Niu Niu stood in the courtyard, head down, her eyes swollen like blisters, staring at the smug-looking First Prince: "Hmph, you're lying to me. I don't care. My mother is a concubine. I'm not going to the capital with you."
Niu Niu stood in the courtyard, head down, her swollen, red eyes like two water bubbles, filled with grievance and anger. Her gaze fell on the eldest prince in front of her, his smug smile particularly irritating to her.
"Hmph, you're lying to me!" Niu Niu's voice carried a stubborn determination. "I don't care, my mother is a lowly woman, I won't go to the capital with you."
The eldest prince frowned, his expression shifting from smugness to impatience, then to anger. He looked at Niu Niu, a complex emotion rising within him. This frail little girl's persistence and tenacity seemed to have caught him somewhat off guard.
Su Ling stepped forward and gently took Niu Niu's trembling arm. His voice was filled with a hidden tenderness: "Niu Niu, don't cry. Do you still remember the days we spent in the palace? The gardens, the magnificent palaces, and the times we played and frolicked together. Back then, we were like siblings, without any barriers or constraints. How come we've become so distant now?"
A deep longing was evident in Su Ling's eyes, as if she were searching for those bygone days in her memories.
He gently shook his head, as if trying to shake off these thoughts: "I really miss you from back then, the innocent, carefree you. Can you, can you go back to that?"
When the Empress saw Niu Niu crying, she ordered people to prepare a beautiful dress and some delicious malt candy.
Kids this age usually like candy and new clothes, so I imagine this little girl will definitely be tempted too!
A gentle smile appeared on the Empress's lips. She clapped her hands lightly, and immediately several palace maids entered carrying a large tray. On the tray lay an exquisitely embroidered dress and several packets of tempting-looking malt candy.
Niu Niu's crying stopped abruptly. She looked up, glistening tears still clinging to her cheeks, her eyes fixed on the beautiful clothes and the malt candy. It was a child's unique innocence and curiosity; her heart was filled with doubt and wonder, wondering where these pretty things came from.
The Empress said gently, "Niu Niu, these are your new clothes and candy. Do you like them?"
Niu Niu's eyes widened, and she was speechless for a moment. She had never seen such beautiful clothes, nor had she ever tasted such sweet candy. In her heart, the world seemed to become a better place because of this moment.
Niu Niu plopped down on the ground, the malt candy in her hand emitting an enticing aroma.
As she savored the delicious food, she licked her tongue and little finger, as if reminiscing about the sweet taste.
After finishing the candy, her gaze was drawn to the pretty dress.
It was a pink dress, the hem of which swayed gently in the breeze, like a blooming flower.
Niu Niu's eyes widened, sparkling with longing.
She slowly stood up, walked closer to the dress, and gently touched the soft fabric, her heart filled with joy.
She imagined herself wearing the dress and becoming that radiant little girl, her heart filled with anticipation.
The Empress, dressed in a golden gown, came to Niu Niu's side, touched Niu Niu's forehead, and said, "Come back to the palace with your mother, what kind of life wouldn't you want?"
Niu Niu's eyes flickered slightly as she looked up at the Empress. Her golden gown, illuminated by the palace lanterns, shone like the sun. She gently took the Empress's hand, feeling its delicate touch, as if she were touching the warmth of power.
“Your Highness,” Niu Niu whispered, “I don’t want a luxurious life. I just want a warm home and the company of my family.”
A flicker of surprise crossed the Empress's eyes; she hadn't expected this lowly palace maid to have such a wish. She gently patted Niu Niu's head, a smile playing on her lips. "Your wish, your mother will certainly grant."
"But, but could you bring my mother along?"
Su Ling was so angry with Niu Niu that she snapped, "You brat, who's your real mother?"
Niu Niu's eyes welled up with tears, and her voice trembled slightly: "My mother has taken care of me for so many years, and now she's all alone. I really can't bear to leave her. Mr. Su, I know you don't like her, but for my sake, could you please take my mother with you and leave?"
Su Ling looked at the stubborn girl in front of her and was speechless for a moment.
He sighed helplessly and turned to look out the window.
The sunlight streaming through the window fell on Niu Niu's face, highlighting her glistening tears. He was silent for a moment, then said in a low voice, "Niu Niu, I understand how you feel. But bringing your mother along isn't something I can decide."
He turned around and looked into Niu Niu's eyes: "Where is your mother now? We can go and talk to her first."
When Liang Shuyan learned that the Emperor and Empress were leaving with Niu Niu, she felt really uncomfortable. The reluctance was the most genuine feeling, but the key was that this heart-wrenching helplessness was something she, as a mother, couldn't handle!
The Empress sent someone to summon Liang Shuyan for questioning.
Liang Shuyan stood in the shadows of the palace, her hands clenched into fists, her eyes flashing with a stubborn light. She knew in her heart that the Emperor and Empress were about to leave with Niu Niu, and she would be left behind once again. This feeling was like being abandoned by the world.
"Liang Shuyan!" The Empress's voice echoed in the empty palace, carrying an unquestionable majesty.
Liang Shuyan took a deep breath and slowly walked into the Empress's palace. Her gaze fell on the Empress's magnificent phoenix robe, the glory she had once dreamed of. But now, that phoenix robe seemed like a huge mockery, filling her with a deep sense of helplessness.
“I am here.” She lowered her head, her voice trembling slightly.
"If Niu Niu doesn't go back now, who will bear the responsibility? Do I need your permission to take my own child back?"
“I dare not accept this responsibility,” she said, her head bowed, her voice trembling as if she were struggling to suppress her inner fear. “But Niu Niu is doing very well now. She has enough to eat and wear, and she has even learned a skill. I’m afraid… afraid that if she goes back, she will never be able to live like this again.”
As soon as he finished speaking, the palace fell silent. Only the gentle breeze and the rustling of leaves could be heard.
"Are you questioning my kindness in raising you?" the Empress spoke slowly, her voice trembling slightly. "Do you think that what a country bumpkin like you can give Niu Niu, I can't give her too?"
Her heart skipped a beat, and she dared not look up at the Empress's expression. She knew that her words had undoubtedly challenged the Empress's authority. She was filled with remorse, but it was too late to undo the damage.
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