[Who is that?] a very puzzled Yu Mei asked herself. She couldn't help but keep staring at the woman in front of them, full of admiration. This woman gave off the most prestigious and breath taking aura Yu Mei has ever seen. Even the way she dressed was much more high class than Consort Ning's. The woman in front of them was dressed in a very dark purple gown, layered with a thin silk outer robe. If one wanted to show off how rich they were, this woman would be the prime example of how to do it properly. From head to toe, she was like a decorated ornament, in a good way of course.
Pei Nan on the other hand regretted ever being on top of Yu Mei. If he knew this woman was going to be here, he would have never teased Yu Mei to the point of being caught in this awkward position.
"Mother," he pulled away from Yu Mei, immediately standing up, looking at her as if he had been caught doing something naughty. [Mother?] You could imagine, if Pei Nan was shocked to see his own mother at this moment, the look on Yu Mei's face was 10x's worse. "Mother in law," Yu Mei quickly got up and greeted. This beautiful woman was Empress Lin Bai Ping? Pei Nan's mother? So much was going through Yu Mei's head. She began to even feel a little bit dizzy just trying to process everything.
She was not ready to meet his family, or at least not yet. And to think she met this mother in law of hers for the first time in such an awkward situation. What else could she do but to look down, embarrassed.
"Pei Nan, you haven't visited mother in a long time, come, let me take a look at you," Empress Ping walked past Yu Mei, giving her the cold shoulder before going over to Pei Nan, grabbing his arm and pulling him over to the table. Yu Mei almost let out a sigh of disbelief but caught herself. This mother in law of hers didn't even acknowledge her. Did the whole family treat the original Pan Yu Mei like this? The injustice!
She was still in her own little bubble when she was called, "Consort Pan, don't you see that your husband is here, what are you doing not taking care of him," Empress Ping spoke in a very demanding voice. Yu Mei closed her eyes and mentally counted to ten before turning around and walking over with a very friendly smile. [So this is where Petty Nan gets his attitude from] Like the saying goes, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. "Coming mother," Yu Mei swallowed all the anger in her body as she walked over quickly, taking a seat next to Pei Nan.
At this time, Chu'mei had somehow magically escaped the wrath of Feng Ju. She was now staning at the side where Yu Mei could see her.
The dirty look the Empress was giving Yu Mei; anyone could sense it from a thousand miles away. Luckily Yu Mei didn't give two nuts about it. She's seen all kinds of women in her past life; she didn't believe she couldn't handle his mother, Empress Ping.
"Mother, what are you doing here at Consort Pan's palace?" he suddenly asked in a very pleasant voice. Yu Mei couldn't help but take a double look at him. He could actually speak gently? What happened to that terrifying and psychotic Pei Nan moments ago? Yu Mei wanted to scream, "What has this world come to?"
"It's almost winter; I am going to go pray for a safe and quick winter," Pei Nan nodded. Yu Mei sat there like a proper lady listening in on their conversation. What did praying have to do with her?
"Mother, when are you planning to leave? Should I accompany you?" Once again his voice was filled with sincerity. Yu Mei rolled her eyes, if he had an ounce of kindness like this towards her, they would be able to live in peace.
His mother lightly patted the top of his hands, smiling. Yu Mei wanted to throw up. Luckily it was still morning and she hadn't had her breakfast yet. If she did, the floor they were on wouldn't be so lucky. "Nan'er (endearment term), you still have many things to take care of. How could I bother you," that sweet smile of hers suddenly turned into disgust the moment they made contact with Yu Mei. "I'm here to invite Consort Pan to accompany me instead. Hopefully you won't fall ill like last time's praying trip," Empress Ping emphasized those words.
Yu Mei who had been silent the whole time was trying to process what was going on. She could tell his mother had a very very VERY strong dislike for her. Did she really want to trouble herself? But on the other hand, if she stayed with Pei Nan…just thinking about it, she felt chills down her spine. [Who is easier to handle? Pei Nan or his mother?] This was such a tough decision. They were both horrible in her mind.
On the opposite side was Chu'mei, trying very hard to signal Yu Mei something. She had her hands in front of her waist, shaking them as if saying no. The worried look on her face literally screamed out "DON'T Go!" but the already flustered Yu Mei couldn't read her gesture in time. Why? Because Yu Mei suddenly thought of her kiss with Pei Nan. Not just one but two kiss. He stole her first kiss!
[If I stay...what if that Petty Nan takes liberty with me…ewwwww!] Yu Mei quickly placed both her arms around her chest in an "X" shape. "I'll go, the sooner the better," Yu Mei shook her head, instantly agreeing. Just the thought of Pei Nan kissing her again was too much.
Chu'mei slump her body…this was a bad choice, a very bad choice. Her lady was making the biggest mistake of her life.
