Soon it was time to flip the name tablets. Xiaoluzi presented the tray. Looking at the only tablet in front of him, Ling Yao was so angry he almost spat blood. How could it be that after working so hard for so long, the plan to expand the imperial harem had made no progress at all? There was still only the Empress in the harem.
Ling Yao slammed the name tablet onto the ground. He kept muttering under his breath, "Useless. Good for nothing."
Xiaoluzi stood to the side, trembling with fear, not daring to say a single word.
Ling Yao pointed at me and ordered sternly, "You are not allowed to appear before me for the next two months. Out of sight, out of mind."
Just as he finished saying this, he spotted Wanqing standing behind me. "And you. You are not allowed to appear before me either, lest I mistake you for someone else."
Wanqing looked aggrieved, but she could only comply.
I ran back to Changle Palace, sobbing and crying. But inside, I was absolutely thrilled. As soon as I entered, I turned and instructed Wanqing, "Quick, pack up and dress as commoners. We're going out of the palace to have some fun."
While wiping away non-existent tears, I urged Wanqing to hurry up and pack, terrified that Ling Yao might change his mind. Wanqing shook her head helplessly, smiling, teasing me for saying one thing but meaning another. Yet she still hurried to pack our things.
This is absolutely wonderful. I won't look for him and he won't look for me. We really are a husband and wife with perfect understanding.
Wanqing said helplessly, "Your Majesty, the Emperor ordered you not to appear before him for two months. If you go out of the palace and run into him, it will be big trouble."
What is there to fear? He has face blindness. Even if we run into each other, he won't recognize me.
I never in a million years expected that Ling Yao had also left the palace, just to avoid me.
I walked to the riverbank, which was surrounded by all kinds of festive lanterns. The lights reflected on the shimmering water, making it incredibly lively. Holding a sweet-scented osmanthus lantern, I carefully lit it, silently praying for the safety of the Su family and a peaceful life for myself.
Just as I was about to place the lantern into the river, a familiar figure walked toward me. Ling Yao waved his folding fan, his almond eyes curving with a smile as he asked that same old question.
"My lady, are you betrothed?"
I looked left, right, up and down, confirming there was no one else around before realizing he was indeed speaking to me. I grumbled to myself. The heavens must be blind. How on earth did he manage to find me so precisely in this crowd?
I lowered my eyes and deliberately repeated, "This humble woman is already wed. Please do not pester me further, sir."
Surely he won't try to strike up a conversation again after this.
He froze for a moment, a flash of disappointment crossing his eyes. Then, frowning, he called out to stop me as I was about to slip away, as if making a difficult decision. "I won't be a home wrecker, nor will I break up your family. But would it be convenient to ask when your husband might die?"
I was shocked on the spot. This situation had already escalated to the point of getting my entire clan executed. "Watch your words, young master."
"My lady, if he treated you well, he would naturally have accompanied you to release lanterns tonight."
His tone was filled with indignation, as if he were truly standing up for me against an injustice. The pity in his eyes didn't seem fake either.
Looking at his serious expression, I secretly schemed in my heart. Why not take this opportunity to tease him and see just how far he would go?
Standing under the tree, I said with deep meaning, "My husband is indeed not a good man. On the second day of our marriage, he wanted to take a concubine. On ordinary days he beats and scolds me even more. But his family is powerful, and there is nothing I can do. I can only swallow my anger and bear it."
Ling Yao spat indignantly. "Bah. What a scumbag. A man like that deserves to die."
After saying this, he sneezed. But the look in his eyes as he watched me held a touch more heartache, and his tone softened as well. "You've suffered."
Suppressing a laugh, I thought to myself, Your Majesty, you are cursing yourself.
By the time I sensed something was off, he had already grabbed me by the wrist. He said eagerly, "Divorce him. I will help you. No one will dare bully you."
His grip was very strong, making my wrist hurt a little. But the urgency and sincerity in his tone did not seem fake. Looking at his serious face, I felt a secret sense of helplessness. If I really got a divorce, where would I go to enjoy a life of leisure as empress?
But Ling Yao took it seriously and would not let it go. "Stay by my side tonight. Don't misunderstand. I'm just afraid I'll forget what you look like and won't be able to find you in the future."
He even went out of his way to buy me a candied hawthorn stick and handed it to me. "I heard girls all like to eat this. Give it a try."
The candied hawthorns were bright red, coated in a thick layer of sugar syrup. It looked mouthwatering. I took the stick and took a bite. The sweetness instantly spread to the bottom of my heart, and I completely forgot about having to play the victim. A smile unconsciously curved up the corners of my mouth.
He sent someone to fetch the carriage. Seeing that I couldn't break free, I took advantage of his distraction and bit his wrist. I didn't bite too hard, but it was enough to make him let go in pain. I turned and ran, laughing as I did. Looking back, I saw him standing there dazed, clutching his wrist with a bewildered look on his face.
I have to say, there are benefits to face blindness. Even if I stood right in front of him, he might not recognize me. It is like committing a crime right in front of a witness who can't identify you.