"Linglong, what are you talking about? If you're not Linglong, who else could you be?"
Although the Empress Dowager was quite ill and her eyesight was failing, she could still sense that the young woman beside her was indeed her Linglong.
The Empress Dowager fumbled and grasped Chu Qianli's hand.
"Linglong, they all said you died in battle, and my heart was filled with such sorrow. I never knew before how important you were to me."
She had very few close confidantes left.
Perhaps it was because she was truly old and had been ill for so long, she knew her own body well.
She wouldn't last much longer.
Yu Linglong had been by her side for so many years, and her relationship with her was closer than with any of the princes or princesses.
Losing Yu Linglong was like losing a child.
"I won't be angry with you anymore, nor will I scold you. If you want Prince Xuan, I will find a way for you, alright?"
The Empress Dowager tightly held Chu Qianli's hand, slowly tightening her grip.
"Linglong, don't be difficult with me. You are Linglong, don't distance yourself from me anymore!"
"I am helping you. I will go and speak clearly with Xuan'er. In this world, only Linglong is worthy of him, okay? Is that alright, Linglong?"
Finally, Chu Qianli nodded and smiled, "Yes, it would be wonderful if the Empress Dowager is willing to help me."
"Linglong! You finally admit it, you are Linglong!"
Tears streamed uncontrollably down the Empress Dowager's face as she became emotional. She held Chu Qianli's hand tightly, unable to speak.
However, the killing intent in Chu Qianli's eyes grew heavier.
This old hag was a problem that needed to be dealt with.
"Hurry up," she said in a deep voice.
Hong Chou, who was driving the carriage ahead, was about to urge the horses to speed up when she looked up and saw Xiao Yao walking slowly on the path ahead.
Xiao Yao was looking down, lost in thought.
She was probably so engrossed that she didn't notice anyone around her.
Hong Chou whispered, "Your Majesty, it's that dead girl named Xiao Yao. Should we... take a detour?"
Hong Chou was simply thinking that what they were doing now was a clandestine affair.
It was better to avoid trouble.
However, the words "take a detour" caused a surge of anger in Chu Qianli's heart.
This damned girl was always pestering Feng Ye Xuan or Feng Jin Rui. Originally, both these brothers should have been hers.
But now, not only was Feng Ye Xuan indifferent to her, but even Feng Jin Rui looked at her with disgust and distance.
It must be this bitch stirring up trouble.
"Why should I take a detour when I see her?"
After a moment's thought, Chu Qianli curled her lips into a smile and said, "Not only will I not avoid her, but I will also give her a grand gift."
Glancing at Xiao Yao in the distance ahead, the smile in her eyes deepened.
... Xiao Yao had intended to leave today. Although she didn't know why, she had a lingering sense of unease.
But in reality, Fu Ning's condition had stabilized, and there were basically no major issues.
What else did she have to be nostalgic for?
This prince's manor had little to do with her, so why should she dwell on it?
It was just that the lonely and desolate figure of that scoundrel, and those eyes filled with despair and pain...
No! She couldn't think about it! Don't think about it!
Everything had nothing to do with her!
Xiao Yao took a deep breath, trying to adjust her mood before looking up again to leave.
Unexpectedly, as soon as she looked up, she saw a carriage approaching her.
The horse was running at an astonishing speed!
It was Chu Qianli's carriage! The person sitting at the front of the carriage, Xiao Yao recognized her as Hong Chou, Chu Qianli's maid!
This woman actually intended to run her over with the carriage!
Xiao Yao's eyes darkened. Just as the horse was about to reach her, she flicked her hand, and two silver needles flew out...