Chapter 6 (1/2)
CHAPTER SIX
The Empress’ Tears
Woodlands [after the rain and snow] unveils a bright blue sky, evening comes and the city grows increasingly cold.[1]
In a blink of an eye it is already the heaven’s recording of the second year. This year a downpour of rarely seen heavy snow falls upon the Capital, displaying a rare good omen, perfectly responding to the phrase “a timely snow promises a good harvest”, the unfortunate thing is, at the beginning of the new year, a sensational matter has occurred in the Capital. When the Emperor was praying for good fortune this coming year, within the Hu Guo[2]temple, a monk suddenly says, the current Consort Ying is “the country’s source of misfortune”, in a moment of rage, the Emperor beheaded the monk, only after did he find out, this monk is extremely famous amongst the common folks, Master Zhi Kong who had been nicknamed “Buddha Monk”, within a moment, the Capital went through a constant change of events[3], everyone was constantly chatting about the matter with one another.
This matter seems to not have affected the Prime Minister Estate in the slightest bit, due to the fact that there has recently been the additional arrival of a madam to this estate, the place appears to be exceptionally lively. The heavy snowfall covers the ground, blanketing it in white, the Prime Minister Estate is decorated with lanterns and silk streamers, such liveliness is extraordinary. Inside the estate’s courtyard, an old man dressed as a housekeeper, steadily strides forth, marching over towards the room in the west wing, to see the doors closed is rather unexpected, he steps forward, rhythmically, he calls out: “Gentleman Guan, Gentleman Guan……”
The doors open in response to the noise, a young gentleman walks out of the room, in a dark blue silk robe, with long brows and bright eyes, looking refined and handsome, carrying a friendly smile, he exudes an unconceivable sense of refres.h.i.+ng luxury, even the housekeeper who had read countless people before was full of endlessly unspoken praises for him, greeting him respectfully with a bow, “Gentleman Guan, plum wine is being boiled in the front courtyard today, our Lord Prime Minister and Madam has invited you to the front courtyard.”
Guan Xiu Wen has been in the Prime Minister Estate for two whole months already, thinking back to two months ago, it really is just a like a dream, gently nodding towards the housekeeper, he says: “May I trouble Housekeeper then.” Casually closing the door, he follows the housekeeper towards the front courtyard.
Encountering the maidservants and nannies along the way, there was no one who did not respectfully greet him, and Guan Xiu Wen would always respond with a smile, the housekeeper was filled with sincere appreciation, the entire estate knows, Madam had brought back a gentleman in his twenties from the palace, no one knows what background he had come from, Madam says he is a diamond in the rough, not long after, even Lord Prime Minister praised his talents, accepting him as his student, and even predicted that, in the spring of this year, he will pa.s.s the exams with flying colours. Having been a housekeeper for many years, Lord Prime Minister’s words have never been wrong.
This man will be the future First Ranked Scholar[4], he raises his eyes to look at the person beside him, what’s even more rare is, he is never arrogant, always friendly and respectful towards others.
The two people had just walked up to the entrance of the front courtyard, when they see Lou Che walk towards them, both of them stop in their tracks, Lou Che draws in, his face carrying a smile like that of the spring breeze.
Guan Xiu Wen had already bent down to bow respectfully, his mouth calling out: “Teacher.” Seeing Lou Che’s slightly hasty look, he could already guess that he must be going into the palace, inside, he could not help but let rise a feeling of repellence, using the action of bowing his head, he squints his eyes ever so slightly, camouflaging the trace of disgust revealed in his eyes.
Lou Che had just received an urgent report from the palace, the Emperor has summoned him into the palace, burning with impatience, looks like it is because of this “country’s misfortune” matter. His heart is already tired of this matter, but because of his imperial monarch’s orders, as the subject, how is he to defy it?
