Kapitel 3: The unusual person

"Just do it!" Suyin ushered Areum, tugging her robe down to see her bare back. Areum winced at Suyin's actions, unsure of what she should do.

"Just look ahead and don't turn around," Suyin commanded.

She began applying medicine to Areum's back softly so she wouldn't hurt her. Suyin saw all of the whip lashes that Areum got because of Suyin. She lowered her eyebrows. "I'm sorry I've caused so much trouble for you." Her voice softened, feeling bad that Areum had to always take the blame for everything that she had carelessly done.

"It's okay." Areum smiled, reassuring Suyin since she wasn't angry. "I'm willing to do anything for my young miss." She then added. Suyin grinned bitterly. To find someone who would do anything for you is hard to find. Areum was more than a maid in Suyin's mind, but she knew that the difference in status during this time was hard than in the present day in her time. Suyin finished rubbing the medicine on her back, tightening the lid of her medicine jar.

Areum was grateful that Suyin treated her well now and back in the past. She knew that she could never endure the bitterness out on the streets without Suyin's existence in the world. When Areum was young, she had no identity to start with as a child. She was deserted by her parents at a young age and had to survive by stealing food from others. Areum stole Suyin's food when she was younger, pushing Suyin down on the ground as she ran off with Suyin's bag of steamed pork buns. Suyin's father chased after Areum and was about to report her to the guards until Suyin told her father that she gave the food to Areum.

After that day, Suyin secretly followed Areum to her little home in an abandoned, cold home. Suyin would sneak out of her home at night to give Areum food.

"Did you want some food?" Suyin would question.

"Eum!" Areum immediately replied.

It wasn't until Suyin was caught by her parents one of the nights that she begged her parents to allow Areum to be her maid. Her parents didn't like the idea, but because of Suyin's kind heart, they decided to let Areum stay with Suyin at their home.

Areum knew that she was different from Suyin, and their relationship could not be more than just a mere maid and master rather than a bonding friendship between the two.

Areum slid the top of her hanfu back up.

"Thank you for the medicine, but you didn't have to do that" she answered in a modest tone.

Suyin shook her head and handed her the medicine jar.

"It's fine. It's not much either since you did get in trouble because of me." Suyin shrugged her shoulders, acting as if it wasn't a big deal.

"Young miss!" A voice outside of Suyin's door called out. Suyin glanced at Areum, nodding to let her open the door. A male servant walked in, lowering his head. "Master has suggested you to go visit the Prince and the Princess at the Palace." He spoke.

The Prince and Princess? That's right. Areum shook her head, puckering her lips. She could see the faces of the Prince and Princess of the Long clan painted in her imagination with their radiant appearance. Although she hasn't recently seen the Prince lately, she's been having tea with the Princess because she was feeling lonely in the palace since her brother was always so busy.

"Alright! I'll head on over there right now." Suyin rolled her sleeves back with a smirk on her face and stood up to get ready to leave. As soon as she stood up, Areum panicked and jumped upright when she did, stopping Suyin's footsteps.

"What is it?" Suyin questioned, looking at Areum with a perplexed expression.

"My lady, you can't just go out like that with your dirty outfit! We need to change first!" Areum demanded, shoving her to get changed.

"Ah... you're right." Suyin stared down at her clothes. Specks of dirt were on her sleeves and her wrinkled dress didn't look good on her if you were to consider the idea that Suyin would be at the palace filled with nobility and etiquette.

----------------------------

"Miss Han has entered the palace!" the servant announced, dropping his head as they opened the door to the Princess' courtyard. Suyin carefully walked in along with Areum by her side. Her sky-blue silk dress, fair pale skin, and dark long hair made her actions graceful. Many of the workers in the palace believed that if Suyin wasn't the daughter of the noble Han family, they would have mistaken her for the sister of the Princess in the palace.

"You have arrived, Miss Suyin." Yanyu leisurely paced towards Suyin. She was in no hurry and was composed, opposite of Suyin who hurried over to Yanyu.

