未知の運命: 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐭

𝐓𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩

The palace buzzed with an air of anticipation and excitement as the news of Prince Minhao's first birthday spread throughout the Zui Empire. The grand celebration, meticulously planned to honor the young prince, was a testament to the empire's prosperity and the royal family's enduring legacy.

In the private quarters of the Empress, Língxiāo Chen sat by the window, her hand resting gently on her abdomen. Mei-Ru, ever attentive, was by her side, preparing a tray of herbal tea. The room was filled with the scent of blooming jasmine, adding to the serene atmosphere.

"Your Majesty," Mei-Ru said softly, placing the tea tray on a nearby table. "The preparations for Prince Minhao's birthday celebration are nearly complete. The entire palace is eager to honor him."

Língxiāo smiled, her eyes sparkling with maternal pride. "He has brought so much joy to our lives, Mei-Ru. It is only fitting that we celebrate this milestone with grandeur."

Mei-Ru nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Indeed, Your Majesty. Prince Minhao is growing into a fine young boy. His curiosity and energy are boundl-"

Mei-Ru's words were interrupted by the soft patter of little feet as Mei-Ling, her three-year-old daughter, entered the room. The girl hesitated for a moment at the threshold, her wide eyes taking in the grandeur of the royal chambers before she shyly made her way toward her mother.

"M-Mother!" She shouted.

"Mei-Ling," Mei-Ru gently chided, a smile tugging at her lips, "what have I told you about wandering into the Empress's quarters?"

But Língxiāo chuckled softly, waving off the concern. "Let her stay, Mei-Ru. I'd rather enjoy the company of children." She knelt down to Mei-Ling's level, offering her hand. "Would you like to meet Prince Minhao, Mei-Ling?".

Mei-Ling looked up at her mother for approval, her small hands fidgeting with the hem of her simple tunic. Mei-Ru nodded with a gentle smile, encouraging her daughter to step forward.

Língxiāo rose to her feet and led Mei-Ling to the corner of the chamber, where a small play area had been set up for Prince Minhao. The young prince, just a year old, looked up with bright, curious eyes as they approached.

"Minhao," Língxiāo said gently, "this is Mei-Ling. She's here to play with you."

The prince, still unsteady on his feet, toddled over to Mei-Ling with a soft smile, holding out one of his toys as a gesture of friendship. Mei-Ling hesitated for only a moment before accepting it, her own smile slowly forming.

"They look so innocent," Mei-Ru said softly, watching them from where she stood beside Língxiāo. "It's a rare joy in times like these."

Mei-Ru watched the interaction, her heart swelling with a mix of pride and emotion. "Thank you, Your Majesty," she said quietly, her voice tinged with gratitude. "It means the world to me that Mei-Ling is welcomed here."

Língxiāo stood and returned to her place, a thoughtful expression on her face. "The palace can be a lonely place, Mei-Ru, especially for children. It's important that Minhao has companions, even at this young age."

Mei-Ru nodded, her gaze softening as she watched the two children play. "Yes, Your Majesty. I believe they will be good for each other."

Língxiāo smiled, her gaze resting on the two children. "Indeed, Mei-Ru. If only they could remain this untouched by the world forever." She sighed before placing a hand on her belly, her mind drifting to the life she was carrying. "But they will have to face the world, just as we did."

As they observed the children, Língxiāo's hand unconsciously drifted to her abdomen, her thoughts turning inward. She hadn't spoken to anyone yet about the possibility, but she could feel the changes within her body. If the rumors were true and she was indeed carrying a child again, the dynamics of the palace—and the future of the Zui Empire—would shift once more.