Looking at the youth in front of him, he is always reminded of his past self, Guan Xiu Wen’s talent is indeed preserved for someone who’s capable of being the First Ranked Scholar, but for some unknown reason, he just cannot seem to be able to warm up to this refres.h.i.+ng young man, despite that they are already mentor and student in name, he just feels as though there is always a wall between the two of them, inside, he laughs at himself for thinking too much, this youth may later become an effective helper of his in future, Lou Che nods at Guan Xiu Wen, and then continues to rush out nonstop.
Only after he had long left did the housekeeper raise his head, he looks towards the young man standing beside him, and was immediately taken aback, but looking closely, it is still that smiling fresh youth……just now his eyes must have blurred, how could he have possibly seen this youth with such an expressionless face?
Along with the housekeeper, he walks into the front courtyard, the courtyard here in the east wing, it is different to the west wing’s courtyard with the lotus pond, here there is a plum garden, as he walks into the plum garden, he could only sigh at the great creations of heaven and earth.
Within this white world, the striking dots of red catches your full attention, on the snow, on the branches, in the maids’ hands, little dots of plum blossoms, on top of the branches there is often an acc.u.mulation of snow, forming a background against the little dots of plum blossoms, it really is a penetrating red within the white, an unconceivable beauty, between heaven and earth, this combination of white and red creates a scene of poetic and pictorial splendour. The plum blossom also carries a fresh scent, coupled with the floating aroma of wine, two fragrances mixing together, deeply affected, he approaches the smell, soaking it into his heart.
The maidservants shuttles between the plum blossom trees, their hands carrying clippers, merry laughter sounding here and there, Guan Xiu Wen had almost thought he had wandered into fairyland.
A smile unconsciously surfaces on his face, he walks towards the middle of the plum forest, and his breathing suddenly stifles.
A snow white robe with red lapels, black hair like silk, eyebrows like distant hills, eyes like the stars, the whiteness of her skin wins over the snow, her appearance wins over that of the plum blossoms, she lightly smiles, looking exceedingly fascinating and charming.
He cannot help but to stop, attentively watching this scene, until he sees that woman smiling to him as she waves, only then, did he wake up from his trance, pulling away his eyes, he slowly walks up, stopping in front of the table, greeting her respectfully: “Madam.”
Upon looking at the youth, Gui Wan was a little surprised, this youth indeed suits wearing such refined style of outfit, just like a young n.o.bleman, she blandly laughs in response to him: “Xiu Wen, sit down.” Although this young man is not related to her biologically in any way, she just feels as though he has a very familial vibe to him.
Guan Xiu Wen sits down, a cup of plum blossom wine had already been poured for him by the maid, he reaches out to take hold of the cup of wine, giving it a smell, it really has a light fragrance, a cup that touches people’s hearts. Seeing such an enchanted expression on his face, Gui Wan lets out a little laugh, and quips: “How is it, lives up to the trip here right?”
Responding with a smile, Guan Xiu Wen does not speak, he lightly takes a sip of the wine, the alcohol taste is clean but not weak, the fragrant flavour lasts a long time in the mouth, unable to hold back, he states: “Truly of the best quality.”
“That is of course,” Gui Wan picks up the just brewed wine, taking a small drink from it, she explains, “This is gifted by her highness the Empress, originally I had thought the wine taste was too weak, didn’t think that when brewed with plum blossoms, it would actually become such a beautiful wine.” Just when the words were spoken, her smile slightly fades, thinking of the Empress deep within the palace, Gui Wan would feel a little regretful for her. Three days after the banquet at the palace, the Empress had invited her into the palace, originally she had thought that the Empress would deliberately make things difficult for her, who would have thought that the Empress is actually gentle and graceful, courteous and considerate, her heart could not help but to like this Empress a little, one thing lead to another, and the two became friends.
That Empress that has tranquillity amongst her beauty, is just like a plum blossom, an adornment of little dots of red, resistant to looking, resistant to smelling, resistant to appreciations, unfortunately, within the Emperor’s eyes, there is only that alluring peony……
Seeing Gui Wan reveal a look of loneliness in her eyes, Guan Xiu Wen also frowns, within that moment, the world around them went silent, only the faint laughter in the forest can be heard, a light fragrance lingering in the nose.
