1 The Red Bride

It was a cold and snowy day in the kingdom of Do. Yet despite the cold, there was an air of festivities and celebration throughout the nation. New Year's feast was upon the public and the Emperor's wedding was on the same day. Masses of people weathered the cold to clean the streets, put on new clothes, and hung fireworks all around the capital, Long city.

For the common people, the Emperor's wedding meant an Empress was appointed. However for the not so simple nobles, the wedding was a signal for war. The bride was from the biggest family in the capital. Her father was the right hand prime minister, her first brother was a victorious general, her second brother was a famous scholar. None of her family members had ordinary status and with their mass power of influence and wealth, it was clear to see why the Emperor chose such a bride. Tension hung around the big families, but everyone's face had a look of joy.

In a big and spacious room a beautiful woman sat staring out of the window. Her long silky hair hung from her head down to the floor. Her elbow propped her chin as her eyes watched the falling snow. Not long after, the doors leading into the bedroom opened and a long line of maids came in. However, the woman was just as indifferent as before.

Her most trustworthy maid approached quietly and said, "Miss, it is time for the wedding."

The woman showed no change. "I know." She waved her hands, signaling for them to start her bath, and prepared her luxurious wedding gown.

It took her an incense stick to get out of the bath. Her body simmered in the hot rose water, and her hair was meticulously scrubbed. She was in no rush. It was almost as though this wedding meant nothing to her. She sat like a doll in front of the mirror, letting the servants put on her makeup and combed her hair into a style befitting of an Empress.

"You have grown up," a gentle voice whispered behind her.

She looked up into the mirror and saw her mother behind her. Yet, she didn't even bat an eye. Her eyes were cold and clear, as though she was looking at a stranger. Her mother noticing her silence and gaze, did nothing at all. This behavior was normal for her daughter.

She ignored it and said, "You are the Empress from now on. You need to take better care of yourself. If not, the Emperor will not favor you, and you cannot give him a heir. You should not shame your brothers and the Mu name."

A thin smile began to spread on the woman's face. "Mother, I am marrying him. Not you," she said slowly. She wondered what her mother had to say on this day, but it seems a leopard cannot change its spots.

Her mother's face froze, however there was a hint of anger in her eyes. She walked to the couch and sat with a humph. Her eyes cold as she said, "Do not think that once you become Empress, you can talk to me like this. Mu Qing, remember that you are of the Mu family. Your brothers are the pillars that gives our family face. Even if you enter royalty, you still need our support."

Mu Qing sat still as a tree, waiting for the last head piece to be put in place. She turned around and stared directly into her mother's eyes. She just sat there and stared, until her mother could not take it anymore and ordered the servants to put on the wedding gown. Then with a "hmph" Madam Mu stormed out of the room.

The little maid from before hesitated before advising her mistress, "Miss, you shouldn't anger Madam anymore. In...in case we do need Madam's help in future."

"They need me."

The little maid stopped speaking and retreated to the side fearfully. Mu Qing stood up from the vanity and the wedding matron pulled down her veil. She could not see through the thick cloth, so she waited patiently for the matron to lead her out into the carriage. It was hard for the Mu family to guess the thoughts of their youngest child as she was led into the carriage. Her parents looked happy as the other nobles congratulate them on the marriage. Her brothers looked indifferent towards their sister. While they may be siblings, the truth was that they have never interacted with her before.

The three were raised separately throughout their childhood. The brothers were taught martial arts, sword fighting, and things that would help them support the family. Mu Qing was taught dance, sewing, and such. It was clear that there was no love between the siblings, however the image of their sister in a red wedding dress against the falling snow made a sense of pride grow in their hearts. The combination of colors, the striking red and the gentle white, made many of the public felt like they were looking at a painting.

The carriage trotted along the main road of the capital in an parade. Behind the bride's carriage was an entourage of people. The band played loudly, dancers twisted the ribbons into the air, and the carriages of the nobles followed behind. The palace guards in their shiny amor marched to beat of the drum leading the parade to the palace. Commoners by the hundreds watched on the sides of the street as they threw flowers and rice.