"Yanyu!" Areum's elbow touched Suyin, causing her to fix her throat as she respectfully bowed to Yanyu. "Princess." She shifted her tone, taking a look around the servants as Yanyu ushered them to leave. The servants beside Areum scurried off Yanyu's beautiful, large courtyard.

A lotus pond could be observed right next to her pavilion and peony flowers were planted throughout the walkway.

"Wow. Were these flowers all planted in here for you?" Suyin leaned down to smell the fragrance of peony flowers that swayed in the wind, blowing her hair in the air.

"Actually, I planted these when I have the time," Yanyu replied, smiling at Suyin's response to the flowers. "It seems like you haven't been here for a while. Brother and I were wondering how you were doing back at home the last time you came here."

Suyin directed her head to Yanyu and gave her a big grin, her smile brighter than the sun gleaming between the two.

"Of course, home is nothing but dull! I can't stand the life of staying home all day."

Yanyu's peaceful expression changed into a surprised one.

"Dull? Why did you say that? Recently, you used to tell me how troublesome it was to be out all the time instead of staying home." Yanyu declared, strolling along aside with Suyin.

"Um. Yeah, I did consider that at one point recently but..." Suyin glimpsed around and leaned on the cement lantern next to the plum blossom tree.

She tip-toed to the nearest branch she could reach and tenderly picked off the plum blossom flower, handing it to Yanyu with a bright expression.

"I think that living a life that is meaningful to you makes more sense when you find something you like doing, you know?" Yanyu hesitated, unsure of what Suyin was expressing, and silently accepted the flower that Suyin handed to her, giving her a small smile.

"Suyin." She stared at Yanyu, who gazed at the plum blossom before the two looked at each other. "Hm?"

"Never mind. I forgot what I was going to say." Yanyu shook her head. She stopped walking and watched the active Suyin stroll around the garden.

"Did you know how different you are now from the last time I met you?"

Suyin and Yanyu continued wandering for a bit until Yanyu got bored, so the two sat down in the pavilion, sipping green herb tea as Suyin listened to Yanyu's life in the palace and how lonely she's been feeling because her brother has been occupied.

"Maybe you should go out and find something that you enjoy doing," Suyin suggested, sipping her tea. Yanyu could only bitterly smile at Suyin's words.

"Like a Princess in the palace, we cannot do anything that will ruin our reputation and name." She sighed in disappointment, staring down at the ground. Suyin bit her lips, understanding how females in the past were always grounded down wherever they were. They were supposed to stay in one place and follow their partner's footsteps rather than their own.

Suyin lightly slammed her teacup on her lap, causing Yanyu to jump in surprise.

"Ruining one's reputation and living as your own self are two different things." Suyin looked straight into Yanyu's eyes. She placed the teacup on the table and held Yanyu's hands. "You need to have freedom in your life and take control. You are the person who will be walking the path in life, not the others who may control you for that."

Yanyu glanced up at Suyin, then gazed back down on the floor with a hopeless expression. Suyin frowned, raising Yanyu's chin up.

"You must look ahead with determination and bravery. If you don't, you'll always live your life seeing the ground instead of soaring through the sky with no limit." [Idiom: You will always stay in one place being afraid if you don't find what makes you happy and free.]

Yanyu pondered for a minute or two, absorbing what Suyin was trying to say. She understood that Suyin is trying to say things for the best, but she felt that as a Princess, it was unnecessary for her to go through all the trouble to fight for what Suyin called, "freedom." Suyin was for sure strange in Yanyu's point of view because she never noticed how passionate and outspoken Suyin was towards the Princess. The Suyin before would always watch what she would say and would be a bit more...relaxed.

"Miss Suyin. It seems like you seem a bit unusual the last time I saw you."

A male voice declared, causing Suyin and Yanyu to turn to the owner of the voice.

"Brother!" Yanyu glared at his comment as Suyin began to reflect on the Prince's words, slowly agreeing with what he was saying.

Prince Long Jianyu was a tall and well-built man who had just finished his class with Suyin's father. One of the servants told Jianyu that Suyin was in the Princess's courtyard and hurried off to see her after he finished listening to her father's lectures.

