In Spring the Cherry Blossoms Bloom

Lao Mei had opened her midnight black eyes. She slowly sat upwards on her large bed. Her long silky black hair flowed down her back and shoulders. Pieces of her hair mischievously fell down her face. Her supple lips with a small gap between them showed her state of half asleep and half awake. Even so, she was an otherworldly beauty. Lao Mei had been sitting atop her bed trying to remember what she had to do at that very moment.

Lao Mei had her petite jade-like hands gently move the hair on her face. Lao Mei slowly turned to the edge of the bed and slid off. She then entered the bath through a beaded screen. The bath water was perfect. Not too hot and not too cold. Lao Mei sighed a breath of relief. The bath water was crystal clear and showed the bottom of the large bath lined with white jade. The tiled floors contrasted with Lao Mei's snow white skin.

Lao Mei poured warm water on her obsidian-like hair. Lao Mei picked up a nearby comb. Lao Mei then gently brushed her silky black hair. Lao Mei heard the beaded screen moved slightly. Soon enough a timid serving maid came in with a white robe. Lao Mei took her time in getting up. She walked over the rim of the bath, and out to the surface of the tiled floor. Lao Mei lifted up her slender arms as the maid put the white robe on her. Lao Mei then walked towards her wardrobe. She opened up the golden handles to pick an outfit. Lao Mei chose a blood red gown with a long sleeved pastel pink tunic. On her waist was a perfectly tied pastel yellow sash. Once Lao Mei finished getting dressed, she partially tied back her jet-black hair with a butterfly pin leaving a side bang partially covering her beautiful ebony eyes.

Lao Mei was breathtakingly beautiful. Her light colors made her appear as though she was the goddess of spring and purity. Lao Mei decided to go to purchase herbs in the town. Li Fang suddenly appeared behind Lao Mei," Fourth Miss, please allow this servant to accompany you to the market." Lao Mei turned around slowly with a gentle smile," This Miss can attend matters on her own." Lao Mei absolutely despised being treated as weak. She had expert medical knowledge, great sword fighting skills (learned in secret), not mentioning the fact she had aced the state exam secretly. Li Fang kept the same expression," Understood."

Lao Mei continued walking down the lavished hall. Lao Mei felt a petal fall on her supple cheeks. Lao Mei turned her head to see the cherry blossom trees in full bloom. It was a beautiful sight. The light pink petals flew with the wind leaving a picturesque scroll made by Bada Shanren. Lao Mei smiled to herself. Her eyes wandered around the beautiful scenery. Lao Mei suddenly sensed several presences behind her. She had a feeling she knew who they were. Lao Mei turned around in a gentle and graceful movement. She had a beautiful smile on her face that never reached her eyes. Her eyes were gentle, yet threatening. When Lao Mei gracefully turned around she saw two of her older sisters; Lao Mian, and Lao Feng.

Both Lao Mian and Lao Feng were exceptional beauties, but compared to their youngest sister Lao Mei, they were not even considered dirt. Lao Mian had her long black hair tied up into a loose bun with a golden ribbon. She wore an emerald green robe, with a matching tunic that had golden lining and long loose sleeves. She had a golden sash to finish the look. She practically looked like a walking plant.

Lao Feng, on the other hand, looked like a burning fire. Lao Feng wore a Blood red robe, with a citron orange top lined with a sparkling red. Her sash was deep red. The two sisters looked like polar opposites in Lao Mei's eyes. She gave a little chuckle out loud. Her faint laugh sounded like music to anyone's ears. Lao Mian and Lao Feng absolutely despised Lao Mei. She was brilliant, favored by her father, and was betrothed to the crown prince himself. She was the fourth daughter birthed of a concubine, yet was praised through the heavens. To think that their little sister was better than themselves was unacceptable.

