Memory of Love" 爱之记忆"Chapter 3

Memory of Love" 爱之记忆"Chapter 3

Yue Mei slowly opened her eyes, her gaze falling on her red scarf as it dropped to the ground. When she lifted her head, she found herself in the arms of a tall man dressed in luxurious red robes. His strong build and handsome features were striking—broad, straight eyebrows, sharp, intelligent eyes, and rosy lips. She also noticed he wore gloves, and his serious, stern expression added an air of authority to his demeanor.

Yue Mei was too shocked to speak. His face was so close to hers that she could feel the warmth of his breath. For a moment, she stared in silence until he abruptly stepped back, regaining his stoic and composed demeanor. Yue Mei hesitated briefly, then took a small step toward him, lightly pointing her finger as she asked, "You... you're my husband, aren't you?"

He looked at her with a hint of confusion, as if she had said something strange. Smiling playfully, she added, "Wow! You're tall and handsome—my husband is really good-looking. Haha! Hi, I'm Yue Mei. And you are?"

He did not respond, his cold gaze fixed on her before he turned and walked toward the dining table. He sat down stiffly, as if her antics were unworthy of acknowledgment. Yue Mei followed and sat opposite him, grinning foolishly. "Are you shy? Why won't you tell me your name?"

His sharp eyes met hers, questioning silently: "Don't you know it already?"

She answered sweetly, "Of course I do. My aunt told me your name is Wang Xin Lian. But I thought we should talk more and get to know each other better, so we can be good friends."

At that moment, her stomach growled audibly. Embarrassed, she looked at him with a laugh. "Ah, I'm hungry. I haven't had a proper meal today. My aunt said I shouldn't eat until you arrive. May I eat now?"

Xin Lian replied coldly, barely sparing her a glance, "You may eat."

Yue Mei eagerly picked up the chopsticks and began eating heartily. She was clearly starving. Between bites, she looked at him with a friendly smile and said, "You should eat with me. You're hungry too, right?"

Xin Lian didn't reply, though his eyes followed her childish movements. After finishing her meal, Yue Mei placed her hand on her stomach with a satisfied smile. "The food here is so delicious. I'm full!"

He simply watched her silently. When she felt content, she walked over to the bed and began untying the heavy ribbons of her traditional wedding attire. Xin Lian's eyes widened in shock. "What are you doing?" he asked sharply.

Yue Mei looked at him innocently, as if her actions were perfectly normal. "I'm... changing my clothes. I'm tired, and these are uncomfortable."

Turning his gaze away, Xin Lian's face reflected both embarrassment and suppressed anger. He gestured toward a nearby screen. "Go behind that to change your clothes."

Obediently, Yue Mei replied cheerfully, "Okay, I will," and went behind the screen.

After changing, she jumped onto the bed with the lightness of a child, smiling contentedly. "The bed is so comfy. Come on, there's plenty of space for us."

Standing firmly, Xin Lian's stern gaze fell on her again. She continued nonchalantly, "My aunt said we should share the bed. Come on, let's sleep together!"

Her innocent eyes and bright smile were met with his suppressed anger. Internally, he thought, She's truly foolish.

Turning away coldly, he said, "You can sleep here alone. I have work to do." Without protesting, Yue Mei snuggled under the soft blanket and whispered sleepily, "Fine, we'll sleep together next time."

As she drifted into slumber, Xin Lian left the room, his heavy footsteps echoing through the quiet halls. The faint scent of incense lingered in the air as he made his way to his private study. The room was dark, illuminated only by a few dim lamps.

His personal assistant, Cheng Xiao, stood near the door, his vigilant eyes scanning the surroundings. When Xin Lian approached, Cheng Xiao stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "My lord, why are you here? It's your wedding night. You know the emperor's men are watching you closely."

Xin Lian cast him a sidelong glance but showed no expression. He pushed open the grand doors of his study and moved toward the dark wooden desk. Seated quietly, he directed his attention to the stack of papers before him. Moonlight streamed through the large window behind him, framed by deep red curtains.

