Banquet (3)

"... Are you feeling better now?"

Jing Ling was shocked that the ice block next to her would actually care about her...

"I'm much better thanks to you."

"I didn't do anything."

"If you hadn't caught me then I would have hurt myself so thank you."

"...You're welcome."

~silence~

"OMG, this is so awkward..." thought Jing Ling. "I don't know what to say but I hate this silence! Oh! That's right..."

"How about you?"

"Hm?"

"Didn't you also get hurt after the last attack?"

"Oh, that's nothing. I am fully healed now."

"I see... that's great to hear."

~silence~

"SOMEONE. PLEASE SAVE ME!" Jing Ling internally screamed.

"...I see you have broken through into martial realm."

"You can tell?"

"Yeah, why wouldn't I be able to tell?"

"I am always using the Yincang Breathing Technique. Do you know of it?"

"I do. I also use it because I was tired of people giving me dirty looks after I have a breakthrough."

"Me too! Except I wasn't getting dirty looks. My Father and Elder Brothers would get shocked and then depressed so I began to feel bad."

"Hehe, that certainly seems like something they would do."

Jing Ling was amazed that the guy standing next to her is even capable of laughing.

"Are you familiar with my family?"

"Not really. I've only sparred with your brothers a few times but every time your Father would appear at the end and scold them."

"Fufu, my brothers are always fooling around that's why."

"Yes... but you have a lovely family. When I see how much Master Jing cares about your brothers it's heartwarming..."

"Heartwarming? I have to tell my brothers you said that. They will definitely spit out a barrel of blood."

"If you do, then the next time I see them they will try to attack me."

"It's not like they'll beat you."

"True..."

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As Jing Ling continued to talk to Huan Ying, she found out that they have more in common than she thought and she was enjoying their conversations.

However, it was time for dinner to begin so they both went to their designated seats. Huan Ying, being the crown prince, is seated right below the Emperor's throne while Jing Lings sits with her family a few seats away.

"The Emperor and Empress have arrived!"

Everyone stood up and bowed towards the entrance as a beautiful couple entered. Jing Ling notices that the Emperor is wearing his usual golden silk hanfu with dragon embroidery. The Empress was wearing a pale pink hanfu with a ruby embed chrysanthemum zan and two golden soaring phoenix chai which complemented her youthfulness. However, the Empress's commanding aura and sharp gaze made everyone's eyes drawn to her. This is the first time Jing Ling has seen the Empress even though she enters and leaves the palace as she pleases.

"Please be seated, everyone. Servants, bring out the food and wine."

As everything was being brought out, Jing Ling secretly observed the Empress.

The Empress is much younger than Jing Ling thought. 10 years ago, the Empress was forced to marry the Emperor in a political marriage since she was the only princess of one of the tiny countries South of the Song Empire. She was given to the Emperor when the two countries formed an alliance but it seemed like she was reluctant at first. But, not long after their marriage, the Empress became pregnant with the Second Prince.

Originally, it was Imperial Concubine Fen, who had given birth to the Crown Prince, who was supposed to be titled 'Empress' but she had suddenly lost his favor not long after the Empress entered the palace. Eventually, Imperial Concubine Fen passed away due to an unknown reason and the Crown Prince was raised under the Empress.

"The whole scenario is suspicious. I wonder what happened..." thought Jing Ling.

"Xiao Ling, Why aren't you eating?" asked Jing Zheng.

"If you aren't eating can I have your food?" said Jing Cheng.

"I'm eating, I'm eating. You two should stop stuffing your faces and use some manners. Look, Father's giving you guys the death glare already."

Immediately the two rascals fixed their posture and changed into a refined demeanor.

"Hehe, you two can sure change faces quickly."

"Hmph, at least we don't go around tricking innocent men with a delicate appearance."

"I already told you. I didn't have any choice but to dress like this. Plus, I am a young maiden with a delicate appearance."

"Bleh."

The three of them stuck their tongues out at each other and continued to bicker.

Huan Ying who was secretly watching from his seat smiled at their interactions. He was too far and couldn't tell what they were talking about but their actions alone showed how close they are with each other.

"Dear Older Brother, what are you smiling about?"

Huan Ying immediately returned to his usual icy expression.

"Nothing."

"Aww, don't be such a stick in the mud Brother. We're family so we should be more open with each other."

"You're too close to me. Move back and mind your business, Huan Huo."

"Hmph, you're acting all high and mighty as always," said Huan Huo with a smile on his face but his tone was completely different.

"I'm not high and mighty. We aren't close so why should I accompany you in this foolish act? Also, I rather seem indifferent to everything and have people ignore me than surround myself with fakes. Well, I can see why you do it though, seeing that you're fake as well."

"YOU!"

Huan Huo grips his porcelain cup too tight and it breaks. Immediately the room becomes silent as everyone stops talking and turns their heads to look at the two of them. The servants run over to clean up the mess and replaces the cup.

The Emperor looks at his second son with a disapproving gaze before turning back to the guests.

"Haha, it looks like my son has had one too many drinks this evening but no worries everyone. Please continue to enjoy the festivities."

"Father"

"Yes, Ying'er?"

"I have had eaten enough, please excuse me but I would like to take a stroll in the garden."

"Mhm, go ahead."

Huan Ying walked out of the hall, no longer paying attention to Huan Huo.

"Tsk. Just you wait, Huan Ying, I'll take everything you have and care about. I want to see your face filled with despair as I kill you with my own hands," thought Huan Huo.

He turns and looks at Jing Ling with an eerie smile.

"I wonder how you will react when I mess with her..."