Her lips trembled slightly. “Nong… Mo…”

The gorgeously dressed beauty suddenly knelt down, clutching the hem of my robe. “Mistress? Mistress! Is this a dream?”

“Heh, heh heh~” Coming back to my senses, I couldn’t suppress my quiet laughter; for the first time, tears of joy streamed from the corners of my eyes. Slowly squatting down, I cupped her delicate and exquisite face in my hands, hesitating to speak, then stopping myself again. “Nong Mo, this isn’t a dream.”

She blinked her tear-filled eyes, her brows lightly furrowing as she murmured, “Not a dream?”

The corners of my mouth rose higher and higher. For the first time in ten years, I smiled so comfortably, so contentedly. With a gentle touch of my finger, I dabbed at the rouge on her lips, then brought it close to my nose to sniff delicately. “So fragrant~” My gestures and expressions were just like when I was a child.

She stared at me blankly, her makeup smeared by her tears, making her appear even more vivid and radiant. After a while, her crimson lips parted slightly, her cheeks trembling as she laughed and cried simultaneously, caught between sorrow and joy. “Mis...tress...” She opened her arms wide, pulling me tightly into her embrace. Warm streams of tears slid down my neck, and soft whispers reached my ears: “Mistress... Mistress... Mistress...”

“Mm.” I softly responded, gripping her robe tightly, nestling into her embrace like a young bird, letting my tears flow freely.

“Your Highness!”

Picking up Soul Severing from the ground, I hid Nong Mo behind me. Raising my head, I saw a young woman in a fitted palace gown staring at me in fear, about to cry out.

“Silence!” A low command came from behind me. Turning around, I looked at Nong Mo in surprise. Her beautiful eyes serious, she sternly addressed the maid before her: “Si Yan, go and guard over there.”

The maid slightly bent her knees, her expression instantly regaining its calm. “Yes.”

Frowning, I asked with doubt, “Your Highness?”

Nong Mo took out a pink handkerchief from her collar, gently lifting my chin to carefully wipe my cheeks dry, as if caressing a precious gem. “Young Mistress, you’re still so careless, not carrying any feminine items with you.” She sighed softly, another layer of mist rising in her tear-filled eyes. “Ten years… Ten years, Nong Mo thought… I thought the Young Mistress had already…”

“Me too…” Using my hand to wipe away her sorrowful tears, I smiled at her. “Should I call you Nong Mo now, or Your Highness?”

She tapped my forehead, scolding affectionately, “Still as sharp-tongued as ever, always finding ways to tease people.”

Playfully sticking out my tongue, I leapt back into her embrace. Feeling her gentle touch on my hair, warmth surged deep within my heart.

“Ah!” She exclaimed excitedly, looking at me with bright eyes. “Actually…”

“Over there! Over there!” Footsteps echoed from outside the bushes. “Two assassins have fled toward Leng Qiu Courtyard!”

Composing herself, she urgently spoke to me. “Wait until I deal with those two, then I’ll return to tell you everything.” With that, she sprang up, stepping lightly on leaves as she flew away.

The sounds of wind, weapons clashing, and shouts filled the air. Nong Mo’s words faded into the chaos, muffled and hard to discern. In the distance, I could see two figures—one white, one black—engaged in fierce combat atop the faded palace walls, their feet touching lightly as they spun and disappeared.

Qiu Jingchen’s face was tightly creased, her expression hideous like a demon. Her white robes were stained with blood, her long hair soaked, her swordplay sinister and ruthless, each strike lethal. Xie Ji’an’s face was beaded with sweat, dark stains faintly visible on his black attire. Watching them fight fiercely, I stood quietly on the eaves, my sword hanging loosely by my side. As the saying goes: When the clam and the heron fight, the fisherman benefits.

With a palm strike and a sword swing, the two suddenly separated, the peeled paint of the palace wall stained anew with splashes of crimson. “You old witch!” Xie Ji’an wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, glaring at the equally disheveled Qiu Jingchen. “When you begged for help, you didn’t look like this.” He glanced at me. “In front of this girl, I’ll make things clear once and for all.”

He clutched his chest, taking a deep breath. “Eight years ago, a masked woman offered a hefty sum to kill He Oubing, the wife of Ye Fengju.” Xie Ji’an raised his thick eyebrows, chuckling softly. “It was actually you, the self-proclaimed noble and ethereal Palace Mistress of Xuan Gong, Qiu Jingchen!”