Gui Wan is free by nature, noticing the atmosphere turn cold, she lets out a relaxing laugh, “Lord First Ranked Scholar, why are you not speaking? Is the plum wine too fragrant, causing your soul to leave your body?” Ever since Lou Che had said he would definitely pa.s.s the exam, every time Gui Wan wants to tease him, she would address him as Lord First Ranked Scholar.
Hearing this addressment, Guan Xiu Wen foolishly reveals an expression of embarra.s.sment, when he sees that Gui Wan is staring at him, he reveals a playful charm, his heart suddenly throbbing as he answers: “That……”
Seeing his shyness that is revealed every time he hears this First Ranked Scholar addressment, Gui Wan once again bursts out laughing……the air within the plum garden is filled with festivity, a scene of joy and harmony.
Right when they were laughing merrily, the housekeeper hurriedly runs in from the outside, seeing panic in his expression, Gui Wan recomposes a straight face, watching as he runs up.
The housekeeper bows, his hands holding out a yellow post as he breathlessly says: “The Empress has an urgent call.”
Frowning, she accepts the post, the words have been scribbled on, seems like it was been written hastily, Gui Wan was secretly surprised, the Empress has always been cautious, her writing is upright and beautiful, just like her character, but this scribbly writing, something couldn’t have happened right?
Suddenly standing up, she immediately orders: “Prepare the carriage, to the back palace.” Turning back to give the youth a look of apology, she turns away and walks out.
The youth holds up the cup of wine, worriedly watching her back view, walking further and further away……
This Empress’ palace, she has come by numerous time this past two months, and never has she encountered a situation of being stopped at the doors, today, the Empress’ palace seems to be guarded more heavily than usual, no matter how much the Empress’ personal maid tries to explain, the guards were not willing to easily allow her in.
Gui Wan was secretly angry inside, taking out the golden pendant by her side, the golden pendant sparkles under the light, on it was only the one word –– “Lou”. The guards sees this golden pendant, and their arrogance suddenly disappears completely, withdrawing to the side, really cannot believe that Lou Che’s pendant is actually much more feasible than the Empress’ orders, Gui Wan was temporarily speechless, this is original an absurd world, only those who can truly grasp hold of power can be the powerful ones.
When she was pa.s.sing through the front halls, her heart grew increasingly restless, Gui Wan follows the palace maid into the hall.
The Empress was leaning on the royal settee, appearing to be deep in her thoughts, not even noticing that Gui Wan had arrived, the palace maid goes up front to report, and the Empress opens her phoenix eyes, her eyes faintly carrying tears, seeing Gui Wan, she reveals a smile of relief, “Gui Wan.” What kind of emotions this calling out held, Gui Wan could not tell, but just by hearing this call out, Gui Wan’s heart quivers.
“Your highness,” Gui Wan slowly approaches, walking up to the front of the royal settee, her voice carries a relaxing tone as she says. “Are you not feeling well?”
Lightly shaking her head a few times, the Empress sits up straight, facing Gui Wan, she asks: “Gui Wan, what shall I do?” Her words carrying helplessness, haste, panic.
Seeing that the Empress’ hand was slightly trembling, Gui Wan reaches out to take hold it, saying: “Do not rush, what exactly happened?”
Bursts of energy emits from her palm, and the Empress finally reveals a smile, “Gui Wan, do you know of the Hu Guo Temple matter?” Within her voice, there was a slight leaking of the Empress’ unease.
“Is it the matter regarding the his majesty killing Zhi Kong?”
“His majesty wants to thoroughly investigate the matter, my father and I have been included in this.” As the Empress speaks, her facial expression becomes more and more miserable, “The Emperor has changed, he’s changed……he doesn’t even listen to my explanation, it’s not me, it wasn’t me who did it……” The Empress who was always so graceful, breaks down in tears, her bearings completely lost.