Jianyu was the crown prince, the older brother of Yanyu who was a couple of years apart from the two girls. Suyin wasn't too intimate with Jianyu compared to Yanyu because of Jianyu's bursting reputation with the girls. The man was about 177 cm in height, half of Suyin and Yanyu's height which made them look shorter than they would be.

Jianyu clothes were silk black and gold which carried the atmosphere of nobility and power in his hands. His eyes were soft, always holding a concerned or compassionate expression on his face with little or no intimidation. He was highly favored by the emperor and the empress because of his obedience and kind-hearted soul which won the hearts of many girls in town.

It had been a while since Jianyu had seen his little sister and Suyin because his father instructed Jianyu to take care of the townspeople in a small neutral mountain village. It was a project that was crowded with homeless and sickly people, and the emperor wanted Jianyu to solve the problem so that the people would support him as the future emperor. Jianyu failed to do so and came back home with no solution and no favor to the civilians.

Suyin could care less that Jianyu was one of the "most handsome men ever lived" as quoted by many girls since she felt like Jianyu was someone who was like a brother to her. Suyin could remember the memories with Jianyu in the past such as fishing with him, encouraging him to understand her father's lectures, and writing poetry in the pavilion. She still pondered about the statement that Jianyu mentioned to Suyin though.

"Hm. Am I that strange? How different am I?" Suyin challenged the question, as Jianyu chuckled. He sat right next to Yanyu who continuously frowned at Jianyu for being so direct with Suyin. Unlike Jianyu, Yanyu would keep her thoughts to herself rather than be as honest as her older brother. She believed that it wasn't right of him to say something like that to her since maybe Suyin had a life experience change or something similar to that happened to her.

"The Suyin I know would be more reserved and ladylike." Jianyu grinned, leaning on the table as he poured himself a glass of tea. "Suyin seems to be so honest and brave now." Jianyu took a sip of tea with a grin that was never washed off of his face.

Suyin's urgency was palpable as she urged Areum to comply, her hands deftly maneuvering to reveal the raw wounds that marred Areum's skin.

Areum winced at the sudden exposure, her eyes fixed straight ahead as she awaited Suyin's next instruction, unsure of what to expect.

"Just look ahead and don't turn around," Suyin commanded, her voice firm yet tinged with a note of compassion.

With gentle precision, she began applying the soothing medicine to Areum's back, her touch tender and deliberate as she worked to alleviate the pain that she herself had inadvertently caused.

As Suyin surveyed the lash marks that crisscrossed Areum's skin, a pang of guilt washed over her, her heart heavy with remorse for the suffering that her actions had wrought.

"I'm sorry I've caused so much trouble for you," Suyin's voice softened with genuine regret, her words a heartfelt apology for the pain and hardship that Areum had endured because of her recklessness.

She couldn't bear the thought of Areum bearing the blame for her own mistakes, and the weight of her remorse hung heavy in the air.

As Areum's smile washed over Suyin, a sense of relief flooded her heart, dispelling the lingering shadows of guilt that had weighed heavily upon her.

Areum's unwavering loyalty and forgiveness were a balm to her troubled soul, a reminder of the bond that they shared and the depths of Areum's devotion.

"I'm willing to do anything for my young miss," Areum added, her words echoing with sincerity and steadfast determination.

Suyin couldn't help but grin bitterly at the irony of the situation. In a world where loyalty was often bought and sold, finding someone like Areum, who would sacrifice everything for her sake, was a rare and precious gift.

But beneath Suyin's smile lurked a poignant awareness of the stark disparities that defined their relationship. In a society governed by rigid social hierarchies, the divide between master and servant was an insurmountable barrier that loomed large between them.

Despite the depth of their bond, the difference in their status was a chasm that could never be fully bridged.

Yet, despite the challenges they faced, Areum remained steadfast in her loyalty, her gratitude evident in every word and gesture. Suyin couldn't help but feel a swell of gratitude for the unwavering support that Areum had shown her, both now and in the past.

