Chapter 33
After the court was dismissed, Li Xinjun returned to the Grand General’s Mansion with Duoluo, still reeling from the revelation that her “Brother Hongli” was actually the Emperor, Qianlong. No wonder he had been able to arrange for the condemned prisoners so easily.
“Grandfather, why didn’t you tell me that Brother Hongli was the Emperor?”
“Because he was traveling incognito. It wouldn’t have been appropriate to reveal his identity.”
“But you could have told me later! I was completely clueless!”
“You two already knew each other. I assumed he would tell you himself.”
“Oh well, it’s done now. But I even pointed my sword at him! Do you think he’ll hold it against me?”
“The Emperor is a wise and benevolent ruler. I’m sure he won’t hold a grudge. And if he did, he wouldn’t wait until now to punish you.”
“I hope so.”
“By the way, child, your birthday is in a few days, and the mansion the Emperor bestowed upon you should be ready by then. Why don’t we throw a housewarming party at your new mansion to celebrate your birthday?”
“Wow, that’s a great idea! It’s been a while since we’ve had a celebration. But Grandfather, I don’t want to leave you.”
“Silly girl, your mansion is just down the street from the Grand General’s Mansion. I can visit you anytime, and you can always come back here for meals.”
“Grandfather, I’m so grateful for you. You’ve given me a sense of family that I haven’t felt since losing my parents.”
“Don’t talk like that, child.” Grand General Duoluo patted her head affectionately.
A few days later, Li Xinjun, with her few belongings, moved into her new mansion. It was a spacious compound, with a courtyard garden surrounding a central building. The garden featured a small artificial lake with a wooden bridge and was surrounded by cherry blossom trees, creating a serene and elegant atmosphere.
Li Xinjun admired the scenery as the mansion’s steward, Chen Fu, approached her with the staff, all lined up in the courtyard to welcome her.
“Greetings, Miss. I am Chen Fu, the steward of this mansion. These four maids are Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. And these four servants are Gong, Xi, Fa, and Cai. We chose these names to make it easier for you to remember them. They are all indentured servants, bound to serve you for life. If you wish, you may rename them.”
“There’s no need. Everything is fine as it is. I have no objections.”
“Would you like to have a meal now, Miss? I can have the kitchen prepare something immediately.”
“No need, Brother Fu. You all go about your duties. Don’t mind me.”
“As you wish, Miss.”
Li Xinjun entered a spacious and comfortable bedroom, furnished with a large bed, a table and chairs, a wardrobe, and a dressing table. She opened the wooden wardrobe and found it filled with beautiful clothes, all in her preferred style. It seemed the Emperor had spared no expense in preparing everything for her.
She heard Grand General Duoluo’s booming voice outside. He had arrived with his men to prepare for tonight’s banquet. The servants busied themselves setting up tables in the courtyard, while the maids decorated the area.
Grand General Duoluo had brought his best chefs to Li Xinjun’s kitchen. The chefs, experienced and skilled, quickly gathered their ingredients and began preparing the feast.
Soon, the courtyard was adorned with red ribbons and lanterns, creating a festive atmosphere. As dusk settled, the lanterns were lit, casting a warm glow over the courtyard. Guests began to arrive. Minister Chen, dressed in a long robe and carrying a jar of daughter red wine, approached Li Xinjun with a smile.
“Miss Li, congratulations on your new home and happy birthday!”
“Thank you, Minister Chen. Please, have a seat. The banquet will begin soon.”
Minister Chen handed the wine to a servant and then joined the other guests. A short while later, a luxurious carriage arrived at the mansion’s gate. Hongli, dressed in a golden robe, the exclusive attire of the imperial family, stepped out of the carriage, his bearing regal and imposing.
He approached Li Xinjun with a smile. Li Xinjun, now aware of his identity, no longer dared to treat him casually. She bowed deeply, but before she could complete the gesture of respect due to an emperor, Hongli stopped her.
“Miss Xinjun, although you now know my true identity, I hope we can still interact as we did before, in private. Would that be alright?”
“But you’re the Emperor. Is that appropriate?”
