The Legend of Zhen Huan: Year after year, we share the spring breeze

Chapter 443 Encouragement

Shen Meizhuang returned to Yonghe Palace and entered the bedroom, only to find the bed curtains still drawn. She turned to Juqing beside her and asked softly, "Why, haven't you gotten up yet?"

Ju Qing showed an awkward smile on her face and whispered, "My Lady, I have called you twice. My Lady is sleeping soundly, and I don't want to disturb you too much."

Upon hearing this, Shen Meizhuang walked to the bed and reached out to lift the bed curtain.

She sat on the edge of the bed, looking tenderly at An Lingrong, who was curled up in the quilt. Then she quietly reached her slightly cold hand into the quilt and stroked her smooth back.

An Lingrong felt the sudden chill and shuddered slightly before opening her sleepy eyes. When she saw the person in front of her clearly, she rubbed her eyes and said softly, "Sister, you're back?"

Shen Meizhuang smiled and said, "Are you still not getting up?"

An Lingrong turned over lazily and muttered, "It's still early, let me sleep a little longer..."

Shen Meizhuang shook her head helplessly: "It's still early? It's almost noon. I have already done what you mentioned yesterday, and the emperor also agreed."

Hearing this, An Lingrong sobered up a lot, and a bright smile immediately broke out on her face: "Sister, you're so great! I knew that as long as Sister takes action, it will definitely succeed!"

Shen Meizhuang gently pinched her cheek and said with a smile, "You're just sweet-talking. Okay, get up quickly. If you don't get up, breakfast will become dinner."

An Lingrong nodded with a smile, threw back the quilt, and said while stretching, "Okay! I'll get up right away. Sister, wait for me to eat together!"

Shen Meizhuang looked at her lazy and cute appearance and couldn't help laughing again. She rubbed her messy hair, feeling warm in her heart, and turned around to tell Juqing to prepare toiletries.

After they had breakfast, they suddenly heard the sound of wind outside the window. Looking up, they saw dark clouds rolling in the sky, pressing down layer by layer. The air was filled with a damp smell, and it was obvious that it was going to rain.

Shen Meizhuang frowned slightly, turned around and asked, "Where's Wanwan?"

Ju Qing quickly stepped forward and replied respectfully, "The princess went to play in the imperial garden early this morning. Your Majesty, don't worry. Seeing that the weather was bad, I sent Xiao Luzi to pick up the princess with an umbrella. I think she should be on her way back now."

Hearing this, An Lingrong smiled and praised, "Juqing, you're really becoming more and more meticulous and thorough. Even I am ashamed of myself!"

Ju Qing blushed at the praise and smiled, "Your Majesty, this is all my duty. I don't deserve your praise."

As he was speaking, the sound of rain could be heard outside the window, the raindrops gently hitting the eaves, making a crisp sound. Although the rain was not heavy, the fine raindrops drifted with the wind and soon stained the bluestone pavement in the courtyard with water.

Shen Meizhuang and An Lingrong stood side by side in the corridor, their eyes looking towards the palace gate at the same time, with a hint of worry in their eyes.

Suddenly, a figure walked into the gate of Yonghe Palace. Xiao Luzi followed behind with an umbrella, but there was no sign of Longyue.

When the man came closer, Shen Meizhuang and An Lingrong saw clearly that it was the Third Prince Hongshi. He was wearing a dark cloak, with rain dripping down the edge, making him look a little disheveled.

"Your son pays his respects to Empress Hui and Empress Wen."

The two of them hurried forward, and An Lingrong asked anxiously, "Third Prince, why are you here? Where is Wanwan?"

Before he finished speaking, a clear laugh suddenly came from the cloak: "Mother, I'm here!"

I saw Longyue sticking her little head out from Hongshi's cloak, with a mischievous smile on her face and a pair of big eyes blinking, looking particularly smart.

Shen Meizhuang and An Lingrong finally breathed a sigh of relief and quickly took her from the Third Prince's arms. An Lingrong gently tapped Longyue's forehead and said in a reproachful tone, "You're already this old, and you're still being held by your Third Brother. Aren't you ashamed?"

