mtl008 Chapter 84 Rebellious Officials of the Former Dynasty 16
Chapter 84 Rebellious Officials of the Former Dynasty 16
As winter approached, the palace became desolate.
This desolation was particularly evident within the Eastern Palace.
As the master's health declined, the Eastern Palace seemed to be shrouded in an aura of decay. The palace servants who came and went dared not smile at all, and walked hurriedly with their eyes down, as if they were avoiding some kind of misfortune.
The smile that had been on Xiao Yao's face since last night faded a little when he saw this scene. He unconsciously tightened his grip on Ling Yi's hand, as if drawing courage from it.
Ling Yi calmly returned his grip, bringing a few drops of color back to his suddenly pale face.
However, after not seeing him for some time, the Crown Prince had aged considerably.
If his face showed signs of illness when we last met, then now it only showed signs of death.
His face was ashen, and even his pupils seemed to be dilating.
He was wrapped in a thick blanket, and his emaciated appearance, reduced to skin and bones, was somewhat frightening.
Xiao Yao acted as if he hadn't seen this scene at all, and simply lifted the bed curtains, smiling as he said, "Big brother, I'm here!"
He proudly raised his hand, which was clasped with Ling Yi's, and said, "Look, I've brought my queen with me. Isn't she wonderful!"
From the moment he saw the Crown Prince, his smile returned.
He must have some acting skills, because there wasn't a trace of falsehood in his smile at that moment.
The Crown Prince slowly scanned the two women with his gaze, and after a long while, he smiled and said, "The princess consort personally chosen by Xiao Jiu is naturally excellent."
With just one sentence, his lungs started gurgling like a broken bellows.
After coughing up blood, the prince casually handed the handkerchief to the palace servant, while his hand fumbled for something by the pillow.
Seeing his difficult movements, Xiao Yao's eyes were slightly moist, but she showed no intention of going forward to help.
A moment later, the Crown Prince struggled to pull a dragon and phoenix jade pendant from under his pillow and handed it to Xiao Yao.
“This is… a gift from my father when I married the Crown Princess.” He paused for a long time before saying a single sentence: “Now, I give it to you.”
He no longer had the energy to personally choose a suitable gift for Xiao Jiu, so he could only give him the most important thing to him.
Xiao Yao clutched the jade pendant, laughing heartlessly: "I heard that this jade was leftover from when the imperial seal was being carved in this dynasty. It is incredibly precious. How could you, elder brother, be willing to give it to your younger brother?"
The previous dynasty's imperial seal was smashed, and the current dynasty had no choice but to rebuild it. Not to mention the quality of the jade, the significance it represents is also extremely precious.
Otherwise, the Emperor would not have given this as a wedding gift for the Crown Prince, as it contained many of his expectations.
The crown prince waved his hand, laughing and scolding, "You've taken so many good things from me in the past, and now you're talking about how precious they are!"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yao immediately hung the jade pendant on his waist without any hesitation, and also helped Ling Yi hang it on her side.
Gazing at this perfect couple, the Crown Prince was momentarily reminded of his own wedding with his Crown Princess.
Years later, separated by life and death, only memories remain to offer solace.
He shifted his gaze to Ling Yi and smiled, "She's an excellent woman, and seems capable of keeping Xiao Jiu in check."
Xiao Yao puffed out his cheeks in protest, but ultimately did not interrupt the Crown Prince.
"I only hope that you two will live in harmony from now on, supporting each other and never abandoning one another, no matter what."
Despite his frail health, his eyes remained sharp as he awaited Ling Yi's promise.
Marrying the Ninth Princess was like this: everyone was afraid that she would let the Ninth Princess down, and that the Ninth Princess would cry while hugging the cold, lifeless bed in the palace.
Thinking of that scene, Ling Yi slightly curved the corners of her lips: "Please rest assured."
There is no longer or more enduring bond in this world than theirs.
The Crown Prince stared at Ling Yi for a long while, then closed his eyes wearily: "That's good, that's good."
His breathing gradually subsided, as if he had fallen asleep.
The head eunuch beside him carefully pressed his wrist to make sure his pulse was still there before cautiously speaking to Xiao Yao, "Your Highness Prince Rui, His Highness the Crown Prince has already gone to sleep. You may return now."
When Xiao Yao saw his brother close his eyes, the smile on his face could no longer be maintained. His eyes turned red as he stared blankly at his withered face.
The chief eunuch sighed inwardly upon seeing this scene.
Of all the brothers, only the Ninth Prince is so genuinely worried about His Highness the Crown Prince.
The others were hoping their master would pass away soon.
Being free from desires makes one invincible; that's all there is to it.
"Your Highness, please go back." He advised softly, "His Highness the Crown Prince would not want you to overwork yourself."
Xiao Yao remained silent for a while, then gently squeezed his elder brother's hand and walked outside.
In the quiet courtyard, a tiny bundle of little figures stumbled forward, with their wet nurse still protecting them from behind.
As if influenced by the environment, the little child's face lost its innocence and cuteness, and was filled with sorrow.
Xiao Yao stopped and stared at An Ge'er for a long time before suddenly picking him up and asking, "An Ge'er, did you miss your grandpa?"
Looking at this somewhat familiar great-uncle, Ange'er slowly smiled and said, "Great-uncle."
His appearance even showed signs of having learned proper etiquette.
Xiao Yao suddenly turned his gaze to the wet nurse, only to see her kneeling on the ground trembling with fear.
After a long pause, he could only sigh and said nothing more.
With the elder brother gone, the Crown Prince's residence faced difficulties, and the wet nurse made a mistake in the midst of the chaos.
He lifted the slightly lighter-looking little guy into his arms and chuckled, "Uncle is married, and An'er now has a great-aunt. Are you happy?"
Ange'er looked at the indifferent woman, timidly shrank into Xiao Yao's arms, and whispered, "Greedy."
Seeing that the young grandfather and grandson were about to burst into tears, Ling Yi suddenly reached out her hand: "Come here, let me hug you."
The little child, though reluctant, obediently reached out his hand to her upon hearing her voice.
Ling Yi hugged the soft little bundle in her arms, then suddenly touched the ground with her toes and flew up to a high branch in front of everyone.
The uncontrollable screams of children pierced the desolate Eastern Palace.
Ling Yi carefully held An Ge'er in her arms, standing on a branch. The winter wind made her red dress flutter like a phoenix spreading its wings.
"Angel, is it beautiful?" Her gentle voice rang in Ange's ears. The frightened child hesitated for a moment before opening his eyes, and what he saw was a scene he had never seen before.
With its red walls and golden tiles, this most prestigious place in the world boasts the most majestic and beautiful cultural landscape, leaving the little guy, who had never seen the world before, wide-eyed with amazement.
"Wow, so beautiful!" The child's gloom was completely dispelled by the novel scenery. He clapped his hands and laughed happily, "Grandma Jiu is amazing!"
Xiao Yao looked up at the fluttering skirt in the air under the tree and made up her mind: "I will take An'er back to the manor for a while. When my elder brother wakes up, please inform him."