Seventy four

They celebrated the New Year together, and the Queen once again hosted everyone graciously. She welcomed all guests without discrimination, including the children of Xueyin and Qinnu. Her kindness softened the hearts of many, and the children slowly began to change their opinions about her. Much of the resentment that had been planted in them started to fade....especially Qinnu's children, who had long begun to observe that the Queen never allowed their mother to be mistreated, either by other members of the household or her husband. The Queen did her best to ensure Qinnu was treated with fairness and dignity.

This year's horse parade was spectacular. Prince Yibo and Jiangji's squad was the highlight of the event, drawing attention and nonstop chatter. They wore matching outfits, which made them look like twins...the only real difference between them was their age. That day, their look became the main topic of conversation throughout the palace.

After a week of New Year celebrations, Yibo prepared to return to work. When he informed the Queen, she frowned deeply.

"So you're saying I should hand the children over to you and let you wander around with them, always here today and gone tomorrow? No way, not from me. If Zhan agrees, then fine, you two can go... but just know this, the day you look back to see us fine, if you didn't... It's also fine too. I would prefer they stay here since they've started adapting well to the environment. Let them learn the ins and outs of royal life... after all, one of them is destined to inherit the throne."

When Yibo later informed His Majesty, he supported the Queen's decision. The children had grown very close to him too. Even though he tried to hide his affection....especially in front of the other grandchildren and the public....it was obvious. Jiangji even had a special seat right next to His Majesty during court sessions, replacing his father. He was always present during important discussions.

When His Majesty asked Zhan for his opinion, Zhan agreed. He also wanted the children to settle down in one place for the sake of their schooling....and because they were, without question, the heirs.

Yibo had no choice but to accept it, and he and Zhan began preparing to return on their own.

Before leaving, Zhan made sure all business matters involving his brothers were settled. This time, Xiao Yun couldn't hold back...he broke down in tears. The way he had once treated his own children weighed heavily on him. It took a lot of effort from Zhan to calm him down.

Even on the flight, Zhan began to feel chills deep in his bones. The Prince teased him: "Did my shot finally make it into the net?"

But Zhan felt anxious, remembering how severely he had suffered during his pregnancy with the twins. Thankfully, after a couple of days resting at their destination, he felt better and relaxed. He began teasing the Prince back about his panic, saying: "I told you there was nothing going on."

Yibo nearly cried....he had really hoped Zhan was pregnant again.

"Let me be happy, will you? I can feel it in my bones. I know I've already won this time," Yibo grinned.

Zhan laughed and replied, "Alright, we'll see," then Yibo raised his little finger.

"Let's make a deal... whoever wins has to give up something meaningful to the other."

"I agree," Zhan said, locking pinkies with a mischievous grin.

But it didn't take long before Zhan realized the Prince might've already won this round. He clammed up, anxious about the teasing he would definitely receive from Yibo.

When the nausea became too strong to ignore, Yibo took him to the hospital...and everything was confirmed. Yibo was over the moon, thanking Zhan repeatedly like he had created the baby himself. Zhan watched him buzzing around with so much energy, feeling like Yibo might just eat him up out of pure joy.

Yibo showered him with endless thanks, as if Zhan had done him the greatest favor in the world. The care Zhan received from the doctors and nurses this time was much better, which helped him handle the symptoms more comfortably....unlike with their twins.

Yibo didn't bring up their deal until they got home and had settled in. Then he held out his hand.

"Our deal... what are you giving up for me?"

Zhan lowered his head in mock shyness, pouting slightly.

"Please, my frog Prince... I'm sick, remember?"

Yibo burst into laughter. "I'm the frog Prince?"

He gently pinched Zhan's thigh. Zhan immediately let out a playful whimper and leaned into him. Yibo wrapped both arms around him, pulling him close and doting on him even more.

"There's just one thing, just one thing I want from you, baby."

Zhan pouted. "What is it?"

Yibo lifted him up and sat him on his lap, looking directly into his eyes as he placed a palm over Zhan's chest.

"I want your life...your whole life to be mine. I want you to be with me through everything, no matter how hard it gets. You kept yourself for eight whole years… I want that same loyalty forever."

Yibo gently took Zhan's right hand and caressed the ring on his third finger. "The day I saw this ring and you told me you found it in New York… and kept it close to your heart just to remember me....that was the day I knew you had my whole soul, my Prince."

Zhan gave him a radiant smile, showing off his perfectly aligned white teeth. "That was my old promise, Frog Prince. I took that ring because I wanted to keep something of yours. Back then, I thought I hated you. But over the years, I realized… it was never hate. I had feelings for you. It was a love-hate kind of thing."

