Reeling from the revelation that she was, in fact, the long-lost mermaid princess, Li Xue listened intently as Emperor Shen recounted the tale of her past life in the mermaid world. The courtiers and guards looked on with a mixture of awe and disbelief, while Lanfen remained by Li Xue's side, a steadfast source of support and comfort.
"Many years ago," Emperor Shen began, "you were born here, in the Mermaid Kingdom. You were a bright, curious child, and your mother, the late Empress, and I loved you dearly. However, when you were still very young, a great calamity befell our kingdom."
The Emperor's voice grew somber as he continued. "A powerful and malevolent sorceress attacked our realm, seeking to seize control and bend the merfolk to her dark will. In the midst of the chaos, you were lost to us, and we believed you had perished. In truth, it seems that the sorceress had used her dark magic to send you to another world."
Li Xue absorbed the words, her mind spinning with questions. "But, Your Majesty, how did I come to forget my mermaid past and live as a human?"
Emperor Shen shook his head, a pained expression on his face. "I can only speculate, but it seems that the sorceress's spell not only transported you to another world but also erased your memories of your life here. Over time, you adapted to your new surroundings and grew into the remarkable woman you are today."
Li Xue stared at her hands, now webbed and bearing the delicate scales of a mermaid. "So, all this time, I have been living a life that was never truly mine?"
Emperor Shen placed a comforting hand on Li Xue's shoulder. "In a way, that may be true. But the strength, intelligence, and determination you have demonstrated in your human life are qualities that are undoubtedly your own. Now, as our lost princess, you have the opportunity to use those gifts for the betterment of our kingdom and its people."
As the weight of her new identity and responsibilities began to sink in, Li Xue felt a mixture of fear and determination welling up within her. She knew that embracing her mermaid heritage would be a monumental task, but she also recognized the opportunity it presented to make a lasting impact on the world she now called home.