Longyue pouted and said coquettishly, "Mother, I told Third Brother that I could walk by myself, but he was afraid that I would get wet in the rain, so he insisted on holding me! Third Brother loves me the most!"

Upon hearing this, An Lingrong turned to look at the Third Prince, her eyes filled with gratitude. She said softly, "Thank you very much, Third Prince. If it weren't for you, Wanwan would have been caught in the rain."

Hongshi smiled slightly, his tone gentle and humble: "You are too polite, Madam Wen. Wanwan is my younger sister, so it is only natural for me to take care of her."

Seeing that his clothes were a little wet, Shen Meizhuang quickly ordered, "Xiao Luzi, go to the prince's office and get a set of clean clothes for the Third Prince. Don't let him catch a cold." Then, turning to Hongshi, she said, "It's cold outside. Come in and have a cup of hot tea to warm yourself up."

Hongshi nodded and said, "Thank you, Empress Hui."

Several people entered the hall. Hongshi had just sat down when he suddenly lifted up his clothes and knelt on the ground solemnly.

Shen Meizhuang and An Lingrong were both stunned. Before they could speak, they heard Hongshi say in a deep voice, "Empress Hui, I heard that Mother's posthumous title was granted thanks to your advice to the Emperor. I am deeply grateful and have come to express my gratitude."

In the past few days since the imperial edict of marriage came down, he missed his mother more and more. He wanted to discuss it with the emperor, but was a little timid. He didn't expect that his personal eunuch would come to report the news to him today. He didn't care about the rain and immediately rushed to Yonghe Palace, wanting to thank her in person. Unexpectedly, he met Longyue on the way.

Upon hearing this, Shen Meizhuang's expression darkened. She sighed softly, reached out to help him up, and said softly, "Hurry up. Your mother, in her grave, must be hoping that you live a good life. As long as you are well, it will be her greatest comfort."

Hongshi's eyes were slightly red, and his voice was choked: "Yes, I understand."

Shen Meizhuang patted his shoulder gently, her tone gentle: "Your Royal Father loves you too, but as the Emperor, he can't express many things. Don't be so afraid of him. Go and pay your respects to him more often when you have time. Later, go and express your gratitude and spend more time talking to him. He will surely be happy."

Hongshi nodded and whispered, "Yes, I'll take note of it."

After changing his clothes, Hongshi prepared to say goodbye and leave.

An Lingrong suddenly called out to him softly, "Third Prince, wait a minute."

Hongshi stopped, turned to look at An Lingrong, and asked respectfully, "Empress Wen, is there anything else you can do for me?"

An Lingrong slowly walked over to his side, raised her head slightly, and looked at the young yet slightly melancholic prince before her. She said softly, "Third Prince, you have a gentle temperament and a kind heart. These are your strengths. But because of this, you are also easily deceived and manipulated. You are an adult now. You need to think more carefully before you act, and never trust others' words."

Hongshi was slightly startled when he heard this, then he replied softly, "What Madam Wen taught me is true. I will take note of it."

Seeing his respectful attitude, An Lingrong softened her tone and continued, "Your wife is an excellent person, intelligent, virtuous, and thoughtful. If you encounter any problems, you may wish to discuss them with her. Remember, a united mind is stronger than iron."

Hongshi raised his head, a hint of gratitude in his eyes, and nodded solemnly, "Don't worry, Madam Wen. I understand."

An Lingrong smiled faintly, raised her arm and patted his shoulder, her tone carrying a hint of eldership's kindness: "Remember, no matter what difficulties you encounter, you must remain calm and don't be easily swayed by others. You are the son of the Emperor, a prince of the Qing Dynasty, and you should bear your responsibilities."

Hongshi was deeply moved. Since his mother's death, no one had ever spoken such warm words to him. He took a deep breath and bowed solemnly, "I will always remember Madam Wen's teachings."

An Lingrong nodded and said softly, "Alright, it's getting late. You should go to the Yangxin Palace. Be careful on the way and don't get wet in the rain again."

Hongshi saluted again and turned to leave. His back looked particularly tall and straight in the rain, as if he had added a bit of determination and composure.