“Nonsense!” Qiu Jingchen supported herself with her sword, suddenly leaping into the air to attack with her palm.

“Hmph, nonsense?” Xie Ji’an parried while speaking loudly. “If you don’t want others to know, don’t do it yourself. Moreover, how could our Ri Yao Sect possibly engage in nameless deals?”

“You beast!” Qiu Jingchen’s anger flared, her killing intent radiating as a flying sword pierced through Xie Ji’an’s palm. The Dark Lord was no weakling either, delivering a powerful kick that sent her flying several paces away.

I narrowed my eyes, turning my wrist. The setting sun sang like a song, Soul Severing softly humming as my palm blade plunged into Xie Ji’an’s abdomen, sliding through viscous flesh. Twisting my wrist, the sword thrust straight into his collarbone, a spray of white vapor erupting as Xie Ji’an let out a roar, glaring at me with hatred. “If you’re going to kill me, then kill me! Why cripple my martial arts!”

Pulling out my blood-soaked palm, I withdrew Soul Severing . He collapsed weakly onto the wall, his face filled with humiliation. Slowly crouching down, I looked at him emotionlessly. “We had no grudge, so why harm my mother?”

Xie Ji’an’s round eyes widened, blood continuously bubbling from the corners of his mouth. “You… You… Who exactly are you?”

“Hahaha“

Lifting Soul Severing , I gave it a light twirl, blood splashing as it returned to its pristine clarity. Lazily raising my hand, I smiled mischievously at her frenzied state, softly saying, “Go ahead, it’s your turn.”

Her mad laughter abruptly ceased, and she stared at me blankly. After a while, she forced a tender smile. “Dear niece, don’t be confused. That dog thief and I aren’t on the same side.”

“Hmph.” Tilting my head, I smiled brightly under the setting sun. “And neither are you and I.”

“Don’t believe this dog thief’s lies! I am the Palace Mistress of Xuan Gong, always walking the righteous path of the martial world. How could I engage in such despicable deeds?” She clutched her chest, hurriedly defending herself with apparent sincerity.

“What about…” I glanced at her coldly. “Do you know my senior sister has already awakened?”

Qiu Jingchen’s face turned pale, her nails scraping marks into the wall. “That’s right.” A venomous resolve flashed in her eyes. “You know too much. You shouldn’t have survived in the first place.”

As soon as her words ended, dust flew into my eyes—how despicable! Closing my eyes, I calmed my mind. Everything became void, my sword and body becoming one. Soul Severing , you are my other pair of eyes. Smiling faintly, I shifted my body, flicked my wrist, and Soul Severing hummed softly. Accompanied by the evening breeze and slanting sun, the sword danced in all directions. In my mind, I envisioned a vast blue sky, imagining myself as a lone crane dancing gracefully under the clear sky. The sound of tearing fabric and swords piercing flesh filled the air, followed by low growls of resistance. Sensing the killing intent rushing toward me, I calmly bent backward, feeling the jade pendant around my neck fly upward.

“Ah!” A beast-like roar swept past, a gust of cold wind brushing my face as the light weight around my neck vanished. Leaping back two steps, I quickly felt for the jade below my neck—my white jade!

“General!” Excited footsteps and shouts came from behind me. “General? What’s wrong?”

“This jade!” A mature, deep male voice rang out. “Where did you get it?”

“Yes! Yes! It fell from that assassin!”

The white jade was there! Hearing the sound, I flew toward it, raising my sword coldly. “Return it.”

The other side suddenly fell silent, retreating cautiously. Gripping Soul Severing , I issued a chilling demand. “Return it!”

Suddenly sensing a surge of murderous intent behind me, I swiftly turned around, Soul Severing slicing through the air, ready to strike. Just then, I felt warmth on my face, a hint of blood reaching my nostrils.

“General!” “General!”

Warm liquid seeped into the corners of my eyes, washing away the rough grit. Slowly opening my eyes, I saw a tall, upright figure standing before me, a silver sword piercing through his shoulder blade, a drop of crimson blood glistening at the tip.

“In the way!” Qiu Jingchen violently pulled out her sword, sending a spray of red into the air.

This person slowly turned toward the last rays of twilight, his perfectly sculpted face bearing a faint scar, his deep eyes shimmering. “Qing Qing.”

