The carriage rattled along the stone paths of his family estate.
Li Xian leaned against the window, eyes scanning the familiar scenery. His mind was quieter than usual — though not for peace.
It was anticipation.
Finally, he would see his sister again.
The moment he stepped inside the house, he was greeted with warmth.
Laughter. Joy. Music. The air itself seemed lighter here.
And there she was — his sister, radiant, smiling, living her life fully. Beside her, her husband looked at her with something like reverence and adoration.
Li Xian's chest tightened.
A smile broke across his face. "You're… happy," he whispered, almost to himself.
His sister turned, eyes lighting up when she saw him.
"Xian! You came!"
He embraced her lightly. "Of course. I wanted to see you. You… you look amazing. Really happy."
She laughed, warm and carefree. "I am! Life's good, really good."
Li Xian stepped back slightly, letting his gaze roam. He noticed her husband watching them with that same gentle affection.
A small, genuine happiness rose in him.
She deserves this… finally.
After dinner, as they sat in the quiet garden, Li Xian's curiosity pushed forward.
"Sis… tell me something." His voice softened. "Have you noticed… dad acting strange lately? Weird? Or… different?"
His sister tilted her head, thinking.
"Honestly… I don't know, bro. But… actually, I was surprised myself about the sudden wedding," she admitted. "I think it's mostly politics for Dad. From this marriage, he can… I don't know… use two whole armies if needed. I've seen him and my husband talking a lot these days."
Li Xian's eyes widened. "WHAT?! WHAT?! But why? Why would he—"
"I don't know," she cut in gently. "Maybe it's politics. I didn't ask. I'm not interested in politics."
Li Xian exhaled, a mix of worry and disbelief. "…And your husband? Did he say anything?"
"Nope," she replied cheerfully. "I didn't ask. Like I said, politics isn't my thing. I just… enjoy life. That's enough for me."
Li Xian stared at her, a strange mix of admiration and concern in his chest.
She's happy. That's good. But… what is Dad really planning?
Even as his heart swelled for her, a shadow of unease crept into his thoughts.
The carefree joy of his sister could not hide the unease he felt in the back of his mind.
And deep down, Li Xian knew: the peaceful days here might not last long.