As Xueying walked along the familiar, desolate corridor, recalling the wonderful times she had spent here with her father and aunt, her heart tightened, and she quickened her pace to reach the main courtyard.
The Empress sat regally in the main seat. Although she no longer held much power, she still exuded an air of dignity and authority. Perhaps this was the stubbornness inherent in the Ulanara family—a dignity that could not be relinquished even in times of hardship.
When the Empress saw Xueying arrive, she gave a mocking smile, "Xueying, you've finally come." The Empress was still unsure whether Xueying would come; judging from her expression at the banquet, she assumed she wouldn't keep the appointment.
Xueying stepped forward, took a few steps, and greeted Empress Ulanara, "Aunt, what brings you to Xueying?"
She remembered that Ulanara had told her that when no one was around, she could call her aunt, as it would seem more intimate. However, that was all in the past.
"Aunt? You still remember I'm your aunt? I thought you'd completely forgotten me. And forgotten that you're a member of the Ulanara family." Empress Ulanara clenched her hands, speaking angrily. She had been so good to Xueying, yet Xueying had disobeyed her orders for a man.
Xueying knew she would be scolded and possibly threatened again for coming, but she didn't want to back down this time. Just like with relationships, she had always been timid and hesitant, and in the end, this was all she had achieved. This time, she wanted to be brave.
"Aunt, of course you are my aunt. Family ties will never change, and I will always be a member of the Ulanara family. But I am also myself. I love Hongli, I love him, and I cannot hurt him." Xueying's eyes welled up with tears. This was the first time in so long that she had spoken her true feelings. Even under these circumstances, Xueying felt that the emotions she had suppressed for so long were finally pouring out at this moment.
The Empress chuckled, "You love Hongli? What about him? Does he love you? You've been bound to this man your whole life. And him? He has so many women. He can be a womanizer, but you shed tears for him every day, and he doesn't even know it." The Empress wanted to use Xueying, so she naturally knew everything about her and Hongli's situation. Therefore, every word she spoke was like a sharp sword, piercing Xueying's heart.
"So what? You say he doesn't love me, but what about you and Father? Do you really love me? You've just used me as a pawn." Xueying cried.
Hearing Xueying say this, the Empress was astonished, not expecting that Xueying had thought so much.
“How could you think we don’t love you? Your father has always hoped that you could be happy. However, the family’s power is waning and we need your help. You need to know that the Ulanara family is your solid support. Without the Ulanara, you are nothing.”
"No, I don't want to make a pointless sacrifice. Why should I sacrifice my happiness for the glory of Ulanara? I also want the happiness of a normal woman. I just want to be a peaceful and obedient wife. I can be with Hongli, and Hongli and I can help the Ulanara family together," Xueying said, shaking her head.
Xueying was emotional. The people she loved either didn't love her or were using her. "Aunt, I don't want to live like you, struggling your whole life for your current position, never getting a man's love. In the end, you only have an empty title."
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