Prince Xiao Arrives

A small breeze blows inside the room as two figures, side by side enter together. The room was filled with silence, some of the gasp from the men and women in the room could be heard. The two figures, as if they were both made for each other were wearing colors similar to each other. If the people inside the room didn't know any better, they would have thought that Da Ying and Xiao Yuan had planned it earlier. Da Ying and Xiao Yuan had not realized they were almost matching each other due to their surprised encounter earlier. Walking side to side, four out of the five officials who were witnesses to Da Ying's sacrifice for the country could not help but all agree and admire how perfect the two looked together. The only one of the five who had no opinion nor looked like he cared was the Duke of Lan, Qin Xie De. Matter of fact, he took one glance when they first arrived out of curiosity but after that, he didn't care to keep ogling the two like the rest of the crowd. Yue Li and Ying Me, who were sitting next to Wen Wan almost, wished it was them standing there, next to him. In their hearts, they both regretted very much not being the one to marry him. If they both knew how handsome he was, they would be willing to risk their life to marry him. Yue Li scrunched up the handkerchief on her lap angrily while Ying Me pouted her lips, upset.

Jie You's eyes widened in horror when she saw him again, Prince Xiao. Her face went from fair to deathly pale in a moment. Him…it was clearly the same man she had tried to kill years ago. That year, it was the lantern festival. He had bumped into her, causing her to lose her good mood. He had apologized to her but that was not good enough for the arrogant princess. Jie You had used her status and demanded he get on his knees and bow to her. After he refused to, she had her men beat him up but it turned out, his fighting skills were far superior to her men.

Just thinking about the past, her heart shook from fear and regret. There was no way she would willingly go with him, it was the same as killing her. Everything finally clicked in her head. Those two marriage proposals, it was because of her reckless actions. She managed to avoid him twice, but there was no way she would be able to dodge him this time.

Prince Xiao and Da Ying split up half way when Da Ying went over to her seat in the corner. Xiao Yuan on the other hand walked over to the empress and greeted him. "Prince Xiao of Northern Liang Greet Your Majesty," he bowed.

"Stand, stand, no need for formalities," the emperor raised his hand, gesturing for Xiao Yuan to get up. "It is our Southern Han's honor to have Prince Xiao here. Come, have a seat. Tonight, it is my honor to treat you with our utmost hospitality,"

"I thank your majesty beforehand then," he smiled before taking the seat nearest to the emperor's side. His table was set with gold plates and the finest dishes. "Was your journey here good?" the emperor began the talk.

"It was well; the people of Southern Han are very open and welcoming. Especially when I passed by the city and lost my way," For the first hour, all the officials were busy creating conversation with Xiao Yuan, as time passed, they all started to talk among themselves, giving the emperor and Prince Xiao time to talk.

On the women's side, Wen Wan was surrounded by most of the girls. As usual, the only girl out of the crowd she really made an effort to talk to was Lui Yi, Lui Xi Feng's younger sister. "Hmph, who does she think she is to walk in with Prince Xiao," one girl complained to Wen Wan. Another continued to add insult to Da Ying, "That nobody sure has guts,"

"Girls, my sister did not have any intentions of gaining the Prince's attention. Don't insult her," Wen Wan spoke up for Da Ying.

"Wen Wan, when will you stop speaking up for her? She's clearly using this chance to get close to him," Lui Yi added. Of course, the only topic the girls were eager and always excited to talk about was Da Ying. Whenever they ganged up and talked bad about her, it made them feel better and far superior. Some even thought that the heavens had been blind when they made Da Ying a Han Princess. "What's wrong with you? Are you not feeling well?" Yue Li nudged Jie You's arm when she realized how silent she had been the whole night.

"I'm okay," Jie You spoke softly.

"Why are you not talking? You look pale?" Ying Me added.

"It's really nothing, I'm just a little hungry," Jie You lied through her teeth as she picked out braised pork from her table. Yue Li and Ying Me went back to gossiping about Da Ying.

In the corner, Da Ying was enjoying her meal. Events and banquets were her favorite times, this was the one time she could eat all the delicious dishes. Most of the time, she didn't care about how secluded she was. In the last few weeks, she had gotten used to it and it never bothered her. But tonight, she kept having the feeling that someone was looking at her…Qin Xie De. Da Ying tapped Bai Zhi who was standing beside her, helping her pour wine. "Do you feel that someone is looking over here too?" she whispered.

"I don't sense anything unusual," Bai Zhi answered truthfully. Da Ying squinted her eyes towards Xie De's direction. Again, nothing…he wasn't looking at her. Instead, he was having a chat with the people around him. Throughout the night, Da Ying couldn't help but keep looking towards his way. She was about to admit her paranoia when her eyes met his for the first time. [I knew it, but why are you looking at me?] she wondered but suddenly he raised his wine cup secretly at her, smiled and nodded. Da Ying picked up her cup and returned the toast. Whatever he was thinking, she would just counter it. Just with one look, she knew he had no good feelings towards her. Seeing him again, her mind had been preoccupied with his words a few days ago. No matter what, she would get to the bottom of it.