doesn’t want it to fall into the wrong hands if something happens to her.”

“Ask her about it next time, if you have the chance. Whether it was her own jade or a gift from a family member.”

Jiang Xue hadn’t considered this before. She put away the jade bookmark even more carefully now.

---

In Wangmei Pavilion.

As Xiao Luohan read Jiang Xue’s new message, the song playing through her earbuds reached a particular line:

【If we must forget the pain of youthful folly, from now on, we shall part ways, east and west.】

…So, Jiang Xue’s older sister had returned.

She stared at the words, listening to the music, recalling a conversation she’d had with her own elder sister long ago.

—“Elder Sister, why do you go to war? Isn’t it better to stay in the palace?”

—“I don’t trust those foolish men. Since my maternal family supports me, I might as well make a name for myself.”

—“But… people die on the battlefield…”

—“Silly Xiao Luo, everyone dies eventually. If I die doing what I believe in, then I’ll have lived a worthwhile life!”

And she had indeed died on the blood-soaked battlefield.

Her father had even lamented, with genuine regret, that he shouldn’t have given her the title “Zhemei” (Broken Plum Blossom). Wasn’t it an ill omen?

Now, they were separated by life and death. She, by some cruel twist of fate, was in Daying, the land that had killed her sister, continuing to live a life of uncertainty. Would her sister… blame her?

Xiao Luohan took a deep breath, paused the music, and considered how to reply to Jiang Xue.

But her thoughts were still a tangled mess. She didn’t know what to say. For a moment, the only word in her mind was “sister.”

Finally, she wrote, also about her “sister”: 【It’s a shame no one else can see this book. I would have shown it to my elder sister.】

It was a lie. She would never see her elder sister again.

But she couldn’t cry. She had cried all her tears on the day she heard the news of her sister’s death. That night, her sister had appeared in her dreams, covered in blood, yet gently stroking her face, sighing, “Don’t cry.”

So, she hadn’t cried since then. But now, remembering the past, her heart ached.

Her vision suddenly blurred. Xiao Luohan blinked, focusing her gaze. A pair of white jade bracelets had appeared in the book!

Confused, she was about to write and ask when a line of text appeared.

It wasn’t in Jiang Xue’s handwriting. It was… bold and unrestrained, like her elder sister’s, two concise sentences:

【These are some spare jewelry. Do with them as you please. Take care of yourself.】

【My younger sister is young and easily flustered. She can’t accept such a precious gift. I am returning it on her behalf.】

Xiao Luohan stared at the jade bracelets in disbelief.

Was Jiang Xue’s sister… suggesting she use them to bribe the servants?

Chapter 9: Masterfully Manipulated

Xiao Luohan had intended to treasure whatever candy the spirit gave her, keeping it as a reminder of this unexpected kindness. Whenever she felt down, she would look at it and remember.

But then, all sorts of colorful candies appeared in the book, piling up like a small mountain!

She’d never seen anything like it. Stunned for a long moment, she finally recovered and hurried to find a small jar, carefully placing the candies inside, one by one, glancing at the book every so often.

【Here are some of my favorite fruit candies, milk candies, and dark chocolate for Your Highness to try!】

Perhaps worried she wouldn’t recognize them, the spirit had even included drawings of each type of candy.

【The candies here are quite strong, so remember to rinse your mouth after eating them, or your teeth will rot!】

【What kind of candies and snacks did Your Highness enjoy in your homeland? I can try to find some for you!】

Just as she finished reading, another small, soft pastry, nestled on a tissue, appeared.

Xiao Luohan looked at the pastry, clutching the candy jar. A wave of warmth, tinged with sweetness, spread through her.

After sincerely thanking the spirit and listing the pastries she had craved during her journey to Daying, Xiao Luohan slowly ate the “toast,” leaving no crumbs. Then, curious, she picked a candy from the jar.

—It was a piece of dark chocolate.

The spirit was still writing: 【Dark chocolate is the only bitter one of these three. There are also sweet kinds of chocolate, but I was worried they might upset Your Highness’s stomach. I’ve heard dark chocolate is best for people with sensitive stomachs.】

【Oh, and don’t eat chocolate for at least half a shichen (an hour) after taking your medicine! It can interfere with its effects!】

Xiao Luohan was about to unwrap a piece of dark chocolate to see just how bitter it was when she saw the warning. She obediently put it back and chose a fruit candy instead.

Unwrapping the candy, she found it was shaped like an orange segment. She sniffed it lightly and, sure enough, it smelled of oranges. Popping it into her mouth, she found it tart and refreshing, completely different from the candied fruits she was used to.

She didn’t finish the rest of her medicinal broth, letting it cool as she savored the candy, her thoughts drifting.

