Ever since Zhan entered the room, he had felt a strange, stinging ache in his chest. He paced restlessly between the mirror, the bed, and the door. Something deep inside urged him to start packing...not just his own things, but those of the twins too. Maybe, if he could manage it, he would go stay with one of his father's relatives. Somewhere quiet. Somewhere he wouldn't feel like talking. Somewhere no one would question him, unless he genuinely cared to speak to anyone.
He was deep into packing when, without warning, there was a gentle knock at the door. A few seconds later, it slowly creaked open.
He didn't look up at first...just kept packing. Then, instinctively, he glanced at the doorway.
It was Queen Zhaiye.
She walked slowly into the room, her eyes fixed on him, her expression soft, almost regretful. But even her presence didn't stop him. Zhan continued his task like she wasn't there, filling boxes and checking through clothes in silence.
For nearly five minutes, she stood behind him, trying to gather the words...any words...that might mend what was broken.
Meanwhile, Zhan kept working, stuffing Jianghu's warm clothes into a suitcase.
Then suddenly, she reached out and gently grasped his wrist.
He froze.
She placed both her hands on his shoulders, guiding him up from where he bend. Now, they stood face to face.
"Whatever you've done, whatever decision you've made toward me… you were right," she began, her voice quiet, trembling with weight. "Any judgment you passed, you were justified. You and your mother… you had every right to do whatever you did to me. It was fair."
Her voice caught in her throat, emotion threatening to break through. Zhan, sensing something shift, looked up...right into her eyes...and saw them glistening with tears.
"I don't even know what words could bring you peace, Zhan," she said shakily.
"I don't know what phrase might erase the hurt I caused… what sentence could possibly match the pain I've brought into your life. But even so…"
She paused, swallowing back the grief and guilt.
Zhan's gaze stayed locked on her, his expression unreadable.
"I beg you, with everything I hold sacred… I ask for your forgiveness. Forgive me, forgive Yibo. Everything he did, he did on my command...not from his heart. He was just following my words… my foolish, cold, misguided words…"
She gently held his hand.
"Please, even five minutes...that's all I ask. Let me explain how envy, fear, and pressure drove me to make decisions that nearly destroyed the people I should have protected."
She told him everything...no lies, no filters. She laid out the full story, from the very beginning. Zhan listened, absorbing the weight of it all...the misjudgments, the manipulations, the regrets.
Something heavy inside him began to lift, just a little. But the hurt remained, etched into his heart.
"Whatever punishment I deserve, name it," she said quietly. "But please, help me fix what I broke. Help me mend what I shattered."
Zhan raised an eyebrow and looked at her pointedly.
"Are you commanding, asking, requesting… or begging?"
He wanted to know if her regret was real...if she was truly willing to humble herself.
At first, Queen Zhaiye didn't understand. But when it clicked, her lips trembled, and she nodded.
"Yes… Yes, I'm begging you, son."
To his shock, she began to pull at the hem of her robe...about to kneel before him.
"Nooo."
Zhan reacted immediately. With a speed even he didn't expect from himself, he stepped forward and stopped her. Despite everything, he had always been someone who respected his elders. No matter how badly someone had wronged him, if they were older and showed remorse, he still honored them. That's just who he was. Even Fenghua...whom she treat him poorly... he never disrespected her, not once.
He turned his back quickly, trying to hide the tears forming in his eyes. Thoughts of his mother flooded his mind.
"My father," he said softly, trying to steady his voice. "He's the one you should be kneeling to. He had the authority over me. He was the one whose word meant everything to me, and you ones hurt him too, you should apologize and ask his permission."
Then he turned slightly and added, "As for me… I'll think about it. I'm not promising anything. But… let's say I forgive you... That will come with a certain conditions."
He turned back to face her fully.
"You will never force me...or MY husband...into anything again. That stops now. As for my children... you have no say over them. None. My family... my whole family... will live our lives the way we see fit. On our own terms."
