But in this complicated court, to whom could she truly open her heart?
Xu Yuehuai's jade-like hand gently landed on Xiaolian's delicate hand, the movement as tender as a spring breeze rippling across a lake. Her gaze, like the deep waters of a lake, quietly watched Xiaolian, her eyes filled with unwavering determination and trust.
Xiaolian felt the warmth emanating from Xu Yuehuai's palm, and a warm current surged in her heart. She slightly raised her head and met Xu Yuehuai's caring eyes.
Xu Yuehuai looked around. The palace maids were whispering among themselves. She frowned slightly, a hint of displeasure flashing in her eyes.
She turned her head and looked at Xiaolian again, her voice gentle yet firm: "Don't listen to what others are saying. I will always be your strongest support." Her words were full of strength, as if they could shield Xiaolian from all the storms.
Xiaolian listened to Xu Yuehuai's words, a hint of emotion flashing in her eyes. She bit her lower lip tightly, trying hard not to let her tears fall.
Xu Yuehuai looked at her and then said softly, "You don't need to go to the flower festival this time. I have some things to take care of."
Although Xiaolian was somewhat disappointed, she still nodded obediently, indicating that she would follow Xu Yuehuai's arrangements.
Looking at her, Xu Yuehuai felt a surge of tenderness in her heart. She gently patted Xiaolian's hand and said, "I'll explain to you later."
Xiao Lian looked up at Xu Yuehuai, her eyes filled with trust: "Yes, Your Highness!" Her voice was soft, but firm. Xu Yuehuai looked at her, smiled and nodded, then turned and left.
Xu Yuehuai's figure gradually disappeared from Xiaolian's sight, but Xiaolian's heart was filled with doubt.
She couldn't help but recall what Xu Yuehuai had just said; there seemed to be some secret hidden in those words.
What exactly happened this time?
Was Xu Yuehuai really doing this for her own good? This question couldn't help but arise in her mind.
Xiao Lian couldn't help but recall the whispers of the palace maids, their words filled with mystery and speculation.
Is the matter that Xu Yuehuai needs to deal with related to those rumors?
Xiaolian was filled with doubts, but she also knew that she couldn't make wild guesses, and she couldn't cause trouble for Xu Yuehuai.
After Xu Yuehuai left, Xiaolian stood alone in the garden, looking at the blooming flowers, her heart filled with unease. She remembered Xu Yuehuai's words, and a warm feeling welled up inside her. No matter what difficulties she encountered, Xu Yuehuai was always her strongest support. Xiaolian took a deep breath, trying to calm herself.
Just then, a gentle breeze blew by, and petals drifted down, landing on Xiaolian's shoulder. She gently raised her head, looking at the falling petals, and a feeling of emotion welled up in her heart.
Just like these flower petals, she must also bravely face the ups and downs of life.
In the plum garden, a scene of vibrant blossoms unfolded. Pink plum blossoms bloomed on the branches, as delicate as a young girl's cheeks, emitting a faint fragrance. The daughters of the Qin, Li, Liu, and Wu families strolled through this beautiful sea of flowers, their figures even more charming and captivating against the backdrop of the plum blossoms.
The Qin family girl wore a bright green dress, the hem swaying gently with her steps, as if vying with the plum blossoms for beauty. A hint of doubt flickered between her brows as she softly asked, "I wonder why the young princess has summoned us here?" Her voice carried a mixture of unease and anticipation.
The Li family girl, dressed in an elegant blue dress, smiled slightly and said, "I heard it's to select concubines for His Majesty." Her words carried a hint of smugness, as if she had already become the lucky one about to enter the palace.
Upon hearing this, the Liu family girl and the Wu family girl exchanged bewildered glances. The Liu family girl frowned and asked, "Is this true?" Her voice carried a hint of disbelief and worry.
The woman from the Wu family, however, seemed unconvinced and shrugged, saying, "What else could it be?"
The four discussed amongst themselves, each with their own thoughts.
Although the Qin family woman felt uneasy, she also hoped to have the opportunity to get close to the royal family.
The Li family woman, on the other hand, looked confident of victory, as if she could already see the day she would become a concubine.
The woman from the Liu family was worried that her fate would be changed because of this, and she felt uneasy.
The woman from the Wu family, however, acted as if it were none of her business, showing no interest in anything that happened.
Just as they were whispering amongst themselves, Xu Yuehuai quietly appeared in the shadows of the plum garden. Dressed in a purple dress, she silently observed the girls' every move, her eyes flashing with a complex light.
The palace maid stood beside Xu Yuehuai, carefully observing her expression. She noticed that Xu Yuehuai's gaze remained fixed on the young girls, and couldn't help but ask softly, "It seems that all the young ladies are impatient."
Upon hearing this, Xu Yuehuai glanced at the palace maid slightly, signaling her to keep quiet, and gently shushed her, saying, "The real show is yet to come!"
Upon seeing this, the palace maid immediately shut her mouth, not daring to utter another word. She secretly admired Xu Yuehuai's depth and wit, while also feeling a touch of sympathy and worry for the young girls.
Time slips away silently, like a silent painter using his invisible brush to depict every detail of the plum garden, stroke by stroke.
The Qin family women and others were still in this pink and white world made of plum blossoms, but their hearts were far from as peaceful as the blooming plum blossoms.
Anxiety and unease, like petals fluttering in the wind, rippled across their hearts from time to time.
The woman from the Qin family frowned, her eyes revealing a deep worry. She frequently glanced into the distance, as if searching for the figure that had yet to appear. Her hands were clenched tightly together, her fingers turning slightly white from the force.
The woman from the Li family was more direct. Her face was full of dissatisfaction and doubt, and she muttered from time to time, "Are they playing us for fools?" Her voice was full of dissatisfaction and helplessness.
The woman from the Liu family appeared relatively calm, her eyes lowered as if deep in thought. Her face was expressionless, but her deep eyes seemed to hold endless stories.
Wu's daughter chose a way to escape. She looked at the plum blossoms around her, as if trying to find some solace in the pure white petals.
Just as they were each lost in their own thoughts, a sharp shout shattered the tranquility of the plum garden: "Catch the assassin!"
The sudden sound startled everyone.
The Qin family women immediately looked around nervously, only to see a man in black running towards them like a ghost. He was incredibly fast, sweeping through the plum garden like a gust of wind.
In this critical moment, the woman from the Liu family reacted with unusual calm. A strange light flashed in her eyes, as if she had already seen through the true identity of the man in black.
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