It was a blessing she was far from home. Her mother wouldn’t have to witness her taking that useless medicine, only to die anyway. If she died by her mother’s side, her mother would blame herself.

When her father had insisted on this marriage alliance, he’d claimed it was “for her own good,” but she knew who truly cared for her.

Her mother had lived in the cold palace since before she was born, yet she had never abandoned her. Ignoring the imperial physician’s repeated warnings, she had always provided for her, even enduring humiliation to obtain medicine for her.

Now, her mother had let her go, and she understood why—Beiliao was likely on the verge of collapse. While a marriage alliance wasn’t ideal, in her mother’s eyes, it was probably her only chance at survival.

She had always listened to her mother and elder sister. Now, she had also met this… blessing. She should try harder, strive to live a little longer.

---

Jiang Xue quickly converted the prescription into traditional characters, formatted it neatly, and double-checked it before printing it out.

The housekeeper was calling her for lunch. She mumbled a reply, waiting for the printed paper to cool before adding a message for the Third Princess: 【My doctor says that no matter how you feel after changing medicines, you must tell me immediately, and be as detailed as possible.】

The Third Princess quickly replied with an “Okay.”

【I’m going to eat lunch now, and then I have to take a nap. Your Highness, just leave a message if you need anything!】

Jiang Xue’s body clock was fairly regular. She always felt sleepy after lunch and needed a nap to get through the four afternoon classes.

However, the Third Princess was starting to appear in her daily routine.

While eating pasta, she wondered if she could send a bowl to the Third Princess. Her family’s housekeeper was an excellent cook. During her nap, she hoped she would dream of the Third Princess again. This time, she would pay closer attention.

But she slept soundly until her alarm went off, and nothing happened. She headed back to school with her phone in her bag.

Three days passed uneventfully.

Jiang Xue gradually learned that the Third Princess wasn’t facing any immediate problems. The wedding with the Daying Crown Prince was scheduled for the following year. Until then, she would live alone in Wangmei Pavilion. The prince, disgusted by her, wouldn’t bother her.

The new servants weren’t ideal, but an older servant named Shizhu seemed to be taking special care of her. It was Shizhu who had obtained the new medicine for her. The Third Princess had started taking it that very evening.

【Your prescription is very effective. I’ve taken it for three days, and I already feel much better.】

【I’m so glad it’s working! The doctor scolded me, saying that even for a remote diagnosis, she needs a video call to see the patient’s complexion and tongue.】

【Thank you for your concern.】

【You’re welcome! Of course!】

Relieved that the prescription was working, Jiang Xue continued to check in on the Third Princess’s health every day, recording the details in a document on her phone. She planned to send a summary to the doctor after seven days.

It was Friday, and the last class of the afternoon was the usual class meeting, which happened to be about the New Year’s Eve talent show.

Even senior year had its own talent show.

While the homeroom teacher explained the procedures, Jiang Xue, already familiar with them, discreetly opened her diary, ready to chat with the Third Princess:

【Your Highness, do you remember the New Year’s Eve talent show I wrote about in my first year of high school?】

【Yes, you were organizing the literature club’s stage play.】

It was so nice to chat with someone attentive and with a good memory!

【That’s right! It’s a shame that by my second year, I was the club president, so I had to give the opportunity to the other members. Otherwise, I would have loved to participate again!】

【But I’m just saying that. The younger students in their first year did a great job. I thought their performance was even better than ours, both the script and the stage design.】

【I understand. You praised them for half a page in your second-year diary entries. And after the performance, you and the vice president delivered milk tea and fried chicken cutlets to every classroom.】

Jiang Xue felt a little embarrassed. She’d been so proud of the club members that she’d ordered treats for them before the show even ended, then, like a giddy child, she’d run all over the first-year teaching building, delivering milk tea and fried chicken.

She hadn’t expected the Third Princess to remember such a detail.

Hearing the excited chatter in the classroom, Jiang Xue knew everyone was already thinking about signing up.

Each class was required to submit at least one act, with a maximum of three. There would be auditions in mid-December, and the approved acts could then begin preparing for the show.

She casually mentioned this to the Third Princess.

【Aren’t you going to participate?】

【I’ve already performed before. I’m not interested.】

【Besides, if I were to perform, I wouldn’t be able to give you a live update of the show. Preparations start at 9 am, with costume changes, makeup, and waiting backstage.】

【And if the judges think the performance is good enough, we have to perform it again for the first and second-year shows as well.】

After writing this, Jiang Xue flipped back through her diary, finding the entries about the talent shows from her first and second years. After rereading them, she felt they weren’t detailed enough, so she decided to give the Third Princess a more thorough recap.

Class meetings were usually about major school events, mental health, or calming, therapeutic videos.

