Chapter 2 : Full of doubts

When Si Jiang opened her eyes again, it was already deep winter. In the summer capital, Yangcheng, snow covered everything. Inside Fu Qu Palace, warm air rose from the clear tiles, and a bronze brazier was placed in the center of the inner room. Several medicine stoves on the table emitted a faint herbal fragrance.

Si Jiang stared blankly at the intricate carvings on the ceiling, feeling the faint pain in her body. As her mind gradually cleared, she realized that everything was real, not a dream. Ying Jiu had indeed slaughtered the Dragon Clan, severely injured Jun Yu, and was finally sealed by her under the East Sea.

Why? Ying Jiu was one of the few people Si Jiang trusted among the humans. Why would he betray the humans and Jun Yu? What did he mean by saying he couldn't turn back?

Ying Jiu wasn't a person without foresight. What drove him to such desperation? Si Jiang couldn't understand. But she knew that when she heard him say "I'm sorry," she had already forgiven him. So, she chose to seal him with her life. Only this way could she prevent further disaster and ensure the peace of the people. She had to do this to have a chance to uncover the truth.

With a creak, the door opened, and a maid walked in. She was about to clean Si Jiang as usual when she noticed something unexpected. "She's awake! She's awake! The lady is awake! Quickly, inform the lord!"

"Jiang'er!" A slightly trembling voice called out. Si Jiang signaled the maid to wait outside.

"My dear child, you're finally awake. It's been three months. I worried day and night. If you never woke up, how could I face your mother and the Dragon Clan?" The old man, with white hair and a wrinkled face, was Jun Yu, the leader of the humans.

Si Jiang partially rose to greet him, "I've made you worry. It's my fault for not bringing back Ying Jiu's head to atone for my sins."

"Jiang'er, there's no need for formalities. Lie down and rest." Jun Yu gently helped his beloved daughter. "It's all over now. You sealed Ying Jiu under the East Sea, preventing a catastrophe. That's the best outcome." Jun Yu held Si Jiang's hand, comforting her.

"After I woke up from my injury, I heard from Yi Bo that you led Ying Jiu to the East Sea. I guessed your intention." Jun Yu continued, "I wanted to stop you, but it was too late. Seeing you fall into the sea, I immediately sent Ah Qi to rescue you."

"Yi Bo…" Si Jiang murmured. How did he know? Although Yi Bo and Ying Jiu were of the same clan and both important officials, they weren't close, often in conflict. Things might not be as simple as they seemed.

"Jiang'er, before Ying Jiu left, he asked me to give you something in winter." Jun Yu took out a wooden box. "There's a seal on the box, and only you can open it. It must be important." He handed the box to Si Jiang.

"Why in winter?" Si Jiang asked. And why not give it to me himself? "I don't know," Jun Yu replied, his tone heavy. "Jiang'er, my health is failing, and I may not have much time left. I fear no one will protect you in the future. Promise me, no matter who succeeds me, you will support them."

Jun Yu's words made Si Jiang ponder. It was clear that things weren't simple. Someone was behind all this, and she might be the next target.

"Report!" A guard's loud voice came from the door. "The leaders from various nations have urgent matters to discuss."

"So be it. You've just woken up and need rest. Don't overthink." Jun Yu sighed, "I'll come back later." He then left, his steps unsteady.

Si Jiang nodded slightly, "Thank you, father."

As the door closed again, Si Jiang's gaze remained fixed, her mind analyzing Jun Yu's words. Everything had happened too suddenly. Why did Ying Jiu decide to slaughter the Dragon Clan? How did he know about the dragon-killing secret art? How did Yi Bo know she led Ying Jiu to the East Sea? It was all too sudden.

Thinking about this made Si Jiang's head ache. She knew she needed to recover quickly to investigate the truth.

"Shan Nai, help me dress. We're going to Jade Lake." Si Jiang cleared her thoughts, her mind made up.