Chapter 18 (1/2)
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Moved Feelings
The beauty of the Capital, is best reflected when the sun descends, a scenery of sunset glow, colourful and magically changing, particularly with the colour of red prominent, like the spreading of light ink in water, rendering half the sky, deep and heavy, breathtakingly spectacular, together with the grandeur of the tall red walls of the imperial palace, a display of extremely honourable glory, with the tallest Ning Kun Palace as focal point, extending a stretch into the net of Capital glory, within such solemnity, a trace of long honoured historical flavour is revealed, within such desolation, a display of profound influence overflows with the deeply rooted air of imperial power.
The descending sun like blood……
In the evening hours, having finally arrived at the Capital City, Gui Wan steps down from the horse carriage, looking into the distance at first glance, what she sees is the Capital City as such, her heart suddenly jumps, gazing into half a sky of rosy clouds, the bright red of the setting sun.
Unexpectedly, coming to welcome them at the eastern gates is actually Prince Duan and his party. In purple-gold python robes, jade belt and brocade boots, Prince Duan walks over in big strides, a friendly smile hung on his usually stern looking face, seeing Lou Che, Lin Rui En, he actually looks as though he has not seen his good friends for a long time, who could possibly think from seeing such pa.s.sionate appearance that they each actually hold their own share of great power, and can become political enemies at any given time?
“Prime Minister Lou and General Lin has finally returned, without Prime Minister Lou and General Lin, this Capital City has practically gotten a little too cold and cheerless.” Heartily laughing as he nears them, Prince Duan appears to be filled with a tremendous amount of lament.
“With Prince Duan here, how could the Capital possibly be cold and cheerless?” Such statement escapes his thin lips as though praising, as though ridiculing, Lou Che sits on the horseback, condescendingly looking down at Prince Duan.
Prince Duan acts as though he did not hear the tone hidden within his words, the smile on his face not at all faltering, he turns to Lin Rui En, “General Lin has worked hard, his majesty is singing high praises for you, General Lin truly does not fall short of being our country’s rarely seen military talent.”
The cold general indifferently nods his head, “I daren’t be worthy.”
Knowing that he is originally someone cold by nature, his overly simple use of four words does not bother Prince Duan at all, Prince Duan is talking cheerfully and humorously today, acting very friendly, he greets Gui Wan who had just gotten off the horse carriage: “Madam Lou’s elegant demeanour remains the same, I am very fortunate indeed.”
Gui Wan slightly performs a courteous bow in greeting, returning a smile, displaying impeccable etiquette and elegance, whilst hiding the shock of seeing Prince Duan’s warm welcome, inevitably suspicious of his reason for coming here. Smiling as she looks away, she suddenly catches sight of a clear shadow within the accompanying officials. Having not seen this youth for over two months, he seems to have changed a lot, a humble att.i.tude as he cautiously stands in a row of blue amongst the red official robes, against a background of stained red skies, all their faces seem to blur, sinking into the shadows of the sunset.
Prince Duan and Lou Che, Lin Rui En, the three people side by side as they head into the imperial city, Gui Wan transfers to a simple horse carriage and follows behind, the rest of the government officials stands in waiting. Just when the carriage pa.s.ses by the officials in rank order, the young first ranked scholar could not help but to look over, he looks into the carriage, face revealing a sincere smile, that sort of air of innocence and incisiveness once again returning to his body, refres.h.i.+ng just like the clear mountain springs.
He is still the youth from back then, thinking this, Gui Wan feels much more at ease.
In front of the city gates up ahead, the three most powerful men within the current imperial court discusses something as they walk, every so often Prince Duan’s laughter like the cry of an eagle can be heard. Gui Wan looks askance at the three figures, finding it truly laughable, just when she was enjoying the individual looks on their faces, Prince Duan makes a sudden turn and heads towards her, pulling up the horse to the carriage side, laughingly say: “Madam Lou, excuse my rudeness, I shall be leaving first.”
“Prince Duan’s personal welcome, is already of the greatest of honour……please walk slowly.”
“Madam is too polite,” Prince Duan’s eagle eyes makes a turn, carrying interest, as he stares at Gui Wan, “I shall be looking forward to Madam’s gracious presence in the palace within a day’s time.”
