Chapter 10; Imperial wedding..

The day was finally here, the palace was In turmoil and everyone was busy with one activity or another to get things ready in adequate. This was the kind of celebration that occurred once in two decades so it was sort of a big thing. Hao mei had been sent to the yaojiang palace (a palace built by the first Emperor of Qintong for the sole purpose of taking care of the women of the Imperial harem.) at the first light of day, where she was bathed and received skin treatment with some light oils which were said to be good for the skin. After which she was dressed in a qipao with a coronet headdress. As was the tradition In qintong, a bridal parade would be held in which the bride would be carried around the town on a palanquin whilst the citizens threw flowers and offered prayers for blessings and fruitfulness.At least that's how things were supposed to be,but after learning that the prince was marrying the princess of East Qing ,they were less enthusiastic only coming out to see her face .

After that segment of the event was done , the actual marriage rituals proceeded and then the wedding banquet which was the highlight of the day,the other ceremonies being formalities brought about by centuries of tradition . Hao mei put on a poker face through out the run of events only speaking when absolutely necessary ,she could not tell the cause of her irritation ;the fact that the people were pretending that only weeks ago she wasn't their enemy or that she was being forced to take parts in series of traditional ceremonies and rituals that meant absolutely nothing to her .

It was already dusk when the wedding feast began . The official,governors and noble men were presenting gifts to the newly wedded couple and wishing them a life of bliss (although we all know they don't mean it). Food and booze were flowing in an unlimited surplus across the hall ,dancers were performing and the entire scenery gave a look of bliss if you didn't know current situation you'd think that everything was blissful . According to the customs the bride always left the wedding feast before the groom in order to prepare for the wedding night and Hao mei was only too happy to finally leave the pretentious crowd .she didn't know how she would escaped the duty set before her tonight but this was her fate and that of her entire nation , she knew exactly what she was signing up for when she agreed to this marriage .The maids took her back to the yaojiang for grooming after which she was sent to the bridal chambers ,Once again she was left alone to her thoughts , remembering her aunt's words

"Don't think because you become the Empress our people will be safe ,The people of Qintong will never accept you as their Empress ,they will at most continue to see you as a hostage .The palace is always changing and if you're status isn't secure then the people of East Qing are not safe .There is only one way to keep our people and our nation safe .What I'm saying is that you must quickly bear an heir for the emperor ,only then is your status secure and the safety of our people ensured."The words bear an heir replayed in her head continuously as she drifted into a deep troubled slumber ,she kept trying to stay awake but she couldn't ,after a long struggle she fell asleep .

Long tian xi arrived at the bridal chambers at a little past midnight ,he almost didn't notice hao mei lying on the floor but for the sound of her breath.She was lying curled up like a ball in a corner.He carried her in one swift move and placed her on the bed.

Hao mei was woken by the rays of light that flooded the room through the window , while she was trying to figure out how she moved from the floor to the bed she heard a voice

"You're finally awake ,you have about fifteen minutes to get ready" he said moving towards the door.

"Get ready for what ?"

"To pay homage to the Empress dowager " he said swiftly ,leaving her to her devices.

Hao mei got dressed in less than ten minutes and met long tian xi sipping tea in the adjoining room.The bridal was very unworthy of its name as it was not actually a chamber but a pavilion on its own. Sitting opposite him she sneaked a few peeks at him wondering if she should initiate a conversation or not.

" You seem to be unbothered by your predicament " it was long tian xi who spoke.

"What do you mean, did I do something wrong ?"

"Last night was our wedding night and I'm sure I didn't touch you in anyway so what are you going to present to the Empress dowager at the woman's pavilion".

After he said this it finally dawned on hao mei what he meant by predicament.One of the maids at the yaojiang had told her that at the womens pavilion she would be asked to present a handkerchief with her maiden blood on it.Hao mei knew that if she didn't present anything she would be humiliated in front of all those women.

The women of the inner court were all anticipating this mornings gathering ,their spies in the bridal chambers had reported that nothing went on between the Crown Prince and the princess ,they could not wait for that East Qing girl to be humiliated by the Empress dowager.

When the Eunuch announced her arrival many sly smiles could be sighted.

Meanwhile Tang Ningjing (Empress dowager) was already celebrating a small victory within ,she would finally get revenge for the past humiliation.Hao mei's voice brought her back to reality .

"Chenqie greets your majesty and prays for good health for a thousand years." She said with a smug smile lighting her face ."

"Thank you,now... crown princess according to the traditions of Qintong you ought to present to the inner court the evidence of your purity after the wedding night .Do you have any thing to present? ".

An awkward silence filled the hall.They were all getting overly agitated as the seconds passed by,finally the Tang Ningjing couldn't take it anymore more so she spoke up.

"Crown princess do you not have anything to present to the inner court,if you do stop wasting our time but if you don't we'll understand "Tang Ningjing said smiling a radiant and nearly almost deceiving smile .

Hao mei stepped forward even more and finally brought out the handkerchief that had been hiding within her sleeves and gave it to the nanny to present to the court.

The look on their faces was really worth seeing,The most prestigious ladies in Qintong had their ugliest expression put out today .Hao mei could only be thankful for Long tian xi who secretly pressed the handkerchief into her palm when she arrived at the inner court .