Cheng Xiao closed the doors carefully and stood before his master. Xin Lian raised his head and asked in a calm yet commanding tone, "Did everything arrive at the capital as I ordered?"

Cheng Xiao replied, "Yes, my lord. However, the emperor's men conducted a thorough inspection at the city gates. They seemed unusually cautious."

A cold smile tugged at Xin Lian's lips, as if he had expected this. "Does His Majesty fear me, or is he trying to plant something among my belongings?" he said mockingly, resting his chin on his hand.

Cheng Xiao stepped closer to assure him, "I considered that possibility as well, so I personally checked everything. Nothing seemed unusual."

Xin Lian was silent for a moment before his fists clenched slightly. In a quiet tone, he said, "We have much work to do here. There's no time to waste."

Cheng Xiao hesitated briefly before adding, "General Liu sent his congratulations and some gifts, apologizing for his absence at the wedding."

Nodding slowly, Xin Lian asked, "Any news from the borders?"

"All is quiet so far, nothing alarming," Cheng Xiao replied firmly.

After a pause, he spoke hesitantly, "Do you think the emperor meant to insult you by marrying you to a madwoman?"

Xin Lian exhaled deeply before replying, "Even if that was his intention, I won't let this insult defeat me. I need to stay in the capital to uncover the truth of the past."

Dismissing Cheng Xiao, he said, "You may leave now."

Cheng Xiao asked cautiously, "Will you remain here tonight? Shall I prepare a separate room for you, my lord?"

"There's no need. Go now," Xin Lian replied calmly. Alone in the quiet study, he worked late into the night.

---

The next morning, sunlight streamed gently through the windows as Yue Mei awoke, feeling refreshed. Light knocks came from the door, followed by a soft voice. "My lady, may I come in?"

With a sleepy but cheerful voice, Yue Mei answered, "Come in, Jing Jing."

Lang Jing entered gracefully, carrying a basin of warm water and a clean towel. Setting them on the table, she said, "My lady, you can freshen up now."

Yue Mei washed her face with delight, enjoying the serene morning. Drying her hands, she asked curiously, "Jing Jing, where is my husband now?"

Lang Jing smiled gently and replied, "He stayed in his study all night. He seems busy."

Yue Mei laughed softly, a mischievous gleam in her eyes. "Then prepare breakfast for me. Let's surprise him! Haha!"

During that time, Shin Lian was in his study, having changed from his usual attire into a simple morning robe. He sat at his worktable with his assistant, Cheng Xiao, carefully arranging dishes beside him. As Shin Lian began eating quietly, lost in his thoughts, a loud noise suddenly came from the door. He sharply raised his head to see Yue Mei standing at the entrance, her face radiant with a bright smile.

"Good morning, my husband!" she exclaimed cheerfully, stepping toward him with a small food container in hand.

Shin Lian gave her a dispassionate glance but said nothing, continuing his meal.

"Oh, you're already eating! Great! Jing Jing, put my food here so I can have breakfast with my husband!" she said playfully, her broad smile lighting up her face. She then sat beside him and began eating as well.

While enjoying her meal, she noticed Shin Lian was still wearing his gloves. However, she refrained from asking. Instead, she turned to Shin Lian's assistant and curiously inquired, "Who are you?"

Cheng Xiao was slightly startled but bowed respectfully. "Your Highness, I am the Third Prince's personal assistant. My name is Cheng Xiao."

Yue Mei smiled warmly, meeting his gaze directly. "So, you're Shin Lian's friend?"

Cheng Xiao hesitated, unsure how to respond, and looked toward his master for guidance. But before he could speak, Yue Mei laughed loudly and said, "Wonderful! Then you're my friend too! Hahaha!"

Cheng Xiao awkwardly replied, "It would be an honor, Your Highness."

Yue Mei turned her gaze back to Shin Lian, her smile childlike as she said, "Shin Lian, let's play together after breakfast!"