With that, he rushed into the bathroom and locked the door behind him. Sobs escaped his lips before he could hold them back.
There was more he wanted to say....so much more...but he couldn't. She was still his elder. The Queen. His husband's mother. How could he bring himself to speak cruelly, no matter how much she hurt him?
Outside the door, Queen Zhaiye stood in silence, a deep ache rising in her chest. Her eyes brimmed with emotion she hadn't felt in decades.
Then, gently, in a voice just loud enough for him to hear, she said:
"I'll go to your father now. And I accept every single one of your conditions. If you forgive us… if you return to Prince Yibo… I promise, from this day forward, I will never interfere in your life again. Thank you, Zhan… thank you for even listening to me."
Then, swiftly, she turned and left.
Aunt Anu sat in the same spot Queen Zhaiye had left her in the sitting room. The Queen approached, a polite smile on her face.
"Truly, you've shown me that generosity doesn't depend on wealth. I've learned a lot from you," she said with composure. "But I beg you for one more favor... after I visit Zhan's father, even if you all decide to keep the twins, please allow me to take him... my son-in-law.... back to his husband. Maybe seeing Zhan again will bring him peace and forgiveness when he wakes up."
Aunt Anu only gave her a soft smile and watched as she exited the room. Only then did Aunt Anu rise and quietly head toward Zhan's room.
She found him sitting hunched by the edge of the bed, his shoulders shaking as he cried.
"Why are you crying now, Zhan-Zhan?" she asked gently, walking to his side. "After everything...your dignity, your name, everything has been returned to you. Why cry now, when peace has finally found you?"
She sat beside him and began to speak softly, with comfort and warmth, filling his heart with calm. After hearing what had happened with the Queen, she nodded in approval.
"You truly are a good son, Zhan. A man of worth. You've shown the world the strength of your father's name, even though he's made more mistakes than anyone else in your life. I hope your path forward brings nothing but clarity. But above all, make your own choices. Don't say yes because of anyone else's request. Do it only if it's what you want."
----
Meanwhile, from where the Queen sat, she could still hear the sharp, cutting words of Xiao Yun echoing in her ears.
"Why should I come to them now? They wronged me and my son....and we've long moved on. She made her stance crystal clear years ago, when she warned us never to return. Even now, there's nothing binding us. And no matter what she says, I won't let her walk away with my grandchildren. Not for a crown, not for the name, and certainly not for mercy. If it means burning bridges to ashes...so be it. I'd rather see everything explode than bow to her again."
Those were the last bitter words Xiao Yun had uttered when Fenghua visited him with the Queen's request. Even though Aunt Anu had already called to explain things, Xiao Yun was unmoved.
Fenghua had pleaded, reasoned, even cried...but nothing worked. The Queen had no choice but to leave quietly.
But she wasn't ready to give up.
The very next morning, she returned...timing it just right. Xiao Yun was having breakfast with the children, a peaceful moment full of warmth and laughter.
The Queen entered just then.
He immediately frowned and started to rise.
"All my love for the wealth has only brought me chaos," he muttered angrily under his breath.
"Please, for the sake of harmony, just hear me out," the Queen pleaded.
"Please, Baba," the Que added, her voice soft and remorseful. Even she was hoping to see their second father... to see Zhan Gege and Prince Yibo reunited in joy and healing.
With a scowl, Xiao Yun slowly sat back down. The children, sensing the tension, quietly cleared the table and left the room.
With visible regret in her eyes and a softened tone, the Queen began:
"First, I owe you, Zhan, and the children an apology for what I've done. I truly hope you can forgive me... not for my sake, but because it's the right thing. I admit I was blind and driven by pride. I lost sight of compassion and acted on impulse. I don't even know what led me to such cruelty. But now I see clearly. I've come to ask that Zhan be allowed to return to the Tianjin royal family... not just as a guest, but as a rightful son-in-law and husband to Yibo. I've already started by seeking your permission first."