Yibo nodded. "I know. But what you feel now...it's something different. Something real."

Zhan took his hand and placed it over his chest. "Let this be my proof. I've given you everything in me...everything. When I say 'everything,' I mean all of it."

Yibo held him tighter in his arms, overwhelmed with emotion. In that moment, he felt like the luckiest man alive...blessed with a rare kind of love.

Yibo practically took care of Zhan and the pregnancy during those months together. Yibo couldn't keep it to himself any longer and told his mom. Her joy was so intense she couldn't sit still. She wanted him to bring Zhan back home right away, but he insisted on waiting. So Queen Zhaiye arranged for Bai Wuxian to go to them.

Seeing Bai Wuxian warmed Zhan's heart. She felt like a mother figure to him, and her presence made everything easier. Their time together was full of mutual respect, laughter, and calm...just like the old days.

TWO AND FEW MONTHS YEARS LATER

Hand in hand, they walked slowly toward the main quarters of the woman who was a mother figure to everyone in the Tianjin Palace...a graceful, strong woman known for fairness and wisdom, a trait she shared with her husband: Queen Zhaiye.

These two were stars, role models, the beating heart of the Tianjin Palace...Prince Xiao Zhan and Prince Mo Wang Yibo. Their return after a full year of being away from China was welcomed warmly by many loved ones. The long absence was due to Yibo's expansive business projects overseas, which kept both him and the one he loved constantly on the move. They were inseparable....where you saw one, the other was never far behind.

The Prince's soulmate, Zhan, wore a luxurious traditional outfit tailored perfectly for him, complete with regal boots, elegant wrist chains with twin rings, and a stylish hand bag that matched his attire.

One look at him, and it was clear....Zhan was a complete man, full of class, intelligence, and confidence. He smiled warmly at everyone he greeted. At his side, the ever-dashing Prince was dressed in suits that perfectly reflected his status. He too had matured, his calm demeanor and graceful movements enhanced by the quiet strength of the years that had passed. He ran his fingers through his hair occasionally, sneaking glances at Queen Zhaiye, knowing how angry she was with him.

Behind them walked Bai Wuxian, carrying two beautiful female children who were clearly identical twins...true kids of the Tianjin bloodline. Just like Jianghu and Jiangji, these children were captivating and adorable, around two years old, dressed in mini traditional attires. One was asleep on her shoulder, the other toddled beside her, holding her hand. Bai Wuxian herself had a visible glow, the kind that comes with growth and peace.

Zhan's eyes landed on a woman standing quietly nearby, her head lowered with a scarf partially covering her face. On closer look, he realized it was Ms. Bao.

He smiled and walked over to her, greeting her gently. She responded nervously.

In a soft voice, Zhan said, "Everything's in the past now. It's history. You should let it go too." Then he walked away, his words leaving Ms. Bao speechless and strangely comforted. For the first time in a long while, she felt true peace settle inside her.

One after the other, everyone moved quietly until they reached the sitting room, where only the Queen, Yibo, Zhan, Bai Wuxia and their two set of twins children were present. She gently took sleeping Su Han from Bai Wuxian's arms, then held Su He's hand and pulled her closer into her embrace.

"Thank you for your efforts, Bai Wuxian. You've had a long journey...please go get some rest at your quarters."

Bai Wuxian smiled warmly.

"It's nothing, Your Majesty. I feel as though I'm caring for my own children. But we still owe you an apology...that's why I'm still here, just to say sorry."

The Queen gave a small smile and cast a sharp glance at the Prince.

"You've done nothing wrong, Bai Wuxian. Forget about him, go on now."

Respectfully, she responded,

"Alright. Still, I hope for your understanding. I'll take my leave now."

She turned and walked out of the sitting room with a smile.

Once she left, the Queen threw another glare at the Prince as she settled onto one of the chairs, gently laying Su Han beside her and resting Su He on her lap.

"A guilty person sweats even in cold water. Well done, Yibo. So you intended to stop Zhan from attending his own sister's wedding? Both of them, in fact, since one of the bride is also your sister? And now, only on the night of the dinner do you find it convenient to appear? Not to mention, you've been away from China for an entire year. If this is how things will continue, then be assured.... you'll be leaving without Su Han and Su He. It's better they stay here with us too."

Bowing his head in humility, Yibo muttered, "I'm sorry, Mom. I promise you, it won't happen again."

