As Prince Xiuming left, he stepped out into the cool evening air, his mind whirling with thoughts of Lingye and her mysterious past. When he had arrived at the mansion earlier, he had encountered Chunchui, the maid, outside, hurrying to fetch refreshments. She had told him that Lingye had lost her memory, and he had been taken aback by the news.
To himself, he muttered, "Chunchui was right, Lingye really lost her memories." He shook his head, wondering what could have caused such a thing.
Meanwhile, back inside Lingye's room, Lingye asked the maid, "What's your name?"
The maid curtsied, a gentle smile on her face. "My name is Chunchui, my lady."
Lingye's eyes narrowed, her brow furrowed in concern. "Chunchui, what is Prince Xiuming like?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Chunchui's expression turned thoughtful, and she hesitated for a moment before responding. "Prince Xiuming is a kind and just person, my lady. He is well-respected by the people of the empire, and he is known for his bravery and wisdom."
Lingye's eyes widened, her mind racing with questions. "Is he...is he trustworthy?" she asked, her voice laced with uncertainty.
Chunchui's expression turned serious, and she nodded. "Yes, my lady. Prince Xiuming is a man of his word. He is someone you can trust."
Lingye nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She was grateful for Chunchui's reassurance, and she felt a sense of hope that she hadn't felt in a long time.
But as she looked at Chunchui, she couldn't shake off the feeling that there was something more to the maid's words. Something that Chunchui wasn't telling her.
As Lingye got better, she became more used to the palace and its intricate workings. She spent her days exploring the sprawling gardens, marveling at the intricate architecture, and getting to know the palace staff.
One day, as she was walking through the palace corridors, Chunchui approached her with a gentle smile. "My lady, your parents have arrived. They would like to see you."
Lingye's heart skipped a beat as she felt a mix of emotions. She had no memories of her parents, but she was eager to meet them.
Chunchui led her to a grand reception hall, where a middle-aged couple was waiting. They were dressed in elegant robes, and their faces were etched with concern.
"Lingye, our dear daughter," her mother said, rushing to her side. "We were so worried about you. We received a message from Chunchui, your nanny, telling us about your accident and...and your memory loss."
Lingye's father, General Ming, approached her with a stern expression, but his eyes softened as he looked at her. "We came as soon as we heard. We're sorry we weren't here to take care of you ourselves."
Lingye felt a sense of awkwardness, unsure of how to respond. She had no memories of her parents, and she didn't know how to react.
Her mother, Lady Ming, seemed to sense her unease. "Don't worry, dear. We'll help you regain your memories. We'll tell you all about your childhood, your friends, and your life before...before the accident."
Lingye nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards her parents. She was eager to learn more about her past, and she was grateful for their support.
As they sat down to tea, Lingye's father began to tell her stories about her childhood. He spoke of her love for horses, her talent for music, and her kindness towards others.
Lingye listened intently, trying to remember anything. But her memories remained elusive, and she felt a sense of frustration.
Her mother, Lady Ming, seemed to sense her frustration. "Don't worry, dear. Your memories will return in time. Just be patient."
Lingye nodded, feeling a sense of determination. She was going to regain her memories, no matter what it took.
As the day drew to a close, Lingye's parents bid her farewell, promising to visit her again soon.
As Chunchui escorted her back to her chambers, Lingye felt a sense of hope. She was going to regain her memories, and she was going to uncover the truth about her past.
But as she drifted off to sleep, she couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. Something that she couldn't quite remember about the previous Lingye in the mortal realm.