During these times, Jiang Xue, who considered herself mentally stable, would usually work on practice problems or read.

Now, it had become a time for storytelling, and likely would be from now on.

---

Xiao Luohan unwrapped a milk candy and popped it into her mouth, the thin rice paper dissolving first, followed by the rich, sweet, milky flavor spreading through her mouth.

She couldn’t remember when it had started, but she had come to enjoy eating the candy Jiang Xue gave her while reading Jiang Xue’s words.

Jiang Xue’s writing was vivid, and just by reading, she could picture the young woman performing on stage.

In her world, actors held a low social status. However, her mother enjoyed their performances and often invited troupes to the palace during festivals, rewarding them generously.

In Jiang Xue’s world, acting seemed to be a respectable profession, with many different specializations. She didn’t quite understand the distinctions yet, but she felt it was a good thing.

And she… she was a little curious to see Jiang Xue perform on stage.

If only she could see it in a dream. Unfortunately, the spirit hadn’t appeared in her dreams recently, and she hadn’t entered the spirit’s dreams either.

Xiao Luohan’s mind wandered for a moment. When her attention returned to the book, she found that Jiang Xue had written a giant “Ah,” followed by a bold exclamation mark.

—She now understood the function of most punctuation marks.

【What happened?】 she quickly asked.

【Xie Xitong has an idea for a performance, but the highlight is all on me!!】

Perhaps because she was reluctant to participate, Jiang Xue’s handwriting became distorted, but the following characters were neat again.

【She wants me to perform a sword dance! A solo!!】

【I wanted to refuse, but… but it’s a sword dance solo!! Super cool! Ugh, I’ve been completely manipulated by her ＿（：з」∠）＿】

【But I also want to give you a live update of the New Year’s Eve talent show…】

After carefully reading the message, Xiao Luohan paused, her brush hovering over the page.

That… that was worth considering.

She had seen her elder sister perform a solo sword dance in the snow, wielding her red-tasseled silver spear.

It had been truly breathtaking. The spear tip flicked snow from the ground and blossoms from the sky, her movements graceful and powerful. Her elder sister, dressed in red, had resembled a fluttering butterfly amidst the swirling snow.

She had begged her sister to teach her, but her sister had said she was too frail, and wielding a spear would tire her out and make her unwell. She’d suggested trying tai chi sword or a less strenuous sword dance instead and had even found a sword to teach her with.

Unfortunately, she could only manage a wooden sword and wasn’t allowed to stay out in the snow for long. But the brief feeling of freedom and exhilaration, unburdened by her frail body, still thrilled her even now.

Xiao Luohan thought it over, then carefully wrote: 【Sword dances are indeed beautiful. I enjoy watching them.】

【Okay! I’ll agree to Xie Xitong’s proposal right away!】

To her surprise, Jiang Xue’s hesitation vanished instantly!

Chapter 8: It’s All Yours!

When the plum blossom jade bookmark appeared on the diary, Jiang Xue didn’t recognize it at first.

Curiously, she picked it up by the red string attached to the top, turning it over in her palm and running her fingers over its smooth surface before realizing what it was.

“So this is ancient craftsmanship!”

Jiang Xue couldn’t help but admire the intricate plum blossom carving. If she hadn’t been in class, she would have gasped aloud.

After recovering from her initial shock, her first instinct was to put the bookmark back on the diary.

Although small, it was made of exquisite white jade, the carved plum blossom a striking blood-red. And coming from a royal princess, it was undoubtedly priceless!

The Third Princess must have given her the bookmark she was using because she couldn’t find anything else suitable at the moment. She had to return it quickly!

Just as she was thinking this, she saw the brushstrokes slowly appear:

【You are a blessing in my life. Please accept this token.】

Jiang Xue: ???

She had only offered a few small gestures across time and space. She couldn’t possibly change the Third Princess’s situation.

How could she be a “blessing”? How could she accept such a precious gift?!

Alarmed, she hurriedly wrote: 【No, no! I can’t accept this!!!】

Before she could finish writing, she saw the history teacher stand and begin walking around the classroom. Jiang Xue quickly covered the diary, pretending to be reviewing her notes.

As soon as class ended, she opened the diary again.

【Consider it a small token of gratitude for your company. Will you accept it?】

“Isn’t this a bit too much for just chatting?” Jiang Xue thought, amused, but also touched.

How much did the Third Princess appreciate her company to give her such a valuable gift so soon after meeting, just to ensure she stayed?

【Alright, I’ll hold onto it for Your Highness for now.】

She would keep it safe and return it when the opportunity arose.

But the jade bookmark was far too precious. Jiang Xue carefully placed it in the pouch with her MP3 player, deciding to go home during lunch break to put it away properly.

