amaotonovel Chapter 256 The Empress Dowager's affection for Lin Qianqian surpassed that for Murong Yi.
Chapter 256 The Empress Dowager's affection for Lin Qianqian surpassed that for Murong Yi.
Days passed quietly like flowing water. The Fourth Prince's Mansion was now deserted. The servants had all scattered like birds, leaving their homes. The gate of the Fourth Prince's Mansion was firmly locked with a rusty padlock, as if locking away all the past prosperity and hustle and bustle.
The Fifth Prince's Mansion, which is adjacent to it, was not as lively as it used to be. Now, compared with the Fourth Prince's Mansion, it seems even more desolate and lonely.
Murong Han, dressed in plain clothes, looked haggard, his eyes filled with sorrow. He stood quietly at the door, gazing at the tightly closed gates of the Fourth Prince's mansion, as memories of the past flooded his mind.
It felt like just yesterday that the Fourth Prince's mansion was filled with laughter and chatter. Suddenly, he looked up and seemed to see Xue Xiang's playful and adorable appearance, her charming and smiling face, right before his eyes. Her lively eyes and cheerful laughter seemed to still echo in his ears.
Murong Han stood there, slightly startled, as if he saw Xue Xiang looking at him with a smile. He subconsciously rubbed his eyes, wanting to see more clearly.
However, when he looked closely, all he saw was an empty gate and a silent street; there was no trace of that familiar figure.
He suddenly realized that he would never see that willful and lovable person again. A wave of disappointment washed over him, and he slowly turned around, walking heavily into the mansion.
His lonely figure, stretched long in the afterglow of the setting sun, seemed to convey the endless longing and sorrow in his heart, spreading through the silent air.
Their story ends here...
On this beautiful, sunny day, Lin Qianqian gently took the Empress Dowager's arm and strolled leisurely with her in the Imperial Garden. Flowers bloomed in profusion, butterflies danced in the air, yet the Empress Dowager's expression remained indifferent, lacking her usual serenity.
Lin Qianqian keenly sensed the Empress Dowager's mood, a hint of worry flashing in her beautiful eyes. She asked softly, "Mother, what's wrong? You seem downcast." She tilted her head slightly, her face full of concern.
The Empress Dowager sighed softly, a hint of melancholy in her eyes: "Alas~ The Fourth Prince's mansion is now deserted. It all seems like a dream. I never expected this!"
Upon hearing this, Lin Qianqian frowned slightly and fell into deep thought. She pursed her luscious lips, her eyes filled with emotion, and gently shook her head, her delicate brows furrowing tightly, as if feeling helpless about the vicissitudes of life.
Looking at Lin Qianqian's expression, the Empress Dowager continued softly, "I haven't been very attentive to Che'er, which is why he's so stubborn. I also don't like Xue Xiang because I think she's too willful, and besides, she's the Fifth Prince's cousin. Naturally, I can't stand her, so I didn't give them a good look when they got married..."
Lin Qianqian held the Empress Dowager's hand, her delicate brows furrowed, her eyes filled with heartache: "Mother~"
The Empress Dowager gently patted Lin Qianqian's hand and continued, "But now, I know I was wrong. Although Xue Xiang is impatient, she did fall in love with Che'er. Otherwise, she wouldn't have shaved her head and become a nun like him... Alas! It's all because of love. Love can move people, but it can also harm them." At this point, a tear and a hint of helplessness welled up in the Empress Dowager's eyes.
Lin Qianqian looked at the Empress Dowager tenderly, winked playfully, revealed an innocent smile, and softly comforted her:
Lin Qianqian gently grasped the Empress Dowager's hand and patted it tenderly, her eyes full of concern and comfort: "Mother, please don't worry about this anymore. Relationships in this world are inherently unpredictable, and no one can guarantee that everything will always go smoothly. Their choice is their fate and destiny, and everything is up to them; no one else can interfere. Please don't wallow in self-pity anymore, or you'll ruin your health." As she spoke, she pouted slightly, her face carrying a playful and coquettish air.
As the Empress Dowager listened to Lin Qianqian's words, a smile gradually appeared on her face, which had been full of worries. She looked at Lin Qianqian with kindness and affection, her gaze seemingly enveloping her entirely, full of love, just as she would look at her own daughter.
The Empress Dowager gently stroked Lin Qianqian's hair and said tenderly, "Qianqian, your relationship with Yi'er has always made me very happy. But things in this world are unpredictable. If one day Yi'er also betrays you and leaves you, you must never do something as foolish as Xue Xiang, such as shaving your head to become a nun. I can't bear to see you suffer like that. If anything happens to you, how can I live?"
At this point, tears welled up in the Empress Dowager's eyes, a testament to her deep worry and love for Lin Qianqian. It seemed that her love for Lin Qianqian had truly surpassed her love for her own son.
Lin Qianqian felt the deep affection in the Empress Dowager's words, and her heart warmed, her eyes slightly reddening. She hugged the Empress Dowager tightly and whispered, "Mother, don't worry, I won't. Thank you for your concern, I didn't want you to worry. The Prince treats me very well, I believe that day will never come!"
After Lin Qianqian finished speaking, a hint of contemplation appeared on her face.
The Empress Dowager gently patted Lin Qianqian's back, a relieved smile on her face. That smile was full of care and love for Lin Qianqian, as if at this moment, all the troubles in the world had vanished, leaving only her overflowing love for Lin Qianqian.