Lao Mian had a cruel smile on her face," Father is out on business right now, he has left me in charge." Lao Mian had merely stated these words in a calm tone. And yet there were two meanings in that statement; I'm in charge so I'll make you suffer Ashura's hell, or I'm in charge and you won't live to see the next morning. Lao Mei decided that both were bad news and quickly decided on a way out. Lao Mei's face was undisturbed," My dear sister, may I ask when father will be back?" Lao Mei asked in a gentle tone. Her ebony black eyes showed no light. Lao Mian looked shaken up with Lao Mei's calm unwavering expression. An even darker expression fell upon Lao Mian's face.

the She dropped the gentle act faster than Lao Mei could breathe," You Slut! Don't you understand without father you're unprotected! Father couldn't possibly know what happened to his perfect little daughter!" Lao Mian looked red with fury. Lao Mei still held her unwavering look of innocents. " I'm afraid I don't understand elder sister. Will there be an attack sometime soon? If that's the case, then shall we contact father?" Lao Mei fluttered her long, curly eyelashes.

At this point, Lao Mian was furious, and Lao Feng just followed along with everything Lao Mian said. Either way, both seemed to be furious. Lao Feng turned waved her fair hand and summoned several bulky maids. "I order you to teach Lao Mei a lesson!" The bulky maids suddenly took out whips. Lao Mei's eyes went cold, and her smile cruel. By the time the maids took out their whips, Lao Mei looks could make anyone freeze in their paths. Lao Fang looked at Lao Mei's beautiful cruel look and grew furious. " Make sure to destroy her perfect face." Lao Mei began to look amused as the maids charged towards her.

The maids charged in quite fast for their bulky stature. Sadly for them, they weren't fast enough. Lao Mei swiftly turned to the side evading all whips. She quickly flew towards one of the maids. She took one of the whips from the maid's hand, then lowered her slim body towards the floor evading another whip strike. From there on she swung the whip towards the legs of all maids, leaving them on the floor. Each movement Lao Mei made were no less perfect and graceful.

Lao Feng and Lao Mian couldn't process what had happened and stood in the same position as a minute ago, except this time all the maids around them standing strong were now on the floor in pain. Lao Mei had the same expression as earlier. Lao Mian finally gathered the courage to speak," Now you've done it!" Lao Mei noticed Lao Mian didn't move an inch after what she said. Lao Mei smiled at the thought of that. As soon as the humor left Lao Mei's eyes Lao Mei went back to an innocent face. " Sister Mian, have I done anything wrong? If I recall correctly...you attacked me? What would happen if someone found out?" Lao Mei's voice suddenly went serious," You wouldn't want your reputation to drop would you?" At the tone of Lao Mei's voice, Lao Mian stepped backward and felt a strong shudder down her back.

Even though Lao Mei's face was calm and gentle, the sound of her voice was ice cold, and the two elder sisters were frozen in place. They knew they had made a terrible mistake. They had thought that if their father had always been possessive over Lao Mei, and always protected her if he left they'd have a chance to ruin her in many ways. Now they could only stand there dumbstruck. They loathed and envied Lao Mei. The girl who had everything, a high rank, intelligence, beauty, respect, and athleticism. Not even mentioning she was betrothed to the crowned prince himself! And here the two thought they could bring her below them. In their dreams.

In truth, Lao Mei didn't feel content with anything she had. She always wanted something more. Something beyond beauty, intelligence, and athletics. Lao Mei didn't know what it was, but she wouldn't stop searching until the end. She always felt alone. No one ever saw her as herself. Her father only used her and says he loved her. Lao Mei knew how cruel people are. She always has. Her father loved her, but only because of her value.

When Lao Mei was but a child, her mother was sick. Lao Mei wanted to stay by her mother's side as long as she could, she began to stop listening to her instructors and even skipped lessons just to see her mother. Her father became furious. Until he saw an opportunity in her mother's sickness. He told Lao Mei, who was only five, to earn her mother's medicine by obeying her father. He had used her to gain ties to Emperor Zhang. She ended up betrothed to the crowned prince, a man whom she never even met. In the end, her mother still died, and Lao Mei had to see what she started through.

To put it simply, Lao Mei had always been unfortunate. Yet no one seemed to notice. Everyone was the same. That was the exact reason why Lao Mei could be cold to people. Of course, Lao Mian and Lao Feng didn't know this. They were far too self-centered like everyone else in the world.

When the maids were on the floor unmoving did they stop and think," Are they alright?" Instead, they thought about how they were going to escape. With or without one another. They believed it to be life or death. They continued to stand there, completely flabbergasted. Lao Mei still stood there calmly waiting for a response from them. After several minutes, it was clear there was going to be no response Lao Mei gave off a slight sigh and turned around with unconscious grace. She continued on her way down the hall, leaving her relieved sisters.

