A five-year-old goddess, raised to become an emperor for all time through a bronze mirror.

Chapter 215 Hesitation

Holding that packet of powder year after year, the warmth of her fingertips seemed to seep through the thin paper wrapping and reach her heart, making her feel a chill.

Pei Yunjing's gentle smile appeared before her eyes; it was the only warmth she had in the cold winter, an untouchable sanctuary in her heart.

"How could I do this to him?" Nian Nian murmured to herself, her eyes filled with struggle and pain.

She knew that Pei Yunjing was not only her salvation, but also the hope of countless people;

He was so kind and selfless; his existence was like a ray of light in the darkness, illuminating the path for countless people.

However, she was Wanpin's spy, and her identity and mission told her that she could not disobey orders;

Before this, Nian Nian was forced to take a Gu worm. Consort Wan said that the Gu worm needed to be taken to her in ten days to take a special medicine pill, otherwise it would cause her intestines to perforate and her stomach to rot and she would die.

Every year, she would stand up, walk to the small bronze mirror, and look at herself in the mirror once again.

Her eyes no longer held only sorrow, but also determination and resolve; year after year, she knew she had to make a choice, and that choice…

She took a deep breath, turned back to the table, rewrapped the powder, and put it in her pocket.

Every year when she closes her eyes, Pei Yunjing's voice, comforting the disaster victims in the freezing rain, echoes in her mind. That voice is like heavenly music, gradually calming the fear and unease in her heart.

"dong dong dong~"

Just then, a soft knock came at the door, breaking the silence inside.

Nian Nian suddenly opened her eyes, her heart pounding instantly. She quickly hid the powder, then walked to the door and asked warily:

"who is it?"

There was no answer from outside the door, only continuous knocking.

Every year, she would carefully pull open the latch, and in the darkness outside, there stood a figure—someone she knew all too well—Pei Yunjing.

"Niannian, you must have been through so much today, it must have been quite frightening for you, so... I was really worried and couldn't rest easy, which is why I rushed over to see if you were alright..."

Pei Yunjing's deep and magnetic voice, like a gentle breeze brushing across a lake in spring, softly entered Nian Nian's ears.

At this moment, his deep eyes, set against the inky blackness of the night, emitted a strange light, shining like the most brilliant stars in the night sky.

In fact, just now, Pei Yunjing received an urgent message from Jiusheng.

According to Jiusheng's report, someone secretly placed an unidentified object on Nian Nian's windowsill late at night.

Upon learning of this, Pei Yunjing became suspicious and distrustful of Nian Nian, so he immediately set off to investigate.

Upon hearing these caring words, Nian Nian's previously anxious heart was instantly overwhelmed by a warm current.

She struggled to hold back the tears that were about to spill from her eyes, nodded slightly, and replied softly, "Thank you for your concern, Sixth Prince. I am fine."

Despite saying she was fine, her slightly trembling voice couldn't hide the true emotional turmoil within her.

Pei Yunjing, being such a perceptive person, naturally noticed the slight abnormality in Nian Nian's appearance very easily.

However, he did not choose to press further. Instead, he considerately reached out and gently brushed a fallen leaf from Nian Nian's hair, saying softly:

"The night air outside is quite chilly. Don't stand here for too long. Go inside quickly."

Upon hearing this, Nian Nian obediently nodded, then stepped aside to make way for him.

Pei Yunjing walked steadily into the house. His gaze first quickly swept around the somewhat simple room before finally settling on Niannian.

He didn't find anything unusual, but he didn't point it out. He simply asked softly:

"Niannian, is something on your mind? Can you tell me? Perhaps I can help you."

A warm feeling welled up in Nian Nian's heart. She knew that Pei Yun Jing had an unusual concern for her, but her secret was too heavy for her to tell.

She could only force a smile and shake her head: "Your Highness, I was just wondering why you would be here on a night like this."

Pei Yunjing smiled slightly, walked to the wooden table and sat down, his gaze still gentle:

"I was just passing by when I saw light coming from your window, so I thought I'd check to see if you were alright. I never expected to disturb your rest."

Nian Nian's heart tightened. She realized her oversight. If the dark figure just now was Pei Yun Jing, then he might have already seen the package.

But after carefully observing Pei Yunjing's expression, she didn't find anything unusual; perhaps he really was just passing by.

"Your Highness, I am deeply grateful for your concern for me," Nian Nian said softly, her voice trembling slightly.

Pei Yunjing stood up and walked to Niannian's side:

"I know you have suffered a lot, but please believe me, I will do my best to protect you. In this palace, there are not many people I can trust, and you are one of them."

Every year when she looked up and met Pei Yunjing's trusting eyes, her defenses almost collapsed.

"Sixth Prince, you saved Niannian's life. Niannian is willing to do anything for Your Highness." Niannian finally made up her mind; she would bury this secret deep in her heart...

Pei Yunjing nodded, seemingly satisfied with Nian Nian's answer.

He looked around again and said softly, "This place is indeed a bit simple. I will have someone arrange a better place for you to stay."

“No, Your Highness, Niannian is used to this place and doesn’t want to cause you any trouble,” Niannian said quickly. She was afraid of change, afraid that once she left this place, her secret would be more easily exposed.

Pei Yunjing did not insist, but simply nodded: "Alright, if you need anything, you can tell me at any time."

As night deepened, Pei Yunjing rose to take his leave. Nian Nian saw him to the door, watching his figure disappear into the night, her heart filled with conflict and unease.

But she knew she had made her choice, and she would protect Pei Yunjing and this hard-won trust in her own way.

Turning back into the house, Niannian took out the packet of powder from her pocket, a resolute glint in her eyes.

She knew she had to find a way to satisfy both Wanpin's orders and Pei Yunjing.

This night was destined to be long and sleepless for Nian Nian.

Year after year, she sat on the edge of the bed, clutching the packet of medicine powder tightly in her hand. Her thoughts were like swirling snowflakes, complex and chaotic.

She knew that time was of the essence, and she had to come up with a plan as soon as possible—a plan that could both protect Pei Yunjing and allow her to escape.