The Red Bride - Chapter 22

Swirls of pink and white petals flew high in the sky, making the illusion of falling snow. Inside a pavillion, two women sat in front of each other with a table full of pastries in between. Little plates of brightly colored cakes made a water mouthing sight for the two.

One woman had a noble bearing and the other had an innocent feel. Mu Qing looked at the girl in front of her. Her face was small, and her whole body released a comforting aura. Ah, what a great beauty. Yu Yue shly glanced at the Empress. She could not help but think that the young Empress was a strong woman.

Mu Qing took the lead to break the ice,”Miss Yu, I have to say, you are very talented.”

“Ah, I’m not that great,” Yu Yue said sincerely.

“No need to be humble. What would you like as a reward?”

Yu Yue lowered her head like a small bird. Swirls of complex emotions disappeared as she raised her head.

She shook her head slightly, “I don’t really need anything.”

Mu Qing looked at her closely, “Oh, and why is that?”

“I-I..If it’s not too presumptuous, I hope to become friends.Ah, but if Your Highn-”

Mu Qing interrupted, “That’s fine, isn’t it?”

The charming girl beamed a bright smile. She was well aware that Mu Qing was testing her. No longer able to contain herself, Mu Qing took a sip of tea and picked a up a piece of lotus cake. The flakey crust melted in her mouth and the sweet filling coated it right afterwards. What a sweet combination!

Yu Yue gently smiled at the woman in front of her.

———————————-

Three Days Before: Yu Fu

“Left, Right. Make sure to twist your hips more!”

Dress ruffles flew in every direction as an attractive girl spinned in a circle. The mellow tone of the guzheng faded out in the background. Beads of sweat ran down her face, and small pants filled the silence of the room. A graceful woman in her thirties clapped her white hands.

“Good! With this, you will outshine Mu Qing.”

“Mother, is it really alright? Mu Qing was picked by the emperor himself. It’s not her fault that she has the title. I don’t think it’s virtuous to scheme against another woman,” her words came out quickly and quietly. Her kind eyes stared at the floor, refusing to face Yu Ling.

Yu Ling glared at her ungrateful daughter, and raised her hand high in the air. It came down hard and fast on Yu Yue’s delicate face.

“Hmph! If it wasn’t for that slut and your ungratefulness, the Yu family would’ve long gotten the title! The Yu family has raised you, so make sure you repay us! Don’t speak of this again,” Yu Ling stormed out the door with a bang.

Yu Yue silently cried as she collapsed on the floor.

————————————–

A candle flickered in the room as Mu Qing slowly dipped her brush in the grinded ink. Her hand flowed smoothly over the blank piece of paper.

“Can Yu Yue be trusted, your highness,” Ke Ying asked as she placed the cup of tea down.

“Only time will tell, but she is a great performer if what we saw today is true. Overall, whether she is faking it or not, does not matter.”

Gu Chi walked over with a piece of sweet tofu in her hands, “Ah, is Your Highness finally going to response to His Majesty,” she placed the plate down, “If Yu Yue tries anything, then we have a reason to mess with the Yu family.”

Mu Qing scooped a piece of cooling tofu with honey into her mouth, “Isn’t this what Hu Feng wanted? The Yu family is getting impatient.”

Sorry for my absence…I have been having complications with my back. The show must go on!