Lao Mei had finally made it past the lavished halls, and into the beautiful main yard. Lao Mei was quite used to the sight of this statuesque yard. To others, it could be considered a heavenly garden. The grass was a vibrant green with a narrow stone path that leads to an arched bridge over a large pond with koi fish. There were cherry blossom trees that had beautiful pastel pink petals, soothing for anyone's eyes. The delicate flowers were in full bloom and flew ever so slightly with the wind. It was like a piece from Shen Zhou come alive.

Lao Mei walked elegantly through this picturesque scene. She had continued towards the bridge with her lethargic speed when she sensed something was wrong. Her perfect almond eyes skimmed the area for anything strange. Her beautiful obsidian eyes suddenly stopped at what seemed to be a hallucination. Towards her right was a tall blossoming tree. On the top of the trunk, several broad branches struck out. A youngster whose age seemed around 19 was perched on one of the slimmer branches. Lao Mei meticulously examined this youngster.

When Lao Mei examined him closer, she found him to be godly. He had perfect black phoenix eyes, that had an alluring light to them. His smile was demonically charming, and his jawline was flawless. He wore a pure white robe that revealed his fair robust chest.

Lao Mei gazed at him with an untouched expression. She noticed his phoenix eyes were staring directly into her almond eyes. The burning gaze had been there for a while the more Lao Mei thought about it. She actually felt something the moment she entered the ajar hall. She realized he had been watching her for a while. That immediately made Lao Mei feel uneasy, however, she didn't show an ounce of this expression on her face. To others, it was unmoving.

The man on the tree had been examining Lao Mei the same way she had. He appraised her beautiful face and was not disappointed in what he saw. She had fair ivory skin with two beautiful black almond eyes, that deep down carried an emptiness. She had a calm and tranquil smile on her face that never reached her eyes. She wore a blood red gown with a long sleeved pastel pink tunic. On her perfect slim waist was a perfectly tied pastel yellow sash. She was the exact definition of unmatched beauty. And judging from what the man saw, she knew high-level martial arts and had strong mental strength. If she had strong mental strength, it was no doubt her intelligence was high.

Their gaze held for what felt like centuries. Both had the will to not back down. They were in a psychological confrontation, and whoever looked away lost immediately. However, what Lao Mei didn't know would lead to grave consequences, because the man perched up on that tree in such a manner was actually the third son of Emperor Li, Zhang Yun. Zhang Yun had been on that branch quite a while. He was just paying a small visit to General Lao Liuyun. Instead of a one on one, what Zhang Yun got instead was a sorry excuse for his absence. Either way, His highness Zhang Yun was close to infuriation. Well, he was until he saw that comedic scene earlier. He was thoroughly amused.

Amused not only at the comedic play that just took place, but also Lao Mei. Usually, girls would fawn over him the moment they saw him, but this devastatingly beautiful girl in front of him wouldn't even bat an eye. He could tell that this girl was not normal. For some reason, he felt as if they were the same type of person.

Zhang Yun decided to break the silence, he lifted up a perfect jaded like finger at Lao Mei and smirked," This king wants your name." His voice held a tone of arrogance like he ruled the world. This tone made Lao Mei furious. Why would she, Lao Mei, tell this arrogant, haughty man her name? Never! Lao Mei gave off a cold look in her eyes, her beautiful petal-like lips cast an enchanting smile," And why would this miss tell you that?" Lao Mei ever so slightly batted her perfect eyelashes. Zhang Yun let out a low blossoming laugh," So in that case, shall I guess?" Lao Mei was slightly disappointed with this reaction. Her eyes narrowed., and her lips pursed slightly. Lao Mei didn't actually see a problem with the proposed solution, so she just nodded slightly. Zhang Yun saw this slight reaction and smirked demonically.

