Chapter 335 Reunion
Mingzhu felt a dull ache in her heart and wanted to stand with her hands on her hips and head held high, saying that it wasn't like that at all!
The way Young Master Lin looked at her was so sincere; it was clearly just that the old man, the Imperial Uncle, was old-fashioned and couldn't stand anyone!
They're always scheming and trying to curry favor, thinking of people in such a dirty way. Is there no pure emotion left in this world?
Her nose stung with grievance, and a surge of resentment rose in her throat. She wished she could immediately pry open Huo Lin's head, which was steeped in political intrigue, and stuff all the beautiful moments between her and Young Master Lin into it.
Let him see what a match made in heaven really looks like!
However, the moment they met Huo Lin's eyes, all the words stuck in their throats, and they couldn't utter a single one.
Huo Lin's aura was like a mountain pressing down on her, making it hard for her to breathe and leaving her with no courage to resist.
Ugh... My uncle's eyes are so scary...
Forget it, a wise woman doesn't suffer losses now; he won't listen to anything I say anyway.
Thinking this, Mingzhu bit her lower lip, twisting the hem of her clothes with her fingers, swallowing all her grievances and resentment.
Seeing her like this, Huo Lin shook his head, his cold voice carrying a hint of disappointment.
"If I hear of any further involvement between you and him, you know the consequences. Now, step down."
Mingzhu was extremely dissatisfied, but she knew that if she continued to argue, either she would be grounded or Young Master Lin would suffer.
In the end, he could only slink away from Weiyang Palace with a dejected smirk.
It wasn't until she stepped out of the palace gates and was hit by the cold wind that she felt her breathing become easier.
The Imperial Uncle's aura is so strong; talking to him is enough to scare your soul out of you.
But thinking about it calmly, it doesn't seem to make entirely no sense.
There aren't that many coincidences in the world.
Perhaps those involved are truly blinded by their own perspective, while bystanders see things more clearly?
She boarded the carriage back to the manor with a heavy heart, Huo Lin's words and Jiang Huan's reminder echoing repeatedly in her mind.
Good heavens! Her soulmate turned out to be a scammer. Is it really that hard for her to find a relationship...?
The carriage slowed down as it entered the bustling city.
Mingzhu was upset and thought she would lift a corner of the carriage curtain to get some fresh air. Her gaze inadvertently swept across the street corner and she happened to see a familiar figure.
Young Master Lin was standing in front of a stall selling calligraphy and paintings, seemingly talking to the stall owner.
Today he was wearing a slightly worn blue long gown, his figure was slender, and his profile in the sunlight made him look somewhat like a frail scholar.
In the past, Mingzhu would have been thrilled to see him, feeling that he exuded an otherworldly aura even when standing on a street corner.
But now, perhaps influenced by Huo Lin's words, she looked at him again and inexplicably felt that he was overdoing it.
With suspicion already in her mind, she observed even more closely.
Sure enough, although Young Master Lin was talking to the stall owner, his eyes kept drifting towards the street, as if searching for something.
When he inadvertently turned his head and his eyes met Mingzhu's in the carriage, a surprised smile instantly bloomed on his face, and he quickly walked over.
"Princess? What a coincidence, I didn't expect to meet you here."
He bowed respectfully, his tone gentle and polite, carrying a hint of delight at the chance encounter.
In the past, Mingzhu would always feel a sweet warmth in her heart when she encountered such an unexpected meeting, feeling that it was fate.
So she instinctively raised the corners of her mouth in response to the greeting.
Just as her lips were about to curve into a smile, Huo Lin's words pierced her heart like a needle, freezing her smile on her face.
Looking at his still gentle and refined face, she suddenly felt a pang of unease.
It was another coincidental and unbelievable encounter.
Moreover, this street happens to be the only route she takes on her way back from the palace, so anyone with a keen eye can run into her here.
Mingzhu forced a smile, her tone becoming somewhat distant.
"It is quite a coincidence. I have other matters to attend to, so I will take my leave first."
After saying that, she lowered the carriage curtain before the young master Lin could speak again.
"Let's go."
The carriage started moving again. Mingzhu leaned back on the cushions, watching the street scene rushing past the window. The inexplicable sense of unease in her heart grew stronger and stronger.
Those details that were once blinded by sweetness have now revealed their suspicious edges.
She couldn't quite put her finger on what was wrong, but she just felt that Young Master Lin's ever-gentle smile didn't seem as captivating as it used to be.
Inside Weiyang Palace, tranquility was finally restored after He Ling and Mingzhu left.
The oppressive aura emanating from Huo Lin instantly dissipated. He turned around, looked at Jiang Huan, and pulled her into his arms without saying a word.
He held on tightly, his chin lingeringly brushing against the top of Jiang Huan's head.
They're all gone now, I can finally give her a good hug.
[Things about the Zheng family's past, and my mother—thinking about them makes my heart ache.]
If my mother were still alive, she would probably love her as much as I do.
Although Jiang Huan didn't know exactly what had happened, she could sense Huo Lin's unusually low mood from his words.
She raised her arms and gently hugged him back, stroking his back softly with her palms, conveying silent comfort.
"What's wrong? You don't look well. Is something bothering you?" She softened her voice.
Huo Lin gave a muffled "hmm," his voice a little hoarse, and tightened his arms around her, carefully avoiding her lower abdomen.
Don't bother her with those old, trivial matters.
[I am destined to be the Emperor, and I will hold up the sky even if it falls.]
Jiang Huan didn't ask any more questions, but simply hugged him tighter, pressed her cheek against his firm chest, listened to his slightly disordered heartbeat, and quietly stayed by his side.
She knew that what he needed at that moment was not to ask for details, but a haven where he could temporarily let down his guard and relax.
After a while, Huo Lin's tense body gradually relaxed, and his breathing became much more even.
He loosened his embrace slightly, but still held Jiang Huan's waist, looking down at her with tender eyes.
"I've been reviewing memorials all morning and dealing with some trivial matters. I'm hungry."
He spoke in a low voice, his tone sounding somewhat pitiful.
Jiang Huan knew he had composed himself, so she looked up and smiled, "Then I'll have the kitchen start cooking something?"
Huo Lin, however, refused to let go.
"Isn't someone hungry? Will hugging me fill you up?" she teased, trying to lighten the heavy atmosphere.
Of course it does; holding her is more effective than eating anything.
"I'd like some warm soup," Huo Lin readily agreed, his eyes filled with anticipation.
"Alright, I'll have them prepare immediately." Jiang Huan smiled and agreed, then turned and instructed the waiting palace maids to relay the message.
She took Huo Lin's hand and led him to the soft couch by the window, where she poured him a cup of warm honey water.
"Drink some water to soothe your throat. Your lips are a bit dry, and you've been frowning the whole time."
Huo Lin took the cup, but just holding it in his hand, his gaze remained fixed on Jiang Huan, watching her busy herself for him, his eyes so focused that he seemed unable to get enough of looking at her.
She's the best; she knows how to care for people.
Those old stories of the previous dynasty, the intrigue and power struggles—just thinking about them is enough to make one feel uneasy.
[I need to spend more time with her and the baby in the future; out of sight, out of mind, these messy things are best left unseen.]
Jiang Huan felt a little embarrassed by his almost tangible gaze, her ears burning slightly, and she gave him a reproachful glare.
Why are you looking at me? Is there something on my face?
"Yes," Huo Lin nodded seriously, his tone certain, "more beautiful than all the flowers in the Imperial Garden combined."
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