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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 260
"So much has happened..." Chen Qingyang sighed as she learned from Qing Luan about everything that had transpired since her departure.
"After I saved our elder sister, I was worried about you. I found out you had run away from home and vanished without a trace," Qing Luan reflected on the events of the past two years. Looking at the woman before her, who resembled their elder sister but exuded a noble and wise aura, she felt a sense of admiration. "For the past two years, I've been sending people to look for you. Where have you been? My search has covered almost every corner, yet there's not a single clue about you!"
Chen Qingyang blinked back tears and steadied her emotions. Facing Qing Luan's inquiry, she revealed an incredulous smile and said, "When I saw our elder sister being rescued, I thought Huang would never let me go. So, I packed some belongings and quietly slipped away... At that time, I was uncertain and just wanted to avoid marrying an old man on the brink of death. I wandered aimlessly and ended up joining a merchant caravan heading to the Western Kingdom..."
Sometimes, when Chen Qingyang woke from dreams, she felt as if everything that had happened to her was unreal.
"Western Kingdom?" Qing Luan murmured, suddenly recalling something. She exclaimed in surprise, "Did you come with the prince of the Western Kingdom?" It wasn't that she was overthinking; it was evident from Chen Qingyang's attire and the nobility in her gaze that she possessed a grace beyond that of ordinary people.
Like herself, although she carried an air of confidence, it was nothing compared to the inherent pride radiating from Chen Qingyang. That kind of nobility couldn't be acquired through mere status—especially not from their previous family background, which had little regard for daughters.
"Yes," Chen Qingyang nodded without hesitation, though there was a hint of disappointment in her tone. "I lived in the Western Kingdom for two years, constantly missing mother and all of you but unable to return... This time, I came back with the prince to strengthen ties between our nations and to inform my parents about my engagement. But unexpectedly... everyone is gone..." Her eyes glistened with unshed tears once more.
Though Chen Qingyang had the courage to leave and escape everything, deep down she still held strong filial piety. Traveling thousands of miles to bring good news only to find such a disheartening outcome left her feeling profoundly lost.
Qing Luan felt equally conflicted by Chen Qingyang's sorrow. After a moment of contemplation, she said, "Father has already been sent back to the countryside. He can't handle these matters. As for mother and uncle... I didn't want them to be involved in certain issues, so I sent them away..." She refrained from elaborating on what those issues were; it wasn't appropriate to disclose such sensitive information.
After all, this was a matter of national significance, and she couldn't be sure whether those protecting Chen Qingyang had keen ears. If even a hint about Xuanyuan Rui's discord with the emperor were leaked, what began as goodwill could quickly turn into animosity. Thus, she dared not reveal even the slightest detail.
"What should we do now?" Chen Qingyang's earlier joy had vanished entirely; her cheerful demeanor faded as she furrowed her brows in distress. "I thought that with my status, I could make Huang and Chen Yan'er suffer for what they did to our elder sister. But it turns out..." She had hoped for some form of retribution but instead found herself stifled by frustration.
Looking at her, Qing Luan thought about how they appeared to be close sisters, but after years apart, they weren't that intimate. She wanted to send her away and smiled as she said, "Eldest Sister is married now, so it doesn't involve her. That's why she has stayed in the capital. How about... Second Sister, why don't you go visit Eldest Sister?"
Sigh, it wasn't that she was timid; it was just that the other party held a noble status. As a Merchant's Daughter who didn't understand the intricacies of court life, if she offended someone of high standing, she would be in serious trouble.
"Eldest Sister?" Chen Qingyang's eyes lit up as she excitedly nodded and asked, "Where is she?"
"She..." Just as Qing Luan was about to respond, a commotion at the door interrupted her. Frowning, she looked at Little Luo and said, "Go see what's happening?"
"Yes!" Little Luo nodded and walked out with a serious expression. A short while later, she rushed back in a panic, her face pale.
Qing Luan's expression darkened. She knew Little Luo had been with her for some time; it couldn't be anything trivial to scare her this much. She stood up and walked to the door to ask the frantic Little Luo, "What happened?"
"The... the Emperor has imprisoned Xuanyuan General," Little Luo gasped before quickly relaying the news she had gathered. Then she pointed outside and said, "The Emperor's men are fighting with Second Miss's people right now; it's at a standstill. Miss, you should go take a look!" What was going on today? So many things happening!
After exchanging glances with Chen Qingyuan, Qing Luan and her sister headed towards the main gate together.
"Everyone put down your weapons!" Seeing the group confronting each other at the entrance, Qing Luan shouted coldly, "Who wants to see me?"
"Zhu Qingluan, the Emperor requests your presence in the palace," the leader declared with an imposing demeanor, his expression filled with arrogance and disdain.
"Sister Four," Chen Qingyuan noticed her shudder and thought she was scared. She reached out and took her hand, saying, "I'll go with you!"
Upon hearing her words, Qing Luan smiled sincerely for the first time since seeing Chen Qingyang. Gently squeezing her hand that was tightly held, she replied with a smile, "I must go. Second Sister, I'm really glad you're back!"
"What on earth is happening?" Chen Qingyang watched helplessly as Qing Luan was taken away, her frustration boiling over as she stomped her foot and murmured anxiously.
"Second Miss," Little Luo gathered her courage and, seeing the worry etched on her face, closed her eyes and pretended to be brave. "Do you want to save the Miss?"
"Of course!" Chen Qingyang immediately asked, "Do you know something?"
"Yes!" Little Luo nodded.
Since learning that Xuanyuan Rui had been summoned to the palace, Qing Luan had been worried that his impulsiveness would lead to trouble. She felt a constant unease, but when Chen Qingyang returned, it was a pleasant surprise. However, her worries never truly faded; they simply remained unspoken. The moment she found out the Emperor wanted to summon her to the palace, fear gripped her heart. She dreaded that if the truth came to light, the Emperor might retaliate against Xuanyuan Rui in a fit of anger.
No matter how much she tried to gather information, those people remained tight-lipped, leaving her feeling helpless. She had no choice but to obediently enter the palace and brace herself for whatever storms awaited her.
As she gazed at the palace walls bathed in light, Qing Luan felt no warmth; instead, she sensed darkness and terror within them, sending chills down her spine. How many lives had these walls confined? How many had they claimed?
And what role was she playing in this game?
This question lingered in her mind, unanswered and uncertain of whom to ask.
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