Time moved differently in the three realms.
In Heaven—
A thousand years could pass like a single breath.
Clouds would rise and fall, stars would change their places, and countless events would unfold.
Yet—
In the mortal world—
Only a few months had passed.
Seasons had barely changed.
Lives continued as they always did.
Unaware of the greater movements above.
Inside the Imperial Palace—
In a quiet study—
Emperor Xuan Wu Hei sat alone.
The room was dimly lit, filled with scrolls and documents.
Beside him stood his trusted advisor—
Mei Zixuan.
The Emperor's expression was serious.
His fingers tapped lightly on the table.
Silence filled the room.
Then—
He spoke.
"Who should be my heir?"
The question was simple.
But heavy.
Mei Zixuan lowered his head slightly.
"Your Majesty," he said carefully, "the Crown Prince Hei Long is the rightful heir."
The Emperor did not respond immediately.
His eyes remained distant.
"Rightful…" he repeated slowly.
A pause.
"But is he suitable?"
Mei Zixuan hesitated.
Then answered honestly.
"The Crown Prince is strong," he said. "And capable."
Another pause.
"But Prince Hei Zheng…" he added carefully, "is also worthy."
The room grew quiet again.
The Emperor leaned back slightly.
His gaze turned cold.
"This is not a simple choice," he said.
"No, Your Majesty."
The Emperor stood up slowly.
His presence filled the room.
"The future of the throne…" he said, "…cannot be decided lightly."
Mei Zixuan remained silent.
The Emperor walked a few steps forward.
"Strength alone is not enough," he continued.
"Loyalty. Control. Judgment."
Each word carried weight.
"Tell me," he said, turning slightly, "what do you truly think?"
Mei Zixuan lowered his head deeper.
"Your Majesty," he said, "the decision must come from you."
The Emperor looked at him.
For a moment—
There was silence.
Then—
He gave a small nod.
"Yes," he said.
"It must."
But the question remained—
Unanswered.
In another part of the palace—
The atmosphere was completely different.
Quiet.
Heavy.
Still.
Inside a dim chamber—
Qiu Ying'er lay on the bed.
Her face pale.
Her breathing slow.
Unmoving.
Beside her—
Sat Crown Prince Hei Long.
His expression was dark.
His eyes did not leave her face.
An Imperial Doctor stood nearby.
Head lowered.
Waiting.
Hei Long finally spoke.
"Say it again."
His voice was low.
The doctor hesitated.
Then spoke.
"Your Highness… the poison has deeply affected her body."
Hei Long's gaze sharpened.
"Will she recover?"
The doctor remained silent for a moment.
Then—
"If she does not improve…"
He paused.
"…she may not live more than a year."
The words fell heavily into the room.
Silence followed.
The Crown Prince did not move.
His hand slowly tightened.
"A year…" he repeated quietly.
The doctor lowered his head further.
"I will continue to treat her," he said. "But the outcome is uncertain."
Hei Long stood up slowly.
His expression did not show emotion.
But the air around him—
Changed.
"Leave," he said.
The doctor bowed quickly. "Yes, Your Highness."
He left the room.
The door closed softly.
Silence returned.
Hei Long looked at Qiu Ying'er.
Her face was still.
Peaceful.
But lifeless.
He stepped closer.
And sat beside her.
"You just became my wife," he said quietly.
His voice was low.
Almost a whisper.
"And now…"
He did not finish the sentence.
His hand moved slightly, resting near hers.
But he did not touch her.
"Wake up," he said.
There was no response.
Only silence.
His gaze darkened.
"This is not how it ends," he said.
His voice was firm now.
As if he was making a promise.
"You will not die."
The room remained still.
No answer came.
But the Crown Prince did not leave.
He stayed there.
Watching.
Waiting.
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