After a long while, a bitter smile appeared on his lips. He finally understood why he couldn't find her, and why his past had been thoroughly investigated, resulting in his exile.
I see, I see!
It's because the emperor can no longer tolerate him!
Han Lianjing was lost in his memories. He had met Luo Chaoxi when he was still a student under Luo's father. She was dignified and proper, the perfect candidate for a lady of a prominent family. Her doorstep was practically worn down by suitors.
Upon learning that Luo's father intended to select a reliable candidate from among his many students to marry his daughter, he knew how much convenience such a father-in-law would bring to his career. So he put in all his effort to curry favor with Luo's father and successfully won his favor.
His marriage to Luo Chaoxi was arranged by their parents and a matchmaker. Although he married her for the sake of his career, it is undeniable that on their wedding day, when he lifted the veil and saw her beautiful face, he was also moved.
If his mother hadn't caused this mess, would things have been different? Luo Chaoxi would still be his wife, and the emperor wouldn't see him as a thorn in his side.
But can he blame his mother? In that situation, his mother was only thinking of him...
Who can he blame?
Unfortunately, there's no going back in life, and Han Lianjing could only feel that fate was playing tricks on him.
"What are you standing there for? Hurry up! If you don't move now, you won't reach the next post station before dark, and you'll be sleeping in the middle of nowhere!" The soldier behind him shoved him and roared fiercely, "Do you still think you're some high and mighty general?!"
Han Lianjing withdrew his gaze and silently walked step by step towards the city gates, leaving the capital city that symbolized prosperity and power.
The grand wedding procession passed by the Han residence, and the noisy sounds drifted into the quiet courtyard.
Since Han Lianjing was convicted and exiled, most of the servants in the Han household dared not stay any longer. One by one, they resigned voluntarily, packed their belongings, and fled. Now, the Han household is deserted and empty, with only a few servants remaining.
A strong smell of medicine filled the courtyard of the Wei family. Hearing the noise coming from outside, the Wei family coughed heavily a few times and opened their eyes.
Why is it so noisy outside?
Granny Wang said, "Today is the Emperor's wedding day. The wedding procession should be passing by outside. Are you disturbing us?"
Wei sighed and closed her eyes listlessly.
"Madam, it's time for your medicine. I'll go and get it for you."
Today is the day Han Lianjing is to be exiled, but Wei is seriously ill and bedridden. Wang Pozi, not wanting her to aggravate her health, told her that Han Lianjing had already left the capital a few days ago, which dispelled Wei's desire to see him off.
After Granny Wang left, two maids passed by the corridor outside Madam Wei's house, whispering to each other.
"The Emperor's wedding was such a grand affair! The Empress is truly blessed."
"I heard that the Empress is exceptionally beautiful, a stunning beauty, so even though she is a second wife, the Emperor still adores her."
"Outstanding appearance? Can she be as beautiful as our former wife? I have never seen a woman in the capital who was more beautiful than our former wife."
"What a pity, we don't know where our lady has gone either."
Although the voices were soft, those inside the room could still faintly hear them. As the sounds gradually faded away, Wei, lying on the bed, suddenly opened her eyes, her sunken eyes wide open, and then she coughed up a mouthful of blood.
Could this empress be...?
She dared not think any further; the more she considered this possibility, the more suffocated she felt. Could it be that she was the one who caused this downfall of the Han family?
...
The long procession circled the capital before returning to the palace in a grand procession. The imperial wedding and the empress's investiture ceremony were held together, involving numerous rituals. By the time Luo Chaoxi was escorted back to the Qianming Palace, it was already late.
After bowing to various places all day long, Luo Chaoxi, wearing heavy formal attire, was already feeling suffocated. As soon as she returned to her bedchamber, she had her phoenix crown removed from her head.
Holding her neck and twisting it, Luo Chaoxi felt like her neck was about to break. Looking at the familiar decorations in the hall, she asked in surprise, "Why is this the Ganming Hall? Where is my bedroom?"
Huaping smiled and said, "His Majesty said that you will live with him in the Qianming Palace from now on."
"It's clear that His Majesty truly loves the Empress. The furnishings in this room are all arranged according to her preferences, and the wardrobe is filled with specially made clothes and jewelry."
"In my opinion, the Emperor is your true love."
Luo Chaoxi chuckled and poked her head, "You keep saying nice things about the Emperor, have you been bribed by him?"
Huaping covered her head and cried out that she was wronged, "This servant truly believes that the Emperor is much better than Han Lianjing, so Your Highness should also look forward. It would be a pity to miss out on a truly good marriage because you are attached to the past."
Huaping felt that given her young lady's personality, she would definitely be stuck in the past. Moreover, since the young lady had been studying precepts and rules for women since childhood, and her mindset was that a woman should not serve two husbands, so it would definitely be difficult for her to accept a new marriage.
However, Luo Chaoxi was no ordinary person. In her eyes, Han Lianjing was just a man from a poor background who had achieved success. Naturally, she had no reason to linger, but she still had to put on an act.
"Huaping, don't worry. I'm not the kind of person who's stubborn. Since I'm willing to marry the Emperor, it proves that I'm willing to give myself and the Emperor a chance. If the Emperor doesn't leave me, I won't abandon him. It would be nice to live like this for the rest of my life."
"It's good that Your Majesty thinks that way." Huaping was pleased.
The conversation between the master and servant was overheard by Murong Ling, who had just returned outside the palace. The corners of his mouth, which were already slightly upturned, turned up even more after hearing what the person he had been longing for said.
I'm in a great mood.
He pushed open the door and entered, and everyone in the hall bowed in greeting.
Murong Ling waved his hand, signaling everyone to go down and receive their rewards. Hua Ping also consciously withdrew and closed the palace door behind her.
Murong Ling carefully examined the beautiful woman before him. Luo Chaoxi rarely dressed up so elaborately, and this was the first time she had done so in front of Murong Ling. Her eyebrows and eyes were like paintings, her nose was straight and upturned, and her lips were like cinnabar. She was so beautiful that she seemed otherworldly. When she looked at someone, her eyes were like a pool of spring water.
Murong Ling was momentarily lost in thought.
Luo Chaoxi's heart pounded under his direct gaze. She subconsciously looked away, feeling somewhat embarrassed and annoyed. "How long is Your Majesty going to keep watching?"
"My empress is so beautiful, I want to keep looking at you."
Luo Chaoxi glared at him, "Your Majesty has no self-respect at all."
When she glared at him with a mix of coquettishness and reproach, Murong Ling felt as if half of his heart had melted.
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