For Areum, Suyin's kindness had been a beacon of hope in a world fraught with hardship and uncertainty.

[AREUM'S BACKSTORY]

Abandoned by her parents at a young age, Areum had known nothing but struggle and deprivation. Forced to fend for herself on the unforgiving streets, she had resorted to theft as a means of survival, her actions driven by desperation and necessity.

It was during one such moment of desperation that their paths had first crossed. Areum had stolen Suyin's food, pushing her to the ground as she fled with her ill-gotten gains. But instead of seeking retribution, Suyin had shown her compassion, lying to her father to protect Areum from punishment.

In the quiet moments before dawn, when the world lay shrouded in darkness and silence, young Suyin would slip away from the opulent confines of her home, her heart heavy with the weight of a secret burden.

With determined steps, she would tread the winding streets of the city, her senses alert to every shadow and sound as she made her way to the outskirts, where Areum's humble abode awaited her.

The cold, abandoned home stood as a stark testament to Areum's plight, a refuge of last resort in a world that had long since turned its back on her. Yet, despite the harsh realities of her existence, Areum greeted each day with a quiet resilience, her spirit unbroken by the hardships she faced.

As young Suyin approached, her footsteps muffled by the thick layer of snow that blanketed the ground, she would pause at the threshold, her heart heavy with a mixture of guilt and determination. With a soft knock, she would announce her presence, her voice barely a whisper in the stillness of the night.

"Did you want some food?" young Suyin's words would hang in the air, a tentative offering of solace and companionship in a world that had long since forgotten her.

"Eum!" Areum's response would come without hesitation, her voice filled with gratitude and relief as she welcomed Suyin into her humble abode.

And in that fleeting moment, as they shared a meal in the quiet solitude of the night, their bond would deepen, forged in the crucible of adversity and strengthened by the warmth of their friendship.

But it wasn't until one fateful night, when Suyin's clandestine visits were discovered by her parents, that the true extent of their bond would be put to the test.

With her heart pounding in her chest, Suyin had pleaded with her parents to allow Areum to be her maid, to grant her a place of refuge within the safety of their home.

Though hesitant at first, her parents had relented, their hearts softened by their daughter's earnest plea. And so, Areum had come to reside within the walls of their home, her presence a constant reminder of the bond that they shared and the debt of gratitude that Suyin owed her.

[END OF AREUM'S BACKSTORY]

Now, as Suyin tended to Areum's wounds with gentle care, the weight of their shared history hung heavy in the air, a silent testament to the depth of their bond of friendship.

Areum's gratitude was evident in every word and gesture, her modesty a stark contrast to Suyin's overwhelming sense of guilt.

But Suyin waved off Areum's thanks with a casual shrug, her demeanor belied by the weight of her emotions. "It's fine. It's not much either since you did get in trouble because of me," she replied, her words a feeble attempt to downplay the significance of her actions.

A servant's voice echoed through the room, Suyin glanced at Areum, a silent acknowledgment passing between them before she nodded, granting permission for the visitor to enter. With measured steps, a male servant entered the room, his head bowed in deference as he delivered his message.

"Master has suggested you to go visit the Prince and the Princess at the Palace," he announced, his words laden with a sense of importance that left Suyin momentarily taken aback.

The mention of the Prince and Princess sparked a flurry of thoughts in Areum's mind, her imagination painting vivid images of the royal couple with all the grandeur and majesty befitting their station.

Though she hadn't crossed paths with the Prince in some time, she had often found solace in the company of the Princess, whose loneliness mirrored her own amidst the opulence of the palace walls.

With a smirk of anticipation, Suyin rose to her feet, her movements imbued with a sense of purpose as she prepared to depart. But before she could take another step, Areum's voice rang out, her urgency halting Suyin in her tracks.

"My lady, you can't just go out like that with your dirty outfit! We need to change first!" Areum's words were laced with determination as she moved to intercept Suyin, her hands pushing her towards the dressing area.

Suyin's gaze fell to her attire, her brow furrowing in consternation as she took stock of the specks of dirt that marred her sleeves and the wrinkles that marred the fabric of her dress.

