Yan Qing watched the two figures in the distance, and it reminded her of the first time she met Yu Jingchen. It was during the New Year plum blossom banquet, and at that time, Yu Jingchen was merely a prince.
Perhaps it was his naturally cold demeanor, but he sat alone, not conversing with anyone. Yet, she felt that in the future, he would undoubtedly become someone everyone looked up to.
Due to her status, noble ladies disdained associating with her, so she, too, sat alone. Watching the groups of young ladies around her, she felt envious. But when she saw that Yu Jingchen was also by himself, she looked at him, and the sense of loss in her heart seemed to slowly heal. From then on, she would always secretly watch him.
Later, Yu Jingchen became the Crown Prince, and during the selection of his consorts, she was fortunate enough to be on the list. She rejoiced for a long time upon hearing the news, her heart anticipating that day. Therefore, she tried her best in everything, hoping only to seize such an opportunity.
She truly succeeded and became his Liangdi. Although not the principal wife, nor even a concubine of higher rank, it didn't matter. She was truly content; this was enough.
In the beginning, she always longed to be with Yu Jingchen, to have time alone with him. To make herself worthy of him, she worked hard to become more accomplished. She learned everything from music, chess, calligraphy, and painting to riding and archery. Yet, Yu Jingchen seemed to never truly see her; no matter how outstanding she was, he wouldn't spare her a second glance. His visits to her always felt like mere formalities.
Disappointment began to set in. Later, more women entered his life, and his visits to her became even rarer. Yu Jingchen acquired side consorts, many women of higher status than her, and even had children.
Even later, Yu Jingchen ascended the throne. He hadn't visited her in a long time, perhaps he had long forgotten her. But unexpectedly, she, who had not held a high position, was made a consort by Yu Jingchen. Her withered heart seemed to regain hope. However... it was ultimately worn away. She once believed she understood Yu Jingchen best, but perhaps he had never truly looked at her.
"Your Ladyship..." Si Ying's voice broke through, instantly pulling Yan Qing back to reality. But without realizing it, she found herself in tears.
"It's nothing... the wind is too strong, it's getting into my eyes." Yan Qing looked at Yu Jingchen and Nan Zhiyun in the distance. She truly envied them... envied the one person who never stopped for her, now had someone he cherished so deeply.
"Let's go back. We won't be riding today, and we won't be riding in the future either." There was no longer the opportunity, nor the heart, to ride. She had only learned to ride in the hope that Yu Jingchen might notice her more. Now, it was truly unnecessary.
"Your Ladyship, please don't take it to heart... His Majesty isn't entirely indifferent to you..." Si Ying didn't know how to comfort her. She was Yan Qing's dowry maid and naturally understood her mistress's feelings for His Majesty very well.
"I won't anymore. I am Guifei, destined to be noble and revered in this life, looked up to by all. What is there for me to be sad about? He is just a man. I won't let myself become pathetic over such matters." Yan Qing wiped away her tears. From this day forward, she, Yan Qing, would no longer have any emotional fluctuations because of Yu Jingchen.
Then, she ceased to look, and with Si Ying's support, returned to her palace.
As the setting sun gradually faded, her past, along with the setting sun, would sink westward, buried forever.