Chapter 108: The Reason

Su Liluo leaned back as Yun Yanyi got too close to her, trying to push him away. But he seemed to resist her efforts, drawing even nearer.

“Yun Yanyi, what exactly are you trying to do? Can you step back a little? How can we even talk like this?” Su Liluo glanced away, unable to keep her eyes on the face that made her heart race. She hadn’t noticed it before, but up close, Yun Yanyi was undeniably handsome. She wondered what he had eaten to grow up so well-looking.

Seeing Su Liluo’s face flush deeper, Yun Yanyi decided to tease her a bit more. Suddenly, he leaned in until their noses touched. Flustered, Su Liluo stammered, “W-what are you doing?”

“What do you think?” Yun Yanyi’s voice was soft and low, almost a whisper. Su Liluo nearly covered her face, wondering why his tone was so gentle—was he trying to seduce her? Inside, she was screaming.

Their lips were just a coin’s width apart. If Yun Yanyi wished, he could kiss her at any moment. Su Liluo slowed her breathing, her face burning bright red. Seeing her shy expression, Yun Yanyi felt a surge of happiness and finally stopped teasing her. “Alright, why are you so easy to embarrass?”

The moment he pulled away, Su Liluo immediately covered her face and slipped to the side, speechless. A warm flush spread across her cheeks and chest, making her feel as if her heart were on fire. Watching her blush so deeply, Yun Yanyi left with a satisfied smile.

Left alone, Su Liluo quickly crawled under the covers, burying her face deeply. She took deep breaths and stayed hidden for quite some time before finally emerging for air.

That night, she slept restlessly, haunted by dreams of Yun Yanyi’s teasing. When morning came, and Liuzhu woke her, Su Liluo whined, “Liuzhu, let me sleep a little longer. I’m so tired.”

“Miss, Prince Yi and Prince Jin have already left,” Liuzhu whispered as she drew back the curtain.

“Gone? Are you sure?” Suddenly wide awake, Su Liluo brightened with energy, almost wanting to shout in joy.

“Slave saw it with her own eyes. They should have set off by now.” Liuzhu knew Su Liluo had been upset the day before, likely because of the princes. Now, seeing her so happy at the news, Liuzhu was pleased.

“Good, now it’s finally peaceful. Liuzhu, help me change clothes. We’ll first go pray for Mother’s blessing, then enjoy a proper stroll.” Su Liluo was instantly invigorated and leapt out of bed. After washing and having breakfast, they headed to the main hall.

Outside, just as Liuzhu said, many monks greeted Su Liluo along the way. The main hall was lively, with many already offering incense. Su Liluo found a spot to pray and make her wishes.

In the following days, Su Liluo’s routine remained much the same. No one disturbed her sleep at night, and she rested soundly until dawn. The temple was peaceful, and her spirits were greatly restored.

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“Liuzhu, we leave tomorrow. Make sure everything is packed carefully—nothing must be forgotten.” Su Liluo instructed, feeling a strange reluctance as she looked at the side chamber. This would be her last night sleeping in the temple.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Three clear knocks echoed in the silent night. Su Liluo and Liuzhu exchanged glances as Su Liluo asked, “Is Qingyi or Qingyao outside?”

“They are. Miss, are you going to see them? I can fetch them,” Liuzhu said, moving toward the door.

“No need. Seems we have a visitor at this late hour. Go open the door and see who it is.” Su Liluo sat at the table. The room was a little messy from their earlier tidying.

Liuzhu returned, followed by the nun they had met on their first day. Su Liluo was genuinely surprised. “So it’s Sister Nun who came for me? But—”

“Miss, may I ask you to send Liuzhu out? There are some things I wish to speak with you about privately.” Su Liluo glanced at Liuzhu and softly said, “Liuzhu, please step out. I’ll talk with Sister Nun.”

Once alone, Su Liluo poured a cup of tea and offered it to Sister Nun. “Please have some tea.”

The nun didn’t touch it, remaining silent for a while before finally asking, “Miss, do you know your true origins?”

Su Liluo eyed her warily. The nun showed no sign of nervousness and revealed her identity. “Miss, you need not doubt me. I was once your mother’s maidservant. You are not Su Hong’s child.”

This revelation eased Su Liluo’s suspicion somewhat, and her curiosity grew. “You really were my mother’s maid?”

“Indeed. I came to you only after observing for some time. You are no longer the child you once were—you now have strength and responsibility. That is why I dare to speak of this.” The nun’s voice was calm, as if discussing something ordinary rather than a monumental secret.

Su Liluo listened intently. The nun studied her expression before continuing. “Miss, your general once had close friendships with several generals of a neighboring kingdom. But the kings of the two countries harbored ambitions of conquest. The general had no choice but to go to war, and you are the child conceived on the battlefield. Though I do not know exactly who your father is, there is a range of possibilities for you to seek.”

Su Liluo fell silent for a long time. The nun paused, watching her closely. Seeing her confusion and uncertainty, she feared Su Liluo might not be ready to hear more and stopped, waiting for her to ask.

Feeling the room grow still, Su Liluo noticed the nun’s expectant gaze. She understood and said firmly, “Please continue. I’m alright.”

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The nun resumed, “You may wonder why the general married the prime minister’s household. I did not know at the time either. I only knew that after the war, you were married into the prime minister’s family and later born there. But I also know there was a pact between the emperor and the general—a pact involving a military token.”

“A military token?” Su Liluo murmured, clutching the nun’s hand anxiously. “Please tell me—what is this token about?”

“Have you ever seen this token?” the nun asked, puzzled by Su Liluo’s agitation.

Su Liluo didn’t answer but pressed on. “Explain clearly—the agreement between my mother and the emperor. What was it?”

“The general hid the military token somewhere and made an agreement with the emperor: once you married the prince, the token would appear. The army commanded by the token would pledge complete loyalty to the prince. With such military support, the prince’s chance to become emperor would be greatly increased. Naturally, you would become the empress.” The nun’s cheeks flushed with pride, then she grew somber—perhaps thinking of Su Liluo’s late mother.

“Would the emperor agree to this?” Su Liluo had met the emperor once or twice and found him ruthless. Her mother’s plan seemed fraught with complexity.

“Of course he did not agree willingly. But refusal was not an option. The general had fought many battles and commanded great respect among the troops. After victorious campaigns, there was nothing left to reward. The emperor, lacking consolidated power, reluctantly consented.” The nun explained, and Su Liluo nodded in understanding. “That makes sense.”

“No wonder the emperor acts strangely whenever your marriage is discussed—he never wants it to happen. The reason lies here.” Su Liluo’s eyes brightened with realization.

“Exactly. Whoever holds you holds the token. The emperor will never allow the token to fall into anyone else’s hands. Your marriage can only be to a royal family member, and specifically to one of the emperor’s own sons.” The nun said with pride.

“Prince Yi wants to marry me, but the emperor won’t agree. The emperor won’t allow any prince to marry me casually. That must mean that prince is likely the future emperor.” Su Liluo whispered, realizing her marriage was not her own choice. Until the emperor had the token, she could never marry an ordinary man.