The Red Bride - Chapter 7

Since her wedding, the young Empress had many busy days. For the past month or so, Mu Qing had been hard at work. While the Empress Dowager had left her alone, she still had trouble planning the banquet. At first, Mu Qing had little interest in the banquet and honestly did not care how it turned out. However, after a couple days of boredom, procrastination, and maybe a couple threats from the Imperial tutor, she finally felt motivated enough to do her job.

Her thin arm propped her dainty chin as she looked down at the documents on the desk. Gu Chi and Ke Ying stood patiently to the right and left of her. Feeling frustrated, she dropped the paint brush unceremoniously onto the desk.

“So both you do not know what he likes,” she said bitterly. Over the past month, Mu Qing had became familiarized with her two maids. The two were great at their job, and never bother her unless it was necessary. Gu Chi was more outspoken, and Ke Ying had a great sense of humor. While she still had her guard up, it was not as high as before.

“I’m sorry, your Highness,” Gu Chi explained, “The Emperor often eats his meal alone, and he eats what is serve to him without a complaint.”

Ke Ying also spoke out, “Yes, we tried to ask the chefs, but they also have a hard time trying to create a different menu for each of the Emperor’s meals.”

Mu Qing stared out the window in frustration, and threw her hands up.

“This is giving me a headache. Bring my Go*(1) board and head outside.”

While it was still chilly outside, the snow that piled up during the winter had slowly started to melt away. Patches of brown and green peeked through the surrounding snow, and the sun was warmer than before. Mu Qing put on her white fox fur coat, while the two maids gathered littles stoves and the Go board.

The trio made their way to a pavillion in front of the courtyard. Gu Chi and Ke Ying placed the stoves at each corner of the pavilion and one on the marbled table towards the edge. Ke Ying’s ponytail swung back and fro as she pulled two chairs to the back corners, while Gu Chi placed a soft cushion upon the marble bench.

Mu Qing pulled her coat closer to her and sat down on the cushion provided. She nodded her head in thanks and waved for the two of them to sit in their own chairs. Despite the cold weather, Mu Qing felt that it was more refreshing than her stiffy room. The sky was clear with a mixture of gray and blue, birds chirped cheerfully in the background, and cute, little animals could be seen running around trying to find food. She took a deep breath in and a small smile spread across her rosy lips.

Her star like eyes shined when she looked at the Go board. Her nimble fingers quickly arranged the board in an expert manner. Thus, she started her own little war upon the Go board.

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Strong, powerful foot steps walked silently through the inner palace. His face was handsome and indifferent, while the eunuchs behind him looked fearful. Heading pass a pavilion, Hu Feng could hear the little taps taps of someone playing Go.

A picturesque scene entered his eyes as he walked towards the sound. Her hair was held in the style of a married woman with simple ornaments, and her face was set in concentration. Long lashes accompanied bright, shiny eyes, little wrinkles formed across her temples, and her little lips pulled into a straight line.

The eunuchs saw the Empress in the pavillion and one of the older ones stepped out to announce the Emperor’s arrival. Yet before he could even open his mouth, Hu Feng waved his hands and signaled for all of them to retreat. They bowed respectfully and walked quickly away. Hearing footsteps walking towards her, Mu Qing lifted her head in that direction.

Broad shoulders, long legs, and a pair of obsidian eyes entered her sight. Hu Feng looked like the definition of power. Gu Chi and Ke Ying quickly stood up and curtsy.

“This servant greets his Highness,” they said simultaneously. Mu Qing also did a small bow towards him.

His voice was deep and rich, “Raise.”

Gu Chi and Ke Ying sat back down, trying to disappear on site, while Mu Qing stood patiently.

When he reached the table did she asked, “Your highness, what brings you here today.”

His stared at the Go board in front of him and did not reply to Mu Qing’s question. Seeing that she was ignored, her eyes narrowed a bit and she sat back down without feeling awkward.

‘Two can play at this game, Ice Cube.’

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1) Go: an ancient game that involves two sides, black and white, to battle each other to gain territory. Think ancient Chinese chess.

Happy Memorial day! I wonder how our two lover birds will interact. It’s been a month and they haven’t talk since the wedding night!