Love is in the Air

A devious glint fluttered across her eyes, "Then is it alright for me to make the menu base on my taste?"

Hu Feng looked at her, "Hmmm."

Mu Qing had a small wicked smile, "Even if I wanted chicken feet? Tripe*(1)? Blood jelly*(2)."

Despite her teasing, he answered her seriously, "Do as you like."

The smile froze on her lips. This man was definitely hard to make fun of. Hu Feng motioned for her to play her turn. She looked down at the board in contemplation. However, there was nothing else she could do. His black pieces had already taken over the board. A soft sigh escaped her lips, Mu Qing's only option was to wave the white flag.

Her eyes narrowed. 'I shouldn't have been distracted! What a blunder!'

"Your Highness is truly astounding! Mu Qing admits defeat."

His tall figure towered over hers as he stood up. He looked at her questionably. While her face was indifferent, he saw a hint of unwillingness in her eyes. It sure did not seem like she was admitting to anything. Seeing that he was about to leave, Mu Qing and her maids stood up and bowed. Just like that, Hu Feng left without a glance back.

-----------------------------------

Dew covered the green grass, flowers opened their delicate petals, and birds sang songs to attract their significant others. The palace was buzzing with liveliness, maids and eunuchs chased away all the dust and dirt that had accumulated during winter. Gardeners were seen planting flowers and trees, while cleaning the courtyard gardens, turning them into little oasis. It was especially busy, since the Emperor's birthday banquet was in three days. *(3)

Despite her sleepiness, Mu Qing has been up since dawn. Her hair was arranged neatly into a little bun, her dress was light and breezy, and her hands furiously held a thick stack of papers.

"Tell the kitchen to include vegetarian options for those who are worshipping Buddha. I need to test all the dishes on the menu today," her face was stern.

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Have the blue silk curtains been hung? We do not need mosquitoes at the banquet!"

"They have, Your Highness."

A little figure ran into the room, "Your Highness, His Majesty is summoning you to court! You have to hurry!"

Mu Qing slammed the papers down onto the table. While her face was calm, the vibes she gave off made Gu Chi and Ke Ying intimidated. 'What does he want!? I have a million things I still have to do for his stupid birthday!'

Taking a deep breath in and massaging her temples, she asked, "Why?"

Ke Ying slightly bowed her head, "Crown Prince Yu Xi and the 7th Princess Yu Chun from the Kingdom of Yan has arrived."

"Get me ready," she nodded. The two maids quickly transformed the casual Mu Qing into the Empress Mu Qing. They walked towards the front gates of the courtyard and hopped into the awaiting sedans.

-----------------------------------

While nature has turned from cold to warm, the throne room was still an arctic wonderland. Hu Feng sat above all of the scared officials. Instead of the bright gold and red robes of the traditional Imperial garments, he wore black and blue ones. There was not a crown on his head, however, that did not diminish his authoritative aura. In fact, this was much more intimidating than if he were to dress in the Imperial garments. A good emperor does not need bells and whistles to solidified his power.

The head eunuch flipped his robe before kowtowing to the Emperor, "The Crown Prince, Yu Xi, and the 7th Princess, Yu Chun of the Kingdom of Yan has arrived."

The paired walked in between the two rows of officials. The Crown Prince of Yan had flirtatious eyes, a good figure, and an arrogant walk. His sister, the 7th Princess, was a young and lively girl. Like her name, her looks were as bright and pretty as spring. However, her arrogant and cold eyes made her feel distant.

"This Crown Prince greets Your Majesty," Yu Xi saluted.

Yu Chun just stood still and a smile played on her lips, "Junior sister greets Senior brother."

This intimate way of greeting was natural for Yu Chun, after all they studied martial arts under the same master. She did not feel the need to bow, because she felt that she was his equal. He was her match. Yu Chun's heart skipped a beat just by looking at that icy man. He was perfect in every way: powerful, cool, and gorgeous.

Hu Feng looked indifferently at them, "Raise."

His voice sent shivers through Yu Chun's body. Yu Xi looked at his love stricken sister in embarrassment. Normally, she was cold to everyone around her, including him. She did not put anyone in her eyes, especially since their father doted on her the most. Now, she was reduced to a little girl living in her own romantic world. Unlike his delusional sister, Yu Xi knew that this man was dangerous. Just by standing in front of Hu Feng, made him put up all his defenses.

------------------------------------

1) Tripe: the inner linings of a cow's stomach

2) Blood Jelly: solidified cubes of blood that is often from a pig

3) Chinese New Years is in February. Hu Feng's birthday is two months after that, so it's in April.