H! GVCP Chapter 20

 Chapter 20: Favoritism

Before Yu Lingzhao could even react to what the Empress had said, she felt a slight, cool touch gently brush against her temple.

It was the Empress's hand.

The Empress had removed her finger guards and was softly stroking the area beside Yu Lingzhao’s wound, asking in a warm voice, "Does it hurt?"

Yu Lingzhao reacted quickly to this gesture; perhaps the Empress was thinking of her own daughter.

Yu Lingzhao intentionally tilted her head, pressing her temple against the Empress's hand, and smiled: "It doesn't hurt anymore. For the first few days, I didn't even have any sensation there."

The Empress was startled by Yu Lingzhao’s boldness and instinctively withdrew her hand. Seeing the girl's fearless smile, she shook her head helplessly.

This young girl was bolder than any she had ever met.

Only then did the Empress process the latter half of Yu Lingzhao’s sentence: "No sensation for the first few days?"

Yu Lingzhao lowered her head and did not elaborate.

Seeing this, Yu Xunyang rose to salute, cupping his hands as he said, "Zhaozhao—no, this official’s younger sister, was in a coma for several days after returning to the manor with her injuries."

The Empress’s gaze suddenly snapped to Yu Lingzhao. Detecting the genuine concern in the Empress’s eyes, Yu Lingzhao gave an obedient smile. 

"I am fine now. Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am surely destined for great fortune after such a catastrophe; there must be blessings awaiting me."

‘Surviving a great disaster brings great blessings.’

The phrase suddenly occurred to the Empress, but it also made her think of her own two children who had met with disaster and failed to survive.

This child, Yu Lingzhao, was truly interesting in both word and deed.

The Empress took off the Red-Gold Nine-Turn Exquisite Bracelet Inlaid with Rubies and Pearls from her left hand and placed it on Yu Lingzhao’s wrist, saying with a smile: "Regarding your request just now to visit Weiyang Palace often, I grant it. This bracelet has been with me for many years; I give it to you now. Henceforth, you may use it to enter and leave Weiyang Palace without hindrance."

Yu Lingzhao was astonished. She had only adjusted her words to avoid taboos and accommodate the Empress’s feelings; was the reward truly this generous? 

Yu Lingzhao was momentarily stunned, while the Empress laughed and summoned Yuechan. "Go and fetch that All-Will-Be-Well Long-Life Lock Collar with Red-Gold Pendants."

"Your Majesty?" Yuechan never expected the Empress to give away the long-life lock collar she had treasured for years to County Princess Mingzhu; the surprise slipped out of her mouth.

The Empress cast a calm glance at Yuechan. Yuechan immediately curtsied to ask for forgiveness and turned to fetch the precious collar.

Yu Lingzhao keenly sensed that this collar was unusual. She stole a couple of glances at the Empress and said in a low voice, "Your Majesty, that collar must be a treasure close to your heart. I consider myself a person of character; I would not wish to take away something you love."

The Empress looked at the clever girl with amusement, wanting to tease her further: "What? Do you feel you cannot handle such a gift?"

Yu Lingzhao pouted and whispered, "It’s not that I can’t handle it. It’s just... seeing Aunt Yuechan just now, I’m sure it’s something Your Majesty likes very much, which is why she was so surprised."

The Empress nodded, agreeing with the girl's powers of observation. Just as she was about to say something, she heard the girl continue.

"I am a bit petty myself; I’m not willing to give the things I like very much to others."

The Empress looked at Yu Lingzhao in shock. 

The girl's expression was a bit guilty, yet righteous and completely unrepentant.

"You are indeed very honest."

"Are you afraid I'll settle scores with you if Your Majesty regrets it later..."

Yu Lingzhao felt the Empress's indulgence toward her, so she grew a bit bolder and whispered her mutterings.

Yu Xunyang watched his sister converse with the Empress, it was so daring that his heart almost leapt out of his throat.

Yet, strangely, the Empress was exceptionally amiable toward his sister, even gifting her precious treasures...

