The room was dimly lit, probably because the red candles had burned for too long and only a few on the Fourth Master's table remained.
His aged expression was somber and desolate, but his youthful appearance was deeply etched in Lanqin's heart.
The Thirteenth Prince, Yinxiang, had a deep brotherly bond with Yongzheng. Lanqin could understand the pain of losing a loved one. She would watch Yongzheng illuminated by the lamplight from a dark corner. People all know that emperors are inherently ruthless, and how many corpses have been trodden upon the throne of a king.
But some people don't know that the emperor is the most stoic and lonely figure in this world, because he has a solitary heart. It is also that solitary heart that prompted him to ascend the throne.
"You've come," he called softly.
Lanqin was taken aback. It turned out that he already knew she had been standing there all along. She stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I have come to see you."
"Have you heard about the Thirteenth Prince's matter?"
"I know we can chat."
"Thirteen's life is numbered."
Lanqin remained silent for a long while before saying, "Your Majesty, regarding the Thirteenth Prince, let's leave it to fate."
Just like when she first came here, it was probably preordained that no matter how hard she tried to turn things around, it would all be in vain.
After all, it's history. Over the years, it has weathered countless storms. What's meant to happen will happen, and there's no escaping it.
"Lanqin," Fourth Master called softly again.
"Your Majesty, I am here," Lanqin said, standing behind him with her hand gently resting on his shoulder.
Fourth Master covered those hands with his large hand and said, "Thirteen has really suffered with me all these years."
How can we just leave the empire that Thirteen and he built?
“Your Majesty, everyone must die eventually. The earth is fair. Perhaps there is another arrangement.” Lanqin said, and began to massage his shoulders. “Perhaps it is fate that Thirteen met you in this life.”
Fourth Master turned around and hugged him. "It's my fault, it's all my fault. If it weren't for me, he wouldn't have suffered like this."
"Your Majesty is overthinking it. Everything in the world blossoms, bears fruit, and withers, all within a cycle of cause and effect. You may not have a chance in this life, but you must be optimistic. There might be an afterlife, and we will surely meet again," Lanqin said, stroking her head.
Just like her, she was reborn in the Qing Dynasty in modern times. Perhaps everything is predestined and inexplicable.
Tears were already streaming down the Fourth Prince's face. He sobbed softly, trying to suppress his emotions, as if afraid that others would see a dignified emperor crying.
Lanqin continued to comfort him, saying, "Don't cry, Your Majesty."
Gradually, the sobbing subsided, and Fourth Master held her tightly in his arms.
"How is the imperial physician today?" Lanqin asked.
"Thirteen only has three months left."
Lanqin sighed and fell silent.
"Lanqin, if I were to die like the thirteenth prince, would you still remember me?"
"I remember, Lanqin will always remember. The Emperor's words must not be disregarded. You must take good care of yourself." Lanqin's eyes welled up with tears upon hearing this.
Historically, Emperor Yongzheng died in his fifties, at a violent age. Lanqin suddenly felt terrified; she couldn't bear to lose the Fourth Prince.
"Your Majesty, let's go for a walk in the Imperial Garden and get some fresh air," Lanqin explained. "We'll wait for news from Prince Yi's residence before Your Majesty and I go for another walk."
The two walked slowly along the bluestone path in the Imperial Garden, holding hands.
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