At this moment, in the pavilion, the charcoal fire in the copper stove for brewing tea was blazing, and the orange-red flames danced merrily, making crackling sounds, as if playing a mysterious melody.
The water in the kettle gurgled and bubbled under the high temperature, and wisps of white steam rose up.
Like a light veil, it swirls around the pavilion, exuding a refreshing tea aroma.
On a stone table to the side, there is an ancient zither, its body gleaming with a warm luster, as if telling a story of bygone years.
The gentle moonlight spilled onto the surface of the zither, adding a touch of mystery. The whole scene was dreamlike and ethereal, like a breathtakingly beautiful painting.
Qimeng's gaze wandered between the tea smoke and the moonlight, her mind working like a high-speed machine, constantly devising new plans.
A meaningful smile curved her lips, like a cunning crescent moon in the night sky, and a sinister glint flashed in her eyes, like a beast lurking in the darkness.
He secretly plotted: Qin Qianluo, you will never escape my grasp. Our contest has only just begun...
The silvery moonlight, like a thin veil, spilled into the tranquil courtyard.
In a corner of the courtyard, several osmanthus trees rustled in the gentle breeze, their sweet fragrance filling the air and adding a touch of tranquility to the night.
The copper bells hanging from the eaves swayed gently in the night breeze, producing a clear and melodious sound that carried far in the quiet night.
After finishing her dinner with her family, Qin Qianluo, dressed in a moon-white brocade dress, stepped into the courtyard with a slightly unsteady gait. The hem of her dress lightly swept across the stone path illuminated by the moonlight.
She raised her hand to signal the maids behind her to be quiet. Her face was flushed from drinking, and under the moonlight, she looked even more beautiful and charming.
Qi Meng has keen hearing; she noticed Qin Qianluo's footsteps the moment she stepped into the courtyard.
But she did not get up to greet him. Instead, she quietly leaned against the recliner in the pavilion, her eyes slightly closed, letting the moonlight outline her sorrowful features.
A gentle evening breeze stirred her hair, and her long eyelashes cast small shadows on her eyelids, as if she were lost in endless thoughts.
Qin Qianluo tiptoed toward the pavilion, and before she even stepped inside, she saw a single tear slide down Qimeng's cheek.
Under the moonlight, the tears were crystal clear, slowly dripping down her cheeks and splashing tiny water droplets on the ground.
As Qin Qianluo stepped into the pavilion, this scene made her pause slightly, and she subconsciously stopped in her tracks.
Looking at Qimeng's sorrowful appearance, she subconsciously lowered her voice and called out softly with a hint of pity, "Miss Qimeng."
This call broke the silence of the night.
Perhaps startled, a nightingale perched on a branch suddenly took flight, its cry piercing the night sky before disappearing into the moonlit woods.
On the lake, the moonlight was shattered by the startled cry of the nightingale, and the shimmering waves resembled countless broken stars.
The silvery moonlight spilled onto the pavilion in the middle of the lake, draping everything in a dreamy veil.
Upon hearing Qin Qianluo's call, Qimeng's delicate body trembled violently, her wide sleeves swaying up and down like a startled butterfly, bringing with them a wisp of night breeze carrying the fragrance of osmanthus.
In an instant, she quickly bent her knees, her jade-like hands firmly resting on the hem of her skirt, her waist bending like a willow in the wind. Although her bowing was hurried, it did not lack her innate elegance.
Her voice trembled slightly, like that of a startled deer: "Your Highness's esteemed presence is an honor I had no idea of. I am deeply sorry for failing to greet you properly. I beg Your Highness's forgiveness."
Upon seeing this, Qin Qianluo reached out her hands without hesitation and firmly supported Qimeng's slender arms. The warmth of her palms was transmitted through the clothes, and her movements were gentle and full of concern.
The moment he looked up, his eyes met Qimeng's. Her eyes were misty and shimmering with a faint light, concealing an unyielding sorrow and intense longing.
Qin Qianluo's heart skipped a beat. In the time they had spent together, she had rarely seen Qimeng look so sad and heartbroken.
She unconsciously softened her voice, as gentle as a spring breeze: "Miss Qimeng, what happened to make you so sad?"
If you encounter any difficulties, feel free to speak with me; perhaps I can offer some assistance.
Qi Meng stood up smoothly, her fingertips trembling slightly as she picked up a handkerchief embroidered with gold peonies and gently wiped the corners of her eyes.
A forced smile appeared on her lips, like a withered flower in the snow, lonely and bitter.
A night breeze swept by, ruffling a few strands of her hair, making her look even more pitiful: "Your Highness, I am fine."
But witnessing the Prince enjoying a joyful reunion with his family today has stirred up memories of my own loved ones.
She lowered her head slightly, her voice growing even more subdued, tinged with barely concealed sobs: "It was my momentary lapse in composure that spoiled Your Highness's mood. I hope Your Highness will forgive me."
The silvery moonlight filtered through the dappled shadows of the trees, spilling into the pavilion in the middle of the lake, draping Qin Qianluo and Qimeng in a hazy veil.
Upon hearing these words, Qin Qianluo froze instantly, as if she had been frozen in place, and the moonlight around her seemed to freeze for a moment as well.
Her gaze shifted from Qimeng's sorrowful eyes, her brows furrowed, and her eyes were filled with self-reproach and contemplation.
He seemed to be racking his brains, trying to figure out how to comfort the grieving woman before him.
After a long while, she sighed softly, slowly reached out, and gently patted Qimeng's hand.
The warmth of his palm was comforting: "It was just that I stirred up some sad memories for you, Miss. I blame myself for not being considerate enough."
If the young lady still has even the slightest clue to her family, no matter how faint, I will certainly dispatch capable men to search every corner of the world to help her find her relatives.
"I will certainly not let the young lady's expectations be disappointed."
A bitter smile appeared on Qi Meng's lips, like a petal about to wither in the night wind, carrying endless bitterness and sorrow.
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