Starting in Exile: Transmigrated as the Crown Prince's Lucky Little Wife

Chapter 211 Two Little Cuties Miss Grandpa and Grandma

The Imperial Garden in winter is tranquil and solemn. Bare branches sway gently in the cold wind, and the snow on the ground glistens in the weak sunlight. The pavilions and towers are covered in white snow, resembling a delicate ink painting.

Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao walked hand in hand, carefully along the path in the Imperial Garden. Their little faces were flushed from the cold wind, and they wore thick cotton-padded jackets embroidered with delicate patterns and fluffy hats, making them look exceptionally cute.

"Brother, when are Grandpa and Grandma coming back?" Little Nan Yao blinked her big, watery eyes, looking at Little Nan Yi with great anticipation.

Xiao Nanyi tightened his grip on his sister's hand and said calmly, "Yao'er, don't worry. Grandpa and Grandma have gone to the south to inspect the people's conditions. They will definitely be back soon." In truth, his heart was also filled with worry and longing.

They arrived at an octagonal pavilion, its eaves adorned with long icicles that refracted iridescent light in the sunlight. Xiao Nanyi led Xiao Nanyao into the pavilion, where a stone table and several stone benches stood in the center, covered with a thin layer of snow. Xiao Nanyi gently brushed the snow off the benches with his sleeve before letting Xiao Nanyao sit down.

"Brother, I really want Grandpa to tell me stories and Grandma to make me osmanthus cakes." Little Nan Yao said, her little mouth pouting and her eyes slightly reddening.

Xiao Nanyi patted his younger sister's head tenderly and comforted her, "Yao'er, be good. When Grandpa and Grandma come back, they will definitely tell you many, many stories and make your favorite osmanthus cake."

Little Nan Yi gazed at the Imperial Garden outside the pavilion, his thoughts drifting far away. He recalled his grandfather's earnest teachings, instructing them in reading and writing, and guiding them on how to be kind and upright. His grandmother always looked upon them with loving kindness, mending their clothes and caring for their daily needs. Now, several months had passed since they left, and Little Nan Yi longed for their return every day.

"Brother, do you think Grandpa and Grandma might encounter danger in the south?" Xiao Nanyao suddenly asked, her voice tinged with fear.

Xiao Nanyi quickly shook his head and said firmly, "No, Yao'er. Grandpa has many powerful guards protecting him, and Grandpa and Grandma are blessed with good fortune; they will definitely be safe and sound." Although he said this, he couldn't help but feel a little uneasy. The journey to the south was long, and there were many unknowns; how could he not worry?

"Then let's write a letter to Grandpa and Grandma and tell them we miss them very much," Xiao Nanyao suggested excitedly, her eyes lighting up.

Xiao Nanyi nodded in agreement: "Alright, we'll write a letter as soon as we get back to the palace. Yao'er, what would you like to write?"

Xiao Nanyao tilted her head, thought seriously for a moment, and said, "I want to tell Grandpa and Grandma that I have been eating well and studying hard every day, and I haven't been naughty. I also want to ask them when they will be back. I really want to see them soon."

Xiao Nanyi smiled and said, "Yao'er is so sensible. Grandpa and Grandma will be very happy to know. I also want to tell Grandpa in the letter that I have been reading a lot of books recently and have learned a lot about governing the country. When I grow up, I want to be like Grandpa and be a good emperor to protect our country and people."

As they were talking, a gust of cold wind blew by, and Xiao Nanyao couldn't help but shiver. Xiao Nanyi quickly hugged his sister and shielded her from the cold wind with his own body.

"Brother, I'm a little cold," Xiao Nanyao said softly.

"Don't be afraid, Yao'er. We'll sit for a while longer before heading back to the palace. Once we're back, have the kitchen make us some hot ginger soup so we won't feel cold anymore," Xiao Nanyi said gently.

Just then, a small bird flew overhead, chirping as if bringing them news from afar. Little Nanyao looked up at the bird, her eyes filled with hope: "Brother, do you think the bird flew from Grandpa and Grandma? Is it telling us they're coming back?"

Looking at his younger sister's innocent face, Xiao Nanyi felt a surge of warmth in his heart and said with a smile, "Maybe so. Perhaps Grandpa and Grandma really are coming back."

After a while, Xiao Nanyi felt that his younger sister was warmer in his arms, so he said, "Yao'er, let's go back to the palace to write a letter."

Xiao Nanyao nodded obediently, stood up with Xiao Nanyi, and, hand in hand, slowly left the octagonal pavilion. They walked back along the path in the Imperial Garden. Along the way, Xiao Nanyao kept talking about what she would do after her grandfather and grandmother returned, while Xiao Nanyi listened patiently, occasionally responding with a few words.

