Chapter 20 ( Part 5)

At the bed of the lake. Cherry sat crossed-legged cultivating. She was practising the eye of truth. It was a great place to rehearse the technique. There was little activity in the lake, solely a few Koi fish swimming around. It was perfect for trying to feel the auras of living things.

She took a few deep breaths and regulated her Qi. Cultivating was a tiring process especially not being distracted.

A fish quickly swam past her leaving a slight current. Curious Cherry opened her eyes and looked around trying to hear what was happening.

You got distracted again. Little spirit said.

For a quiet person you sure like to gossip.

Everyone likes a good gossip.

Like you said everyone likes good gossip let us go to a tea house just for the stories. She stood up.

Are you literate? Little Spirit asked as Cherry swam back up to the surface.

Yes and No. If you were to carve it, I would be able to trace it with my finger. Then I would know. What is written?

At the surface, she got out of the lake and summoned a wind to dry her off. Before heading out of the manor gates she looked for milk tea. Her first guess was in the kitchen or the room. With small and soft steps she made her way to her kitchen. On the way, she heard a voice.

Milk tea, We are going shopping.

Miss, you are going where? Jim and Fu LI were hurrying to the barracks. As they saw the miss coming.

Where are you hurrying to? Cherry faintly sensed the sword tied his waist swing lightly from left to right.

oh no we were just running around. Embarrassed he said

We cherry-looked at Fu li. She said nothing and walked away.

Looking at the figure slowly blurring as she walked away. A drop of rain fell in his eyes. He wiped the raindrop and looked into the grey sky. Rain fiercely poured as he thought. Was wrong to tell a white lie.

Li Fu felt Jim's uneasiness. He looked at him and patted him. Everything will be fine. The Alchemist will take care. If necessary we would have to ask the master but she should not know.

It was a grey, drizzly day and the tea house was packed with people seeking refuge from the rain. The atmosphere was electric with hushed whispers and furtive glances, as rumours and gossip swirled through the room like the steam from freshly brewed tea.

Patrons sat at small wooden tables, sipping steaming cups of tea and nibbling on delicate pastries. The scent of jasmine and Earl Grey wafted through the room, mixing with the sound of clinking teacups and light laughter.

At one table, a group of friends leaned in close, speaking in hushed tones about the latest scandal to hit the town.

On another table, a group of friends chatted animatedly, their faces alight with excitement. They had been catching up for hours, lost in conversation and time. At another table, an elderly couple sat quietly, sipping their tea and watching the hustle and bustle of the teahouse.

Across the room, a couple sat with their heads together, discussing the strange disappearance of the local jeweller. Some whispered that he had run off with the jewels, while others speculated that he had been kidnapped.

In the corner, a group of old ladies sat gossiping over tea and scones, discussing the recent influx of strange and unusual visitors to the town. Some whispered that they were spies, while others muttered darkly about forbidden alchemy and visitors of the middle realm.

As the rain continued to fall outside, the tea house remained a hub of excitement and intrigue, as the rumours and gossip continued to fly. The patrons sipped their tea, exchanging whispers and wild theories, eager to be a part of the latest drama to sweep through the town.

In the corner sat Cherry happily munching on some pastries whiles listening to the conversations. The rumours were intriguing and brought laughter to her face. She particularly liked stories of those from the middle realm.

It is said that the iron family line sent themself into exile to repent.

What is with Rion's family?

You haven't heard of the Rion family. Dark Alchemists plunged one-third of their land into flames killing 3hundred people. Before the Jade emperor could punish them they sent their oldest son to kneel in front of the palace doors for 3 weeks. After the Jade emperor forgave them they exiled themself to the lower realm.

Oh so dramatic.

and dumb.

Wait here comes the good part lean in.

Cherry automatically leaned in trying to hear the good part.

They are here in cloud city looking for two brides and as I said they are from the Middle realm which means they are filthy rich. the girl said

That was the good part I expected something more dramatic.

What is with the youngest son? a girl asked.

Why only two brides when they had three sons? A middle-aged woman asked the girls. It seemed like Cherry wasn't the only one who had leaned in for the good part.

Overwhelmed The girl said. The oldest is already taken.

By who? the ladies in the tea house asked.

The Eldest princess of the Qing manor.

Do you mean the second daughter?

yes but she is the eldest princess

What? cherry spat out tea. She was shocked not even she knew about this.

