Li Xi looked at the stone, a hint of surprise and curiosity flashing in her eyes.
She carefully took the stone, and felt that it was cold to the touch, as if a cool sensation could be transmitted through her palm.
"What kind of stone is this?" she couldn't help but ask.
Qin Xiaolin smiled slightly, "This is blue fluorite, which is said to absorb the essence of moonlight and bring tranquility and peace. Placing it by your bedside at night might help you ward off nightmares."
A warm feeling welled up in Li Xi's heart. He had been paying attention to her all along. "This must be very precious. I'll give it back to you."
She placed the blue fluorite in his hand.
She had received many gifts from him, but the two were only 'brothers' in name only.
Their actions inevitably seem overly ambiguous.
Qin Xiaolin grabbed Li Xi's hand and placed the blue fluorite back into her hand. "Consider it a gift from your older brother to your younger sister. Don't refuse anymore."
His gaze was gentle yet firm, making it impossible for Li Xi to refuse.
Li Xi silently accepted the blue fluorite, but had an indescribable feeling in her heart.
The two stayed on the rooftop for a while longer before going back.
In the darkness, the blue fluorite emitted a faint blue light.
Like a lonely star in the deep sea, it quietly illuminated Li Xi's room.
She lay in bed, gazing at the light, her mind filled with countless thoughts.
Did her forgotten past really exist? In her dreamlike memories, were those blurry figures and scenes truly real?
Li Xi closed her eyes and tried hard to recall, but her mind was shrouded in a thick fog, and she couldn't see anything clearly.
She felt a deep sense of powerlessness, as if she were trapped in a maze from which she could not escape.
However, whenever she saw the light of the blue fluorite, a strange power would surge within her.
The light seemed to possess a certain magic, able to penetrate the fog in her heart and bring her a sense of warmth and comfort.
Gradually, the person on the bed began to snore softly.
In the palace
Emperor Wenyuan received a message from the retired emperor, delivered by a guard.
His brows were furrowed, as if shrouded in gloom, making it impossible to see into his heart through his expression.
"Did the caravan send anyone to supervise them?" His voice was cold.
The guard dared not be negligent in the slightest and quickly bowed his head to reply, "Your Majesty, they have been secretly guarded by people at the inn in the west of the city."
Emperor Wenyuan nodded slightly, indicating his satisfaction. "Summon the Duke of Dingguo to the palace after dawn..."
"Yes," the chief eunuch beside him replied.
After a night's rest, Li Xi and the others felt refreshed and invigorated, so they continued their journey towards Xuan Yue Kingdom without stopping.
At this moment, Princess Xuanqing, sitting inside the carriage, was not in a relaxed or happy mood; on the contrary, she seemed rather sullen.
The thought of returning to Xuan Yue Kingdom filled her with a strong sense of resistance.
Because once she returned there, she would have to revert to playing the role of the noble, elegant, dignified, and poised princess.
Whether it's words and actions or how one conducts oneself in society, one must be impeccable and thorough in every aspect.
Moreover, she must always maintain a smile, no matter when or where, and cannot afford to be the slightest bit lax or relaxed.
This kind of life was too oppressive and restrictive for Xuanqing, as if an invisible mountain was pressing down on her, making it hard for her to breathe.
The repetitive and monotonous daily routine left her feeling incredibly tired and bored.
She longed to live freely and pursue what she truly desired in her heart.
Xuanqing longed for the misty rain of Jiangnan and the sunset over the desert described in the book.
She wanted to personally experience the picturesque scenery and appreciate the charm of nature.
Imagine yourself strolling through the alleys of Jiangnan, feeling the gentle breeze on your face, and listening to the sound of raindrops tapping on the bluestone pavement.
She also wanted to go to the desert, to see the golden sand dunes shimmering in the afterglow of the setting sun, and to feel the awe-inspiring vastness of the world.
In particular, the line "A setting sun spreads across the water, half the river shimmering green, half red" filled Xuanqing with endless reverie about the beautiful natural scenery.
However, it's unknown when this wish will be fulfilled. Or perhaps Prince An truly possesses the ability to make this wish come true.
"Princess, have some tea." A maid handed her a cup of floral tea.
This flower tea was prepared by Meng Zhelan, and it has a fragrant floral aroma. Xuan Qing gently blew on it and took a small sip.
I can't help but admire how kind and gentle Dr. Meng is.
It's a pity I'm not a man, otherwise I would also have competed with Prince Ah An.
Meng Zhelan was unaware of these things; she was currently engrossed in her books.
Influenced by her, the Empress Dowager also began to read the storybook with great interest, and would occasionally discuss it with Meng Zhelan.
"Your Majesty, with you and Lan'er here every day, I'm afraid the Emperor Emeritus will be angry with me." Meng Zhelan looked up at the Empress Dowager, her eyes full of gossip, but her words carried a hint of worry.
The Empress Dowager put down the storybook in her hand and chuckled, "Him? He wouldn't care about us. He's busy playing chess with Yu'er right now."
She smiled and shook her head. "That old man is probably hoping I won't bother him anymore."
Meng Zhelan greatly admired the deep affection between the Empress Dowager and the Emperor Emeritus.
Although she was puzzled and couldn't understand why a former emperor could be so devoted, she knew that such words would be disrespectful and she dared not utter them lightly.
However, she couldn't help but express her envy to the Empress Dowager: "Your Majesty, your relationship with the Emperor Emeritus is truly enviable. To be able to spend your whole life together is a great blessing."
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager smiled faintly. Her eyes held a hint of girlish charm and a touch of smugness: "That old man's only strength is that he always gives in to my every whim."
She gently patted Meng Zhelan's hand and said tenderly, "Lan'er, you will also have your own happiness. It's just that the time is not right yet, you need to wait patiently."
Meng Zhelan nodded gently. She had found happiness, and she was quite satisfied with her current state.
Li Xi slept well last night, and now she's pulling Qin Xiaolin aside to ask him to tell her about his past experiences wandering the martial arts world.
Xiao Lin was being pulled by her arm, looking into her eyes filled with curiosity and expectation.
He chuckled softly and began to recount his past.
"Back then, I was young and arrogant. With just a long sword and a pot of fine wine, I thought I could travel the world," Qin Xiaolin recalled.
"I have traveled through mountains, rivers, lakes and seas, witnessed all kinds of customs and traditions, and met many heroes and valiant men of the martial arts world."
He recounted his various experiences in the martial arts world, and the sword fights, grudges, and affections all seemed to come alive in his words.
Li Xi listened with great interest, sometimes showing an expression of amazement, and sometimes an expression of admiration.
"Back then, I felt like the freest person in the world," Qin Xiaolin continued. "But later I realized that true freedom isn't about traveling the world, but rather..."
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