Now, she had to consider Wan’er’s sisterly affection. It was clear that Xia Wan’er loved the Emperor, and Ming Lengchen probably loved Wan’er too, otherwise he wouldn’t have stayed overnight in the Phoenix Ceremony Hall! What ruler could set aside three thousand harem beauties and favor only one? She had hoped he might be an exception, but now realized this was beyond her ability to change.
Moreover, Wan’er had saved her life. She truly didn’t want to see Wan’er hurt again! Since he couldn’t understand her feelings, Mei Siyu decided to stop deceiving herself. The life she yearned for could only be pursued by herself. Since Ming Lengchen couldn’t be completely devoted to her, staying would be futile and only bring more sorrow. Despite her reluctance to part from him, she couldn’t continue like this. For Wan’er’s sake and her own, she had to take this step!
After deciding, she slowly sat up and wiped her tears with her sleeve. Since her mind was made up, there was no need to continue crying. She should prepare, as she had never experienced life outside the palace. She needed to gather clothes, silver, and other necessities, and bid farewell to those she cared about.
During lunch, Xiao Rou stood quietly beside her, lacking her usual cheerful voice. Was the maid still angry about the morning incident? Mei Siyu realized she had been harsh earlier when she didn’t want anyone around.
”Xiao Rou, are you still mad at me? I’m talking to you, why aren’t you responding?” Mei Siyu asked while eating.
”Miss, you are the master, and I am a servant. How could a servant dare to be angry with her mistress?” Xiao Rou said softly, slightly raising her eyes.
Since her mind was made up, she began to prepare some groundwork, first to settle matters so that her father could enjoy his old age in peace, without being implicated because of her. She wasn’t too worried about her concubine mother and elder sister, as long as her father was around, they wouldn’t end up on the streets.
In the Phoenix Ceremony Hall!
“Sister, why have you come? Quickly sit here, let me put a cushion on the chair so you don’t get cold,” Wan’er said softly, helping Mei Siyu settle into a cushioned chair.
“Wan’er, how have you been lately? You look much fuller in the face,” Mei Siyu sipped some clear tea and said casually.
“Thank you for your concern, Sister. I’m doing well,” Wan’er replied with a gentle smile, her voice as soft as ever.
“Seeing you in such good spirits puts my mind at ease. May you have happiness in the future,” Mei Siyu sincerely blessed her.
Since she couldn’t bear the pain of being divided from someone, it was better to leave gracefully. At least Wan’er could still find happiness, right? This wasn’t about being selfless, but the only way out. Let this love be deeply buried in her heart. Perhaps one day, Chen might understand her feelings! She had loved him from beginning to end!
“Sister, why do you speak like this, as if something is wrong?” Wan’er asked, puzzled.
“Nothing’s wrong, I’m just happy. This pouch is beautiful, look at the subtle ripples, the lifelike mandarin ducks, the colors are so tasteful!” Mei Siyu held the pouch from the table, praising it.
“It’s not as good as you say. If you don’t mind, would you like me to give it to you?” Wan’er smiled.
“Okay, thank you, Wan’er. It’ll be like seeing a person through an object,” Mei Siyu said with a hint of bitterness, but still wearing a faint smile, not wanting the sensitive Wan’er to detect anything. If she was going to leave, she’d leave gracefully.
Tell her that I will come later,” Ming Lengchen said hoarsely. He was extremely tired, and his eyelids were already heavy, and he should have a good sleep, but because Yuer was coming to see him, he still endured the pain and agreed, thinking that a short nap might help him recover, and he could then go to the appointment without any problem. He just needed to sleep for a while.
”Your Majesty looks very pale. Why don’t you go back to Mei Fei and rest for a while…”
”Do not refuse. I’m fine. Go and ask the imperial physician to prepare some medicine to dispel the cold.” He then fell into a deep sleep.
”This servant obeys,” Liu Gongong respectfully retreated.
In the rear garden!
”This old servant pays respects to Noble Consort, good day.” Liu Gongong quickly bowed to the approaching Noble Consort, treating her with utmost deference as she was now a powerful patron.
”Liu Gongong, where are you going in such a hurry?” Xia Waner asked softly, wondering about the servant who was always by the Emperor’s side.
”Reporting to Noble Consort, the Emperor is unwell. This old servant is going to ask the imperial physician to prepare medicine,” Liu Gongong replied in a careful tone.
”Oh, that’s urgent. Go quickly. I’ll go and see the Emperor,” Xia Waner said anxiously.
”But, well…” Liu Gongong hesitated.
”What is it? Speak directly. Why are you being so hesitant?” Xia Waner asked softly, worried that the Emperor might be seriously ill.
”It’s nothing. This old servant will go to the Imperial Physician’s Court now.” Liu Gongong hurriedly left.
Chunxiu, the maidservant beside Waner, suspiciously said, “My lady, something seems strange. Could someone be with the Emperor?”
”Xiu’er, let’s go to Yanyan Hall and find out,” she said, a smile spreading across her face, seemingly having guessed something. She deliberately lowered her dress, revealing alluring skin, her face radiating a charming expression.
”Yes,” the attendant responded, gently supporting her mistress as they headed to Yanyan Hall.
This was already her third time standing at the door, waiting. He said he would come later, but why hadn’t he appeared yet? Mei Siyu pouted unhappily and returned inside, sitting alone in a daze.
”Miss, the Emperor hasn’t come. He probably won’t come now,” Xiao Rou said upon entering, trying to comfort her mistress who was staring out the window.
”Why? Is he held up by something?” Mei Siyu snapped out of her daze and asked.
”No, when I went today, Liu Gongong said the Emperor was unwell and was sweating…” Before Xiao Rou could finish, Mei Siyu had already rushed out.
”Miss, I hadn’t finished! The Emperor is being attended to by Noble Consort right now. Liu Gongong specifically advised you not to go to avoid awkwardness. Why did you leave before I could explain? Now something might happen,” Xiao Rou said helplessly.
In Yanyan Hall!
”Your Majesty, the imperial physician has prepared the medicine. Let this concubine help you sit up and drink it. You look so ill. Shouldn’t you be examined by a physician instead of just taking some cold-dispelling medicine?” Xia Waner said softly.
”Cough, it’s nothing. I just feel weak. The medicine will help. By the way, how did you come here?” Ming Lengchen asked.
”Reporting to Your Majesty, this concubine ran into Liu Gongong and learned of your illness, so I came to attend to you,” Xia Waner replied softly, gently supporting the Emperor and helping him lean against the bed frame with pillows.
”Oh, you can go now. This king has Liu Gongong to attend to me. Go and rest,” Ming Lengchen said coldly. He disliked this seemingly delicate Xia Waner, who was no match for Mei Siyu and lacked the same touching sentiment. He had always been inexplicably averse to her, and their interactions were mainly because of Mei Siyu – she was merely a pawn to provoke someone.
”Then smile for me, and I’ll return to my palace at ease,” Xia Waner said with an innocent smile.
”Is this enough?” he asked impatiently.
”Haha, Your Majesty’s smile is so beautiful. Seeing you so happy assures me that you’re feeling much better. I’ll take my leave now,” Xia Waner said, feigning indifference, smiling as she was supported by Chunxiu towards the door, where she encountered someone!
