Chapter 100
Everything was so quiet. The candlelight flickered in the dark hall. Shanzhu paced anxiously back and forth. Her mistress had been gone for so long. Why hadn't she returned yet? She usually came back around 7 PM. Why was she so late tonight? Could something have happened to her?
A fierce glint flashed in Shanzhu's eyes as she felt numb. If anything happened to her master, she would never let those who hurt her go. Then, perhaps tired from walking, Shanzhu sat down on the threshold outside the hall, leaning her head against the door frame. She became completely still, and no one could tell that the anxious woman from before was her.
Darkness always carries an eeriness, especially the quiet nights in the harem. The harem, where countless people have died, always carries a unique chill. Whether it's the unease in people's minds or a genuine feeling of coldness, even the faint breeze gives people a different feeling. The sound of trees, the sound of wind blowing on the ground, and other unknown sounds are like a noisy melody, making the already anxious Mangkhut even more agitated.
A dark figure slithered through the night, flashing past in an instant, and on the bed in the Ronghua Palace lay a beautiful woman. Strands of her hair clung to her tear-streaked cheeks, and her furrowed brows evoked pity. Her white gauze dress swayed gently, and the moonlight formed a white halo around her, making her body shimmer like light, like a moon fairy, so pure that no one dared to defile her.
"Who?" Shan Zhu suddenly stood up, walked into the hall, and shouted sharply. She looked around warily, then slowly walked into the master's room. What she saw next surprised her, and she became wary again. Although Shanzhu is an old palace maid, she is different from other old palace maids. There is a type of secret guard in the palace called "Shadows." They have signed a life-and-death contract with the royal family, vowing to obey their masters to the death, or else they will die a terrible death. Their work is extensive, including protecting their masters' safety and sometimes acting as their masters' doubles. Because those who become Shadows must undergo cruel training, if their master dies, the Shadow cannot live alone; they must die with their master. This is an unfair treatment, which is why there are so many similar slave systems in ancient times. Shanzhu is one of the Shadows, but she has not signed a contract. This is also the only choice for the Shadows. They can choose their masters, but it must be the royal family, because the royal family is where the Shadows are trained. Therefore, Shanzhu, who has been on the verge of death, is very perceptive, especially at night when her vigilance is highly concentrated. This is why Xuebin recruited Shanzhu. On the one hand, it is to monitor Zixue, and on the other hand, if Zixue wants to secretly eliminate someone, she can entrust Shanzhu with the task. It can also be said that she is indirectly protecting Zixue's safety. However, Shanzhu did indeed help Zixue a lot. When Zixue first accepted the position of Imperial Noble Consort, she didn't know much about the harem at all, relying only on a few TV dramas she had watched. As the saying goes, it's easy to dodge a spear in the open, but hard to guard against an arrow in the dark. Without Zixue's knowledge, Shanzhu shielded her from many arrows. Only when Zixue had grown strong enough could Shanzhu truly serve as a maidservant to her mistress. The shadows are ruthless, but that doesn't mean they are heartless. Just like Shanzhu, she initially looked down on Zixue, always feeling that protecting such a person was beneath her. But after seeing how much effort Zixue put in to prepare for the struggles in the harem, she was truly willing to help. It's not that Zixue was particularly clever, but rather that Shanzhu liked people who strengthened themselves for external reasons.
"Your Majesty," Shan Zhu looked out the window, and seeing nothing amiss, walked to the bedside. Looking at the Moon Fairy on the bed, she called out with a touch of pity.
"Your Highness" Shan Zhu felt sorry for her, but she had to ensure her mistress's safety. She was a little worried that her mistress had been sent back so inexplicably.
I collapsed into Gui Yao's arms, then plunged back into darkness, just like before. There was nothing there, only me. I couldn't hear, see, or touch anything. I was gripped by fear, struggling to stay awake. Suddenly, a voice calling "Your Majesty" jolted me awake.
I suddenly opened my eyes and stared at Mangkhut in horror. I was clearly still not over it; my back was covered in cold sweat, and the wind felt cool on my skin.
