Chapter 102 Enjoying Flowers and Reminiscing
Lu Zhaoxue had no expectation of becoming empress, and even harbored some resistance to it.
She was once Chu Siheng's wife, but now she has become the new emperor's empress. This matter is bound to cause a great uproar in the court.
She gently stroked the intertwined branches embroidered on the sleeve with her fingertips.
After a while, Lu Zhaoxue changed her mind.
If she were to ascend to the throne and wield real power in the harem, then the people she wanted to protect and the things she wanted to do might have a better chance of being realized...
If that's the case, then let's meet force with force and water with earth.
——
Chu Huaiyu had always remembered Lu Zhaoxue's past fondness for roses, so he ordered the Imperial Household Department to set aside half an acre of flower field in a corner of the Imperial Garden and have the gardeners plant roses of all colors.
There are many varieties of roses, with a wide range of colors.
The gardeners tended to the garden day and night, and when the buds were in full bloom, Chu Huaiyu couldn't wait to tell Lu Zhaoxue.
His tone carried an obvious expectation: "I have specially ordered that your favorite roses be planted all over the Imperial Garden in the palace."
The flowers are in full bloom now. Since you've always loved them, why don't we go admire them together tomorrow?
Lu Zhaoxue had a leisurely life in the palace, so when she heard Chu Huaiyu say this, she nodded in agreement.
"Alright, I have nothing else to do anyway, so I'll go take a look."
Upon hearing her response, Chu Huaiyu's face lit up with an excited smile.
The next morning, the sunlight was just right, and a gentle breeze rustled through the flowers and plants in the Imperial Garden, bringing with it a refreshing fragrance.
Lu Zhaoxue, dressed in a jade-green silk dress, slowly entered the Imperial Garden accompanied by Chu Huaiyu.
As soon as she turned past the carved wooden corridor, Lu Zhaoxue was so amazed by the view that she stopped in her tracks.
A field of roses blooms in the wind, their petals spreading out like clouds.
Sunlight falls on the petals, refracting into delicate golden light, a beauty that is breathtaking.
Lu Zhaoxue's brows and eyes gradually relaxed, as if the gloom that had been lingering in her heart for days had been dispelled by the bright colors of the flowers.
A faint smile unconsciously appeared on her lips.
Lu Zhaoxue walked slowly into the flower field path, her fingertips gently brushing against a soft petal, her heart filled with joy.
But as she looked at them, the familiar colors and fragrances unexpectedly stirred up long-forgotten memories.
Back when they were at Jingyou Garden, Chu Siheng had once given her a pot of roses.
The flowerpot was an exquisite celadon glaze with gold trim, and inside was a pink and white rose bush, its buds just beginning to open, exuding a shy and charming innocence.
She was overjoyed, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Chu Siheng, and a smile involuntarily crept onto her lips.
Why did you give me roses?
Chu Siheng stood under the corridor, dressed in a moon-white long robe, with gentle features.
A knowing smile played on his lips: "Because you love roses the most."
She was so delighted that she was so engrossed in admiring the rose bush that she forgot to ask him how he knew she loved roses.
Perhaps it was mentioned unintentionally during a casual conversation, or perhaps he had quietly taken note of her preferences.
Even now, that quiet concern still warms her heart.
But things have changed. The roses in Jingyou Garden have long since withered, and the person who sent the flowers is gone, leaving only a heart full of sorrow.
Ultimately, the flowers are similar year after year, but the people are different year after year.
Lu Zhaoxue's fingertips paused on the petals, the smile on her face gradually faded, and a faint sense of loneliness settled in her eyes.
No matter how many flowers bloom in the garden, none can compare to the small rose in my memory.
Standing to the side, Chu Huaiyu watched as her expression suddenly changed from sunny to gloomy, her brows furrowing.
A lingering sense of melancholy filled her eyes, revealing that she had once again thought of Chu Siheng.
Lu Zhaoxue's appearance was like a thin needle, piercing his heart unexpectedly, causing a dense, throbbing pain.
He slowed his pace and stepped forward, intending to say something to Lu Zhaoxue, but was interrupted by Eunuch Wei's urgent voice.
"Your Majesty, the Imperial Censor is requesting an audience in the Imperial Study, saying that he has important matters to report in person."
Chu Huaiyu paused slightly, his gaze lingering on Lu Zhaoxue's forlorn profile for a moment before he could only suppress the bitterness in his heart.
He whispered to Lu Zhaoxue, "Zhaoxue, I need to attend to official business first. I'll accompany you to admire the flowers another day."
Upon hearing this, Lu Zhaoxue nodded slightly.
Chu Huaiyu gave her a deep look before turning and striding away.
The hem of the dragon robe swept across the bluestone ground, leaving behind a hurried whistling sound.
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