12dz Chapter 254 Cousins Have a Heart-to-Heart Talk
Chapter 254 Cousins Have a Heart-to-Heart Talk
Since Murong Che decided to become a monk and enter the Buddhist order, as the days went by, Xue Xiang seemed to have all the vitality drained from her life, and her whole being was transformed.
Now, Xue Xiang has vanished like a mirage, her silence frightening. She neither cries nor makes a fuss, and even the tears that once flowed so easily no longer appear; her gaze is empty and lost, filled with endless sorrow.
She often sat alone by the window, gazing blankly at the scenery outside for a long time. The blooming and withering of flowers, the drifting and gathering of clouds outside the window seemed to become nothingness in her eyes.
Her eyes had lost their former luster, like a stagnant pool, no longer capable of rippling. Her face was haggard and pale, devoid of color, her lips were cracked and chapped, trembling slightly, yet unable to utter a sound.
Seeing Xue Xiang's distraught appearance, Murong Han's eyes were instantly filled with worry and helplessness. He gently approached, softening his voice as much as possible, and said, "Xiang'er, are you hungry? I'll have someone make you some of your favorite dishes."
Xue Xiang's gaze remained fixed blankly out the window, as if Murong Han's words were merely a passing breeze. After a long while, she finally spoke, her voice dry and weak: "I'm not hungry."
Murong Han's heart tightened, but he still tried again, unwilling to give up: "How about... I accompany you for a walk?"
However, Xue Xiang was like an emotionless sculpture, offering no response and not even a flicker of emotion in her eyes.
Murong Han sighed helplessly, his heart full of concern but nowhere to put it, so he could only slowly turn around and prepare to leave.
Just as he took a step, Xue Xiang's faint but clear voice came from behind him: "Cousin..."
Murong Han's heart skipped a beat, as if injected with a long-lost vitality. An indescribable joy and anticipation surged into his heart. He immediately turned around, a gentle smile blooming on his face, his eyes full of expectation: "What's wrong?"
Xue Xiang finally turned her gaze away from the window and met Murong Han's eyes. A hint of dependence flashed in her eyes as she softly said, "Come for a walk with me!"
Murong Han was slightly taken aback, then a surge of joy welled up in his heart, and he quickly nodded, his voice filled with barely concealed excitement: "Yes!"
Murong Han and Xue Xiang walked side by side out of the mansion and slowly headed towards the quiet back garden.
The winding paths in the garden are paved with warm white stones, and with each step, one can feel the weight of time. On both sides are lush green bamboos, and when a breeze blows, the bamboo leaves rustle, as if whispering stories buried by time.
Not far away, a clear lake, like a giant mirror, reflects the azure sky and white clouds. On the lake, several lotus buds are about to bloom, their pink and white petals delicate and dewy. Occasionally, a dragonfly gracefully skims across the water, creating ripples on the surface.
Along the lakeside, a magnificent wall of roses stretches out, with deep red, light pink, and delicate white blossoms blooming in profusion, layer upon layer, like a splendid painting. The rich fragrance of the flowers permeates the air, sweet but not cloying, refreshing and delightful.
In the middle of the lake stands a small, exquisite stone pavilion with upturned eaves, its ancient charm quite unique. Inside, stone tables and benches seem to be quietly waiting for those destined to find rest. Weeping willows surround the pavilion, their slender branches swaying in the wind like gentle arms, lightly brushing across the lake's surface.
The bluestone path beneath my feet, polished smooth as a mirror by the passage of time, is occasionally dotted with a few withered yellow leaves, adding a touch of autumn to this tranquil scene. Sunlight filters through the gaps in the branches and leaves, creating dappled light and shadow on the ground, a scene as dreamlike as a dream.
Murong Han and Xue Xiang walked quietly through the picturesque scenery, their footsteps light and rhythmic, as if blending into the rhythm of nature. Everything around them was so peaceful and serene, as if time itself had slowed down, and only their figures gradually disappeared into the distance amidst this beautiful landscape.
Murong Han strode forward and stood on a patch of grass dyed golden red by the setting sun. Gazing at the gradually sinking sun, his expression was full of melancholy.
He narrowed his eyes slightly, as if lost in memories. After a long while, he slowly spoke: "Xiang'er, you lost your parents at a young age and were all alone. Back then, your little body was always timid, and your eyes were full of unease and fear. As for me, I also lost my mother at a young age. In this palace, we are like each other's only support in this world."
He paused, his voice growing deeper and gentler: "Over the years, I've watched you grow up, from that little crybaby to the person you are today. Countless times I've hoped you would be safe and happy, and find a good partner, but now..."
Xue Xiang stood quietly behind him, listening to his words, her heart feeling as if it were being gently stirred by an invisible hand. Memories she had deliberately buried flooded back like a tide.
She recalled the days when she was a child with Murong Han, when he always protected her, shielded her from the wind and rain, and gave her warmth and care.
Tears welled up in her eyes uncontrollably, blurring her vision. Her body trembled slightly, her heart filled with mixed emotions. Murong Han's words struck her already shattered heart like a heavy hammer. She bit her lip, forcing herself not to cry out loud.
While Murong Han was still lost in his memories and hadn't noticed her, she slowly turned around and staggered back the way she had come. Tears streamed down her cheeks, dripping onto the grass at her feet and leaving tiny watermarks.
Her figure gradually faded into the distance in the afterglow of the setting sun, thin and lonely, like a forgotten ghost, leaving only Murong Han's voice echoing for a long time on the empty grassland...