There were only two people in the sitting room: His Majesty and Xiao Yun. Not even in his wildest dreams had Xiao Yun imagined the King would one day walk into his house unannounced.
His Majesty let out a calm breath before extending his hand to Xiao Yun. Xiao Yun glanced at the hand, then at His Majesty's face. The King offered him a small smile, giving him silent encouragement. Xiao Yun finally reached out and shook his hand, greeting him politely and asking after his family.
A brief silence followed. Then His Majesty began speaking in a composed tone.
"First, Mr. Xiao Yun... I don't want you to look at me through the eyes of a king. I want you to see me as the father of your son-in-law and also as your in-law. I want us to speak plainly, openly, and sincerely. Let's both speak our minds, and please...don't feel obligated to show me deference."
He paused, eyes steady on Xiao Yun, then continued.
"You and I both know what happened between our children nine years ago. There's no need to dredge up every detail. What matters is that I didn't know about it at the time. I only learned of it this year....this very week, in fact. And so, first and foremost, I want to sincerely apologize on behalf of my son and my wife for the injustice your son suffered. It was an act of cruelty that no human being deserves, especially not someone as good-hearted as your son. The more I learned, the more disturbed I became by how my own bloods had been so carelessly treated." (He meant the twins)
He exhaled again, then added, "But after a long and careful reflection, I've realized there's only one honorable path forward...for your son, for my son, for both of our families, and for our grandchildren."
"According to what Prince Yibo told me, your son is still legally his husband to this day. At first, I didn't believe it....I refused to. It sounded impossible, something no reasonable person would accept at face value. But when he presented the documents and supporting evidence, I had them verified. Everything checked out. I didn't stop there, either....I personally spoke with multiple witnesses who had been there at the time of their union. One of them, in fact, is like a mother to both our sons."
Then, His Majesty rose, walked over to Xiao Yun, and placed a document in front of him before returning to his seat.
"This is the divorce certificate issued for your son and mine," he explained. "If you have a copy of your son's version, I ask you to bring it so we can cross-reference and remove any remaining doubt."
Xiao Yun said nothing. He stood and went into his room. A few minutes later, he returned with Zhan's original divorce paper. He sat down and opened it. Everything matched....details, dates, even signatures. That was when he truly understood that His Majesty had come with nothing but truth.

Ignore any mistakes of what's surpose to be there. 😅
"The favor I ask is this," His Majesty continued. "Allow Zhan to return to Yibo...not as a favor to me, but as Yibo's rightful husband. I've personally verified Zhan's character from those who lived with him. From what I've learned, letting him go would be a tremendous loss. He is a good man. And whether or not you agree to this, Zhan has already suffered enough. As someone in a position of power, the most just thing I can do is restore their bond....openly and officially...for the world to see what was once hidden."
He fell silent and waited. Xiao Yun was deeply moved.
He had never imagined this would be the result. King Mo Yi's humility and fairness were astonishing. If only more leaders were like him...soft-spoken, just, willing to face the truth and correct a wrong. The world would be a better place.
For a moment, Xiao Yun released a heavy breath, humbled not by His Majesty's title, but by his humanity. Every good father sometimes has to silence his pride and act for the greater good of his children. That, too, was something Xiao Yun had learned today.
"I've heard and understood everything you've said," Xiao Yun began quietly. "But none of it would have happened without my own contribution. It wasn't the Queen who forced Zhan to marry....it was my own greed, my ambition to gather wealth and status. And for that, I carry regret....deep and endless regret. I sacrificed the most obedient of my children, a son born of the woman I loved most...Yunjun, a rare woman, noble in every sense. Even now, I've never met another like her."
"My obsession with money blinded me. And if I'm bitter about anything, it's that I allowed myself to forget all that mattered."
He paused, adjusting his posture.
"Since realizing my mistake, I made a vow....both to myself and, if I may say so, to the universe itself...that I would never again impose such decisions on Zhan's life without his full knowledge and consent. I would never again dictate the fate of any of my children...daughters or sons...without their approval. So now, I leave the decision entirely to Zhan. It will be his choice and his alone."