Zhang Yun actually had several clues to her name. As he thought for a moment, he held his perfectly tapered chin. Zhang Yun had thought of what seemed to be the most brilliant idea of all time to him. Zhang Yun's eyes shown with new light now," Since I'm guessing, shall we make a game on this? I'd win if I guess it first try, and you'd win if I don't guess it? The winner gets a reward." A bewitching smile appeared on Zhang Yun's face that Lao Mei was cautious of. Even so, the game did seem fair, well at least from what Lao Mei saw. Since she saw no harm in it she decided to agree to the game," I don't see why not, but first, what exactly do you want if you win?" Lao Mei didn't want to be in this man's debt by mistake.

Lao Mei studied every slight facial expression Zhang Yun made so she didn't miss anything. Zhang Yun felt a sudden acceleration in his pulse when Lao Mei stared at him so vigorously. He decided in an instant what he wanted from her. It definitely wasn't cash or a request. Zhang Yun smiled inside his head. " How about you go out with this king for the rest of the day." Zhang Yun smiled brilliantly at his proposal. He intently watched for Lao Mei's response. Lao Mei had several thoughts, all in which she was furious. First of all, why on earth was this man in the main courtyard uninvited. Second of all, why the hell would she, Lao Mei, give this man her name. Third of all, why on earth would she go out with a man she just met. Was he trying to start rumors all around? Just who was this devilishly handsome man!

Lao Mei made no effort to cover up her expression. Her eyes glared at Zhang Yun with dubitation. Zhang Yun just ate this look up. She looked adorable. Her beautiful monochrome eyes studied him heedfully, while her beautiful petal-like lips revealed a slight gap. The more Zhang Yun examined this woman, the more he realized how much of an otherworldly beauty she was. For some reason, he felt a connection to her. Zhang Yun's gaze slowly changed into that of yearning. This was for one reason. At that moment, Zhang Yun decided that this goddess-like woman would be his princess consort one day. Of course, Lao Mei didn't know that Zhang Yun was thinking like this.

Lao Mei thought over the proposed offer. She saw no harm in it. What were the chances of him guessing correctly? She could even get a reward. She continuously thought this, and yet she had a feeling of uneasiness. Although she felt like withdrawing, she couldn't back away. Lao Mei's eyes fell directly onto Zhang Yun's now scorching gaze. Lao Mei gave a charming smile. " This miss will participate." Zhang Yun smiled brilliantly at this response. He refused to lose. " Then, this king will start." Zhang Yun examined the woman. Earlier, there were two women threatening her. Zhang Yun had seen them somewhere before. Zhang Yun stayed quiet for a few moments. This slight silence made Lao Mei somewhat anxious. Would he guess it? If he did, Lao Mei's reputation would take a drop when she would go with him. Rumors about her tended to spread incredibly fast.

As this thought flew by Lao Mei's head, Zhang Yun had already begun to guess who she was. He remembered that he saw the two women at a palace banquet. They were announced as Lao Feng and Lao Mei of the Lao household. They were the first and second daughter of General Liuyun. General Liuyun had six daughters and one son. All six daughters were considered beauties, but one was considered a goddess. She was said to be a genius by many. She was a disciple to Grandmaster Cheng Yu. Zhang Yun recalled that the girl was betrothed to the Crowned Prince. She was the Third Miss, Lao Mei.

Zhang Yun gave a beautiful smirk," Let's see...your name must be…" His voice plainly showed his anticipation, leaving Lao Mei at a loss," Lao Mei." Lao Mei froze. Zhang Yun grinned broadly at her reaction. " I guess that means this king wins." Lao Mei at this point was extremely frustrated, but her pride wouldn't allow her to go against her word. Lao Mei glared daggers at the man. In the end, she'd still have to agree with him. Lao Mei took a long sigh," Yes." Zhang Yun's broad grin ended up reaching his ears. He obviously spent no energy hiding his amusement. " I'll be taking my reward now, Mei." As Zhang Yun said this, he jumped down from the tree and actually pulled a shocked Lao Mei by the waist into his arms in a princess hold.

This was a sudden movement, done perfectly in a matter of seconds. Lao Mei had barely processed the fact she was in the devilishly handsome guy's arms. Subconsciously, Lao Mei wrapped her porcelain-like arms around the guy's neck. Her shock eventually turned into pure anger." What are you doing? Let go of me now!" Lao Mei looked furiously at Zhang Yun, who returned her furious gaze with an accusing stare," Are you sure you want that?" He cast a glance at her slim arms wrapped tightly around his neck.