Rendered speechless for a moment, Gui Wan widens her eyes, before the last sentence even sunk in, Prince Duan had already left, laughing away.
She gazes towards the back with a sense of loss, Lou Che slowly walks up to her, as gentle as water, just as usual with no change, “Let us return home.”
Radiant pearls, white jade bangle, extending her hand to fiddle with the jewellery, Gui Wan sits in front of the mirror, leaving Ling Long to comb her hair, the candle on the table flickers, wavering unsteadily, just like the current mood she is in.
Receiving Consort Ying’s invitation, although unexpected, she was not actually surprised, a woman who is fragile to the extreme is also a type of danger, and Yao Ying is undoubtedly a master in this. A shallow smile surfaces on her lips, Gui Wan softly laughs out loud.
Ling Long receives a shock, revealing puzzlement as she asks: “What are you laughing at?” Even though Gui Wan has already gotten married, she still hasn’t been able to change her addressment.
“I’m laughing at, a woman’s grief, a woman’s sorrow, a woman’s foolishness, such that pains people’s heart but at the same time it also give rises to slight resentment ah.” Gui Wan very casually strokes the ends of her hair, with unspeakable elegance and distinct air of refinement.
Ling Long was even more confused, she does not know who she is feeling sad for, but in this instance, she indeed feels her heart pained……deeply remembering Madam’s unique way of teaching, the sort that took effect very subtly, unconsciously influential, bit by bit penetrating into the heart. Accepting an overly strong sense of self-protection and awareness, only when feelings have been moved would a slight crack emerge. Ah, did you know, the one who is truly pitiful and miserable is not someone else who is crazy in love, but is you who is equipped with a show of no emotions and only love yourself ah. (Ling Long is addressing Gui Wan’s mother as Madam here)
Words that cannot possibly leave her lips, remains stuck in her heart, a sour feel rushes up to her eyes, in the heat of the moment, tears come rolling down.
Gui Wan doubtfully looks back, reaching out to catch those crystal tears, gently asking: “Ling Long, what’s wrong?”
The tears rushes down more fiercely, Ling Long sobs, “……could it be that you’re not lonely? Why can you not give someone a chance? Why must you reject happiness?”
Questions accompanied by strings of tears, dripping into Gui Wan’s heart. Heart like a mirror, suddenly seeing the light, her smile gradually widens, even the tip of her brows expresses her joy, Gui Wan laments: “To this day, I can truly feel your sincere concern and loyalty towards me.” Reaching up to wipe away the trails of tears, quietly saying in a laughing manner, “Listen, these words I may only ever say once……”
The candlelight flickers around like an illusion on Gui Wan’s face, weakening Ling Long’s consciousness, and only then did she notice, after not seeing her for over two months, Gui Wan seems to have changed. This is the most purest, most genuine smile she has ever seen from Gui Wan.
“Ling Long, I seem to have found the path to happiness.”
Time suddenly stood still, Ling Long cried even more sorrowfully, but also showing a trace of laughter, a trace of bitterness, a trace of relief, a trace of joy……
Ah, did you know, hearing those words from you, just how happy Ling Long also is ah
……
After a long while, Gui Wan laughs and teases as she waits for Ling Long to organise herself. Ling Long very easily stops crying, and only then did she feel slightly embarra.s.sed, gently laughing as she says: “Let’s quickly doll you up, you still need to enter the palace.”
Seeing her take out a set of ordinary palace outfit, paired with the silver silk ribbon, Gui Wan lowers her head in thinking, leisurely saying: “Today I won’t be wearing this one.” Standing up, she walks to the closet, selecting a set of robes, smoothly taking off her jewellery, before handing it to Ling Long to take a look, “Today I shall wear this set.”
Staring dumbfounded at Gui Wan, Ling Long was speechless, absolutely surprised, others are desperate to display their beauty, as for her, her grace alone is a stroke above others, usually she would hide her beauty, that is why they never add much to her outfit, but what is going on today?
