The three finally arrived at Changchun Palace. Lanqin had intended to talk to the children a little longer, but seeing that everyone was tired, she decided against it. She had the servants take them to rest, and Hongli naturally followed Mingyu.
The sight of the two figures from behind was jarring to Xueying, even though she had expected this outcome. Yet, a dull ache still lingered in her heart, causing her distress.
"Xueying, you should go and rest!" Lanqin felt a pang of heartache seeing Xueying standing there motionless, staring at their backs.
Lanqin is a modern person; she knows that feelings can't be forced. She can see that Hongli loves Mingyu, so Xueying will definitely get hurt. In modern times, Xueying wouldn't even qualify as a mistress, since mistresses can still get a man's love. Xueying not only won't get a man's love, but she wouldn't even qualify as a wife.
"Mother, what do you think it feels like for two people who love each other?" Xueying knew it was abrupt and impolite to ask such a question, but she was truly in unbearable pain. She just wanted to know what it felt like for two people who loved each other to be together. If only she were the one by Hongli's side.
Lanqin hadn't expected Xueying to ask her so bluntly. She didn't want Xueying to overthink things. "You have to find the feeling of love yourself, Xueying. You have to win a man's heart yourself." Perhaps saying this would be a bit unfair to Mingyu, but Lanqin just wanted to soothe Xueying's wounded heart.
Hearing Lanqin's words, Xueying felt a little better. After greeting Lanqin, she followed the servants to her sleeping quarters, but a spot in her heart still ached uncontrollably.
She had initially thought that things would be different after Hongli's favor towards her that time. Although she knew Hongli didn't love her, she thought he would at least take responsibility for his actions. But all she got in return was her wishful thinking and indifference. Today, with the three of them together, she had completely realized her place in Hongli's heart. Perhaps she was even less important than Lady Gao and Lady Su. In his mind, she was nothing more than an object forced upon him by the Empress and the Emperor, a dispensable existence.
She thought back to when she wanted to marry Hongli, so many people tried to stop her, yet she still chose to marry him. She thought she could change him, but in the end, it was her own heart that changed. The heart that had burned so brightly with love for him was now as cold as ashes.
Xueying was now immersed in grief and couldn't pull herself out. Suddenly, she remembered that the Empress had asked her to go to Jingren Palace. She composed herself and secretly left Changchun Palace after the sun went down.
On the way, Xueying kept thinking about how to face the Empress, her blood-related aunt. How much she must hate her. If it weren't for her, if she had listened to the Empress and poisoned Hongli, the Empress wouldn't be in this predicament now.
If this summons only leads to her hurting Hongli again, what should she do? Should she refuse or agree? If she refuses her aunt again, their friendship will likely be severed.
Thinking about it, we arrived at Jingren Palace. The scenery here was desolate, and the fallen leaves in the courtyard were left unattended. Compared with the bustling scene outside the palace, this place was unusually quiet.
Xueying recalled how lively and bustling Jingren Palace used to be, with visitors every day and different faces every day. Now… indeed, people change!
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