5 Picnic

"Forgiven? If you don't I won't release you even if my father comes here" he had a grin on his face as he winked at her.

"Be serious Chen."

Just then, the Prime Minister walked to the training grounds and saw them in that position.

"Chen... "

They both froze as they heard the voice of the Prime Minister.

"Si Chen. How can you... Don't you know it is improper for youngsters to be seen holding hands let alone hugging".

He regained himself back and let go of the princess quickly, while Xiaoli just blushed at the situation they were in. That was truly embarrassing for her.

At a lost for words, Si Chen didn't know what to say to his father, he just felt the ground should open up and swallow him.

"Prime Minister, it is okay. Si Chen was apologizing". She said saving him from having to listen to the long lectures from his father.

"Not in that manner your royal highness".

"What manner? After all he is my fiance" as she said that, she held his hand and they intertwined their fingers.

The Prime Minister was stunned, a public display of affection. Didn't this princess care about her image at all? He thought to himself and broke out of his thoughts when she spoke.

"We would take our leave now".

"I'm happy he has apologized, please pardon him your royal highness" his father said with a bow to her.

"Its nothing Prime Minister. Si Chen let's go".

"Wait" he said halting her movement.

"What is it?".

"I can't go in this, let me change into something else".

"You're fine this way Chen. Let's go".

He looked at himself, he was putting on a plain white Hanfu cloak and yet she thought it okay. There were no designs on it, scratch that, this was his training garment.

"But... "

She cut him short, pulling him by his hand and dragging him away.

"Xiaoli... "

"You are handsome just like this Chen".

She turned her head and smiled at him, he could only smile back. Only Xiaoli could say something like that, and since she was okay with his outfit, there was nothing he could do but follow her.

"Xiaoli, why are you in a hurry? Or is it that you miss me so much you can't wait to have an alone time with me?"

She stopped abruptly but still not letting go of his hand.

"You wish Chen" she said sticking her tongue out.

"That's not very princess like your highness".

"Don't kid, I do not want to be late to see the cherry blossom".

"But we haven't packed for the picnic".

"Way ahead of you. I have everything we need ready, except for you. So stop wasting time and let's hurry".

She pulled him along with her as they hurried to the entrance of the residence. They both got into the carriage.

"Wait".

"What is it princess?"

"The palace guards would have to wait for me at your residence. I can take care of myself".

"Then why bring them along in the first place?"

"Have you forgotten I am not allowed outside the palace without at least two palace guards?"

"Sorry, Queen Mother wouldn't allow, still following the late King's orders" Si Chen said while relaxing his back.

"You are to await my arrival at the Prime Minister's residence".

"But your royal highness, the Queen Mother..." She cut him short.

"Do you dare disobey my order?" she asked the now shaking palace guard as the air around them changed, it was so intense.

"No your royal highness, forgive us. We would await your arrival as ordered" the other guard chipped in with a bow followed by the first palace guard.

"Okay" the air around them seemed to have returned back to normal with just a smile from the princess, "let's go".

The driver hit the horses and went on.

"You are really something your highness".

"Really now?"

"It's one of the things I love about you".

"What exactly?" She asked him feigning ignorance.

"How you always have your way".

"Thank you".

Thirty minutes later, they arrive at the spot and entered the fields. Soon they get to where the cherry tree stood tall and Xiaoli bent down and began unpacking their things. Si Chen bent down with her and helped her out.

In no time, their picnic was set, a silk cloth spread on the green grass, two baskets containing fruits and some snacks from the palace and a small gourd of sweet wine.

"In a few minutes time the cherry tree would bloom" she said eagerly.

"I can see you are very eager" Si Chen said as he sat down with Xiaoli.

"Yes, shouldn't I?" she turned her head to look at him.

"You can and you should, after all I suggested this, because when the Cherry tree bloom, the sight is something to behold, its as beautiful as you".

"You're flattering Chen".

"You know I'm not, its the truth".

As he said that, he draws her closer to himself at a fast pace, the next thing she knew, she was on top of him as they both fell on the silk cloth.

"Chen".

"Didn't you want to spend time with your fiance?".

"But..." She was blushing crazy right now.

"Earlier on you complained that we were outside and the attendants were there, but now we are alone".

He lifts her chin up so she could face him and slowly inched his face closer to her's and was about to kiss her...

The bush rustled....

"What is... "