Gui Wan was startled, this is politics, with not the slightest trace of friends.h.i.+p and loyalty, she calmly gives the Empress’ hand a squeeze, gently asking: “This matter wasn’t done by you and Elder Statesman[5]?”
The Empress was suddenly startled, crying as she answers: “Even you don’t believe me? It wasn’t me, nor was it my father, we did not do it. How could……how could even you not believe me?”
Hastening to indicate, Gui Wan speaks in a composed manner: “It’s not that, I only want to figure out the situation, only then can I a.s.sess it, don’t panic.” Hearing Gui Wan’s gentle voice, the Empress’ worked up emotions slowly calms down, taking note of her own loss of composure, she sheepishly smiles at Gui Wan.
Finally seeing the Empress regain her usual grace and calm, Gui Wan lets out a sigh of relieve, the Empress stands up, taking a few steps within the room, it seems as though she has thought of something, thinking over the matter from beginning to end again. Only after the monk had been killed by the Emperor, did they know it was Master Zhi Kong, the Emperor was furious, sending people out to investigate, in the end, everything was done to go against the Empress. This morning the Emperor for some unknown reason, had sent for people to surround the Empress’ palace, and only then did the Empress realise that the situation was of utmost severity.
The Empress stands in front of the window, looking out at the boundless white snow, she speaks sorrowfully: “When he was the Crown Prince, he vowed to always believe me, the us back then, just how happy we were ah.” Her face displays a trace of smile in recollection, the Empress mutters, “He’s changed, we promised that together we will protect this beautiful country……”
Gui Wan did not know what to say to comfort her, throughout this entire country right now, who doesn’t know that the one that the Emperor loves is Consort Ying? She opens her mouth to say something, only to find herself stumped.
The Empress turns around, her face still glistening with the clear streams of tears, she looks straight at Gui Wan, “Gui Wan, do you know how it feels to want to protect something?”
Not waiting for Gui Wan’s answer, the Empress continues to speak: “I want to protect him, even if the one he wants to protect is Consort Ying, I still want to protect him, you must find it laughable, I actually want to protect the monarch of the country, I want to protect this land, this is his and my world, I need to protect it.” The resolution in her eyes gradually grows firm, revealing a determination under the light.
Faintly feeling something is wrong, Gui Wan stands up, walking up to the Empress’ side with quick steps, she lightly asks: “Your highness, what are you planning to do?”
“I need to kill Consort Ying,” The Empress raises a laugh, carrying rupture and sadness, “I’m not doing this because of jealousy. I will accompany Consort Ying in this deception, I just want the Emperor to wake up, and take good care of the country.”
Hearing this, Gui Wan was too shocked to say a word, suddenly thinking of something, she lightly cries out: “No, you are no match for them.”
The Empress turns to her side and eyes Gui Wan, gaining a thorough look, this one look sees through Gui Wan’s panic, the Empress coldly smiles, “You’re speaking about Minister Lou?”
Gui Wan was completely stunned, not knowing how she should answer, the Empress further asks: “You think I didn’t know? From the very first day I saw Consort Ying, I understood, she doesn’t love the Emperor. I am a woman, I have this intuition, I can no longer continue to tolerate this, I need to protect the Emperor.”
Gui Wan knits her brows together, she wants to persuade her, but does not know how to go about persuading her, the Empress holds great resolution, with no room for any negotiation.
Is this how it is when a woman goes crazy? Even the mother of the country is of no exception.
Noticing the disagreement in Gui Wan’s eyes, the Empress stares at her, carrying a pleading look, she kneels down before Gui Wan. Gui Wan who just had the living daylights scared out of her, was just about to help her up, when the Empress says: “Gui Wan, yours and my husband have fallen for the same woman, understand my feelings, please? I beg of you to help me with one thing, my son is only two years old, I beg you, if anything happens to me, please become his backing force, my father, is advancing in years, please protect him, I beg you……I beg you……” The Empress has actually heavily knocked her head on the floor three times.