Chapter 23 (1/2)
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
In The Dark
[Flowers on] luxuriant branches easily descends one after another, [I want to] discuss with budding flowers to open little by little.[1] (All flowers bloom so brilliantly so that when time pa.s.ses by they can urgently descend to the ground. If that is the case, I would like to discuss with the budding flowers, is it possible to bloom a little slower)
“It’s already springtime again.” The slender figure in front of the window lightly says as though sighing, Gui Wan sits leaning on the felt covered long chair (chaise lounge), gazing out into the spring air brilliantly overflowing in the courtyard, speaking out in utter boredom.
Time flies so fast, nearly half a year flashed by, how is she to not be filled with emotions, in a blink of an eye, has the “Changes of Feng Shan” already pa.s.sed by for so long now?
Gui Wan takes her hand out from the snow fur, resting it on the window sill, having just come in contact with it, a heart penetrating coolness charges up her arm, slightly shrinking back, she could not refrain from inhaling the cold air, it is still so frost cold, just like that day, by the pond when she asked Lou Che, is he lying to her as well, the feeling from that faint smile he responded with, is exactly the same. Such smile, really makes people feel the ghostly chill from within their bones.
Half a year ago, the besieging of the Prince Duan Estate failed to catch Prince Duan, as though he suddenly disappeared from the Capital. Although rumours later stated Prince Duan has appeared in the areas of Nan Jun and Luo Ling, but because there were no evidence, the matter was put to a rest. As for Lou Che, whilst many thought he wanted to tilt the power balance within the imperial court to his side alone, actually fell tremendously short from everyone’s expectations as he suddenly enters a tranquil state, other than attending the court a.s.sembly every day, he practically showed no concern towards the affairs of the state.
“Exactly what is he planning to do?” The doubts within her heart is spoken out loud, Gui Wan knits her brows, thinking about the question that has been troubling her for a long time. This past half of the year, Lou Che has practically used half of his time on her, whatever can be seen, whatever can be toured, whatever can be played, he has been accompanying her in all these recreational fun, even towards Consort Ying’s loss of favour, he did not even show any concern.
Lou Che becoming uncaring towards all of the state affairs, is this really him wanting to spend days like an idle cloud and wild crane?[2] Gui Wan spouts out hot air, her pressed lips actually hooking up into a smile, as if ridiculing, as if sighing. On the surface, Lou Che is a gentle and wave-less pool, like the spring breeze brus.h.i.+ng past, but underneath this pool, whether it is of stormy seas or rapids across the reefs, no one knows.
“If you wish to deceive another, you must first deceive yourself” this phrase, Gui Wan seems to have heard it from somewhere before, when it first drifted by her ears, she forgot all about it, thinking about it now, it is rather interesting.
The wind blows behind her, before she turns her head, Ru Qing’s voice sounds: “Madam, there is a guest requesting an audience outside.”
Retracting the already slightly frozen hand, Gui Wan silently sighs, him again. This past half of the year, he has come numerous times, sometimes bringing new strange treasures, sometimes chatting around for a half a day, sometimes rus.h.i.+ng here, with no purpose, sitting down for a moment, drinking a cup of clear tea, and leave feeling extremely satisfied.
She is finding it increasingly hard to see through him now, in her memory, he still seems to be that refres.h.i.+ng and frail youth, but looking at his doings this past half of the year, it seems like reality has already far left her memories.
Gui Wan strolls into the floral hall, under one glance she sees several retainers carrying a big box inside the hall, in moment of surprise, Guan Xiu Wen comes up greeting her, consistency of fortune in his official career overflowing from this youth’s body, his body thus has an additional air of thriving vitality, a proud smile hangs on his lips as he calls out: “You’re here.”(Note of reminder: The floral hall is the Chinese equivalent of drawing room – a room aside from the main living room where guests can be received and entertained)
Sounding a shallow laughter, Gui Wan closes in, looking over the fact that he did not make any cordial addressment, her heart was put a slight discomfort. The change in this youth is caused by the influence of the environment he is in, he is still warm and friendly, but is somewhat different to the past, she is unable to specify where the difference lies, only feeling that that sense of crystal clearness has been infiltrated.
The elegant young man directs the retainers to place down the box, smiling with slight excitement, “These have been s.h.i.+pped in from Jiang Xi, I believe you would definitely like……” His expression like that of offering treasure appears naïve.
