Back then,
Xiao Jingyan was dressed in a light blue bamboo-patterned casual attire, wearing a white jade hairpin and cap, with a blade of grass hanging from his mouth, leaning against the doorframe with a roguish smile.
He still had that unkempt look that Zhao Hua found unsightly, but after months apart, he remained handsome and vigorous.
His bright eyes met Zhao Hua's gaze briefly before softening with affection as they rested on Rongyue, unwilling to shift even an inch.
It was unclear who had taken more steps towards whom,
but by the time Zhao Hua regained her senses, she saw that Rongyue had already melted into Xiao Jingyan's embrace, weeping tears of joy.
Xiao Jingyan gently stroked Rongyue's back to soothe her, then glanced mischievously at Zhao Hua, shaking his head as he pointed to Rongyue and mouthed:
"Your sister-in-law... is such a crybaby."
Zhao Hua couldn't help but smile, silently watching the couple, musing:
Xiao Jingyan was once Rongyue's young love,
and after all the storms they had weathered, they could finally embrace each other without restraint, no longer young.
This scene also made Zhao Hua think of many others,
of Ning Wanshuang, of Shang Yang, and of herself.
In the end, all the bitterness faded into a genuine sigh:
How wonderful.
She said, "I have arranged a residence for you in Yun City. Sister Rongyue, after all these years of yearning in the palace, you have finally achieved your wish and become united with your brother.
Since we depart tomorrow, and the Former Emperor also retires tomorrow, stay the night at the Xian Shou Palace. I have arranged for a lavish feast tonight as a sendoff for you both."
Seeing the couple's affection, Zhao Hua did not wish to disturb them. She motioned for Yun Shan to assist her as she stood, casually saying,
"It's a beautiful clear day. Come, accompany me for a walk."
As they passed Xiao Jingyan, she stopped, playfully rising on her toes to pat his shoulder and said with feigned seriousness,
"If you dare mistreat Sister Rongyue in the slightest, this princess will make you pay!"
"Understood, my dear sister princess," Xiao Jingyan teased, flicking her brow in return.
"Ow..."
Zhao Hua winced, furrowing her brow as she clutched her forehead.
The next moment, she threw a 'fierce' punch at Xiao Jingyan's chest.
Having vented, the siblings exchanged a smile, neither saying anything sentimental.
Zhao Hua gave them time to be alone.
She had meant to take a stroll through the Imperial Garden with Yun Shan, but upon reaching the courtyard, she spotted a familiar figure sitting alone under a scholar tree,
casually weeding the flowerbeds.
After a moment's thought, Zhao Hua called out from behind,
"Madam Jing?"
She should have addressed Xiao Jingyan's mother as Noble Consort Jing,
but what imprisoned woman would enjoy such a title?
Madam Jing turned at the sound, smiling kindly when her eyes met Zhao Hua's.
Out of respect for her elders, Zhao Hua bowed slightly,
"It has been months, Madam Jing. I hope you have been well?"
Madam Jing nodded faintly, "Thanks to the princess' efforts, all is well."
Zhao Hua smiled in response, and in the ensuing silence, Madam Jing spoke first:
"Princess... would you spare me the company of a stroll?"
Zhao Hua blinked, her smile deepening as she hastily nodded, "Of course."
Though initially strangers, their intertwined fates had brought these two women to walk side-by-side, reminiscing.
Zhao Hua listened quietly as Madam Jing recounted her past with the Former Emperor, stories of Xiao Jingyan's youth, and... her unspeakable history with Song Shicheng.
At the end, Madam Jing could not help but sigh heavily,
"So many years have passed, and for things beyond my control, I was imprisoned for a lifetime. It seems hardly worth it."
She lifted her head, bathed in the warm sunlight, her smile weary yet radiant,
"It is time to let go."
Zhao Hua said, "Madam Jing was never at fault. There is no need to blame and punish yourself for others' mistakes."
Madam Jing nodded in agreement, then turned her gaze slowly towards Zhao Hua, asking softly:
"And you? Have you let go?"
The sun shone beautifully today, reminiscent of countless afternoons in her youth, sitting under the courtyard tree as her mother told stories.
Zhao Hua always remembered her mother saying:
'As a woman, the world often looks down upon you. But you must remember, my child, no matter the circumstances, never disgrace yourself or belittle yourself. Learn to be strong, and learn to take things in stride, and to let go.'
As a girl, Zhao Hua did not understand her mother's meaning,
but now, with her mother's teachings echoing in her mind, Zhao Hua smiled serenely,
"My mother would not want me to live with hatred. The departed are gone, so why dwell on the past?"