Always Qing manor first the crown prince now the Rion heir what will next the jade emperor himself or what? The lady stomped her foot. If this continues what will be left for my dear lier? She sighed.

But Cherry was fuelling with anger they are all same but they couldn't I know they can't. She went out of the teahouse forgetting to pay in rain. She teleported from place to all over the city until she had wasted all her energy. Cloud City was larger than she thought—a small girl in a big world. I will never find them unless she sang. Nut everyone is looking. They would hear my voice and push me away.

In a small voice, she sang " She has been lying deceiving herself"

No answer came.

All the prior anger came back. She screamed in the Rain." She has been lying, deceiving herself,"

No answer came from" herself"

An arm grabbed onto her and pulled her close. She noticed the person's scent. It was poppy.

I have got her. Poppy said releasing her.

Just so you know you are in a dressing room with us. None else. Rose said.

Are you fine?

look you wet. Let me dry your hair.

can someone look for something to wear?

They began to fumble on Cherry's wet clothes and hair fixing everything. When

All you stop it. Stop pretending. You do not trust me. Cherry shouted.

The sisters were in a daze. Cherry never raised no matter what it was.

Well, what happened? Do tell us.

Cherry's tone became much softer and returned to a louder whisper.

I heard about Peony's engagement with a weirdo from the region's family.No one told me. Is it true?

Peony's gaze quickly turned away.

They replied it was Grandma's idea.

You know I am done with this family thing. Let us leave. Object to the idea.

I tried but Peony said she knew what she was doing.

Did Grandma blackmail you trust me she knows nothing about the world.

Yet you do? Stop being emotional all I do is for a reason. Peony walked out after she came to a halt and said in 20 minutes you all shall be dressed and ready to receive guests.

Count me out. Cherry said. She couldn't believe Peony right now.

Seventh sister, you are to follow my orders and receive guests in twenty minutes. Dressed in proper attire without a veil or gloves. I have high expectations you will behave accordingly to the situation. Is this clear?

Clear.

My ears seem to deceive me do come again.

I have received your orders with great value and fulfilled them according to your wishes.

That is more like it.

Cherry do not take it personally. Grandma and Peony are in bad positions to refuse orders from them.

I won't older sister has trusted me. I will show them how capable Qing Manor is.

Cherry. Rose looked worried.

Like always we decided to wear green.

.....

The throne room was grand and imposing, with high ceilings, ornate columns, and gleaming marble floors. The walls were adorned with tapestries the air was heavy with the scent of incense and the sound of hushed whispers.

As the door at the far end of the room creaked open, the whispers fell silent and all eyes turned to the entrance. A hush fell over the room as the Peony stepped inside, her head held high and her gaze fixed firmly ahead. Behind her in Row, the sisters walked behind with matching dominance and elegance.

She was dressed in a gown of shimmering silk, her hair styled in an elaborate updo, and a crown of diamonds sparkled on her head. Her presence was commanding, and as she made her way down the aisle, the courtiers fell back, bowing low in reverence.

She approached the throne, her steps echoing in the stillness of the room. She bowed to the man who had occupied the highest seat. The current master Rion family signalled her to rise.

Her grandmother came through the door nodding in approval.

Today we deepening the bond between our two families. A marriage can only be successful if all of the members of the two families acknowledge each other. So that they can help each other in future. The miss of Rion's family said.

Wouldn't you go for a walk? while the elders discuss matters.

Let us go. He indicated for Peony to leave with him.

May I remind you we are not in the middle realm but in the lower realm? We have rules and regulations precisely etiquette. As the first princess of Qing, it is a dishonour to my name for you to speak to me in such a manner. Peony said.

just do it again how county bumpkin wants it. came from the throne.

You are in no position to talk utter my name in disgrace. As a reminder, you fell bankrupt noble family.No nobler. It is an honour to be graced with presence.

I thought it would had adapt with a sudden title rip so I turned a blind eye to you sitting on the throne. The throne is meant for the highest-ranking person. In our case.

Get off my throne.

No can do? the person of the highest rank in this room would be me. My parents lost their titles but I didn't. He smiled looking with amazement at Peony.

What in this world? Isn't it that angry Man who was looking for his Mummy?

Cherry. Peony shouted.

Yes, She was called back from her thoughts.

We are going.