Do You Love Qian Ping

"You're Consort Liu Ding Yiu aren't you?" Heng repeated, seeing Ding Yiu hadn't answered. Even so, he was confident he was right about her.

"How long have you known?" Ding Yiu questioned. She decided it was best not to deny she was Consort Liu. Sima Heng had such a definitive look when he said it, he must have some proof. She will have to be cautious until she's certain of what he knows.

"A few days ago I saw you in Ping Tian Palace. You put on a veil when you headed to the servants house to help this little maid here," Heng began. He looked at Wan Xin, "your name is Wan Xin right?"

"Yes, that's my name," Wan Xin answered. She stayed calm, letting Ding Yiu take care of the situation. She will just play along to any lies her Xiaojie came up with.

"Seeing Wan Xin, you became certain I am Consort Liu," Ding Yiu went on. "It was obvious with her still wearing the maid outfit from Ping Tian Palace." She paused to think, [so that's how Sima Heng recognized me as Consort Liu]. Ding Yiu now felt slightly more relaxed about this, [he doesn't seem to know anything else. I presume he hasn't properly met Xiao Yiu either]. "I suspect you recognized me before seeing Wan Xin."

"I'd never forget such a charming person like you," Heng genuinely commented. "I was there watching the whole incident with Madam Xiong. It was satisfying." A mischievous smile appeared on his face as he reminisced the moment. "Ah, I'm mad at Qian Ping for not introducing you to me sooner Consort Liu. I've a strong feeling we would get along very well."

Ding Yiu raised an eyebrow at Heng's last comment. She chose to ignore it for now. There was this small detail that bothered her. She directly asked, "Why didn't you call me Consort Liu when Xia Qian Ping introduced me to you?"

"Because I was doing you a favour," Heng lied. [Actually, I was too confused when Qian Ping didn't recognize you], Heng muttered in his mind. [That's why I didn't say or do anything]. He said more sincerely, "I want to hear your reasons first before making any decisions." He winked, "I'm kind towards beautiful women you see."

Ding Yiu politely nodded, pretending to accept his questionable concern for her. [I vaguely grasp the situation with Sima Heng now], she concluded, [now I need to come up with a convincing story]. Ding Yiu thought hard. [I can't let him find out the reason Xia Qian Ping doesn't recognize me, is because my other personality subconsciously disguises our face].

"You can trust me," Heng said earnestly, "no matter what, you are Qian Ping's wife. I won't harm you."

[I can't come up with a plausible story...] Ding Yiu was still busy thinking. "I don't know where to begin," she finally said, half giving up. "What do you want to know?"

[There's a ton of things I want to know], Heng now concentrated, [but the most important are definitely...] Heng took in a deep breath, "first, why doesn't Qian Ping recognize you as Consort Liu? Second, are the rumours about you true? Third," Heng paused for a second. "I'll ask you the final question after you've answered the previous two."

"You're aware my marriage to Xia Qian Ping was decreed by the Emperor?"

"Yes," Heng said, "I know Qian Ping himself never approved of this marriage. He went through with it because the Emperor placed immense pressure on him."

"He still doesn't approve of me now," Ding Yiu pointed out. "As far as I can remember, he's never properly looked at me. He's always treated me like I'm a translucent ghost."

"That doesn't make sense," Heng reasoned. "He immediately recognized you as the girl he met a year ago today. How could he possibly not recognize you for the past year?" Heng went on to reveal, "do you know Qian Ping's been searching for you all this time? If he's caught even a glimpse of your face he would surely know."

"No one would ever recognize Xiaojie if she keeps applying that ridiculous makeup…." Wan Xin couldn't help but murmur.

"Makeup?" Heng narrowed his eyes on Wan Xin. "Are you trying to say, no one recognizes Consort Liu when she applies makeup to her face?"

"It's not something words alone can describe," Wan Xin tried to explain, "Mister Heng, you will understand when you see for yourself one day."

[Is her makeup really that bad?] Heng was in disbelief. However you looked, Consort Liu may not be an absolute beauty but her features were appealing to the eyes. Surely, with makeup it would only enhance her face and make her look more divine. [Then again there were rumours of her being ugly. And Qian Ping doesn't recognize her face….] Heng's head started to hurt. "Alright, alright," Heng breathed, "let's say makeup is the reason people don't recognize your face for now. I'll ascertain this another day."

"You shouldn't ask my Xiaojie questions if you don't believe her," Wan Xin called out.

"It's not that I don't believe her words," Heng began, now becoming more and more frustrated, "it's just absurd to think makeup can cover up those pretty features." He focussed on Ding Yiu again. Deciding to move on Heng asked, "did you curse Zhou Yourong? It's said the cursed doll was found in your bedroom and you didn't deny it."

Ding Yiu let out a deep sigh. She vaguely recalled this incident in one of Xiao Yiu's memories. It was probably one of the most infuriating memories Ding Ding had to witness. Xiao Yiu was evidently framed and set up, yet the stupid girl never defended herself. That was why Ding Ding was so angry. In memory, Xiao Yiu just stood there not saying a word. She neither admitted nor denied the accusation. Ding Ding just couldn't understand why Xiao Yiu did that. But she wasn't Xiao Yiu. If she didn't do it, she will make sure everyone knows. "Will you believe me?" Ding Yiu intentionally questioned back.

