Chapter 2 The Lychee Pit
I could not show displeasure toward Noble Consort Shen. I had lost my memory now. I could not be jealous in the open.
I glanced at the nameless things Noble Consort Shen had brought, smiled, and offered a thanks.
Noble Consort Shen said not to mention it, then crouched to tidy her skirt. When she lifted her head again, she happened to see me secretly put what she had sent into my mouth.
My hand stiffened. I felt awkward. "I am only tasting."
Shen Yiluo smiled, gentle. I actually thought she was truly good-looking. Even I was moved. She held that dark-red thing in her hand. Her pale, tender fingers peeled with care. "This is Lychee. The outside is the skin. You should peel it open to eat."
I looked at the Lychee I had just licked and felt embarrassed. "No wonder it had no taste."
She passed me the peeled Lychee, all smiles. "Eat. There is a pit inside. Remember to spit it out."
Warmth rose in my heart. I was not so against her anymore. I reached out, took it, and put the Lychee in my mouth. It was fresh, tender, and full of juice. I praised it without stopping.
"Delicious!"
Shen Yiluo smiled and watched me without moving.
Her stare made me uneasy. I said, "Why are you looking at me?"
She asked back, "Finished?"
I nodded.
"Where is the pit?"
"..."
That day, word spread that the Empress had nearly choked to death on the Lychee sent by Noble Consort Shen. For a time talk of the two of them ran all through the palace.