Just from looking at Ling Long’s expression, she already knows what she is thinking, Gui Wan lightly purses her lips prettily, softly saying: “Today, waiting for my man, is the startling beauty, Consort Ying, the slightest of negligence, and I may very well lose.”
No matter what, that delicate Consort Ying with heavenly grace has already evoked the compet.i.tiveness in Gui Wan’s heart, the curtains to this war between women, is only just about to be drawn open.
Ling Long laughs, her laugh particularly cheerful, she really has changed, before when she was as calm and light as the clouds and wind, she was of course beautiful, but right now, because of that additional sense of vigour, she is even more attractive, so much that others will not be able to lift their eyes from her.
On this summer day in the Capital City, it has already turned cold in the evening, in the elegantly beautiful imperial garden, even the air carries a sweet scent of fragrant gra.s.s. Right now the palace lanterns are hung high, the already extraordinary scenery of the garden in the morning, because of the lighting, has an additional touch of enjoyable fun within peaceful seclusion, and above the crystal clear pond, the water sparkles under the lighting of the palace lanterns, a beautiful atmosphere like a fantasy has been formed within this entire garden.
The palace maids are either holding the lanterns, or carrying plates, or respectfully standing there, shuttling around the imperial garden, serving every women of n.o.ble status within the courtyard, by the thicket of trees, sat at the stone table inside the jade veranda, light chuckles and shallow frowns, smooth and pleasant speech[1], everywhere is overflowing with the cheerful chatting and laughter of women.
“Lady Consort Li, I see that you’ve been dazing off here the entire time, what are you thinking?” Thin robes exposing her shoulders, the speaker has an enchanting figure, extremely charming, her speech full of smiles as she approaches the beauty in a palace outfit, sitting by the pond.
Consort Li docilely raises her head, seeing the approaching person, she slowly stands, greeting: “So it’s [Older] Sister Consort Yin ah, I only feel that this pond looks particularly beautiful at night, thus lost in admiration.”
Sounding a few laughs, Consort Yin shows a look of awareness: “This pond indeed holds a different charm during night, but Consort Li……is not actually infatuated with the scenery of this pond right?”
“Sister must be joking.”
“Whether I am joking or not, Consort Li knows very well in your own heart, your mood, is it not the same as everyone else within this back palace?” Consort Yin is plain-spoken and straightforward, whatever she thinks she would immediately blurt out, she sends Consort Li an eye signal, the corner of her lips casting towards the side, pointing towards the person stood in the heart of the garden.
Consort Li follows her in looking, eyes also darkening, her original look of gentle grace, actually carrying a trace of distortion, a sort of resentment silently diffusing into the open air.
His majesty the Emperor once said: Obtaining the world is not the highest point of my life, obtaining Consort Ying has completed my lifelong aspiration.
Using those words to sum up Consort Ying’s doted situation is not at all an exaggeration. Ever since Consort Ying entered the palace, the Emperor’s eyes no longer held other people, towards the usual consorts this is natural, but even the Empress is not an exception.
“Such beauty like that, even the heavens and earth will be overshadowed by it ah.” Consort Yin says, with both envy and jealousy, her tone ceasing to be relaxed, and instead every word deep and heavy.
Consort Li does not say anything after her, absentmindedly looking ahead. Consort Ying sits by the stone table, at the same table, other than the Empress, there are also a few women of the senior official families, and right now, all eyes seems to be set on Consort Ying alone, such glory equal to that of heaven and earth, making the other people on the table dejectedly overshadowed, the women in the entire garden are all put to shame.
The back palace is originally the palace of beauty, not one woman here is not beautiful, not one is not charming, this word beauty, is the most superficial thing in the back palace, and the Consort Ying before their eyes is no exception to this, her beauty can overthrow cities and ruin states, right now, dressed in a sheer light blue robe, six jade glazed hairpins holding up her hair, delicately beautiful, such beauty of extreme magnificence, swallows up all the glory within the back palace, within the absolute brilliance of six palaces, only one alone outs.h.i.+ne others.
Just how much envy and jealousy such beauty draws out ah. Not to mention she had even obtained the Emperor’s unrivalled love.
Heart twitching in pain, Consort Li reaches up to her chest, as though she cannot bear the bitterness in her heart, her face turns pale, not allowing her eyes to continue looking in that direction.
