PFC Chapter 88: Princess Murong Qing Makes Her Debut
Chapter 88: Princess Murong Qing Makes Her Debut
The moonlight, like flowing water, poured down, draping the tranquil courtyard in a silvery veil. Lin Qianqian and Ye Zhilan sat facing each other, chatting softly. Ye Zhilan's words flowed like a gentle stream, sometimes sharing amusing anecdotes from the palace, sometimes recounting the refined pleasures of life. Lin Qianqian listened attentively, nodding slightly from time to time, the gentle smile on her lips appearing even more tender in the moonlight. Their laughter, like silver bells, echoed in the night sky, dispelling the gloom that had previously weighed on Lin Qianqian's heart. The sorrow that had tightly bound her heart, like the remnants of ice under the warm spring sun, gradually melted away without a trace.
Nearby, Xiao Die and Murong He were playing together. Xiao Die picked a blade of grass and teased Murong He. Murong He's bright eyes were full of curiosity and excitement. He hopped and skipped after the blade of grass, his clear laughter mingling with the stillness of the night, adding a touch of liveliness and vibrancy to the scene.
Murong Lin walked briskly, her face filled with curiosity and anticipation, hurrying towards them. As she walked, she tilted her head slightly, her eyes sparkling, and murmured, "What's making you so happy! Tell me quickly!" She looked like a little deer eager to explore new and exciting things, lively and full of energy. Before she even got close to the group, her cheerful laughter had already reached their ears.
Lin Qianqian and Ye Zhilan quickly stood up and gracefully bowed in unison: "Your humble servants greet the Eighth Princess!"
Xiao Die hurriedly ran over from the side, curtsied, and said, "This servant greets the Eighth Princess!"
Murong He, with his short little legs, trotted over to Ye Zhilan, stopped, raised his adorable little head, and stared intently at Murong Lin, murmuring in a childish voice, "Auntie~"
When Murong Lin saw Murong He's adorable appearance, a doting smile instantly bloomed on her face. She took a few steps forward, squatted down, gently pinched Murong He's little cheek, and said softly, "My little He'er, you've grown taller in just a few days." After saying that, she placed a light kiss on his forehead, her eyes full of love and tenderness.
Murong Lin straightened up, looked at Lin Qianqian and Ye Zhilan with a smile in her eyes, and teased, "You two are hiding here chatting and leaving me behind. That's not very loyal of you."
Ye Zhilan chuckled and replied, "Princess, what are you saying? We were just chatting about some interesting everyday things. Your arrival will surely make these stories even more interesting."
Lin Qianqian nodded slightly and said, "If the princess doesn't mind, why don't we sit down and have a chat?"
Murong Lin readily agreed, and the three of them sat down together. Murong Lin spoke first: "I just heard laughter coming from over there. What are they talking about that's so funny? Tell me about it."
The three sat together chatting and laughing, their laughter echoing through the garden. Xiao Die was once again pulled aside by Murong He to play, and the atmosphere was one of joy and harmony.
As the three chatted and laughed, a slightly forlorn figure quietly disappeared into a corner. This was none other than the Seventh Princess, Murong Qing. Dressed in simple, plain clothes, she stood there silently, her eyes filled with complex emotions—a longing for her former family, and guilt and unease at being married off against the royal will. Her reserved and quiet nature had instilled in her a habit of burying her innermost feelings deep within. She had insisted on marrying the man she loved, despite his humble origins, and had refused to step into the palace again, ignoring all opposition. However, the bonds of kinship were ultimately difficult to sever. Whenever there were important events in the palace, she would secretly return like this, gazing silently before quietly departing.
At that moment, the joyous music of the Ninth Prince's wedding drifted into her ears. She couldn't resist moving closer, wanting to take one last look at this familiar yet unfamiliar palace scene. Unexpectedly, in her haste, she accidentally stepped on a dry branch, the crisp "crack" sound particularly clear in the quiet night. This slight noise instantly attracted the attention of Murong Lin, Lin Qianqian, and Ye Zhilan, who instinctively looked in the direction of the sound. "Ah!" Murong Qing panicked, turning to flee, but her skirt caught on a stone, causing her to stumble forward and fall heavily to the ground.