"It better not," she replied, offering her hand to Zhan. He extended his as well, as was their custom. What once made Zhan shy now came naturally to him. The Queen welcomed him with a smile and warm affection, and they began exchanging greetings.

Day by day, Zhan and his parents' value kept rising in the Queen's eyes.... especially now, when Zhan had even played a part in uniting Dr. Adrian and her daughter Nalan.

"Mom, where are the brides?"

"They're in the back wing with their friends," she replied.

Zhan got up eagerly. "Let me go see them."

He left, giving Yibo and the Queen some space.

Nalan squealed in excitement and jumped to hug Zhan.

"Careful, don't break me, bride of a foreign groom," he teased as she let go.

"I was starting to get mad at Prince Yibo," she added.

"Oh really?" Zhan grinned. "If that's the case, I'm going back. You can't be mad at my frog prince."

"Don't mind me, Prince," she laughed. "Forgive me."

They all burst into laughter as Zhan looked around for a place to sit, chatting with Nalan about how preparations were going.

"Wait....is this Zhan?" asked a woman sitting nearby with a child on her lap.

They both turned to her, and Zhan nodded with a smile. Nalan came closer.

"You don't recognize her?" she asked.

Zhan nodded toward her.

"That's Fehain, and this is Han Lian," she explained.

Overjoyed to see him, the two women greeted him warmly, their eyes full of admiration. They were quietly amazed at how much Zhan had changed, how fate had turned in his favor.

Fehain couldn't hold back any longer and asked Nalan if she had been the one to introduce Zhan and Prince Yibo.

"It was fate, not me," Nalan replied with a smile.

~**~

The state of Zhan's family home delighted him. One glance at the house showed how well they were doing. His older siblings had worked hard to improve it, and Xiao Yun's business had flourished. He now stayed home most of the time, enjoying a well-earned rest. The house had also been expanded and remodeled with modern luxury.

Once Zhan had checked and confirmed everything was in order, he took a moment alone with the brides, Que and Chao, making sure they were also well-prepared and happy. He then returned inside to assist with the festivities...almost like a woman himself.

Preparations for the dinner were well underway. The Queen was hosting it, merging it for both and her daughter, Nalan. Zhan was busy teasing Chao. He had no idea what had happened until the dowry payment was being finalized...and that was when he found out Nanjue had managed to win over his "Fairy."

Even before the dinner ended, Zhan had arranged for himself to be taken home, fully aware of the Prince's temperament. Zhan, however, had assumed he would be spending the night at their house. So confident was he that he even left Su's twins with Fenghua. He truly enjoyed the visit, especially the heartfelt conversation he had with Aunt Anu.

Right now, Zhan has taken full responsibility for Aunt Anu children's education, relieving Papa of that burden... even though Papa could afford it. But Zhan never forgot the kindness Papa and his momma had shown him. He felt deeply indebted to them.

It was during this visit that Zhan heard Aunt Anu mentioned someone to formally ask for Nalan's hand in marriage within the week. Zhan was pleased to hear that; it meant he'll witness it happening.

When his driver dropped him off, he noticed two familiar vehicles parked nearby, resembling those of the royal convoy. He was surprised... what would bring the Prince here at 10:30 p.m.? Surely, he would've gone straight to his father's residence and returned to the palace the next day.

But as Zhan stepped out of the car, one of the Prince's head bodyguards opened the car door for Yibo. That was when Zhan realized the Prince had truly come in person. Calmly, he walked toward the vehicle.

Zhan opened the front passenger seat....he figured Yibo was driving himself tonight. As soon as Zhan got in, Yibo shut the door and sped off down the street, the escort car following behind.

Zhan turned toward him in shock, mouth agape. "Jianghu dad… what is this?"

Yibo glanced at him briefly before looking away, his face cold. "What do you mean?"

"I was supposed to spend the night at my father's home...where are you taking me?"

"You didn't asked my permission to leave in the first place. You just asked Mom about that."

Just as Zhan was about to respond, Yibo placed a finger over his lips. "Shhhhh."

Silence fell over the car for a few minutes. Then Yibo let out a long sigh and reached out, gently tugging Zhan's nose. "You're always beautiful to me, no matter what. And you know I can't spend a single night in the same city, the same world, without you next to me. I can't let you sleep anywhere except on my chest. If I tried, I know I wouldn't get a second of sleep. I'm sorry if I'm suffocating you... but you were the one who made me how I am."