His Majesty smiled, nodding thoughtfully. "Even with your approval, my dear in-law, I would never allow anything to be finalized without Zhan's own consent. Because neither of us....you or I....have the right. It is his life, his decision. And even if he agrees, I won't plead for Yibo or his mother to be spared from whatever judgment Zhan chooses to pass. As long as he grants me this one request, the rest of the decision is entirely his. From now on, this matter is between me and my son Zhan. All you need to do is observe."
Xiao Yun smiled in return, moved by how sincerely His Majesty referred to Zhan as his son...just as much as he did Yibo. He was about to speak when Jianghu and Jiangji came dashing in, Jiangji trailing behind his brother. Something about their entrance stirred the room.
The moment they walked in, His Majesty's attention snapped toward them. His breath caught for a moment, his eyes fixed as though staring at fate itself....the boys were the spitting image of Yibo.
His heart swelled with gratitude as he silently acknowledged what he saw. The children alone were proof enough....a living testimony that something extraordinary once existed between Zhan and Yibo, something hidden for years, now brought to light.
He was speechless until Xiao Yun broke the silence.
"These boys have become the greatest source of joy and comfort in my life," Xiao Yun said warmly. "Just looking at them reminds me of life's promises fulfilled... Jianghu, go greet your grandfather," he added gently, setting the children down.
The boys stared at him, then looked at each other, then back at His Majesty, who was watching them with a soft, eager smile. He longed to feel the warmth of his grandchildren, to pull them into his arms and hold them close.
"Come here, stars of the Tianjin Palace," he found himself saying, his heart brimming with joy. A part of him still ached, knowing they hadn't been born within the palace walls. And yet, he was grateful...they came from a clean and noble path, born out of marriage, not scandal. Because if it had been otherwise, they would never be able to inherit the crown.
"Bah's going to scold us....he almost beat Jianghu the other day for wearing something like that," Jiangji whispered, making everyone fall quiet. The adult were no fools; they could tell what Jiangji meant. He was referring to the small crown atop His Majesty's head.
His Majesty chuckled softly, touching the small ceremonial crown. "If I take it off, will you come over? And will your mother not scold you for it?"
The boys nodded eagerly. His Majesty reached for the crown, but Xiao Yun stopped him with a laugh. "Don't indulge them too much, Your Majesty... Jianghu, Jiangji....go greet him properly now. I said so, and that means Zhan won't scold you."
The boys dashed forward and leapt into His Majesty's arms, as if they had known him forever. He felt tears sting his eyes. These were Yibo's children...his own blood. And today, they were finally in his arms. He spent a little more time with them, waiting until they relaxed around him completely. Then he gave them generous gifts and left with a promise: he would come see Zhan in person.
~**~
Everything His Majesty did was in secrecy...no one in the palace knew. He also requested to meet Aunt Anu and Papa himself.
His age, stature, and presence made it impossible for Aunt Anu to lash out, even though he could tell she was holding back anger. His Majesty was a perceptive man, and he sensed her bitterness...understandably so. She had clearly made up her mind about the injustice done to Zhan.
Still, he smiled gently. "I won't stop you from taking any steps you believe will help you heal. I know forgetting will be difficult, because what happened to you...and to Zhan....is something no person should have to endure. If it had happened to me, I wouldn't have accepted it, either. But I ask for one thing: that you allow my son-in-law, along with my grandchildren, to return to my household...so they may know their roots and the world may see that they are part of the late King of Tianjin's family. Let their marriage continue. I ask nothing more."
Aunt Anu responded respectfully, echoing Xiao Yun's earlier words.
"We understand... and if this is all you ask, we've already granted it. Your fairness speaks louder than any request. But Zhan is our son and orphan. We made him a promise....that he would have the full right to make his own decisions, without pressure. He has faced every trial in his life alone. Even we don't fully know what he's endured. So, we ask one favor from you as well: please allow Zhan to decide everything, entirely on his own."