Without looking up from his plate, Shin Lian replied in a steady, rough tone, "You need to prepare. We're going to the imperial palace."

Nodding in agreement, Yue Mei responded, "Alright! But when we return, we'll play, won't we?"

He coldly replied, "We won't play. I have work to do."

Her expression turned sorrowful, her bright eyes reflecting disappointment. "But my aunt said we'd play together..."

Shin Lian reiterated with icy indifference, finishing the last bite of his meal, "We won't play."

Frustrated, Yue Mei frowned and retorted angrily, "Fine, then! If you won't play with me, I'll go and play with Jing Jing instead. And you'll regret it when you're jealous!" She got up abruptly. "Come on, Jing Jing! I'm full!"

Shin Lian didn't react, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath to calm himself. Rising quietly, he said in a low, detached voice, "Do as you wish."

As Yue Mei left the room with Lang Jing following her, she muttered curiously, "It's intriguing. Staying away from him might be better. Did you notice, Jing Jing? He still hasn't removed his gloves."

Lang Jing nodded, sharing her observation. "I think his hands might be scarred."

Yue Mei chuckled lightly. "In any case, that's not important. Let's focus on more pressing matters."

---

Later, a servant entered Shin Lian's study, bowing respectfully. "Your horse is ready, Your Highness."

Yue Mei and Shin Lian made their way to the imperial palace, walking through the grand halls adorned with luxurious carpets in warm hues. Upon reaching the Jade Hall of the Emperor, they found him seated on his high throne, draped in an imperial robe adorned with golden dragons. His face bore an expression of wisdom and deep thought.

Before him was a Go board, its black and white stones scattered across its surface, creating an air of organized chaos. Courtiers stood silently around him as Yue Mei and Shin Lian bowed deeply in unison, greeting him with reverence. "Greetings to His Majesty."

The Emperor responded with a broad smile, waving off their formality. "No need for such decorum; we are family."

His tone was warm and casual, creating an atmosphere of comfort. Yue Mei confidently stepped toward the Emperor, ignoring Shin Lian's subtle warnings. Shin Lian observed her uneasily, clearly displeased by her boldness, but he remained silent.

Turning to Yue Mei, the Emperor said, "Last time, I defeated you. Are you sure you'll win this time?"

Yue Mei laughed softly and replied with playful confidence, "Your Majesty, I simply overlooked a minor mistake last time and lost. Don't forget, I've beaten you many times before."

Her expression radiated a light-hearted triumph, as though relishing the challenge.

The Emperor chuckled. "Sit here, Shin Lian," he said, gesturing for his son to join him.

Moving deliberately, Shin Lian took a seat beside him. "Yes, Father," he said gently.

Yue Mei sat across from the Emperor, the ancient wooden table with the Go board at its center. The oil lamps cast a soft glow, making the stones shimmer enticingly. She studied the Emperor's expressions as he contemplated his next move.

Picking up a black stone between his long fingers, the Emperor placed it on the board, remarking thoughtfully, "Go is not just a game; it's a battle of strategies, much like ruling an empire. Each stone you place determines your fate, just as every decision shapes your life."

Yue Mei, holding a white stone, examined the board carefully before placing her stone in the upper right corner, seeking control over that area.

Smiling with a hint of challenge, she remarked, "Every stone tells a story, but in the end, it's about how you tame them to build your empire on the board. Isn't that right, Your Majesty?"

The Emperor raised his eyebrows, clearly impressed by her move. Selecting another black stone, he responded, "Indeed, Yue Mei. But strength alone won't win in Go or in life. Patience and flexibility are the keys to victory."

He strategically placed his black stone near her white ones, signaling his intent to surround her pieces. Yue Mei's face reflected her realization that the Emperor wasn't going easy on her.

Taking another white stone, she paused and smiled mischievously at him. "What if the white stones emerge victorious? Sometimes, the heart triumphs over the mind, don't you think, Your Majesty?"

