The Red Bride - Chapter 27

A charming girl with long hair held her cup gingerly in her hands. She peaked over the edge of the cup and saw the frown on the beautiful woman in front of her. After spending sometime with the Empress, Yu Yue found her to be quite cute. While in the beginning she was cold, however she was always honest and opinionated. This was something that Yu Yue appreciated very much. As their friendship deepen, could be considered as good friends, Yu Yue liked how deep on the inside the proud and strong Empress was a free spirited person.

She chuckled a little before asking, “Your Highness, did the Emperor made you mad again?”

Mu Qing placed her cup of tea down a little too hard, “Yue Yue, do not mention he who must not be named.”

A teasing smile inched onto the dancer’s face, “I think it’s kind of cute that he compared Your Highness to such a cute animal. Your Highness is very charming when you eat.”

“Hah! As if he could ever have such thoughts,” Mu Qing pulled out a couple of boxes out onto the table, “Here, a gift for you.”

Yu Yue smiled and curiously opened one of the boxes. A row of ruby red candies shined like little gems in the sunlight. She picked up a stick and slid a berry into her mouth. The sweet and sour taste gave her a very nostalgic feeling. Her expressive eyes turned into happy little crescents.

“It’s really good. Thank you, Your Highness!”

Seeing that her friend enjoyed the candy, Mu Qing motioned for Gu Chi to bring out five more boxes. Yu Yue’s eyes widened when she saw that small tower on the table.

“Why is there so much? Is Your Highness having pregnancy cravings?”

This time Mu Qing’s tea cup almost shattered and she nearly spit out her tea, “Pregnant, my ass! This is his continued mockery. Every day he sends a couple of boxes to my courtyard to make sure that I know that I am only a pig in his eyes!”

Yu Yue pat Mu Qing’s hand in a comforting manner, “Maybe His, I mean, maybe he sent this to coax Your Highness. When my mother gets upset when my father spend the night with his concubines, he often send her silk and jewelry to coax her.”

Before the Empress could reply, she spot a blue figure walking towards them. Noticing her gaze on something else, Yu Yue turned around and saw a beautiful man. His face was not masculine like the Emperor’s, but it was also not feminine like a woman’s. His eyes were shiny and clever, reminding her of a fox’s. His mouth was like a small flower. However, his mannerism was very masculine.

“Greetings to Your Highness and Miss Yu. I do believe this our first meeting,” his voice was like flowing water, very pleasing to the ears.

Yu Yue stood up and curtsy in respect before excusing herself. The man must have a very important position if he was allowed to just casually walk towards the Empress. She was just about to walk away when Mu Qing stopped her.

“Ke Ying, go and escort Miss Yu out. Don’t forget her gift.”

Her eyes widen in horror. How in the world was she supposed to finish all that candy. Her teeth might as well rot away.

‘Your Highness, this is the Emperor’s love to you, not me!’

A flash of wickedness ran through Mu Qing’s eyes.

‘Yue Yue, misery is better with company!’

_________________________

Graceful and cheerful steps made their way through the courtyard. Yu Yue held a box in her hands, while her maid held the rest. A shiny and bright dress entered her eyes and made her stop. An alluring woman walked slowly towards her.

“Yue’er greets Mother.”

Yu Ling glanced at the box in her hands in disdain. It was very cheap looking, and she immediately knew that Mu Qing gifted it to her daughter.

“It looks like the Emperor doesn’t give that Mu Qing any money. Look at this pathetic gift. What is inside?”

Yu Yue quietly replied, “Hawthorn sticks.”

Yu Ling turned around and started walking away, “So it’s something so worthless. Throw it away. Yue’er follow me.”

“Yes, Mother.”

–

Tang Feng made himself at home at the table. He examined Mu Qing from head to toe. She was certainly better than most noble women he has seen before. She gave off an aura that made people distance themselves from her. A very pleasing to look at cold beauty.

“So what does the Imperial Tutor want with little old me,” Mu Qing asked indifferently. She calmly took a sip of her tea.

“Oh, Your Highness is very observant. You can call me Tang Feng,” he also took a sip of his tea.

“Imperial Tutor Tang is merely flattering this Empress. Perhaps, you should answer my question.”

Tang Feng raised an eyebrow, but still answered, “The Flower Viewing Party is approaching within a month. I hope that Your Highness can make it marvelous, like the birthday banquet.”

Mu Qing laughed coldly, “Ah yes, the banquet that your Emperor ended early. I heard that this party was always something that the Empress Dowager plan.”

He heard her implications and slyly smiled, “Now that the inner palace has an owner, of course the responsibilities have to change hands as well. The Emperor is also looking forward to this party.”

“Oh, but I have heard that the Emperor has never attended such frivolous activities,” she stared straight into his eyes.

“HeheNow that the Emperor has the Empress, there is a reason to attend such frivolous activities,” his foxy eyes shined with amusement.

Mu Qing was still very distant and apathetic, “Oh, is that so. Tell His Highness that his deliveries should stop if he wish for me to take over. Imperial Tutor Tang should stay and enjoy the scenery. I’ll take my leave first.”

The main course is coming. Also if you guys have any ideas for the synopsis, please let me know.