The next day, I got up very early, which was probably the earliest I've ever gotten up.
Chang Xi dressed me up as usual, and I looked at Chang Xi's familiar face through the mirror.
"Chang Xi, what were you doing before you came here?"
"Your Majesty, I was tending to some flowers and plants at Lingyu Garden before."
"Flowers and plants?" I then noticed that Chang Xi's original form was a white datura flower. "Chang Xi, you are a white datura flower, why are you called Chang Xi?"
Xi clearly means night. Changxi, as a white mandala, should have never seen the night before she attained enlightenment, so why is she called Changxi?
Changxi paused in her hand as she combed my hair, lowered her eyes, and slowly spoke, “I was born with a love that I cherish deeply. Although we cannot meet, our hearts are always connected. Before I achieved enlightenment, I had never seen the night. I always bloom in the daytime, while he always blooms at night. I long to stay in the night a little longer, even just for a moment, just to catch a glimpse of him. Unfortunately, I cannot defy the will of Heaven. So I named myself Changxi, hoping that I could also appear in the night and often stay by his side.”
I never expected that Chang Xi's name would have such a deeper meaning; I've been force-fed a mouthful of dog food (a Chinese slang term for witnessing public displays of affection).
"So you two should be able to spend more time together now? It's all been a long and winding road," I said with a smile. "By the way, what's his name? I've never seen him before."
"His name is Chang Xi. He is in hell. Emperor Xin should never have seen him." Chang Xi's face was full of happy smiles when she mentioned her beloved.
"Also called Changxi?" I was a little confused, but then it dawned on me, "The 'Xi' in 'morning sun'?"
"Mmm." Chang Xi nodded shyly.
I couldn't help but chuckle to myself. This couple was so in love, their sweetness was almost sickening. I'd only ever heard of couples using online names; I never imagined I'd actually have a real-life couple with those names. Why hadn't I asked them before?
"Do you want to reunite with him? To be together often, just like your names suggest?"
Chang Xi looked at me with disbelief and excitement in her eyes. "Yes," Chang Xi nodded vigorously.
"Then I'll have someone transfer him to the Heavenly Court, so you can be together more often."
"Thank you, Emperor Xin." Upon hearing this, Chang Xi put down the comb in her hand and knelt down at my feet to express her gratitude.
“There’s no need for that.” I helped Chang Xi up. “When he arrives, you can go back to Lingyu Garden together to tend to the flowers and plants. You are both flower spirits, so it shouldn’t be difficult.”
"Xinhuang, is there something I did wrong?" Chang Xi looked up cautiously.
I shook my head. "No, I just want to leave here."
Chang Xi looked at me with some reluctance, "Will Emperor Xin come back?"
I stroked my chin and thought for a moment, "I probably won't be coming back."
Chang Xi was taken aback, her eyes even reddening slightly. "I... I will pray for Emperor Xin's safety in the Heavenly Court at all times."
"Thank you very much then." I smiled.
Today's hair and makeup process was the slowest I've ever taken. Ever since Changxi learned that I wouldn't be coming back, she took apart the hair she had half-combed for me and restyled it into a beautiful new look.
"Xin'er, are you ready?" You entered, her long robe fluttering.
"Almost there." I saw a look of contentment mixed with anticipation on You's face in the mirror. "Wait for me a moment."
"Okay." You nodded and sat down in a chair not far behind me, looking at me.
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