Chapter 266 - 264. 13 Years Later... (1/2)
Third-person POV
13 years later…
A cold yet lovely looking little lady sat on a marble seat with a cup of warm tea in her hand. She was wearing a light pink that compliment her pale skin and the white jade earring that hung only on her left earlobe lightly swayed from the breeze. The maids beside her were as still as a statue even if the cold wind hit their face like needles.
”Rong Ai,” A boy with a height more than a meter and half appeared from the rooftop with his head upside down.
The boy was wearing black attire to match the attire of the person that he looked up the most, his father, who had the highest authority in the Royal Palace and in this country. The white jade earring on his right earlobe dangled as he jumped down and landed soundlessly on one foot.
”Hm?” Rong Ai replied nonchalantly without even sparing a glance at Zhang Wei.
”Have you pay respect to Imperial Father and Imperial Grandmother?” Zhang Wei sat across Rong Ai and poured himself a cup of tea to warm his body.
”I have, how about you, second brother?” Rong Ai threw the question back to the boy.
”Almost forgot.” Zhang Wei grunted.
Both of them fell into silence as they enjoy the tea that they drank almost every single day without getting bored of it. They couldn't deny the tea that their father treasured was very much to their liking and it didn't take them long to find out that actually it was their mother's favorite tea.
”We will depart as soon as we give our greetings to Imperial Mother. Auntie Meiyun and Ah Wen will come to pick us up. ” Rong Ai said as she placed down her teacup.
Zhang Wei nodded his head and walked together with his little sister to their mother's chamber with the maids taciturnly tailed behind them. The servants that were guarding the chamber opened the door as they saw the twins were walking towards them.
They greeted the twins by bending their waists forward and lowering their heads. The twins gave them a slight nod before they stepped into the massive room filled kinds of stuff that didn't suit their father.
As soon as one walked into the room, one could see a massive painting of a lady hung on the wall facing the front door therefore whenever the front door was opened, the light would shine upon the lady's heavenly face.
In the painting, the lady was wearing white attire with a white fluffy coat that had a golden phoenix embroidery dr.a.p.ed over her shoulder. Her entire appearance was completed with the minimalistic yet elegant hairpin and earrings that were made with pure white jade.
She was sitting at a familiar pavilion as she took shelter from the glistening snowflakes that fell from the clear sky. On the corner of the painting, there was the stamp and sign of the painter which written as 'Liu Xue Lang'.
When the twins saw the warm smile on their mother's lips, the corner of their lips unconsciously arched into a slight smile. They made their way to the painting and cupped their fist in front of their chest.
”Good morning, Imperial Mother.” Both Zhang Wei and Rong Ai bent their waist and gave a 90-degree bow to Hong er's portrait.
Although it may seem weird to outsiders, they had been taught to greet at Hong er's portrait every morning from an early age despite her being not present. This was to teach the twins about manners and remind them to always remember who brought them to this world. As they were about to leave the room, a tall figure walked in with a soft smile on his pale lips.
”First brother,” Zhang Wei and Rong Ai respectfully greeted their eldest brother who was also the painter of their mother's portrait.
”Zhang Wei, Rong Ai, you two came here to give Imperial Mother a morning greeting?” Xue Lang asked with a gentle voice.
”Yes, Imperial Brother. How about you?” Zhang Wei inquired back.
”Same as always. Is it time for you two to visit Grandpa and Grandma?” Xue Lang ruffled the twins' hair.
”Yes, First Brother. We are going to depart as soon as Auntie Meiyun and Ah Wen is done with the preparation.” Zhang Wei explained.
”En, Imperial Father and I prepared some gifts for Grandpa and Grandma so remember to give them and pass them our messages after you arrive at Xi An. Ask them how they are doing right now and be obedient.” Xue Lang reminded them like a good big brother he is.
”Yes, First Brother.” The twins nodded their heads.
Then a few gentle knocks on the door were heard, ”This servant deeply apologizes for disrupting your conversation, Your Highness Prince Xue. Your Highness Prince Zhang and Your Highness Princess Rong, the preparation is done and Young Madam Di is waiting for you to depart.”