Xiao Yun was silent. He listened carefully. Yes, the Queen had her faults. But so did he. They had both contributed to this damage. If blame was to be shared, it was Seventy-thirty... with him making decisions that empowered him and let the injustice happen.
He had already given His Majesty his word. Now, this decision would be the one that truly repaired everything.
Still, he wasn't going to forgive too easily.
"May we all find peace for our actions," he finally said. "But as for Zhan's return to that marriage...though I know he's still married to Yibo...I'll need time to consider. I must also hear from Zhan directly and confirm his willingness. Only then will I give my final word."
The Queen didn't argue. Her instincts told her that once the conversation reached this point, things were already falling into place. She offered a quiet thank-you and took her leave with her entourage.
The next morning, Zhan sat massaging Jianghu's hair with oil after finishing the same for Jiangji. When his father began calling him, Zhan paused his task and placed the phone on speaker mode so he could continue while listening.
He greeted him respectfully, and Xiao Yun replied before diving into the reason for the call. He offered a long, heartfelt piece of advice, then apologized to Zhan and asked for his forgiveness... something Xiao Yun had been tirelessly seeking every day. He said he still carried the guilt of what had happened to Yunjun and how deeply he regretted his role in it.
After his lengthy reflection, he added,
"Yesterday, your husband's mother came to see me to ask for my forgiveness, just as his father had done before her. Any favor we wish to show you now is not enough compared to seeing you reunited with your husband. That's why I want to ask again... please let the past go. If they ever ask again… return to them and be there for your children."
Zhan responded quietly, his voice subdued. "Okay, Baba."
"May your life be filled with peace, Zhan. I pray you finish this life strong." Xiao Yun offered more words of encouragement before the call ended.
"Well then… I guess it's time for you to start preparing properly," Aunt Anu said, giving him a look. A strange unease began to creep through Zhan's chest. It almost felt like he was being told he'd be getting married for the first time in his life. He couldn't find words to reply...he just kept combing Jianghu's hair, trying to steady himself.
That night, Zhan sent a short message to both Nanjue and Dr. Adrian, explaining what had happened. Then, without hesitation, he blocked both their numbers on WhatsApp and from calling.
He knew Nanjue might take it calmly...but Dr. Adrian? Not likely. Still, Zhan was sure that, eventually, Adrian would have no choice but to accept what had happened, just as he had accepted the harsh reality of his fate.
There was no point in hiding anymore, or wasting time on something that had already happened.
~**~
Xielin pushed open the hospital door slowly and stepped inside. He paused for a moment, his eyes landing on Yibo, who was sitting upright in bed, his back against the wall, sipping tea from a cup calmly.
Yibo raised an eyebrow at him, silently asking what he was staring at. Xielin closed the door and walked in further.
"I'm just surprised, honestly," he said.
"The Queen made it sound like you were in critical condition. I expected to find you flat on your back...but here you are, sipping tea like nothing's wrong."
Yibo didn't say a word. He just gave Xielin a blank look as he approached the bed. Then he muttered under his breath,
"You're too dramatic."
Xielin stood still, trying to make sense of the comment. Yibo raised one brow at him.
"Catch up already, will you?"
Xielin burst into laughter, lightly smacking Yibo on the shoulder, who dodged it playfully.
"You're unbelievable. So it's all been a performance this whole time? Lying in a hospital bed pretending to be weak for no reason?"
Yibo only responded with a smug smile, setting his teacup down and resting his head back, arms crossed on his chest. Even he didn't know why the idea had struck him after his condition started improving...it wasn't like him. But somehow, it just felt… necessary.
"Well, if you ask me, your little act was a success," Xielin said, plopping down beside him.
Yibo opened his eyes quickly, surprised. He looked at Xielin, as if expecting more.
"Since you won't ask, I'll just tell you," Xielin shrugged, clearly enjoying the suspense.
Yibo closed his eyes again, silently hoping things truly had gone his way.