The Emperor chuckled softly. "In Go, as in life, few can balance heart and mind. If you can, you may be stronger than I thought."

Minutes passed as the game progressed, and suddenly, Yue Mei erupted into laughter, unable to contain her joy. "Haha! I've won! I told you!"

The Emperor smiled calmly, amused despite his loss. "You're quite something! Well done. How do you always manage to win?"

Yue Mei gleefully explained, her eyes shining with pride, "I've memorized all the best strategies, and I even improved them! Hahaha, I won!"

With a sly smile, she pointed at Shin Lian. "Shin Lian doesn't know, though."

The Emperor glanced at him thoughtfully, then sighed. "Enough for now. I need rest. We'll play again. Go pay your respects to the Empress."

Yue Mei, brimming with confidence, bowed alongside Shin Lian. "As you command, Your Majesty."

As they walked toward the Empress's chamber, Yue Mei broke the silence. "Why didn't you speak to His Majesty?"

Shin Lian's face remained stoic. "He didn't ask me to speak."

Yue Mei giggled and teased, "But I speak whenever I want, whether he asks or not!"

Unfazed, Shin Lian replied coldly, "I'm not like you."

Playfully, she challenged, "Oh, so you don't know how to talk? Should I teach you?"

"I don't want to," he retorted firmly.

"Why not? I'm a good teacher!" she quipped.

But he remained serious. "Let's go."When they arrived at the Empress's hall, the room exuded a tranquil serenity. The walls were adorned with paintings of stunning natural landscapes, and the Empress sat gracefully on her luxurious throne, surrounded by servants, delicately enjoying a plate of sweets. As they entered, the Empress smiled warmly, her voice filled with kindness and affection: "Welcome, both of you. Come, sit here beside me." Her smile radiated gentle charm as she gazed at them, then added while observing their features, "Yue Mei, Shiin Lian, you both look wonderful together. Shiin Lian, take good care of your wife. She is a kind-hearted girl."

As usual, Shiin Lian displayed no discernible emotions, merely nodding respectfully and replying in a calm tone, "I will do my best, Your Majesty." The Empress waved her hand playfully, dismissing his stoic demeanor, and said with a lighthearted tone, "Don't give us that stone-cold face." She then turned to Yue Mei, her eyes sparkling with curiosity and tenderness: "And you, Yue Mei, how are you finding him?"

Sitting close to her, Yue Mei glanced at Shiin Lian with a playful pout and replied in a teasing tone, "He's fine… but he's not like you, Your Majesty. You're far better, haha!" The Empress laughed heartily at Yue Mei's charming words, while Shiin Lian remained calm and silent, his expression unchanged, though his eyes quietly followed the interaction. The Empress chuckled and remarked softly, "What a delightful girl you are, Yue Mei. Your husband is a good man, so always stand by him and support him, do you understand?"

Yue Mei nodded, bowing slightly as a gesture of respect. "I understand, Your Majesty."

The Empress then carefully picked up a piece of delicate lotus pastry and offered it to Yue Mei with a warm smile: "Here, I know you love these sweets." Yue Mei accepted it with childlike enthusiasm, her face lighting up as she replied with genuine delight: "You're the best, Your Majesty! I love these sweets so much; they're amazing. Thank you!" The Empress watched Yue Mei's bubbly excitement with a tender smile and said kindly, "These are all for you. Eat as much as you like."

The Empress's gaze then shifted to Shiin Lian, who sat quietly beside them as if detached from the lively scene. Sensing the need to break his silence, the Empress addressed him with a nostalgic smile: "Shiin Lian, you've really grown up. When you were little, you were so lively. Now you've become calm and dependable." She instinctively reached out to pat his shoulder as a sign of appreciation, but Shiin Lian moved swiftly to avoid her touch. He responded in a composed, formal tone: "I am unworthy of such praise, Your Majesty."

