Just as Wei Yi Yi was trying the impossible by reprimanding Jiang Liu through mental telepathy, Wen Yang straightened her back. In her opinion, she had already given the exact amount of respect that the empress was due.
"Ah..." Wei Yi Yi mumbled disappointedly, reacting just a beat late. Her momentum broken.
It seems like this girl wouldn't just remain curtsying while being ignored.
'Did bengong allowed you to raise?!' Is it now legal for her to mimic those lines from the novel?
Argh! But Wen Yang is so proper! And strictly well mannered! Also, aren't those lines only applicable to formal meetings?! We were only casually meeting here!
Wait, why do I feel like I already use that move?
Wei Yi Yi felt so saddened that she cannot give this 'coworker from another department' a stiff neck that is well deserved for busy-bodies such as her.
In annoyance, Wei Yi Yi stares Wen Yang openly. Silence looms over, followed by an awkward atmosphere.
Then more silence...
No matter how strong Wen Yang control over herself, cold sweats are starting to form on her back. Sensing the approaching doom, she spoke up first.
"Is there something that the empress wishes to speak with this subject's wife?"
Slowly, from a blank stare, a smile form on Wei Yi Yi's lips. Then, in one whole wide step, came face to face with Wen Yang.
No one stopped the empress in time nor someone even thought of blocking the Empress.
They were so close that Jiang Liu who was reduced to a background ornament could swear to his name that they are exchanging breaths.
Eyes wide open, he smacks his mouth closed and stood there waiting for a show.
This traitor was not only willing to pass on the ball, but he was also happy to do so.
Wen Yang believes herself to be confident and proud but she also almost step back and trip in horror just then.
The goosebumps showing on her skin are way too obvious for Wei Yi Yi to ignore and so, Wei Yi Yi happily grabbed both of her hands.
"Younger sister," Wei Yi Yi said which much emotion she could pretend with. In their ears though, she sounds like she was calling a concubine. "Why are you so overly aggregated over a small matter? This elder sister will give you more snacks in exchange for the ones that fell. How about it?"
"The Empress is thinking too much. This subject's wife is not even fazed at all."
Wei Yi Yi clearly ignored her words and proceed with her show of sisterly care. "That is not good for your health. This elder sister rarely sees you and cannot always show care. It'll worry me if you are easily angered like this."
"This subject's wife thank the empress for the concern, however, there is no need for this as I already stated that it was of no matter."
"Sister, it's just a servant," Wei Yi Yi said, insisting on her claims. Jiang Liu choked on his laughter.
The belittling words Wen Yang thrown into Jiang Liu was thrown back at her. It effectively put her on the same ground she had place Jiang Liu; someone overreacting.
"I already said I don't care!" Wen Yang raised her voice, annoyed. And even more annoyed after it, for she just lost her calm in front of the person she least wanted to see her flustered.
"See? You are indeed agitated," Wei Yi Yi pointed out in 'I'm-right-after-all' kind of aura.
Wen Yang abruptly felt light headed. What is wrong? Why does this conversation seem so illogical?
Wei Yi Yi would like to giggle at the moment.
Acting like an aloof, ice-cold beauty? Then getting mad once proven as a pretender? Pft! That's an overused character, you know! It was to the point that it became a stereotype. If you see my collection in the modern world, you'll think twice on your goal image.
Not that I don't understand the allure. Those perfectly written ones get passed on as MCs.
"It will be alright, younger sister. Just breath."
As if following the empress' instructions, Wen Yang breaths heavily. Her chest heaving up and down quite obviously. It was in fermenting anger though.
"En, en, you are doing just alright." Wei Yi Yi took Wen Yang for a hug and patted her back. "Slow breath. Slow. Don't chock on it."
Wen Yang got the shock of her life. It was to the point she might have stopped breathing for a second there.
Wei Yi Yi has now stepped over Wen Yang comfort zone. No, stepped over was an understatement. She bulldozed thru it and invaded!
She squeezed herself into Wen Yang's comfort zone and breeze thru her personal space.
At this point, Wen Yang felt so attacked. An unknown fear creeping up on her.
Although Wei Yi Yi did not know how actually overly aware Wen Yang is to her, hierarchy is literary a fused part of the culture in the historic period. Not that it's gone in the present, however, there are punishments that heavily applied as consequence in this backward era if you stepped out of the hierarchy.
That is why, Wen Yang cannot blatantly act unconcern towards her, the Empress. And she's also the 'Eldest Sister' in the family tree!
Thus, a light bulb instantly pops out in her head and she proceeds to disturb Wen Yang's peace of mind.
For anyone concerns, Wen Yang was beyond uncomfortable.
"So soft," Wei Yi Yi mumbles.
Give it to Wei Yi Yi to instantly find a way to literally harass someone.