"She's here...the Queen." Xielin whispered suddenly, noticing her approaching through the partially open door.
Immediately, Yibo adjusted his position, slipping back under the covers and closing his eyes, pretending to be asleep.
When she entered, her attention snapped to him.
"How is he, Xielin?" she asked with concern.
With a serious expression, he shook his head slowly. "His condition keeps fluctuating. He finally fell asleep just a moment ago," he replied, biting his lip to suppress a laugh. He was already mentally cursing Yibo for dragging him into this ridiculous scheme...but he knew his cousin too well. Yibo could pull off any trick if it served a greater purpose.
✨✨✨
Zhan had just stepped out of the shower, standing in front of the mirror as he gently applied lotion to his skin. A soft, unfamiliar fragrance wafted up...one of Aunt Anu's body treatments. She had partnered with Granny, Papa's grandma to convince him to follow her skincare routine, and now he couldn't deny how it made him feel oddly refreshed.
He heard Aunt Anu's voice approaching. Moments later, the door to his room opened and she walked in, phone pressed to her ear. Without a word, she handed it to him. Zhan took it, puzzled, not knowing who was on the line....until he put it to his ear and heard Papa's voice.
They had already greeted each other earlier that morning, but Papa now said, "Zhan, I want you and your Momma to get ready. You're going to visit Prince Yibo at the hospital."
Zhan's eyes widened in surprise. Aunt Anu was watching him carefully. There was a deep respect and unspoken obedience between him and Papa, so he simply replied, "Okay," and handed the phone back to her, his expression faltering.
When she turned to leave without saying anything more, he blurted, "Momma… are we really going right now?"
She paused and looked back at him. "Should I call Papa and tell him you're refusing to go check on the father of your children? A man who's been hospitalized for days and could pass away at any moment?"
Her final words hit him like a slap. His shoulders dropped, and he fell silent, guilt churning in his chest. He didn't say another word as Aunt Anu walked out. Slowly, he sank onto the couch, mind replaying the last time Prince Yibo visited him...when he had warned him that his jealousy might one day destroy him. Since then, Yibo had fallen ill.
Just then, Jianghu and Jiangji ran into the room, full of energy. They looked radiant in brand-new clothes Zhan hadn't even seen before. For a moment, they looked like two mischievous little runaways...dressed too well to be up to any good.
"Bah! Aren't you ready yet?" Jianghu asked, bouncing. "Aunt Niu and Granny Anu are all dressed already. They said we're going out...to see our Daddy. The one who stopped coming home since that day."
Zhan sighed and stood up. He couldn't risk Aunt Anu thinking he was ignoring their words. He began to get dressed.
Just as he finished, Aunt Anu entered the room again. She gave him a slow once-over from head to toe, then raised a brow and asked, "What is this?" Her eyes scanned his outfit with disapproval.
Zhan glanced down at himself, realizing he didn't even remember what he had thrown on.
Without saying another word, Aunt Anu crossed the room and flung open his wardrobe. She expertly pulled out a shirt....sleek, expensive, with an elegant softness. Zhan immediately recognized it. He had bought it himself for the whole household...himself, Niu, and even Aunt Anu. It was one of his favorites, but he had kept it aside, too hesitant to wear it because of how it hugged him perfectly and drew too much attention.
Without giving him a chance to object, Aunt Anu took him by the wrist like a child, cleaned his face, applied a light touch of makeup, styled his hair neatly, and handed him the outfit. Once dressed, she sprayed him with a subtle, refreshing cologne, then grabbed Jiangji by the hand and left the room with him trailing behind.
Zhan caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror and blinked. He actually looked… stunning. Even he had to admit it. But deep down, he couldn't understand why all this effort...for just a hospital visit?
Even in the car, that question lingered in his mind. Jianghu and Jiangji sat beside him, chatting excitedly about seeing their daddy again...as if they spent years knowing him all.
