Chapter 8, Thawing

In a short while, the dishes were served.

I recalled what Li Yu said during the day. Although I really wanted to hold onto Yun'er and ask for clarification, I ultimately restrained myself. "Alright, I've talked for quite a while, and I'm tired now. You all can go down first!"

Their sudden actions truly startled me. "What are you doing? Get up quickly!" I went forward to pull them up, but these two just wouldn't get up.

"Yun'er, stop arguing, listen to me. It's just right that we discuss the matters I have been planning these past two days together." I pulled Yun'er and Lingling to sit beside me. At first, they were a bit reserved, but they quickly became captivated by what I was saying, forgetting the so-called rules, and the meal turned into a lively affair.

I truly remember nothing at all; a person without memories is like a kite with a broken string, unaware of where it came from or where it will drift, always feeling lost and helpless. I looked at him with eyes full of hope, "Please, tell me everything, will you?"

I am truly happy to have heard this, and I sincerely thank Yun'er for her understanding. She is different from Lingling; Lingling is simple, innocent, and somewhat childlike, while Yun'er is composed, capable, and knows how to navigate situations with grace. On the surface, Yun'er is sent by Lady Cui, the legitimate wife of Li Yu, but I am well aware that she is on Li Yu's side, quietly supporting me all along. In fact, she is more suited to the competitive life of the royal mansion than I am; she knows when to give me a push and when to pull me back.

The green waters are indifferent, rippling in the wind. The green mountains remain eternal, their heads turning white with snow. I really like it, and I don't feel like I've spoken it aloud.

Alright, then let's go and serve the meal first. I reassured Yun'er and Lingling, and let out a long sigh of relief

"Indeed, Miss has been out all day, she must be hungry!" Lingling said with a smile, her tears having dried. I truly have a fondness for this innocent little girl.

"Miss," Yun'er said with a serious expression, "ever since we followed you, we have only one thought in our hearts: your well-being is our well-being. We share joys and sorrows, and we will never part; this is what you often told us before. Since the last incident, you have forgotten many things, but your kindness and consideration for us remain unchanged. Please be sure to inform us of your actions in the future. When you returned injured from your last outing, not only was the prince heartbroken, but we were also extremely distressed. This time, you left quietly and alone again, and we both... Please be sure to inform us of your actions in the future. When you returned injured from your last outing, not only was the prince heartbroken, but we were also extremely distressed. This time, you left quietly and alone again, and we both..."

Li Yu sighed, sitting across from me, and slowly began to speak

"No, I tell you, this matter concerns our future livelihood, and no one is allowed to speak of it." I immediately made a gesture for silence, as I did not want Li Yu to know about this matter

Alas, I cannot help but secretly complain. Having grown accustomed to being unconventional, I have forgotten that I am now a distinguished young lady in the great Tang dynasty, with a special and awkward status. I act without much consideration beforehand, causing them to worry about me. Fortunately, Li Yu is not a tyrannical person; otherwise, the two of them would have faced punishment.

Li Yu glanced at me and said, "I will inform Yun'er. I will mention the important matters from the past to you. Also, next time you go out, take someone with you." After saying this, he stood up and left, leaving me alone there in a daze. Just as I was trying to sort out my thoughts, the line suddenly went dead. Despite the regret, I felt a bit of secret delight; Li Yu's last remark did carry a hint of concern for me. It was certainly not as cold as our previous encounters. Any easing of tension is always a good beginning. Despite the regret, I felt a bit of secret delight; Li Yu's last remark did carry a hint of concern for me. It was certainly not as cold as our previous encounters. Any easing of tension is always a good beginning.

"Miss, can what you mentioned really work? Should we inform the prince?" Lingling asked me with her beautiful big eyes sparkling.

Lingling seems to not understand why I am this way, only saying: "Miss, the Wangfu has now restored our monthly allowance, and the Duke has personally taken care of it. Our food, clothing, and expenses are much better than before. Is there still a need to worry so much and plan for ourselves?"

Later, Li Yu felt somewhat hesitant and also somewhat troubled

Xue'er, do you truly not remember the past? But I do. That year, during the first snowfall in Chang'an, you wore a red dress in the plum garden. The other selected young ladies admired the purity of the plum blossoms and wished to pick them to place in vases, but you advised everyone against it, saying that the beauty of the plum blossoms lies in their proud stance amidst the snow, and that picking them to display indoors would be a waste of their natural beauty. Thus, by admiring them from a distance, we could enjoy the scenery while also honoring the plum blossoms. That year, during the first snowfall in Chang'an, you wore a red dress in the plum garden. The other selected young ladies admired the purity of the plum blossoms and wished to pick them to place in vases, but you advised everyone against it, saying that the beauty of the plum blossoms lies in their proud stance amidst the snow, and that picking them to display indoors would be a waste of their natural beauty. Thus, by admiring them from a distance, we could enjoy the scenery while also honoring the plum blossoms. At that time, you were like the plum blossom in the snow, deeply etched in my heart.

