Since the news of Shui Ling's execution, Lan Qin has been immersed in despair and unable to extricate herself.
The Fourth Prince refused Lanqin's request, knowing full well what Consort Nian had done, but pretended nothing had happened, hastily executed Lady Ji, and thus concluded the matter.
Lanqin's laughter could no longer be heard in Changchun Palace; the carefree joy of the past was gone.
The palace maids and eunuchs walked with utmost care, making careful sounds and movements, for fear of displeasing Lanqin.
Baoqin, wanting to ease Lanqin's mood, specially picked some fresh flowers and brought them over. While arranging the vases, she smiled and said to Lanqin, "Your Majesty, look! These flowers are so beautiful, just as beautiful as you! I've changed the water for you and will keep them in the palace. When the Emperor comes, seeing them will brighten his mood!"
Lanqin sat on the south-facing daybed, saying without turning her head, "No need, take it down... What's the use of even the most beautiful flowers? They'll all wither one day..."
Baoqin glanced at Xichun worriedly, signaling Xichun to think of a solution.
Xi Chun nodded and comforted her, "Your Majesty, we servants are worried when we see you so unhappy, let alone the Emperor. Last night, the Emperor came to our palace and stood outside for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. Your Majesty insisted that you had already gone to bed, but Your Majesty was clearly deliberately trying to spite the Emperor!"
Lanqin rested her chin on her hand, staring blankly at the scenery outside, and said softly, "Do I really have to force a smile and compete for favor with Consort Nian when I know perfectly well that the one who harmed Hongli is Consort Nian? I simply can't do it."
Baoqin put down her work and came closer: "Your Majesty, His Majesty has his reasons! Although we servants don't understand, His Majesty loves Your Majesty, and that's a fact. Your Majesty, please don't be angry with His Majesty and just make those onlookers happy..."
Lanqin smiled bitterly and said indifferently, "Just because he's the Emperor, does that mean I have to accept everything unconditionally? Including wrongdoings? He clearly knows why Hongli was poisoned and has evidence to prove it, so why did he wait for the right opportunity? Even if it was simply for my sake, he didn't give up his so-called... Never mind, you don't understand..."
Lanqin never regarded the Fourth Prince as a high and mighty emperor. In Lanqin's heart, the Fourth Prince was her husband and a family member she could rely on.
The palace maids saw that Lanqin was truly angry this time, and knew that no amount of persuasion would help.
dusk.
A young eunuch hurried to Changchun Palace to report: "Greetings, Your Highness. The Emperor has sent word that dinner will be served at Changchun Palace tonight. Please prepare accordingly..."
Upon hearing this, Baoqin excitedly said, "Great! I'll go tell the kitchen right now to prepare the Emperor's favorite lotus seed soup..."
Xi Chun chimed in, "I'll find a beautiful dress for Your Highness too..."
Lanqin waved her hand, rested her forehead on her hand, and frowned, saying, "Thank you, Eunuch. Please go back and tell His Majesty that I am not feeling well today and cannot have dinner with him. Please ask His Majesty to find another place to dine..."
The young eunuch was taken aback. He had never refused the emperor before and was at a loss for words.
Baoqin anxiously tugged at Lanqin's zither: "Your Majesty, please think about it again..."
Lanqin closed her eyes, stood up, and walked into the inner room, leaving behind the words: "Close the door to Changchun Palace. I want to be alone and quiet. Don't let anyone in..."
The young eunuch had no choice but to leave. Baoqin and Xichun watched him depart with heavy hearts, their faces filled with sorrow.
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