Chapter 2 (1/2)

CHAPTER TWO

The Frost-like Youth

A tranquil pavilion connected to the pond, with no fencing, clear blue water, white jaded steps, as if it has all melted into one. A figure of graceful demeanour sits on the jade steps, blending in together with the water and jade.

Satin-like black hair submissively held back in a silver ribbon, making Gui Wan’s skin look even more so as white as snow, that face of incomparable beauty, carrying a shallow smile, sitting alone on top of the jade steps, sinking quietly into her own world.

Reaching out to fiddle with the water, circles and circles of ripples disperses out from her hand, seeming to find it interesting, she takes to the trouble of doing the same thing over and over again, even her thoughts had already flew far away. Things that have happened during this half of the month, provides a lot to think about, she needs to organise her thoughts.

Half a month ago, she was made the most glorious woman within the whole of the Capital, marrying into the Prime Minister Estate, wedded to someone whose position stands next to that of the Emperor.

That wedding dress had a hole, but under Ling Long’s hands, not even the slightest flaw could be detected, however……does not seeing it means that it’s not there? Because all traces of the torn hole has been concealed with embroidery, does that make the torn hole non-existent then?

She does not like to deceive oneself nor others.

The ripples forms loops after loops, her cool hand feels the upwelling, but she still has no intention to retract her hand.

Her husband wields too much power, such power that is rivalled to none, what’s even more rare, is that he is an elegantly handsome man, gentle, and considerate of others. It seems like he has no flaws, with a slight trace of sarcasm, she laughs.

Never thought that, on their wedding night, she never even got to see this legendary flawless husband.

“He’s gone into the palace, with urgent matters arising in the palace, the groom has no way to get out. As the Prime Minister Madam, please understand, he has after all achieved such great success at such young age. In future, he will still need your support.” Nanny Zhang explains to her with a smile

“Doesn’t the palace forbid men from staying over?”

“How is Prime Minister Lou the same as others, he has received a warrant, with freedom of access, the Emperor has even set up a living quarter for him.”

……

Her husband really stands right above the skies.

Her wedding night, with someone else’s desperate flattery, praise and hospitality, pa.s.ses by in a blur.

On the second day, a greater shock was awaiting her. Just when she was eating her breakfast, her husband hurriedly returns. She may very possibly never forget that moment, when she lifts her head, freezing in place.

Her husband is the very man who was accompanying Yao Ying pray for the kau chim sticks half a year ago. However, somewhat different from half a year ago, this man appears to look deeper (as in he is concealing his real feelings more) than back then, looking more dignified with this air of containing but not revealing.

She suddenly feels like her mind has fallen into slight chaos. When she had met him half a year ago, she did not know of his ident.i.ty, and even thought he and Yao Ying were a pair of fine jade-like couple. A month after offering prayers to the Buddha, she heard that Yao Ying will be entering the palace as an imperial concubine. At that time, she had even lamented incessantly for her, occasionally thinking of that graceful man who had accompanied her by her side.

Didn’t think that he’d show up right in front of her right now, with such ident.i.ty too.

Her mouth hangs slightly open, wanting to say something, but doesn’t know how to address him, so she simply says nothing, waiting for him to speak.

Sincerely smiling, Lou Che looks at the outstandingly beautiful woman in front of him. His heart has unlimited regret that he wants to express, but also doesn’t know where to start speaking. Thinking about it for a bit, his first words were actually: “Does the breakfast suit your taste?”

He’s actually asking if her breakfast is any good? Gui Wan was unable to hold back, letting out a laugh, she really would not have thought that he was someone who has the authority and power to overturn the imperial government and common people.

This laughter completely breaks through the deadlock between them. Lou Che carries a look of appreciation, watching Gui Wan’s laugh that can be considered like that of blossoming spring flowers, suddenly, he thinks of something else, although his expression remains the same, there is not the slightest hint of smile in his eyes.

Noticing the placidness in his eyes, Gui Wan gathers up her smile, calmly looking at him, her intuition tells her, her husband has something really important to say to her.

All servants were sent away, leaving only two remaining in the big hall.

Although she had already completely mentally prepared herself, the following words still brought upon shock to her.

Lou Che says to her, he is unable to be a good husband, asking for her understanding.

She smiles, asking him: “Is it because of Yao Ying?”

Lou Che was stunned, answering back with helplessness: “It is.”

Hearing such resolute words, the startled one was instead Gui Wan, raising her head, she looks at Lou Che.

The gentle man faintly smiles, like the spring breeze caressing one’s face, his eyes carries a subtle hint of bitterness.

Seeing Gui Wan’s serene expression, Lou Che felt some sort of relief, no matter what, he has told her of his endless apologies towards her, his expression showing endless guilt.

The two of them remained quiet for a long while, when Gui Wan suddenly says: “Then how should I act from now on?”

Lou Che softly says: “Other than feelings of affection, I can give you anything.”

Gui Wan looks at him in surprise, realising that he is committing himself to a promise to her, an extremely valuable commitment.

Lou Che continues to speak, sincerely, gently: “You can see me as an older brother, as long as you’re willing, I will care for you, protect you, spoil you. As long you want it, whether it’s gold, silver, jewellery, rare exotic treasures, or even status and power, I will do my best to satisfy you.”

Gui Wan was completely stunned, staring into his eyes, asking: “Satisfying everything I want?”

“Yes, satisfying everything you want, I will give you the pride that all the women in this world can ever think of.”

……

To satisfy everything she wants.

Her hand has already turned as cold as ice, she retracts her hand, watching the shallow ripples fall into tranquillity. She laughs, the pond reflects her looks, actually looking as though there is two beauties in general, seemingly a bit sly.

