The Red Bride - Chapter 23

The morning air was silent and still. The bright and early sunshine lit up the whole room, however a tall shadow loomed over the sleeping figure. In the sea of silk laid a sleeping beauty, her hands tightly held a body pillow. The dark shadow continued to look on in amusement, while his hands waved the bowing maids away. His sharp eyes took everything in, from her exposed white tender legs to the way her hair moved seamlessly with the morning breeze.

Perhaps sensing the stare, Mu Qing slowly opened her eyes. The fuzzy room slowly became clear, and a handsome face entered her view. Her arms automatically pulled the cover over her face, while her body scooted towards the wall. She must be having a nightmare!

His voice was rough but smooth, “If you don’t get up, you will not be able to go out.”

Her ears perked up at the mention of leaving the palace. After a few moments of silence, she slowly asked, “Why are we going out?”

“Do you not want your reward?”

A huge smile suddenly appeared on her face, which was still under the cover. For some reason, a warm sensation filled her heart. It looks like he read her letter from last night after all….She immediately jumped off the bed in a hurry. Her bright smile immediately stunned the cold man.

This was the first time that Hu Feng has actually seen her truly smile. Most of the time Mu Qing’s face is indifferent, and sometimes her face has a small mocking smile. It was never this full toothy grin. It was at this moment that Hu Feng realised that his wife had cute little dimples.

Mu Qing ignored the stiff Hu Feng and began to get her life together. After washing her face, brushing her teeth, and choosing her outfit, Mu Qing finally walked over to Hu Feng.

“Your Highness can go outside now. I’ll hurry up and get ready, so make sure you wait at the gate, alright?”

He did a glance over at the little woman in front of him, and walked out the room. Looking at his backside, Mu Qing couldn’t help but sigh.

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Mu Qing looked at that tall figure dressed in navy blue robes at the gate. His handsome face was covered by the strawhat muslin. His muscular arms were crossed against his equally muscular chest as his eyes met hers. No matter where he goes, Hu Feng has this presence of making everyone else feel inferior.

Hu Feng looked at the approaching woman. Her hair was in a simple braid and her outfit was a light summer dress. Instead of the heavy noble dresses, Mu Qing has always enjoyed being able to breathe and walk freely. Half of her face was also covered by a white veil.

“Did you wait for long,” her eyes gleamed in excitement.

“Let’s go.”

Mu Qing turned around and dismissed Gu Chi and Ke Ying. There was no need to bring them, after all she’s with the one and only, Hu Feng. The maids bowed to the couple, and headed out to find the Imperial Tutor. Secretly though, they gave each other a fist bump. This was the first time the Emperor has asked a woman to accompany him!

Mu Qing stepped onto the carriage followed by Hu Feng. The couple sat in front of each other, and the carriage went off with a clip clop. The man and woman fell into a comfortable silence. Mu Qing’s eyes were bright as she peeked at the outside world, while Hu Feng looked through an old looking book. Perhaps it’s because of their mutual understanding, but neither of them felt any awkwardness around each other.

After a while, Mu Qing closed the curtains and looked at the tall man in front of her. Ah, no matter how much she looks, that unfairly handsome face never gets old.

“Where are we going,” she asked.

Hu Feng glanced at her, “Out of the city.”

Mu Qing rolled her eyes at him, “Wow, I couldn’t tell.”

He looked at her hard.

“Anyways, are you sure that’s alright? Don’t you have a mountain of work to do?”

“The Imperial Tutor will be fine.”

Mu Qing looked outside again, and this time a small secret smile spread on her face. He really was going to spend the day out with her. The clips clops of the horses drown out the rest of the ride.

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In the back courtyard of the palace, a girl was seen running out her room in a rush. Her hurried footsteps came to a stop, when she saw Yu Xi. Yu Chun walked by him, when his words made her stop.

“Want to further shame yourself?”

She faced him, “That Mu Qing is out with Senior brother! Why am I stuck here?”

“If you want Hu Feng, then instead of wasting time on idiotic delusions, prepare yourself for the Flower Viewing Party.”

Yu Xi walked away without looking at his sister. Yu Chun bit her rosy lips and walked back inside.

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Flowers of all kinds spread out as far as the eyes can see. The sky was clear and blue with large fluffy clouds. Birds sang in pairs, the trees danced with the spring breeze, and the large clearing had large overcasting shadows to block out the heat. It was the perfect spot for a perfect picnic.

As soon as she saw the field, Mu Qing sprinted towards the clearing.

‘Free, free at last!’

Hu Feng solemnly watched her departing figure, as he took the large basket away from coachman. Walking towards a big oak tree, Hu Feng set the basket down in its shadow. While Mu Qing was dancing and running wild in the sea flowers, Hu Feng placed the blanket down on the edge between the shadow and light. Finally regaining herself, Mu Qing ran back to the cold man who was waiting for her.

“It’s so beautiful!”

All she got was a, “Hm..”

Mu Qing sat down eagerly and unpacked the large picnic feast. Her bright and happy smile never left her face. She pulled out a plate of meat filled buns, fried shrimps and vegetables, spring rolls, stir fry noodles with lobster, dumplings, and pastries. She was practically drooling at the sight. Hu Feng quietly pulled out the cherry blossom rice wine and two cups. Mu Qing handed him a plate and a pair of chopsticks, while he handed her a cup of wine.

Without waiting for Hu Feng, the starry eyed girl immediately digged into the food. The first dish she picked was the easy to hold spring rolls. The rice wrap was nice and stretchy, while the lettuce and cucumbers added a needed crunch. The peanut sauce was creamy and nutty which brought out the sesame flavor of the stir fry pork. The ending note was a kick of vinegar from the pickled radish and carrots, which reset the palate for more. Chasing after the spring roll, Mu Qing picked up a dumpling and threw it into her mouth. One by one, she made her way to all the savory dishes.

Hu Feng sipped on his wine, not even touching his chopsticks, as he watched her stuff her cheeks like a hamster. Coming out of the binding flavors of the food, she finally peaked at the stoic man. Her eyes had a tinge of guilt as she looked down at the half eaten dishes.

She swallowed the fried shrimp in her mouth and reached out for some noodles, “You shouldn’t just drink. Wine is boring without food, here have some noodles.”

She placed the springy noodles onto his plate as well as the other dishes. Mu Qing expertly introduced each dish and what sauce goes with what. All the while Hu Feng was calmly pouring himself another cup. She looked at him with an arrogant and anticipating eyes. Hu Feng just nodded and picked up his chopsticks. His movements were refined and elegant, unlike the gluttonous Mu Qing. Seeing that he was finally eating, Mu Qing turned her attention on the plate of pastries.

An extra long and sweet chapter as a thank you for all of your support the last week. Another one is coming tomorrow!