The Empress hesitated briefly, then withdrew her hand gracefully, her smile barely faltering. Choosing to overlook his sharp response, she said, "Don't say that, Shiin Lian." Turning back to Yue Mei with a bigger smile, she added, "Yue Mei, take some of these sweets with you." She signaled to one of the servants, instructing, "Pack these sweets for the Third Princess."

Yue Mei was savoring a piece of the pastry, her cheeks puffed adorably from the mouthful she was chewing. She mumbled softly, still relishing the treat, "I love the taste of these sweets."

The Empress laughed, pointing at her playfully: "Your cheeks are already full, haha! You know, Shiin Lian used to love these sweets as a child. He'd always ask me to make them for him. Shiin Lian, why don't you try some now?" Yue Mei turned her wide, eager eyes to Shiin Lian and said with innocent excitement, "So, we're alike!" But he replied coldly, "I don't enjoy sweets."

With a childlike grin, Yue Mei slid the plate closer to herself and said cheerfully, "Then I'll take your share too!"

Shiin Lian stood up calmly, bowing to the Empress. "Your Majesty, please excuse me. I have duties to attend to." The Empress nodded warmly. "Very well, you may leave."

But Yue Mei, still enjoying her sweets, protested playfully, "I haven't finished yet!" A servant handed the Empress a small box of lotus pastries, which she passed to Yue Mei with a gentle smile. "I've had some packed for you. You can enjoy them later." Yue Mei accepted the box eagerly and stood, her face bright with gratitude: "Thank you, Your Majesty! I'll eat them all."

As they left the palace, Yue Mei followed behind Shiin Lian, happily munching on her sweets. Suddenly, Shiin Lian stopped abruptly, causing her to bump into his back. The box of pastries slipped from her hands and fell to the ground. Yue Mei looked down at the fallen sweets with a sorrowful expression, her eyes shimmering with sadness as her lips jutted out like a disappointed child. "Oh no… my sweets. They're all ruined."

Turning to her with a cold gaze, Shiin Lian said flatly, "Watch where you're going."

Yue Mei knelt to gather the scattered pastries, her sadness evident. "But… Her Majesty will be upset if I don't finish the sweets she gave me," she murmured.

Shiin Lian tried to dissuade her, speaking firmly, "You don't need to finish them. That's enough. Get up." But she looked up at him with tearful eyes, her voice resolute: "I have to apologize to Her Majesty. I must gather them."

Frustrated, Shiin Lian grabbed her wrist firmly and said sternly, "Stop this. Get into the carriage now." Yue Mei pulled her hand away, her voice trembling with hurt: "You go first."

With a sigh of impatience, Shiin Lian left her to pick up the sweets and climbed into the carriage. After collecting what she could, Yue Mei boarded the carriage, brushing dirt off her clothes. The ride was quiet until Yue Mei broke the silence with a soft request: "I want to visit my aunt. I promised to see her every day."

Without looking at her, Shiin Lian replied curtly, "Do as you wish."

She hesitated before asking, "So… does that mean I can go wherever I want? To the market, to my aunt's, or anywhere else?"

Shiin Lian turned to her sharply and asked, "Were you allowed to roam freely in your condition?"

Yue Mei responded sweetly, "Of course! Jing Jing and I always had so much fun together."

He said nothing, but she continued, studying his expression: "Shiin Lian… do you think I'm crazy?"

Taken aback, he stammered, "What…?"

She sighed softly, her voice tinged with sadness: "It happened four years ago. My aunt told me they found me unconscious on the ground with scattered medicines. Since then, I've been like this. But even if I am crazy, I'm still smart, beautiful, and obedient too. So, I won't trouble you."

Shiin Lian seemed unsettled by her words, but he replied calmly, "You…"

She interrupted with a small smile: "Just let me know if I bother you. I'll be quieter and more considerate."

After a deep sigh, he said, "You can visit your aunt." Handing her a handkerchief, he added, "Here. You can't go looking like that."

Yue Mei accepted the handkerchief with a bright, childlike smile and began cleaning her hands. "Thank you, Shiin Lian."

To be followed in the next chapter...