There was no denying the truth in the Prince's words. Zhan knew Yibo better than anyone. The man couldn't handle being apart from him. At first, Zhan would complain...but he eventually got used to it. Aunt Anu had often told Zhan that this was a rare kind of love, some other men never sees a difference between your presence and your absence. Tonight, Zhan was finally accepting it as truth.

Before Zhan could reply, he heard Yibo's grumbling voice again. "If this keeps up, I'll just go find someone who can at least resemble you...a concubine maybe...so I don't die of this longing....i can see you start to feel tired of me"

Zhan shot him a sharp glare filled with affection, then let out a playful, exaggerated sob. Without hesitation, Yibo pulled over and began to console him, panicked. Zhan dragged the drama for as long as he wanted, until he finally calmed down. Yibo sighed, even though he knew it was a fake cry. Still, he prayed he'd never be the reason for real tears to fall from Zhan's eyes.

"You're messing with my head, fan," Yibo whispered.

Zhan smiled and responded, "I'm sorry. I never want to be the reason your heart aches."

Just as Yibo was about to start the car again, he said, "Still, you owe me for that cry. Tonight, I need extra twins. You see, our first twins, they are not ours anymore, the second twins...everyone knows they're Su Han reborn with her twin sister. Now we need more girls. Please."

Zhan burst into another laughing, heart swelling with renewed love. He had never met anyone who loved children like Yibo did. Despite his exhaustion, Zhan would never deny his Frog Prince anything.

"You've got it, my love. Nalan told me our parents still don't feel like they have enough grandkids...especially our Queen mother. So I, Zhan, promise you: if I can, I'll give you as many twins as your heart desires."

Yibo turned toward him, eyes gleaming with joy. "I've always known my Zhan is a brave one. I just hope our children inherit your spirit, and I hope you'll stay my partner until the very end."

Zhan raised his hand as if to make a vow. "That's my wish too. May I have you forever, my frog Prince."

Before he could finish, Yibo jumped in with a playful "Amen," making Zhan burst out laughing. Yibo joined him, the car filled with warmth, laughter, and love.

THE END

Not An Epilogue, but from me the Author

The sun set slowly over the horizon, casting golden streaks across the palace walls and rooftops of Tianjin, as though the skies themselves were bidding farewell to a tale long in the making. Peace had returned...not the kind that arrives quietly, but the kind born from confrontation, heartache, and the relentless pursuit of truth.

Zhan stood by the garden wall, fingers brushing against the leaves of a flowering vine. For the first time in years, his heart was still... not because he had forgotten the pain, but because he had survived it.

***

Yibo had returned home...not as a prince broken by betrayal, but as a man who had fought for his place, who had found love, lost it, and dared to reach for it again. The shadows of past mistakes no longer loomed large; they had been acknowledged, confronted, and forgiven.

***

Aunt Anu....once the fiery shield of her nephew...now watched from the window, a rare softness in her eyes. Even she had come to see that healing did not mean surrender, and letting go of old wounds sometimes took more strength than holding onto them.

***

The Queen, once prideful and firm, had learned humility. In her own quiet way, she had begun to step back... not out of defeat, but out of understanding. Her words now held less command, more reflection.

***

And His Majesty? He had watched it all unfold from his throne of restraint. His silence had never been absence... it was a test, a challenge, a lesson for those who would one day rule. He had waited for the right time to act. And act, he did...restoring the bond between Zhan and Yibo, not through decree, but through quiet support and hidden kindness.

***

Nalan, ever the peacemaker, had become a bridge between two worlds...her voice gentle, but firm, reminding them all that love, once true, deserved to be fought for.

***

Bai Wuxia, always wise in her silence, had said it best: "The strongest homes are built from bricks of understanding and forgiveness, not pride and punishment."

Now, as laughter echoed in the courtyard once more, as the scent of evening blossoms filled the air, and the future no longer looked like a battlefield but like a field of possibility...Zhan and Yibo stood side by side.

Not as a broken pair.

But as partners.

As husbands.

As survivors of a love that refused to die.

And so, the palace of Tianjin lived on...not perfect, not untouched...but full of stories. Full of scars that had healed. Full of love that had been earned.

The end... and a new beginning.

Thank you for walking this journey with me. May your heart always find the courage to forgive, and the strength to love again.

"Please, that's enough....I can't write anymore. 😂 If I continue, I'll end up writing total nonsense!"

"Anything I forgot or didn't mention, use your own imagination, we can't write or explain everything, wrapping up a story... Is another hard work"

See you in couples of days, when I clear my head, because I too, will definitely miss this ff. 😭😭😭

Love you all. 😘😘😘

Zhanxianyibo💚❤️💛