Reborn to marry, she no longer wants to be the young master's mother

"What crime have the people committed that they have to endure such suffering in these troubled times." Xie Chaochao sighed softly. Although his voice was light, every word was heavy, like the brightest star in the night sky, illuminating the confusion and fear in everyone's hearts.

"But, the emperor may have a deeper meaning behind this action." A scholar in a green shirt suddenly interrupted. He had a handsome face and a gleam of wisdom in his eyes. "The general amnesty is not only to show the emperor's great grace, but also to give this chaotic world a chance to breathe, so that more people can see hope and thus have a desire to do good."

As soon as these words came out, everyone fell into deep thought, as if they saw a ray of light penetrating the heavy clouds and illuminating the way forward. However, Xie Chaochao became even more worried, because he knew that the distance between hope and reality was often farther than imagined.

"I hope so. I hope there can still be a ray of light in this chaotic world." Xie Chaochao said softly. His eyes passed through the crowd and looked into the distance. There was the direction of the imperial city and the unknown fate of the future.

At this moment, the sun sets, and the afterglow spreads all over the earth, covering this ancient village with a golden coat, but also reflecting the lingering worries and uneasiness in everyone's heart. Is the world really going to be in chaos? Xie Chaochao asked himself silently in his heart, but no one could give an answer.

Xie Chaochao stood in the shadow of the Forbidden City, looking at the lofty golden dragon throne, with mixed emotions in her heart. She had never thought that the young emperor Chu Hengxin, who was once gentle and praised by the people, would become so cruel and ruthless now, as if overnight, the compassion and kindness in his heart were washed away by the torrent of power, and replaced by a chilling coldness and determination.

The sun shone through the clouds, dappling on the empty hall, but it could not dispel the cold breath emanating from Chu Hengxin. His eyes were deep and sharp, like the water in a cold pond, freezing all the warmth and hope around him. Xie Chaochao clearly remembered that many years ago, on that spring day when peach blossoms were in full bloom, Chu Hengxin personally picked the most beautiful flower on the branch for her. At that time, his smile was as warm as the spring sun, and his words were full of beautiful visions for the future.

However, times have changed, and things have changed. At this moment, Chu Hengxin sat on the throne that symbolized supreme power, and every word he said was like a sharp blade, cutting the hearts of the court officials. He ordered severe punishment for those officials who had the slightest dissent, and the cruelty of the means shocked the entire court. Xie Chaochao witnessed several loyal officials being dragged out of the hall mercilessly. Their wailing and begging for mercy echoed in the empty palace, but they could not win back the slightest mercy from Chu Hengxin.

Her heart gradually sank into a cold abyss as the tragedy unfolded. She once thought that even if the world changes, the kindness and compassion in human nature can always find a glimmer of light, but Chu Hengxin in front of her seemed to be completely swallowed by the darkness, becoming cruel and inhumane, which made people feel scared. Xie Chaochao's intuition told her that she could no longer understand and approach this man with a gentle heart as before.

The air in the hall seemed to freeze, and every breath became extremely heavy. Xie Chaochao's eyes occasionally met Chu Hengxin's, and she could no longer find a trace of familiarity in those eyes that were once full of warmth. An unprecedented sense of strangeness overwhelmed her like a tide, making her feel a deep sadness and despair.

She knew that she had to make a choice, whether to continue to stay in this dangerous and indifferent palace, or to find a way out and stay away from this man who had changed beyond all recognition. Xie Chaochao's heart was wavering in this vortex of power, but she knew that no matter how difficult the road ahead was, she could not let herself get lost in this game of power, let alone become the next victim.

So, in this magnificent yet undercurrent Forbidden City, Xie Chaochao secretly made up her mind that she would find a way out, not only for herself but also for those innocent souls, to pursue a future that was no longer bound by power and was full of light and hope.

Xie Chaochao turned her head sharply and resolutely stepped out of the magnificent but restraining palace gate. Her figure lengthened in the afterglow of the setting sun, and every step seemed to be saying goodbye to her past self. Outside the door, a guard in iron armor and with a resolute face had been waiting for a long time. His eyes showed both loyalty to his master and a little imperceptible worry. The breeze blew by, gently lifting a corner of his cloak, swaying in the wind along with the story that was about to happen.

The moment Xie Chaochao's eyes touched the guard, she seemed to have crossed the barrier of time and space and returned to the days when they fought side by side and shared weal and woe. But she just nodded slightly, said nothing, and turned to walk towards the ancient temple not far away. The temple, with its blue bricks and ancient tiles and the lingering incense, seemed like a piece of pure land in the world, quietly waiting for her return.

Seeing this, the guard quickly followed, with a hint of urgency in his steps: "Princess, are you... not going back to the palace?" His voice was low and respectful, and every word seemed to be spoken after careful consideration. In his cognition, the palace was Xie Chaochao's home, where she grew up. Now that she was gone, there was no doubt that an insurmountable wall had been erected between them.

Xie Chaochao stopped and turned her back to the guards. The golden light of the setting sun outlined her slender and firm figure. She shook her head gently, and that movement contained too many unspoken emotions: the desire for freedom, the weariness of court struggles, and the fearlessness of the unknown future. Her voice drifted with the wind, faint but unusually clear: "Although the palace is prosperous, it is not what I want. Although this place is simple, it can make me feel at ease."

When the guard heard this, a complex look flashed across his eyes, showing respect for the princess's decision, but also reluctance to part. He lowered his head silently, as if at this moment, all words became redundant. He knew that Xie Chaochao's decision could not be changed by anyone, including himself.

Then, a brief silence fell between the two, and only the sound of the temple bells in the distance could be heard, clear and melodious, as if playing a long elegy for this separation. Finally, the guard mustered up the courage and said softly: "Princess, no matter where you are, I will be here to protect your safety until you return."

Xie Chaochao did not look back, but just raised her hand gently as a response. Then, she continued to walk forward, walked into the ancient temple, and also walked into her new life. And that resolute back became an eternal memory in the guard's heart. Whenever it was late at night, it would always inadvertently appear in his mind, inspiring him and making him understand that true courage is to dare to pursue the voice of the heart, even if the road ahead is unknown, you must go on without hesitation.