Chapter 506: 465 A legend that has been passed down for nearly a thousand years, can it be believed?
Chiluo merely smiled, a smile that truly seemed forced. As Song Lili was about to say, "If it’s difficult, you don’t have to talk about it," who knew Chiluo would be quite candid.
"When Qing Luo was young, the humiliation and discrimination he suffered might really have been unbearable for an ordinary person."
Regarding Qing Luo’s background, Song Lili had also heard some from Wen Nian.
But what exactly Qing Luo had encountered during his childhood, Song Lili truly had no way of knowing.
"His mother was considered the most beautiful woman. It’s unpleasant to say, but indeed, she was coerced by my father. His mother didn’t even have the right to choose not to have that child. In the end, she died with resentment."
"...Did the King also not like Qing Luo?"
"The King has so many people he likes, so many things he cherishes, how could he spare the slightest bit of concern for Qing Luo?"
Chiluo’s gaze drifted away, his expression also tinged with some regret,
"There are so many princes and princesses within the Royal Family, who doesn’t rack their brains to please our father? All in the hopes of being favored by him when it’s time to inherit a title..."
"..."
"Qing Luo is an illegitimate child, inherently lacking much of the glory and dignity that others have. His mother left him an audio tape before she passed away. She gave it to him when he was five years old, but on that tape, she told him to die, saying he was her shame, stating that she never had the slightest desire to give birth to him."
Chiluo took a deep breath,
"That tape, somehow, ended up in a princess’s hands, and then its contents spread... I’ve also listened to it. It was truly horrifying."
"..."
"But since then, Qing Luo suddenly seemed to change his nature, studied diligently, worked hard at his studies, and didn’t pay attention to the difficulties posed by his siblings. Later, he took the initiative to go to Xilin Military Academy, saying he wanted to be a Great General in the future. Our father was very happy... but who knew, since he was sixteen, he had been scheming on how to destroy this country."
Chiluo shrugged his shoulders,
"In fact, the other siblings vaguely felt that this brother, with white hair and blue eyes, was very fearsome. Frighteningly intelligent."
"So is it true that... Qing Luo instigated this war mainly for revenge?"
"...That’s one way to put it."
"Then with Qing Luo’s body still not found, are you very worried?"
"That’s why I also wanted to privately confirm with you, Madam. The shot you fired at Qing Luo, did it really hit him?"
Song Lili recalled the scene of that night, looking seriously at Chiluo,
"To be honest, I can assure you that shot did not miss. But... the one we’re talking about is Qing Luo. If there really was a possibility it didn’t hit, it means Chiluo even calculated the timing of my shot to the exact moment."
"..."
"The instant I fired, he leaned backward, falling off the cliff."
Song Lili spread her hands, "If he could even time that exactly, he might truly have had a backup plan."
Chiluo’s face grew unpleasant.
"However... I think the likelihood of that scenario is very slim,"
Song Lili said to Chiluo.
"Let’s hope so."
"His Highness Chiluo, there’s a Lamei Garden up ahead, would you like to have a look?"
"Sure."
Chiluo followed Song Lili’s footsteps forward. She wore a pair of snow boots, a loose coat, and a hat encircled by a strip of fur—her attire did not resemble the distinguished elegance required by the President’s wife, but instead carried a touch of fashionable ease.
Her hair was let down carelessly, without the deliberate styling or tying up, and she wore a beige woolen cap on her head.
She walked briskly ahead, and from the back, she appeared completely like a youthful teenage girl.
"There, that’s the area."
Turning her head, her almond-shaped eyes twinkled like the stars as she looked at him,
"If His Highness the Prince doesn’t mind, I can pick some plum blossoms for you when you leave in two days."
"Then I will certainly not hesitate to accept them,"
Chiluo hurriedly said, the two of them sharing a smile.
"How old are you this year, Madam?"
"What’s the matter?"
"From your looks, you’re barely in your twenties, but your speech and mannerisms are mature and steady, very thoughtful and experienced."
"What if I told you I’m thirty-eight this year, would you believe me?"
Song Lili’s tone was wholly jesting, but Chiluo stood still, gazing at her intently, without uttering a word.
This behavior also caused Song Lili to freeze for a moment. She hurriedly waved her hand in front of Chiluo,
"Your Highness Chiluo?"
"I believe, will you believe it?"
"..."
This back-and-forth, albeit tongue-twisting, suddenly made the atmosphere a bit awkward.