“Mm, be seated. Yun’er, come sit by me,” the Empress Dowager said impatiently, not even glancing at the two women, but softening her tone when speaking to Ming Leng Yun – a contrast anyone could detect. The two women, though unwilling, respectfully sat down, concealing their displeasure.
“My child, I heard you encountered assassins on your return, and fortunately Yun’er arrived in time to save you. Is this true?” the Empress Dowager asked softly, looking at her beloved sons with maternal love.
“Mother, it is true. We owe much to Wan’er,” Ming Leng Chen replied, casting an unreadable glance at Xia Wan’er.
The narrative continues with complex interactions between the characters, revealing political intrigue, personal tensions, and underlying emotional conflicts within the imperial court.
Even the most obtuse Mei Siyu could sense his gaze, deliberately turning her head to the other side, not wanting any interaction with him. His humiliation was still vivid in her mind, and the ruthless harm he had caused was something she could not forgive! Perhaps he was unintentional and momentarily lost control, but he had already caused her deep wounds that would be difficult to heal. At least for now, she could not forgive him!
His intense gaze and her deliberate avoidance were clearly seen by Mu Lengchen sitting nearby. His third brother’s deep feelings for Yu’er had apparently exceeded his imagination, and he might even love Mei Siyu more than himself. However, he would never allow anyone to approach Yu’er – he could give up everything, even the imperial throne without hesitation! Yu’er was the one he could never lose!
While everyone was lost in their thoughts, Shu Fei, wearing a peach-pink pleated gauze skirt, gracefully walked into the inner hall, with her palace maid Jin Zhi waiting outside the door.
“Shu’er pays respects to the Empress Dowager and the Emperor, wishing you good fortune,” Shu Fei said softly. Inadvertently glancing at Yu’er and Wan’er, her mood sank. They were all here – could they be conspiring against her? Hmph, she was not someone to be bullied easily!
“Wan’er, Yu’er greets elder sister,” they both bowed simultaneously.
“This subject greets Shu Fei,” Mu Leng Yun also bowed.
After mutual greetings, Shu Fei sat down between them. “Shu’er, is this your handwriting?” the Empress Dowager gently asked, holding the scroll.