"Yes," Heng answered definitely. [I've just got this gut feeling you aren't a bad person. Don't prove me wrong], he thought.

Ding Yiu let out a smile. Heng's answer came as a surprise to her. She originally thought he was just a busybody, meddling in her affairs out of pure curiosity. However, it seems there was a part of him that was genuine. "Think what you will, but this is my answer," Ding Yiu said. "I refuse to waste my time on her."

Heng blinked at Ding Yiu for a few seconds as he processed her words. Then he burst into laughter. "You truly are the best," Heng laughed, holding his stomach. He wasn't expecting such a cunning yet direct response from her. [I'm certain now], Heng silently announced, [my initial instincts about you was right. Liu Ding Yiu, you aren't a wicked person as the rumours say you are. I'm actually starting to like you quite a bit]. Heng took in a few deep breaths to calm himself down. "Consort Liu, I know you didn't do it," he said.

Ding Yiu had an amused smile on her face. Sima Heng turned out to be more fun that she had originally imagined. He was slowly growing on her too.

"My final question," Heng resumed asking, "do you love Qian Ping?"

The smile immediately dropped from Ding Yiu's face. She eyed Heng inquiringly. [Why did he ask me that?] Ding Yiu queried, [is that a trick question? What am I supposed to say?]

To the side, Wan Xin was intently staring at Ding Yiu. She knew Xiao Yiu at least had a crush on Prince Ping, but she was always curious about Ding Ding's feelings. [Ding Ding did decide to save Prince Ping. Her reason can't simply be because she wants to return to Ping Tian Palace], Wan Xin thought.

Ding Yiu turned away from Heng. For the first time in her life, she didn't know what to say. As Xia Qian Ping's wife, the natural answer would be yes. However, Ding Yiu didn't fancy the idea of saying it. But if she told Heng she didn't love Xia Qian Ping, she was worried there would be problems for the future. [Why must he ask this stupid question], Ding Yiu wanted to curse him, [out of everything else he could possibly ask me]. She turned back around. Heng was still patiently waiting for his answer.

"It's not about love," Ding Yiu stated. She would answer this with her honest feelings, "between me and Xia Qian Ping, it's always just been about trust."

"I see," Heng whispered. [That is the most honest answer I've got from you today], he thought. He held back some emotional tears. [So you really do love Qian Ping. You're just scared and feel vulnerable, because of all those rumours and the way stupid Qian Ping treats you. Don't worry my friend].

Ding Yiu waited. Heng had a rather weird expression on his face so she couldn't tell what he was thinking. She wondered if it was better for her to have said 'yes' after all. Her brief worries soon disappeared with what Heng did next.

Heng had suddenly bolted up towards her, grabbing both her hands in his, "from this moment on, we are sworn allies. I will support you to the very end."

"I'm not sure I understand-"

"Ding Ding, do not worry," Heng declared, "I will help you gain Qian Ping's trust. You are my dear friend, so no matter what happens I will help you."

It was Ding Yiu's turn to blink at Heng now. She looked at Wan Xin who shrugged her shoulders. She sighed. [I don't understand Sima Heng at all. But I can't see any disadvantages in getting along with him. Guess I've just gotten myself an unexpected friend today]. Ding Yiu smiled, "then Heng, I shall be relying on you." [Although I don't know what I'm relying on you for….]

A delighted Heng let go of Ding Yiu. [Don't worry my friend. I will do my best as 'Yue Lao' to get you and Qian Ping together for sure] he decided. He now had the biggest smile ever on his face, "tell me Ding Ding, how are you planning to return as Consort Liu?"

Ding Yiu smiled, ready to give this new friendship a trial run.

Elsewhere in the faraway royal palace, an assassin dressed in complete black knelt before his master. His whole body shivered uncontrollably, sensing the growing nasty aura around him. He daren't lift his head to look at his master directly. He knew his master was more than angry.

"Repeat what you just said," the assassin's master ordered. His voice carrying a tone of fury.

"My sincerest apologies your highness," the assassin answered in a shaky voice, "we failed to kill Xia Qian Ping. Two unknown females appeared and-"

"USELESS FOOLS!" the man screeched, knocking over the row of vases on the side table.

The assassin flinched, hearing the sharp chinking noises of high-quality porcelain crash to pieces on the ground. To his side, his master's adviser, who is also quite an important figure within the court, stood observing very calmly.

The adviser stepped forward, "your highness, please calm down."

"How can I remain calm adviser Zhou?" the man retorted. "An opportunity like this may not appear again."

"We still have a spy in Ping Tian Palace. There may still be something we can do…" the assassin blurted out from panic.

"Patience is key to winning the final game," adviser Zhou stated, looking at the man. "Don't lose sight of what our goal is."

"I understand," the man took in a deep breath.

"We still have a spy in Ping Tian Palace. There may be something we can do…" the assassin blurted out.

Adviser Zhou glanced at the assassin before looking at the man, "your highness, we can use the spy for one more attempt."

The man clenched his fists, "Xia Qian Ping, you will pay with your life for taking away the most important thing to me." Walking over towards the other window table, the man took hold of his Gods Weapon, "rest assured, I've only just begun."