It wasn't the faint herbal scent I remembered from my second elder brother; instead, it was the cool, icy feel of armor pressed against my cheek, exuding a sharp, invigorating aura that gave me an overwhelming sense of security. The only drawback was…

"Second brother, my nose hurts so much."

Helian Si covered his nose with his hand, lifted his face from Helian Ci's embrace, and his beautiful peach blossom eyes were brimming with tears.

"Cough, let me see."

Helian Ci was startled, then came to his senses. A hint of annoyance flashed across his handsome face and dark eyes. He released his arms that were holding Helian Si, lowered his head slightly, and carefully examined Helian Si's nose.

"Is it famous yet?"

Helian Si asked with teary eyes, "You've lost your stunning beauty, and you've even forgotten the awkwardness and nervousness of not seeing each other for so many years."

"Just a little bit, don't worry, your stunning beauty won't be lost."

Helian Ci gently flicked Helian Si's nose with his slender fingers and chuckled softly in comfort.

"Second brother, do you still remember what I said when I was a child?" Helian Si's eyes curved into a smile, a little embarrassed, cough, but his beauty was unparalleled, that was a given, cough.

Helian Ci gently patted Helian Si's head, his hoarse, magnetic voice earnest yet gentle.

"Second Brother has never forgotten anything about Sisi."

Helian Si felt a lump in his throat, all the awkwardness from their long separation vanished, and he wrapped his arms around Helian Ci's arm.

She leaned her head on Helian Ci's shoulder, acting sweetly and affectionately like a little child.

"Second brother, Sisi misses you so much."

Helian Ci's smile widened as he turned his head, his dark eyes falling on Helian Si. He gently patted Helian Si's head, his handsome face filled with doting affection.

"My brother also longs for Sisi."

**

The Imperial Palace, Fanghua Palace.

Consort Lian stood under the corridor, dressed in a magnificent magnolia silk dress. Her well-maintained face was slightly furrowed, revealing her anxious anticipation.

"Your Majesty, why don't we go inside and wait? His Majesty went to fetch the Second Prince himself. The Prince is with His Majesty, so he shouldn't be back so soon."

Liu'er held onto Consort Lian's hand and offered her words of advice with concern.

"No, it's been seven years, a full seven years. My beloved son has finally returned, and I'll be here waiting for him."

Consort Lian's well-maintained face showed signs of irritation, though her eyes were slightly red. Seven years had passed, and her beloved Ci'er had finally returned, her lifelong support.

Seven years, a full seven years. Her beloved son was so outstanding, making so many contributions in that harsh frontier region.

But the Emperor never showed her even the slightest tenderness. Fortunately, she eventually grew indifferent to it, and in the past few years, the Emperor has never set foot in the inner palace.

She understood: with three heirs to the throne, this vast harem was nothing more than a facade to the emperor.

In his later years, the late emperor was obsessed with beautiful women, while the current emperor is devoted to the cause of unifying the world. The emperor is ruthless and cold-blooded, and she can only rely on her son.

Consort Lian insisted, and Liu'er, being a servant, could not persuade her any further. She took small steps into the hall, took a cloak, and draped it over Consort Lian.

Although it's early spring, the wind still carries a chill, so be careful not to catch a cold.

Fortunately, Consort Lian didn't have to wait too long. Helian Ci's tall and slender figure, clad in silver armor, appeared.

Appearing at the entrance of Fanghua Palace, she spotted Consort Lian in the corridor at a glance and called out,

"Mother."

As the mother and son locked eyes, Consort Lian's eyes instantly welled up with tears.

"Give me my son!"