Golden autumn unfolds like a magnificent scroll, slowly unfolding across the vast expanse of time. The brisk autumn breeze, like a gifted and inspired illustrator, softly and gracefully caresses every inch of the Prime Minister's Residence. The rich, intoxicating fragrance of osmanthus blossoms fills the air like a dreamy veil. That fragrance, wisps like gentle silk threads, delicately lingers in every corner of the residence, draping it in a rich and enchanting attire. Sunlight filters through the mottled branches, casting a cascade of golden light, intertwining with the pervasive fragrance to create a poetic and picturesque atmosphere.
Yet, amidst this enchanting atmosphere, Su Jinli sat alone by the window, her gaze fixed on the thick stack of invitations on the table. Her expression was filled with helplessness and annoyance, and she sighed softly. The stack of invitations, bathed in the sunlight, seemed to emanate an invisible pressure, weighing heavily on her heart.
The Empress Dowager's flower-viewing banquets were always the most extravagant events in the palace. Within the palace, red tape, like a dense, intricate thread, entangled every participant, rendering them paralyzed. From the moment one entered the palace, they were bound by strict etiquette and protocols. Every word, every action, and every gesture required careful attention, as the slightest misstep could lead to unwarranted accusations. Within the magnificent palace gardens, everyone appeared to smile and admire the vibrant blossoms, but deep down, the string of rules remained tense.
Concubine Shu's poetry gatherings may appear to be a gathering of literati, reciting poems and composing couplets, a display of elegance and refinement. However, beneath that elegant surface lies a complex web of interpersonal conflicts and comparisons. At the gatherings, the contestants compete not only for poetic talent but also for their family backgrounds and social status. Every line of poetry becomes a hidden weapon in the struggle, and every comment can trigger an invisible wave of conflict.
As for those countless ladies' tea parties, they appear relaxed and comfortable, the women sitting together, sipping tea and chatting in a harmonious atmosphere. But behind those seemingly casual conversations lies petty gossip and inexplicable infighting. A careless remark might inadvertently become the subject of after-dinner gossip, sparking an unwarranted uproar. Behind every smile lies a hidden thought, and behind every pleasantry lies a veil of comparison and jealousy.
Each of these invitations was like an invisible yet incredibly strong rope, tightly binding Su Jinli, making her feel as if she were trapped in an invisible cage, unable to breathe. She felt like a canary trapped in an exquisite birdcage, living in a prosperous place, but without the right to fly freely.
"Madam, this is a new storybook." Lingge walked into the room with light and delicate steps, as quiet and silent as a spring breeze. In her hands was a storybook titled "The Heroine of Jianghu." The cover was beautifully designed, depicting a heroic girl wielding a whip, her figure nimble and her eyes gleaming with courage and determination, as if she were about to break free from all constraints and rush into the world of freedom.
Su Jinli was momentarily taken aback, then instinctively took the book. She slowly flipped to the first page, her gaze settling on the graceful lines of writing. Instantly, those words seemed to possess a mysterious power, instantly igniting a long-suppressed longing deep within her heart. Her gaze gradually grew intense, as if she had envisioned a completely different life, a free life free from tedious rules and boring social engagements.
Suddenly, Su Jinli slammed the book down on the table. The resounding sound, like a thunderclap, exploded in the silent room, seemingly shattering the oppressive atmosphere. "Jiang Yan! I want to resign!" she shouted, her voice filled with determination and resolve.
At this moment, Jiang Yan, who was concentrating on reviewing memorials in his study, was startled by the sudden shout. The cinnabar pen in his hand shook involuntarily, leaving a long red mark on the memorial. The red mark was like an abrupt crack, breaking the original neatness of the memorial. "What position do you want to resign from, Madam?" Jiang Yan frowned slightly and pushed his glasses on the bridge of his nose. There was deep confusion in his eyes behind the lenses. He slowly raised his head and looked at the door, only to see his wife Su Jinli standing there, with a light in her eyes that had never been there before. In that light, there was a yearning for freedom and a firm pursuit, as if burning with a blazing flame.
"Resign from this position as the wife of the Prime Minister!" Su Jinli put her hands on her hips, straightened her back, and spoke with a resolute tone like a warrior who was about to go to the battlefield to fight for freedom. "Attending these crappy banquets every day is more depressing than in my previous life!" Her thoughts instantly drifted back to her previous life, and those days when she was trapped in the backyard like a bird in a cage came flooding back to her mind like a tide. There, she was bound by all kinds of rules and etiquette, unable to freely pursue her dreams, and every day was depressing and dull. The resentment in her heart surged like a surging tide, making her tone more excited, "I want to take my children to travel around the world! To see this vast world, instead of being trapped in this small world and doing these extremely boring social events! I'm fed up with this kind of life!"
As if he'd heard his mother's inner voice, Si Yan rushed in like a black whirlwind, clutching his precious abacus. His eyes gleamed with excitement, glittering like bright stars. "Mom! Let's go to Yangzhou for morning tea!" he shouted, his voice clear and resonant, filled with anticipation and longing. "I heard Yangzhou has so many delicious dim sum for morning tea! There's crab roe soup dumplings, jade siu mai, and even thousand-layer fried cakes. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water!"
My dear, there is more to this chapter. Please click on the next page to continue reading. It will be even more exciting later!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com