The Emperor grew more depressed by the day. Though there were many beautiful women in his palace, none of them compared to Yang Yuhuan.
He had no appetite and spent most of his time sulking around the palace. The colorful spring made him miss Yang Yuhuan even more. He was torn between his own orders and his heart.
“I wonder if she misses me, too?” he thought aloud.
Suddenly, Gao Lishi appeared to report back about his visit to the Prime Minister’s Residence. He ended his update by telling the Emperor how Lady Yang deeply regretted her behavior.
The Emperor listened attentively. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught glimpse something dark in Gao’s hand. “What on earth are you holding?”
“It’s her ladyship’s hair,” Gao Lishi replied, handing it to the Emperor. Gao told him how she cut it off. The lock of Yuhuan’s hair strengthened the Emperor’s longing for her. He felt as though his heart would break and broke down in tears.
“My lord,” Gao Lishi said trying comfort him, “Why make yourself sick? If you miss her, why not call her back?”
“But I drove her away. Isn’t it inappropriate to go back on my orders?”
“You drove her out of the palace because she made a mistake,” Gao Lishi replied. “But she knows she was out of line and regrets her actions. You can invite her back. It will only make you look generous, my lord.”
“Gao, you’re right!” The Emperor grinned. “Get her back here immediately.”
“Yes sir!” With that, Gao quickly left the palace.
Gao soon returned with the Lady Yang. She rushed to the Emperor and knelt before him.
“I am back, my lord. Please forgive me!”
“It was my fault,” the Emperor waved his hand. “Do not think about it anymore.”
