0p0 Chapter 523 showed a greater degree of certainty.
Chapter 523 showed a greater degree of certainty.
As Madam Yu finished speaking, it was like a pebble thrown into Luo Lan's heart, which had been silent for many years.
The smooth texture of the wooden box became exceptionally clear under her fingertips, creating a strange contrast with the sudden, burning throbbing in her chest.
Having spent decades in the deep palace, she had long been accustomed to a tranquil mind, and the current turmoil made her feel like a stranger to herself.
From Empress to Empress Dowager, and now to Grand Empress Dowager, she has never stepped out of the palace gates in her entire life!
Every day they guarded these four palace walls, serving the emperor and raising the princes. When did they ever have a day to live for themselves?
Now that I have the opportunity to cultivate immortality, I can go out and see the mountains and rivers outside, free from the constraints of these palace rules. How wonderful!
Luo Lan bit her lip, her eyes sparkling as she looked up.
"Alright, I'll accept this. Thank you, Madam Yu." She took the box, trying to suppress her inappropriate joy, but the corners of her lips involuntarily curved into an awkward smile.
She couldn't remember the last time she had genuinely laughed. This smile, tugging at unfamiliar muscles on her face, brought out a hint of bitterness.
Zhao Shun stood to the side, his gaze fixed on Luo Lan's figure, his eyes swirling with complex emotions.
He looked at the woman who had accompanied him through half his life, yet whom he owed so much, opened his mouth, but before he could speak, a lump of phlegm blocked his throat.
He cleared his throat, and when he spoke again, his voice sounded rough, as if it had been sanded, so rough that even he himself felt unfamiliar with it.
"Lan'er, I have wronged you. If you ever need anything in the future, just ask and I will not refuse."
Luo Lan waved her hand gently, her gesture carrying a hint of relief, but also a touch of detachment: "There's no need for that."
She looked up at Zhao Shun, her eyes clear and calm: "There's no need to bring up the past anymore. We're even now. You and Madam Yu are in love, so just live a good life together."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Shun felt both guilty and relieved.
He rubbed his hands together, and said somewhat embarrassedly, "Lan'er, there's something else I need your permission for."
Our departure is not yet scheduled for a return date.
Yoona is naturally indifferent to fame and has no interest in the throne;
Li'er is still young, and his mother is Yin Ling'er, so he is indeed not suitable to inherit the throne.
Xuan'er told me that he... he wanted to pass the throne to Luo Qing.
At this point, Zhao Shun's voice lowered, and his eyes became cautious.
Luo Qing's father, Luo Zheng, was his son with Yu Niangzi, not Luo Lan's biological son. He was really afraid that Luo Lan would overthink things.
However, the royal family has few heirs, and now that Yin Yingzi has been eliminated, Luo Zheng must regain his royal status.
Xuan'er is already a Celestial Emperor of the Third Heaven; the throne in the mortal realm is nothing more than a formality for him.
As soon as Zhao Shun finished speaking, the room became eerily quiet, with only the faint crackling of the candle wick.
The flickering flame cast distorted shadows of the three people onto the wall, swaying uneasily, much like their anxious state of mind.
Zhao Shun and Madam Yu's gazes both fell on Luo Lan, filled with anticipation and trepidation.
If Luo Lan disagrees, they can only leave the throne vacant and make further plans after his return.
Luo Lan lowered her eyes in thought, her fingertips unconsciously stroking the edge of the wooden box.
After a long silence, she finally raised her head, her voice trembling slightly: "Xuan'er... does he really have to leave with you?"
"Yes, we have to go!" Zhao Shun said firmly.
"Is the risk high?" Luo Lan's voice was even softer, her hands unconsciously clenching the handkerchief in her hands, her knuckles turning white.
Her body trembled slightly as she leaned against the table, causing the teacup on the table to sway gently, creating fine ripples in the tea.
Zhao Shun first nodded heavily, then slowly shook his head, his expression solemn.
“If everything goes well, we should be able to return safely in two years at most; if not…” He couldn’t bring himself to say the rest.
He immediately changed the subject: "If the Great Xia encounters danger, you can go to the Miao Kingdom and seek help from the current Empress Dowager Wang Muyun."
Her true identity is the Holy Maiden of the Second Heaven; she will surely protect the Xia Kingdom.
Luo Lan lowered her head, her long eyelashes concealing the complex emotions in her eyes.
A moment later, she suddenly raised her head, a forced smile on her face, but tears glistened in her eyes.
"Good! You must come back alive. Once I regain my youth and embark on the path of cultivation, I will show you that I can live a thriving life, even better than you, without you."
“Okay…! I’ll be waiting!” Zhao Shun nodded vigorously, his eyes filled with a solemn promise and expectations for Luo Lan.
After exchanging a few more pleasantries and exchanging some minor instructions, Zhao Shun and Madam Yu got up to take their leave.
Meanwhile, outside the imperial city, Wang Xinyao and Zhao Haoxuan had already arrived at the princess's residence.
This mansion is very close to the Crown Prince's residence where Zhao Haoxuan used to live. It was specially bestowed upon Zhao Meier by Zhao Guoan after she returned to the palace.
Firstly, it would be more convenient for Zhou Yunxi to take care of her, and secondly, it would be more convenient for Xie Dahua to come for daily check-ups.
More importantly, the freedom outside the palace might help Zhao Meier, who is in a deep slumber, to wake up sooner.
"Your Majesty, I pay my respects to Your Majesty and Your Majesty the Empress." Zhou Yunxi, dressed in a plain brocade robe, quickly stepped forward and bowed, her tone revealing her eagerness and anticipation.
Following closely behind, Zhao Haoli stepped forward and respectfully bowed, saying, "Your subject greets Your Majesty and Your Majesty the Empress!"
"Please get up, everyone. We're family, no need for formalities." Zhao Haoxuan raised his hand to help them up, his gaze anxiously fixed on the room: "How is my elder sister doing now?"
"Still not awake," Zhou Yunxi replied, looking down.
Without saying much, Wang Xinyao walked straight to the bedside, gently grasped Zhao Meier's cold wrist, and placed her fingertips on her pulse.
She focused her mind and carefully sensed the pulse.
A moment later, she released her grip, turned to look at Zhou Yunxi, and asked softly, "In the past few months, has my elder sister shown any signs of waking up?"
Zhou Yunxi shook her head, a hint of disappointment flashing in her eyes, then, as if remembering something, quickly added:
"However, Da Hua said that Mei'er's condition is gradually improving. Yesterday, I even saw her fingers twitch slightly. Although it was only for a moment, it gave us hope."
"Yes, the pulse is indeed much more stable and stronger than before."
Wang Xinyao nodded: "I will now administer acupuncture to my elder sister. You all go out and wait."
Upon hearing this, everyone left the room without delay, gently closing the door behind them.
Wang Xinyao took out spiritual spring water from the ring space and carefully washed her hands.
He picked up a silver needle with his fingertips, concentrated his energy, and slowly poured his immortal power into the ancient silver needle.
She is now at the Immortal Realm, and with the nourishment of the spiritual spring water, the medicinal effects of Gu Ze Silver Needle are more than ten times greater than before.
Previously, she was not entirely confident in waking Zhao Meier from her vegetative state.
But now, she feels more certain.
The silver needles twirled nimbly in her hands, as if they had come to life, and accurately pierced the various acupoints on Zhao Meier's body.
As the immortal power slowly flowed in, Zhao Meier's originally pale face gradually regained a faint hue, and her breathing became steady and powerful.