In the presence of nobility and etiquette, such imperfections would not go unnoticed, and Suyin knew that Areum was right.

With a resigned sigh, she acquiesced to Areum's insistence, allowing herself to be guided towards the dressing area.

In a world governed by strict social codes and expectations, Areum's steadfast loyalty was a beacon of light in the darkness, a reminder that true friendship knew no bounds.

-----------------------------------------

"Miss Han has entered the palace!" The servant's proclamation rang out, reverberating through the air as he bowed his head respectfully, the heavy doors to the Princess's courtyard swinging open to admit Suyin and Areum.

Suyin's entrance was marked by a delicate poise as she glided forward, a vision of elegance in her sky-blue silk dress, her fair skin radiant against the fabric, and her dark tresses cascading like a waterfall down her back.

To the observant eyes of the palace workers, her presence bore an uncanny resemblance to that of the Princess, a testament to her grace and refinement that seemed to transcend mere lineage.

As Suyin stepped into the courtyard, Princess Yanyu approached with measured steps, her demeanor serene and composed, a stark contrast to Suyin's eager haste.

"You have arrived, Miss Suyin," Yanyu greeted, her voice calm and measured as she extended a welcoming hand.

"Yanyu!"

Areum's gentle nudge prompted Suyin to straighten, a nervous flutter in her throat as she bowed respectfully before the Princess.

"Princess," she acknowledged with a slight shift in tone, casting a discreet glance at the surrounding servants who quickly dispersed at Yanyu's silent command, leaving the trio alone in the Princess's resplendent courtyard.

Adjacent to the pavilion where they stood, a tranquil lotus pond shimmered in the dappled sunlight, its waters reflecting the azure sky above. Along the winding walkway, vibrant peony flowers burst forth in a riot of color, their fragrant blooms perfuming the air with their heady scent.

Suyin's gaze drifted appreciatively over the blossoms, her fingers grazing the velvety petals as she inhaled their sweet aroma. "Were these flowers all planted here for you?" she marveled, her voice tinged with genuine wonder as she straightened, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Smiling softly, Yanyu shook her head. "Actually, I planted them myself whenever I find the time," she revealed, her gaze fond as she observed Suyin's delight. "It seems you haven't visited in a while. Both my brother and I were concerned about you, wondering how things were back at home after your last visit."

Suyin turned to Yanyu, her grin infectious as she basked in the warmth of the Princess's attention.

"Oh, home is nothing but dull! I simply can't bear the monotony of staying indoors all day," she confessed, her enthusiasm bubbling forth like a brook in spring.

Yanyu's serene expression faltered slightly, surprise flickering across her features. "Dull? But I recall you mentioning how troublesome it was to be constantly on the go, preferring the comforts of home," she remarked, falling into step beside Suyin as they strolled along the path.

"Um, well, yes, I suppose I did feel that way for a time," Suyin admitted, her gaze darting around the courtyard before she leaned casually against a weathered cement lantern, her thoughts momentarily obscured by the delicate plum blossoms that swayed gently overhead.

With a delicate grace, Suyin tiptoed towards the nearest branch heavy with plum blossoms, her movements fluid and unhurried as she reached out to pluck a single flower, cradling it tenderly in her palm before presenting it to Yanyu with a radiant smile that lit up her features.

"I believe that living a life that resonates with you is truly meaningful," Suyin expressed, her words infused with a quiet intensity as she searched Yanyu's face for understanding.

Uncertain of how her sentiment would be received, Yanyu accepted the offering with a gentle nod, her lips curving into a small, appreciative smile as she studied the delicate bloom nestled in her hand.

"Suyin," Yanyu began, her voice soft with contemplation as she lifted her gaze to meet Suyin's, their eyes locking in a moment of shared understanding.

"Hm?"

But before Yanyu could articulate her thoughts, they seemed to slip away like elusive wisps of smoke, leaving her shaking her head in mild frustration. Pausing in their stroll, she watched with a mixture of amusement and curiosity as Suyin flitted about the garden, her boundless energy a stark contrast to Yanyu's own measured pace.

