Chapter 122: Re-encounter with Liu Xinyou
Upon arriving at Weiyang Palace, she did not encounter the queen who had summoned her. Instead, the matron who accompanied her was waiting with a respectful smile, a stark contrast to the indifference she had displayed during their first meeting, yet it only served to make Xianyue feel stiff and awkward.
"The virtuous consort and the lovely concubine have come to pay their respects to the queen. The queen has gone to meet them and has asked me to wait for the Young Mistress," the matron said.
"Thank you for leading the way," Xianyue replied, a smile gracing her lips. The arrival of the virtuous consort and the lovely concubine was indeed timely; they couldn't have come at a worse moment, almost as if to chastise her for her lack of etiquette—had they not come to pay their respects during this time?
Following Xu Mamma, Xianyue navigated a seemingly endless flight of steps, winding through corridors before proceeding further. Compared to Xuelan Hall, Weiyang Palace was grander, with an intricate layout featuring artificial hills and flowing water, pavilions, and towers. It exuded a feminine delicacy, the expansive scenery offering a sense of grandeur.
"Young Mistress, we have arrived," Xu Mamma announced, bowing gracefully to gesture her in. As Xianyue entered the palace, Bai Pingting attempted to follow, but was stopped by Xu Mamma. Xianyue turned, glancing at Bai Pingting and then at Xu Mamma, saying, "This is the queen's private chamber. It has been instructed that unauthorized individuals are not permitted to enter."
Her tone was stern and formal, reminiscent of the character Rong Mama from the popular television drama "My Fair Princess," which her naïve friend Su Zhixin adored. At times, when Su's parents had social engagements, she would be left at home to watch it with her.
Perhaps Xu Mamma treated the queen with the same loyalty that Rong Mama displayed towards the ill-intentioned queen in the series, devotedly caring for her like a beloved daughter, dedicating her life to protecting and ensuring the queen's happiness.
Bai Pingting looked at Xianyue, visibly reluctant to part ways, but Xianyue smiled reassuringly, "Just wait here at the door; I'll be fine."
Bai Pingting nodded in acknowledgment, and Xu Mamma followed Xianyue inside.
The queen's chambers were expansive, in stark contrast to the meticulous design outside. This space exuded a low-key opulence, with flowing white drapes made from the rare cloud gauze of the Lan kingdom—something that commoners could never hope to afford, even after a lifetime of toil. The edges were trimmed with black and gold, while a carved screen embroidered with blooming lotus flowers came alive with rippling emerald waters, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. The writing implements on the desk were all top-notch, filling the air with a refined scholarly atmosphere.
The white walls were adorned with priceless landscapes, dominated by a monochrome palette that complemented the golden frames, exuding a subtle elegance that felt anything but gaudy. Consequently, Xianyue's attention was immediately drawn to the only portrait of a lady directly facing the bed.
In the painting, a girl clad in white sat by a stream, her right hand clutching a length of hair while her left gently combed through the strands cascading to her shoulders. As if sensing someone calling her, she turned slightly, revealing only half of her face. Golden sunlight bathed her snow-like skin, and a faint smile cast a warm glow, invoking a sense of familiarity; her face was a mirror image of the queen's. Behind her lay sprawling lotus flowers in shades of pink, deep red, and pale purple, which accentuated the lady's ethereal beauty, eclipsing even the blooming lotuses in the pond.
Perhaps the sunlight was too brilliant and blinding; her beautiful eyes narrowed, and her lips curled upwards, with her left ear obscured by her flowing hair while her right ear remained exposed. A small red dot adorned her earlobe, resembling a tiny ear piercing, nearly imperceptible unless observed closely.
Xianyue's heart skipped a beat as her hand instinctively brushed over the earlobe's red spot. Given her own birthmark of red powder on her brow, she was always drawn to facial features like moles when observing women. Yet, ear piercings were not typically something that could be found in identical twins. Perhaps twins might share identical features, but such coincidences would be rare.
Was this person Lan Yixuan's biological mother or Gong Shaohua? What kind of delicate heart did the artist possess? Could he discern between the two women?
"Yue'er, have you been waiting long?"
At the sound of the voice, Xianyue hastily placed her hand that had been resting on the red dot back among the flowing strands of hair. She turned to see Gong Shaohua approaching, her hand still lingering on her face. "Mother, this painting is truly exquisite."
Gong Shaohua stepped closer, lifting her gaze to fixate on the woman by the riverbank, while Xianyue beamed brightly, her smile radiant. The flowing hairdo, with golden accessories cascading to her ears, concealed her features.
Her eyes, soft as water, and the upward curl of her lips spoke volumes of her happiness and contentment. Xianyue withdrew her hand and stepped closer, grasping Gong Shaohua's arm, "Mother, the lady in the painting is you, isn't it?"
