Double Queens GL - Chapter 27

Chapter 27

Ye Guichen noted that Yang Zhao had returned from the morning court much earlier than usual. She thought to herself that Yang Zhao truly treated Liu Hening differently; for a man usually so dedicated to governance, it was rare for him to dismiss court this early.

“The Emperor has returned,” Ye Guichen said, reminding Liu Hening to let go of her. Liu Hening had held on for a long time, and Ye Guichen had endured it just as long.

Liu Hening felt Junshen’s timing was terrible. She reluctantly released Ye Guichen, though her eyes were still red from crying. Fortunately, since they were embracing, it didn’t look as if Ye Guichen had been bullying her.

“What is the meaning of this?” Yang Zhao asked, noticing Liu Hening’s red eyes. Having just completed their wedding, and having slept in a different hall last night—even though it was Liu Hening’s own suggestion—he felt she was being too selfless. His heart ached for her, so he had rushed back early to accompany her.

Ye Guichen remained silent, waiting for Liu Hening to speak first so she could respond accordingly.

“Huachao was just telling me a very touching story. It was so sad that I couldn’t help but cry, and she was comforting me,” Liu Hening lied smoothly.

“Oh? What story could make Ning’er cry? Huachao, tell me at once, I wish to hear it as well,” Yang Zhao said with curiosity.

“It was merely some ancient myths and legends, nothing of great consequence,” Ye Guichen replied.

“Huachao spoke of the story of Nüba from the Classic of the Great Wilderness: North,” Liu Hening interjected. “Nüba performed great feats for the Yellow Emperor during the war against Chiyou, but because her divine power was damaged, she could not return to heaven. Wherever she went, rain would not fall, the earth would dry up, and the crops would wither. In the end, she was detested by the world. I simply found her so pitiful…” As she spoke, her eyes threatened to redden again.

Ye Guichen looked at Liu Hening, her heart jumping. What Liu Hening had just described was exactly the story she had intended to use. Surprise didn’t cover it; it was more like shock. How does this person always guess what is in my heart?

Seeing Ye Guichen’s stunned expression, Liu Hening knew she had guessed correctly and felt a surge of joy. She didn’t know why, but when Huachao mentioned myths, her mind immediately went to that story. Huachao’s situation mirrored Nüba’s: Yang Zhao had won his throne through his marriage to her, yet nearly deposed her afterward. More importantly, she wanted to show Huachao that if she wanted to discuss ancient texts, she—Liu Hening—could be a much better conversation partner than that Yu Changping.

Yang Zhao listened with a subtle expression. He felt Ye Guichen might be implying something, though he wondered if he was being paranoid. “Why did Huachao suddenly speak of this story?” he asked casually.

“We spoke of many things, not just this. It just so happened that when we got to this one, Hening grew emotional,” Ye Guichen skillfully deflected.

“And what does Huachao think of Nüba?” Yang Zhao probed further, still not entirely at ease.

“A great tree grows in the forest, unseen by anyone. One day, a farmer fells it to make furniture, and the world marvels at its beauty. Is the tree fortunate or unfortunate? If I were that tree, I would rather become a masterpiece admired by the world than live in the forest, forgotten among the masses,” Ye Guichen answered cleverly. She didn’t compare herself to the tragic goddess but used a metaphor to express a stance of strength.

“That is an interesting perspective,” Yang Zhao said, satisfied. He had always known her to be virtuous, but now he found her insightful as well.

Liu Hening watched Ye Guichen with an incredibly fond smile. Huachao is so clever; a few words and Junshen’s suspicion is gone. However, she knew those words weren’t entirely sincere; they were said to please Yang Zhao. She didn’t believe for a second that Huachao truly felt that way.

Ye Guichen found Liu Hening’s smile loathsome and looked away. To her, that “innocent” face seemed to be screaming, I don’t believe a word of your lies. Being seen through like she was standing there naked was a feeling she utterly detested. At this moment, her only thought regarding Liu Hening was: Stay away.

