Chapter 76: Do You Feel Wronged Beside Me?

Ji Tianxin sat inside the carriage, her hand limply propping up her head.

Everything within the carriage was arranged according to her preferences—there were snacks, warm drinks, and even a comfortable pillow.

“In truth, palace banquets are nothing special,” Suqing said, feeding a peeled nut to Ji Tianxin and then smiling. “It’s just eating, drinking, and watching performances. Sometimes you listen to see if the Emperor has any big announcements, maybe he’ll bestow some rewards, or if he’s in a good mood, even grant a marriage or something…”

“If you’re lucky, you might even stumble upon some palace gossip.”

Ji Tianxin nodded. It was much like the dramas she’d watched long ago—really, not much different.

She finished the nut and sipped her fruit tea.

“So, do you want to go back?” she asked casually.

At these words, Suqing’s expression shifted. She immediately knelt before Ji Tianxin, her words measured and solemn, spoken like an oath: “I will follow you, my lady. I will go nowhere else.”

In that moment, Suqing’s face became far graver than her usual lively self.

Ji Tianxin looked at her and spoke slowly, “You’ve forsaken all your former glory and fortune to stay by my side. Does it make you feel wronged?”

Her voice sounded so young and gentle, yet the words made Suqing’s heart tighten.

“By your side, I have never felt aggrieved,” Suqing replied, lifting her head to meet Ji Tianxin’s gaze, her tone unwavering. “To serve you is a blessing I must have earned over countless lifetimes.”

Just then, the carriage lurched, causing the kneeling Suqing to sway.

Ji Tianxin waved her hand, and the motion of the carriage ceased—no more jolts, not even the sensation of being in a carriage remained. It was as if they were seated on solid ground, utterly still.

“You’ve served me for so many years. If you wish to return and reclaim what’s rightfully yours, I would help you…” Ji Tianxin paused, watching her. “Whatever you desire, I can grant it.”

Suqing’s eyes reddened as she laughed and wept at once. “I want nothing but to remain at your side, my lady. To be with you is a privilege others could only envy.”

Ji Tianxin’s brow furrowed gently. “Don’t cry. Then just stay with me, that’s enough.”

At this, Suqing broke into a smile, her nose tinged red; the shifting emotions of a thirteen-year-old girl made her all the more endearing.

Ji Tianxin had only asked out of passing curiosity—she hadn’t expected Suqing to react so fervently.

After all, Suqing had been at her side for a long time now, and Ji Tianxin simply wanted to know if she had any other wishes.

If she wished to leave, Ji Tianxin would not have stopped her.

People are free; to come and go as they please.

That was always how she treated those around her.

Moreover, Suqing served her well, and if she had any needs, Ji Tianxin would strive to fulfill them.

That was why she’d asked.

But since Suqing had no such desires, Ji Tianxin let it be.

If Suqing wished to stay by her side, then so be it.

She would find a way to extend Suqing’s life.

Ji Tianxin rested a while in the carriage. Lately, she had found it difficult to make any further progress in her cultivation, yet her soul was already beginning to merge with her physical body.

In other words, once her soul and body completely fused, her physical form would be wholly transformed.

Though the martial path itself altered the body, her soul could purify this vessel even further—bringing it closer to a divine body.

Furthermore, to refine a spiritual space, she would have to draw upon the power of her soul.

“My lady, we are nearly there.”