“Strange,” Consort Yin mutters to herself, “Consort Ying seems to have deliberately dressed up today, does she enjoy pressuring the other fragrant flowers with her brilliance?”
Lowering her head to take a look at Consort Li’s expression, Consort Yin smiles, not mentioning it anymore, and diverts to another topic: “Fortunately Consort Ying had a miscarriage, now the Empress can rise up from the east again, if not, Consort Ying cannot possibly be suppressed.”
Only when she listened up until this point, did she show a little reaction, Consort Li reveals a trace of doubt, “I heard that students across the world submitted a written pet.i.tion to his majesty, and only then did his majesty restore the Empress’ legitimate power?”
“That’s right, I heard that ballads were circulating around the commoners, the students pet.i.tioned one after another, pressure from the outside is all very great ah.” To hear such news, she inevitably felt rather delighted in the misfortune of others, secretly pleased.
“But, it isn’t able to cause Consort Ying any harm right? I just get this feeling there’s someone secretly helping her.” A good few times, such power from the outside has interfered with the back palace, and in such situation where no one catches sight of the slightest trace of the shadow, there is always someone who protects Consort Ying.
Not hearing Consort Li’s words, Consort Yin stares ahead in full concentration, her mouth mumbling in intrigue: “Strange……”
“Exactly what is strange?” Hearing her continuously mention the word strange, Consort Li also becomes curious.
“Could it be that you can’t sense Consort Ying’s difference in behaviour today? Her heart is not here, occasionally glancing towards the entrance, as though she’s waiting for someone.”
“Is that so?” Unable to hold back her gaze from looking over there once again.
Those close to the stone table can all sense Consort Ying’s abnormality, inadvertently revealing a slight show of nervousness, just when they were all surprised by this, a sound of “Prime Minister Lou’s Madam has arrived––” penetrates the air from the entrance, the usually firm and stable voice of announcement is actually trembling a little when loudly calling out.
Consort Ying is abruptly startled, turning her gaze, tightening her grip on the cup in hand. Everyone follows her actions and simultaneously looks over towards the entrance.
This is the first time the gathering of women has seen someone of Consort Ying’s equal. Gui Wan leisurely walks up, in a black outer robe with high lapel and wide sleeves, adorned with bright red embroidery patterns, the obscure embroidering on the outfit like the lights of fireflies, the fine threads of silk twisting and turning, a body of flowing patterns seemingly alive. Her hair held up in a string of finely divided pearls, emitting faint rings of glow, scattering onto her silky black hair, such fusion with her beauty results in an extremely charming demeanour, appearing devilishly glamourous, bewitchingly beautiful, an extremely unique charm.
After this matter, when those that were present were asked about the two people’s charms, they could not possibly describe it, and said as follows: Consort Ying’s beauty, is of great magnificence, delicately pretty, a charm that makes others cannot help but to feel tender towards her, beautiful to such extent that brings people to tears; Gui Wan’s beauty, is of pure essence, bewitchingly beautiful, such devilish force of attractiveness makes people sink into intoxication.
“So it is……Madam Lou who has come.” Standing up, Consort Ying delivers her greeting, the words Madam Lou seemingly difficult to push out of her mouth.
“Greetings your highnesses.” Paying her formal respects, Gui Wan’s light smile like an orchid.
Only at this very moment were all those present struck by a breath-taking sensation, simultaneously looking at Gui Wan, then also looking at Consort Ying, not one of them were untaken by shortness of breath after such lamentations.
In this moment, the Empress also reveals a rejoicing smile, hurriedly standing up as she pulls Gui Wan along to take a seat. The people seated there one by one comes forward in greeting, the atmosphere seething with excitement all over again. Her first time sitting at the same table with Consort Ying, Gui Wan did not feel constrained at all, whilst conversing about topics that concerns all women, the time flows by bit by bit.
Up until the reporting officer once again comes forth to notify them the banquet is about to begin, the women once again grows delighted, making their way to the banquet hall in an orderly manner, only the table with Consort Ying did not make a single move.
