"How to make up for it..." The uncompleted words of Mengchen were swallowed up by Long Xuanmo.
Soon, the two of them flew side by side, hand in hand, above a marvelous paradise, with the atmosphere inside the room warm, sweet, and as fiery as a blaze.
After a long while, Long Xuanmo stopped, holding his bone-deep love for her in his arms, the corners of his lips curling up with a content smile, "Ah Jiu, rest assured, I’ve got everything covered!"
Mengchen responded softly, snuggling in his embrace, listening to his strong heartbeat, her heart full of gratitude and relief.
The next day, after breakfast, under the worried and encouraging gaze of the Yang family’s master and servant, a group set off for The Capital with light carriages and fast horses.
Mengchen poured a cup of tea for the Empress Dowager, "Please drink your tea, Your Highness." The carriage was indeed spacious, but the Empress Dowager disfavored noise and the company of many, so only the Empress Dowager and she were inside. Moreover, she was more than willing to serve the Empress Dowager.
"Put it down for now. Ah Jiu, keep me company and chat," said the Empress Dowager, as Mengchen placed the teacup down, looking at her with a meaningful gaze, "When I first heard that Xuan Mo was to marry you, I was firmly against it. Do you know why?"
Mengchen shook her head, her lips pressed tight, saying nothing.
Unconcerned with Mengchen’s silence, the Empress Dowager continued, "From the descriptions of Xixi, Tongtong, and Xuan Er, I came to understand that you are a wise, strong, and independent child. But coming from a simple and harmonious family, you have a pure nature that is utterly unsuited for a family of power and wealth, let alone the royal family. Even with Xuan Mo’s protection, he can only protect you momentarily, not for a lifetime. The slightest carelessness and you would vanish beneath the royal family’s schemes. Rather than having you disappear early on, with Xuan Mo grieving and full of regret, or even going mad, it would be better to separate you two from the start."
Mengchen offered a bitter smile. The Empress Dowager was incisive, laying bare her essence.
In her past life, when faced with the abuse of her kin, she chose to suffer in silence, and confronted with her mother-in-law’s difficulties, she opted for endurance and indulgence, resulting in her being sold by her relatives for a mere thousand bucks to a man over forty, her mother-in-law conspiring with others to pressure her for the sake of her offspring. Even when competitors schemed endlessly against her in business, she let them off easily. If it weren’t for the love and protection of individuals like Grandma Zhang, she would have long been reduced to bones.
Without the love and protection of her family, the shelter of people like Uncle Luo in this life, no matter how smart and capable she was, it would have been impossible for her to remain safe and sound until now.
After all, this was all due to her nature. If only she could be a bit more resolute and decisive, she wouldn’t have been pushed to the brink time and time again, nor would she have implicated those around her.
"I have watched Xuan Mo grow up, and I understand his nature. He says he will marry only you in this lifetime, and he means it. This has also shown me the worthwhile qualities you possess," the Empress Dowager carried on, "During our time together, you have indeed proven to be an intelligent and capable good child. With just a minor change in your disposition, you can definitely become a wise and virtuous consort for Xuan Mo in the future."
The young girl was learned and talented, possessing a unique and far-reaching vision. If well-guided, she wouldn’t just be a support for Xuan Mo but a blessing for Dong Chu.
"This humble girl thanks Your Highness for your guidance!" Mengchen expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Empress Dowager.
Helping Mengchen to her feet, a touch of sorrow and helplessness lingered in the Empress Dowager’s brows, "I was once a naive and cheerful young girl myself, always assuming the best in others, until I hovered on the brink of death time and again, finally coming to a stark realization. The most heartless can be found within the Imperial Household, this lesson was paid for with countless lives. You must remember this well.
Of course, I do not wish for you to become cruel or ruthless, but to find the right balance, one that allows you to achieve your goals without leaving any grievances. You will need to ponder this carefully, do you understand?"
"This humble girl understands!" Mengchen nodded vigorously.
Taking Mengchen’s hand, the Empress Dowager showed a kind and gratified smile, "Good child, I believe in you! And don’t worry, as long as I live, no one will be able to separate you and Xuan Mo or harm your relationship! As for between the two of you, it’s all about how you manage it."
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