A Shocking Dream

Chapter 190

But what kind of entanglement did you and Yunshuang have later on, and whether there was any deep affection or friendship, as your brother, I actually didn't know it all. But now, Lin Bingshuang and Yunshuang are both gone, just like the spring flowers that withered in an instant, leaving only the lingering fragrance.

Qin Rongchen staggered, as if struck by a heavy hammer. Memories of the past washed over him like a surging tide. Innocent scenes of playing with Lin Bingshuang in the peach forest, and tender times spent with Yunshuang under the moon and flowers, flashed through his mind, each a source of heartache and sorrow. He trembled, trying to argue, but no sound came out.

Qin Ronghuan sighed softly, took a step forward, put her hands on Qin Rongchen's shoulders, and said earnestly: "Brother, the dead are gone. No matter how reluctant you are and how much you miss them, they will never come back. How many beautiful women are there in the world? This world is vast, with countless landscapes and beauties. Don't trap yourself in those two past love affairs that ended in vain. Insisting on staying in the past will only increase your pain and wear away your remaining energy."

Qin Rongchen's eyes were red, tears welling up in them. He suddenly shook off Qin Ronghuan's hand and said in a hoarse voice, "Royal brother, you don't understand! Lin Bingshuang was my dream in my youth, my longing when I first fell in love. Her every frown and smile seems to be engraved on my heart; Yunshuang is the warm light that broke into my life when I was lonely and confused, accompanying me through the storm. They are not passers-by who can be easily forgotten! You say it lightly, but this heart... this heart, how can I let it go just like that?"

Qin Ronghuan frowned, his expression solemn. "How could I not understand? I, too, have been in the depths of this palace, watching my beloved perish under the oppression of power. The feeling was no less painful than yours! But if you indulge in it, what else can you do except live a life of drunkenness and dreaming, living a life of confusion every day? Look at your mother, she is now bedridden. Isn't it mostly because she is worried that you are trapped in the emotional pain and trapped in your own cocoon? As a prince, you shoulder the responsibility of your family and country. You can't let yourself collapse like this!"

Qin Ronghuan said this, hoping Qin Rongchen would open his heart and choose a woman from Daqi on this trip. Lin Bingshuang was from the Snow Country, her bright eyes seeming to conceal the frost and snow of the northern land. She had graced Qin Rongchen's youth and taught him the feeling of a fluttering heart. Yunshuang was from the Cloud Country, with a graceful figure and exceptional talent. It seemed as if no woman in Daqi could capture his eye or hold his heart.

Qin Rongchen understood the deep meaning in his brother's words and pulled a wry smile at the corner of his mouth: "Royal brother, how can we choose and calculate the love affairs so casually? Every bit of the past is unforgettable, how can we just let it go and look for a new love?" His words were full of bitterness and stubbornness.

Qin Ronghuan frowned slightly, his expression solemn. "Rongchen, I'm not asking you to forget them, but the dead are gone, and your life can't stop here. Our Great Qi is vast and rich, and there are countless women with different talents and talents. How can you be sure that you won't meet someone who can match your soul in the future? As a prince, your future marriage is related to the situation in the court and the stability of your family and country. Your mother is worried about this day and night. Can you really bear it?"

Qin Rongchen's brows furrowed, his hands unconsciously clenching the corners of his clothes, his heart swirling with annoyance. "Court, country... For all these years, I've followed the rules, studied government affairs, and tried my best to balance the forces of all parties. When have I ever lived for myself? Even the woman I love, I can't protect her as I wish because of my status. Now, even the chance to cherish her memory is being taken away from me."

Seeing this, Qin Ronghuan slowed his tone, his eyes revealing the concern of a brother. "I know you've been wronged, but being born into the royal family means you have no control over your own life. I've never doubted your feelings for Lin Bingshuang and Yunshuang, but you still have a long life ahead of you. This trip is just a way to relax. If you're lucky enough to meet a good girl from Daqi, you might as well open your heart and talk to her. Perhaps you can find some comfort, and also give your mother and the court some hope."

Qin Rongchen was silent for a long time, looking up at the clear sky beyond the carved window lattice, as if trying to find an answer from the drifting clouds. Finally, he sighed and said, "Brother, I'll give it a try. But this heartache is too deep. I'm not sure if I can let it go, or if I can find a new relationship."

Qin Ronghuan patted his shoulder and said, "Just do your best. Go pack your bags and remember to visit the Queen Mother before you leave. Let's talk about what's on our minds. Don't set off with any worries."

After Qin Rongchen left, Qin Ronghuan sat alone in the imperial study, his gaze deep, like a deep, unfathomable pool. He rubbed his temple, his face etched with fatigue. He knew too well that a forced melon wouldn't be sweet. His earlier attempts to persuade Qin Rongchen weren't entirely out of consideration for his own good. The imperial bloodline, the balance of power at court—these myriad issues intertwined, weighing heavily on his heart like a huge rock.

Qin Ronghuan paced to the window, his fingers unconsciously tapping against the frame, making a dull sound. He recalled playing with Rongchen in the Imperial Garden as a child, innocent and naive. He had never expected that as adults, this blood relationship would be coated in the icing of power, a sharp edge hidden beneath the sweet surface.

Qin Rongchen is a free and easy-going person who values ​​friendship and loyalty. His personality is incompatible with the treacherous court. If he could meet someone from the martial arts world and be influenced by the free and unrestrained spirit of the martial arts world, and stay away from the capital and the palace for the rest of his life, it might fulfill his wish and relieve his hidden worries.

After all, as long as Qin Rongchen stays in this capital and has a place in the court, his throne will be like being built on the edge of a dangerous cliff and may collapse at any time.

Those veteran officials, each with their own agenda, might appear submissive on the surface, but secretly they might be plotting to "take over the throne from the elder brother" and exploit Qin Rongchen's reputation to stir up trouble. Qin Ronghuan knew his younger brother had no desire for power, but how could anyone else believe him? In the vortex of power, carelessness is also a sin.

He scoffed, his smile filled with self-mockery and helplessness. They were blood relatives, yet a crown had bred such suspicion and resentment. "I hope this trip can finally put everything to rest. Either Rongchen can finally let go of his past, return to the court, temper himself, and settle down to a life of wealth and leisure; or... he can leave the world and never get involved in the capital's affairs again," Qin Ronghuan muttered, his voice dissipating in the empty study.

The sun shone slowly outside the window, its afterglow casting a shadow over the pile of memorials on the imperial desk, casting a warm glow over the cold decrees. Qin Ronghuan turned and sat down again, his gaze returning to the memorials, trying to bury his distracting thoughts in government affairs. However, the shadow of Qin Rongchen seemed to flicker between the lines of ink, disturbing his mind.

After a long time, he sighed, picked up his brush and dipped it in ink, but he did not finish writing for a long time. Finally, he put down his brush and stood up, calling the eunuch closest to him: "Go and see how the sage king is preparing. There must be no mistakes in the travel." After speaking, he put his hands behind his back and looked outside the palace wall. Until dusk fell and the lights came on, the standing figure remained motionless, like a sculpture imprisoned by imperial power, guarding this palace and also guarding a heart full of contradictions and struggles, waiting for the judgment of fate.