Chapter 258: Snow Clears, Wind Gentles, Waiting for the Good Time
The snow stopped.
A thick layer of snow covered the glazed tiles of Shufangzhai, refracting tiny golden rays in the rising sun. The icicles on the eaves had melted a little, and water droplets trickled down the edges, hitting the bluestone slabs with a soft, ticking sound, as if beating the rhythm for the impending joy.
Xiaoyanzi was sitting on a soft couch by the window, holding a diamond-shaped mirror and looking left and right. The redness and swelling on her face had mostly subsided, leaving only a few faint red marks that weren't noticeable unless you looked closely. She was wearing a pink and purple brocade jacket with a lotus pattern embroidered at the collar, which made her look much better. However, her right eye was still slightly swollen, and when she smiled, it pulled a few fine lines at the corner of her eye.
"Look, look, isn't it much better?" She held the mirror in front of Ziwei, her tone full of pride, "Doctor Li's ointment is really effective. It's gone away so much in just two days!"
Ziwei was sitting at the embroidery frame, finishing the last few gold stitches on Xiaoyanzi's wedding gown. Hearing this, she looked up and smiled, "It's much better. Just a few more days of rest, and you'll be back to being beautiful." She put down her needle and thread, picked up the rouge box on the table, dipped her fingertips in some, and gently dabbed it on Xiaoyanzi's cheek. "Look, now the red mark isn't visible anymore."
Xiaoyanzi pursed her lips in front of the mirror and suddenly frowned: "Speaking of which, what's going on with that bee? I always feel like something's wrong."
Qing'er walked in carrying a bowl of Tremella soup. She paused for a moment, then smiled and handed the bowl over. "Don't let your imagination run wild. Perhaps it was raised in the greenhouse and accidentally flew out." She sat down next to Xiaoyanzi and smoothed her hair. "The Emperor has already ordered the wedding to be postponed. He wants you to recover before you marry in style. Just wait patiently for your turn as the bride."
Xiaoyanzi took the Tremella soup, scooped a spoonful into her mouth, and said vaguely: "But I always feel that someone did it on purpose..." Before she finished speaking, she saw Yongqi lifting the curtain and coming in, and she quickly swallowed the rest of her words.
Yongqi was wearing a royal blue uniform, holding a brocade box in his hand, a smile on his face. "Look who's here?" He walked over to Xiaoyanzi and opened the brocade box. Inside was a phoenix hairpin with red gold and kingfisher feathers, and the head of the hairpin was inlaid with a round oriental pearl. "This was specially made by my mother. She said it would calm you down."
Xiaoyanzi's eyes lit up. She reached out and picked up the phoenix hairpin, examining it. "It's so beautiful! Thank Mother for me." She looked at Yongqi and suddenly asked, "How's the investigation going on with the bee incident?"
Yongqi's eyes flashed, and he reached out to ruffle her hair. "We're still investigating, but it's probably just an accident. Don't take it to heart." He changed the subject. "I had someone alter the white fox cloak and add a lining. Try it on to see if it fits you."
Xiaoyanzi knew that he didn't want to worry her, so she curled her lips and didn't ask any more questions.
At this time, Little Mosquito and Little Stool came running in one after the other. Little Mosquito was holding a food box and yelling, "Good boy, long bang! Uncle Fu sent some delicious food!"
Xiaodengzi followed behind, holding a few storybooks in his hands: "Princess, this is the Journey to the West you asked for. I borrowed it from the eunuch in the library."
Ziwei took the lunch box with a smile and opened it. Inside were several plates of exquisite snacks and a small bowl of rock sugar pears. "Is this from Erkang? He's always so thoughtful."
Xiaoyanzi picked up a piece of lotus cake and stuffed it into her mouth. Suddenly, she remembered something and took Yongqi's hand. "By the way, where's Brother Xiaojian? Didn't he say he was going to the palace yesterday?"
"He's talking to the guards outside and will probably come in soon." Yongqi said, giving Qing'er a wink.
Qing'er understood and said with a smile, "I'll go see Brother Xiao Jian and ask the kitchen to stew some bird's nest for you to nourish your body."
After Qing'er left, Ziwei also used the excuse of going to see the wedding dress and took Jinsuo out, leaving Xiaoyanzi and Yongqi alone in the room.
Xiaoyanzi leaned on Yongqi's shoulder and whispered, "Yongqi, I know you're hiding something from me. Have you found out anything?"
Yongqi sighed and gently held her hand. "I have found some clues, but I can't tell you right now. I'm afraid you'll get angry and hurt yourself." He looked into her eyes and said seriously, "Trust me, I will find out everything and will never let you suffer any injustice."
Xiaoyanzi looked at his sincere eyes and nodded. "I believe you." She suddenly smiled. "Actually, I'm not afraid. Anyway, I have you here, the Emperor is here, and I have my sister and Brother Xiao Jian. No one can bully me."
Yongqi looked at her smile, and the red marks at the corners of her eyes became less obvious, and his heart softened. He lowered his head and kissed her forehead gently: "Don't worry, I'm here."
The sunlight outside the window grew warmer, shining on the red silk and the wedding characters, illuminating the entire room. Bursts of laughter rang out again in Shufangzhai, like a string of clear silver bells, echoing in the silent palace.
Xiao Jian stood outside the courtyard, listening to the laughter inside, and exchanged a look with Erkang. They both saw determination in each other's eyes - no matter who was behind this, they would never let her hurt Xiaoyanzi again.
After the snow, the air in the Forbidden City was fresh and warm, and even the wind seemed to carry a sweet scent. Everyone was quietly waiting, waiting for the belated but destined to be a perfect wedding.
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