“Does being the Emperor mean I can’t be your friend?”
“Of course not! I consider you a good friend. But you are the Emperor, and there are certain protocols that must be observed.”
“I, the Emperor, hereby grant you permission to dispense with all formalities in private.”
“Well, in that case, I’ll continue to call you Brother Hongli.” Li Xinjun smiled playfully.
“That’s better. By the way, it’s your birthday today, and I have a special gift for you! I guarantee you’ll love it!”
“Oh? What is it?”
“It’s in the carriage. Why don’t you go and see for yourself?”
“Hee hee hee, what is it? Is there a hint?”
“The hint is that when you see this gift, you’ll have to fulfill your promise and kiss me on the cheek.”
“You… you mean Sister Ling is in the carriage?”
Li Xinjun’s eyes widened, her heart pounding with excitement. Hongli smiled and nodded, tapping his cheek with his finger. Li Xinjun rushed forward and gave him a quick peck on the cheek before running towards the carriage. She flung open the curtain, and there, sitting inside, was Song Ling.
Overwhelmed with joy, Li Xinjun jumped into the carriage and embraced Song Ling tightly. The person she had longed for was finally here. Tears welled up in her eyes. Song Ling returned the embrace, her heart overflowing with emotion. She had missed Li Xinjun dearly.
They clung to each other, their reunion bittersweet. Song Ling, though happy to see Li Xinjun, felt a pang of sadness. She had witnessed Li Xinjun’s interaction with Hongli and sensed the affection between them.
In just a year, another man had entered Li Xinjun’s life, a man of power and influence, the Emperor himself. He was far more eligible than Song Ling.
If it had been anyone else, Song Ling might have held onto a glimmer of hope. But Hongli was exceptional. Even disregarding his status, he was talented, handsome, and could offer Li Xinjun a life of comfort and happiness that Song Ling could never provide.
Song Ling’s heart ached, and tears streamed down her face. She hugged Li Xinjun tighter, kissing her forehead. Li Xinjun, enjoying Song Ling’s warmth, returned the embrace, their bodies expressing the depth of their longing.
Hongli, seeing that they hadn’t emerged from the carriage, gently reminded them that it was getting late and they should join the guests.
Reluctantly, they released each other and, gazing into each other’s eyes, smiled. Li Xinjun wiped away Song Ling’s tears.
“I missed you so much.”
“I missed you too.”
“Let’s go inside and talk.”
“Okay.”
Li Xinjun, her hand tightly clasped in Song Ling’s, led her into the mansion. Hongli, understanding that they had much to catch up on, discreetly went to the courtyard and took a seat at one of the tables.
Li Xinjun led Song Ling to her bedroom and closed the door behind them. She then turned and embraced Song Ling from behind.
“Sister Ling, you’re finally back.”
“Yes, I’m back.”
“I’ll never let you go off on your own again! Do you know how worried I was? I was so afraid that I would never see you again, that I would lose you!”
Song Ling turned around and pulled Li Xinjun into her arms. She realized that in just a year, Li Xinjun had grown taller than her. She could no longer bury Li Xinjun’s head in her chest as she used to. Now, Li Xinjun’s head rested on her shoulder.
“I’m sorry, Jun’er. I worried you.”
“Sister Ling, promise me you’ll never leave me again.” Li Xinjun’s voice trembled with emotion.
“Okay, I promise. I’ll never leave you again.” “Unless you leave me first,” she added silently in her heart.
“Sister Ling, there’s so much I want to tell you, but the guests have arrived. They’re here for my birthday party. I have to go out and greet them. Can we talk later, after the banquet?”
“Yes, go and entertain your guests. We’ll talk tonight.”
“Sister Ling, I’m so happy you’re here. I thought I would have to celebrate my birthday without you this year. I was heartbroken.”
“Silly girl, if you want, I promise to celebrate every birthday with you from now on.”
“Really? You promise?”
“I promise.”
“Let’s go out then. I want to introduce you to my grandfather.”
“Your grandfather?”
“Yes, Grand General Duoluo. He’s been taking care of me all this time. I’m sure you’ll like him.”
“Okay.”
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