Walking up to the very edge of the lotus pond, there is indeed the jade steps. At this moment, Gui Wan really has no choice but to give it to this Consort Ying, looks like she is yet another love-struck fool.
Having just confirmed her own speculations, she had just wanted to turn back, but the sound of footsteps can already be heard from behind her, Gui Wan was surprised, all this time there had been not a single soul in sight, who could have walked into this garden at this time?
Taking a quick glance with a turn of her head, approaching from afar is actually Lou Che and Consort Ying!
Gui Wan’s mind blanks out for a second, she had wanted to greet them, but doesn’t know how to speak up, noticing that the two people have no one besides them, the atmosphere also appears to be a bit strange, to come out during such time, wouldn’t it just be too weird? Switching to another thought, she bends her body to hide behind the fake rockery next to the jade steps, at this moment, she was fortunate that this place is made to look exactly like home, hiding here, she most definitely wouldn’t be found.
“Lady Consort Ying, why exactly have you brought this subject here?” Lou Che calls out to Consort Ying, his tone carrying estrangement.
That beautiful face holds a look of hidden bitterness, Yao Ying turns around, directly looking at Lou Che. This beloved man of hers, to actually use such cold voice towards her, to call out to her in such an estranged way, causing her heart to tighten in pain, her voice bringing tears as she speaks: “Do you not recognise the place before your eyes?”
How could he not recognise it? Lou Che continues to speak emotionlessly: “This is the newly built Jing Ye.”
“No,” Yao Ying strains, her voice sounding even more sad and dreary, “This is not Jing Ye, this is not……” Her hand points towards the garden –– pointing over, she says in a crying tone: “That is the lotus pond I love most, the lotus pond you made; that is the corridor I love most, the corridor you made; that is the jade steps I love most, the jade steps you made……” Her words can no longer form any sounds, Yao Ying sobs incessantly.
Seeing Yao Ying weep so sorrowfully in front of him, a scene like that of a pear blossom bathed in rain[2], Lou Che stands frozen, seized by a sudden impulse, an image of Gui Wan’s face floats before his eyes, both are women equally as beautiful as the other, yet how could there be such a big difference between them personality wise? Yao Ying looks glamorously beautiful on the outside, but is soft on the inside; Gui Wan looks elegantly beautiful on the outside, but inside……inside, she should be considered carefree and easy-going right?
“What are you thinking……?” Yao Ying feels a burst of panicking heartbeats, seeing Lou Che appear absent-minded just now.
Composing himself as he looks at Yao Ying, Lou Che lets out a sigh, gently saying: “Ying-er, do you know what you are doing? This is the imperial palace. There are many eyes and ears, you must always be cautious, if anyone sees you like this, it will give rise to an impending fatality.”
Hearing his change of addressment, Yao Ying’s heart slowly calms, softly speaking: “I am just anxious, today seeing you……you treat Yu so well, I felt too heavy-hearted, that’s why……” (Note: Yu is Gui Wan’s surname)
Brows knitting together, Lou Che responds saying: “Gui Wan is also the wife you have found for me, what exactly do you want me to do?” His heart greatly troubled.
Slightly stunned, Yao Ying reveals a smile that looks worse than crying, “That’s right, it is I who found her for you. I had originally thought, if I cannot stay by your side, then I should find you a woman who is no less than myself to be your wife, but……but seeing it today, I could not even refrain my jealousy……good heavens, how despicable I am, even I loathe myself.” Both hands masking her face, Yao Ying’s tears once again steams down uncontrollably.