Jade of Another World

Lin Ning was confined to the magnificent yet cold Jade Pavilion in the palace, pondering her fate day and night. She looked out the window at the small patch of sky, where birds flew freely, while she felt like a canary trapped in a cage.

Xuan Yuanche would often come to see her, his eyes filled with complex emotions—possessiveness, anger, and a hint of tenderness she couldn't decipher. Lin Ning knew that his painstaking efforts to keep her here were driven by an obsession—the obsession of Nangong Jin.

Fortunately, Xiao Cui stayed by her side. Xiao Cui said, "Miss, we will always find a way to escape."

"Under the whole heaven, all land belongs to the king. This world belongs to him, where can I escape to?" Lin Ning sighed inwardly. Every attempt to escape only brought harsher physical punishment and tighter surveillance. No matter where she hid, Xuan Yuanche could always use his power and spies to bring her back. She was like a kite, the string always in his hand. Unless he grew tired of her, she couldn't escape. All this finally left Lin Ning feeling utterly powerless. She gave up the last vestige of her desire to escape, deciding to stop resisting, stop trying to provoke Xuan Yuanche, stop running away, and simply be a docile rabbit. Perhaps he would soon grow tired of her; he would eventually...

When Xuanyuan Che came to her room again, Lin Ning no longer glared at him angrily as before. Instead, she lowered her eyes and said softly, "Your Majesty, you have arrived." Her voice lacked its usual stubbornness and anger, and was filled only with meekness.

Xuan Yuanche was slightly taken aback, seemingly not expecting Lin Ning to change like this. He stepped forward and carefully examined Lin Ning's face, trying to find a trace of pretense in her expression.

"Have you figured it out?" Xuan Yuanche asked, his tone tinged with doubt.

Lin Ning nodded gently and said, "Yes, I know I can't escape, and I don't want to struggle in vain anymore. I am willing to stay by your side and serve you well."

Upon hearing this, Xuan Yuanche smiled with satisfaction. He reached out and stroked Lin Ning's face. Lin Ning suppressed her disgust and did not pull away.

From then on, Lin Ning began to carefully play her role. She was obedient to Xuan Yuanche, chatted with him, prepared meals for him, and tried her best to appear as a gentle and virtuous concubine.

However, deep within her heart, the yearning for freedom and the hatred for Xuan Yuanche never faded. She was simply waiting for an opportunity, a chance to completely escape it all. She knew that only by living could she have hope…

As Lin Ning's performance improved, Xuan Yuanche became increasingly satisfied with her. He would visit Cuiyuxuan to be with Lin Ning whenever he had time. He said to Lin Ning with deep affection, "Ning'er, I don't want you to leave me because I love you. I will give you the most love in order to repay your kindness in not leaving me."

Lin Ning lowered her eyelashes, maintaining a perfectly gentle smile on her face. Listening to Xuan Yuanche's affectionate words, her heart remained as calm as still water. She nodded slightly, her voice soft: "It is my blessing that Your Majesty treats me this way."

Looking at the gentle and lovely Lin Ning before him, Xuan Yuanche was filled with joy and pride. He believed that Lin Ning had truly let go of the past and was sincerely staying by his side. "Ning'er, I know I was wrong before and made you suffer. But from now on, I will treat you well and never let you suffer any more harm." He held Lin Ning's hand, his eyes full of promise.

Lin Ning let him hold her hand, raised her head slightly, and feigned a touch of emotion in her eyes: "Your Majesty, the past is the past. Now, I only wish to stay by Your Majesty's side and share your burdens."

Upon hearing this, Xuanyuan Che burst into laughter, his voice echoing throughout the Jade Pavilion. "Good, good! With your words, I am completely satisfied." With that, he picked up Lin Ning and carried her to the bedchamber. Lin Ning's soft, panting voice filled the air.

From then on, Xuan Yuanche visited more and more frequently. He would take Lin Ning for walks in the Imperial Garden, picking the most beautiful flowers for her; he would also read and write with her in the study, sharing his insights. Lin Ning always obediently followed by his side, responding appropriately and playing the role of a considerate and attentive companion.

Of course, behind this seemingly sweet relationship, Lin Ning remained clear-headed. She knew that Xuan Yuanche's "love" for her stemmed nothing more than his obsessive obsession and Nangong Jin's possessiveness. And she was nothing more than a plaything in his cage.

Every night, when Lin Ning lay alone in bed, gazing at the bright moon outside the window, endless longing would well up in her heart. She missed Lin Wan, wondering if he had safely returned to his original world; she also missed her true home, that place full of equality and freedom.

"Lin Wan, you must be alright. I'm here, and I will never give up hope." Lin Ning prayed silently, her eyes shining with unwavering determination. She knew she had to continue to endure, waiting for the opportunity to change her fate...