Double Queens GL - Chapter 26

Chapter 26

Ye Guichen stood up. Because Liu Hening was already standing close to her, this movement brought them even nearer—so near that Ye Guichen could smell the fresh, cool scent of the mint leaves Liu Hening had just chewed.

The hostile aura radiating from Ye Guichen caused Liu Hening to instinctively shrink back a fraction. She thought to herself: When Huachao is truly angry, she has such a powerful presence; it’s actually a bit intimidating. Yet, looking at her from this distance, Liu Hening realized that Huachao truly lived up to her title as the “Floral Empress” of the harem. Her beautiful face was flawless. Her makeup was subtle, conveying a sense of dignified restraint that carefully masked a hint of hidden allure in the corners of her eyes—a charm not easily detected by the casual observer. Liu Hening felt a secret thrill at having discovered this hidden facet; she felt Huachao’s charm went far beyond her public persona. The true personality hidden beneath her “virtuous wife” facade was much richer and more interesting than the mask she wore.

“Liu Hening!” Ye Guichen dropped the act of being virtuous, addressing her by her full name.

Liu Hening thought: I still prefer it when she calls me Hening. The surname ‘Liu’ doesn’t sound very nice, especially when she says it.

“Yes?” Liu Hening replied softly. Her voice was as gentle as could be.

“Do you not understand the principle: ‘Do not do unto others what you would not have them do unto you’?” Ye Guichen asked, her voice tinged with frost.

Liu Hening misunderstood. She thought Ye Guichen was referring to the two paintings she had sent last time—specifically the one of the broken plum branch. She was a bit puzzled; based on her “understanding” of Huachao, even if she were furious, she would usually just brood in private and never mention it again. Had she been stewing on it until she finally couldn’t take it anymore? Or was she here to warn her never to send random gifts again?

Liu Hening and Ye Guichen had only met a handful of times, yet Liu Hening possessed a strange confidence that she “knew” the other woman.

“I didn’t know Junshen planted that plum tree myself. I think it’s only right for you to be angry with him; if it were me, I’d have chopped the tree down to feel better. I won’t paint it again, and I won’t send you random things anymore,” Liu Hening said weakly, trying to show she would be a “good girl” from now on.

Liu Hening was truly stepping on every landmine. Ye Guichen, already livid, grew even angrier when Liu Hening brought up the very topic she wished to forget—rubbing salt in the wound of her pride.

“I liked that painting very much!” Ye Guichen said, emphasizing every word. She was convinced Liu Hening was intentionally mocking her.

Looking at the even angrier Ye Guichen, Liu Hening thought: She clearly hates it so much she can’t even hide her emotions. What a duplicitous woman. However, hearing Huachao’s tone, she realized this visit wasn’t actually about the painting. If not the painting, then what had she done?

“If it’s not the painting, then what are you referring to?” Liu Hening asked quickly, sensing a major misunderstanding.

“The Emperor told me that you were the one who told him to spend the night at my Eastern Palace yesterday?” Ye Guichen asked, finally reining in her runaway emotions.

Liu Hening winced. Junshen went, but why did he have to tell her the details? She felt Yang Zhao truly didn’t understand Huachao at all. Such a proud, spirited woman was like a rare flower that would only bloom for someone who truly appreciated her. If she lacked a soulmate who understood her value, she would rather bloom in solitude than settle. By telling her that he only went because Liu Hening told him to, Yang Zhao made his visit seem like a chore. It would be a miracle if Huachao were happy about it. For the first time, Liu Hening felt Yang Zhao was unworthy of Huachao; he didn’t understand her in the slightest.

She knew Ye Guichen didn’t show her true self to Yang Zhao, but she hadn’t expected Ye Guichen to dislike him this much. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be so furious. She had initially thought Ye Guichen’s anger over the “broken branch” meant she still cared for him, but it seemed that whatever door Ye Guichen had kept cracked open for him was now slammed shut and bolted.

“That… I didn’t know you disliked him so much… I’m sorry…” Liu Hening’s voice dropped. She began fidgeting with her fingers like a child who realized they’d made a huge mistake and was waiting for a punishment they couldn’t predict.

Ye Guichen was shaken. This woman had seen right through her. It was as if Liu Hening could read her heart, just as she had stripped away her disguise before. Truly, “the one who knows you best is your enemy.” While Ye Guichen didn’t consider Liu Hening an “enemy” yet, she was certainly the person she detested most in the world.