His Majesty nodded, visibly pleased. "Your words are just. If we introduce force or pressure into this matter, it will no longer be justice...and we may lose everything we're hoping to gain. I've left many duties waiting at the palace today, but I'll return soon...personally...to speak with Zhan."
Even after His Majesty's departure, the discussion lingered between them. It was clear now....His Majesty didn't see power as a shield or a throne as something to hide behind. He lived with surprising humility. Not even in their wildest dreams did they imagine he would come all the way to their house personally because of Zhan. The idea of him requesting a favor from them was unthinkable, considering his rank and dignity.
Still, Aunt Anu's anger toward the Queen had not diminished. The vow she made to herself...to make her pay, even if only once....remained firm in her heart. She knew the Queen was the root of all this chaos. She was the spark that lit the fire.
No one said a word to Zhan about what had happened. He remained unaware. All he knew was that there had been important guests at the house that day...judging by the way everyone behaved. But he didn't ask questions. He never had a habit of involving himself in matters that didn't concern him.
Yibo
Despite His Majesty's earlier coldness and dismissal, Yibo refused to give up. He made his way once more to the King's private lounge, shortly after a discreet meeting with the regional chiefs....an important discussion that had secretly been about Yibo's marriage.
As His Majesty sat reclined in silence, his eyes followed Yibo carefully. Anyone who knew Yibo could see a clear change in him. There was something different....something heavy pressing on his spirit.
Without hesitation, Yibo approached and knelt on both knees before his father, lowering his head. "I've come again. Please, Your Majesty... I know I've made terrible mistakes. I deserve any punishment you deem fit. But I'm here to beg for your forgiveness....and to ask, from the depth of my heart, that you involve yourself in my matter."
His Majesty released a silent sigh, taking in the sincerity of Yibo's words. What struck him most was how Yibo always placed the entire blame on himself, never once mentioning his mother, even though she played a major role in everything. He felt pity for his son, but not enough to shield him entirely....especially since his mother wasn't here to face her share of the consequences.
With the sharp tone of a man trained in discipline and authority, His Majesty said:
"I see no point in you seeking my forgiveness, when I'm not the one you wronged. The one who suffers is different from the one seeking healing. And you say you want me involved in your case? I didn't think I held that much value in your life. I thought I was irrelevant. Don't speak to me of this again. Go find the person you truly hurt...and ask forgiveness from him. There's nothing more I can do for you."
Yibo knew this side of his father well. Once he took a stance, it was nearly impossible to sway him. It was one of the traits he had inherited, after all. So he slowly stood up, hands folded behind him, and began walking away in silence.
Unbeknownst to him, the Queen had been watching from a distance. Her heart burned with emotion, but she slipped quietly away before Yibo noticed her. She went straight to her chambers, needing time to think. She knew this situation had spiraled far beyond anything they'd ever faced. She had to act....soon.
She ignored the greetings of her servants. Even when she passed Nalan, who was quietly reading in the sitting room, she said nothing. Nalan only glanced at her before returning to her book....but even she was lost in thought.
Inside her room, the Queen stood before her mirror, staring deeply into her reflection. She couldn't remember the last time something had affected her this deeply....something that had drained her, made her feel this powerless. In her eyes, she could still see Yibo, kneeling before His Majesty. And His Majesty... simply brushing him off. The same way he brushed her off. It was breaking her.
She was reaching her limit.
Why shouldn't she speak to Zhan herself? Why shouldn't she try another way, any way, to fix this before it was too late? That thought alone brought her a strange sense of relief. Sitting down, she began quietly planning her next steps.
✨✨✨
The words His Majesty had spoken to Yibo had felt, in a way, like permission....to try again, to fight for Zhan's acceptance. So, the very next morning, Yibo dressed simply and left alone, dismissing his guards. He made his way directly to Aunt Anu's house.
That same morning, Zhan had stepped out with plans to pick up Jianghu and Jiangji, who had spent the night with Xiao Yun. From there, he was going to visit the wedding venue to Aunt Anu....To drive them back.
Just as Zhan was walking out the gate, Yibo arrived and parked his car. He stepped out... and that's when their eyes met.