She was about to chat with the Third Princess a little more when her family doctor sent a new message:

【Second Miss, I felt like I’d seen these symptoms before. I checked your old medical records, and it turns out you had a similar illness when you were little.】

【It’s a type of congenital condition, but with prompt and proper medication, along with acupuncture, it can be completely cured even at this age with consistent treatment for a year or two.】

【However, without examining the patient directly or seeing any test results, I can only say so much.】

【Frankly, your friend needs a new doctor, as soon as possible. The prescriptions she provided address the symptoms, not the root cause, and might even be based on a misdiagnosis. Taking those medicines long-term won’t cure her; it’ll damage her kidneys!】

---

“Princess Zhuìyù, it’s time for your medicine.”

Xiao Luohan had just put away the music player and earbuds when she heard a cold voice from outside.

The chattering palace maid had been replaced. Now attending to her was an older servant named Shizhu.

Shizhu, true to her name (meaning “stone bamboo”), spoke in a stony tone, her demeanor cold and distant. She was tall and thin and looked down on Xiao Luohan, both literally and figuratively.

But Xiao Luohan remembered clearly – on the day she arrived, it was Shizhu who had brought her a branch of plum blossoms to place by the window, simply because she’d lingered beneath the plum tree in the courtyard.

She unbolted the door and watched as Shizhu entered, placed the medicine on the table without a word, and left, equally silently.

If Shizhu were a close personal servant she’d known since childhood, she might have chatted with her. Now, she preferred to keep her distance.

Given their positions, too much familiarity could bring trouble for both of them.

The medicine, brewed from a prescription she’d brought from her homeland, was as bitter as ever.

Xiao Luohan drank it slowly, spoon by spoon, without flinching, but the spirit’s words echoed in her mind:

【I will do my best to help you!】

…If she asked the spirit for a piece of candy or a candied fruit, would the spirit give it to her?

She wasn’t a child who needed sweets to tolerate bitter medicine. She simply wanted to take this opportunity to make a request.

Jiang Xue seemed eager to help. If she didn’t ask for anything, she would be letting the spirit down.

So, she opened the book.

She found characters many times larger than usual:

【Third! Princess!】

【Change! Doctors!】

A long, hastily scribbled explanation followed, some of the complex characters almost illegible.

But Xiao Luohan instantly understood, her eyes widening.

Jiang Xue had consulted a doctor in her world, and they’d said the medicine Xiao Luohan had been taking for years might be based on a misdiagnosis. Continuing to take it would only worsen her condition.

【If you absolutely can’t change doctors, then secretly throw away the medicine you’re taking now and try this prescription!】

【I’ll give you the prescription when I get home at noon! Wait for me!!】

---

Jiang Xue had initially intended to ask her family doctor for some Western medicine as a temporary solution. But the doctor had explained that Western medicines often had strong side effects, and for someone with a weak constitution and potential allergies, even a single pill could be life-threatening. Without examining the patient herself, she couldn’t take the risk.

So, they came up with a compromise: try a safe and appropriate traditional Chinese medicine prescription first. If it showed even slight improvement, they would adjust it accordingly.

This doctor, specializing in traditional Chinese medicine, was a longtime acquaintance of Jiang Xue’s family and wasn’t afraid to scold her: 【Observation, listening, questioning, and pulse-taking! I can’t properly prescribe medicine without seeing the patient! Stop messing around!】

Jiang Xue couldn’t argue with that. She sent the doctor a couple of apologetic emojis. She had the prescription now. She would print it out and send it to the Third Princess when she got home.

Preoccupied, she asked for permission to leave during the long break, contacted Sister Cheng, and explained the situation to Xie Xitong, who usually went to the cafeteria with her.

“It’s fine; go ahead.” Xie Xitong frowned when she heard the story. “A life is at stake, and it’s ancient times, and she’s a princess sent for a marriage alliance. That’s a lot of bad luck stacked against her! I wouldn’t be able to sit still either.”

Jiang Xue was immensely grateful. “If I’m late coming back, tell ‘Homozygote'(chún hézi) for me!”

Their biology teacher’s name included the character “chun” (pure), and he had a good sense of humor, often joking about himself. The nickname had stuck since their second year of high school.

T/N: “Homozygote” (纯合子): The biology teacher’s name “chún hézi” includes the character 纯 -chún – pure(homo)-. The students playfully extended this to 合子(hézi): (zygote), likely because it incorporates part of his name and is a relevant biological term.

As soon as the lunch bell rang, taking advantage of her seat in the back row, Jiang Xue began packing her things. By the time the teacher stepped off the podium, she was already out the door, canvas bag in hand.

The weather was turning colder. Even at noon, under the bright sun, the wind in the hallway was biting.