However, Ye Guichen wasn’t foolish enough to admit her dislike for Yang Zhao to Liu Hening’s face. That would be handing over a dangerous leverage.

“Liu Hening, I simply dislike your high-and-mighty attitude of ‘bestowing favor.’ Do you think by doing these things, I will be grateful to you? I’m telling you, even if I wanted something, I would never accept it as charity—especially not from you!” Ye Guichen said icily.

Liu Hening shook her head frantically. “Huachao, listen to me, I really didn’t have those thoughts. I truly didn’t know you felt that way about him. I thought you liked him; I thought seeing him would make you happy. It’s my fault for assuming. I’ll never do it again, please don’t be mad at me, okay?”

Liu Hening instinctively reached out to grab Ye Guichen’s hand. In her life in Jiangdu, she had never been so misunderstood. She was desperate to explain and desperate for forgiveness.

Since Ye Guichen currently loathed her, she unceremoniously shoved Liu Hening’s hand away. Since the servants were gone, there was no need to pretend. She couldn’t stand being touched by her.

Being shoved away made Liu Hening feel an overwhelming sense of grievance. Her eyes reddened, and tears began to fall.

Ye Guichen froze. How does this woman cry so easily? The emotion looked real, but she couldn’t be sure it wasn’t a trick. If a servant walked in now, they’d all think she was bullying the new Empress! She realized she had been reckless coming here. Acting on emotion was impulsive and stupid. She felt like Liu Hening was “a pig playing the tiger”—pretending to be weak to gain the upper hand.

“Huachao, it was my fault. I know I was wrong. Please forgive me,” Liu Hening begged, not daring to touch her hand again.

Ye Guichen’s logic returned. She pulled a silk handkerchief from her sleeve.

“Why are you crying all of a sudden? Anyone would think I’m bullying you!” Ye Guichen said, her voice suddenly shifting to a “gentle” tone as she tenderly wiped Liu Hening’s tears.

Liu Hening looked at the suddenly kind Ye Guichen. Even if she knew the kindness was a mask, she was a sucker for it. “Huachao isn’t bullying me, it’s my fault!” she sobbed.

Looking at this pitiful, tearful face, who would believe she was the one at fault? Ye Guichen realized Liu Hening was an even better actor than she was! Thus, she forced herself to be even more tender to overcompensate. She couldn’t let anyone think there was a rift.

Her movements were so soft that Liu Hening began to feel the warmth might be real. Compared to facing Ye Guichen’s blatant hatred, Liu Hening found herself shamefully preferring this feigned affection. Being hated by Huachao actually hurt her heart. She began to wonder: When will Huachao ever be this gentle with me for real?

“Is Huachao not angry with me anymore?” Liu Hening asked. Sometimes, self-deception was necessary. She had to believe Huachao didn’t hate her, or she wouldn’t have the courage to approach her again—and she truly wanted to be close to this beautiful woman.

“I’m not angry with Hening. I misunderstood your intentions. I appreciate your heart, and I am grateful, but please don’t do it again. I don’t like it,” Ye Guichen said, sounding completely persuaded and perfectly sweet.

Liu Hening felt much better. Self-hypnosis was remarkably effective.

“Huachao is so good,” Liu Hening said through her tears. She suddenly reached out and hugged Ye Guichen. She figured that since Huachao had put her mask back on, she wouldn’t push her away like she did before. She did it intentionally to make up for the “shove” from earlier. But once she held her, she didn’t want to let go. Huachao smelled of a faint, lovely floral scent. I must ask her what’s in her sachet later; it’s wonderful.

Ye Guichen’s body went rigid. She wanted to push her off but couldn’t, so she forced a stiff smile. Inwardly, she was cursing Liu Hening in every way possible. She didn’t believe for a second that this woman was “simple” or “easy to coax.” In terms of fake affection and thick-skinned acting, she felt she had met her match.

“Actually, I’m happy when you show me your real self, but it also scares me. I’m afraid you really hate me. I like you, and I don’t want you to hate me,” Liu Hening whispered into her ear.

“How could I hate you? I like you too,” Ye Guichen said, telling the biggest lie of her life. To complete the farce, she even reached up and gave Liu Hening’s back a few casual pats.

Just then, Yang Zhao, who had finished court early, walked in. Behind him were Liu Yan, Ye Meng, Yu Zheng, and the other servants. They all stopped dead, staring at the two Empresses locked in an embrace.

Ye Meng, in particular, looked like her jaw was about to hit the floor.