Chapter 242 Farewell
Chapter 242 Farewell
the next day.
As the dawn broke, Shen Meizhuang got up early. She looked back at An Lingrong who was still sleeping soundly on the bed, pursed her lips, and said nothing. Then she turned around and walked out of the palace alone.
The moment she left, An Lingrong, who had been sleeping soundly, slowly sat up straight, her eyes filled with complicated emotions.
Outside Shenwu Gate.
Like a resilient warrior, the sun fought a desperate battle with all its might against the thick, cotton-wool clouds. Its dazzling light, like a sharp sword, repeatedly struck the cloud's defenses. Despite the clouds' stubborn resistance, the sun refused to retreat. After a long battle, it finally gained a precious opportunity. Like a banner of victory, the rays struggled to peek through the cracks in the clouds, still somewhat fragile, yet carrying the power of hope.
Shen Meizhuang's eyes were fixed on Zhen Huan, who had changed into a straw hat and a cloth skirt. This simple outfit made her look even more haggard.
Her eyes were red and tears welled up involuntarily. With a choked sob, she called out softly, "Huan'er."
Zhen Huan's eyes were filled with reluctance. Then her gaze passed Shen Meizhuang and looked behind her. The expectation in her eyes gradually turned into disappointment, and her voice trembled with sobs: "Rong'er still hasn't come? Is she... still angry with me?"
"She is not angry with you, she just can't bear to see this scene of parting." Shen Meizhuang knew that An Lingrong lay in bed last night with her eyes open until dawn, and only she could understand the sadness in her heart.
"I disappointed her, but I really don't want to stay in this palace for another day." Zhen Huan said, tears falling like beads from a broken string.
Shen Meizhuang reached out her hand, gently stroked her face, gently wiped away her tears, and whispered to comfort her: "It's good to go. Leaving here will be a relief for you."
"Sister, I'm sorry, I'm sorry... I'm afraid I can no longer depend on you and take care of each other!" Zhen Huan's words were full of guilt and reluctance.
Shen Meizhuang said helplessly, "Don't worry, Rong'er and I are still able to protect ourselves in the palace. As for Uncle Zhen... the emperor still hasn't changed his mind about exiling him."
"I know he won't change!" Zhen Huan bit her lip.
"I have sent someone to find Doctor Wen. He will take good care of Lady Zhen!" Shen Meizhuang held Zhen Huan's hand.
"Thank you, sister. You must be careful with the Queen. Don't act impulsively because of me. You must take care of yourself."
"Okay!" Shen Meizhuang nodded vigorously.
On the other side, Jin Xi looked up at the sky and said softly, "It's time to set off!"
Although the voice was soft, it hit the hearts of the two people like a heavy hammer.
Zhen Huan and Shen Meizhuang held hands tightly, their eyes meeting, their entwined like silk threads, each thread carrying an inseparable emotion.
"Huan'er, take care of yourself!" Shen Meizhuang's voice trembled a little, and tears flashed in her eyes.
"Sister, you have to take care of yourself too." Zhen Huan responded, holding back her tears.
The two people's tightly clasped hands slowly loosened, and every minute of separation seemed to tear each other's hearts apart.
Zhen Huan turned and sat in the carriage. She slowly raised her eyes and looked towards the tall and solemn Forbidden City. Her gaze was as cold as ice, as if bidding farewell to the past love and hatred. Then, she turned her gaze to Shen Meizhuang and tried to force a gentle smile.
Jinxi, Liuzhu and Huanbi followed the carriage silently, their figures appearing firm and resolute in the cold wind.
The carriage started slowly, the wheels rolled and squeaked, carrying a few people towards an unknown world.
Liu Zhu walked forward while looking back.
Suddenly, she saw a beautiful figure on the tall city wall.
"Miss, look quickly." Liu Zhu said loudly.
Zhen Huan in the carriage lifted the curtain and looked in the direction she pointed.
Huanbi asked curiously, "What is that?"
"It's Concubine Wen!"
"How do you know it's her from so far away?"
Liu Zhu said with certainty, staring at the figure without blinking: "I just know it must be her."
Zhen Huan's heart seemed to be hit hard. She jumped off the carriage and waved her arms vigorously. The amplitude of the wave was so large that it seemed as if she was using all her strength so that people in the distance could see her.
Her sleeves fluttered in the wind and her hair was scattered in a mess. She didn't care about her image at all, she just wanted to convey her reluctance and concern.
Back in the carriage, she could no longer hold back her tears, and her suppressed cries burst out like a dam breaking. The suppressed cries echoed in the small carriage, and each cry seemed to be telling of the pain of separation.
Jin Xi listened to the suppressed crying in the car and comforted her: "Miss, there are things prepared for you by Concubine Hui and Concubine Wen in the car, please take a look!"
Only then did Zhen Huan notice the carriage. Except for the space she sat in, it was completely packed, with all sorts of items piled high. There were clothes, bedding, medicine, bird's nests, brown sugar, and other things she needed. Next to her was a large box. When she opened it, she found a box full of small coins, which gleamed faintly in the dim light.
Jinxi's voice rang out again: "Miss, with their love and blessings, if we live a good life in the future, it will be the greatest comfort to them."
At this moment, the sun finally broke free from the thick clouds, and in an instant, it shone brightly. Every ray of light seemed to be a blessing with warmth, gently falling on the carriage that was moving further and further away. This light was a beautiful blessing for their unknown future journey, and it was also like a warm pen, which put a hopeful end to this farewell full of pain and reluctance in this cold winter day, bringing a touch of comfort to people's hearts.
SFS