When "Your Highness" saw her mistress looking at her with fear, she knew that the mistress was still in a daze, so she raised her voice.
"Ah, mangosteen!" I came to my senses, relaxed my body slightly, and fell back onto the bed, calling out softly in a slightly tired voice.
"Your Highness, what's wrong? What happened? You've been gone for so long, I was so worried. I was waiting outside the palace. How come Your Highness is in bed now?" Shanzhu was puzzled, but she was genuinely worried and asked a few questions. However, she knew there would be no answer. The Shadow had a rule: no one was allowed to guess their master's thoughts or ask them anything. All they could do was obey, obey, and obey again. Their master was like heaven. If he wanted you to die, you had to die; if he wanted you to live, you had to live. They could not disobey him for all eternity.
"It's nothing," I said, lowering my eyes, instinctively not wanting anyone to know that Gui Yao had arrived.
"Then Your Highness, please rest well. If you need anything, just call me. I'll be guarding the door." Shanzhu didn't ask any more questions. She already knew from her words that this person had no hostility towards her, otherwise she wouldn't be lying here for no reason.
"Go down," I said slowly and deliberately, with my eyes closed.
When the mangosteen was out of the gate, I opened my eyes and looked at Liusu thoughtfully.
I knew that Shanzhu knew martial arts because she was testing me while I was testing her. Perhaps I was lucky to find out by chance that she knew martial arts, and was very good at it. That's why I didn't show off my martial arts skills in front of her. I always lived like a weak but strong woman, which is why she looked at me with new respect. In fact, Zixue has been grateful to Shanzhu these past two years because she was able to live like a normal person. She was like a guide for the blind, pointing her in the right direction. Now, she is still grateful. Shanzhu is good at reading people's expressions. She knew that I didn't want to talk about it, so she chose not to ask any further. Although it wouldn't have been a problem if she had asked any further, it would have made her feel guilty. I don't know why.
"Come out." I knew Gui Yao hadn't left. Gui Yao's martial arts skills were exceptional, so she could handle Mangosteen.
"Xue'er" Gui Yao appeared before her like a ghost, her enchanting face still captivating, the doting look in her eyes enough to drive any girl crazy, and her magnetic voice alluring.
I smiled somewhat sarcastically. Was I also so shallow as to fall in love with Jue before? Beautiful things are always attractive and enough to make people obsessively addicted. But when you actually fall in love with someone not because of their appearance, you find yourself trapped inside and unable to escape.
"How...is he?" I hesitated for a moment, but couldn't help asking, the sadness in my voice filling the space between Gui Yao and me.
No updates for now
Xue'er has decided that she won't be updating for the next two months. I feel bad that you've all been waiting so patiently. I'll resume updating in two months. Right now, I'm focusing on the college entrance exam. Everyone, thank you for your continued support. I know my writing isn't very good, so I'm grateful to those who have supported me this far. Because of you, I don't want to give up. And to those who haven't persisted, I'm still grateful, because I know I've been too slow. If I were reading this, I wouldn't be able to stand it either. So, no matter what, thank you. I've been saying this repeatedly, so I'll put it another way for you to process this: Thank you so much, everyone!
Chapter 101
Everyone, thank you for following along so diligently! Xue'er did well on her college entrance exam, and I'll be posting another chapter now. Thank you!
There was no sound for a long time; it was so quiet that it seemed as if Gui Yao had already left. Only the subtle sound of his breathing told me that he had not gone.
Unable to get an answer, a bitter smile unconsciously crept onto my lips. My already pale face appeared even more ethereal in the moonlight. Then, I heard a soft sigh, followed by Gui Yao's slightly bitter words, "What do you want to know?"
Yes, what exactly do I want to know? If I know he's doing well, it proves that he can still live a good life even without me. If I know he's not doing well, I can't bear it. I want to see him, but I can't get over that chasm in my heart. Gui Yao asked me just one question, but if I don't ask, my heart feels like it's being scratched by a kitten.
