Chapter 422: Chapter 420: The Heartache of Obedience_1
The Noble Lord blocked the news, and the gates of the Imperial Palace were tightly closed. Ministers who came to visit the sick were stopped outside the gate, and no one was allowed to enter or leave privately.

Little Prince was fortunate enough to stay in Duke of Zhen’s Mansion, spending days and nights with his sister.

The seven-year-old boy, after experiencing the cruelty of reality, matured overnight.

The innocence of childhood disappeared from his eyes, replaced with the inexpressible bitterness and hurt.

Lin Qingluo’s heart ached at the sight of the exceptionally sensible Little Prince.

In her spare time, she would find various topics to joke with him, tease him to alleviate his boredom and ease his pain.

“Sister, do you hate Empress Mother?”

One evening, the brother and sister sat by the Lotus Pond, watching the sunset.

The Little Prince finally spoke out about the long-suppressed matter in his heart, under the gentle understanding of his sister.

“I wouldn’t say I hate her, I just feel a deep sense of regret.”

Lin Qingluo’s eyes flickered slightly, her heart heavy, “I never thought to threaten the Crown Princess’s position, and deep in my heart, I don’t care for that spot. It’s not the life I want.”

“Sister, must people grow up?”

Little Prince pouted and, with red rims around his eyes, threw himself into his sister’s arms.

“Xuan’er doesn’t want to grow up, doesn’t want Empress Mother to hurt sister.”

“Xuan’er, don’t think about it. The matters of adults have nothing to do with you. You just need to be happy and grow up well.”

Lin Qingluo’s heart was warmed, and she rubbed his little head, as always indulgent.

“Sister, Xuan’er wants to learn martial arts. You promised to teach me martial arts when I turned seven.”

Little Prince suddenly lifted his head, his eyes showing unprecedented determination.

“Xuan’er will learn martial arts to protect sister.”

“Alright, sister will teach Xuan’er martial arts.”

Lin Qingluo’s eyes were gentle, and the unintentional indulgence in her eyes illuminated his.

****

Duke of Zhen’s Mansion held a grand feast to celebrate the return of the Eldest Miss, lasting for more than half a month.

This rare grand event attracted celebrities and scholars from all over the Seven Kingdoms.

A large number of talented men and women, famous figures, and aristocrats drove luxurious carriages, accompanied by their beautiful partners, from various places to the Capital City.

For a time, the Capital City was covered with luxurious carriages and beautiful ladies, adorned with lanterns and colorful banners everywhere, as lively as the New Years’ celebration.

With all the celebrities and scholars gathered, the talented men and women naturally wouldn’t feel lonely.

Flower Appreciation Banquets, Poetry Appreciation Gatherings, and Wine Appreciation Gatherings were held one after another, with invitation letters coming in one after another to Duke of Zhen’s Mansion.

The talented Eldest Miss of Duke of Zhen’s Mansion received the most invitations.

The six young men of extraordinary bearing were also on the list of invitees.

Lin Qingluo didn’t like attending banquets and sneered at those talented men and women who drank and wrote poetry in their spare time, pretending to be refined.

However, just because she didn’t like it didn’t mean she wouldn’t attend.

Under her own mother’s teary persistence, she could only reluctantly agree.

As soon as Ye Xue’e saw her agree to attend the Flower Viewing Festival, her spirits were immediately lifted.

On the day of the Flower Viewing Festival, early in the morning, more than ten maids surrounded the young lady.

They did her hair, makeup, dressed her up, and made her look brand new from head to toe.

Lin Qingluo closed her eyes and let the maids dress her according to her mother’s wishes.

A floral hairpin was attached to her forehead, and fragrant oil was applied to her hands.

She dressed in the latest fashionable brocade and wore jade and pearl head ornaments, looking like a royal princess, graceful and noble.

“Madam, the young lady is ready.”

Ying’er led the maids from the Fluttering Snow Residence, who had been busying themselves for nearly an hour to dress up the lady properly, before sending someone to invite Madam over from the Quiet Elegance Recidence.

“Well, when Qingluo is dressed like this, she is even more beautiful than the daughters of the royal family.”</p