True grief could perhaps only be deeply understood by Zhu Yuanzhang and his son.
Whenever the year-end approached and every household rejoiced in family reunions, that grief grew ever more intense.
"Enough." Zhu Yuanzhang let out a long sigh. That sigh seemed to carry endless vicissitudes and sorrow. Then he slowly raised his head and looked at the Kunning Palace before him.
"Let us enter and pay our respects."
With that said!
Zhu Yuanzhang walked toward the Kunning Palace with somewhat heavy steps. Zhu Biao quietly followed behind him. Looking at his father's slightly stooped back, his heart was filled with mixed feelings. A trace of sorrow flashed through his eyes before he gently nodded.
Inside the Kunning Palace!
Ever since Empress Ma had passed away, every furnishing and decoration had remained unchanged, as though sealed away by time.
The tables and chairs within were still arranged as they had been when Empress Ma was alive. The calligraphy and paintings on the walls hung quietly, bearing witness to the years gone by.
Perhaps Zhu Yuanzhang had deliberately arranged it this way. He wanted to preserve the beautiful memories he had shared with Empress Ma, even if only a tiny fragment of them.
Three spirit tablets stood quietly within the palace!
For many years!
The incense here had never ceased. It had all been Zhu Yuanzhang's command.
"Little sister."
Zhu Yuanzhang slowly approached the spirit tablets. His gaze was gentle and deeply affectionate as he looked at his little sister's tablet.
"Daughter-in-law."
Zhu Yuanzhang paused, tears glimmering in his eyes. "My eldest grandson."
Every form of address was filled with Zhu Yuanzhang's deep longing for his family.
"I came to see you."
Zhu Yuanzhang's lips trembled slightly as he raised a hand and gently stroked the spirit tablets, as if touching