4 Chapter 3: Whispers from the past (2)

"..Yun.. Qing Yun! QING YUN!" Tian xi shouted. "Did you hear what I said."

"Hmm..? Ah.. my apologies brother. The beautiful sight around emperor father's courtyard always put me in a daze." Qing yun replied whilst looking around the mesmerising estate.

It was a mix of intricate waterscape and lush greenery, but at the center of the courtyard was a chain of architecture that works as the heart of the dynasty. Every single day, inside those buildings, many life and death decision that affect millions of Xia people were made. Underneath it though, were various platforms that kept them afloat, away from the lake that ran throughout the whole imperial castle.

Legend said, that if you had been blessed by karmic favour and peer at the lake on an auspicious day, you will be able to witness the majestic ancient palace that hid underneath it.

"Hah! Were you searching for the ancient palace again? I don't know how many times did I have to peel you from underneath the lotus leaves. Let's see.. 1,2,3.. 16..17...18..." Tian xi mockingly replied.

"AM NOT! ..and STOP exaggerating it, brother! It can't be more than 5 times... well maybe 6..if you add that occasion during end of the year..and.. and.. that.." Qing yun voice grew increasingly softer as she remembered more and more of her misadventures. Tian xi snickered and Qing Yun increase the strength of her arms, chocking her brother.

Their banter went on for a bit longer but soon Tian xi slowed his steps and landed lightly. They had reached the corridor leading towards the towering Skyhall. From here on, they had to walk, else they might accidentally alert the countless hidden guards of the emperors. Each of them could be hiding in any one of the halls that surrounded the sombre tower to form a natural barrier.

Playing a prank here might caused your head to roll without you even realising it.. that thought itself always left the two of them shaking with cold sweat.. definitely not because of a certain experience.

The security along the corridor was extremely tight, excessive even.

A constant group of patrolling guards. A body check from a trusted eunuch or from one of emperor's maid. No weapon or undeclared item was allowed to be brought in. Food would be poison tested in advance. Even the children and familial members of the emperors had to obey the security measures that had been established. After all, this is where emperor Xia resides in.

Other than the son of heaven, the only one that could freely enter and leave were the empress and those with special imperial pass. But none of these two prankster had ever seen those pass before..

Tian xi helped Qing yun to fix her hairpins as they walked past the majestic entrance, it opened up into a luxurious atrium. A festive mood was already flourishing inside as they could hear the booming laughter from emperor Xia, the empress's chuckle and a couple familiar voices.

They continued on until they reached the source. Hidden behind indoor plants was an outdoor floating terrace, man made mini waterfalls ran underneath it. To top it off, a zen inspired waterscape had been constructed as the perfect backdrop.. creating a warm and intimate setting.

"Announcing.. Third prince Xia Tianxi! First princess Xia Qing yun!" The eunuch announced their arrival, the two quickly knelt and paid respect as was the custom.

"Emperor Father, son of heaven. Honourable Empress Mother. May the both of you will live and reign for ten thousand years.. and another ten thousand years of eternal prosperity will shine upon the Xia." They simultaneously chanted.

At the center of the chamber was the emperor and the empress. Their face beamed upon seeing the newcomers. At prime age of 50, the emperor chiseled features was still handsome and lean. The traces of maturity, a salt and pepper beard and streaks of white hair, only added onto his noble bearing.

"Quickly, come here and let father look at the both of you." Emperor Xia beckoned the both of them nearer, his face doting. For a while , only the sharp eyebrows and a long facial scar were the remaining proofs of his conqueror's past.

The two looked at one another before giggling and, quickly shirking off all pretensions for custom, mischievously jumped into the emperor's embrace. Summoning another bout of laughter from emperor Xia.

To his right, the empress elegantly covered her lips with her sleeves. A pleasant chuckle trickled from behind the patterned fabric. She had always been known for her elegant manners, charming grace and her delicate beauty. Years later, she doesn't seemed to have aged, retaining her radiant complexion. Truly a living phoenix.

To his left, were two young men. The first one was the beautiful fourth Prince, Xia Tian Xing. He had inherited the empress's beauty and elegance. His pale complexion and ruby lips often beget sigh of admiration from both genders. The number of heartbreaks and scandals that he incurred was innumerable. Not to say the amount of marriage proposal that had flooded the palace before he was of age.. supposedly the eunuchs had to carry them in a procession of chests.

Today, in contrast to his philandering nature, he looked scholarly and elegant with dark purple robe on. He snapped open the small fan and shook his head.

"Tsk tsk tsk.. these two imps never grow up. All of the nutrients that emperor father and empress mother had bestowed upon them must have gone to the pigs." He criticised the pair of overgrown children that was busy frolicking around the emperor. He had a distaste for unsophisticated behaviour thus, he had never gotten along with Qing Yun and Tianxi.

At his criticism, Qing Yun turned around to glare at him. Only to be caught off guard by the youth next to Tian Xing. He was dressed in emerald green robe with cloud patterns.. similar to the one Qing yun was wearing. Her faced heated up and an obvious blush bloomed upon her complexion. She quickly shifted position to mimic the elegant empress, not forgetting to brush a couple stray hair in the process. Her gaze now fixed onto the carpet.

The room fell into silence before emperor Xia and Taiming guffawed once more. Even the empress could not control her amusement. The object of Qing Yun's adoration shyly grinned in acknowledgment before reverting back to his usual reserved smile. Though, the reddened tips of his ears spoke volume of his embarrassment.

Xia TaiYang was the emperor nephew and was also Qing yun's childhood friend turned sweetheart. Last year, after various hurdles, they were finally betrothed to each other. Unlike her, he had always been quiet and dignified. Strangely they complemented each other. She had been his protector when he was younger and he was the only one that could rein in her untamed nature.

" You brat! For him, you quickly forget this old man! Unfilial child." The emperor knocked Qing yun head playfully. She rubbed her head as the rest of them started laughing once again.

With an amused smile still on her face, Empress Xia shook her head helplessly and said, "That is enough, your majesty. The sun is setting soon, we should serve the dinner." The emperor nodded and signalled to the eunuch.

Quickly enough, a succession of palace ladies entered the terrace, holding onto ornamented black trays. Their colourful long sleeves elegantly trailed behind them, creating an illusions of cascading rainbows. Their swaying hips moved in melodic rhythm as they placed the trays down one after another. On it were various extravagant dishes made from the spring bounties.

Qing yun eyes glimmered, the savoury fragrance tickled her nose and she excitedly clapped. When she looked up, she saw her betrothed studying her. A refined smile on his face. She blushed once more and moved her gaze to Tian Xing. She was surprised to notice that his face was flushed in excitement, similar to hers.

She turned towards her third brother, seated to her left, and whispered. "I never knew that fourth brother is a glutton just like me.. I guess even a ghost needs to eat."

"Yes, but his meals consist of different ingredients from ours." Tianxi snickered. His answer puzzled her and she wanted to lean in to ask for more details. But the procession of maids were leaving the terrace and she had lost all her protection against the empress glare. She quietly resumed the proper sitting position.

After all, there would still be time to interrogate him later.