Scent of Cherry Blossoms (Ongoing)

Chapter 12 - A Wound That Will Not Heal

Hey everyone! Sorry for this long, long wait. I was contacted by Inkitt to publish SOCB not long ago and I have been brooding over it. The aspect of making money while writing has piqued my interest somewhat. So I have to ask you all since you're my beloved readers. Should I accept their offer?

Anyway, I know you all have been waiting long for this update. Please enjoy!! ;)

Chapter 12 – A Wound That Will Not Heal

[Meanwhile the trio were heading to Maple Leaf Manor]

Within Maple Leaf Manor, the Emperor and Noble Consort Wang were leisurely sitting on a stone table in the courtyard under a flowerless cherry blossom tree. The Emperor was sipping on tea while the Noble Consort was embroidering a design on a white fur hand muff. They both have been waiting for their son and his bride to come greet them; however, the two has yet to show up. The morning was already nearing noon, but the Emperor did not mind as he enjoyed his time alone with his Noble Consort.

The Emperor set the teacup down on the stone table and glanced at the beautiful profile of his Noble Consort with appreciation and affection. They have been having a peaceful and enjoyable chat since the early morning. The corners of his lips curved upward unconsciously as he watched her hands work skillfully with the needle.

Without shifting her eyes from her sewing, Noble Consort Wang warmly said, "Your majesty, you are staring at me so intensely. If I was still a young maiden, my face would be flushed with embarrassment right now; however, fortunately, I am not."

Hearing this, the Emperor chuckled. "Meili, no matter how much time has passed, in my eyes you are always beautiful like a young maiden. So how can I keep my eyes from looking at you."

Noble Consort Wang's joyful laughter rang out like tinkling bells. "Your majesty is always finding words to jest with me. This Noble Consort is already 45 years old; no longer a fresh flower bud. Your other concubines would secretly laugh if they heard you say such words."

The Emperor's voice quickly followed hers without pause. "They can laugh secretly, but they would not dear to do so aloud." It sounded lighthearted, but at the same time, it was tinged with a sharp, protective intent. Then he continued to say with a somber and serious tone, "When it comes to my love for you when have I ever jested with you?"

Her busy hands immediately paused and there were a few seconds of silence between them as she kept her head slightly bowed toward the hand muff in her hands. Then she raised her head to look fully and deeply at the Emperor. A light smile spread on her face, and she softly said, "I know." Her tone and the cavernous shadow within her eyes amplified the meaning of those two words. Noble Consort Wang shifted her eyes away from the searching eyes of the Emperor and returned to her needlework.

The Emperor sighed. He knew he had ruined the cheerful mood between them. What happened in the past has already passed 24 years; yet, it continued to affect the present. It was like an everlasting rift that kept him apart from her. Whatever he does, he can only touch the outer walls of her heart and can never enter within those walls. When will she forgive him? After all, Xu Bin has been dead for all of these 24 years. The Emperor reached out and took Noble Consort Wang into his arms. Her hands stilled, and she stared off into the distance with melancholy on her face.