A soft cry stirred my heart, tears quietly streaming down. He solemnly raised his right arm, slowly opening his blood-stained palm—the Mandala jade pendant lay quietly in his hand. The fading glow scattered, the setting sun reflected, clouds beyond the horizon, and the crimson jade in his palm.

A mountain stream seemed to flow through my chest, singing joyfully, creating sparkling ripples. From the depths of my heart, it flowed into my eyes, murmuring softly, pouring out ten years of longing, ten years of secrets.

“Big Brother…” I called out these two cherished words, my voice twisting and turning, our hearts drawing close together.

A flash of silver caught my eye, and I quickly stepped in front of my brother. Soul Severing whirled, blocking this vicious sneak attack. Qiu Jingchen staggered two steps, steadying herself, flicking her long hair over her shoulder. Her gaze slowly lowered; the sky was half-light, half-shadow. A thick stream of blood slid from the tip of her sword, one drop, two drops, rippling a crimson hue in my heart. Half-closing my eyes, the smell of blood surged like ocean waves, my veins roaring with an overwhelming killing intent. Slowly tightening my grip on the sword hilt, I opened my eyes and moved forward.

The soft summer breeze brushed my cheeks, the cool wind intoxicating. Soul Severing hummed coldly, a ruthless drone. The sword cut through the twilight, its malevolent aura radiating. Ignoring everything, I fought fiercely, fine shards of ice swirling around me. One sword pierced bone, three swords penetrated the heart, flipping over, focusing my energy, striking the palm to sever the heart meridian.

“Uh.” Qiu Jingchen struggled to stay upright, her eyes filled with fear.

Turning my wrist, the sword sang, each note piercing to the bone, each vibration startling. Slowly stepping past her, I raised the corner of my mouth. “Close your eyes.”

As my words fell, her body collapsed, leaving only a pool of blood behind. Glancing at her disdainfully, nothing but a useless husk remained.

Turning my head, I saw Xie Ji’an, who had collapsed on the ground, take out a signal arrow from his sleeve. Before he could release it, I plunged my sword into his body. The Dark Lord stared blankly at Soul Severing embedded in his body, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. “You… Who exactly are you?”

Turning back, I looked at my delighted brother. Smiling warmly, I kindly informed him, “Han Yue Xia.” Releasing the sword hilt, Soul Severing passed through his body. Xie Ji’an suddenly fell, whimpering softly as the sword returned to my palm. Slowly squatting down, I whispered, “He died too quickly, revealing a flaw.” As soon as I spoke, Xie Ji’an’s eyes snapped open. Spreading my left palm, I injected internal energy, striking toward his Baihui point. A muffled groan sounded, and then, darkness finally descended.

“Qing Qing.” That deep, soft call tore open a decade-long seal, condensing the hardships that had seeped into my bones.

“Brother!” I cried softly, throwing myself into his arms, tightly embracing his waist. “Brother, brother, Qing Qing misses you so much, so very much~”

“The inside is bloody; it might stain the eyes of His Highness and ruin His Highness’s shoes.” A deliberately raised voice came from outside the courtyard.

A clear laugh followed. “This prince doesn’t lack a pair of shoes.”

Gently pushing me aside, my brother said, “It’s the Seventh Prince. Where are you staying, Qing Qing? Once things settle here, I’ll come to fetch you.”

Putting away Soul Severing , I choked back a sob, softly replying, “Temporarily staying at Chilu Manor.”

He placed the crimson jade in my hand, looking at me intently, over and over again. “Go quickly.”

Taking a deep breath, I leapt onto the broken wall. The crescent moon hung faintly in the sky, its soft glow spilling gently. Reluctantly glancing back one last time, I turned and departed. Facing the night wind, I laughed through my tears. “Heaven does not deny human wishes, heaven does not deny human wishes!”

“Waking from a dream, tears break the heart, years of solitude silently pass. Long apart, raising wine to the moon, asking about the faces of past lives afar. One day, mistakenly entering the Palace of the Moon Goddess, reuniting with kin, joy beyond measure! The sound of the phoenix flute heard under the moon, cups flowing with the water. Nowhere to pour my fervent blood, my dance wild, my shadow mad.”