Zhan froze mid-step, unable to take even one more. Yibo, who had been about to close his door, stopped as well. His eyes locked onto Zhan's, and for a long moment, nothing else existed.
Yibo's heart pounded violently in his chest. A rush of emotions hit him all at once, sharp and overwhelming. There it was again....that relentless, desperate longing for Zhan.
Zhan looked stunning in the outfit he wore. He was impossibly fresh and sharp...no one could glance his way without turning back for a second look.
Yibo began walking toward him, determined to meet him where he stood. But before he could get close, Zhan had already darted back inside the house, as if he'd seen a ghost.
Even when Zhan stepped into the sitting room, he didn't stop there. He made his way straight to his bedroom, where he finally dropped onto the stool in front of the mirror, exhaling sharply. Frustration built in his chest. He had been pleased the past two days when that stubborn "Frog Prince" hadn't shown up. He'd assumed maybe Yibo had finally given up. But now here he was... bold as ever. Zhan clicked his tongue, tossing his bag onto the vanity table and pulling out his phone.
Zhan, deciding he wasn't ready to leave yet....not until he was sure Yibo was far away...picked up his phone. He called Chao on the new phone he had bought for her, telling her not to expect him until much later. Then he called Aunt Anu with the same excuse, saying he'd come at the afternoon once the sun cooled down. With that, he dropped the phone on the table, grumbling to himself.
He kicked off his shoes and removed his cap, letting his perfectly styled hair fall free. The shirt he wore hugged him just right, emphasizing his build from chest to waist. He climbed onto the bed and lay on his stomach, eyes shut, silently hoping Yibo would leave the house soon.
For about ten minutes, Zhan sat like that...restless. He adjusted his position, lying on his back now, still irritated that Yibo was wasting his time. Just as he began muttering to himself again, he thought he saw a shadow out of the corner of his eye. It startled him. He opened his eyes quickly.
His heart thudded in his chest when he saw Yibo standing at the door, leaning against the frame with his arms crossed and one foot over the other, like someone posing for a photo.
Zhan sprang to his feet, shocked. He couldn't believe Yibo had actually gotten through the gate, into the sitting room, and all the way to his bedroom. It wasn't entirely impossible, considering the house was quiet, but what stunned him was Yibo's boldness.
Zhan said nothing at first, just stared. Yibo walked in slowly, and Zhan finally spoke up, his voice loud with nervous energy:
"Don't you dare come in here. You can't just enter people's houses like that, especially not a married woman's....this is a married couple residence! Why would you come in without permission?"
Yibo didn't respond. His eyes were fixed on Zhan, drinking in the sight of him in that outfit. A wave of desire and longing surged inside him....an ache he hadn't felt in a long time.
The sudden ring of Zhan's phone on the vanity broke the moment. Both men glanced toward it at once. Yibo shifted toward it.
"Don't touch my phone! What are you doing?" Zhan snapped.
Yibo ignored him. He picked up the phone and looked at the caller ID.
It was Dr. Adrian. The foreign number made it obvious. A flicker of something bitter passed over Yibo's face. Without hesitation, he rejected the call.
Just as he was about to put the phone down, a message popped up from someone named NANJUE. He tapped it and immediately opened the inbox.
"To the prince of all that is beautiful in the worlds....I'm sorry to trouble your kind, noble soul, but I just want to make sure my arrival won't cause any problems?"
He closed his eyes for a moment, biting back emotion. Zhan, meanwhile, was still shouting at him to put the phone down. But Yibo calmly turned off the phone completely and slipped it into his pocket.
Then he walked toward the bed.
"Are you deaf or something?" Zhan barked again. "You walk into a married woman's house without permission and act like it's yours?"
Yibo didn't answer until he was right in front of him. He sat on the edge of the bed with unsettling calm, looked Zhan in the eye, and said in a low, gentle voice:
"I know. But I came to see my own husband too."
NB
Some Yizhan moment in the next chapter. 😎
Zhanxianyibo💚❤️💛