For the first time since entering Yu Mei's room, Pei Nan's mother smiled at her. Of course, it wasn't a friendly smile, it was more of a "better watch your back" kind of smile. "I'm so glad that you can accompany me. We'll be leaving in an hour,"
The moment Pei Nan heard Yu Mei agree to go; he had already turned a shade darker. After hearing that she will set off in an hour, he almost lost his cool. In reality, earlier when his mother asked Yu Mei, he had already started feeling nervous. He didn't want her to go. He truly did not want to let her go right now. He prayed she would've made an excuse. But now…she was really leaving. Wasn't this letting her off too easy? He hadn't even punished her yet. Indeed she was lucky, a very lucky rabbit, he thought. "Mother, why don't you go first. I am going to help Yu Mei pack,"
"Fine," his mother took her leave. Yu Mei bid farewell to her. They both stood there expressionless until his mother disappeared. Yu Mei could finally breathe now. The next moment, she turned her body, facing Pei Nan with the biggest smile on her face. "Yu Mei, don't think that you can escape me forever. You wait until your return," he pulled her wrist towards him as he threatened her. Yu Mei didn't care, that big smile of hers was still on her mischievous face. [Gosh, stupid woman! Do you know you shouldn't smile like that, for an ugly girl, it's too much for one person to handle] the moment Pei Nan realized he had just "complimented" her, he let go of her hand. He didn't believe it, he actually thought that way about Yu Mei, the girl he detested the most. He quickly turned away, heading towards the door. Every step he took, he could feel his heart beat faster. There was no way he would have good feelings for her, right?
The oblivious Yu Mei just stared at him, wondering what the heck was wrong with him.
Chu'mei ran over to her, tugging her sleeves. "Xiaojie, did you not see my signal? Are you blind? This is going to be the most brutal week of our lives," Chu'mei stomped her feet a few times. Why did her lady have to be so muddle-headed at times like this. Yu Mei ignored Chu'mei. Dealing with this scheming woman was better than being molested by that stupid Pei Nan.
Yu Mei was ecstatic, just thinking about being free from Pei Nan for a full week. But she also felt guilty towards Prince Shao. No matter what, she had wanted to meet him tomorrow night for the last time. Sadly, she would not be able to. The most she could do was write him a letter.
Moments later, Chu'mei was watching curiously as Yu Mei wrote her letter. "Xiaojie, who are you writing this too?" she nosily asked.
"Prince Shao," Chu'mei's eyes sparkled like a fangirl. Maybe her ship hasn't died yet. The chances of her lady and Prince Shao getting together were still possible. "Xiaojie, is it a love letter by chance,"
"Are you insane? I need you to give this letter to him," Yu Mei placed the letter inside the envelope along with something wrapped in a blue silk cloth. "I don't care how you sneak it in but it must get into Prince Shao's hands,"
"Yes," Chu'mei took the letter.
"Also, be back before we set off. You are coming with me,"
Yu Mei and Chu'mei arrived at the Empress's estate with no more than a few minutes to spare. Everyone was there. Consort Ning, Nuan and Wan were standing by the Empress. All of them except for Consort Nuan looked unhappy to see Yu Mei. Of course they were angry; they had to stand in the sun waiting for Yu Mei.
Yu Mei scratched her head when she saw the scene. Weren't they being too extra? Three wide sedans were in the back. Not only were they big enough for four people, the exterior design was really extravagant. It looked more like they were going to a festival rather than traveling to the temple. But who was Yu Mei to judge. She quickly rushed over and greeted the empress. The empress barely acknowledged her. "Consort Pan, next time be more courteous of others. How can you arrive after me? We have been waiting a very long time for you," in a haughty voice.
"My apologies mother," in fact, Yu Mei wanted to scold her. Everyone in the room probably had a few days to prepare, she had a mere one hour. How was that fair?
"Ning'er, take me to the front sedan. You'll ride with me," Fei Ning smiled as she took the Empress's hand, escorting her to the grandest sedan of the three. She didn't forget to shoot Yu Mei a dirty look as if saying she was better. So this was it, Yu Mei thought. This whole trip was to show her that Fei Ning was the daughter in law she favored. Yu Mei wanted to laugh, what a childish plan. This was all Pei Nan's mother could think of?
Without much worry, Yu Mei entered the second sedan with Consort Nuan and Consort Wan.
Back at Prince Shao's palace, he had gotten the letter. When asked where they got it from, they all shook their heads no knowing. He pulled out the letter and held the folded cloth in his other hand.
[Brother Shao,
Forgive me for not being able to bid you farewell in person. I suddenly got bad news back home, my mother in law is very ill. I'm sorry I had to leave like this. I can only leave you with my most precious item as an apology and farewell gift. I will never forget our friendship. I hope that we will meet again in the future.
Farewell, Brother Xu]
T
hese kind of things never bothered Gu Shao in the past before. People come and go in his life like the wind but somehow, he truly felt connected to Xu Ren.
With a very down mood, he slowly opened up the blue cloth, one fold at a time. A blood jaded bracelet. If Yu Mei knew what or who that bracelet came from, she would have regretted giving it away.