Steam practically flew from Lao Mei's ears as she quickly let go. As she let go, Zhang Yun grabbed her waist tighter and flew up onto a nearby tree. " You haven't answered me! Where are we going?" Zhang Yun seemingly flew past forests of trees. He grins," Where do you think?" Lao Mei looked up at him and then straight ahead. She stayed silent. Zhang Yun chuckles. " Good choice." Lao Mei gave a loud," Hmph," just before she muttered," Just who are you?" Zhang Yun looked down on her, it was obvious he wanted to hear that. "So you're interested in this king?" Lao Mei looked up at him with a sneering look," In your dreams!" Can you just let go of me now!? I can walk on my own!"

Zhang Yun continued to grin," I think I'll just hold you until we arrive." Lao Mei tried to pull herself away as Zhang Yun flew past large branches. Her efforts were futile. He just gripped her tighter, nearly cutting off her breathing. The assemblage of trees slowly started to disperse. From the dispersing trees, buildings came into view. They were nearing the town. Soon enough, people had begun to come into view. Lao Mei immediately tried to push away from Zheng Yun," There are people! Let me go now! Do you want to ruin my reputation? I'm betrothed for Guanyin's sake!" Zhang Yun continued towards the vigorous town. But there was a slight change on his expression as he said," You're betrothed to the crowned prince, correct?" Zhang Yun said this in a normal tone but for some reason, there seemed to be a chill emitting from it.

Lao Mei nodded. Zhang Yun's mood dropped even further when he remembered his brother mentioning getting his hands on a beautiful girl. He was bragging for months. Of course, at the time he couldn't care less. He heard she had visited the palace several times. He was invited by his brother to come to meet his future sister-in-law. He'd refuse multiple times. Now he had begun to regret it. Zhang Yun had to have his father betroth Lao Mei to him instead of his brother. He'd find a way to have it done. He was obviously the most doted on son. Not because of his looks or publicity, rather the contributions he gives to the empire. In fact, he actually heard his father mentioning having him succeed the throne.

He silently planned how he would take Lao Mei's hand in marriage as he opened his pristine lips," When is the wedding arranged?" Lao Mei questioned him silently. ``why does he want to know this?' The figures in the distance were coming into more detail, perhaps if she answered all of his questions he would let her go," The wedding is to take place in about seven months." Zhang Yun continued down the thinning forest. Lao Mei couldn't stand it any longer. " Let go of me now!" She pushed with all her strength against Zhang Yun's robust chest. His arms loosened just enough for Lao Mei to escape. She quickly leaped back out of his arms and landed gracefully on a nearby branch. " Are you trying to ruin my reputation?" Zhang Yun appeared to be amused.

He gave a gorgeous smile and suddenly appeared behind Lao Mei. " I'm not trying to, but if you continue to disobey me I may have to." Lao Mei turned around in disbelief to find two subtle monochrome eyes staring right back at her. At this point, Lao Mei already knew his cultivation level was far higher than hers. She obviously couldn't escape him. She wasn't the type to just pick fights she can't win. So she just stood there looking at this charming Adonis in his pitch black abyss for eyes. When Zhang Yun saw Lao Mei's aggravated expression he suddenly felt he had just seen the cutest thing ever. He swiftly secured his grip on Leo Mei's waist and continued down the thinning forest.

At this point, Lao Mei already gave up on escaping. She glanced up at Zhang Yun. His face profile was perfect, which made Lao Mei frustrated. Her narrow eyebrows furrowed slightly. Zhang Yun chuckled slightly as he looked beside his person to see Lao Mei's frustrated face. Zhang Yun landed gracefully on the pasture with Lao Mei embraced in his arms. He gently placed Lao Mei on the ground.

As soon as she was placed down Lao Mei immediately expanded their proximity. Zhang Yun just gave a slight smirk. " This king doesn't bite you know?" Lao Mei just glared at him," I'm not sure I want to test your idea. Can you just tell me where you're taking me?" Zhang Yun just had to give in to Lao Mei's cute glare." You will accompany this king to a meal." This actually didn't seem that bad.