After saying that, Qi Hanlin handed the peeled fruit to Xiaolian. Xiaolian took the fruit, took a bite, and a bright smile appeared on her face.
At this moment, she truly wanted to believe that an emperor like Qi Hanlin would marry her.
Even a fleeting fantasy is enough to bring her joy for a long time.
I just hope I don't wake up from this dream too soon!
In the days that followed, Xu Yuehuai and Qi Hanlin continued to provide Xiaolian with meticulous care.
They not only cared for her physically, but also gave her tremendous emotional support and encouragement.
With their company, Xiaolian gradually returned to her former self. She began to get out of bed and walk around, and even tried to do some simple needlework, making things for the baby in her belly.
Sunlight streamed obliquely into the courtyard, where Xu Yuehuai and Xiaolian sat side by side, their embroidery threads weaving a delicate tapestry of care across the fabric.
Xu Yuehuai's eyes were focused and bright. Although it was her first time trying to embroider shoes for Qi Ziang, her movements were not at all clumsy.
Xiao Lian sat beside her, occasionally pointing out the embroidery techniques, a faint smile on her lips, as if she could see a bright future ahead.
"This is how it's embroidered," Xiaolian said softly, gently picking up a thread and skillfully threading it through the fabric.
Xu Yuehuai watched intently, and under Xiaolian's guidance, the needle and thread in her hands began to dance smoothly on the fabric.
“This is the first time I’ve embroidered shoes for Zi’ang,” Xu Yuehuai said softly, her eyes full of tenderness. “Once I’m skilled enough, I’ll make a pair for the Prince as well.”
Her voice was full of anticipation and determination, as if she could already see the day when she would embroider exquisite shoes for Qi Guze.
Upon hearing this, Xiaolian's eyes flashed with surprise: "I'm sure the Prince and the Heir Apparent will be very happy to see this!" Her voice was full of certainty, as if she could already see the joyful expressions on the Prince and the Heir Apparent's faces as they put on the shoes embroidered by Xu Yuehuai.
Xu Yuehua smiled slightly, raised her head to look at the distant sky, her eyes sparkling with anticipation for the future.
"yes!"
She spoke softly, as if responding to Xiaolian's words, or perhaps talking to herself.
"I suppose the war between the four nations should be coming to an end soon." Her voice was filled with boundless anticipation and hope, as if she could already see the dawn of peace.
At this moment, Xiaolian's belly was already noticeably protruding, and her face radiated maternal love. She still held an embroidery needle in her hand, but her eyes kept falling on her belly, as if she was imagining what her future child would look like.
Xu Yuehuai noticed Xiaolian's expression. She gently put down the embroidery in her hand and gently held Xiaolian's hand.
"Don't worry too much, everything will be alright." Her voice was full of warmth and comfort.
Xiaolian looked up into Xu Yuehuai's eyes and saw the determination and care in them. She smiled slightly, her eyes glistening with tears of gratitude.
"I know that with you all here, I'm not afraid of anything." Xiaolian's words were full of trust and reliance.
However, Xu Yuehuai was not entirely at ease. She had been investigating the assassin behind it all, but hadn't found any clues. Whenever she thought about it, her brow would furrow slightly, and a hint of worry would flash in her eyes.
Sunlight bathed the two women, casting long, long shadows on the ground. They sat side by side, their embroidery needles weaving a deep affection and unwavering faith into the fabric.
"Let's go back first!"
As the sun gradually sank in the west, the sky was tinged with a pale orange-red. Xu Yuehuai and Xiaolian walked side by side, preparing to return to the house.
Xiao Lian gently put away the handkerchief in her hands, nodded, and indicated her agreement with Xu Yuehuai's suggestion.
Xu Yuehuai reached out and gently helped Xiaolian, and the two walked through the courtyard and into the house together.
The interior had been completely renovated, a stark contrast to its previous simplicity. Furniture and utensils were arranged neatly, creating a warm and comfortable atmosphere. However, Xiaolian said she had grown accustomed to her previous frugal lifestyle and felt somewhat out of place in this new environment.
Therefore, Qi Hanlin did not force her to move to another palace, but respected her choice and allowed her to continue staying in the small house.
Xiao Lian sat at the table, and Xu Yuehua served her a bowl of hot food. The two began to enjoy their dinner, occasionally chatting about everyday matters.
Suddenly, footsteps sounded outside the door, and Qi Hanlin walked in.
His demeanor was calm and natural. He smiled at Xu Yuehuai and Xiaolian, then sat down in another chair. His gaze lingered on Xiaolian's face for a moment, a hint of tenderness and concern flashing in his eyes.
"Xiao Lian, how have you been feeling lately?" Qi Hanlin asked softly.
Xiao Lian raised her head, looked at Qi Hanlin, and then smiled slightly: "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am much better now."
Qi Hanlin nodded and turned his gaze to Xu Yuehuai: "Sister-in-law, I am very grateful for your care for Xiaolian all this time."
Xu Yuehuai put down her bowl and chopsticks and replied respectfully, "Your Majesty flatters me. I was merely fulfilling my duty."
Qi Hanlin smiled slightly and said nothing more. He picked up his chopsticks and began to eat his dinner. Xu Yuehuai and Xiaolian also continued eating, and the atmosphere among the three of them was harmonious and pleasant.
After dinner, Qi Hanlin stood up and said to Xiaolian, "Xiaolian, I'm going back now. Take good care of yourself."
Xiao Lian stood up and curtsied, saying, "Respectfully seeing off Your Majesty."
Qi Hanlin nodded, turned and left the room.
Xu Yuehuai stood before the courtyard gate. Under the night sky, she wore a deep blue long dress, the hem swaying gently in the breeze, like a flowing ink painting. Her eyes were deep and bright, revealing a sense of determination and wisdom.
Qi Hanlin stood beside her, his figure appearing somewhat lonely in the dim light.
The two stood in front of the door, a gentle breeze bringing a touch of coolness.
Xu Yuehuai suddenly spoke, her voice gentle yet firm: "Your Majesty, did something happen in court today? You seem to be in a bad mood."
Qi Hanlin was slightly taken aback. He turned to look at Xu Yuehuai, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. He sighed softly and said, "Your Majesty is so thoughtful. There have always been officials in the court who want to send their daughters into the harem."
Xu Yuehuai's pupils dilated slightly, a sharp glint flashing in her eyes. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, and then asked softly, "Which officials are involved?"
Qi Hanlin paused for a moment, then slowly uttered a few words: "The Qin family, the Li family, the Liu family, the Wu family..."
Xu Yuehuai frowned, a surge of anger rising within her. These officials dared to so blatantly interfere in the affairs of the inner palace—it was utterly outrageous!
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