Arrival

Pei Jin heads toward Yusheng tent when he halts himself when hearing the chattering from inside. It seems his annoying brother was already inside. Remembering earlier talk with Yusheng he tries his best to push down his sourness.

Pei Zhang had himself made comfortable inside Yusheng's tent sipping on tea and snacks "oh.. sister in law.. taste these dried berries.. you might not have tasted it before.. it is one of the best creation of Jing.. I grew up munching on these berries.."

Yusheng picks one from the pouch and puts in her mouth. The taste was well balanced with its natural sourness with sugar added. Nodding at the taste she picks another one "Umm.. good.. what are these called?"

Happy that she liked the taste he starts to gush "it's called berry candy.. sister in law it has a long history..." he was about to go on with his story when was interrupted by his brothers cough.

"Uhum.. what are you doing?.." Pei Jin inserts himself and sits beside Yusheng. Looking at the pouch full of berries and Yusheng eating with delight "Umm.. don't eat more or your appetite will be effected.. I have instructed chef to prepare the games we caught.. if you really like it.. I will have tao brought more from good source later.. don't know where he brought it from.." says Pei Jin disdainfully pushing the pouch to his brother.

Pei Zhang amazed at his brothers pettiness felt hurt at his treasured berries thus instead pitifully complains to Yusheng avoiding his brothers cold face "sister in law.. I tell you mine are definetly from the best source... I always buy them from the same place who from generations have been on these berries production business"

Yusheng felt helpless from Pei Jins pettiness to keep in him check she decides to side on with Pei Zhang "Umm.. I believe you.. Jin no need to send tao.. these taste authentic here try some" she picks one and shoves it in his mouth.

Pei Jin dissatisfied but still gulps the berry even without chewing. When Yusheng turned to face his brother he glares at his brother as if saying "you better take that pouch and get out of this tent or..."

Pei Zhang though reluctant still unable to bear his brothers glare leaves the tent with a silly excuse but as a revenge he passes the pouch to Yusheng even patting his chest that from now on he will provide the berries to her.

Before Pei Jin could have nagged they heat the horns blowing. Yusheng also being clever grabs his hand and pulls him to move. Feeling helpless and sour Pei Jin follows her pouting.

Unlike other days they were welcomed with wild boars and deer skewered to roast. The air was filled with the smell of roasting meat and spices. The royal couple were suprised along with their family while Pei Jin was annoyed to max as Pei Zhang was seated right next to Yusheng.

Normally he would flee and stay far as possible on seeing Yusheng and Pei Jin but today he was chatting and laughing with Yusheng while Pei Jin face was as if eating foul food. Yusheng too seemed engrossed with Pei Zhang making everyone puzzled.

Soon Pei Jin serves her pheasant soup pulling her attention from his brother not forgetting to chide him "you are too talkative.. eat.. and let her eat in piece... go and disturb Fuhuang and muhou if feeling bored"

Pei Zhang zips his mouth to not get kicked out while giving pitiful looks to Yusheng. Helpless Yusheng turns to Pei Jin and was about to speak when was stopped by him "come on.. drink the soup while warm.. it was prepared for six hours.. the taste should be good.. you can talk as much as you want after filling the belly"

Yusheng could only nod and do so as he was too gentle to refuse. Emperor was watching with glee at them while Pei Zhang learned how much of sneaky his brother was and silently returns to eat and drink.

They were eating in relish praising the dishes when Feng Min informs emperor about the arrival of general Cheng Pu who was waiting at the entrance for permission. Emperor nods at duke who then leaves the place to welcome the general.

General Cheng Pu was well dressed not a hair out of place one wouldn't believe that he had killed three horses on the way. Seeing the mighty duke Taiwen he immediately salutes and asks for forgiveness on his intrusion.

After a round of formal talks both head towards the platform. While the crowd seemed normal every single one was curious and excited to watch the oncoming show beside Shiyou. Another table was placed right beside prime minister indicating that the person was of high status to everyone.

Soon the waiting was over as both duke and general Cheng Pu arrived at the platform. The general gave a grand bow to the royal couple and Yusheng before he greets the crowd.