But who would have thought that the next day he would block me at the entrance of the inn.
I was wearing a thin white veil that covered most of my face, leaving only my eyes exposed. I thought this would prevent him from recognizing me, but to my surprise, he still recognized me at a single glance. Even funnier, he was holding a skewer of candied hawthorns in his hand. Upon seeing me, he said, "I guessed you liked these. I bought them especially for you. Don't run away this time."
He grabbed my wrist and demanded, "Are you still thinking about that scumbag? Why are you so foolish?"
I was stunned, and his attendant quickly chimed in to persuade me. "My lady, you are truly blessed. You have helped His Majesty solve a problem that has troubled him for years."
Ling Yao suddenly tightened his grip on my wrist, his eyes incredibly earnest. "I can't remember anyone else yet. I can remember your face. We are indeed a match made in heaven."
If I hadn't been fooled by him twice before, I might have actually believed him.
I composed myself and made up my mind. I must never let Ling Yao find out that I am the Empress. Otherwise, my peaceful days will be over. At worst, I'll just wear heavy makeup in the palace and try my best to avoid him.
I pulled my hand back in feigned determination. "I appreciate your feelings, my lord, but as long as my husband is still alive, I will never leave him. This is my duty as a wife."
I deliberately emphasized the word husband, my eyes filled with absolute resolve, hoping to make him back down. But Ling Yao acted as if he didn't understand. Instead of giving up, a flash of ruthlessness crossed his eyes. "Then we'll find a way to get rid of him. I'll help you."
I wondered to myself. Getting rid of yourself. Is that really okay?
He insisted on asking where my husband's family was and who my husband was, looking determined not to stop until he made me a widow. I deliberately gave a vague answer. "My husband is a powerful man. You can't afford to offend him. It is best if you don't meddle in my business."
But he replied with a proud look. "There is no one in this world I cannot afford to offend."
In the end I really couldn't win the argument, so I had to compromise. I agreed to stay at his villa in the west of the city for a month. During this time, he could not ask about my whereabouts or investigate my family affairs. If he could still remember what I looked like after a month, I would go home, divorce my husband, and marry him.
I was calculating in my mind. A month would be more than enough time for me to come up with a countermeasure. Besides, with his face blindness, he might forget all about me in a few days.
When I returned to the imperial palace, I was breaking out in a cold sweat. Just as I sat down and took a sip of tea, the maid announced the arrival of the Emperor. With a whoosh I dove under the blanket, wrapping myself up so tightly that I didn't even dare to show my head.
Wanqing was trying to hold back her laughter nearby. "Your Grace, your reaction was way too fast."
I lowered my voice. "Don't laugh. If he recognizes me, I'm finished."
The moment Ling Yao stepped through the door, his gaze turned cold. "The Empress is putting on more and more of an attitude. I have come in, yet you won't even show your face. Are you hiding from me on purpose?"
I squeezed my throat, pretending to sound weak and frail. "Didn't Your Majesty say that within two months I am not to appear before you? I was afraid that if you saw my face, you would feel heartbroken again and be displeased."
Ling Yao's tone was firm. "That is why I came here myself. I said you are not to appear, but I never said I couldn't come to see you."
I grumbled to myself. Oh, so that is how it works. People who are emperors are just so double standard.
He even leaned close to the bed and reached out to feel the blanket. "Why are you wrapped up so tightly? Are you sick?"
My heart warmed slightly, but I still braced myself to speak. "I am fine. I was just afraid of making Your Majesty angry."
Ling Yao seemed to think of something, and the corners of his lips curled up. His tone carried a hint of pride. "Next month I am going to take a consort, and this time it will surely succeed."
My heart skipped a beat, and I had a bad premonition. He asked again, "Do you know which noble family she is from?"
I deliberately played dumb, lowering my head respectfully. "Your Majesty, taking a consort is a matter of state. It has nothing to do with me. I only need to remember to prepare the gold jewelry, to make sure that lady knows of Your Majesty's sincerity."
But inside, I was wailing. I'm doomed. When I fooled him before, I told him my name was Li Aqiu. He is planning to marry Li Aqiu. No way. I must personally ruin this marriage. Otherwise, if I am both the Empress and a consort, won't I be competing with myself for favor? When the time comes, I would even have to pay respects to Li Aqiu. Just thinking about it is utterly ridiculous.
After Ling Yao left, I immediately ran to the Empress Dowager's palace. I threw myself into her arms and wailed. "Imperial mother, the Emperor is going to take a consort. He wants to marry a commoner woman and depose me."
The Empress Dowager patted my back and comforted me in a gentle tone. "Qinghuan, you must understand that since ancient times no emperor has ever had only one wife. It is only normal to take a few more consorts."
I deliberately went along with her words and said through gritted teeth, "I understand. I will go and chop that woman's husband to pieces right now, so she can marry the Emperor with peace of mind."
The Empress Dowager was startled and quickly pulled me back. "Wait. Come back before you say anything else. Speak slowly. Don't be impulsive."
Once I explained the whole story, the Empress Dowager also began to frown. She was already overwhelmed with selecting consorts for Ling Yao, yet Ling Yao's heart was set only on that Li Aqiu, not even sparing a glance for the noble ladies of the court.