Jiang Xue zipped up her winter uniform and hurried towards the school gate.

She tried to recall her childhood illness.

It seemed to have been caused by underdeveloped bronchial tubes and lungs. Every winter, a breath of cold air would trigger a coughing fit. She was prone to infections and relapses, and had even coughed up blood.

Even after she’d recovered, her doctor had advised her to avoid strenuous activity.

It was getting colder and colder here. What about where the Third Princess was?

Was it also winter there? Would they skimp on her winter clothes and blankets? Would she be given warm, nourishing mutton or beef soup to ward off the cold? Was there enough charcoal in the cold palace? What if she got carbon monoxide poisoning while she was sleeping?

The more she thought about it, the more she believed the Third Princess’s words about not living past eighteen weren’t an exaggeration.

This kind of illness required careful attention, especially in winter. And the Third Princess had been sent to a foreign land in the dead of winter!

“That useless dog of an emperor!” she muttered, spitting on the ground.

No matter how history books glorified their fate with tales of “patriotic princesses sent for marriage alliances,” it couldn’t erase the tragic reality of young women dying in foreign lands, their lives cut short.

She said this after leaving the school gate, and Sister Cheng overheard.

But Sister Cheng didn’t ask any questions. She simply handed her a warm bag of coconut bread, suggesting she eat something on the way home.

Jiang Xue tore off a small piece and then stopped. Although hungry, she was more concerned about carsickness. Staring at the bread, she wondered if she could send some to the Third Princess.

Because of her sensitive stomach, the coconut bread Sister Cheng made was milder than store-bought bread. Maybe… just maybe… the Third Princess could eat it.

The car soon entered the gated community, passing a decorative rock inscribed with the words “Fragrant Courtyard.” It stopped shortly after, in front of a large iron gate.

Jiang Xue lived in her rented apartment during the school week and only returned home on weekends to have dinner with her mothers and sister and catch up. A midday visit like this was almost unheard of. The house was quiet, with only two housekeepers present.

“Second Miss, the meatball pasta you like is still being prepared…”

“It’s okay, no rush. I ate on the way.” Jiang Xue showed the housekeeper the bag of bread, then carried her canvas bag upstairs to her room.

She hadn’t forgotten why she’d come home. She quickly retrieved the small pouch containing the jade bookmark, washed her hands in the ensuite bathroom, and carefully placed the bookmark in a sturdy jewelry box, which she then locked inside her safe.

The safe was filled to the brim with her most prized possessions: her journals, birthday gifts from her older sister, and sentimental photos. Now, it also held a jade bookmark from ancient times.

After safely storing the bookmark, Jiang Xue finally relaxed. Not hearing the housekeeper call her for lunch, she turned on her computer and started warming up the printer.

While waiting, she broke off a small piece of coconut bread, placed it on a clean tissue, and set it on the diary.

【This is a snack I eat often. Try it! I have more if you like it!】

【I’m not sure what you like or dislike yet. Please tell me if there’s anything you can’t eat!】

Thinking it over, she added the detailed ingredients, just in case of allergies.

After the coconut bread vanished, she logged into WeChat on her computer, anxiously awaiting the Third Princess’s response.

About three minutes later, the brushstrokes appeared:

【I like it. May I have another small piece?】

【Do you have any honey? The medicine is bitter. I’d like something sweet.】

“It’s all yours! Take it all!” Jiang Xue immediately abandoned her mouse and ran downstairs to find some honey.

---

 

Chapter 7: Let’s Listen to Music!

Thanks to her friend’s reminder, Jiang Xue realized she’d been overthinking.

Besides, even if she decided to avoid the topic for now, her personality dictated she would probably bring it up sooner or later, intentionally or not. It was better to address it now.

To be considerate, she just needed to be polite and phrase her questions carefully, giving the Third Princess room to decline.

After thanking her friend, who was hurrying back to catch up on sleep, Jiang Xue returned to her seat and pulled out her phone to compose a reply.

【First, I apologize. Your Highness’s words made me overthink, and I was afraid of offending you, so I skipped those questions. I only hoped our conversations would bring you some joy. I didn’t realize that such presumptuous consideration could also be offensive.】

After converting the text to traditional characters, Jiang Xue quickly copied the message into her diary. Without waiting for a reply, she continued typing.

【In the history I’ve learned, princesses sent for marriage alliances rarely lived as comfortably as they had in their home countries. After learning about your situation, I couldn’t ignore it or pretend to be unaware, continuing to tell you about the peace and prosperity of my world as if everything were fine.】

【I couldn’t help but wonder: Now that you’ve traveled to a distant land with your illness, do you have any trusted and loyal people caring for you? Are the meals in your new home as palatable as before? Late at night, do you miss your homeland, or feel lonely?】

【But we haven’t known each other long, and the things I worry about are deeply personal. I didn’t know if you needed my help, or if offering it unsolicited would be unwelcome, like offering scraps to a beggar. So, I stopped myself.】

As she typed, converted, and copied, she nervously glanced at the time, afraid the bell would ring before she’d finished.