Upon thinking how such naivety has made all sorts of officials amongst the imperial court feel fear, Gui Wan was also extremely doubtful, is this youth really the one who cut off Prince Duan’s wings within half a year, and helped the Emperor to remove several ruthless veteran officials? The rumoured brutality, and the water-like pureness before her eyes, just which one is real?
Noticing Gui Wan’s heavy silence, Guan Xiu Wen also knits his brows together, asking: “What’s wrong? Is there something not to your liking?”
Smiling, Gui Wan takes away her inquiring eyes, suddenly hearing a burst of collision sound, she turns around in surprise, one box under the carelessness of a servant, has fallen to the ground, the things inside the box spills out, beads of jade gla.s.s pours out just like that, causing a noisy sound of clear ringing, an underlying halo light flows out, spilling out an entire floor of stars.
Such a valuable gift again, Gui Wan wryly smiles, really unable to understand his intentions. If it is to say him returning her grace, he has already paid it all off. But if to speak of other intentions, sometimes when he sends her gifts, as long as she says she likes it, he will be satisfied just like that, could it be that all this is just to get her to say she likes it?
“Xiu Wen……” Wanting to say some words of persuasion, but does not know where to start.
“Do you like it? This is of the high quality gla.s.s, such s.h.i.+ne embellished with glamour, is of the highest of the highest quality goods.” His eyes like clear water, Guan Xiu Wen looks at Gui Wan with such hopeful eyes, an expression as though he wants her confirmation.
Swallowing down the words she wanted to say, “……like.” If she rejects it, just like the first time round, this youth would probably completely destroy all the treasures.
Receiving a definite answer, Guan Xiu Wen finally puts his heart at ease, under Gui Wan’s signal, he takes a seat at the guest spot, his eyes following Gui Wan’s movement, the smile on his face unchanging.
“The imperial court is busy with state affairs, you are already a minister close by his majesty’s side, how could you have the leisurely time to come here?” Not knowing what to say, she could only casually ask this.
Very lightly taking a sip of the scented tea, Guan Xiu Wen answers in a neither rushed nor impatient manner: “I have come today, to discuss matters with Teacher.”
Discuss with Lou Che? What matter is this? Such suspecting question flashes by, Gui Wan laughing says: “Could it be that something big has happened within the imperial court?” Lou Che has practically entered a retreated state this past half of the year, officials who drops by has also gradually decreased, exactly what matter could there be, that requires discussing with him right now?
“Something big is indeed happening within the imperial court, his majesty wants to establish an academy, primarily above the six ministries, to share the burdens of the prime minister and six ministries.” Guan Xiu Wen clearly explains the reasoning, towards Gui Wan, he has not even the slightest of wariness.
Her lips gently curls up upon hearing this, Gui Wan shows her disdain, this is clearly Zheng Liu’s way to seize power, wanting to gradually overstep the power of the prime minister and the six ministries, concentrating his own imperial power, having said that, this is indeed a greatly effective approach.
“But, finding Teacher today, is not because of this matter……” Guan Xiu Wen smiles as he continues speaking.
Gui Wan looks towards him, meeting her eyes is Guan Xiu Wen’s...o...b.. like a quiet lake that appears bottomlessly deep.
Doubts secretly acc.u.mulating within her heart, Gui Wan diverts to another topic, all the topics she picks were all interesting news and stories regarding matters within the court, beating around the bush without a trace, hoping to be able to unearth some revelations. Guan Xiu Wen openly speaks without a sense of guilt, seeming to have no hesitation, but only towards the real purpose for finding Lou Che today, does he keeps his lips sealed.
The faint fragrance of tea indoors, blends in with the plum blossoms and snow scenery outside the window, the two people pleasantly chats, pretty much with joy filling the air. Speaking of the interesting news within the palace, Guan Xiu Wen mentions: “Ever since Lady Consort Yin got pregnant, within the imperial palace right now, it can be described to be in a state of extreme nervousness[3], afraid that something similar to Consort Ying will happen.” Once he finished saying this, his expression was somewhat unnatural, observing Gui Wan’s face.
Seeing that the look in his eyes carries three points of attentiveness, Gui Wan feels more vigilant at heart, continuing to smile, asking: “Lady Consort Ying……how is she?”
“Although not as doted on as before, but his majesty has not mistreated her either.”
Able to pick out the pretty cynical tone in his words, Gui Wan smiles, this youth still carries such pure naivety, his unreasonable hate towards Consort Ying, is also more or less due to feeling she has done her wrong right?
