Li Xian stopped at the door.
His hand resting lightly on the handle.
"…Then what happened?"
The question came quietly.
Not demanding.
Not loud.
But heavy.
"…After my father became king…"
A pause.
"…what did he do?"
Silence filled the chamber.
The chief looked at him for a long moment.
Then spoke.
"…Your father…"
A slow breath.
"…married a woman."
Li Xian's eyes flickered slightly.
"…A woman of royal blood."
The chief's voice lowered.
"…your mother and my sister."
Silence.
"…To strengthen his claim to the throne," the chief continued,
"…and confirm his royal legitimacy."
Li Xian didn't react outwardly.
But something inside him shifted.
"…And after that?"
The question was softer now.
"…After you were born…"
The chief hesitated.
Just for a second.
"…in only a few days…"
"…she was killed."
Silence.
The words didn't echo.
They stayed.
"…Killed?" Li Xian repeated quietly.
The chief nodded once.
"…No clear evidence. No confirmed culprit."
A pause.
"But your father…"
"…blamed it on the other kingdom."
Li Xian's gaze sharpened slightly.
"…Zhao's kingdom?"
"…Yes."
The chief's expression grew heavier.
"…But they denied it."
Silence.
"And since then,…"
"…the two kingdoms have been enemies."
The room felt colder.
"…And Zhao Han's father?" Li Xian asked.
The chief took a slow breath.
"…After his own father passed…"
"…Zhao Ren became king."
A pause.
"…But he did not rule with cruelty."
"…He ruled with peace."
Silence.
"…That is all I know."
The chief's voice softened slightly.
"…I know it is difficult."
A pause.
"…But you asked for the truth."
Li Xian stood still.
Not moving.
Not speaking.
Everything was now connected.
The past.
The hatred.
The distance.
But also—
Something else.
Something he didn't fully understand yet.
"…Thank you," Li Xian said quietly.
The words were calm.
But his eyes…
They were not.
He opened the door.
And stepped out.