The siblings looked at each other blankly. Gan Lin seemed not to understand what Gan Qiongying was saying and didn't react for a long time. Seeing this, Gan Qiongying became more and more nervous and almost broke off the corner of the table.
After a long while, Gan Lin seemed to come to his senses and said, "Run?"
His expression was somewhat unfocused, and his voice sounded unsteady: "Does my sister mean... that she wants to travel somewhere?"
"But as the emperor, I am busy with state affairs every day, and I am afraid I will not have time to accompany my sister out for a walk." In fact, Gan Lin simply felt that he had no ability to step out of the palace. He was like a canary kept in the palace, no, he was not even as good as a canary.
He's just a drab crow.
But now, he was actually somewhat content. As long as his sister didn't blame him, and as long as he and his sister could be like before, Gan Lin felt that he could still hold on.
No matter what, he will hold on until the very end, until his sister is truly safe and sound, or even away from this troublesome place called Yindu.
Therefore, Gan Lin gave a somewhat stiff smile and said to Gan Qiongying, "I've heard... I've heard that you and your husband are getting along well recently. Why don't you go for a walk with your husband and see the beautiful scenery of Nanzhao?"
As Gan Lin spoke, he observed Gan Qiongying's expression with extreme caution.
He would never dare to mention the prince consort in front of his elder sister, but this time when he entered the palace, Gan Lin felt that his elder sister was different from before.
She became more cheerful and radiant, and even started joking around. Gan Lin was very happy with this change. He had always been concerned about his sister's life, and this was the only thing he would do against her wishes.
Seeing her elder sister living freely outside was the only motivation that kept Gan Lin going in the deep palace.
As expected, after Gan Lin finished speaking, Gan Qiongying did not show the anger and resentment that Gan Lin had shown in fear.
Gan Qiongying pursed her lips, took a deep breath, and tried to make her voice sound gentle and calm. She subconsciously adopted the tone that Princess Duanrong used to coax Gan Lin when he was a child, and said, "What are you busy with?"
Gan Qiongying said, "Are you busy reading the memorials that the Regent has reviewed, or busy watching those ministers flatter you and treat you like a fool or a puppet?"
Mentioning the Regent, Gan Lin unconsciously clenched his hands on his knees.
Her rounded fingernails dug into her palms, and after a moment she pinched her thigh, forcing herself not to lose her composure in front of Gan Qiongying and not let Gan Qiongying notice anything unusual.
She paused for a moment before slowly curving her lips into a smile and saying, “The Regent is talented in governing the country. He has taken care of everything, so I’m actually quite relaxed… Sister knows that I’m not really suited to be the emperor.”
“Sister,” Gan Lin said to Gan Qiongying, “I only hope that you can be well and free outside the palace, and do whatever you want.”
Gan Lin has always been like this. No matter what Princess Duanrong does outside, even if he is a puppet, he will do everything he can to calm things down for Princess Duanrong.
That's why Gan Qiongying felt conflicted when she first transmigrated, and why she initially misunderstood that the emperor hated her and married her, a princess, to a merchant.
Later, it was suspected that the emperor was trying to kill her by praising her, wanting her to become so arrogant that she couldn't be controlled, and then eradicate her completely. Otherwise, it was impossible to explain why the emperor would be so indulgent towards her. Even when Princess Duanrong refused to answer the emperor's summons, the palace did not issue any punishment. The next day, eunuchs would be sent to her to curry favor.
However, Gan Qiongying, who did not have the memory of Princess Duanrong at that time, could hardly imagine what methods Gan Lin used and what sacrifices he made to support her freedom and arrogance, her domineering and haughty nature.
Although Gan Lin is a puppet, a puppet naturally has its uses. Gan Lin holds a trump card that is not considered a trump card.
That would mean mutual destruction.
No matter how shrewd the regent was, or how powerful the empress dowager's family was, they never had a legitimate claim to power.
Those two who dare to challenge the supreme position of the world are traitors and rebels, deserving to be punished by everyone.
Therefore, Gan Lin would risk his life to desperately support Princess Duanrong and create a safe haven for her.
Although Gan Lin could not give Princess Duanrong the same romantic love, he used his own flesh and blood, even his own life, to pave a smooth road for Princess Duanrong.
Gan Lin performed very well, and he also encouraged Gan Qiongying, saying, "Sister, you really haven't been out to play much. When the ministers submitted their memorials, I heard that the scenery in Jiangnan is very pleasant, and there are many fruits and snacks that you can't find in Yindu at all. Sister, you can go and see more of these places. The prince consort travels all over the country and will definitely be able to guide you well."
His eyes sparkled as he spoke, genuinely hoping that Princess Duanrong could go out and broaden her horizons and mind, escaping the oppressive, scheming, and suffocating prison that was Yindu.
If Gan Qiongying didn't have Princess Duanrong's memories, she would never have realized that Gan Lin was just pretending to be strong at this moment.
When Gan Lin was little... he actually wet the bed when he was a few years old. Every time he wet the bed, he was afraid that Princess Duanrong would get angry, so he hid it from her.
However, people always behave differently when they lie, especially their own children who have grown up by their side. When they lie, you don't even need to look at them; you can hear the difference in their tone of voice even with your eyes closed.
Gan Lin had absolutely no privacy in front of Princess Duanrong, who could see through his emotions at a glance.
This is the child she raised herself, her younger brother, and the man she deeply loves.
Gan Qiongying knew that Gan Lin was lying. Considering the current situation in the palace, even a fool could tell what kind of grievances he had suffered.
If it were the real Princess Duanrong, she might have felt sorry for Ganlin secretly, and then tried every means to clear away the obstacles in the court for Ganlin, like an egg hitting a rock, fighting against the Empress Dowager and the Regent, and finally suffering a bloody defeat.
However, Gan Qiongying took a small breath, raised her hand to rub her temples, and forcefully forced back the tears in her eyes.
no.
Simply asking questions won't suffice.
She had to push Gan Lin a little harder.
Although Gan Lin is very obedient and respects Princess Duanrong very much, he will go with her if forced. However, if the two encounter pursuers on the road, Gan Lin will definitely risk his life to draw them away.
That was the last thing Gan Qiongying wanted to see.
She had to make Gan Lin deeply realize just how important he was, at least to Princess Duanrong, to the extent that he was so important that he dared not die.
Gan Qiongying slowly exhaled, then slammed her hand on the table, like striking a gavel.
Seeing Gan Lin shudder again, he asked, "Are you awake now? Can't you be a little more clear-headed?"
Gan Qiongying said, "Although I don't know everything you've done for me, I know, Gan Lin, that you don't love me."
Gan Lin's eyelids twitched, and she lowered her head in shame.
The fact that he couldn't fall in love with his older sister was something that caused Gan Lin great pain. If he could, he would very much like to love his older sister.
They could marry, but... but no matter how hard Gan Lin tried, he had no romantic feelings for Princess Duanrong.
Gan Lin had considered deceiving his older sister to make her happy.
But if he can lie about "I love you" with his mouth, how can his eyes deceive him? When two people spend a lot of time together, how can he lie about physical contact, or even... matters in bed?
How could he bear to, how could he dare to, deceive his elder sister with false feelings?
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