Xianyue deliberately raised her voice, causing Gong Shaohua, momentarily lost in thought, to turn sharply, her expression transforming into one of piercing intensity, radiating coldness. Xianyue released her hand and took two steps back, refocusing her gaze on the painting. "Mother, you have not changed at all over the years. You remain as youthful as ever."
Gong Shaohua's gaze shifted to the painting alongside Xianyue, and slowly, a look of nostalgia crossed her face, her lips curling into a smile. "Indeed, when I was young. But now, I have aged."
She sighed, yet her tone held no trace of sorrow. If she had aged, why was she still unable to let go of her hatred? She had ruthlessly slain her own sister, and her nephew had been driven away, forced to roam the world alone for years. Upon his return, he still called her the mother of the one who murdered his mother, never expressing a hint of discontent. Could she still be harboring resentment deep within her heart?
Intuition told Xianyue that the figure in the painting could not be Gong Shaohua; it must be Lan Yixuan's biological mother. Only an adversary capable of inciting such enmity between the two sisters could evoke Gong Shaohua's emotions. That person must have adored Lan Yixuan's mother fiercely; otherwise, how could they discern such subtle differences? That love must have been irreplaceable; otherwise, why hadn't she stayed with Gong Shaohua after her departure? Perhaps that was why Gong Shaohua had become so cynical, wanting to seize everything that belonged to her. If she couldn't have it, she would rather destroy it all.
Xianyue believed that Gong Shaohua still had no idea that she was aware of her true identity. She thought that had she not fallen into the Valley of Death with Lan Yixuan, Gong Shaohua would never have revealed that fact to her. Gong Shaohua must have thought the same; everyone desired to appear flawless in the eyes of their beloved, and the stain of maternal murder felt infinitesimally small. How many women could face such a reality with ease? Most would feel fear, even dread.
"Does Mother have a fondness for lotus flowers?"
Xianyue turned her head and asked Gong Shaohua, "Do you truly enjoy lotus flowers?"
Gong Shaohua softly acknowledged with a gentle sound.Xianyue smiled knowingly; she could sense the untruth in her words. If Gong Shaohua truly cherished lotus flowers, why was there not a single pond of them to be seen in this vast Weiyang Palace?
Gong Shaohua shifted her gaze from the painting back to Xianyue: "I have heard that in the city of Lian in Chu Kingdom, there exists a stone plate that, whenever it has water, blooms with colorful lotus flowers at all times. For years, I have sent people in search of it, yet I have received no news."
With a wistful sigh, Gong Shaohua expressed her regret.Xianyue, still facing away from her, observed the paintings on the wall. Turning to Gong Shaohua, her face bore a gentle smile, imbued with her characteristic certainty and confidence: "Such treasures are undoubtedly rare and difficult to come by, yet if one is earnest in their pursuit, they can surely be found."
Gong Shaohua seated herself, and Granny Xu stood behind her, mechanically pouring tea.Xianyue sat beside Gong Shaohua, and upon her entrance, the palace maids had already served tea, which still retained its warmth.
"Having lingered in Xuelan Palace for so long, you have not come to visit your mother?"
Gong Shaohua took a sip of tea, her tone tinged with reproach, yet it somehow felt endearing, bridging the distance between them.
"I was concerned that you might still be upset about the incident at Ganquan Palace. Without an official summons, I did not dare to intrude."
Xianyue replied with a smile, exuding humility: "For all these years, while Lord Lan was absent, it has been the Second Prince who accompanied you, and you have cherished him as if he were your own son. If he were merely a spoiled child, I could understand, but that day, in front of all those ministers, he spoke without restraint. If those words were to leak out, how would you expect me to face the world? What face would the Feng Kingdom have left? Had this incident involved anyone else, they would have likely faced dire consequences. Lord Lan's actions demonstrate a bond of brotherhood, as a mother loves her child, albeit with far-reaching implications. If you truly wish well for the Second Prince, you should allow him this opportunity to experience the world and endure some hardships, tempering the youthful arrogance within him."
Gong Shaohua regarded Xianyue with a meaningful glance but refrained from further commentary. Her summons today was likely in relation to Lan Shao Chen, who had been by her side for over a decade. She was well aware of his behavior in front of others, but in her presence, he was extraordinarily docile and understanding. Flirtatious men excel in sweet talk; regardless of age, they can charm any woman. Even a dog, after years of companionship, would develop a bond; how much more so with a living, breathing person skilled in flattery? She had initially considered pleading on his behalf, but Xianyue's words had severed her retreat.
Gong Shaohua smiled, observing Xianyue, her youthful innocence lingering in her expression, devoid of any shrewdness or guile; yet she was, indeed, an extraordinarily intelligent woman.
"I have indeed spoiled Shao Chen; it would be beneficial for him to face some hardships. However, I had thought you were angry with me for not visiting these past few days? This child, having been at my side for over a decade, has naturally formed some affection, yet ultimately,Xuan'er is still my biological son; he remains quite distant from me."
Gong Shaohua gazed at Xianyue, her words caught in her throat, laden with distress.