The Empress didn't know whether to laugh or cry; she tapped her index finger lightly toward Yu Lingzhao's forehead. 

"You, oh you. His Majesty was indeed right; your personality is very likable."

Yu Lingzhao widened her eyes slightly at the Empress, as if she had heard something unbelievable: "Did His Majesty truly say that?"

The Empress nodded with a smile playing on her lips. "I naturally would not lie to you."

Yu Lingzhao lowered her head somewhat shyly, actually becoming embarrassed.

Yuechan returned with the collar the Empress had mentioned, housed in an extremely beautiful brocade box, and presented it to Yu Lingzhao.

This All-Will-Be-Well Long-Life Lock Collar with Red-Gold Pendants was indeed worthy of being the Empress's personal treasure; its luster was bright and rich, and the craftsmanship was exquisite, it was clear at a glance that it was no ordinary item.

Yu Lingzhao noticed the nostalgic look in the Empress's eyes when she looked at the collar, so she decided once more to refuse: "Your Majesty, please take it back. I cannot accept such a precious gift."

The Empress rose, walked to Yuechan, personally picked up the collar, and then stepped in front of Yu Lingzhao, fastening it around her neck without allowing any refusal.

She looked at her gently and said, "It suits you very well; you can accept it. I am very generous and will not ask for it back. A treasured item must be placed in the right spot so it does not gather dust."

Yu Lingzhao looked up slightly at the Empress. 

The double meaning in those words made Yu Lingzhao unable to refuse again.

"Thank you for the Empress's bestowal..."

"It is not a bestowal, but a gift from me because I like you."

The Empress gazed at Yu Lingzhao solemnly and tenderly. "Remember your words; you must come to Weiyang Palace often."

Yu Lingzhao lowered her eyes and curtsied. "Yes, Mingzhu will certainly keep it in mind."

The Empress watched her for a moment and said with a smile, "I heard your brother call you Zhaozhao just now; those two characters sound better than 'Mingzhu'."

Yu Lingzhao followed the Empress's lead and nodded. "I also feel that Zhaozhao sounds better than Mingzhu."

The Empress tapped her nose. "Enough, go back now. You should still rest that injury. In a few days, I will hold a flower-viewing party; remember to come."

Yu Lingzhao obediently agreed, bid farewell to the Empress, and left Weiyang Palace with Yu Xunyang.

On the carriage ride back, Yu Lingzhao heard her third brother let out a long sigh of relief and pursed her lips to mock him.

Yu Xunyang irritably flicked his sister's hand away and downed his tea in one gulp: "You still dare to laugh! You nearly scared your third brother to death today."

Yu Lingzhao smiled, full of confidence: "Don't worry, Third Brother. Since we went to give thanks today, how could anything happen?"

Yu Xunyang was about to say that her courage in 'giving thanks' was far too great, but seeing his sister's smile as bright as a flower, he couldn't bring himself to say it.

Fine, fine—who could refuse a girl as likable as Zhaozhao?

Even the Empress had given her so many things because she liked her; he had long since grown used to it, truly.

Yu Lingzhao lowered her eyes and touched the collar the Empress had placed on her. 

She thought about what Emperor Jianyuan had said in Wenhua Hall, he was certain the Empress would like her. 

Emperor Jianyuan didn't understand her, but he understood the Empress very well.

After all these years, since the Empress lost her son and daughter, she hadn't adopted a single child from among the concubines to be by her side. 

Was it because the Empress was unwilling, or... because Emperor Jianyuan was unwilling?

Yu Lingzhao thought of the Empress; the emotions in her eyes seemed far more complex than what she showed on the surface.

Suddenly, the carriage lurched violently. The Yu siblings nearly slammed into the carriage walls; fortunately, both reacted nimbly and narrowly escaped injury.

"Feiyu, what happened?" Yu Lingzhao called out to ask.

Before Feiyu could reply, they heard someone outside shouting loudly: "Who is in front? Our master is Region Lady Qixia; make way immediately!"

Region Lady Qixia? 

Zhong Ruoyan?

The original host's 'best friend'?

>>H! GVCP Chapter 21