As they walked out of the Imperial Garden, the sun was already setting in the west, and a magnificent sunset glow appeared on the horizon. Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao looked back at the Imperial Garden, their hearts filled with longing for their Grandfather and Grandmother. They knew that wherever their Grandfather and Grandmother were, they were always thinking of them.

Back in the palace, Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao eagerly asked a palace maid to bring them paper and pen, and sat down at the desk to begin writing letters. Xiao Nan Yi wrote carefully, pouring out their longing, worries, and hopes for the future into the letter. Although Xiao Nan Yao didn't know many characters, she was also diligently drawing pictures, depicting happy scenes of her with her grandfather and grandmother.

After writing the letter, Xiao Nanyi carefully folded it and handed it to a eunuch, instructing him to deliver the letter to his grandfather and grandmother as soon as possible.

Night fell, and the palace was brightly lit. Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao lay in bed, unable to fall asleep. Gazing at the bright moon outside the window, they silently prayed for their grandfather and grandmother's safe return. In their hazy drowsiness, they seemed to see their grandfather and grandmother's kind smiles and hear their gentle calls.

As the days went by, Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao eagerly awaited news from their Grandfather and Grandmother.

Warmth flows through the Imperial Garden

The Imperial Garden in winter is like a tranquil ink painting, covered in silver and white, breathtakingly beautiful. However, a sense of oppression permeates this beauty. Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao sit in the octagonal pavilion, their figures appearing exceptionally forlorn. Xiao Nanyao's eyes are red-rimmed, glistening tears welling in the corners, her lower lip trembling slightly, as if she might burst into tears again at any moment. Xiao Nanyi tries to appear strong, but his clenched fists and downcast eyes betray his inner unease.

Just then, Xiao Jingchuan and Gu Liuli happened to pass by the Imperial Garden. Xiao Jingchuan stood tall and straight, his brocade robes accentuating his imposing presence, his eyes revealing both youthful vigor and composure. Gu Liuli wore a pale pink silk dress, the hem embroidered with delicate patterns that swayed gently with her movements, like a blooming peach blossom, graceful and charming. The two strolled along, admiring the snowy scenery in the garden, and conversing softly.

Suddenly, Gu Liuli caught a glimpse of Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao in the octagonal pavilion out of the corner of her eye. Her heart tightened, and she quickly grabbed Xiao Jingchuan's arm, saying, "Jingchuan, look, Xiaoyi and Xiaoyao seem a bit off." Xiao Jingchuan looked in the direction she was pointing and saw the two children's dejected appearance. His brows furrowed slightly, and his eyes were filled with worry. The two exchanged a glance and tacitly walked quickly towards the pavilion.

Upon entering the pavilion, Xiao Jingchuan crouched down, looking directly at Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao with a gentle smile, and asked softly, "Xiaoyi, Xiaoyao, what's wrong? Is something bothering you?"

Gu Liuli sat down next to Xiao Nanyao, gently put her arm around her shoulder, and said in a voice as gentle as a spring breeze: "Tell your older brother and sister, maybe we can help."

Xiao Nanyao could no longer hold back and burst into tears, throwing herself into Gu Liuli's arms. She choked out, "Sister, I miss Grandpa and Grandma so much. They've been in the south for so long and haven't come back yet. I'm so worried about them."

Xiao Nanyi sniffed, trying to make her voice sound steady, but her voice still trembled slightly: "We're afraid they'll encounter danger outside, and we don't know when we'll be able to see them again."

Xiao Jingchuan reached out and patted Xiao Nanyi's head, comforting him, "Don't worry, Grandpa and Grandma are very lucky, and they have so many guards protecting them, so they will definitely be safe and sound. They went to the south for the people, and once they've finished their business, they'll rush back to be with you."

Gu Liuli took out a handkerchief and gently wiped away Xiao Nanyao's tears, smiling as she said, "Yes, look, the sun rises every day, just like the love that Grandpa and Grandma have for you, which has always been there and has never been absent. They must be thinking of you too, hoping to come back and hug you soon."

"Really?" Xiao Nanyao asked, sobbing, with a glimmer of hope in her eyes.

"Of course it's true." Xiao Jingchuan nodded firmly. "And you know what? Waiting is also a kind of growth. In the days when Grandpa and Grandma were not here, you learned to be strong and to miss them. These are all very precious. When they come back and see how sensible you are, they will be very proud."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Nanyi's gloom gradually dissipated. He held his sister's hand tightly and said, "Yao'er, your older brother and sister are right. We should behave well so that Grandpa and Grandma can rest assured."

Xiao Nanyao nodded vigorously, her tears turning into a smile: "Yes, I will eat well and study hard, and when Grandpa and Grandma come back, I will give them a big surprise!"

