“Young Master Luo Ran is here too. Perfect timing, I just made some pastries for you. Since Young Master Luo Ran is here, have a few more pieces!” Xi’er placed the plate on the stone table and smiled.
“No need! I’m going back! Ling’er, please consider my words for the child’s sake!” Frowning slightly, he spoke persuasively.
“Luo Ran, no matter how you try to persuade me, my decision remains the same! Thank you for your kindness. I won’t see you off when you depart. You know I can’t bear the pain of farewell! Xi’er, are there any more pastries? Let Luo Ran take some back for Yan Ran and Yu Shan to try!”
Her face was solemn, her silly smile long gone. She had no great expectations, only hoping to quietly wait for the child’s arrival and live out the rest of her life peacefully. Perhaps, one day, God might bring her back to modern times.
“Yes, Miss!” Xi’er observed her mistress’s every move, truly worried for her. It was unexpected that such a devoted prince would be with Miss Yi Qing, and just thinking about it made her angry! As a royal descendant, his promiscuous nature of loving the new and despising the old reflected poorly on their ancestors.
“Why do you always keep people thousands of miles away? Xi’er, never mind; leave the pastries for your mistress. She’s not alone now and needs to be well taken care of. If anything happens, you must notify us. Even if we’re far apart, I’ll rush over!” Ling’er’s strong personality made Luo Ran feel somewhat discouraged, as she clearly treated him as an outsider.
“Yes, Young Master Luo Ran!” After stepping back and nodding, Xi’er considered that while Luo Ran was devoted, the Miss was married to the prince. Even though the prince had divorced her, how could she remarry Luo Ran? These relationships were too complicated. Xi’er helplessly shook her head.
Luo Ran leaped and disappeared from their sight.
“Miss, why don’t you consider Young Master Luo Ran’s words? With his care, I would feel more at ease. After all, you’re just a woman. What if you encounter some ruffians?”
“Xi’er, what are you trying to say?” Eating the pastries Xi’er made, she felt sweetness in her heart.
“Xi’er hopes the Miss can go to Yunnan with Young Master Luo Ran!” Xi’er said firmly.
“Have you considered what would happen between Yu Shan and Luo Ran if I went? Nothing! I wouldn’t be able to find peace for the rest of my life.” She understood Xi’er’s meaning; she longed to leave but couldn’t be selfish. Yu Shan was kind; how could she destroy her dreams again?
“Seeing the Miss like this, Xi’er would rather never marry!” Xi’er muttered, dissatisfied.
“Then you’ll become an old maid! Later, you’ll blame me for not finding you a good husband! Looks like I’ll have to find one for you tomorrow!” Ling’er chuckled. This Xi’er was her “source of joy.”
“Miss, you’re teasing me again! I’m not listening!” Xi’er ran away bashfully.
This Xi’er, always refusing to grow up! A smile spread across her face, adding color to her lovely features. The soft moonlight shone on her pale face, crystal tears sliding down her cheeks.
Late at night, sorrow rushed to her heart as her mind drifted back to past events, those scenes seeming like a dream without an ending. But now the dream was awakened. Who could tell her the final outcome?
“Baby, Daddy doesn’t want Mommy anymore. Mommy feels so lonely and desolate! Fortunately, Mommy still has you. Mommy will raise you alone and will be content watching you get married and have children! Baby, are you blaming Mommy for not telling Daddy about your arrival? How Mommy wishes to, but Daddy’s side no longer has a place for her. Mommy loves Daddy and won’t let him feel burdened because of you! Forgive Mommy’s selfishness. Mommy will give you all the love!” she whispered while stroking her lower abdomen.
“Baby, when you grow up, don’t let down the person you love, because that feeling will be very painful…”
“This Princess is Tired of Living” is nearing its end, hoping readers will enjoy it.
[Text: 053 An Imperfect Ending]
Months later, just thinking about Ling’er’s pale cheeks and lonely back made his heart twist. He hesitated at the Lan residence, stepping forward and retreating repeatedly.
“May I ask who you are?” An elderly woman returning from grocery shopping saw the young gentleman and was surprised, smiling.
“I’m looking for Ling’er,” he replied calmly.
“Come in!” The woman’s kind smile suddenly stiffened, and her face dimmed.
“What happened to her?” His heart tightened at her change in expression.
“Young master, please sit for a moment! I’ll take these dishes to the kitchen!” She turned and walked towards the kitchen.
Looking around the vast courtyard with three or four scattered rooms, he frowned at the thought of his elder brother giving Ling’er such a good house.
Casually pushing open a room door, dust flew into his face.
“Cough! Cough!” He covered his nose and strode inside.
A red embroidered handkerchief on the table caught his attention; it seemed to be the one Ling’er usually carried.
“Young master! Please have some tea!” The woman entered with a fragrant cup of Longjing tea.
“This house has probably been uninhabited for a long time, right?” He nodded, taking the teacup.
“Yes! Since Ling’er left, no one has come here!” She sighed softly.
“She left?” His hands trembled as he almost dropped the teacup. “How long has she been gone?”
“Yes, she’s been gone for three months! It’s been hard on her and her maid!”
The woman glanced at the embroidered handkerchief in Dong Yangche’s hand. “This handkerchief was embroidered by Xi’er for the young mistress! Not knowing if it’s a boy or girl, she only embroidered a butterfly. Perhaps she left in a hurry and forgot to take it. By the way, what brings you here, young master?”
Meeting a stranger for the first time, she was curious.
“Young mistress? What young mistress?” he asked, surprised.
“It seems you’re not familiar with my young lady! My lady is with child and is due in a few months. Xi’er often says the outside fabrics aren’t good and wants to make something for the young mistress. Look, it’s not even finished yet!” Dong Yangche’s shock piqued the woman’s curiosity about his relationship with Ling’er.
“You’re saying Ling’er is pregnant?” he asked, his lips trembling.
“Fate is cruel! If it weren’t for Prince Meng Qi’s irresponsibility, how could my lady wander away, suffering alone and giving birth?” she exclaimed indignantly.
“But why didn’t she tell me?”
“What do you mean, young master? How can you besmirch my lady’s reputation? She was once Prince Meng Qi’s wife!” the woman rebuked him.
“Madam, please don’t misunderstand. I mean, how could Prince Meng Qi be such a person!”
He must not know about this; otherwise, he wouldn’t have let the princess leave alone!” Dong Yangche quickly corrected himself.
I knew you would come, but I wasn’t sure when, so I could only bet on myself! When you see this letter, perhaps the aunt has already told you everything. Knowing you would come makes me very satisfied. Let the past go! Take good care of Yiqing, and also love your mother well, because everything they did was out of too much love for you. As for the child, I may not be able to give him a father’s love, but I will guard him with my life. Our fate may end here, but I have never regretted loving you, as you have given me enough beautiful memories to last a lifetime. Forgive me for hiding the child’s existence; sometimes, responsibility must be borne through pain!
Remember the words we once said? Boundless as the sea, dreams eternal, wishing to accompany you.
Now, I still feel happy! What a beautiful dream. I truly hope it won’t wake up too soon, but heaven always likes to disrupt fate’s arrangements. My dream should now awaken.