Singing and reciting alone, I stretched my body, stepping lightly on lotus leaves, dancing freely. “Clouds follow the geese’s flight, the wind supports green willows nearing auspicious Yang. Pouring libations by the river in May, peach blossoms surging, this affection ties me to my homeland. I wish to measure the sea with a bucket, daring to teach mortals to defy fate. All for awakening, the times of old.”

Spinning in circles, a smile playing on my lips, my limbs moving slowly, swaying gently with the sound of the breeze. “Playing with green plums, teasing bamboo horses, childhood laughter echoing around the well. Summer lotuses fragrant by the lake, rhombus songs rippling everywhere.” Turning my gaze with a light smile, standing alone gracefully, pointing distantly at the moon goddess, “Listen, eternal happiness without end.”

Gazing at the night sky, I foolishly smiled again and again. With my hands behind my back, I took a deep breath. Turning around once more, I saw the shallow glow of the Milky Way, dewdrops glistening like flowers, and in the gentle moonlight stood a solitary figure.

After reciting poetry for a long time, I didn’t even realize when he had arrived—it was so unexpected. Shaking my head with self-deprecating amusement, I looked toward the cool and refined young man. My cheeks flushed slightly as I lowered my gaze and smiled: “Xiuyuan.”

“Let’s go back,” he said softly, his voice warm and comforting. It felt as if I’d known him for a very long time—there wasn’t even a hint of unfamiliarity between us.

I nodded gently and floated to the shore. Just as I was about to take a step forward, suddenly, it felt as though my internal organs were being torn apart. Curling up my body, I slowly squatted down. The world spun before my eyes, and a sweet, metallic taste filled my mouth. A cool sensation ran along my left arm. Focusing my gaze, I saw Xiuyuan hurriedly pulling up my sleeve, carefully examining it. Under the silvery moonlight, a red line snaked elegantly across my arm, twisting like a vine that had climbed up to my forearm, branching out into vivid leaves—so dazzlingly beautiful. An excruciating pain engulfed me again, and as I felt myself spinning, my body was lifted horizontally into strong arms. The last thing I saw was Xiuyuan’s calm yet tender expression.

My cheek felt warm, carrying the scent of sunlight. Awakening, I didn’t know how many times I’d opened my eyes after emerging from the darkness. The metallic taste lingered in my throat. Raising my hand to shield my eyes from the harsh light, I heard a deeply affectionate whisper by my ear: “Qingqing.”

I hurriedly opened my eyes and sat up abruptly: “Big Brother~”

“Silly girl, what’s worrying you?” The figure before me finally came into focus. Big Brother gently stroked my long hair, his smile refreshing. “You’re still as clumsy as when you were little, without an ounce of grace.”

“So… it wasn’t a dream…” My eyes brimmed with tears as I grabbed his strong hand. “It really wasn’t a dream.”

“Of course it wasn’t!” Big Brother tucked the thin blanket around me, his face resolute. “Young Master Feng has already told me everything. All these years, you’ve suffered so much.” He tenderly touched my cheek, the slight calluses on his palm rough against my skin, grounding me. “From now on, I swear I won’t let you suffer any injustice.”

“Mm.” Pouting, I knelt halfway on the bed and threw myself into my brother’s arms, sobbing loudly. Like a child caught in a storm who finally finds the shelter of a great tree, a wave of deep security washed over me.

I cried until my voice grew hoarse, until my whole body trembled. Regulating my breathing, I sniffled and asked, “Brother… where are my senior martial siblings?”

“Your senior sister is gravely injured and needs rest. Young Master Feng has taken her and another young lady back home.” He awkwardly wiped away my tears. “Before your senior brother left, he repeatedly urged you to rest properly. He said he’d come visit you after some time.”

The image of that handsome figure flashed through my mind, and I couldn’t help but ask, “What about Xiuyuan?”

“Xiuyuan?” My brother raised an eyebrow, his gaze skeptical.

Taking the warm tea he offered, I sipped it slowly. “He’s the young hero who saved me that night.”

“You mean Divine Physician Ye?” My brother furrowed his brow, his expression unusually serious. “Though I don’t know exactly what strange poison Qingqing has been afflicted with, Divine Physician Ye specifically warned that you must not use your inner strength or practice martial arts until he returns. Remember this well.”

He’s gone… A trace of disappointment settled in my heart.

“Zhusu.” A soft voice called from outside the door. “Is my younger sister awake?”

