The Red Bride - Chapter 4

Long porcelain fingers waved in the air. Mu Qing looked silently at the people in the room and motioned for the maid to bring forth a tray.

“Empress mother, please have a clear look,” there was a trace of mockery in her voice.

The Empress Dowager looked at her with a dangerous glint. ‘Little girl, you cannot compete with me.’

As the little maid carried the tray to the Empress Dowager, the onlookers peered into it. A single white cloth laid in the silk covered tray. There were spots of blood that bloomed like flowers in the middle of the white sheet. Needless to say, the Empress Dowager’s smile dropped a little, but years of fighting helped her honed impressive acting skills. She had wanted to use this opportunity to suppress that little girl.

“Ay ya, this is good! Very good! Rumors are rumors afterall, one must not believe what they do not see.”

Everyone else sounded their agreement to the Empress Dowager. With the white cloth present, it was clear that the Emperor and Empress had a long and blissful night. Out of the corner of her eyes, Le Ying, saw the her aunt tapped her long red nails discreetly. She understood the signal, and hid a smirk behind the jade teacup at her lips.

Le Ying’s tone was smooth and pleasant, “Ah, this is a good sign indeed, Aunt. I just wonder how we can stop the rumors from beyond the walls.”

The old fox gazed at Le Ying approvingly, she did not dote on the wrong person after all.

“This is indeed a problem. Now that the truth is presented to us, we should not hesitate to clear the royal family’s face.”

Le Ying immediately replied, “Aunt, if you don’t mind, Ying’er has a solution. If we hang this cloth outside the palace’s gates, then isn’t this presenting proof at the source. As they say, a hundred words cannot compare to one picture.”

Heads turned towards the young Empress. Some looked at her with pity, others were almost gleeful. It was clear to see that the Empress Dowager was pulling out the roots before grass can even grow.*(1) Hanging the cloth would confirm that the rumors are true, making it seem like the Empress was embarrassed enough to fabricate the evidence. The interactions between men and women are also taboos. If one were to hang their dirty laundry out then it would make them look unclean. Truly a great move, a double edge sword is hard to dodge.

The Empress Dowager’s was in deep thought, “I think this method is quite appropriate. Qing’er, how about we do what Ying’er suggested it. I know this is a bit unfair, but the Emperor’s face should not be harm. If we get the truth out, then it would also confirm the love between you two.” She then motioned for her personal mama*(2) to take the tray.

On the inside, Mu Qing really wanted to start a slow clap for these two actors. This two man show is truly astounding. However on the outside, her face was still as indifferent was before. Not even a trace of emotion leaked through her star like eyes.

“I do not think that is necessary. Empress mother, I know that you’re only doing what is best for me, but Qing’er is still very young and is very shy about matters between men and women. I think this is just passing gossip and will not harm the face of the Emperor. Afterall, he is the son of heaven, how can one believe that the Emperor is less of a man than others. His highness is also very fit and his strength is truly great.”

A clink-clink sound was heard as the expensive teacup in the Empress Dowager’s hand trembled. She nearly spit out the the tea she was sipping on. Ye Ling glared hard at Mu Qing’s “innocent” face, and the other elders quickly pretended they did not hear such a thing.

The Empress Dowager’s face darkened. ‘Damn girl! What do you mean shy? You clearly put everything out in the open!’

Mu Qing’s pretty eyes gleamed in humour. She truly wanted to laugh at their redden faces, especially at that old fox’s! If the Empress Dowager hang the cloth then doesn’t that mean the Emperor is not a man and cannot perform manly duties? For the ignorant public, any normal man would not miss the chance to have such a beautiful night. Of course, unless the Empress Dowager wants to say that the Emperor has a cut sleeve.*(3)

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(1) Solving the problem before it even start. The Empress Dowager wants to make Mu Qing lose face and be submissive to her.

(2) Mama: an old woman that is normally a very trusted servant

(3) Cut sleeve: meaning that he likes men. Please remember that back in ancient times, people who like the same gender were frowned upon.

I’m really curious about the comments for this chapter.