Hearing this, Guan Xiu Wen remains dumbly frozen, not knowing how to answer, what he had seen three months ago, still remains fresh in his memory right now. Other than Gui Wan, no one else knows of this matter, this is the secret between the two of them, it also the key that has changed the course of his fate, countless times has he recalled that scene in his dreams, within the darkness, that woman looking at him, asking, are you willing to leave the performance troupe and follow me? He himself must have been possessed, not knowing her identity, and within the backlight, he could not even make out the person’s appearance clearly, yet he readily answers in agreement.
On several occasions, thinking back to that time, he would always feel so puzzled, at that time, what was it that made him agree, was it the fear of death? That is but only a small portion of his reason, exactly for what reason……even now he still does not understand, really does not understand……
Seeing Gui Wan wait for his answer with a sparkling smile, his thoughts stirs, he does not regret his decision back then, if he was given the choice once again, he would still make the same decision, if he is able to face such smile so often. With utmost certainty, he answers: “I also don’t know how I should choose.” Neither of the two answers are right, nor are they wrong, under such situation, there is no value in choice.
A little disappointed, Gui Wan says nothing, clearly knowing that the question is difficult to choose from, yet she still hopes for someone to give her an answer, this answer can at least enlighten her, leaving her to face the chain of events that will be coming her way in future, lightly shaking her head twice, she turns her head to the side, looking out the window, reciting: “The spring breeze is but a stranger, [so] why does it enter the bed curtains?”
Guan Xiu Wen’s heart throbs at the reciting of the poem, it was the last two lines of {{Spring Thoughts}}. When recited from Gui Wan’s lips, it actually carries feelings of distant and confused feelings, could it be that she has encountered some sort of difficulty? He could not help but ask: “Is there something troubling you Madam?”
“There is,” Gui Wan clearly answers, “There’s many troubling matters.” Another two weeks has past, and the Empress has still not made a single move, she too is feeling rather restless.
Guan Xiu Wen slightly furrows his brows, gently asking: “What matter could be troubling you?” Could it be because of Prime Minister Lou’s matters? The scene from three months ago abruptly jumps into his mind, making him secretly feel rather repelled.
Deliberately wanting to test his understanding of the imperial court, Gui Wan cautiously mentions: “Do you know of the ‘Hu Guo Temple’ incident?”
Guan Xiu Wen seriously thinks about it, he implicitly smiles towards Gui Wan and says: “Hu Guo Temple, is this referring to the matter of Consort Ying and the Empress’ offering of joss sticks?”
“What?”
Gui Wan was dumbfounded, thinking she had heard wrong, she raises her brows, her voice quiet as she speaks: “When was this? Consort Ying and the Empress went to offer joss sticks?” Her voice was filled with uncertainty, why is this? Why is it that she knows nothing of this matter, could there have been some misunderstanding in between, or could it be……
Guan Xiu Wen sees that her reaction was somewhat strange, and slowly explains: “Three days ago, Consort Ying and the Empress went to offer joss sticks, a votive offering, quelling the aftermath of the ‘Hu Guo Temple’ incident. This matter, is known throughout the entire Capital, everyone is curious, why these two arch-rivals would go offer joss sticks together.”
Gui Wan has thoroughly frozen, a chill runs up her spine, she already understands where the problem lies. The Empress must be wanting to take action now, which is why she left the Capital with Consort Ying in order to make their offerings, because only then, can she make her move. All of this, Lou Che should already know of, that’s why the housekeeper has been keeping the facts from her, the daily reports were all to deceive her. What’s more serious is, since Lou Che is aware of the Empress’ plans, then wouldn’t the Empress lose without a doubt? The more she thinks about it, the more serious the matter is. Between both sides, one side would definitely fail, and it would most likely be the Empress. Since the ancient times, the loser of imperial power struggle, usually only ever have one path to walk……thinking up to this point, Gui Wan’s blood runs cold.
Her body suddenly stands up, her voice cold, losing its usual leisurely vibe that captivates others, “How long have they left? Did they leave three days ago?”
Guan Xiu Wen was startled by her sudden movement, hastily replying: “Yes, they left three days ago, and are expected to be back tomorrow morning.” He did not understand why Gui Wan’s complexion suddenly turned pale, but was still able to sense the seriousness of the situation.