novelhk Chapter 321 Another Son
Chapter 321 Another Son
In the capital of the Great Sheng Dynasty, the anxiety of a long drought has dissipated like thick dust in the wind. After this turmoil, the people ushered in a peaceful life, and the streets and alleys were filled with a harmonious atmosphere. Behind this hard-won peace, there is the hard work of a woman, she is Queen Xu Jiaoran.
As the queen, Xu Jiaoran was busy with state affairs day and night after the severe drought. With her wisdom and perseverance, she worked tirelessly for the people's well-being.
When Emperor Li Zhen stepped into the Queen's bedroom, the solemn atmosphere coming from the pile of government affairs made his heart sink. Xu Jiaoran's snow-white skin showed a hint of fatigue, but she still maintained her noble demeanor. Her eyes were like deep lake water, hiding her deep attachment and expectation for this land.
Li Zhen said softly, "Jiao Ran, the affairs of the court are heavy and important. Do you need to take a break from these things?"
Xu Jiaoran's fingers gently ran over the old memorials. Her heart was as deep and steady as the words in them: "Your Majesty, after the drought, there is a lot of work to be done. I cannot afford to slack off. These memorials contain the hopes of the people and the future of the country."
Li Zhen looked at her determined eyes and couldn't help but sigh in his heart. He knew that this queen was not only a woman, but also a person with a broad mind. However, he was also a father, and when he thought of his young son, he couldn't help but feel a little worried.
The little prince was almost two years old, and he already understood a lot of things. He curiously ran into the room filled with the fragrance of books and ink, and his little figure looked so innocent and cute. He saw his mother's focused look, so he followed her example and picked up a memorial, then called out in a baby voice, "Mother, mother, take a rest."
Xu Jiaoran felt a warm current in her heart when she heard her son's voice. She turned around, gently picked up her son, and kissed his forehead: "Okay, I will listen to you."
Li Zhen looked at this heartwarming scene, and his heart was moved. He walked over and gently patted his wife's shoulder: "You should always take care of yourself. The country and the family need you."
Xu Jiaoran smiled gently: "Don't worry." However, at that moment, her eyes turned to the memorial in her hand again. This is her responsibility and her destiny. She knows that she still has a long way to go, but she is willing to keep moving forward for this land and the people here.
Night fell in every corner of the palace. After processing the last batch of memorials, Xu Jiaoran finally put down her pen. She gently embraced her son and whispered, "Good night."
The moonlight was like water, and its silver light filled the royal palace. In this quiet night, the little prince had fallen asleep peacefully, lying quietly in the cradle, like a blooming water lily, and his small body seemed full of innocence and tranquility.
Xu Jiaoran looked at him quietly, without much warmth in her eyes. She was not a gentle mother, and she felt more responsibility and helplessness towards this child. She had never wanted to be a mother, and had never thought of falling in love with this child, but he was her own flesh and blood after all, and the connection between him and the royal bloodline.
On the little prince's chubby face, fine hair fell like drizzle, and his angelic face was heart-warming. His eyes were closed, his nose was slightly open, and his little mouth moved gently, as if he was having a sweet dream. This dream did not involve her, nor did it stir up any waves in her heart.
Under the candlelight, Xu Jiaoran gently waved a palm-leaf fan, and the wind blew through the lightly fluttering gauze curtain, bringing a hint of coolness. The little prince was sleeping quietly in her sight, his little face looked particularly tender in the moonlight, as if all the sorrows in the world had nothing to do with him.
However, Xu Jiaoran could not have much maternal love for him. She knew that she did not give birth to him out of love, but the intersection of fate and power made her a mother. But even so, he was still her child, with her blood flowing in his veins.
Her thoughts were like a pool of still water, stirred by the breeze, creating ripples. She looked at her sleeping child, and the emotions in her heart were like a dream, elusive and yet distant. It was a mother's helplessness and bitterness, and the loneliness and solitude she faced alone in the deep palace.
She thought of her other son, the one who grew up outside the palace. Did he grow up under the care of his mother like the little prince? Did he have his own worries and confusions? Or could he also sleep peacefully in his mother's arms? The guilt and worry in her heart followed her like a shadow, reminding her not to forget the child outside the palace.
In the moonlight, Xu Jiaoran's thoughts drifted far away. She imagined the world outside the palace, where there were blue sky and white clouds, green trees and red flowers, freedom and laughter. And was her other son growing up freely in that vast world?
An inexplicable emotion surged in her heart, that was the longing and concern for the other child. She thought, maybe she should go see him, the child who grew up outside the palace, to see if he was okay.
However, she also knew that it would not be easy. Inside the palace walls and outside the palace were two completely different worlds. As the queen, she could not easily leave the palace. And the child might have gotten used to life outside the palace and might have forgotten his mother.
But no matter what, she would remember him, the child who grew up outside the palace. Her heart was filled with longing and guilt for that child. She hoped that he could grow up healthy and happy, and that he could have a carefree childhood.
So, in the night, Xu Jiaoran made a wish. She hoped that one day she could find the child with a heart full of love and care, and tell him that no matter where he was, he had a mother who loved him deeply. Even though they couldn't meet now, her heart would always be connected with him.
Li Zhen coughed lightly at the door, breaking the quiet night. He slowly walked into the bedroom, his eyes fell on the sleeping little prince, and then turned to Xu Jiaoran.
"Queen, I will let him into the palace tomorrow." Li Zhen's voice was deep and powerful, as if it carried a sense of majesty and determination.
Xu Jiaoran turned around, with a hint of surprise and confusion in her eyes. She didn't expect the emperor to suddenly bring up this matter.
"Your Majesty," she asked softly, "Who is this 'he' you are talking about?"
The emperor smiled slightly, with an indescribable depth in his eyes: "Li Yi, I know you want to see him."
Xu Jiaoran's heart couldn't help but beat: "Thank you, Your Majesty!"
"Okay, go to sleep! Don't worry, Li Yi is doing well. If you care about him, I won't treat him badly."
Although Li Zhen doesn't like Li Yi, because Xu Jiaoran cares about him, he will let him live a life without worries about food and clothing, but that's all.
It was late at night, and the stars seemed to have fallen into a deep sleep. However, deep in the palace, a drama was quietly brewing.
Xu Jiaoran's heart was full of doubts and expectations. She didn't know what changes and challenges tomorrow would bring. She looked at the young prince's tender face, and a complex emotion surged in her heart.
In her memory, the child who grew up outside the palace had a pair of bright eyes and a brilliant smile. Although he lived outside the palace, he had the unique temperament and talent of royal blood. Those eyes were always full of curiosity and exploration, which left a deep impression on Xu Jiaoran.
But now, I wonder what he looks like?