I am truly afraid that he will stop here. In fact, I have long considered that since Shen Xuefei is exceptionally talented and entered the palace as a candidate with the identity of a talented woman from Wuxing, and Li Yu has a deep affection for her, why did she later end up in the cold solitude of a secluded courtyard? There must be a story behind this. Usually, I have tried to probe Yu'er and Lingling indirectly, using both persuasion and coercion, but I have not been able to extract any results. Today, since Li Yu is willing to speak, I must get to the bottom of it. There must be a story behind this. Usually, I have tried to probe Yu'er and Lingling indirectly, using both persuasion and coercion, but I have not been able to extract any results. Today, since Li Yu is willing to speak, I must get to the bottom of it

Alas! I heard a faint sigh, was it him sighing? A sigh can express helplessness, frustration, or even resignation and retreat. Why is he sighing? I couldn't help but glance at Li Yu, gazing at his handsome face, his dark eyes, sparkling with emotion. I felt a bit dizzy. A man can be so captivating.

"What happened next?" I couldn't help but ask. I really wanted to know the backstory of my prototype and Li Yu from the books.

"Yeting", I know this is similar to the Xinzeku of the Qing Dynasty, a place where women who have committed offenses within the palace are subjected to labor as punishment. Just as I was about to continue my inquiry, I heard the voice of a eunuch from outside: "Your Highness, there is a message from the residence, Minister Li has urgent matters to discuss with you"

How can this be acceptable

I currently lack the impulse and courage to finish listening to the entire story, and I just want to have a good sleep.

I truly do not know how to explain to them. Although I say that I trust them and rely on them, I also understand that many times, some things can only be understood intuitively and cannot be expressed in words

Snow falls on the plum blossoms, your name along with that scene is deeply imprinted in my heart, I remember you, eagerly anticipating the day of your official selection as my consort. " At this point, Li Yu felt a sense of melancholy, pausing slightly before continuing, "Who would have thought that in the midst of it all, more troubles would arise. The plum garden where you went to admire the blossoms was originally the residence of the Plum Consort, who once enjoyed the Emperor's favor. However, after the Noble Consort entered the palace, she gradually fell out of favor, and later, due to offenses against the Noble Consort, she was moved out, leaving the plum garden as an empty courtyard. The remaining plum blossoms, neglected, had long since become wild. Strangely enough, they bloomed again last year, which is why the Emperor also visited the plum garden that day. In seeing the objects, he thought of the person, and amidst the enjoyment of the blossoms, he also heard your words. The plum garden where you went to admire the blossoms was originally the residence of the Plum Consort, who once enjoyed the Emperor's favor. However, after the Noble Consort entered the palace, she gradually fell out of favor, and later, due to offenses against the Noble Consort, she was moved out, leaving the plum garden as an empty courtyard. The remaining plum blossoms, neglected, had long since become wild. Strangely enough, they bloomed again last year, which is why the Emperor also visited the plum garden that day. In seeing the objects, he thought of the person, and amidst the enjoyment of the blossoms, he also heard your words. However, the Emperor's movements and preferences are naturally closely observed by the Noble Consort, and she harbors a grudge against the plum garden, so when I saw you again, you were already in the Imperial Garden.

I held onto Yun'er and said, "Yun'er, you just said that we should share both joys and hardships, so from now on, let's eat together!"

"Lingling, let's do as the young lady says!" Yun'er said firmly

Alright, Yun'er and Lingling, now the three of us are like passengers in a small boat on the water, we should support and trust each other. In the past, I was confused, only thinking about my own plans and intending to inform you once there was progress. Now it's better, you both get up quickly, after we have our meal, I will explain everything to you in detail

Miss. Yun'er and Lingling entered, both kneeling before me.

I waved goodbye to Ge Le and then cautiously slipped in through the side door. The moment I pushed open the door, I immediately sensed that something was amiss. Li Yu was staring at me with a blank expression on his face. The room was eerily quiet, which made me feel somewhat uneasy

Time passed little by little, and the slight unease I felt upon entering soon gave way to an inexplicable surge of excitement. It was just a matter of sneaking out for a stroll; I hadn't done anything wrong. Thus, I sat comfortably on the beauty couch by the window, picking up the book I had started reading a few days ago and began to flip through its pages.