Chapter 18
His hands were wrapped in gauze, and the bloodstains still faintly remained on it. It was because that he broke the cup and hurt his hand when he was angry.
“The prince, it’s all my fault to get you in trouble.” My stiff heart slowly recovered. It was like that a snake awakening from hibernation finally climbed out of the dark cave, bathed in the brightest sunshine and breathed the freshest air in the world. It felt like a rebirth.
“Don’t say that. You are my wife. You’re bleeding, and I will certainly bleed with you.”
He was so silly. How could we bleed together? I knew that he loved me, and that was enough.
In the few days after I got married, I had experienced feelings I had never felt before. Surprise, satisfaction, doubts, sadness, all of a sudden these feelings are all coming. What’s more, they came so fast that I was not prepared at all. I really couldn’t stand it anymore. I was so tired! Could people really sacrifice their lives for love without resentment? I didn’t know. I didn’t know if I could do it without resentment. It was too painful.
“Well, don’t think about it. You’re too tired. You need to take a rest. I need a healthy concubine. Do you hear?” Xiao Yi’s voice was getting farther and farther. I closed my eyes and fell asleep with temporary satisfaction.
Time went by so fast that New Year’s Eve was coming in a few days. I recovered from my illness without losing my charm. Instead, my body had been given some energy. I was in a good mood, and the tedious embroidery was about to be finished. Eventually, I could breathe for a relief.
“Mingzhu, you should ask Madam Su if all the gifts for the palace are ready?”
“Concubine, Madam Su is a thoughtful person. I think we needn’t worry about that.”
“Okay, that’s good. By the way, I never knew that Hongying’s embroidery was so good.” I didn’t know if my punishment had worked. Hongying who hadn’t made up these days had been working hard without any decoration. Her embroidery was so fast and good that nobody in the house could match her.
“Do you regret it?” Bing was coming in with a large pile of red satin which was used to decorate the residence.
“Regret? Why do you say that?”
“I said that your punishment was a little heavy that day. Why do you have to deduct her allowance? New Year’s Day is coming soon. I heard that there were elderly mother and younger brothers in her family.” Although Bing is my maidservant, I treated her like my sister in private. At this moment, there were no outsiders, so she said what she wanted to say without hesitation. She was not like Mingzhu who always spoke with caution.
“Oh, Perhaps.” I thought something was beating on the softest part of my heart. After a little meditation, I said, “Maybe I’m too impulsive. Well, you tell the accountant to make it up for her.”
“I think you’d better go personally. Hong Ying was very depressed recently. If the prince know that, I’m afraid it’s not good for you……” Bing reminded me.
“All right!” I sighed. “Well. Bing, take two superior satin.”
“Yes, Concubine. Please wait a minute.” Bing smiled happily.
“Girl, what are you laughing at?” I glared at her.
“I laugh that you are clearly kind , but you have to pretend to be atrocious.” Bing said. She found out two superior red satin which was my dowry given by my mother. Now considering the overall situation, I actually had to give them to others.
“Little girl, when did you learn to be so clever? Be careful, or I’ll punish you for copying scriptures……” I changed my expression deliberately.
“Oh, my Concubine, please forgive me. You know that I hate reading and writing.” Bing begged for mercy. However, she resumed, “I learned that from you, and I haven’t finished yet.”
“What else do you have to say? Tell me quickly! Don’t hesitate any more.” I’m in a hurry.
“Concubine, You punish her first, and then comfort her with gifts. Ha!”
“Little girl, you don’t know that the best way to do things is to temper justice with mercy.” I said.
“Yes, Concubine, I’m short-sighted like a frog at the bottom of the well. How can I know how big the outside sky is?”
“Bad girl.” I deliberately pretended to be angry, then I went out and laughed.
The sky outside was really vast. Today, there was a red sun hanging. The sun shined on the silver world, and everywhere was shining with light. The snow on the branches had condensed into long ice strips, hanging stubbornly on the tree with a bold arrogance. It was a different scene.
Bing and I came to Hongying’s door. It was strange to see the door closed tightly.
“What does she do by locking the door in the daytime?” Bing shouted out, “Hongying, Concubine came to see you.”
I only heard the sound of “thump” in there, and then Hongying screamed. There was fear in her clear voice.
I felt nervous when I thought about it. What? Was Xiao Yi here? There was a noise inside, and my anger slowly rose with the heat from my nose.
After waiting for a long time, the door finally opened. Hongying was only wearing a shirt, and her hair was wet. There were buckets on the ground. It turned out that she was taking a bath. I was relieved, and my heart relaxed. Then a smile appeared on my face.
“I'll be damned. I don’t know Concubine will come. I’m so impolite, so please punish me.” Hongying knelt down at my feet desperately.
“Get up, it’s nothing.” I lifted her up and looked around slowly. The room was clean and elegant. The bed-curtain was embroidered with blooming peonies which were rich and charming. Some were budding, others were blooming. The vivid flowers were delicate and gorgeous, just like the red smile of Hongying.
But there were many buckets on the ground, which looked a little uncomfortable. Especially there was still unmelted snow in the buckets.
“What’s this?” I asked.