"Have you noticed how much you've changed since we last met?" Yanyu's question hung in the air, a gentle breeze stirring the leaves overhead as they continued their leisurely walk, the weight of her words lingering between them like a fragile promise.

-------------------------------------------

As the afternoon waned, Yanyu's restlessness prompted them to seek refuge in the shaded sanctuary of the pavilion, where they sat in companionable silence, sipping on fragrant herb tea as Yanyu unburdened herself, sharing the weight of her loneliness in the vast expanse of the palace, her brother's absence weighing heavily on her heart.

"Perhaps you should seek out activities that bring you joy," Suyin ventured, her voice soft but earnest as she took a sip of her tea, the warmth of the cup seeping into her fingers. Yet, Yanyu's response was tinged with bitter resignation, her smile masking a deeper sadness.

"Like a Princess confined to the palace, we are bound by expectations and traditions," Yanyu lamented, her gaze drifting downwards, the weight of centuries-old conventions pressing down upon her like an invisible shackle.

Suyin's heart ached with understanding, a silent acknowledgement of the constraints imposed upon women throughout history, their aspirations and dreams often stifled by the rigid confines of societal norms.

In a moment of frustration and empathy, Suyin's teacup clattered against her lap, the sound jolting Yanyu from her reverie, her eyes widening in surprise at the uncharacteristic display of emotion.

"Preserving your reputation and embracing your true self are not mutually exclusive," Suyin asserted firmly, her gaze unwavering as she locked eyes with Yanyu, the weight of her words underscored by a sense of urgency.

Setting her teacup down with deliberate care, she reached across the table, her slender fingers intertwining with Yanyu's own, a silent gesture of solidarity and support. "You deserve to carve out your own path, to claim ownership of your life. It's your journey to navigate, not one dictated by the expectations of others."

Yanyu's gaze flickered briefly upwards, meeting Suyin's steady gaze before sliding back down to the floor, her expression tinged with resignation. Sensing her friend's despair, Suyin's frown deepened, her fingers gently lifting Yanyu's chin until their eyes met once more.

"Look ahead with courage and resolve," Suyin urged gently, her voice a soothing murmur. "Otherwise, you'll find yourself tethered to the ground, never daring to spread your wings and soar into the boundless expanse of possibility."

Yanyu pondered Suyin's words in thoughtful silence, the weight of their conversation settling heavily upon her shoulders.

While she acknowledged the sincerity of Suyin's intentions, she couldn't shake the nagging sense of futility that clung to her like a shadow. As a Princess, bound by duty and tradition, the notion of fighting for personal freedom seemed inconceivable, a distant dream beyond her reach.

To Yanyu, Suyin appeared almost alien in her fervor and outspokenness, a stark departure from the demure and reserved girl she once knew.

Gone was the cautious restraint that had characterized their previous interactions, replaced instead by a newfound confidence and determination.

"Miss Suyin, you seem rather... different," a familiar voice interrupted, drawing both Suyin and Yanyu's attention towards the speaker.

"Brother!" Yanyu's tone was laced with indignation as she shot a reproachful glare in his direction, her brother's observation prompting a wave of discomfort to wash over her. Meanwhile, Suyin found herself reflecting on the Prince's words, the seed of his observation taking root in her mind, slowly blossoming into a reluctant agreement.

Prince Long Jianyu emerged from his father's lecture hall, a tall and imposing figure whose presence commanded attention wherever he went.

As he was informed of Suyin's presence in the Princess's courtyard, he wasted no time in making his way there, his measured strides reflecting a sense of purpose and determination.

As the crown prince and elder brother to Yanyu, Prince Jianyu bore the weight of his responsibilities with grace and dignity. Despite being only a few years older than the two girls, his position in the hierarchy of the palace imbued him with an air of authority that set him apart.

Standing at a towering height of 177 centimeters, he loomed over Suyin and Yanyu, his stature accentuating his regal bearing and commanding presence.

Clad in silk garments adorned with hues of black and gold, Jianyu exuded an aura of nobility and power, his attire a reflection of his esteemed status within the royal court.

