Palace maid Shuoning

(One)

Jiang Shuoning looked up and met Huo Xiao's eyes, which were filled with undisguised worry and tenderness.

A slight pang of sadness gripped her heart. She instinctively took two steps back, deliberately creating a respectable distance, her voice calm and gentle, masking her weariness.

"I'm just taking a stroll, I'll head back to the palace now."

As soon as she finished speaking, she took a step and led Bailing around, slowly heading towards the Prince's Mansion.

Huo Xiao watched her deliberately distant back, his heart sinking. He quickly caught up, his tone gentle and considerate:

"Your humble servant will escort the concubine back. I understand your concerns. Since you do not wish for the Prince to see anything unusual and cause unnecessary trouble, I will not enter the carriage but will only sit on the carriage shaft, so as not to arouse any criticism."

Jiang Shuoning did not pause, and calmly declined, "No need. Lord Huo, please return; there's no need for further words."

Snowflakes fell softly onto their shoulders. Huo Xiao stood still, silently watching the solitary figure walking forward, a dull ache in his heart.

As Zhan Qing watched his master's stubborn and patient demeanor, a thought suddenly occurred to him, and a hint of astonishment flashed across his eyes.

Amidst the swirling snow, Huo Xiao ultimately couldn't bear to let her go on her journey alone.

He spoke in a deep voice, his tone carrying an undeniable insistence, yet still maintaining a sense of propriety:

"If the concubine insists on walking back to the manor, then I will accompany her on foot. In the face of wind, snow, and bitter cold, I only ask that you be safe and sound on your journey, and that I may have peace of mind."

Having said that, he stepped into the thick snow, following her at a distance that was neither too close nor too far.

The carriage moved slowly along, its wheels rolling silently over the snow. Two figures, one in front and one behind, moved quietly forward in the wind and snow.

Jiang Shuoning finally stopped.

The cold wind ruffled the hem of her cloak. Standing amidst the falling snow, she remained silent for a moment, then turned her head and softly instructed Bailing:

"Bailing, please get in the carriage and wait. I have a few words to say to Lord Huo in private."

Bai Ling glanced at Huo Xiao, who was steadily following behind her, nodded obediently, bent her knees to board the car, and quietly sat down in the carriage.

Only the two of them remained by the car. Jiang Shuoning turned around and walked slowly forward.

Huo Xiao remained silent, keeping a respectful distance, silently accompanying her as snowflakes fell on his shoulders, always protecting her from behind.

"Lord Huo."

Jiang Shuoning spoke softly, the wind and snow melting into her voice, her tone calm to the point of being cold:

"You didn't need to do that. When I laid bare my past in the main hall, I wasn't seeking anyone's sympathy or pity. The hardships of life are just that—hardly."

I entered the palace at the age of six and have struggled my way to where I am today. I've endured so much hardship that I've gradually become accustomed to it. It's like eating bitter herbs for too long; you just feel that this is how it should be, and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that you're numb to it.

I used to appreciate even a little compassion from others, but now, I no longer need that pity or sympathy.

She paused slightly, turned to look at him, and her eyes were filled with a snowy weariness.

"Tonight in the main hall, you publicly declared your choice of the Prince. Whether it was a momentary impulse or a rash decision, you shouldn't have taken such a desperate gamble. Don't forget your sister, Shanshan."

I actually envy her. She was born with an older brother to protect her and a home to rely on. This warmth is something she was born with.

But some people, even if they spend their entire lives seeking it, may not obtain it.

"But I'm really tired, so tired that sometimes I just want to sleep forever. But even if I'm mentally and physically exhausted, life still has to go on."

I've figured it out. As for the rest of my obsessions, I should let them go. As long as I have this body and can maintain my self-control, I will find a way out for myself.

She stared intently at Huo Xiao, each word spoken earnestly yet with a resolute determination to draw a clear line:

"I'm telling you all this only to advise you to put away all your inappropriate thoughts. There's no need for you to wade into this mess yourself."

