Zhang Ruoyi: stoically Whyyy did youuu bring usss hereee? Whhat iss thisss plaaace?
This is my home. Our home now. The place where we will build our future together.
raises an eyebrow, his voice low and tense Our future together? You speak as if we are already bound by some unspoken agreement.
She giggles and holds up her hand showing him a ring
narrows his eyes, examining the ring closely A ring? And what significance does it hold? It is not a symbol of our union that I am aware of.
she smiles and takes his hand placing the ring on his finger It is the symbol of our union now.
pulls his hand away abruptly, his tone sharp Union? We are strangers, forced together by circumstances beyond our control.
Is it not better to choose strangers over someone who would rather see us divided?
steps closer, his gaze intense You dare to question my motives? Who do you think you are to challenge me in such a manner?
advances towards DesertRoseCharm, his voice dripping with menace You must understand, DesertRoseCharm, that I will not tolerate insubordination.
grabs DesertRoseCharm by the wrist and pulls her towards the palace Come, we have matters to discuss. Do not think for a moment that you can escape your duties.
releases DesertRoseCharm's wrist and adopts a more composed demeanor Now, let us proceed with a semblance of civility.
Very well, my lord. Lead the way.
paces back and forth, his voice firm We must establish order in this place.
She looks around the room and her eyes caught a beautiful piano
As DesertRoseCharm approaches the piano, memories flood back, reminding her of her past life and the love she once shared with Zhang Ruoyi.
I’m sorry I had to make you rebel in order to see your true self
pauses, his eyes narrowing as he watches DesertRoseCharm You dare to speak of rebellion? Do you think you can challenge the authority that I uphold?
No…I’ll always be your most loyal servant..master..my lord
approaches DesertRoseCharm, his voice stern Loyal? You dare to claim loyalty when you have questioned my motives and defied my authority?
When I saw you on that market stall being mistreated by that woman…I only wanted to help…
pauses, his gaze softening slightly Help? You think your assistance could change the course of events?
takes a deep breath and looks away, his voice tinged with vulnerability Sometimes...I wonder if I am capable of showing the affection that you crave.
I don’t need affection my lord
sighs deeply, his voice filled with regret Affection or not, your actions have consequences. You must accept responsibility for what you have done.