【But if you’re willing to trust me, I will do my best to help you!】

The last sentence was written just as the history teacher’s footsteps echoed in the doorway.

Jiang Xue breathed a sigh of relief, quickly turned off her phone, and stuffed it into her desk drawer. Then, she calmly took out her lecture notes.

However, as she was about to close her diary, she noticed a small, dark spot next to the words she’d just written.

—Something had smudged the paper.

---

Plip.

The sudden sound from the paper made Xiao Luohan’s heart jump.

She hurriedly grabbed a handkerchief and carefully wiped the tears that had fallen onto the book. But her vision blurred further, and she had to lean back, wiping her eyes again and again.

The spirit hadn’t been changing the subject! She had simply been trying to spare her feelings!

She should have responded properly to the spirit’s kind words, but the tears wouldn’t stop, a confusing mix of sorrow and relief welling up inside her.

She had never experienced such a feeling and didn’t understand it. It even frightened her—she was afraid that this was all a dream, and that one day, she would wake up.

But even if it was a dream, she wanted to seize this moment before it vanished.

What did someone on the verge of death have to lose?

Finally managing to stop crying, Xiao Luohan took a deep breath and picked up her brush, turning back to the book.

A small, square, pink object had appeared.

She stared at it, picking it up gingerly. It was smooth, with slightly sharp corners, yet soft to the touch, and carried a faint floral scent.

Two new lines had appeared in Jiang Xue’s handwriting:

【I’m so sorry!! These are tissues. Lift the silver half-circle to get one. They’re for wiping tears!】

【I’m really, really sorry!!】

The characters were slightly messy and not entirely in the script she was familiar with. It was clear the spirit was worried.

Xiao Luohan sighed guiltily and quickly dipped her brush in ink.

【There’s no need to apologize. I was simply caught off guard. Please don’t be alarmed.】

【I have no requests at the moment. If I do, I will tell you.】

【There’s no need to address me so formally. Just treat me as a friend your age.】

【The tissues are very soft. I like the fragrance.】

Seeing no further response, Xiao Luohan knew the spirit had returned to her studies.

Not wanting to disturb her, she put down her brush and looked at the xuan paper she’d been painting.

The large ink blot had spread, swallowing the surrounding scenery like a terrifying monster. She couldn’t continue this painting.

Just as she was about to put it away, she noticed that two small inkblots at the top had “feathered,” resembling a pair of furry, round ears.

Staring at the “ears,” inspiration struck. She picked up her brush and transformed them into pointed ears, then began reshaping the entire blot.

The terrifying ink stain became a giant cat.

It held its head high, strolling leisurely down the street of that other world.

On a whim, Xiao Luohan drew a small figure of herself on the cat’s broad back.

The tiny figure, wrapped in a fur-trimmed robe, knelt on the giant cat’s back, gazing into the distance.

If she had the chance to enter that dream again, she hoped the spirit would be by her side, guiding her as she ventured forth into that other world.

---

Jiang Xue was truly grateful for the history teacher who always allowed ten minutes for independent study and questions.

The Third Princess’s tears had startled her. Unable to do anything more than apologize during class, she had offered a pack of tissues, hoping it would provide some comfort.

While other students approached the teacher with questions, Jiang Xue pulled out her MP3 player from her backpack, plugged in a new set of earbuds, and placed it on the diary.

The school didn’t forbid these simple music players. Some students found that studying with music improved their focus.

The MP3 player had been one of her sister’s birthday gifts last year. But Jiang Xue felt the Third Princess needed it more. Even if her sister found out, she would surely support her decision.

【This is a music player. Press and hold the round button to turn it on. You’ll hear music after a moment.】

【The earbuds are marked left and right: L for left, R for right.】

【It’s filled with guqin and piano music. My sister picked them out for me. They’re all very soothing. They always calm me down when I’m feeling anxious.】

As soon as she finished the instructions, the MP3 player and earbuds vanished.

---

Xiao Luohan stared at the new object in her hands, dumbfounded.

The “music player,” as the spirit called it, was very light. Both sides were decorated with clear images, like the sticker.

One side depicted plum blossoms in ink, the other, a lone figure fishing on a wintry river. The angler in the boat was clearly a woman, dressed in red, with a golden hairpin in her hair.

Just turning it over in her hands brought a smile to her face. After reading the spirit’s instructions, she hurried to bolt the door, then eagerly put on the earbuds and pressed the power button.