No matter who it is, gambling with yourself, the entire Huo family, and Shanshan's entire life is simply not worth it. Don't ruin your whole life for unworthy people and things.

Huo Xiao listened quietly, gazing at her cold and indifferent eyes. His hands, hanging at his sides, clenched unconsciously, his heart aching as if pricked by needles, the pain making his breathing increasingly erratic.

Jiang Shuoning stopped looking at him and turned to continue walking through the snow.

After saying those words, I felt a little relieved.

The so-called love between men and women in this world is ultimately just a fleeting moment.

No one was ever able to stay with her until the end. She had to sever the hopes that others might have for her.

Especially Huo Xiao.

The Huo family has an upright family background and could have lived a peaceful life. Why did they have to wade into this quagmire? It's really not worth it.

What if I said it was worth it?

Huo Xiao suddenly spoke, his voice deep and firm, as he walked step by step through the snow toward her.

"If I were to say that it was my own choice, this matter has nothing to do with others. It was I, Huo Xiao, who insisted on stepping into this situation, and it has nothing to do with the concubine."

He stopped in front of her, his expression solemn, snowflakes falling on his shoulders, his gaze fixed on her.

"I understand the concubine's concerns, that she is afraid of implicating me. But everyone has the right to make their own choices, and I cannot back down with just a few words."

I know what's in your heart. You're afraid of others getting close, afraid of being hurt again. You're afraid that temporary peace will only end in separation. You're so afraid that you've grown thorns all over your body.

He lowered his voice slightly, speaking earnestly:

"What if those who come near you are willing to be covered in blood from these thorns, yet still choose to move forward? I only ask that these thorns do not harm you in the slightest. What I, Huo Xiao, have made up my mind, no one can change."

Jiang Shuoning was taken aback, raising her eyes to meet his frank and sincere gaze. She felt no emotion whatsoever, only a bittersweet irony.

(two)

Huo Xiao paused, took a deep breath, and continued:

"You're now acting so recklessly, willing to just keep wasting your time with the Prince. Is it because you saw Baozhong and Xiaodie with your own eyes?"

You were on the verge of despair and collapse, which is why you resorted to such an extreme method to retaliate against Baozhong, even at the cost of your own life. Why go through all this?

Huo Xiao stepped forward, leaned down slightly, looked her in the eye, his Adam's apple bobbing gently, and his eyes filled with an intense, unbearable heartache.

"This is truly not worth it. How long can the love between men and women last? Those born into imperial families are inherently fickle."

Even if he doesn't take Shanshan today, there will be a second or a third Shanshan in the future.

Even though he has feelings for you, he can't resist marrying another woman to consolidate his power.

Throughout history, how many people in positions of power have been able to marry only the one they love?

Concubine, do not let the incident involving Baozhong upset you into giving yourself entirely to someone you cannot entrust your life to.

You can become someone he relies on, but never become his bedmate.

Whether you let go of Baozhong or continue to think of him, I have no right to comment. I only hope you don't make a foolish choice.

Jiang Shuo gazed at him quietly, her reddened fingertips stiffly curling up before her eyes drooped down first.

"Lord Huo truly lives up to his title as the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review. He views everyone as if judging a case and sentencing a prisoner, so adept at dissecting people's hearts. But..."

Before she could finish speaking, Huo Xiao gently interrupted her:

"You are not a criminal. You are a patient, deeply wounded in your heart, and in need of healing. Your humble servant is willing to be the healer who will heal you."

Jiang Shuoning froze instantly.

His words pierced the deepest secrets of her heart, and she instinctively took a half step back, her voice trembling slightly:

"Lord Huo, don't you think you're terrifying?"

A gentle smile spread across Huo Xiao's eyes:

"I was just guessing that the concubine didn't want to return to the palace tonight, but only wanted to find a quiet place to rest, which is why she was wandering aimlessly in the wind and snow on the long street."

"Your Majesty, I may take the Consort to my humble abode outside the city for the night. Leave the rest of the troubles to me. Right now, the Consort's priority is to rest and recuperate."