272 Left a Mark (1/2)

Li Xueyue hurried off to her room. Sure enough, the servants were already waiting for her outside. One opened the door for her whilst the other waited for her to be seated.

The servants placed the large carrying tray down and began to move the plates of pastries onto the table while they served tea.

”You're all excused,” Li Xueyue said once they finished setting everything up. The servants politely bowed their heads. They left the room without a single noise and closed the door behind them.

Li Xueyue excitedly pulled the letters out of her pocket. They were a bit wrinkled because she had sat down with it in her pocket, but it didn't dampen her enthusiasm. She gingerly soothed out the creases and opened them all together. She sorted them by date and began with the earliest one.

'To my Little Hamster,

You haven't written to me at all. Are you frustrated that I left without a word? If so, then Hu Dengxiao did a sorry job and I should punish him for his incompetence. I should've explained everything to you in person but I couldn't. The situation in Hanjian was simply too chaotic to be explained in a single letter. As usual, I can't disclose much.

But how have you been? I hope you're safe and well in Wuyi. If not… you can always come to Hanjian. I will always welcome you. No matter the problems here, I will ensure your happiness. If you ever need a place to escape to, my arms are wide open for you.

Even if you're troubled by something, please do not skip a meal. You seem to do that a lot. I noticed you've lost weight since the last time we met. Is everything alright? I will seek your response.

Additionally, have you been reading books as I've suggested last time? It'll do you well...

Warmly,

Yu Zhen.'

Li Xueyue let out a laugh. Leave it to him to worry about her and nag even through a letter. She smiled at the letter and hugged it to her chest. She missed him even more now. She wondered what life would be like in Hanjian. He must've been busy with court duties.

She opened the next letter.

'To my Sunshine who doesn't like to write letters,

Perhaps I should've recommended you to read books on writing. This is my third letter, the first was the one Hu Dengxiao delivered. I've yet to see you respond. Is everything alright? Are you feeling okay? Is something amiss? Have you been eating well?

There's so much I want to ask you in person. I've missed you. Everything reminds me of you. From the morning sun to the midnight moon. How have you been? You better be eating well. I expect to see your usual hamster cheeks if you ever come to Hanjian.

I've become the Crown Prince. The pesky title was assigned to me shortly after my return. The Courts and my faction were busy in my absence. It would explain the frequent letters they've sent out during my stay in Wuyi. Such pesky things they are.

Do not worry, Little Hamster. I won't be taking a Crown Princess from another country because I'm waiting for my Wangfei from Wuyi to come to Hanjian. Without my permission, no woman will obtain the title of Crown Princess.

I hope you're well. If you're not, tell me what you're feeling. If there are pressing matters, tell me. I will abandon everything to see you, Sunshine. No request is too big if it's made by you.

Yours truly,

Yu Zhen.'

Li Xueyue's smile slipped a bit. How could he know her so well? He asked the right questions. She didn't want to think about how she was feeling. It would force her to accept the truth: she was lonely in this household. Everyone tried their best, she appreciated their efforts, but the twins were always busy with their respective work. The Duchess wanted to make up for lost time with Minghua, and the Duke was incredibly busy dealing with palace matters.

Li Xueyue had always occupied her time with reading, writing, sword fighting, archery, and horseback riding. She had a routine in place and she was always doing something. Yet, nothing could fill the void from the lack of human interaction. Her instructors were friendly, but it wasn't like they were her friends.

”I miss you, Yu Zhen…” she trailed off.

Li Xueyue opened the final letter.

'To Li Xueyue,

I might as well be writing to a wall. At least, I won't be expecting a reply if it was so. Are you receiving these letters at all? If my letters have landed in the wrong hands, then I want you, the unintended person reading this letter to not be a fool and kindly deliver this letter along with the earlier ones to the Li Manor. People say we shouldn't shoot the messenger, but at this point, mine might be publicly executed.

Angry regards,