Floating life reflects two lotuses

A woman's silvery laughter echoed through the woods: "Brother Liheng, hurry up!"

A long pink dress billowed behind her, its hem embroidered with lotus patterns that shimmered softly in the sunlight. Her steps were light, her smile radiant, like ripples on a lake.

"Lian'er, slow down, be careful not to fall!" Li Heng chased after her, his voice tinged with helplessness but full of tenderness.

He wore a long brown robe, with gold thread subtly outlining lotus and auspicious cloud patterns, exuding understated elegance. The jade pendant at his waist swayed gently, producing a crisp sound that perfectly complemented his refined demeanor.

"The deer are about to run far away!" Chu Wanlian turned around and urged, but suddenly stopped and ran back to his side, taking his hand. "Let's walk quietly, so as not to frighten them."

Li Heng was taken aback, then looked at her smile and raised the corners of his mouth slightly: "You're quite impolite. Does the princess often hold the hand of strange men?"

Chu Wanlian looked up and glared at him, her cheeks slightly flushed: "Aren't you my brother Li Heng? Where did this stranger come from!"

"Yes, yes, it's my fault." Li Heng chuckled softly, his tone full of affection. "However, my crime is quite serious. How does the princess intend to punish me?"

Chu Wanlian raised her chin triumphantly: "You're punished by having to accompany me to watch deer every day!"

Li Heng shook his head, his smile deepening: "Your Majesty's command is difficult to disobey; this humble general will obey."

The two walked hand in hand through the woods, while a small deer strolled leisurely in the distance. Sunlight shone on them, and even the wind seemed gentle.

"Princess, where have you run off to?" Silan's voice was filled with anxiety. "If you don't go back soon, the Emperor will be angry!"

Chu Wanlian turned around and looked at Silan, who had caught up with her, her tone displeased: "I was just taking a walk in the garden, what's wrong with that? You're getting bolder and bolder, girl."

"This servant wouldn't dare!" Silan quickly bowed her head and apologized, then carefully handed over a brocade box, "This is a birthday gift from Consort Yan."

Chu Wanlian took the box and opened it to find an exquisite white jade bracelet. The jade beads were smooth and warm, engraved with runes she couldn't understand, and the pendant was a finely carved lotus flower.

She sneered, a hint of disgust flashing in her eyes: "Consort Yan killed my mother, and now she dares to put on airs." She closed the box and coldly ordered, "Throw it away."

Silan hesitated for a moment, then whispered a reminder: "Princess, Consort Yan is currently favored by the Emperor. If he finds out, he will probably be unhappy."

Chu Wanlian gave a cold laugh and put the bracelet back on her wrist: "Since she wants to put on an act, then I'll play along to the end."

She looked down at the bracelet, her fingertips gently caressing the cold jade beads, silently vowing: Mother, I will definitely seek justice for you.

The banquet night arrived as scheduled.

Jinhua Palace was brightly lit, with golden silk curtains hanging down and long tables laden with delicacies. The light of silver candles spilled into every corner, exuding the luxury and majesty of a royal feast.

As soon as Chu Wanlian walked into the side hall, she saw Li Heng standing there, holding an exquisite picture book in his hands.

"Happy birthday, Lian'er." Li Heng smiled and handed her the sketchbook.

"This is... the sketchbook I asked you to find?" Chu Wanlian took it, her eyes lighting up as she excitedly flipped through it. "Brother Liheng, you really found it!"

“This was obtained by my father through a friend. It records rare and exotic animals from various places.” Li Heng’s tone was calm, but his eyes were warm. “We can look at it slowly after the banquet. Don’t keep the Emperor waiting.”

Chu Wanlian nodded, closed the sketchbook, and gave him a sweet smile: "Thank you, Brother Liheng."

The two looked at each other and smiled. A gentle night breeze blew, and the lamplight reflected off them. Their shadows fell on the wall of the side hall, like a tranquil painting.