Chapter 109: Warm light paves the way for you to recognize me, my heart is tied to Ziwei and I look forward to your return
The sunlight in the imperial study gradually set in the west, casting narrow shadows on the bluestone slabs through the window lattices. The ambergris in the incense burner was still wafting in the air, mixed with the faint scent of ink, warming people's hearts.
Xiaoyanzi's smile hadn't faded yet. Her fingertips unconsciously rubbed the mutton-fat jade bracelet on her wrist. Her mind had already flown to Jingxin Academy. "Father Emperor, will Ziwei be nervous at the academy? Will the headmaster ask her a lot of questions?" She leaned forward, her eyes filled with worry. "Should I go pick her up now?"
Qianlong had just finished writing the last word on the memorial and put down his brush. He looked at her impatient expression and shook his head with a smile, "You little girl, you just said Ziwei was brave, and now you're worried." He picked up the teacup to moisten his throat and said in a steady tone, "The headmaster is Yuhe's classmate, and someone I personally contacted. He will definitely take good care of her. Don't worry."
"But I'm still worried." Xiaoyanzi pouted, curling the hem of her moon-white gown with her fingers. "Ziwei has a soft personality and blushes when she sees strangers. If the headmaster asks about her mother, she'll be so sad."
Qianlong watched her genuine emotion unfold, the smile in his eyes fading slightly, replaced by a touch of warmth and guilt. He stood up, walked over to Xiaoyanzi, and gently patted her shoulder. "I know you care about her. I owed you sisters so much in my past life. In this life, I will not let her suffer even a little." He paused, his voice softening. "As for the headmaster, I've already made instructions. I simply said she's the daughter of an old friend and asked her to take good care of her. I didn't mention anything else and said I wouldn't put her in any difficult situations."
Xiaoyanzi finally felt relieved and looked up at Qianlong, her eyes gleaming with gratitude. "Thank you, Father Huang."
"Why are you being so polite to me?" Qianlong smiled, turned around, took down an exquisite wooden box from the bookshelf, opened it, and handed it to Xiaoyanzi, "Take this."
Little Swallow curiously peeked inside and saw a yellowed collection of poetry in the wooden box. The words "Shu Yu Ci" were written on the cover, and the edges were a bit worn, clearly showing its age. "This is..."
"This is Yuhe's favorite poetry collection back then." Qianlong's fingertips gently brushed the cover, a look of distant nostalgia in his eyes. "It also contains some of her annotations. When Ziwei comes back, give this to her and say...it's an old item I found by chance."
Xiaoyanzi carefully took the poetry collection, feeling a slight heaviness in her hand, as if she were holding a heavy burden of longing. She gently flipped open a page and saw a small, elegant annotation in the margin. The handwriting was gentle and beautiful, somewhat similar to Ziwei's. "Ziwei will be very happy to see this," Xiaoyanzi looked up, her eyes warm. "She talks about her mother every day."
"Yes." Qianlong nodded, his eyes moistened. "Let her know that her mother is always in my heart."
They were both silent for a moment, the only sound in the imperial study being the faint rustle of burning incense. The regrets and guilt of past lives seemed to transform into hope and cherishment for this life.
After a while, Xiaoyanzi took a deep breath, carefully put the poetry collection into her sleeve pocket, and patted it: "Then I will go back and wait for news from Ziwei. If there is anything, I will ask my brother to send you a letter."
"Okay." Qianlong nodded. "Be careful on the way." He paused and then warned, "Don't be too anxious when you get back. The headmaster will make arrangements. Ziwei should be able to return to the Fang family safely before evening."
"I understand!" Xiaoyanzi nodded vigorously, her face regaining its usual lively expression. She bowed to Qianlong and said, "Father Emperor, I'm leaving now!"
"Go." Qianlong waved his hand and watched Xiaoyanzi turn around briskly with joyful steps, as if every cell in her body was full of energy.
Xiaoyanzi reached the door of the imperial study and couldn't help but glance back. Qianlong sat back down at his desk, picking up the memorial. Sunlight shone on him, casting a soft halo of light. He looked less majestic and more like a father. Her heart warmed. She smiled, turned around, and hurried away, her skirt lifted.
Eunuch Su had been waiting outside the door. When he saw Xiaoyanzi come out, he quickly stepped forward and said, "Miss Fang, I will escort you out."
"No need, Eunuch Su. I know the way." Xiaoyanzi smiled and waved her hand, walking briskly towards the palace gate. The jade bracelet on her wrist gently jingled with her movements, making a clear and pleasant sound, as if accompanying this hopeful wait.
The sun shone brightly, illuminating the red walls and yellow tiles of the Forbidden City, a warmth and vitality permeating every corner. Little Swallow touched the precious poetry collection in her sleeve pocket, her heart filled with anticipation. She could already see Ziwei's surprise and emotion upon receiving the collection, and her happy smile upon successfully recognizing her relatives.
In this life, with her and the Emperor around, she would definitely protect Ziwei and all the people she cared about, and never let the tragedy of her previous life repeat itself. Thinking of this, Xiaoyanzi's steps became lighter. She wanted to go back quickly and wait for her good sister to return safely.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
