Chapter 300 - Comforting Solitude (1/2)

Lei Xing sat there in her throne seat and watched the Imperial wives on their knees, one by one thanking and receiving their individual dismissals and promotions as the Minister of Rites stood reading out edict after edict.

Lei Xing could imagine that this must also be so strange for them as well. Lei Xing could see the anxiousness, confusion, and relief spread on their faces...It was a mix of emotions, complicated expressions.

Their first day giving their greetings to the Empress, was now the last day of them doing so - at least in the capacity of sub-wives. The Imperial wives had all expected things to change after Lei Xing became Empress, but they honestly could not have anticipated this.

It all seemed to have happened so quickly and honestly, none of them understood what has been happening the palace these days.

it has been one thing after another since they arrived here, the Empress dowager was obviously crazy and the Emperor was covering up for her. The rest of them had the good sense to stay clear of the Empress dowager after what happened with Lei Xing, only Chen You had the guts to approach and look at what happened to her.

Then the bizarre events of the ascension ceremony the day before. They were all confused and on edge. The truth was that even for those who were somewhat disappointed that they were leaving, a part of them was still glad to be leaving this bizarre place the palace was becoming.

When the edict reading was over, the girls held on to their two edicts and kowtowed towards Lei Xing.

Lei Xing inwardly sighed and then calmly said, ”You may rise...”

And although the Emperor had said she was not expected to say or do anything during the ceremony, as Lei Xing watched the girls rise to their feet, she felt inspired to say something. It somehow felt wrong for her not to say anything,

So she did, ”In a few days, you will be out of the palace, and as princesses, you will always have the support and protection of the royal household...For you all, this is a new beginning, a chance to rewrite your story, a chance to live the life you want, and as you desire...Be sure to live well and be happy...”

Li Ru and some of the girls smiled at her while the others just had complicated expressions, but they all bowed together and said, ”Thank you Your majesty for your grace...”

Lei Xing smiled and then said, ”You may retire...” the girls bowed again and then turned and left.

Lei Xing briefly thought about having Li Ru stay back so they could talk about her thoughts, her plans. But then she decided against it, it was not the time to be playing ”favorites”. It would be best to see her tomorrow and besides what plans would she have already? She would need time to think as well.

The Minister of Rites also bowed and retreated with his assistants and Lei Xing now sat there, alone on her throne seat staring out through the doors open doors. Today has been an odd day, the last two days have been very odd days.

{...Why am I suddenly feeling lonely?... This is odd, I don't like this -_-)'...}

After a while of Lei Xing just sitting there, staring blankly, Xiao Ruo became concerned, ”Your majesty...is everything alright?” She asked, cutting into Lei Xing's thoughts. She had thought Lei Xing would be delighted over this but rather, Lei Xing just seemed out of it. She had been in an off mood since she woke up this morning, which was understandable given the events of yesterday but then with this, with what the Emperor has done for her, she should be happy.

Lei Xing just blinked and turned to Xiao Ruo, she then turned back to the doors and dryly chuckled, she had actually forgotten that there were other people here.

Actually, this feeling Lei Xing knew too well, the feeling of being surrounded by people and yet feeling completely alone.

Lei Xing suddenly started feeling agitated, she knit her brows and then let out a breath and got up to go find the Emperor. She was not lonely, she had him. When he was around she never felt lonely, so Lei Xing went to find him.

As she got outside, Lei Xing saw Ah Jin coming towards her and her face immediately lit up and she walked over to her and immediately asked, ”How did it go? Did she take it?” Although Lei Xing would deny it, a part of her did miss the bracelet's company so her voice was a bit agitated.

Ah Jin bowed in greeting and then said, ”Miss Tung's condition was not too good so I could not speak with her directly b-...”

Lei Xing knit her brows and went a bit wide-eyed in surprise, ”She's ill?”

Ah Jin nodded, ”Yes, quite ill. She was unconscious when I arrived. Her aunt took me to see her, she accepted the bracelet on Miss Tung's behalf and put it on her wrist right then. The madam sends her thanks and greetings on Miss Tung's behalf, she said that she will ensure Miss Tung comes to show her thanks once she is recovered...”

Lei Xing nodded and knit her brows and offhandedly said, ”Send an Imperial physician - No, send the head physician over there to see if he can help...” Ah Jin bowed and left to see to that.

Lei Xing let out a sigh and looked to the clear blue sky.

{...It turns out the quack was right to worry...It's good he left then, wouldn't want him to have any regrets...}

Lei Xing sighed again and began walking again, changing directions. She decided to go back to her room and return to sleep. She was sure the Emperor was busy and did not want to interrupt him simply because she was feeling a bit ”lonely”.

She would sleep and she would forget these lost little feelings that had no place in her mind, the bracelet can be gone, Li Ru can be gone and even the Emperor could be gone and she, Lei Xing would be perfectly fine.

She reveled in her solitude...Always have, always will.

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