Good Performance

After the siblings officially made their way into the hall, Hu Feng waved his hands, dismissing the officials from the court. Feet scuttled furiously out the large wooden doors, hoping to get away as soon as possible. Soon the grand hall was empty, and only Hu Feng, the siblings, and a couple of servants were left.

"Emperor Hu, please take this gift," Yu Xi motioned for his pageboy to bring a small, velvet box over, "It's a shame we couldn't make it to the wedding day because of the weather."

Yu Chun's face had a shy blush, making her look tender and sweet. Her eyes shined bright with adoration, however, upon remembering Hu Feng's wife, her face went cold.

Her large eyes narrowed in jealousy, "Speaking of which, Senior brother, where is the Empress? Don't tell me, she has forgotten to receive her guests?"

Just then, an eunuch announced, "The Empress has arrived!"

Hu Feng's sharp eyes looked at the incoming figure to his left. Doe like eyes glared at him, while that small cold face held an invisible pout. Mu Qing reluctantly bowed at her waist in respect, and then turned around and signaled for Gu Chi and Ke Ying to stay by the door. She didn't even wait for him to pardon her. A flash of something ran across his eyes, but he did not react at all.

Yu Xi nodded his head in appreciation upon seeing that elegant figure walking gracefully from the side door. As the Crown Prince of Yan, what kind of beauties has Yu Xi hasn't seen before? Yet, he could not deny that Hu Feng has good taste in woman. Her figure was slender, yet curvy. Her hair looked soft as butterfly wings, and her face was of a celestial. Compared to his fake cold beauty sister, this woman was a true one.

Yu Chun gritted her teeth upon seeing Mu Qing. She cannot see why Hu Feng picked this woman to be the Empress. She has no other merits besides her family's background. She looked better than this slut, and her figure cannot be compared to. Yu Chun has been practicing martial arts since young, so she was very confident about her figure.

Mu Qing took her time to walk to the chair besides Hu Feng's throne. Her hands shifted her dress slightly before sitting down, and her eyes scanned the two below.

"Greetings to the Empress," Yu Xi bowed slightly.

While Yu Chun just stood there without any intentions of acknowledging Mu Qing. Sensing the hostile air towards her, Mu Qing looked at the slightly younger girl below her.

Her voice was soft and crisp, "You can raise."

Yu Chun arrogantly lifted her chin. 'That's right! You don't have the rights to make me bow to you!'

Her soft hand reached across the seats and gently placed it in Hu Feng's large and calloused one. That cold man looked down at their conjoined hands, but said nothing. He was just letting her do as she please.

"Your Highness, I'm sorry for being so late. I was busy taking care of planning your birthday banquet. Don't blame me, alright?"

Yu Chun almost jumped across the room and pulled that slut's hand away from her Senior brother. Seeing the anger in his sister's face, the crown prince grabbed her hand to stop her. For them to advance, Yu Chun must first enter the palace. After that, whether his sister kill or enslave Mu Qing was none of his business.

Seeing that little jealous reaction from the corner of her eyes, Mu Qing internally savored it. How could she not see the adoration in Yu Chun's eyes, and if she can see it, then so can Hu Feng. This must be the reason why she was called in.

Taking the lead, Yu Xi bought the attention back to him, "Your Highness, I have bought you a wedding gift. Please excuse our absence."

The pageboy that stood silently to the side of Hu Feng, handed the box to Mu Qing. Her eyes sought Hu Feng's in confirmation. His rough fingers squeezed her soft ones in approval.

"Then I must thank the Crown Prince for his thoughtfulness," her answer was mild at best.

She released her hand from Hu Feng's and took the box from the small boy. Feeling the lost of that soft little hand, Hu Feng unconsciously wanted to grab it again. Dainty fingers lightly lifted the box, and a hint of surprise entered in her eyes. However, it disappeared as quickly as it came. Inside the box was a large round pearl, it was as big as a marble. There seem to be light emitting from the inside of the pearl, making it look like a small sun.

Mu Qing looked indifferently at Yu Xi, "The Night Pearl is very pretty. Thankyou."

A crafty laugh came from Yu Chun, "If I had known the Empress like these sorts of things, I would've bought some of my collection to give it to you."

Yu Xi tugged hard on her hand to make her stop talking. This was not the time to show off in front of Mu Qing.

"Hehe...My sister is just joking. The ones that she has are smaller than that one. My Empress Mother personally picked this pearl, wishing for a harmonious marriage," Yu Xi laughed.

Hu Feng finally opened his mouth, "Then we must thank your mother. Mu Qing, I will leave them in your care."

He stood up and looked at the woman beside him. Seeing that he was about to leave, Mu Qing grabbed his hand again and gently reminded him to not work too hard. 'Ice Cube, you better give me a good payment for my amazing performance today!'

Yu Chun slightly panicked, "Senior brother, Chun'er have some questions about martial arts. Practice later on with Chun'er, ok?"

Despite the alluring voice she used, Hu Feng ignored her and continued on his way. She was about to call out to him again, but Yu Xi held her back. He cupped his fist towards the Emperor's retrieving back.

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

Inside the 'A Thousand Dreams' courtyard, a dignified woman clapped her hands in glee.

"Someone, go invite the Crown Princess and the 7th Princess for dinner tomorrow for Aja!"