"Yes, I don't even know what I want." Then came another wave of sadness, wondering when she had become so hesitant and indecisive.
"He... isn't doing well. He's been looking for you for two years now. You've hidden yourself really well this time. I never imagined you'd be hiding in the palace, becoming the Imperial Noble Consort of the Snow Kingdom." Gui Yao shook her head, her sorrowful eyes fixed on the conflicted woman before her. She must be suffering too, being hurt so much, yet unable to let go. We're all the same, relentlessly tormented by the trials of love, none of us willing to yield, only wanting to leave ourselves scarred before we're satisfied.
"Is he looking for me?" I murmured softly, unable to describe my feelings. I was both happy and in pain, my heart like a lump of dough, twisting and turning, over and over again.
"Aren't you going to leave?" Gui Yao finally asked the question he had always wanted to ask. Yes, he still selfishly wanted to take her away and give her happiness forever, but he didn't know if this would make her lose her happiness.
"No, not yet. Give me three more months. After three months, I will leave." Hearing Gui Yao's question, I suddenly remembered my promise to Xue Bin. Now I must help that woman clear the obstacles in the palace. However, I still have to see if she is worth it. The palace has never needed a woman who only loves sincerely. Even if you help her take care of such a person, she will still send herself to hell. It's not that I am kind. This is to repay Xue Bin and Jing'er for taking care of me for so many years. Once I have repaid them, I can leave without any worries and live the life I want without being disturbed by anyone.
"What exactly do you want?" Gui Yao suddenly disliked this woman who only knew how to shoulder everything herself. She had never thought of asking him for help.
"Gui Yao, this is a war between women, you can't help me." There was a resolute tone in my voice, which made Gui Yao even angrier.
"If you won't let me help you, can you do it yourself? You can't see now, what can you do?" Gui Yao was furious, and he was a bit reckless with his words. He was angry at this woman's stubbornness, her obstinacy, and her toughness. But he still loved her. He still loved her unyielding face and those flawless eyes from back then, even though they were empty now. He still remembered those sincere eyes, the eyes that made him fall in love. Seeing her empty eyes hurt him more than anyone else. At that moment, he even had the urge to gouge out his own eyes and give them to her, but he knew she wouldn't accept it.
Although Jing'er and Xuebin knew about my blindness, no one had ever told me so directly. It would be a lie to say I didn't care. No one would want to stay in darkness forever, and no one would not yearn to see the world. Although I had seen it before, I believed that if I could see it again, I would look at it even more greedily. Unfortunately, that was just wishful thinking.
A moment of silence fell over the air. Gui Yao regretted saying those words, because the woman in front of her was even paler, as if she would fall apart at the slightest touch, and was even more frail and helpless.
I lowered my head, my voice filled with sorrow. "Gui Yao, I know you're worried about me, but I've made it through these past two years. I know exactly what I'm capable of. So, this time, I'll get rid of you. Don't worry about me. As long as I handle things in the palace, I can leave. Let me be willful one last time."
"Okay, I promise you." Then, a gust of wind swept by, and the room returned to silence.
I lay down on the bed, closed my eyes, and made up my mind that this time, I would definitely get rid of it completely.
The next day, orioles chirped outside, and sunlight streamed down like gauze, creating a hazy, yet uniquely charming scene through the screen window.
I was woken up by Mangosteen. After washing up, I sat quietly waiting for the concubines to pay their respects. Strangely enough, Xuebin had set such a rule for them, which was a privilege reserved for the Empress. Yet, I didn't see the Empress say anything against it. Although she was using me as a scapegoat, it still made me suspicious.
I was pondering how to remove Consort Rong from power; it was no easy task. Just then, the other concubines arrived.
"Greetings to the Imperial Concubine!" they said in unison. Their delicate voices really gave me a chill, and I still don't get used to it.
"Get up, sisters," I waved my hand, remaining calmly seated with a dignified smile on my face.
