In the Side Hall of Canglan Court.
The Emperor held Lian Hua, listening to her intermittent speech and occasional sobbing cries, his heart ached immensely.
He comforted her softly and gently wiped her tears; eventually, she stopped crying and her mood eased.
His Little Concubine, her heart was indeed very grievous; venting it out was good, lest it be suppressed within, brewing sickness.
Lian Hua nestled in the Emperor's embrace, her eyes wet but bright; though she had cried, she felt an unprecedented sense of relief and comfort as if the shackles on her had been unlocked.
She said in a sticky voice, "Brother Zhao, did you accept my silver? This is what I have always wanted to do; I would be very happy if you took it."
Her voice carried the raspy tenderness of post-tears.
"Alright," the Emperor did not refuse again, caressing her soft hair repeatedly.