“Yes, she’s awake,” my brother responded gently.

The door creaked open, and a graceful, elegant young woman entered, holding the hand of a small, adorable child.

“Who are you…?” I tilted my head, narrowing my brows, sensing a faint familiarity.

“Auntie!” The child broke free from his mother’s grasp and rushed toward the bed.

A soft smile spread across my face as I finally remembered—it was Little Shou Tao from Jiao City.

“Yan’er.” My brother patted his little face and smiled. “You should call her Auntie.”

Little Shou Tao revealed a few tiny teeth, clapping his hands as he sweetly called out, “Auntie, Auntie!”

I bent down to lift him onto the bed, studying him carefully. “Yan’er, what’s your full name?”

He blinked his clear eyes and answered distinctly, “Han Fengyan.”

“Good boy~” I happily pinched his soft cheeks and hugged him tightly, planting a big kiss on his cheek. Then, looking up, I bowed slightly to his elegant mother: “Sister-in-law.”

“Sister, you’ve suffered so much,” she said, sitting on the edge of the bed and gently taking my hand. “If only I had taken you home with me that day, none of this would have happened.”

“Hmm~” I shook my head with a smile. After playing with Yan’er for a while, I suddenly remembered the many mysteries that remained unsolved. Looking at my brother, I urgently asked, “Brother, how did all of this happen? How did you escape from the execution grounds? How was Nongmo rescued? Why did you change your name? And how did she become the Empress?”

My brother sighed deeply, then closed the windows and doors securely, his expression grave. “Back then, Ninth Prince arranged for a substitute to be smuggled out of prison in my place. We devised a plan to rescue you and Elder Quan and the others. But halfway through, bandits ambushed us.” He clenched his fists and pounded the bedpost heavily, startling Yan’er, who dove into my arms. “By the time Ninth Prince’s men arrived, they could only save Nongmo, who was barely clinging to life. Afterward, we made our way to the Kingdom of Qing. Following the Prince’s strategy, I changed my name and rejoined the military only after the invasion of Youhou. After all, publicly, Han Yueshao was already considered dead.”

“As for Nongmo,” my brother continued, “she also changed her identity and became my aunt, entering the palace to serve the King. Over the years, we worked tirelessly to establish ourselves in the Kingdom of Qing. All of this was made possible by Ninth Prince—I’ll never forget his kindness.” He turned back with a serious expression, softly cautioning, “However, Qingqing, you must not reveal that you know Ninth Prince.”

“Why?” I asked, puzzled.

“From the very beginning, the Prince instructed me to maintain only a nodding acquaintance in court, nothing too intimate. Without support from his maternal family, Ninth Prince has always had to endure humiliation and conceal his true strength. Brother doesn’t hide this from you—this entire situation is part of the Prince’s grand scheme, but it’s not yet time to reveal his hidden pieces.”

So that’s how it is. What a facade of idle nobility—he’s truly skilled and calculating, Yunzhi.

“As for Nongmo,” my brother added, “when you see her now, you must address her as ‘Auntie’ or ‘Consort Gui.’”

“Mm.” I obediently nodded.

My brother walked to the bedside, looking sternly at Little Shou Tao. “Yan’er, Auntie needs to freshen up. Go outside with Father.”

Yan’er reluctantly glanced at me, pouted, and slowly climbed off the bed, casting backward glances as he followed my brother out the door.

I waved goodbye, stepped off the bed, and smiled warmly at my sister-in-law. “Yan’er is such a lovely child.”

“Yes, but not as lovely as my little sister.” She pulled me in front of the bronze mirror, carefully combing my long hair. “Zhusu loves to talk about your childhood antics, calling you ‘Qingqing’ fondly. Though we haven’t met, I feel like I know you so well.”

Staring at my blurry reflection in the mirror, I couldn’t help but smile softly. It felt wonderful to be cared for, to have the warmth of family. “Sister-in-law,” I met her gaze in the mirror. “How did you and Brother meet?” Having grown up surrounded by my parents’ unwavering love, I imagined their bond must also be profound.

The wooden comb in my hair paused momentarily, and Sister-in-law smiled gently. “I am originally surnamed Qin, named Dan Nong. I was the only daughter of the Northern General of the Kingdom of Qing, but my father fell in battle the year I came of age.”

Qin Dan Nong—a beautiful name. So my sister-in-law also hailed from a military family.

