The Empress specially sent someone to fetch Xueying to the palace.
Xueying had already heard enough of her father's instructions at home, which constantly reminded her of her true purpose in marrying Hongli. Thinking that the Empress would likely be just like her father during this trip to the palace, she felt annoyed.
The Empress sat regally on the throne, and Xueying knelt down to pay her respects. Upon seeing Xueying arrive, the Empress immediately greeted her warmly and invited her to sit down next to her.
The Empress examined Xueying for a while before speaking: "Xueying has grown up and is finally getting married. Of all the children of the Ulanara clan, you are the one your aunt likes the most..."
Xueying smiled and said, "Thank you for the compliment, Aunt. I am flattered..."
The Empress turned her head and instructed a maid to fetch a small brocade box. She picked it up and opened it; inside were a pair of golden phoenix tassel hairpins, dazzling and glittering. Xueying was startled. The Empress had already taken out the hairpins and placed them on Xueying's head for comparison.
The Empress nodded and smiled, "He certainly looks good on you..."
Xueying hurriedly said, "Aunt, this is..."
The Empress put the hairpin back into the brocade box and handed it to Xueying. Xueying accepted it with both hands, staring at the Empress with wide eyes, feeling delighted.
"This is a wedding gift from your aunt. Do you like it?" the Empress asked.
Xueying stroked the brocade box, overjoyed: "Thank you so much, Aunt, Xueying likes it very much..."
The Empress stared at Xueying and said earnestly, "I watched you grow up, and I treat you like my own child. Now that I am the Empress, there are times when I have no choice but to do something. You are the daughter of the Ulanara clan, and I know you understand my difficulties..."
Xueying's joy vanished, and she looked up at the Empress, only to notice the fine wrinkles at the corners of the Empress's eyes. Overwhelmed with emotion, she nodded silently.
"Xueying understands..."
The Empress patted Xueying's hand and said softly, "I know you're sensible..."
Xueying lowered her head sadly and said, "Aunt, don't worry, Xueying has always kept that in mind..."
Xueying was filled with mixed emotions. Looking at the brocade box in her hand, it was no longer as dazzling as before, but more like a hot potato—hot to hold, yet she couldn't throw it away. Recalling Hongli's bright smile, Xueying wished she wasn't a princess, or even just a lowly palace maid, so she wouldn't have to be afraid to face the person she loved.
Seeing Xueying's dazed and hesitant expression, the Empress asked in a low, wary voice, "Xueying, do you really like Hongli?"
Xueying was startled and shook her head frantically, saying, "No, Xueying knows her own identity. Even if she marries the Fourth Prince, it's only to monitor his every move. Xueying will not betray her family and aunt..."
The Empress smiled and comforted the agitated Xueying, saying nonchalantly, "Xueying, you must remember, you are a daughter of the Ulanara family. Your destiny was sealed from the moment you were born, and sacrificing for your family is your mission..."
Xueying felt a chill run through her body, and her heart sank into the sea.
"Xueying has never hesitated to sacrifice for her family..." Xueying said sadly, "I'm content as long as Brother Hongshi becomes the Crown Prince, I have no other desires..."
Xueying dared not disobey the Empress's words, much less confront the Ulanara family for Hongli's sake. Seeing that she was about to be married, yet not a single person genuinely wished her well, Xueying suddenly felt ridiculous.
After leaving the palace, Xueying walked along the road, dejected and holding the brocade box. A'luo ran after her, but Xueying ignored her.
"Princess, what's wrong?" A'luo asked worriedly. Seeing the brocade box in Xueying's hand, she asked curiously, "Princess, is this a wedding gift bestowed upon you by the Empress? The Empress is so kind to you..."
A'Luo was still chattering on, but Xueying tossed the brocade box to the maid and murmured, "If you like it, you can take it..."
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