Yet, despite his lofty position, his demeanor remained approachable and warm, his eyes betraying a depth of emotion that belied his stoic exterior. Always wearing a soft gaze, his expressions ranged from concern to compassion, rarely, if ever, veering into intimidation.

Highly regarded by both the emperor and empress for his unwavering loyalty and kind-hearted nature, Jianyu was a beacon of virtue and integrity, his actions guided by a sense of duty and honor that endeared him to all who crossed his path.

His amiable disposition and genuine sincerity had earned him the admiration and affection of many, particularly among the young maidens of the town who harbored secret fantasies of capturing his attention.

It had been a considerable span of time since Jianyu last laid eyes upon his little sister and Suyin, his absence necessitated by his father's directive to oversee a humanitarian project in a remote mountain village.

Tasked with addressing the plight of the impoverished and ailing populace, Jianyu's mission held the weight of his father's expectations, the success of which would determine his standing among the people and his viability as a future emperor.

Yet, despite his earnest efforts, Jianyu returned home empty-handed, his failure to alleviate the suffering of the villagers casting a shadow over his reputation and leaving him bereft of the favor he had sought to gain.

For Suyin, Jianyu's status as one of the most handsome men to grace the earth held little sway, her regard for him rooted instead in the bonds of friendship and kinship they had shared since childhood.

Memories of their shared experiences flooded her mind: the days spent fishing by the river, the hours devoted to deciphering her father's intricate lectures, and the moments of quiet reflection spent composing poetry in the tranquil confines of the pavilion.

Yet, despite the familiarity of their history, Suyin couldn't help but ponder Jianyu's earlier remark, the seed of doubt planted in her mind taking root and blossoming into a challenge she couldn't ignore.

"Hmm. Am I truly that different?" Suyin posed the question with a hint of defiance, her gaze fixed unwaveringly upon Jianyu as he settled beside Yanyu, his easy demeanor belying the weight of his observation.

While Yanyu silently disapproved of her brother's forthrightness, preferring instead to maintain a facade of polite reserve, Jianyu seemed undeterred by her disapproval, his grin widening as he leaned casually against the table, pouring himself a glass of tea.

"The Suyin I remember was more demure and refined," Jianyu remarked, his tone laced with amusement as he raised the cup to his lips, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "But now, she's become quite the fearless truth-seeker."

Taking a leisurely sip of his tea, Jianyu's grin remained firmly in place, a testament to the unabashed honesty that had come to define Suyin's newfound demeanor.

Suyin's index finger hovered in the air, a silent gesture punctuating her contemplation as she directed her gaze upwards, lost in introspection.

In her recollections of her former self, there lingered the impression of a noble aura, an embodiment of poise, humility, and deference to others. It was a persona she once inhabited, one she respected but could never fully embody.

For Suyin, authenticity trumped conformity; she was a woman who stood firm in her convictions, unafraid to champion her own rights and freedoms.

With a decisive gesture, Suyin lowered her finger and leveled a pointed look at Jianyu, whose startled reaction betrayed his surprise.

"Regardless of any changes, I remain Suyin," she declared, her voice steady and unwavering.

Suddenly, all eyes turned to Jianyu, the crown prince, as Suyin's finger found its target.

In most circumstances, such a gesture would be deemed disrespectful, a breach of etiquette unbefitting of one addressing royalty. Yet, the casual nonchalance with which Suyin pointed at Jianyu left both him and Yanyu in a state of shock.

Areum, if present, would have undoubtedly reprimanded Suyin for such brazen behavior, but her absence left a void in the courtyard, her sensible guidance sorely missed.

"Suyin," Yanyu's voice trembled with concern as she addressed her friend, her expression fraught with worry. Suyin turned her attention to Yanyu, her brow furrowing in confusion at the gravity of her friend's tone.

"You must realize, pointing at others, especially royalty, is a grave offense. Such actions can incur severe repercussions."

The guards, sensing a breach of protocol, swiftly encircled Suyin, their swords drawn and poised to enforce the sanctity of the royal court.