Chapter 139 Worried about her sister
Chapter 139 Worried about her sister
He Mingyan nodded emphatically, her delicate face flushed with excitement. She couldn't wait to say, "He said he likes me, he really likes me! Just now, he personally escorted me back, and he even gently told me that he'd take me out for some fun in a few days!" As she spoke, He Mingyan's eyes sparkled with happiness, as if the whole world had brightened up.
Upon hearing the news, Xiao Tao, who was standing to the side, was equally overjoyed, dancing with excitement like an innocent child. She exclaimed, "Oh my, this is wonderful! Princess, all your years of waiting for him have finally paid off! Heaven rewards those who persevere! Thankfully, he still has some conscience and knows how to cherish our beautiful and kind princess." Xiao Tao became more and more excited as she spoke, her face beaming with joy.
At this moment, a faint smile graced He Mingyan's delicate face, a smile as radiant as the brightest star in the night sky, radiating a captivating and enchanting glow. She parted her lips slightly, her voice as gentle as a spring breeze across a lake, and said softly, "Yes, after so many hardships, we've finally waited for this day." She then raised her head slightly, her gaze as tender as water as she looked at Xiao Tao, and added softly, "Alright, it's getting late. You should go and rest too. I'm going to bed as well." With that, He Mingyan gracefully raised her hand and waved it gently at Xiao Tao, a movement as graceful and natural as a dancing fairy, indicating that Xiao Tao could leave.
Upon hearing her mistress's instructions, Xiao Tao quickly nodded obediently and softly replied, "Yes, Miss." Then, she turned around with the lightness of a gentle and adorable kitten, her steps as swift as walking on clouds. With her graceful figure, she walked slowly and disappeared through the doorway in no time.
After Xiao Tao left, He Mingyan slowly moved to the bedside. She first gently lifted a corner of the soft quilt with her slender hand, then carefully lay down on her side. Once she was fully on the bed, she meticulously adjusted the bedding to ensure she could sleep comfortably. With everything ready, He Mingyan slowly closed her eyes. However, even with her eyes closed, her mind was like a magnificent movie playing out, replaying every detail of the day. From the first rays of sunlight streaming through the window in the morning, to the laughter and chatter with friends; from the leisurely stroll in the garden in the afternoon, to the elegant figures at the evening banquet… every detail, every word spoken, was like a precious pearl strung together into a beautiful necklace, shimmering with a warm and gentle light in her heart.
As her thoughts wandered, weariness gradually crept in, and He Mingyan's tense nerves slowly relaxed. Finally, surrounded by endless beautiful memories, she slowly drifted into a sweet dream, a faint smile still on her face, as if she were having the happiest dream in the world.
The night was as if an ink bottle had been overturned, its ink so thick it seemed impossible to dissolve, silently enveloping the entire earth. All around was utter silence, so still that even the rustling of leaves in the breeze had vanished; the world seemed to have fallen into a deep sleep.
He Mingyan curled up quietly on the bed like a well-behaved and adorable kitten. Her breathing was light and rhythmic, as steady and even as ripples on a calm lake, her whole being completely immersed in a peaceful and serene dream. That night, nothing could disturb her sweet sleep, and she drifted off to sleep without any awareness until the dawn broke.
As the first rays of golden sunlight streamed through the cracks in the window and gently bathed the room, He Mingyan finally awoke from her sweet dream. She slowly and cautiously opened her eyes, as if afraid to disturb the rare tranquility. The warm, soft light gently caressed her face, bringing a touch of pleasant comfort.
Her thoughts gradually awoke from the chaos, surging into her mind like a tidal wave. Scenes from yesterday flashed vividly through her mind: strolling side-by-side with her beloved through bustling streets, their eyes meeting in unspoken understanding; leaning against each other on a park bench, admiring the beautiful scenery bathed in the afterglow of the setting sun; the warm and sweet conversations and tender embraces… Every moment was so precious and beautiful, leaving He Mingyan involuntarily captivated.
Recalling all the moments spent with her beloved, He Mingyan's lips involuntarily curved into a captivating smile. That smile was like a flower bud just beginning to bloom in early spring, delicate and vibrant, exuding a mesmerizing fragrance that could enchant anyone, leaving them utterly captivated by its beauty. At this moment, her heart was filled with joy and anticipation, brimming with boundless dreams for the days to come.
He Mingyan sat quietly on the bed, like a beautiful and serene sculpture. She closed her eyes slightly, adjusting her breathing, as if exchanging some secret with the tranquil morning. After a moment, she slowly opened her eyes, and like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon in spring, she gracefully stood up.
Just then, a slight noise was heard. It was Yanzi, He Mingyan's personal maid. Like a nimble little bird, she was always watching her mistress's every move. Hearing the noise from inside the room, Yanzi immediately pushed open the door gently and slipped inside. Following her were several other maids, each with graceful figures and an air of elegance, like a flock of noble swans, steadily carrying various toiletries as they gracefully entered the room.
Yanzi approached He Mingyan, bowed slightly, and said in a soft, almost inaudible voice, "Princess, the toiletries have been prepared according to your preferences. Please move to the washbasin." He Mingyan nodded slightly to indicate that she understood, and then, like a noble fairy, she moved gracefully to the washbasin.
On the washstand sat an exquisite copper basin, a soft towel, and toiletries exuding a faint fragrance. He Mingyan stretched out her slender hands, gently cupping the water and feeling its cool touch glide over her fingertips. She carefully washed her face, her movements gentle and elegant, as if each motion was a graceful dance. After washing up, He Mingyan moved to the dressing table and sat down. At this moment, she resembled a blooming flower, delicate and beautiful, radiating a captivating glow.