Just when the two of them were in the middle of chatting, a slender moon-white figure slowly approaches from outside the hall, before the person enters, his voice travels in first: “Gui Wan, which esteemed guest has come by?”
Guan Xiu Wen places down the tea in hand, instantly standing up, “Teacher.”
“So it is Xiu Wen ah.” Sounding a pointless greeting, Lou Che’s att.i.tude is neither cold nor warm.
“Teacher, student has come today, wanting to discuss a matter with Teacher.”
Seeing him directly speak in such upfront manner, Lou Che was slightly stunned, then raises a cold smile, his eyes looking Guan Xiu Wen from head to toe, seeming as though it is the first time he had met him, his speech like a light satirical laughter: “Every time I see you, it just gives me a kind of feeling as though looking at you in a different light.”
Guan Xiu Wen raises his head, looking directly into Lou Che’s eyes, answering with a clear resonant voice: “Thanking Teacher’s praise, all has come from Teacher’s cultivation of grace.”
Lou Che puts on a smile, looking towards Gui Wan, his...o...b.. appearing veiled, in the end, he does not say a word, turning around to accommodate to Guan Xiu Wen, the two of them heading into the study room to discuss matters, the floral hall is suddenly left a hall of coldness.
Gui Wan sits in her original spot, picking up the tea, the tea is already cold, the fragrant already gone, taking a sip without minding this, she places down the tea cup, coldly sighing out loud: “Clearly is a cup of tea, once cooled down the taste is actually different, it really is a few points similar to that of people……” Turning her head as she smiles and ask Ru Qing who had been standing by the side all this time, “Don’t you think so?”
Ru Qing was stunned at first, and then nods her head, heavily responding with a sound of: “Yes, Madam.” Giving rise to a wave of lightly laughter from Gui Wan.
……
Like the first snow, prideful plum blossoms, the breeze during spring carries a fragrance.
Plum blossom fragrance faintly leaks into the hall through the window, seemingly lingering with worries. Gui Wan silently observes the scenery outside the window, time sneaks away within such silence. Two whole hours have pa.s.sed by, even Ru Qing was growing impatient, wondering to herself: exactly what matter is Lord Prime Minister and First Ranked Scholar Guan discussing, to actually take up so much time?
The time of waiting, seems to be pa.s.sing even slower.
Fire, within her chest there seems to be a small ball fire burning, disturbing Gui Wan’s thoughts. Mind temporarily blank, temporarily chaotic, she was practically unclear of what she herself was thinking about, but the scenes before her eyes were flying around and around, deep down she could not help but wonder, the situation of leisurely and carefree mood this past half of the year, was it a dream or was it real? Right now within the study room, are they discussing power of profit?
The sheer cunningness and falsehood within this Capital City, the intrigues within the imperial palace, is it of power, or is it of status bewitchment?
Making a sudden turn of the head, entering her eyes were Ru Qing’s face of impatience, Gui Wan just silently smiles, her heart calming down a few points. Wait, only waiting…..what she is waiting for is perhaps not the result, but the start of a new round.
Finally spotting Lou Che, Guan Xiu Wen’s figures, the two people slowly making their way over, both faces carrying a smile, unable to distinguish whether it is real or fake, gradually closing in.
Only just stepping into the hall, Lou Che speaks with an additional apologetic tone within his usual gentle one: “Gui Wan, I need to enter the palace this once today, looks like, accompanying you to tour the mushroom garden will have to be postponed.”
Her heart receives a slight surprise, Gui Wan’s face was unchanging as she nods her head, although between them, there were actually no arrangements to go touring whatever this mushroom garden is.
Guan Xiu Wen chimes in from the side: “Teacher, there is not much time, let us quickly enter the palace.”
Lou Che walks upfront, lightly hugging Gui Wan, his body temperature lightly transmitted onto Gui Wan, lowering his head onto Gui Wan’s neck area, lightly speaking as though he’s a mosquito, he whispers into her ear: “I’m sorry, Gui Wan, wait for my return.” His voice can only be heard by the two of them, his expression hidden, not one person could see it.
Heart turning cold, with the feeling of gradually sinking, the fine tone of this light voice was actually heavier than a thousand jin[4], pressing down on Gui Wan to the point where she did not even know how to breath for a moment, lightly gritting her teeth, Gui Wan says: “This is the decision you made?” (Jīn /斤 – a weight measurement, approximately twelve kilograms)