2 Husband and Wife

Soon the carriage arrived at the palace gates with all its fanfare. The thick wooden doors opened with a loud thud, and inside stood a handsome man in gold and red robes. Everyone, including the parade, kneeled on both knees and kowtow towards the Emperor.

"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

His eyes were cold and arrogant. "You may raise."

"Thanking the Emperor!"

His long legs stride to the carriage and personally held his hand out for his new bride. The matron spoke of flowery words of love and loyalty before the bride placed her hands in his. The Emperor and Empress made their way to the forbidden palace. One was tall and sturdy and the other was small and fragile, both wearing that striking red under the flurries of snow. Under her veil, Mu Qing stared blankly at their conjoined hands.

The whole entourage of nobles made their way into the palace as well. The forbidden palace really lives up to its name. It was grand and domineering. Tens of sedans* awaited them. The reception hall was anything but beautiful. Lanterns encrusted with gold hung on the ceilings like stars in the sky, crystals stringed like vines on tall, massive columns, and silver tables stood in rows like little soldiers. This was the wealth and might of the Emperor. Arrogant. Dominant.

The couple walked hand in hand towards the thrones, before stopping as the matron ordered, "Husband and wife bow towards the heavens." That cold man slightly bent his body in respect, and Mu Qing followed his lead.

"Good! Good! Aja will no longer have to worry about you. Taking such good wife is a blessing," clapped a woman in her sixties, her hair hung beautiful ornaments showing her position. The Empress Dowager took meticulous care of herself.

"Thankyou, Empress mother."

The Emperor lead his bride towards the Empress Dowager, and stood as Mu Qing bowed.

"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Empress," all the nobles and servants bowed once more. The matron then took Mu Qing's hand and lead her away.

Inside a spacious room, Mu Qing sat there patiently as the matron told her the rules. After having accomplished her duties, the matron left and the bride was left to her own devices. Her dainty hands lifted the veil, and her clever eyes scanned the surrounding. Feeling the ornaments and headgear weighing down on her neck, she simply removed each piece off one by one, not caring in the least about tradition. Finally freeing herself, she quietly made her way towards the couch by the window. She sat there, watching the snow accumulate, as she awaited her new husband, who knows what thoughts ran through her head.

Silky hair overflowed on to the floor, tracing the strands lead to a beautiful woman watching the landscape. It was a scene that could move many, yet the man standing in the doorway felt nothing. Noticing the stare on her back, Mu Qing turned her head facing him. Long jet black hair held in place by a crown, a high nose, strong jawline, and sexy lips made the Emperor unduantingly handsome. His fierce eyes stared into hers.

"Greetings, your highness," she made her way towards him and curtsy.

"Rise," his voice was rich and tough. He motioned for her to sit as he sat across the table. They both stared at each other. Hu Feng was never one to speak much, and Mu Qing has never put this marriage in her eyes.

"From now on, it is your job to be my shield. I will not be unfair," he broke the silence.

Her eyes shined with amusement, looking at this stoic man.

"To put it clearly, your highness wants me to take care of the inner palace. In return, you will let me have the Empress title," his words, how can she not see their meaning.

He nodded. Truth be told, the inner palace was empty. He has never cared for such pleasure. Hu Feng was a man of ambition. He took the crown at sixteen, and four years later, his eyes has been set to unite the continent. He just need her to control the old hag and shoo away the pesky flies. The title of Empress was a very generous payout for such a menial job.

"I agree," what other choice does she have.

A hidden threat hung in the air, and neither chose to acknowledge it. He got up from the table, looked at her once, and walked out the door. Their first meeting was a total of fifteen minutes, enough time to drink a small cup of tea.

Mu Qing sighed and calmly got into bed. 'For such an easy job, the pay is quite good.'

A candle was lit, as the man sat down. Piles of documents made their home on the desk, and all around the room were shelves and shelves of books. His calloused hands held an important message.

"Your Majesty, can we trust such a woman," asked a man in blue.

Hu Feng did not even bothered to lift his eyes away from the paper.

"If not, there are others."

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* Sedan: a small carriage that is carried by people