Xianyue hurried to reassure her: "You need not be troubled, Mother. For years, Lord Lan has been apart from you. Now that he has returned, he is no longer a child. The world is treacherous, and it is difficult for anyone to truly connect with others there. Lord Lan has always been that way. You are, after all, his biological mother, and he has always carried you in his heart. In the future, he will surely treat you with filial piety. I had intended to visit you in Weiyang Palace long ago, but Lord Lan was concerned that you might still be upset with me, fearing I would bring you displeasure. Hearing your words today has finally lifted the weight from my heart; I am relieved that you are not angry. I will communicate this to Lord Lan and ensure that I visit you more often when time permits."
Xianyue's smile was radiant and bright, her eyes gleaming. Perhaps over the years, she herself had been unaware of whether she was Gong Shaohua or the sister whom she had cruelly slain long ago. At times, she was Gong Shaohua, but when faced with that painting or during other moments, did her gentle, warm smile not transform her into another person entirely?
The two women continued their leisurely conversation, sharing laughter until the hour of Si. Suddenly, Granny Xu returned from outside, whispering something into Gong Shaohua's ear. After a brief exchange, Gong Shaohua yawned.Xianyue rose to leave, sensing that the purpose of her summons had not been fulfilled. Their conversation had lasted this long only because both women understood what should be said and what ought to remain unspoken.
"You must take care of your health, Mother. You should rest well from now on."
Turning to Granny Xu, who sat nearby, she continued, "Henceforth, those concubines should be exempted from the customary greetings unless someone insists on seeing the queen. If that is the case, let them wait in the main hall, so they do not disturb your tranquility. Is that understood?"
Gong Shaohua looked at Xianyue, her expression filled with contentment: "Stay and join me for lunch."
Xianyue grasped Gong Shaohua's hand and shook her head gently: "I will return to visit you once your health improves."
Gong Shaohua nodded and instructed Granny Xu, "See Xianyue out."
The two clever women shared a close, unspoken understanding; just as Xianyue always referred to her as Lord Lan, she simply called her Yue'er instead of Heir Consort.
Yet,Xianyue's actions surprised Gong Shaohua. Today, she was so composed and understanding that it was difficult to reconcile with the aggressive woman from that day atGanquan Palace.
At the entrance,Bai Pingting stood waiting. Upon seeing Xianyue exit, she turned, a thin sheen of sweat glistening on her forehead, her face slightly flushed from the sun. Although summer had passed, the weather remained warm, and standing in the sunlight for an entire morning had made her feel hot. While her training could not compare to the hardships Xianyue had endured, they were still no trifles for her.
"Princess."
Xianyue nodded, though a hint of dissatisfaction brewed within her; how could they make her retain her presence here the entire morning? Although Bai Pingting was not as significant to her as Feng Jiulan and Lan Yixuan, she felt a twinge of guilt towards Bai Pingting, perhaps due to the efforts she had devoted to Feng Jiulan.
Not long after stepping out the door, she turned to Xu Mama behind her and said, "Xu Mama, please return. Mother is unwell; I feel more at ease knowing you are by her side."
Having spoken, Xu Mama could hardly refuse, bowing respectfully as she replied, "Take care, Lady."
Xianyue nodded, watching her depart. "You've been standing out there the whole morning."
Bai Pingting did not deny it. "What did the queen and the princess discuss?"
"Just some casual conversation; nothing of significance."
As soon as the words left her mouth, Xianyue suddenly recalled something, her gaze sweeping around before hastening her steps to a secluded corner where she finally slowed down and stopped. "You wait for me outside Ganquan Palace."
Just as she finished giving instructions, a slender figure clad in white appeared in the corridor, radiant as silver, her youthful visage unmistakable—Liu Xinyou.
Currently, Xianyue was situated at a circular doorway, and as she turned, she inadvertently caught a glimpse of Liu Xinyou's back. Liu Xinyou and the accompanying palace maid were facing away from her and, therefore, remained oblivious to her presence.
"Princess."
Bai Pingting looked at Xianyue, deliberately lowering her voice, but her mouth was suddenly covered by Xianyue. Leaning against the wall, in the next moment, Liu Xinyou unexpectedly turned around, yet nothing was amiss; Xianyue had already evaded detection. Turning back, she continued to follow the palace maid.
Bai Pingting widened her eyes in surprise at Xianyue, who had covered her mouth. Xianyue leaned out slightly, ensuring Liu Xinyou had moved on before releasing Bai Pingting's mouth. What was Liu Xinyou doing in the Lan Kingdom? And why was she at Weiyang Palace? What connection did she have with the Empress? Were they conspiring? Liu Xinyou's silhouette had already faded into the distance, leaving no time to ponder further. Xianyue patted Bai Pingting's shoulder. "You go outside alone, and don't let anyone from Weiyang Palace spot you. Wait for me out there."
As her words fell, she hurried after Liu Xinyou.
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