“The Emperor overpraises me,” Ye Guichen said, shifting the topic back to Liu Hening. “Hening is the one who is truly kind-hearted. She is not called the ‘Little Guanyin’ for nothing; she truly possesses a bodhisattva’s heart.”

Liu Hening beamed. She didn’t care if the praise was fake; if Huachao was willing to say it, she was willing to believe it.

“I must go,” Ye Guichen said, finding both of them increasingly taxing to be around. “Hening hasn’t had breakfast yet, and I am busy preparing for the Winter Solstice banquet. I won’t disturb you further. I take my leave.”

“Leaving so soon? I wanted to hear more from the Classic of Mountains and Seas!” Liu Hening looked at her longingly.

“Another time,” Ye Guichen replied with official politeness.

“You think everyone is as idle as you?” Yang Zhao laughed at Liu Hening.

“Since you’re so busy, how about you come back on the 25th, after the Winter Solstice?” Liu Hening pressed. She knew Ye Guichen was just being perfunctory, so she decided to pin her down to a specific date so she couldn’t escape.

With Yang Zhao watching, Ye Guichen had no choice but to agree. “Very well.”

“That’s wonderful!” Liu Hening clapped her hands.

As Ye Guichen turned to leave, Liu Hening caught her hand one last time, looking at her with total sincerity. “I am so happy you came to see me today. Don’t forget—you must come on the 25th.”

“I have promised, so I will come,” Ye Guichen said, her voice dripping with forced sweetness. She tried to pull her hand back, but Liu Hening held on tight, only letting go after a playful moment of triumph.

…

After Ye Guichen left, Yang Zhao remarked, “I feel Hening likes Huachao even more than she likes me.”

“Of course,” Liu Hening said candidly. “Huachao is beautiful and gentle. She smells much better than you, Junshen.”

Yang Zhao laughed, taking it as a joke.

As they ate, Liu Hening suggested he stay until the other concubines arrived. “They haven’t seen you in a while; they would be so happy to see you.” She had no qualms about sharing her husband; in fact, she preferred him to be elsewhere.

“Are you using me as bait to get people to play with you?” Yang Zhao teased.

“Who told you to be so charming? Among the beauties, you are loved by all!”

“By the way,” Liu Hening added, “let me tell you something very interesting…” She began to recount the “clash” between Yu Changping and Zhang Qingyu from the day before. Yang Zhao found himself laughing along, charmed by how Liu Hening’s innocent heart could make even petty palace squabbles sound delightful and relaxing.

…

Outside the hall, a crowd of concubines had gathered. Word had spread that Zhang Qingyu had received a massive ruby from the new Empress, and everyone was eager for a piece of the pie. They arrived in small groups, including a very grumpy Zhang Qingyu.

“Oh? Didn’t Lady Zhang come yesterday? Why is she here again?” one concubine asked snidely.

“Everyone else is here, why shouldn’t I be?” Zhang Qingyu snapped back.

“Careful,” Lady Sun whispered loudly, pulling another girl back. “Don’t provoke Lady Zhang. Yesterday, Lady Yu called her an ‘idiot,’ and she got so angry she beat the poor girl until she bled. Lady Yu is still recovering in her room!”

Zhang Qingyu nearly exploded. “You’re talking nonsense! I didn’t hit her! Even if I did, I only pushed her—wait, I didn’t even push her!”

“See? Lady Zhang admitted it! She pushed her!” Lady Sun twisted her words instantly.

“I… I didn’t… stop lying or I’ll tear your mouth out!” Zhang Qingyu stuttered in her rage, which only made her look more guilty.

Inside, the servant reported that the concubines had arrived. “Let them in,” Liu Hening said happily.

The women filed in, and upon seeing Yang Zhao, many began to preen and pose to catch his eye. Liu Hening observed them with amusement, noting the different “levels” of seduction. Zhang Qingyu, however, was too furious to flirt. She stood there looking like a fiery phoenix ready to ignite.

Strangely, her genuine, flaming anger caught Yang Zhao’s eye. Perhaps because of Liu Hening’s constant praise of her, he found that today, Zhang Qingyu looked exceptionally vibrant and captivating.