Xiao Jingchuan and Gu Liuli exchanged a smile, their hearts filled with relief as they watched Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao gradually regain their energy. However, they also knew that the children's longing couldn't be completely dispelled with just a few words, so they decided to accompany them for a walk in the Imperial Garden to distract them.

The four of them walked slowly along the winding path. The trees along the roadside were bent low with the weight of snow, and occasionally a few small birds hopped on the branches, their clear chirping breaking the winter silence. As they walked, Xiao Jingchuan told Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao interesting stories, from folk tales to ancient legends from the palace. The two children listened intently, their eyes glued to the story, and they would occasionally burst into cheerful laughter.

Gu Liuli held Xiao Nanyao's hand and carefully taught her to identify various flowers, plants, and trees. Although most plants had withered in winter, Gu Liuli could still find traces of life in some subtle signs. She patiently explained the characteristics and habits of each plant to Xiao Nanyao, who listened with great interest and occasionally asked some innocent and cute questions, which Gu Liuli answered patiently one by one.

Before they knew it, they had arrived at a plum grove. The plum blossoms, set against the backdrop of pure white snow, appeared exceptionally vibrant—red like fire, white like snow—and emitted a delicate fragrance. Little Nan Yao excitedly broke free from Gu Liuli's hand and ran into the plum grove. Looking up at the trees laden with blossoms, she exclaimed happily, "What beautiful plum blossoms! Will they still be blooming when Grandpa and Grandma return? I really want them to see them too!"

Xiao Jingchuan stepped forward and said with a smile, "Maybe. The plum blossoms have a long blooming period. As long as we take good care of them, we might be able to see this beautiful scenery again when Grandpa and Grandma return."

Xiao Nanyi also walked into the plum grove, gently broke off a plum blossom, and handed it to Xiao Nanyao: "Yao'er, this plum blossom is for you. I hope you will be as strong and beautiful as the plum blossom."

Xiao Nanyao accepted the plum blossom, her face beaming with a happy smile: "Thank you, brother. I will take good care of it."

Watching this heartwarming scene, Gu Liuli was filled with emotion. She recalled her own childhood, when her parents were often not around, and she deeply understood the loneliness and longing she felt. Now, seeing Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao, she seemed to see her former self, and a strong urge to protect them welled up within her.

She walked over to the children and said gently, "Let's work together to protect this plum grove, and when Grandpa and Grandma return, we'll bring them here to admire the flowers, okay?"

"Okay!" Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao answered in unison, their eyes shining with determination.

So the four of them began to busy themselves in the plum grove. They carefully cleared the snow from under the trees, added soil and water to the plum trees, and tied colorful ribbons to the branches, hoping that these beautiful ribbons would add a unique touch to the plum grove and bring good luck for the return of the Emperor and Empress Dowager.

In the midst of their busy work, Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao gradually forgot their troubles and devoted themselves wholeheartedly to protecting the plum grove. Their laughter echoed through the plum grove, filling this once quiet place with life and vitality.

As dusk approached, the afterglow of the setting sun bathed the Imperial Garden in a golden hue. Xiao Jingchuan glanced at the sky and said to Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao, "It's getting late, we should head back, or the palace maids and eunuchs will get anxious."

Xiao Nanyao looked at Meilin with some reluctance and said, "Brother and sister, can we come again tomorrow?"

Gu Liuli smiled and patted her head: "Of course you can. As long as you want, we can come and take care of these plum trees every day."

Holding his younger sister's hand, Xiao Nanyi said to Xiao Jingchuan and Gu Liuli, "Thank you, brother and sister. If it weren't for you today, we don't know how long we would have been sad."

Xiao Jingchuan patted Xiao Nanyi on the shoulder and said, "Don't be so polite. We're family, so of course we should help each other out when we're in trouble. If you have any worries in the future, you can tell us."

The four of them walked hand in hand out of the Imperial Garden, retracing their steps. They chatted and laughed, sharing their joy and dreams. The sadness that had been on Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao's faces was completely gone, replaced by happiness and anticipation.

Back in the palace, Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao finished washing up with the help of palace maids and lay down on the bed. Xiao Nan Yao hugged the plum blossom and said sweetly, "Brother, I'm so happy today. I feel like Grandpa and Grandma are closer to us now."

Xiao Nanyi smiled and said, "Yes, as long as we behave well, Grandpa and Grandma will definitely come back soon. Sleep well, have sweet dreams."

Xiao Nanyao closed her eyes and soon drifted off to sleep. Xiao Nanyi gazed at the bright moon outside the window, silently praying that his grandparents would return safely soon. In this cold winter, Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao were filled with warmth because of Xiao Jingchuan and Gu Liuli's comfort and companionship. They believed that their grandparents would feel this warmth and return to them with overflowing love.