“After Father passed, many people coveted the Qin family’s 100,000-strong army and began proposing marriage.” She shook her head, continuing, “But their grotesque faces were utterly repulsive. On the day of my coming-of-age ceremony, someone even forced their way in to demand marriage. In desperation, I cut my hair and refused to complete the rites.”

What a fiercely independent woman. I turned to look at her silently, offering my deep admiration.

“Heh, telling you all this might make you laugh,” she said, her cheeks flushing slightly. I held her hand tightly and said clearly, “A woman with pride—I admire that.”

Sister-in-law gazed at me intently, then smiled brightly. “How could the Qin family’s army fall into the hands of those greedy schemers? I studied formations with my father as a child and achieved some success. So, I hung a diagram of the Auspicious Cloud Formation outside my door and declared that whoever could solve it would become my husband.”

I stared at her in astonishment. “What remarkable courage, Sister-in-law!”

“What courage?” she laughed, skillfully braiding my hair. “For three whole years, I was considered an oddity among the ladies of Yundu until your brother appeared.” She smiled softly. “That day, he stood outside our gate dressed in plain clothes. At first, I thought he was just another overconfident man. But within half an hour, he solved the Auspicious Cloud Formation. Then, unbelievably, he turned around and left.” She sighed wistfully. “He said he was only drawn to the formation itself, nothing more.”

Covering my mouth, I chuckled. “What a wooden-hearted brother.”

She paused thoughtfully, her gaze soft and affectionate. “But perhaps it was precisely because of that that I fell for him.”

“Mm.”

“After a series of twists and turns, we ended up together anyway. Zhusu is a man of deep loyalty, responsibility, and integrity—a good husband, father, and brother. He’s never taken a concubine, despite facing immense pressure.” She cupped my face earnestly, her voice filled with emotion. “From the very beginning, he proclaimed that he had a younger sister back in Jiao City, frail and unable to endure the journey, which is why she hadn’t settled in Yundu with him.”

A pang struck my heart, and my eyes grew moist.

“Because he always believed you were still alive.”

“Mm.” Tears streamed down my face uncontrollably.

She picked up an amethyst hairpin and gently styled my hair. “My little sister is so lovely. Returning to Yundu, you’ll surely attract a lot of attention.”

I smiled faintly. “Not to worry—I have Sister-in-law, don’t I?” Drying my tears, I teased her with a glance. “If things get too overwhelming, maybe Sister-in-law can set up another formation, and Qingqing can stay hidden in the house for three more years.”

She looked at me in surprise, then burst into a soft laugh. “Ah, just as Zhusu said—you’re such a mischievous girl!” She playfully pinched my cheek.

“Madam,” a respectful voice called from outside. “The General sent me to inquire if the young mistress and Madam are ready. The carriage is prepared—we can’t delay.”

Sister-in-law replied, “Tell him we’ll be there shortly.”

“What occasion?” I asked curiously.

She held up a pale purple silk dress, smiling. “We’ve accompanied the King on this lake excursion. Now that he’s returning to court, as subjects, we naturally follow him back to the capital.”

After tidying up, I followed Sister-in-law toward the palace gates. The midsummer sun blazed with fervor, carrying a sharp edge. The red walls of the palace gleamed vibrantly, tinged with an undercurrent of melancholy. Holding up my dress, I slowly climbed into the carriage and leaned against the window, relaxing my body.

“Miss Han,” a voice tinged with amusement called from outside the carriage. I lifted the curtain to see a pair of intoxicated yet lucid peach blossom eyes. Ling Yiran stood beside the carriage, his gaze sparkling with delight. He stared at me intensely, his elegant eyebrows slightly raised, amusement dancing in his expression as his lips curved into a slight smile. “Han Yue Xia.”

I nodded politely to him. Yunzhi, thank you for saving my brother’s life and giving Nongmo a future.

After a while, the carriage began to move slowly.

Outside the curtains, the sky was a clear, vivid blue—clear like the cold, flowing water of a mountain stream, clear like clouds drifting effortlessly through the mountains. The southern breeze caressed the lotus blossoms, infusing the blue expanse with a deep, serene fragrance.

Was it the oppressive calm before a storm, or the tranquil clarity after the rain?

History rolls forward like a wheel, its tracks—deep and shallow—ready to answer your questions.