The smooth white earbuds felt strange in her ears at first. But when the music began, she instantly understood their purpose.

She was familiar with the sound of the guqin, but the first piece wasn’t a guqin piece. It was played on an instrument she’d never heard before. Recalling the spirit’s words, she realized this must be the “piano.”

Unlike the calm, steady tones of the guqin, the piano was more lively. But this liveliness wasn’t chaotic or rushed. It flowed like a stream through a forest, or like pearls scattering across a plate.

The image of a little deer frolicking came to mind.

She felt herself relax, leaning back in her chair and closing her eyes, immersing herself in the music. She didn’t forget to share her thoughts with Jiang Xue:

【The piano music your older sister chose is very pleasant.】

【The images on the music player are beautiful. I especially like them.】

【I see little deer.】

Perhaps influenced by the music, her writing was more relaxed and casual.

【It’s not that amazing!!】

The spirit replied immediately.

【But these are all instrumental pieces. If you want to hear vocals, I can find some for you! Just send the music player back to me when you’re done!】

【Do you prefer female or male vocals?】

【Female vocals.】 Xiao Luohan replied. 【How do I return it to you?】

【I’m not sure. I just placed it on the diary, and it vanished. You can try that.】

Try it…

The music was still playing, and Xiao Luohan was reluctant to interrupt it by experimenting with the music player. Her gaze wandered across her desk.

The spirit had given her a dictionary, tissues, and this music player. She should give the spirit something in return.

However, the objects on her desk were all from Wangmei Pavilion, not things she’d brought from Beiliao. They were too impersonal for a gift. Even if the spirit didn’t mind, she did.

After some thought, she remembered something and quickly retrieved her silk pouch containing her most treasured possessions.

She carefully held a thin jade pendant carved with a plum blossom between her fingers.

It was one of her elder sister’s gifts for her sixteenth birthday.

—“If you ever meet someone important, give this token to them on my behalf.”

Chapter 6: Are You Happy?

Jiang Xue stared blankly for a full half-minute before processing what her pen pal had written.

The sentence completely overturned her assumptions. She had thought Xiao Luohan was simply a princess confined due to illness, but her real situation was far worse than she’d imagined!

“Marriage alliance” was a euphemism. It was a forced political marriage. How many princesses sent for such alliances met a happy end?

Although the “Daying” dynasty wasn’t in any history books she’d studied, the Wangmei Pavilion in her dream, so desolate that even the carriage driver sighed upon seeing it, looked every bit like a cold palace.

Jiang Xue gripped her pen tightly, her thoughts a jumbled mess.

She wanted to ask her pen pal why she had to enter into this marriage. Why, when she was ill and didn’t have long to live, was she sent to a foreign land to suffer?

She wanted to ask if the servants bullied her, if they withheld supplies, if she was adjusting to her new home, if she was experiencing any culture shock…

But in the end, she simply asked:

【Does chatting with me make Your Highness a little happier?】

---

Since waking from that dream, Xiao Luohan had been contemplating whether to tell the spirit about it.

She wanted to share it, but they hadn’t known each other long. Even though the spirit was incredibly enthusiastic, she shouldn’t burden her with such personal matters.

But…

【Your Highness, please write whatever you want! I’m happy to chat about anything!】

The spirit had written those words just as she’d decided not to mention the dream.

The lively little deer had bounded up to her, nuzzling her affectionately, prancing around her, encouraging her to open up.

So, she reconsidered.

As she wrote about her dream, Xiao Luohan couldn’t help but imagine the spirit’s reaction.

How would the world in her dream compare to the spirit’s “paradise”?

Would the spirit be surprised? Intrigued?

Fortunately, the spirit had given her a schedule of their daily activities. When she didn’t receive a reply, she knew it was time for “class.” She turned to the English-Chinese Dictionary hidden within Lessons for Women.

She waited patiently for the spirit to finish her studies and read about her dream.

【Are there any more details?】

As she’d hoped, the spirit was interested in the world in her dream.

However, she had been so focused on following the young woman in white that she hadn’t paid close attention to her surroundings. She racked her brain, adding a few more details.

She had told all she could. When the spirit returned from her studies, she would surely share her thoughts.

But the spirit’s belated reply stunned her.

【In that dream, I saw a procession of carriages…】

It was as if a stone had been dropped into a still pond, instantly pulling Xiao Luohan back to the day of her journey to Daying.

When she finally came to her senses, she realized her mouth was filled with the metallic taste of blood – she’d bitten her lip. Her fingers, gripping the brush too tightly, had turned white.

She had to rinse her mouth and stand by the washbasin for a while to compose herself before returning to her desk and reading the spirit’s description, word by word.

There was no mistake.

