~Little Wolf

"Xingru," called concubine Jingfei with a laugh, "I heard that yesterday you angered his majesty and now he hates you even more!". Ignoring concubine Jingfei and her group, Xingru kept to herself and wandered off to collect some flowers, they had just finished Morning Greetings and she didn't want to waste her time trying to stand up for herself.

If only Jingfei knew that she didn't liked the Emperor too and was not bothered with such mocking, she thought to herself.

That evening Xingru went to see the royal monk, among the few people that she actually liked, he was a kind old soul who felt pity for her ever since that day he found little Xingru crying behind the temple, he comforted her and together they created a strong friendship, listening patiently to every word she had to offer and giving her wise advice, she had grown to know him as more of a family member than a friend. As he watched her grow up, he gave her the lost love she needed but Xingru knew he was old and that there would come a day when he would have to leave her, than who would she count on?

The monk was tending to some flowers when he heard a familiar cry call him, "Uncle!" shouted Xingru as she ran to him with a smile on her face, " I have brought some more flowers for your flowerbed!"

"Oh I see, yes those will go beautifully with these other ones!" said the monk, giving her a wrinkly smile.

"Little wolf, what have come to tell me today?" asked the monk, knowing well she had a meaning for this sudden visit. 'Little wolf' was a name given to Xingru by the monk since he had said she was like a fierce wolf but also a playful puppy deep inside.

"Oh nothing," answered Xingru smiling, "I just missed you and wanted to check if you were okay and I also wanted to give you this little flower charm I made!"

Placing it in his hand, the monk looked at it with admiration then bowed as a thank you. Xingru quickly kneeled down to help him plant the flowers, the monk told her teasingly that a Empress shouldn't be planting flowers which she laughed at and said in return, "Well a monk should be praying not planting flowers either!". They both laughed and together they finished the flowerbed.

Nearby, hidden behind the various bushes and trees, a mysterious figure stood watching them, smiling wickedly before quickly slipping away into the shadows...

Later that night, a banquet was held for the second prime minister's birthday, everyone had to attend. In her room, the empress sat in a chair, looking ever so depressed while her two maids, Baobao and Luoluo, got her ready. They were also the few people whom Xingru were friends with, Baobao was a sweet, cute and soft-hearted girl while Luoluo was tomboyish, funny.

"Your majesty, please don't look so sad, we know you don't like banquet but it will only be for a few hours then you can come back and we can do something you like!" pleaded Luoluo

"Yes your majesty, don't be sad, it will effect your beauty and health. Luoluo and I will be waiting here for you to come back" insisted Baobao

Xingru sighed and smiled, "Guys remember please don't call me 'your majesty' when we are alone, you guys are my friends and you know I don't like formalities!"

Luoluo & Baobao nodded and quickly finished doing her hair. Soon after a carriage arrived, ready to take Xingru away.