"Let's go and pay our respects to Her Majesty the Empress together," Shanzhu said, helping me up. I led a group of concubines toward the Empress's Yonghua Palace. Along the way, I kept thinking about how to bring down Consort Rong, but I still had to go to Xilan Palace. Obviously, Consort Lan hadn't listened to me and was still doing her own thing. I had to go and give her a strong dose of medicine.
When we arrived at Yonghua Palace, Shanzhu told me that the Empress was already waiting.
I stepped forward and curtsied, saying, "Greetings to Your Majesty the Empress." Then the concubines behind me also knelt down. Because of my different rank, I didn't need to kneel. This was a perk I got from Xuebin. I didn't mind having the Empress as an enemy. Although the fewer enemies the better, in the harem, every woman is an enemy, only sometimes they become allies.
"Get up, all of you," the Queen stepped forward and helped me up. Although we are not enemies now, neither of us will cross the other's bottom line. Although I once made her lose face, I think she remembers it and will take the opportunity to strike me down so that I will never recover.
After everyone was seated, Consort Rong became a little impatient. Even my presence as a Noble Consort hadn't helped, and she was getting anxious.
"What is it, Consort Rong? Why are you in such a panic? What kind of behavior is this?" Consort Rong gave the Empress a chance to reprimand her. Perhaps women become a little silly when they meet a man they like.
"Yes, Your Majesty, I have overstepped my bounds. However, Your Majesty, the Emperor has been sleeping in Xilan Palace for three consecutive months. This is not in accordance with the rules. The Empress Dowager has also made it clear that Your Majesty should speak up about this." Consort Rong was also clever. She shifted the blame to the Empress Dowager, so that the Empress would not dare to do anything to her.
"This is truly a difficult situation for me," the Empress frowned, but in her heart she hated Consort Rong. She had brought her such a big problem first thing in the morning. If this was to ask Consort Rong to speak up against the Emperor, the Emperor would probably hate her even more.
Then, the Empress softened her expression, and I felt her gaze fall upon me. I then heard her say, "Sister, what do you say? The Emperor dotes on you the most. If you speak up, he might listen, and the Empress Dowager will be delighted too."
This empress is really too cunning. She threw the problem at me so quickly. If I handle it well, I'll save face for the empress dowager, but I'll offend the emperor. If I handle it poorly, I'll anger the empress dowager, but I'll win the emperor's favor. I don't get any benefit from either way. And she's just saying this to make me step in and suffer this humiliation. How can she be so sure I'll accept it? What a joke.
"Look at what you're saying, sister. How can I possibly control what the Emperor does? But the Empress Dowager has already said that if I don't say anything more, I'll be breaking the rules. A few days ago, I went to Xilan Palace. Although the Emperor didn't punish me, he told me to behave myself. I feel wronged too." After saying this, I forced out two tears and pretended to wipe them with my handkerchief. Who can't pretend to be weak?
"My sister is joking. The Emperor likes her so much." The Empress was no pushover either. She knew the ins and outs of the matter and would never get involved in this mess. She had to make her accept this situation.
"Sister, do you not believe me? I'm old and faded, how can I compare to Consort Lan's beauty?" After saying this, she wiped away her tears sadly.
"This..." The Empress was truly stumped. She really didn't know how to resolve this matter, and she frowned deeply.
"Sister, there is something I want to say, but I don't know if I should," I said, feigning concern as I looked at the Empress.
"Sister, please speak frankly if you have anything to say," the Empress said calmly, glancing at me.
"Sister, why don't we ask the Empress Dowager for permission to have Consort Rong go to Xilan Palace to deliver the decree, ordering Consort Lan to spend three months copying and chanting Buddhist scriptures to pray for the Snow Kingdom? The Emperor is a wise ruler, he will surely agree, and during these three months, the Emperor will gradually favor the women in the harem."
My idea is good, but it paves the way for Consort Rong to go to hell. Consort Rong hates Consort Lan so much right now, and given her personality, she will definitely accept this suggestion. Meanwhile, the Empress has solved this troublesome matter, and she couldn't be happier for Consort Rong to take the lead.
