Because Quirra changed the rules for the Concubines and Noble Consort Ran Mao to only greet her every three days, she had unknowingly avoided a lot of disasters. The schemes the women wanted to play with Queen Iwa couldn't be initiated and they failed half way.
It was as if they were being watched or someone or something is helping Queen Iwa escape from the calamity. Whenever the person who schemed against her got caught, the person and it's family would then go missing the following day.
It was only with time that they've discovered it was actually the King who was protecting Queen Iwa.
The King who, just recently, favored her all because his beloved Chonglin was under confinement along with her punishment.
The only thing the women could think of to vent their frustrations on their failed attempts to sabotage Queen Iwa, was to brag about the said Queen's accomplishments in front of Concubine Chonglin's courtyard. The women made sure their voices were loud enough for Chonglin to hear their 'gossiping'.
As for the other women in the back palace, they could only smile in delight at Chonglin's fall from grace from her outlandish actions as she destroyed her own courtyard, and of course her reputation.
Five months has passed since Chonglin's punishment. . .
Liwei spent his every afternoon and night with Iwa. They spent their days in peace and full of sweetness, while their nights were filled with unending passion.
Liwei found his serendipity with Iwa.
Even though as King and Queen, they are bound to face many obstacles and problems that comes along with their position, not to mention their responsibilities, and also Iwa's family's irritating influence in the government, Liwei found peace and happiness alongside his Queen wife.
If he could continue the rest of his life like this, he would trade anything to have this kind of tranquility alongside a wonderful woman. He would really count himself as the luckiest man alive....
Liwei watched the sun's rays peek through the window and shine on their naked bodies. Iwa had never said No to whatever he wanted to do with her in bed. She would delightfuly give in instead and made sure she herself enjoyed their love making. Never had he felt this close to anyone before, as if their bodies melted into one. As if the missing pieces inside his heart was completed by her. As if their souls became one.
Iwa will only be the one worthy of him, worthy to stay by his side.
With that thought in mind, he decided he would treat her even better. Something a woman by his side is worthy to be treated of.
The next day. . .
When Liwei left for morning court, Quirra opened her eyes and sneered at Liwei's condescending ways. His love felt fickle to her, just like his heart. He'll love whoever is convenient to him at the moment and it just so happens that, that person is her.
Anyone with eyes could tell that Liwei has fallen in-love with her, yet he was just too proud to say it out loud to her.
He might not even say it, not unless she would 'admit' to him first, that she 'loved' him.
But Quirra would never say those three magical words to him, even if it meant her mission would finish early. She refused to do so. She wants him to be the first one to say those words to her, when he is ready to say it. Only then would it mean its his true feelings. And only then would the original Iwa's last dying wish will truly be granted.
She only had two more weeks until Chonglin's punishment period is up. She needs to move faster in weaving her web of love around Liwei so he would have to choose her over Chonglin. And it just so happens that Liwei's birthday coincides with Chonglin's release from her confinement.
Quirra had a lot of things to prepare before then.
As time came closer to Liwei's birthday banquet, Liwei spent most of his time with Iwa as if he was trying to make it up to her. For he has already decided to go back to Chonglin once her punishment is over.
However lately, Liwei felt that there was something off about his Iwa. Although their time together were still as sweet and as passionate as ever, its as if there is a sadness that she tries so hard to hide inside of her. Liwei couldn't help feeling guilty. But they both know that in a few days, Chonglin would be back in his arms and he would no longer be visiting Iwa as frequently as he does.
Although they avoided mentioning Chonglin's name as much as possible and spent their time together as happy as they could be, Liwei however couldn't help himself. The sadness that Iwa is hiding in herself, is calling out to him.
He could no longer pretend and ignore her as his heart couldn't take her pain any longer.
The love he felt for Iwa was something he didn't expect he would have, but it is something he could neither ignore nor forget.
"Iwa...." Liwei softly spoke as he held her tightly in his embrace. They were cuddling in Iwa's bed after a long session of love making.
"Yes, my King?" Iwa replied just as softly.
The moon could be seen shining brightly outside her bedroom window, washing Iwa's room with its soft white light giving it an ethereal glow.
"We need to talk...." Liwei said gently, as if he didn't want to hurt her feelings.
"About Chonglin."