Double Queens GL - Chapter 25

Chapter 25

When Yang Zhao heard Ye Guichen praising Liu Hening, he felt increasingly reassured and pleased, believing his two wives would get along more and more harmoniously.

“It is getting late; Huachao, come and rest with me.” He reached out to take Ye Guichen’s hand, clearly intending for her to attend to him that night.

Ever since Yang Zhao had planned to depose her to establish another Empress, Ye Guichen had harbored a deep resentment. Now, Yang Zhao was merely “charity food” pushed over because Liu Hening didn’t want him, which filled her with revulsion. At the prospect of a man she no longer cared for—and even loathed—touching her, her body and mind recoiled. Even the touch of his hand felt unbearable. However, Yang Zhao was the Emperor; she could not simply refuse him. She weighed whether to endure it or find an excuse to avoid it this once.

“This servant has started her monthly cycle; it is inconvenient to serve Your Majesty.” As Yang Zhao’s hand extended toward her, her body instinctively pulled back first. She used the excuse of her period, which luckily was due in a day or two anyway.

“Then just stay and talk with me,” Yang Zhao said. Although slightly disappointed, he did not force her.

Ye Guichen could only lie obediently by his side.

“Since Hening entered the palace, although you haven’t uttered a single word of complaint, I know you have suffered much grievance. I see it clearly in my heart,” Yang Zhao said softly, attempting to soothe her. “I hate to see you wronged, but Hening and I had a prior engagement, and I could not bear to fail her. In the end, it was difficult for you to step back for my sake. I will remember your heart.”

Ye Guichen sneered inwardly. Soft words are the easiest to say; they cost nothing and are the most convenient for deceiving people. Yang Zhao’s lies might work on an innocent girl, but she had grown up in the palace. Everyone she dealt with was a master of intrigue; she was not so easily fooled. Yang Zhao truly underestimated her.

“Your Majesty need not comfort me further. I know it was not easy for you to establish two Empresses against the opposition of the officials. I am content with this result. Knowing Your Majesty cares for me is enough. Besides, a husband and wife are one; my honor comes from yours. It is my duty to resolve your worries,” Ye Guichen replied in a voice so sensible and dignified that it seemed to be her true conviction. If Yang Zhao wanted to bluff her with words, she would bluff him right back.

“With such a wife, what more could a man ask for! With you here, I can sleep soundly,” Yang Zhao said, hearing no trace of discontent. He believed that even if she had been upset before, she had adjusted. He felt greatly relieved; marrying for virtue was wise, and Ye Guichen was indeed a virtuous wife. He reached out to hold her hand to express his pity and affection.

Ye Guichen did not appreciate this “pity.” The low-tier tactic of slapping someone and then giving them a date was a game she had learned long ago. She allowed him to hold her hand until she was certain he was asleep. Then, she pulled her hand away and turned her back to him to sleep.

…

The next morning, Yang Zhao left early for the morning court.

Ye Meng helped Ye Guichen with her hair and makeup. She glanced at the bed, then at her mistress’s body. “Last night, the Emperor did not…” She trailed off, afraid of upsetting her. Ye Meng had entered the Ye household at age five to care for a three-year-old Ye Guichen. When Ye Guichen entered the palace at six, Ye Meng came too. She was the closest person to her; even after a decade in the palace, she still called her “Miss” in private—a mark of their unique bond. Ye Guichen only forbade the term when others were around.

“I refused him, citing my cycle,” Ye Guichen said flatly.

“Why?” Ye Meng stopped brushing.

“I suddenly found him repulsive. I didn’t even want him to touch me,” Ye Guichen confessed.

“What will we do then?” Ye Meng worried. She couldn’t avoid him forever.

“There are so many beauties in the harem; his turn only comes around a few times a year. If I can’t push him away, I’ll just endure it,” Ye Guichen said. It was ironic: she used to pray for his arrival, and now she wished he would never come.

“But what about a prince?” Ye Meng asked. Without favor, one needed a child to rely on.

“It’s been so many years and I haven’t conceived; perhaps I simply cannot. We will plan for that later.” Ye Guichen knew the lack of an heir was a thorny issue.

“There are so many concubines, and aside from three princesses, no one has birthed a son. It certainly isn’t your fault,” Ye Meng muttered, implying the problem lay with the Emperor himself.

“Shh! Do not say such things; you’ll lose your head!” Ye Guichen whispered, putting a finger to her lips.

“Is Miss going out today?” Ye Meng asked, noticing the makeup was becoming more formal.

“After breakfast, we go to the Central Palace,” Ye Guichen said, her lips barely moving.

“Miss, you usually can’t avoid her fast enough. Why go looking for her?”

“Some people simply don’t know how annoying they are, doing things that only cause others grief,” Ye Guichen said coldly.

…

After breakfast, Ye Guichen took Ye Meng to the Central Palace.

Liu Hening had slept wonderfully after sending Yang Zhao away. When they arrived at Changqing Hall, the maid Liu Yan informed them that her mistress was still sleeping in. However, Ye Guichen did not have the patience she’d had last time. Knowing her mistress would be thrilled to see Ye Guichen, Liu Yan went in and shook her awake.

“Why are you waking me again?” Liu Hening grumbled, rubbing her eyes.

“The Empress of the Eastern Palace is here waiting for you!”

“Huachao? She’s here?” Liu Hening sat up instantly, filled with joy. It was a surprise that Huachao would come to see her. She scrambled out of bed, not wanting to keep her waiting.

After a hurried wash and chewing on some mint leaves, Liu Hening rushed out.

“Huachao! I am so happy you came to see me!” Liu Hening exclaimed, seeing Ye Guichen sitting upright and dignified in the hall.

Ye Guichen looked at her beaming face. Is she truly this happy to see me? If this is an act, it’s a perfect one.

“Everyone, leave us. I wish to speak with your mistress alone,” Ye Guichen said. Her tone was cold and distant compared to Liu Hening’s warmth. She avoided Liu Hening’s gaze as she gave the order.

The servants hesitated, looking at Liu Hening. Technically, as the Empress of the Central Palace, her rank was slightly more prestigious.

“Go on out,” Liu Hening said. Though Huachao looked cold, she didn’t think she would eat her.

“A-Meng, you go too,” Ye Guichen added.

Once the doors closed, only the two of them remained.

“Huachao, did you have something to say to me?” Liu Hening asked.

Ye Guichen didn’t speak immediately. She simply stared at Liu Hening with a gaze that made the other woman increasingly nervous. Without an audience, Huachao didn’t look gentle or virtuous anymore; she looked fierce and terrifying. Liu Hening swallowed her words—if Huachao was truly angry, she really might “eat her alive.” Yet, strangely, Liu Hening felt a flicker of anticipation.