Consequences

With her back to the her best friend, Mu Qing's face was normal. Not even a hint of surprise or shock was on her face. On the inside, however, thoughts ran a mile a minute. It was not the concept of loving the same gender that eluded her. It was the fact that Yu Yue disclosed this information with her. She always knew that Yu Yue, despite her family, was a kind person. What Mu Qing guarded against wasn't Yu Yue, instead it was the fact that Yu Yue's family will take advantage of that kindness and pressure her. This situation was what she protected herself from.

Who knew, Yu Yue valued their friendship so much.

Turning back around to face the sobbing woman, Mu Qing's lips quivered with emotion. That lonely figure dressed in white, desperately holding the table to support her, was crying bitterly. It was painful to watch such a young girl coming into terms with herself in a world that did not accept her. Despite Yu Yue's attempt to poison her, Mu Qing was moved by her courage. However that does not mean that her actions should be forgiven. Consequences come to those who seek it.

Hardening herself, Mu Qing spoke slowly and clearly, "It does not matter to me who or what you like, what matters most is earning the trust that you lost. Escort Yu Yu out."

Her words calmed Yu Yue down. There was a silver lining, and she would never let that go.

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Weeping Willow Courtyard

The large round table was completely covered by plates and bowls filled with carefully crafted dishes. On one side of the table sat a tall and proud figure. His eyes were sharp as he casually sipped some high grade tea. The tea was scolding hot, however that does not seem to bother him at all as his eyes sat firmly on the woman in front of him. Her usually bright eyes seemed dimmer while she stared fixedly at the jade green table cover. Her rosy lips were pulled taught, making a thin line.

He sat there for a while, looking at her and leisurely sipping on his tea. There was no one else in the room, and the atmosphere was quite somber. The dishes on the table also sat in silence as they were being ignored. Finally, her small face lifted up and her eyes were resolute. The Emperor picked up his silver chopsticks and quietly ate. The Empress picked up her silver chopsticks and quietly ate.

"If I ask you for a favor, how much would it cost me," the voice was small but determined.

His hands paused. His eyes could reach the bottom of her soul.

"Do you dare?"

His hands continued. She looked at him as though she could see through his soul.

Strong. Confident. "Yes."

Each parties moved with elegant ease as the food slowly disappeared from the plates.

Rough. Honest. "Your life."

"A life for a life. That's fair," her gaze was on her small but very expensive rice bowl.

"Whose," he asked as his gaze was on the dainty white hand that held the small but very expensive rice bowl.

"Yu Yue."

He kept silent, and sipped on his tea. She sipped on hers, knowing that he agreed. Yu Yue will be spared.

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"Did you succeed," an old and powerful voice spoke.

The dancer nodded firmly.

The Empress Dowager laughed and the table rumbled under her slap. Her wrinkled eyes were in small crescent. Madam Yu also laughed and held her daughter's hand in approval.

"Good! Very Good! I would like to see how that vixen can steal away my power now!"