bayedsolid Chapter 99 A True Feeling Revealed: Returning to the Palace with Murong Qing
Chapter 99 A True Feeling Revealed: Returning to the Palace with Murong Qing
Lin Qianqian smiled at Murong Qing, nodded, and slowly took out a thick stack of letters from her bosom. She handed them to Murong Qing, her eyes glistening with tears, her voice slightly choked: "Princess, these are the letters the Empress Dowager has written to you over the years. Each one was written amidst her endless longing and concern. She often sat alone by the window in the flickering candlelight of the night, pouring out her longing for you stroke by stroke. But each time she finished writing, she hesitated again and again, ultimately not daring to send them to you. She was afraid that the letters would disturb your peaceful life, and even more afraid that they would touch upon the pain in your heart, causing you unnecessary trouble and sorrow. Every word is filled with her heavy maternal love for you, which, though separated by thousands of miles, has never been severed for a moment."
When Murong Qing's gaze fell upon the thick stack of letters, her eyes instantly reddened, and tears streamed down her face like a burst dam. Her eyes shimmered with tears, like stars falling into a still lake, filled with shock, emotion, and endless longing.
Her hands trembled slightly, as if bearing a thousand pounds, as she slowly reached out and received the letter with an almost reverent gesture. The moment her fingertips touched the paper, her lips trembled violently, and her throat felt as if something was choking her, only able to utter broken and suppressed sobs. Those sobs seemed to be squeezed out from the depths of her soul, filled with years of longing for her mother and deep emotion over this profound maternal love.
She opened each letter carefully and slowly—
"Qing'er, my beloved daughter, since your departure, this palace has grown ever more desolate. Every time I see the flowers blooming and falling in the courtyard where you once lived, it breaks my heart. When I dress in front of the mirror in the morning, I still remember how you used to play beside me as a child, and I often hope that when I turn around, I can still see your smiling face. Your mother knows that you love freedom, but my longing is like a vine, clinging to you day and night. I wish you peace and happiness in the world, and if you encounter any storms, your mother's embrace will always be open to you."
"Qing'er, your mother has been having many dreams lately, all of them about your childhood. In my dreams, you call out to your mother in your sweet voice, and I reach out to embrace you, but I wake up with nothing in my arms. I wander alone on the old steps of the courtyard, thinking of you, wondering if you are well-fed and warmly clothed in the distance. I remember the joyous celebration of your birthday, when the whole palace was filled with happiness, but now only your mother gazes at the moon in vain, longing for you. Although I dare not disturb your peace, the longing in my heart is hard to dispel. I only hope that time will be kind to my child and that you will return soon."
"……………………"
Murong Qing read the letter word by word, her hands gripping the paper tightly until her knuckles turned white. Her body began to tremble violently, her chest heaving, as grief overwhelmed her like a surging tide. In an instant, she could no longer suppress her emotions and burst into tears.
The sobs were like a burst dam, releasing years of deep longing for her mother and the overwhelming emotion she felt at that moment. Tears welled up uncontrollably, streaming down her cheeks and wetting the letter in her hand.
Seeing this, Chen Shuyu felt a pang of heartache. He quickly took out a handkerchief from his sleeve and gently approached Murong Qing. His eyes were full of pity and concern as he carefully wiped away her tears with the handkerchief, his movements as gentle as if he were touching the most precious treasure in the world.
His other hand gently rested on Murong Qing's shoulder, pulling her into his embrace with slight force, trying to offer her some warmth and comfort. He murmured, "My wife, don't cry yourself sick. I've seen you all these years, but I dared not say a word. I know you miss your family, and you always shed tears silently. It truly breaks my heart!" As he spoke, he blamed himself, his brows furrowed, and his emotions became agitated.
Lin Qianqian looked dazed, her brows furrowed, and stared at him in disbelief, saying, "Young Master Chen, so you've been..."
Murong Qing was now in tears, her eyes red and swollen, somewhat overwhelmed with gratitude. She pursed her lips and looked at him, choking back sobs, "Husband, so you've always known... I..."
Overwhelmed with emotion, Chen Shuyu slowly raised his hand, his slender fingers gently caressing Murong Qing's face, his thumb tenderly wiping away the tear stains remaining at the corner of her eyes.
His gaze was deep and ardent, locked tightly on Murong Qing's eyes. His voice was soft yet full of deep affection, flowing like a gentle stream through my heart: "Qing'er, ever since you resolutely bid farewell to the Empress Dowager and the Emperor, desiring only to be with me, I have made a solemn vow in my heart. I will ensure that you live a life of joy and peace. I will use all my knowledge to overcome all obstacles on the path of the imperial examinations, and the day I pass with flying colors will be the moment I prove to the world that I am worthy of you. I hope to pave a glorious path for you back to the palace with my own hands, so that you will never suffer any more injustice."
He paused slightly, a fleeting hint of melancholy flashing in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by unwavering resolve. "Through thick and thin, through countless trials and tribulations, my belief has never wavered. Every time I think of you, I feel filled with strength, able to see the dawn even in the darkest of times. All I ask for is to give you a happy and fulfilling home, to make you the happiest woman in the world. Qing'er, I love you, a love that is both passionate and profound. Though I come from humble beginnings, I refuse to let you and I waste our lives in hardship. I am willing to give everything to shelter you from the storms of life and accompany you through the years to come."