Meanwhile, Xiao Tao, like a cheerful little deer, skipped and hopped into the room. She greeted He Mingyan with a bright smile, then, like a busy bee, quickly made her way to the bed. She deftly tidied the bed, smoothing the sheets and folding the blankets; in no time, the somewhat messy bed was neat and tidy.
Yanzi gently combed He Mingyan's silky smooth hair, the comb gliding slowly across her face, each stroke seemingly filled with endless tenderness and care. Just then, Yanzi inadvertently caught a glimpse of a faint smile on He Mingyan's lips. This smile was like the warmest sunshine in spring, radiating a warm and captivating light that instantly illuminated the entire room.
A sense of curiosity welled up in Yanzi's heart, and she asked softly, "Why is the princess so happy today? Could it be that some great joy has come to our palace?" However, before He Mingyan could answer, Xiao Tao, who was standing to the side, could not contain her excitement and eagerly interrupted.
Xiao Tao, her face beaming with excitement, exclaimed, gesturing wildly, "Sister Yanzi, you're so ignorant! The princess met that elegant and handsome Young Master Qin yesterday! Not only that, but he personally escorted her back to the palace! More importantly, he confessed his deep affection for her. Oh dear, tell me, how could the princess not be happy?" Before she finished speaking, Xiao Tao, like a cheerful little bird, hopped lightly towards them.
Hearing this, Yanzi's already expectant eyes lit up even more, and she asked incredulously, "Really? That's wonderful!" He Mingyan nodded slightly in agreement. Seeing this, Yanzi couldn't help but continue, "Princess, this is truly a case of 'after hardship comes happiness,' and 'heaven rewards those who persevere!' After so long, you've finally seen the light at the end of the tunnel! I believe your future will be filled with happiness and sweetness."
Xiao Tao quickly chimed in, "That's right, that's exactly it! Now the princess has another caring and considerate person by her side!" In an instant, laughter filled the entire palace, as if the air itself was filled with joy and sweetness.
Yanzi nodded slightly, indicating that she understood. Suddenly, a thought flashed through her mind, and she quickly said, "Oh dear, Your Highness, you don't know! Just before I came here, I heard that this morning in court, the Vice Minister of War, Lord Yang, openly impeached our Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, Lord Fan! It is said that Lord Yang accused Lord Fan of beating his son without any reason and begged His Majesty to uphold justice for him!"
Upon hearing this, He Mingyan looked astonished and quickly turned around, eagerly asking Yanzi, "Wait, who did you just say you were impeaching?" Yanzi immediately lowered her head and replied respectfully, "Your Highness, it was none other than Lord Fan, the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review!" He Mingyan frowned and continued to ask, "Could it be Fan Junyu?" Yanzi quickly nodded, indicating that she was certain.
He Mingyan immediately became extremely anxious, her heart burning as if on fire. She couldn't wait to ask again, "Then did they mention when this happened? And what was the reason for it?" However, faced with the princess's series of questions, Yanzi could only shake her head helplessly, indicating that she did not know.
Just then, Taozi, standing to the side, was equally suspicious. Finally, unable to contain her curiosity, she softly asked, "Your Highness, why do you look so flustered and restless?" Hearing this, He Mingyan quickly snapped out of her daze and replied hastily, "Oh dear, why don't you all remember? This Fan Junyu isn't just an ordinary Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review! You see, he has another identity—he's my elder sister's fiancé! Besides, just yesterday, he and my elder sister clearly left together. Based on my understanding of Fan Junyu, given his consistent style of conduct and high moral character, he would never harm someone without reason. Yet now, news suddenly comes that he assaulted someone; there must be some unknown inside story!"
He Mingyan, who had been puzzled, suddenly seemed to realize something, a glint of light flashing in her eyes. She snapped back to reality and eagerly asked, "Wait, who did he just say he beat up? Tell me the details!" Yanzi, standing beside her, replied seriously, "According to reliable sources, the one who was beaten up was Yang Tian, the son of Yang Cheng, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of War." As soon as she finished speaking, Xiao Tao, who had been listening quietly, couldn't help but exclaim in shock, "Heavens! It's Yang Tian, the cousin of the Third Prince, who is wicked, bullies others, and harasses respectable women all day long? What are we going to do!" Hearing this, He Mingyan had already made her judgment. Without hesitation, she blurted out, "Judging from this situation, it must be that this Yang Tian is courting death and has provoked Eldest Sister, which is why Lord Fan was so angry that he took action to teach him a lesson."
At this point, Xiao Tao's face turned deathly pale, and she said in a trembling voice, "Ah... wouldn't the eldest princess be in great danger? What if she gets injured in the conflict?" He Mingyan quickly waved her hand and gently comforted her, "Don't be afraid, don't be afraid. Have you forgotten? Lord Fan is a man of extraordinary skill and martial arts prowess. With him protecting eldest sister, she certainly won't be harmed in the slightest. But speaking of which, I still haven't seen eldest sister yet, and I'm still a little uneasy and can't completely relax. Let's go, let's hurry over and check on eldest sister's condition. Since even we already know about this, eldest sister must have known the news long ago. Eldest sister has always been timid and afraid of trouble; I'm really worried she'll be quite frightened." After saying this, He Mingyan took the lead and hurriedly led Yanzi and Xiao Tao towards Yu Ning Palace. Along the way, the three of them were in a hurry, wishing they could fly to eldest sister's side immediately.
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