What to do? Exactly what is she to do?

Growing up in a wealthy family since young, she is used to seeing the scheming between individuals, used to seeing men with many wives, her interest in romantic feelings has long faded, she is not bent on pursuing it. A husband like this, should already be considered the best.

To be able to give her no requirements, no burden; even promising to give her the world’s best materialistic comforts, looks, power, status, lacking in nothing. This half of the month, as he has promised, the two of them got along like brother and sister, and he even dotes on her a lot. Rare treasures in the world is continuously sent to her, her older brother’s official position has been promoted three grades overnight. All the glory is drawing in close to her.

He is pleasing her, doing his best to satisfy her.

To have such a husband, what else is there to be dissatisfied with?

What else is there to be dissatisfied with?

Gui Wan laughs, laughing delicately, laughing haughtily, laughing frivolously, she does not understand, really does not understand, she’s gained everything, but also seems like she’s gained nothing, what exactly is it she wants, she herself does not know.

Her hand is still ice cold, extending her hands, staring at her slender fingers, she suddenly takes notice of the jade bangle on her wrist, blending in with her skin, crystal clear. Within the white jade there is also fine streams like that of red blood, raising her hand, they gently flow, as though it’s alive. The average people would not have even thought, this jade bangle was meticulously made from the world famous suet white jade, what’s more valuable is the streams of red in it, the Qiong state’s tribute –Red Melody Suet Bangle, is worn on her wrist.

This bangle’s worth can provide three months of living expenses for everyone within the Capital, so valuable, so luxurious, ah~, so ironic.

Love cannot be self-prohibited, she has often been thinking of Yao Ying this past half of the month.

That woman who has entered the palace, exactly is she fortunate or unfortunate?

Gui Wan lightly lets out a sigh, unable to understand her own thoughts, this past half of the month, she has more or less already figured out the whole story, but towards that familiar yet unfamiliar woman, she herself cannot figure out whether it is hate, whether it is anger, or whether it is frustration.

Hearing that Yao Ying has been selected to enter the palace, impressively receiving doting love, only half a year, and she has already became one of the highest ranked imperial consorts, but regarding the power struggle within the palace, it seems like she cannot fully adapt to it, completely relying on the backing of Lou Che. For her, he s.h.i.+elds all sorts of winds and rain (troubles), for her, he is consolidating her power.

What is she thinking? Feeling guilty, so she finds her lover a wife who is no less than herself?

No wonder when she had received the granting of the wedding edict, she had felt it was weird, so it was because of such reason.

And exactly what was her graceful husband thinking? To fall in love with the same woman as the Emperor, but because of the difference in power, has no choice but to let go, but then willingly toys with political trickery for her, whether this is counted as success it will still be of backstabbing scheming, failure will also still be of backstabbing scheming.

……all is chaotic, not understanding is chaotic, understanding is also chaotic.

Not bothering is chaotic, to bother is still chaotic, it could also be considered chaos on top of chaos.

Not going to think about it, don’t want to think about it, her heart, is vexed.

She props herself up with her hands, lightly rubbing at her slightly numb legs, lifting her loose hair, she faces the bright and clean water, tidying up her appearance.

Lou Che walks into the back garden of his home, and sees such beautiful view.

Clear water accompanied by jade steps, sitting on top of the jade steps is Gui Wan, facing the water that is as clear and bright as a mirror, brus.h.i.+ng her hair. Natural elegance in her actions, stunningly beautiful face, really the face of a hibiscus flower, jade willow posture, unspeakable style, peerless elegance that one can never get tired of.

Exactly how stunning his own wife is, he knows.

Other than beauty, she also has more profound qualities, indifference, n.o.bility, and also some sort of carefreeness.

He owes her, owes her happiness, that is why he is doing all he can, making it up to her in other areas.

He has promised her, to satisfy all her wants, when she needs her happiness, he is willing to act like any older brother would, giving her her freedom, allowing her to soar high.

Walking up behind Gui Wan, he gently calls out to her: “Gui Wan.”

Suddenly turning her head, once she sees him, Gui Wan reveals a smile like that of blooming flowers: “My Lord Husband.”

After getting married, the addressment she gave him, husband is ident.i.ty, and lord is status, how appropriate of a t.i.tle.

Hearing this, Lou Che lets out a little laugh, without realising, he had already gotten used to her pleasantly sweet calling.

“You must be bored at home right?” This half of the month, the madams of high ranking officials and honourable people have been coming to visit every day. He knows that she has handled it very well, she has her own way of dealing with common customs, and even skilfully gets the job done with ease.

Compared to the intrinsic quality of those fragile women within the palace, she is different.

She is definitely not as innocent as she appears to be, compared to her delicate appearance, she can be considered to be much more self-orientated, much more stronger on the inside.

Seeing her slightly questioning look, he suggests “I’ll take you out for a wander, how’s that?” His tone carrying a touch of coddling.

She can finally go out? Gui Wan was jumping in joy inside, hurrying to support her body, she stands up, answering very honestly: “I already got bored a long time ago, can I go out now? Where are we going?”

Seeing her looking so cheerful, he also felt happy inside. Lou Che laughingly says: “It’s really lively outside today, you’d definitely enjoy it.”

“En. I feel like I haven’t been out for a long time.” Brus.h.i.+ng the dust of herself, she strides forwards, heading out. Turning around, “Didn’t you say to go out? The sun will be setting soon.”

Lou Che seeing her expression like that of a child’s, was infected by that trace of endlessly cheerful atmosphere as he follows after her.

The two of them had just arrived at the door, when the caretaker was already hastily rus.h.i.+ng over, his expression stern.

Seeing this, Gui Wan already knew what was going on, her bitter smile fleeting like the wind.