Eunuch Deshun, seeing Li Yuanjing about to lose his temper, quickly spoke up with a gentle expression to Liu Ruyan: "Consort Mei, there's no need to grieve. Tomorrow, this servant will notify the Internal Affairs Office to restore the courtyard of Yuxiu Palace and transplant dozens of the finest plum trees gifted by the Eastern Lin Kingdom. The wind is strong tonight—please take care of your health and step inside for a cup of warm tea."
Liu Ruyan stood on the scorched earth, her beautiful eyes brimming with tears, lost in melancholy: "Even if the trees bloom again, the new branches will never be the same as the old ones."
The burnt plum trees were remnants of the past—of the days in Prince Yan's estate.
Now reduced to ashes, those days were gone forever.
Eunuch Deshun fell silent. Usually quick with words, he found himself at a loss for a response.
Li Yuanjing grew even more impatient, flicking his sleeve as he turned to leave: "Return to Xuanming Hall."