Tears welled in Murong Qing's eyes, brimming with emotion and deep affection. Her lips trembled slightly, her throat choked with emotion, only able to utter broken sobs. "Waaah~ Silly boy, I just want you to be safe and sound, I don't want anything else! I just want to be with you." With those words, she suddenly threw herself into Chen Shuyu's arms, her arms tightly wrapped around his waist, as if trying to merge herself into his body. She buried her face deep in his chest, tears quickly soaking his clothes, her body trembling slightly from crying.
The crying was a response to Chen Shuyu's heartfelt confession, a release of emotions that had been suppressed in her heart for a long time, and an unwavering dependence and affection for the man in front of her.
Lin Qianqian gazed silently at the two people embracing and weeping before her, her heart filled with mixed emotions. Her eyes revealed deep sympathy and pity, as if she could truly feel the hardships and difficulties they had endured along the way. Their tightly embracing figures resembled lonely birds huddling together in the wind and rain, a sight that tugged at her heartstrings.
Beneath this sympathy and pity, a touch of envy quietly arose. She envied Murong Qing for having such a deeply affectionate companion, bound by life and death, never abandoning her. This pure and ardent love was a precious emotion she had never experienced in her life in the palace. She bit her lower lip slightly, a hint of melancholy flashing in her eyes. She sighed softly, her thoughts drifting away, immersed in the complex feelings she had for this beautiful love.
Chen Shuyu gently cupped Murong Qing's tear-streaked face, his eyes filled with reluctance and tenderness, yet also with a hint of determination: "Qing'er, go back now."
Murong Qing was struck dumb, her eyes widening in shock and disbelief. She shook her head frantically, clutching Chen Shuyu's sleeve tightly with both hands, her voice trembling with tears: "No, I will never leave you, I will always stay by your side!"
Chen Shuyu gently took her hand and said tenderly, "Qing'er, I know your deep affection for me, and so do I. But think about it, the Empress Dowager's longing for you is as deep as the ocean. Each letter she writes is filled with a mother's worry and torment. Although I am with you during your time outside the palace, the Empress Dowager is constantly anxious in the palace. I have not yet achieved fame and success, and I cannot give you the honor and security that you deserve. If you return to the palace, it will alleviate the Empress Dowager's longing, and it will be a comfort to both of you. I will do everything in my power to make a name for myself in the imperial examinations, and when I succeed, I will bring you back in glory. At that time, we will never be separated again, and I will spend my whole life making up for this temporary separation."
Lin Qianqian stepped forward, gently took Murong Qing's hand, her eyes filled with sincerity and concern, and said softly, "Your Highness, what Young Master Chen said is absolutely right. The Empress Dowager has worried herself sick over the years, and she always sheds tears when she thinks of you. Your return to the palace will allow the Empress Dowager to see that you are well, and it will be a way of fulfilling your filial duty. Besides, this is not a permanent farewell, but only a temporary separation. Once Young Master Chen has achieved success, you will naturally rekindle your romance. At that time, both inside and outside the palace, everyone will bless your deep affection and perseverance. You wouldn't want to see the Empress Dowager so worried all the time, would you?"
Murong Qing bit her lower lip lightly, her brows furrowing slightly, tears welling in her eyes, filled with reluctance and inner turmoil. Her gaze shifted between Chen Shuyu and Lin Qianqian, their words echoing in her mind.
Although she felt a thousand attachments and ten thousand reluctances towards Chen Shuyu, the longing for her mother also surged into her heart like a tide. She knew deeply about her mother's longing and torment in the palace, and she also understood Chen Shuyu's good intentions.
After a long silence, she nodded slightly. The gentle movement seemed to carry a heavy weight. Although she did not speak, it showed that her heart was softening. She was willing to put aside her personal feelings for her mother for the time being and embark on the road back to the palace.
Murong Qing and Chen Shuyu stood in front of that familiar house, their eyes locked, as if they were bound by countless threads of affection.
Murong Qing's eyes were brimming with tears. She gripped Chen Shuyu's clothes tightly, her fingertips turning slightly white from the force, and her voice trembled with sobs: "Shuyu, I really don't want to leave you."
Chen Shuyu suppressed his heartache and gently wiped away the tears on her cheeks, only to find that his hand was trembling. He forced a smile and said, "Qing'er, although we are parting ways, my heart will go with you. When I achieve success, I will never let you down."
Lin Qianqian stood to the side, feeling reluctant, but knowing she couldn't delay. She said softly, "Princess, it's getting late."
Upon hearing this, Murong Qing's body trembled slightly. She threw herself into Chen Shuyu's arms one last time, embracing him tightly as if trying to etch their scents into each other's hearts. After a moment, she slowly released his hand and walked towards Lin Qianqian, turning back every few steps.
Chen Shuyu watched her departing figure, her lonely and forlorn silhouette fading into the distance. His eyes finally welled up with tears, blurring his vision. [My wife, wait for me! I will prove myself!]