The Empress stands up first, calling out: “His majesty and hundred officials are waiting, let us make our way over to the front hall now.” Replies are sounded and the few people at this table stands, making their way out. Gui Wan stands up, was just about to trail behind, when her wrist was held back, upon turning her head, she is greeted by Consort Ying’s pair of exceptionally gentle eyes: “Madam Lou, may you accompany me for a walk.”
The Empress hears this, and looks back in surprise, yet Gui Wan only presses her lips together, carrying a thin smile as she nods in agreement.
Seeing Gui Wan’s appeasing smile, the Empress is relieved, leaving at ease.
Only the two are left within the garden, after a while, Consort Ying gracefully stands, starting to make her way out, Gui Wan silently follows after her. The two of them walks side by side on this long path in the palace, palace maids and eunuchs following them at a distance. An entourage of people walking at an incredibly slow speed.
“Can you guess how long it takes to finish walking this path?” Consort Ying who was silent all the way suddenly speaks up, her gentle voice lightly asking the person beside her.
Already thinking that she would not say anything, Gui Wan glances into the distance, under the evening skies, she cannot see the end, shaking her head, she says: “Not sure.”
“I walk this path every day, thus knowing that this road requires the time to drink half a pot of tea to get there, and the time to drink a full pot of tea to head back.”
Gui Wan indifferently smiles without responding, knowing full well that there must be a reason behind her words.
“You really are tolerant, are you not going to ask? Why this same path, getting there and back, why would the timing be different?” Consort Ying side eyes her, within those eyes with tenderness like water, a sorrowful coldness flows out, “That is because, when I’m heading there, I want to get one look of him, so I walk particularly fast, when I’m heading back, I’m absolutely reluctant to leave, my walking speed thus naturally slows.”
“Lady Consort’s affections runs deep, ties highly valued, such rarity is truly commendable.”
“You know who I am talking about, why are you still this calm?” Her voice raises a few notches, seeming to be very unsatisfied with Gui Wan’s reaction.
Gui Wan turns her head, acting in a pensive manner, giving an irrelevant answer: “The magnificence of the imperial palace is extraordinary, since Lady Consort has already married into the palace, why not cherish what you have, why must you bitterly struggle to grasp onto the past?”
Consort Ying upon hearing this, is slightly stunned, suddenly laughing out loud, an astringent taste hidden in her laughter, “You think those words can possibly affect me? Had I wanted to let go of the past, I would never have suffered for so long.”
“Not able to let go, also not able to be happy, Consort Ying is also living it tough.”
Suddenly stopping in her steps, Consort Ying doubtfully turns her head, eyes set on Gui Wan, delicately asking: “If so, are you willing to give this woman living a tough life a helping hand?”
Revealing a smile carrying a trace of ridicule, Gui Wan plays along saying: “Excuse my rudeness, but I really cannot see, how Lady Consort’s life is tough. Even if I can, I also do not have the ability to solve Lady Consort’s troubles.”
An expression of disappointment gradually emerges, and then immediately appears serious again, Consort Ying says: “You are being too modest, your tactics are truly superior, the average person cannot even reach there, the student pet.i.tioning a month ago, was it not your doing?”
Didn’t think she would actually mention this matter, originally she did not think that she could hide this since the very start, readily embracing Consort Ying’s critique, Gui Wan laughs it off.
Absolutely unable to accept such calm and open att.i.tude from Gui Wan, Consort Ying frowns, “I do not know why you are helping the Empress, but it will only happen just this once. From henceforth, Lou Che would also not let you do this.”
“Is that so? If it is like this, then why should Lady Consort be so alarmed?” The wind raises her black hair, Gui Wan gently strokes her long hair, because of being pressed harder and harder by Consort Ying, she was feeling slightly impatient.
“This thing called feelings changes accordingly to the surrounding environment, but feelings toughened throughout many years of trials, even though there will be many ups and downs, the fundamental essence will not be changed, do you believe this?”
The meaning strongly implied.
“I believe it.” Gui Wan leisurely replies, pointing to the large doors of the palace hall in front, the luxuriously jade green lighting leaking out from within, seemingly waiting for the late arrival of the two guests, “Lady Consort, we have arrived.”