The spirit had dreamt of what she had experienced.

However, many details were omitted, such as the difficulties she’d encountered on the journey and the wretched state she’d been in upon arriving at Wangmei Pavilion.

She didn’t know if the spirit had seen those things in her dream and had chosen not to mention them out of consideration for her feelings, or if she had only seen the scenes she’d described. But she could sense the spirit’s kindness.

—Jiang Xue sincerely wanted to exchange “strange dreams.” Her description was as detailed as possible, the characters meticulously written in a script she could easily understand.

And then…

【I’ve never dreamt of anything like this before I met you.】

“I had never been to the place in my dream before I met you, either,” Xiao Luohan thought.

Was the spirit hinting at something?

…No, it wasn’t just a hint.

She had shared her dream, and instead of interpreting it, the spirit had recounted a related dream of their own.

The spirit was guiding her! Guiding her to find the connection between their two dreams, helping her to dispel the fog!

With this realization, understanding dawned on Xiao Luohan.

She finally guessed the identity of the young woman in white!

Unfortunately, they were both mere observers in each other’s dreams, their forms intangible, like wisps of smoke or gusts of wind, unable to interact with the dream’s inhabitants, even if they tried.

Their only connection, for now, was this book.

Understanding this brought a strange mix of emotions to Xiao Luohan’s heart.

She didn’t want to burden anyone, so she hadn’t even brought her personal servants with her. This spirit, named Jiang Xue, was the only person she could talk to.

In her remaining days, she’d glimpsed a strange and wondrous light.

Now, she wanted to reach out and touch that light, to bask in its glow for just a little while longer.

So, she took another step:

【The scene you describe is precisely what I saw and experienced on the day I left for my marriage alliance in Daying.】

—And what part of Jiang Xue’s life did her dream depict?

When the spirit didn’t reply, Xiao Luohan couldn’t help but stand and retrieve a sheet of xuan paper, spreading it out on the table.

Parts of last night’s dream were still vivid in her mind. She decided to paint them, to piece together the world where the spirit lived.

Having learned painting from her mother since childhood, Xiao Luohan’s brush moved almost without thought, creating the effects she desired.

As she began sketching the outline of the young woman in white, she noticed from the corner of her eye that new characters had appeared in the book:

【Does chatting with me make Your Highness a little happier?】

Her brush froze. When Xiao Luohan snapped back to attention, the spot where the young woman in white should have been was covered by a spreading blot of ink.

This was an unexpected question.

She didn’t understand why the spirit had asked it. They hadn’t finished discussing the dream. Why change the subject?

Normally, she would keep her confusion to herself, letting time resolve it, or not.

Perhaps the spirit’s words, “Your Highness, please write whatever you want,” had emboldened her. Unable to understand, she simply wrote down her confusion.

She had already taken one step. A few more wouldn’t hurt.

---

【Why do you change the subject? If you truly do not wish to tell me, I shall not ask again.】

Jiang Xue, sneaking a peek at her diary during class, saw this sentence and felt a wave of confusion.

She quickly reviewed their conversation, cringing at her own erratic train of thought.

She’d been too presumptuous! From the Third Princess’s perspective, she had abruptly changed the subject without any explanation, causing a complete misunderstanding!

But should she really ask directly? Was now the right time?

Marriage was a significant life event, let alone a political marriage affecting the fate of two nations. Surely she couldn’t just casually bring it up and comment on it?

Jiang Xue had never encountered such a situation before and was unsure what to do. Since it was almost time for the next break, she decided not to rush her reply, closing the diary and taking notes instead.

The moment class ended and the teacher left, she grabbed her diary and rushed to the other side of the classroom, pulling Xie Xitong, who was about to take a nap, out the door.

“What is it now? You seem frantic.” Xie Xitong yawned, leaning against the wall and closing her eyes. “Can you keep it short? I need to go back and sleep…”

“I want to ask my new pen pal something, but I don’t know if it would be offensive.” Jiang Xue opened the diary. “It’s… well… she’s not just a princess, she’s a princess sent for a marriage alliance, and she’s already married!”

“I just wanted to ask if chatting with me makes her happy! If it does, I’ll keep chatting with her and tell her more about things here. But she seems to have misunderstood…”

She saw Xie Xitong make an effort to open her eyes and scan the diary.

“What’s the big deal? And haven’t you always been direct?”

“…Huh?”

“If the Third Princess has read all your previous diary entries, she already has a basic understanding of who you are, and she accepts the personality you’ve revealed in your diary.”

Xie Xitong explained patiently, “Although you just met, you’ve already talked about a lot before this topic, right? If you want to know more about each other, you have to ask directly! If she doesn’t want to answer, she’ll tell you, whether directly or indirectly. What are you so worried about?”