“Exactly what is he planning to do?” The doubts within her heart is spoken out loud, Gui Wan knits her brows, thinking about the question that has been troubling her for a long time. This past half of the year, Lou Che has practically used half of his time on her, whatever can be seen, whatever can be toured, whatever can be played, he has been accompanying her in all these recreational fun, even towards Consort Ying’s loss of favour, he did not even show any concern.
Lou Che becoming uncaring towards all of the state affairs, is this really him wanting to spend days like an idle cloud and wild crane?[2] Gui Wan spouts out hot air, her pressed lips actually hooking up into a smile, as if ridiculing, as if sighing. On the surface, Lou Che is a gentle and wave-less pool, like the spring breeze brushing past, but underneath this pool, whether it is of stormy seas or rapids across the reefs, no one knows.
“If you wish to deceive another, you must first deceive yourself” this phrase, Gui Wan seems to have heard it from somewhere before, when it first drifted by her ears, she forgot all about it, thinking about it now, it is rather interesting.
The wind blows behind her, before she turns her head, Ru Qing’s voice sounds: “Madam, there is a guest requesting an audience outside.”
Retracting the already slightly frozen hand, Gui Wan silently sighs, him again. This past half of the year, he has come numerous times, sometimes bringing new strange treasures, sometimes chatting around for a half a day, sometimes rushing here, with no purpose, sitting down for a moment, drinking a cup of clear tea, and leave feeling extremely satisfied.
She is finding it increasingly hard to see through him now, in her memory, he still seems to be that refreshing and frail youth, but looking at his doings this past half of the year, it seems like reality has already far left her memories.
Gui Wan strolls into the floral hall, under one glance she sees several retainers carrying a big box inside the hall, in moment of surprise, Guan Xiu Wen comes up greeting her, consistency of fortune in his official career overflowing from this youth’s body, his body thus has an additional air of thriving vitality, a proud smile hangs on his lips as he calls out: “You’re here.” (Note of reminder: The floral hall is the Chinese equivalent of drawing room – a room aside from the main living room where guests can be received and entertained)
Sounding a shallow laughter, Gui Wan closes in, looking over the fact that he did not make any cordial addressment, her heart was put a slight discomfort. The change in this youth is caused by the influence of the environment he is in, he is still warm and friendly, but is somewhat different to the past, she is unable to specify where the difference lies, only feeling that that sense of crystal clearness has been infiltrated.
The elegant young man directs the retainers to place down the box, smiling with slight excitement, “These have been shipped in from Jiang Xi, I believe you would definitely like……” His expression like that of offering treasure appears naïve.
Upon thinking how such naivety has made all sorts of officials amongst the imperial court feel fear, Gui Wan was also extremely doubtful, is this youth really the one who cut off Prince Duan’s wings within half a year, and helped the Emperor to remove several ruthless veteran officials? The rumoured brutality, and the water-like pureness before her eyes, just which one is real?
Noticing Gui Wan’s heavy silence, Guan Xiu Wen also knits his brows together, asking: “What’s wrong? Is there something not to your liking?”
Smiling, Gui Wan takes away her inquiring eyes, suddenly hearing a burst of collision sound, she turns around in surprise, one box under the carelessness of a servant, has fallen to the ground, the things inside the box spills out, beads of jade glass pours out just like that, causing a noisy sound of clear ringing, an underlying halo light flows out, spilling out an entire floor of stars.