"Indeed, my sister is so clever. No wonder the Emperor favors you so much," the Empress said to me with a smile, her eyes lighting up. Then she looked at Consort Rong and said, "Consort Rong, you shall announce this decree. I will request permission from the Empress Dowager."
"Yes, Your Majesty, I obey." Consort Rong was secretly delighted. She could see the sorrow on Consort Lan's face when she received the imperial edict, and she was overjoyed to accept it.
After returning to her palace from the Empress's Yonghua Palace and sitting down, Shanzhu hurriedly asked, "Your Majesty, isn't this a boon for Consort Rong? The Emperor will definitely treat her favorably."
"Look at her with a discerning eye, huh?" I sneered. "Then let's see if Consort Rong can accept the 'favor' she's about to receive. You may leave now; I know what I'm doing."
Mangosteen stopped talking and went downstairs.
I groped my way to the window and stood there, inhaling the fresh breeze.
A magnetic yet husky voice rang out behind me, “Xue’er,” and my hand froze, unable to move.
Chapter 102
My heart trembled, and I gripped the window frame tightly as if I wanted to break it. I never imagined that we would meet under such circumstances, nor that he would find me so quickly. But then I thought, if he could find Gui Yao, how could he not find me with his power? I underestimated him.
"Xue'er," he called again. I could hear the weariness in his voice. I suppressed the pain in my heart and forced myself to remain indifferent, not softening my heart because of his simple call.
"Someone, catch the assassin!" I took a deep breath and shouted towards the door. Then, I heard him fly to my side, grabbing my arms tightly, but with enough strength to not hurt me. I could feel his excitement and sorrow.
The orderly sound of footsteps echoed into the hall. I knew the guards outside had heard it. My heart skipped a beat because of his touch. I tried to pry his hands off, but the difference in strength between men and women became apparent.
"Let me go!" I could only shout helplessly. I couldn't let the guards see him; it would be bad for everyone.
"Xue'er," he whispered softly close to my ear, his lips close to my ear, but his hands did not loosen their grip. He was not a talkative person, but this one call made me feel that he had a lot to say to me.
I knew there was no point in running away now. I closed my eyes, pursed my lips, and said softly, "You go first, don't let them see you."
His body stiffened for a moment, then I felt my arm being released, and his breath disappeared into the air. I breathed a sigh of relief. A moment later, the guards stood in front of me, kneeling down and asking, "Is Your Highness alright?"
I composed myself, and although I felt a little apologetic, I still said, "Hurry up and search for me! In broad daylight, an assassin suddenly appeared! You've neglected your duties! Search for me now! If anything goes wrong, you'll never see me again!"
The kneeling guards were terrified, then replied in unison, "Yes, Your Majesty, we obey!"
They went out to search in a regular pattern, with 'dengdengdeng' sounds.
"Tonight, let's go to the peach blossom grove in the palace. I know you must know it." Although I couldn't hear his breathing, I knew he hadn't left. Perhaps, we should put an end to our relationship, an end that would put my heart at ease. I've been hurt, I've been in pain, I've cried, and I've always wanted to ask him for an explanation in person. But now that I've seen him, I feel helpless, my mind is blank. I force myself to calm down and think about what we should talk about tonight.
For the next few minutes, I was restless, pacing back and forth in the hall, unable to sit still and wait. I knew that I might get a fatal blow from him tonight, or perhaps a comforting answer. Whatever the answer, based on what I had heard since arriving in the Snow Country, I was certain that it would still hurt me, to varying degrees.
"Your Majesty," Shanzhu walked in, looking at the anxious Empress in front of her with some surprise. She had never seen the Empress like this before, with a bit of anticipation and a bit of sadness. The Empress had always hidden her expression very well, which was something Shanzhu had always admired. Seeing the Empress like this, Shanzhu was nothing but surprised.
I was startled by Mangosteen's call, but I quickly composed myself, maintaining my composed demeanor. "What is it, Mangosteen?"
"Consort Lan requests an audience." Without much thought, Shanzhu immediately reported her purpose.