Longyi was extremely happy to hear about her return. She had been thinking about them daily, hoping they would come back. This once lively girl had now become more steady, with a mature demeanor.
With the news of Longjun Hao’s return and the twins described as beautiful, the Emperor and Empress eagerly anticipated seeing them but could not enter the palace. The Empress sighed, thinking they were still holding past grievances. She decided to personally visit to apologize.
Lan Lan wanted to pay her respects the next day, but Longjun Hao did not allow it. He deliberately wanted to torment them, restraining them from interfering in his affairs.
So they had not visited the palace for several days after returning.
“The Empress has arrived!” An announcement startled Lan Lan, who was about to return to bed. She quickly tidied her appearance and went out to greet her.
In the main hall, Longjun Hao waited with a cold expression, showing no excitement at reuniting with his mother. He still felt resentful about her using familial affection to manipulate him. When the Empress entered, Lan Lan pulled Longjun Hao to bow, recognizing the importance of the moment.
“Zhen’er pays respects to the Empress Dowager, good fortune!” The empress, overjoyed at seeing the children, burst into tears, holding their hands tightly. Zhen’er reminded her of how Longjun Hao used to cling to her when he was small. Now, he treated her like a stranger, making her feel like a failure as a mother, and tears flowed down her cheeks.
“Empress Dowager, don’t cry. Xin’er will play with you,” Xin’er said, wiping the empress’s tears. She believed the empress was unhappy because no one was playing with her and tried to comfort her.
Though the childish words were not entirely appropriate, the care was the same, making the empress smile again.
