Xia Wan’er trembled, never expecting the Emperor would say such hurtful words. Her heart felt like it was being sliced by a knife! She was indeed fantasizing. After that night of serving him, when he conferred her the title of Virtuous Concubine, she had secretly comforted herself, thinking perhaps the Emperor might like her. But today’s words were like salt rubbed into her wound, almost making her faint from pain!
Ming Leng Chen pulled the tearful Xia Wan’er into his arms, watching her with a half-smile, emotionlessly pressing his soft lips against her, domineering as he tore her elegant dress, disregarding her shyness, lifting her by the waist and walking towards the bed.
Throughout, her tears never stopped, without any intimate atmosphere, only a one-sided release, completely ignoring her inexperience. The room was filled only with intermittent soft sobs.
He had fallen into a deep sleep. Xia Wan’er lay beside him, her body stiff, tears continuously flowing down her cheeks, gradually wetting a large portion of the soft silk bedding.
Disregarding the soreness below, she walked barefoot to the beam, a white silk scarf now in her hand. Standing on a round stool, she tiptoed, unable to bear his humiliation, the white silk ready to end her life!
But those who wish to die are not always granted their wish. She wanted to end it all, but heaven would not allow her to die so easily, for she still had an unfinished mission awaiting her!
[Text: 036 Visiting the Sick]
Her face was pale, completely bloodless. Her large, watery eyes had lost their usual spirit, coldly staring out the window, lost in thought for a long time.
“Virtuous Concubine, please drink at least a little,” her personal maid Chun Xiu pleaded. She held a white jade lotus seed porridge, hoping her mistress would look at her, even if just to scold her. This silent demeanor was heartbreaking!
The woman on the bed did not part her lips, did not look at the kneeling woman, remaining immersed in her own world, completely isolated from everything external.
Chun Xiu knelt by the bed, still holding the now-cold porridge, her eyes full of tears. She hated her own negligence, having failed her mistress’s instructions, unable to protect her. Having accompanied her mistress for years, she should have noticed something was wrong, but she was tragically unaware, committing an unforgivable mistake! Yang Feng Palace!
Her servant bows and greets, “Greetings, Noble Concubine Mei.” Chun Xiu wipes her tears while kneeling, somewhat shocked by Mei Siyu’s arrival.
“Is your mistress well?” Mei Siyu asks softly while walking.
“Reporting to Noble Concubine Mei, her life is not in danger, but she has not had water or food for a day and is quite weak,” Chun Xiu respectfully replies.
“How lively! Look who’s come to see our poor sister Wan’er!” a piercing, coquettish voice sounds from behind.
Mei Siyu turns, wanting to see who is so rude as to be loud in a sickroom. It’s the domineering Concubine Shu, wearing a fiery red off-shoulder narrow dress that highlights her tall figure, her delicate features lightly powdered, looking enchantingly beautiful – clearly her attire suggests she comes with ill intentions!
“Siyu pays respects to elder sister,” Mei Siyu says softly.
“Who could be so beautiful? Ah, it’s the famous Noble Concubine Mei,” she replies sharply.
“Elder sister’s complexion looks poor. Could it be the Emperor hasn’t visited you recently, leaving you dispirited?” Mei Siyu strikes directly, showing no mercy.
Concubine Shu, wanting to scold but not wanting to fall into the young girl’s trap, restrains herself and says, “Let’s go see Wan’er. We’ll discuss this another time.”
They walk to the bedside, appearing intimate yet each harboring private thoughts, Concubine Shu’s restraint preventing an open confrontation.
You are truly bad. That day when I revealed my identity, you pretended not to know,” Mei Siyu said with a light laugh.
“Because I was unwilling to admit it, so I didn’t tell the truth,” he said calmly.
“Oh, from now on, I’ll have to call you Third Imperial Brother, which feels a bit strange!” Mei Siyu tilted her head playfully.
“When we’re alone, you can call me Yun. Can I call you Yuer? Adding honorifics makes people feel distant,” he replied tentatively.
“Hmm, that’s a good idea. So we’re still friends, right?” she said cheerfully.
“As long as you’re willing, I can be your friend for a lifetime,” he said passionately.
In an instant of distraction, he felt his happiness was within reach, limited to a moment of confusion, but his heart was already content! He was willing to wait a lifetime for a moment of beauty, even if it was unrequited, he was willing to try for her! Solely because of her unique and extraordinary temperament, her elegant and refined beauty completely attracted him, his love for her unwavering!
He tightly held her delicate hand, the warmth in his palm making her feel a moment of warmth. Mei Siyu came to her senses, hastily withdrawing her hand, looking puzzled at the devoted Ming Leng Yun.
“What, are you scared? Afraid Eighth Brother will misunderstand?” he said jealously.
“No, it’s not that, I just feel uncomfortable. You are my Third Imperial Brother,” Mei Siyu said somewhat flustered.
When Ming Leng Yun heard “Third Imperial Brother” again, he was furious. His eagle-like eyes met her almond eyes, gently kissing her snow-white forehead, and said tenderly: “Yuer, I love you. From the first moment I saw you, I fell hopelessly in love with you. Although you are Eighth Brother’s consort, I cannot control my love for you. You can reject my love, but please don’t deprive me of the right to love you! I just want to stand quietly by your side and watch you live happily!”
His words frightened the innocent Mei Siyu. She forcefully broke free from Ming Leng Yun’s restraint, stumbling back to the Yangfeng Palace, disregarding him standing in place, with a tear flowing and his devoted gaze!
“Miss, what’s wrong? You look panicked,” Xiao Rou asked caringly.
“Nothing, just a bit tired. I want to sleep for a while,” she said, then curled up in the bed, ignoring Xiao Rou.
Xiao Rou knew something was wrong with the Virtuous Concubine. Since the miss went there, she seemed distracted, not only asking her to be quiet but also wandering outside so late before returning. How strange!
Seeing the miss resting with her eyes closed, she uninterestedly closed the door. Hearing the door shut, Mei Siyu suddenly opened her beautiful eyes, leaning against the bedside, her watery big eyes blinking. She couldn’t figure out what just happened. How could he like her?
All along, his enthusiasm and indulgence towards her seemed like intimate friendship to her, without any other emotions. Now he had confessed to her and even kissed her. Although she was a modern young woman, she was currently a married woman! She knew to avoid suspicion, but thinking of his devoted appearance, she couldn’t help but feel heartache. Something about choosing not to love but not depriving him of the right to love. Ah, what a devoted person!
Mei Siyu thought for a long time and finally decided it was best to pretend nothing happened! She would try to avoid being alone with him in the future, but she couldn’t neglect proper etiquette. After all, they were still friends, weren’t they?
At dinnertime, Mei Siyu leisurely got out of bed and moved to the main hall. Seeing Xiao Rou organizing tableware, with a table of food already set, it looked quite abundant. She rubbed her hands and sat down, eating without hesitation. Whether from hunger or the delicious food, she found it incredibly tasty! Even Xiao Rou standing nearby couldn’t help but giggle at her eating.
Just as she was enjoying her meal, Liu Gong Gong quietly approached and whispered in her ear: “Your Highness, the Emperor is waiting for you outside.”
