Before she entered the book, whenever she wanted to avoid talking to others, she would put on her headphones and pretend to listen to music. Now, without headphones, she could only read.
The two of them were sitting at an angle, and Xiao Yu quickly caught a glimpse of the herbs on her page. Initially, he had no intention of paying attention, but after a while, he noticed that Song Feiwan hadn't turned the page at all. Ha, she'd rather stare at a picture until it became blurry than talk to herself, right? It wasn't unfair to say she was putting on an act.
In the carriage behind them, Rong Jiayi thought for a moment and gestured to Rong Huan using sign language: [Father, there are too many doubts in His Highness's words. Those two salt transports were robbed by him.]
Rong Huan had been a strikingly handsome young man in his youth, well-known in the capital. Now that he was older, he had become a refined and composed gentleman. In front of his son, he no longer pretended to be overly enthusiastic; instead, he calmly replied with an "I know." After just a couple of exchanges with him earlier, he was certain that this was indeed Prince Chen. Even though his demeanor had changed over time, his methods remained the same—he would go to any lengths to obtain what he desired.
Rong Jiayi nodded in understanding. Rong Huan cautioned him: "Although he hasn't spoken the truth, we need not worry about it. He is the ruler; we are his subjects. As long as he doesn't endanger Da Zhou or the Rong family, we must always stand by him."
Rong Jiayi replied: [Son understands.]
Rong Huan glanced at the bandage around Rong Jiayi's neck, a hint of concern flashing in his eyes. He sighed softly and patted his shoulder. Rong Jiayi understood that this was his father's way of showing care, and he too recognized his father's good intentions. The two exchanged a glance, no words needed; a gentle warmth spread throughout the carriage.
Before noon, the group arrived at the Imperial Study. Since Rong Huan and Rong Jiayi were outsiders, it was inappropriate for them to enter the inner palace for discussions. Thus, they summoned Concubine Rong as before.
Concubine Rong had arrived much earlier than them; from the moment they entered, her gaze was fixed intently on Xiao Yu. After they exchanged greetings, Concubine Rong lifted her skirts and rushed directly toward Xiao Yu, gripping his hand tightly.
Looking up at Xiao Yu's face, she didn't speak, but tears began to flow.
"Yu'er, is it really you?"
Xiao Yu lowered his head in response and softly said, "Consort, I have returned."
The tears of Consort Rong fell even more fiercely. "As long as you are back, that's all that matters!"
This scene made the eunuchs and palace maids in the imperial study misty-eyed. Even Song Feiwan felt her heart soften.
The Emperor approached, much calmer than Consort Rong, but his scrutinizing gaze on Xiao Yu still revealed his emotions. "Fourth Son, your return brings great joy to your father."
Xiao Yu looked at him and called out, "Father."
Consort Rong leaned against the Emperor's chest, constantly wiping her tears with a handkerchief, choked with emotion as she said, "For three long years, my Yu'er has suffered."
The Emperor comforted her gently, "I will make it up to him in the future. Do not cry."
Song Feiwan glanced at Xiao Yu's pampered and strikingly handsome face; the momentary feeling of sympathy vanished instantly.
"Are you sure he has suffered? Because I feel like he has lived more comfortably than I have."
Qin Shishi, who served in front of the Emperor, stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, Consort, please take care of your health. The Prince has been standing for a while; perhaps we should sit down and talk."
Consort Rong seemed to awaken from a dream. "Yes, yes, let’s all sit down. It must be tiring after such a long journey."
After they all took their seats, the Emperor was the first to ask, "Fourth Son, what have you accomplished in these three years?"
Comment 0 Comment Count