They arrived at the grand hospital within minutes. Just as the driver parked, they spotted the Queen approaching, her face bright with an unusual smile. She walked straight to the car and, with her own hand, opened the door where Zhan was seated.
"Welcome, my son," she greeted warmly.
Zhan, surprised, stepped out slowly. To his shock, the Queen immediately pulled him into a hug. "My dear boy," she said fondly.
For the first time, Zhan felt a wave of awkwardness....the kind that came with in-laws. He lowered his head slightly, unsure of how to respond. The Queen then turned and waved cheerfully at Jianghu and Jiangji, but both children had suddenly drawn back behind Aunt Anu, as though they weren't the same kids who'd been chattering excitedly about this trip just moments earlier.
Aunt Anu gave a polite smile and encouraged them.
"Go on, greet her, Jiangji. She's your grandmother."
The boys glanced at Zhan, who gave them a small smile and nodded. Encouraged, Jiangji stepped forward with Jianghu trailing behind. They bowed slightly in polite greeting.
The Queen rested her hands on their heads gently, responding with a kind smile. But inside, she felt a sting of emotion rising...guilt, sadness, and fear. Had her past actions hurt them even before they were born? Was that why they held back from her now, unable to fully open their hearts?
Holding Zhan's hand, the Queen led him toward the ward, whispering softly to him along the way...words even Aunt Anu, walking just behind them, couldn't hear.
As always, the room was quiet and still. No one else was present except Nalan, who sat in one of the chairs, a book in her hand as usual. Her face lit up the moment she saw Zhan enter.
She nearly jumped up in excitement but caught herself just in time. The Queen shot her a warning glance and motioned with her head for silence. Nalan nodded, her mouth moving without sound, clearly holding back her joy.
She only approached when Zhan was led up to Yibo's bedside.
"Welcome, dear husband of our eldest brother...our Zhan Gege," she whispered joyfully.
Yibo, still lying motionless in the hospital bed, felt a jolt run through his chest at the sound of her voice. He almost opened his eyes, startled by her words, but reminded himself that doing so would ruin his plan. Still, he was barely able to contain the overwhelming joy rising inside him.
After a few minutes, Aunt Anu whispered a quiet blessing over Yibo and stepped out. The Queen gave Nalan a subtle look, and she nodded, lifting Jianghu onto her hip and taking Jiangji by the hand. They exited quietly, Nalan thinking to herself how deeply she adored the twins...she felt like she could be their mother.
The room fell into a hushed stillness once again. Yibo sensed that everyone had left, but he kept his eyes shut, hoping to observe Zhan's reaction.
Zhan stepped closer to the bed, his eyes fixed on Yibo.
For the first time, Zhan truly took in Yibo's features...starting from his elegant, long toes, which hinted at his height, to his broad chest that strained slightly under the hospital gown, and finally his lips...naturally pink and perfectly shaped.
Yibo's face seemed carved with precision: handsome, strong, and quietly magnetic. He had a calm masculinity that made him look like the embodiment of a dream man.
Zhan snapped himself out of the moment with a light scoff. Why was he staring like that? he scolded himself internally.
Then, under his breath, he muttered with a faint smile, "Frog Prince... still wearing green, even in a hospital bed."
As he took a step back, intending to leave, he suddenly felt a firm tug.
Before he could react, he was pulled down...landing fully on Yibo's wide chest. The warmth and scent of Yibo's cologne hit him all at once, surrounding him like a memory.
"Welcome back to my world, my King," Yibo whispered directly into Zhan's ear, his breath warm and voice deep and smooth.
Zhan's heart skipped a beat. He hadn't expected Yibo's eyes to be open...hadn't expected any of this. Before he could even think to move, Yibo adjusted slightly, holding Zhan a little closer, inhaling the sweet, familiar scent that awakened a deep ache and longing in him.
NB
Pweey, the Yizhan sad part ended here, no more fighting. 😂
Zhanxianyibo💚❤️💛