Lin Xueyo
Lin Xueyo's evening had gone badly, and she was in her tent sulking. Ru had tried to stay with her in an attempt to liven her mood, but she had refused preferring to stay alone. She hadn't wanted Ru to miss out on the exciting activities because of her.
Lin had left the women's tent in anger because of Lady Pei Lanyue, her longtime rival.
Lady Lanyue was also from an influential family; her father was an official, the Minister of Internal Affairs. They had both grown up together and over time, realized that they could never be friends, regardless of the fact that they moved in similar social circles.
In the general spot at the women's tent, most of the ladies were gathered in little groups of fives and sixs having conversations which mostly focused on gossip.
"I intend to marry the Emperor and win his heart," Lady Lanyue said, with a pretty smile on her deceitful lips. She was a stunning beauty with rich chestnut hair and eyes like warm honey. Doned in silken robes of purple and pink silk, Lin Xueyo bit back traces of jealousy, agreeing silently that a woman as beautiful as Pei Lanyue would have no issues snagging the heart of the emperor. Pei Lanyue fanned herself, glancing at Lin Xueyo with haughty eyes.
Lin Xueyo scoffed, her lips pursed in displeasure. She hated that Pei Lanyue knew of her long lasting feelings for the emperor. Her skin prickled and she wanted to pull on Pei Lanyue's silky hair just to make her angry.
"Your father must have been pulling strings to ensure that your dream to marry the Emperor becomes a reality." One of the ladies, Lady Lihua, said in a cunning tone. She was beautiful too, but nothing compared to Pei Lanyue.
Lin Xueyo bit back a smile watching as Pei Lanyue's face crumbled like a crushed mooncake. But that expression was gone in seconds, replaced with a sly smirk. "Don't be ridiculous, Lady Lihua. I'm very sure Li Zhiyuan enjoys our private conversations. Don't believe me, why don't you ask him for yourself?"
The ladies present in the mini gathering gasped in surprise and awe, even Lin was not exempt. Pei Lanyue just said the Emperor's full name! Out loud! That was a privilege reserved only for the Empress.
Lin Xueyo turned green with envy. What did Pei Lanyue have that she didn't?
"You have had private conversations with the Emperor?" Lady Lihua's eyes were like big saucers on her face.
"And you call him by his personal name?" another lady asked, Lin Xueyo couldn't remember her name.
"Yes, and he said he would continue talking with me. He enjoys my company." Pei looked down as if shy, but she was anything but.
The ladies oohed and ahhed, cooing at that.
Lin's face fell in cold realization. The Emperor might like Pei Lanyue. That thought filled her with panic. "What did you and the Emperor talk about?" she questioned.
All eyes turned to her at the abrupt question. Her cheeks turned pink, and she resisted the urge to lower her gaze and whisper her apologies.
"Why are you asking?" One of Pei's minions eyed her with narrowed eyes.
Lin Xueyo scrambled for what to say. "Because…because I'm excited. Yes! That's why. This is the first time we are hearing that the Emperor is involved with a woman. Lady Lanyue might be our future Empress."
Pei Lanyue smiled, her face glowing like the sun. "You think i'm going to become Empress? How sweet of you, Yo-er,"
Lin Xueyo hated that nickname. It was one Pei Lanyue used to rub something into her face. "I…" she started to say, but tears clogged her throat. Suddenly she became very aware of all the ladies watching her. Especially Pei Lanyue, who had lifted her fan and covered half her face with it, letting only her cunning eyes show. Those eyes gleamed, cutting into Lin Xueyo like steel blades.
"Don't worry," Pei Lanyue said, "When I'm Empress, I'll make you my handmaiden. You'll be in charge of changing my chamber pots!"
The ladies burst out laughing.
Hot tears pricked Lin Xueyo's eyes. Even now, after many years, Pei Lanyue's tongue was sharper than a sword.
Without waiting any longer, Lin Xueyo turned and ran away. Once in her quarters, she cried till her eyes turned raw and she became very thirsty.
"As if my father would ever allow that," Lin Xueyo hissed to herself, kicking away a pearl necklace so hard it shattered. Pei Lanyue liked to act like she was a princess. All she was was the daughter of a minister. Lin Xueyo's father was a respected war general.
Still, it hurt her very much.
So she wiped her eyes and got to her feet. "Maybe, a little walk might help me." She muttered to herself. "She's not the empress yet. There's no need for me to worry anyway."
Lin picked up a cloak from the clothes sampled on the bed. Han would surely want to follow her if she indicated her interest in taking a stroll. Sneaking out was her best option if she wanted to be alone.
Time blurred and soon, Lin Xueyo didn't know where she was anymore. Her feet hurt and she shivered, grabbing her cloak tighter as the cool evening breeze whipped over her face. When she paused and looked around her, she realized that she was miles and miles away from the camp.
Fear seized her heart. She opened her mouth to scream for help. A young, unmarried lady such as her being outside till dark would bring shame and dishonour on her family! Oh why did she wander away so much?
Cutting through her panic was the realization that she wasn't alone.
In the not so far distance was a green light, pale and soft like emeralds.
Lin Xueyo's eyes narrowed in suspicion. She didn't bother holding the head cover as the breeze blew it down, uncovering her hair, which was bound in a tight knot.
She moved cautiously to the source of the green light, which flashed again. Moving closer, she noticed that there were some vines on the rock. Taking a deep breath to inflate her confidence, she pushed the vines to the side.
Lin gasped in surprise when she discovered what was behind the leaf vines.
"A cave." She whispered in awe.
Her guts warned her not to take a step in and explore whatever secret this cave was hiding. But something pushed her to go in but the cave was dark and felt cold. She wasn't with any fire torch, and there was a possibility that this might be the resting place for a wild animal.