He knew that his path to becoming emperor was long, but as long as he had family members like Qi Guze, Xu Yuehuai, and Qi Ziang by his side, he would have boundless strength and confidence to face any challenge.

He was filled with gratitude and confidence, and also full of hope and anticipation for the future.

Qi Hanlin frowned slightly, his eyes revealing his anticipation for Xiao Lian, who usually served him. He was used to seeing Xiao Lian's gentle smile and hearing her soft voice every day, but today, she was absent.

He couldn't help but ask the eunuch beside him, "Why didn't Xiaolian come to serve me today?"

The eunuch paused slightly, seemingly hesitant, but ultimately decided to tell Qi Hanlin the truth. He took a few steps, looked back at Qi Hanlin, then took a deep breath and said, "She..."

Seeing the eunuch's hesitation, Qi Hanlin felt a sense of foreboding and hurriedly asked, "What's wrong with her?"

The eunuch's expression grew even more grave. He bowed his head and said, "Xiao Lian is injured!"

Qi Hanlin turned around abruptly, his face ashen, a flash of anger in his eyes, his voice filled with tension: "Who hurt her?"

The eunuch glanced at him and then told him everything that had happened during the day. He described how Xiaolian was bullied by several palace maids and how Xu Yuehuai stood up for her and helped her.

After listening to the eunuch's account, Qi Hanlin's face showed an expression of anger and determination.

He abruptly waved his sleeve and ordered, "I'll go see her." The eunuch tried to stop him, but seeing Qi Hanlin's resolute gaze, he knew he couldn't stop him. He sighed helplessly, then quickly made arrangements to have someone take Qi Hanlin to see Xiao Lian.

In the dilapidated shack, Xiaolian lay face down on the bed, her face pale and her expression pained. Her wounds were still aching, each breath feeling like a knife cutting into her. She tried hard to endure the pain, but tears still streamed down her face.

Just then, the door was pushed open, and Qi Hanlin walked in. When he saw Xiaolian's appearance, his heart ached.

He quickly walked to the bedside and asked softly, "Xiao Lian, what happened? How did you get hurt?"

When Xiaolian saw Qi Hanlin, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes, followed by deep emotion.

She tried to rise and bow, but Qi Hanlin gently pressed her down. He looked at her, his eyes filled with concern and tenderness.

Xiao Lian bit her lip and whispered, "Your Majesty, I'm fine. I just tripped and fell." She knew she couldn't tell Qi Hanlin the truth, otherwise he would be even angrier, and the palace maids who bullied her would be punished.

But Qi Hanlin was not so easily fooled. He looked at Xiao Lian, a sharp glint in his eyes.

He knew Xiaolian was hiding the truth. He gently took her hand and said tenderly, "Xiaolian, you are by my side, I will not let you get hurt. Tell me, who hurt you?"

Xiaolian looked at Qi Hanlin, her eyes filled with gratitude and emotion. She knew she could no longer hide it. So, she told Qi Hanlin everything.

Upon hearing this, a cold glint flashed in Qi Hanlin's eyes. He stood up and said coldly, "I will make those who bullied you pay the price."

Then, he turned to look at Xiaolian, his eyes filled with tenderness and affection: "Xiaolian, don't worry, I will take good care of you."

Every day, at sunrise, Qi Hanlin would appear at Xiaolian's door. His face always wore a warm smile, like the warm and bright spring sunshine. He would enter the house and always begin by gently asking, "Xiaolian, how are you feeling today?"

Every time Xiaolian saw Qi Hanlin, her eyes would sparkle with happiness. It was a deep joy and warmth welling up from the bottom of her heart, as if a ray of warm sunshine illuminated every corner of her soul.

A faint smile appeared on her face, a sense of peace and contentment she had never felt before, as if all her worries and pain had vanished in that moment.

At this moment, her voice was gentle and delicate, like a spring breeze brushing against the treetops, carrying a hint of sweetness and happiness.

She would softly say, "Your Majesty, I am much better. Thank you for visiting me every day." Each expression of gratitude was filled with deep affection, reflecting her boundless appreciation and admiration for Qi Hanlin.

Qi Hanlin would sit by her bedside, his eyes filled with concern and affection. He would gently hold her hand, share some of his new experiences with her, and bring her some delicious treats.

Every move he made was full of care and consideration, as if he were the gentlest guardian in the world, protecting Xiaolian with his care and love.

Sometimes, he would carefully peel the fruit, cut it into small pieces, and place it in Xiaolian's hands. His fingers were skilled and gentle, as if each touch was conveying his love and care to her.

As Xiaolian ate the fruit, her eyes were filled with gratitude and happiness. It was a deep feeling of being moved, a warmth and satisfaction welling up from the bottom of her heart.

A happy smile radiated from her face, a peace and contentment she had never felt before. Her eyes were filled with love and admiration for Qi Hanlin, as if he were the most important person in her life.

Then, she would say in a gentle and delicate voice, "Your Majesty, do you know that every time you are with me, I feel very happy and fulfilled? Your care and love have given me back the courage and hope to live."

Hearing these words, Qi Hanlin was filled with emotion and warmth. He held Xiaolian's hand tightly, his eyes shining with determination.

He would say gently, "Xiao Lian, do you know that your smile and happiness are my greatest wish? I will always be by your side."

Their conversation and expressions were filled with deep affection and care, as if the whole world was immersed in this warmth and happiness. Every movement and glance they made seemed to convey endless love and warmth to each other, a profound sense of being moved and content.

Every night, Qi Hanlin would stay with Xiaolian, telling her about the beautiful things that happened to her, making her feel the vastness and beauty of the world. He would sing her soft songs, letting her feel his affection and care through the music.

He would also light a candle for her, letting its faint light illuminate her room and her heart.

Xiaolian would listen quietly to his story, responding to him occasionally in her gentle and delicate voice.

On such a night, their hearts seemed to merge into one, sharing the warmth and beauty of the world. Their conversation and expressions were filled with deep affection and care, as if the whole world was immersed in this warmth and happiness.