Thus, the outcome they had created, in truth, both were at fault.
Miss Du hadn’t left that desolate courtyard for a long time, and indeed, tender pink buds had begun to sprout from the lotuses in the pond, with a few early dragonflies perched on them, appearing exceptionally endearing.
Miss Du, holding a spade, walked quietly by the lotus pond with Concubine Du, heading straight to the willow tree beside Lotus Pond Waterside Pavilion.
The two of them didn’t speak a word along the way, Miss Du’s heart filled with boundless melancholy.
Before her father’s death, he had entrusted them to support each other, knowing the character of Officer Xie; he felt very reassured about Miss Du, which was why he implored her even more to take care of her younger sister. Back then, how could he have foreseen such an outcome.
Miss Du squatted down and began to use the spade to dig up the soil beneath the willow.
Concubine Du stood quietly behind Miss Du, gazing at the rippling blue waves, her eyes gradually turning insane.
If she were to die, it would be good, with her death, no one would block her way to becoming the legitimate wife.
What does it matter if Officer Xie disagrees, with her dead, all would be settled.
Her husband cherishes her so much; she will live a better and better life.
Miss Du uncovered the soil, and the small black box appeared in her view.
Seeing the familiar box, Miss Du was overjoyed, completely oblivious to the malevolent gaze of Concubine Du behind her.
Miss Du carefully dug up the soil and cautiously cradled the box out.
"All of father’s letters are here, as well as the characters we wrote when we were children..."
She had just stood up, her legs still numb; before she could finish speaking, Miss Du felt herself teetering. She turned her head in horror and toppled into the lotus pond.
"You..." She uttered just one word before falling into the water.
The box slipped from her hands, her father’s letters scattering in the air.
Behind those yellowed pages was the contorted face of Concubine Du.
She could be so vicious. She herself was leaving this world, yet she still wanted to take her life.
Seeing Miss Du struggle in the water, Concubine Du felt both excited and scared.
She signaled to someone on the opposite side of the lotus pond and then plunged into the pond herself.
In April, the lake water in the north was still chilling to the bone. Concubine Du was already fully prepared, someone would immediately dive in to rescue her the moment she hit the water.
The maids had prepared hot water, clean clothes, and a brazier in her quarters early on. Falling into water was not a new experience, and this time it was foolproof.
"Sister, elder sister, I’m coming to save you..." Seeing Miss Du no longer struggling, Concubine Du yelled out loud.
Concubine Du’s voice was loud, and the servants around the lotus pond all heard her. Witnessing the scene, those who could swim promptly dove in to save them.
The fastest one, the one arranged by Concubine Du—responsible for household security—a house servant, saved only Concubine Du.
Once ashore, Concubine Du immediately had maids wrap her in a blanket.
After rescuing Concubine Du, the house servant dove back into the water to retrieve Miss Du.
Miss Du, having just recovered from a serious illness and being inherently frail, coupled with the fact that she fell into the water before Concubine Du, was already ashen-faced and barely breathing when pulled ashore.
Cuiya rushed over, crying her heart out.
Finally at ease, Concubine Du left to take a bath, crying as if her heart would break, supported by maids as they left the lotus pond’s edge, leaving others questioning how much was real and how much was fake.
Both Miss Du and Concubine Du falling into the water was a major incident. The ever-idle Miss Xie received the news and hurried over.
Concubine Du had already been taken back to her room for a hot bath.