Counting Down

Ye Ling took a side glanced at her aunt, waiting for her next orders. The Empress Dowager was still very red in the face, and her wrinkled hands clenched. She then took a calming breath and her hands smoothed out her extravagant dress.

A smile quickly adorned her face, "Qing'er makes a very good point. We'll do as you say. Now that the tea has been served, everyone may go."

She waved her hands dismissively. She can not stand to see that little devil's face any longer.

Silently on the inside, Mu Qing was rolling around, having a fit of laughter. No matter how calm the old woman tries to act, one can still see the red blushes on her face. She's that old but still acts like a shy young girl. It's really funny. Face still cold, Mu Qing curtsy and bid the people goodbye. The elders and Ye Ling stood and bowed in return, while the Empress Dowager was glaring daggers at that slender back.

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After all the guests left, Le Ying looked at the Empress Dowager questionaly, "Aunt, why did we retreat? We could have pressured her a bit more."

The old woman sighed, "This was only a test to see if she can be handle easily. It's clear that she's not as wooden as the rumors say. If we corner her too much that little demon might bring the Emperor to confront me."

A flash of hatred and anger slowly rose in Ye Ling's eyes. She gritted her teeth, "If only that little slut did not exist then Yue'er can become the Empress. Then we would not have to worry about suppressing her and the Emperor."

The Empress Dowager rubbed her temples in contemplation. "Hu Feng is growing too powerful. While Aja still has this title, I do not know how much longer I can keep it. We must get rid of Mu Qing and place Yue'er on the throne. The birthday banquet for the Emperor is in two months times, and Aja has received words that his martial junior sister will be there as well."

An evil smirk slither its way to Ye Ling's face. She finished the Empress Dowager's thoughts, "We let that spoil brat and that slut battle it out, while we watch the show. Then Yue'er will look like a rose among weeds."

"The one who will reap the most benefits will be us. Aja can not wait to see show," the Empress Dowager clapped.

'Little devil, Aja will let you taste humiliation!'

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Light, graceful steps signaled the joy that Mu Qing felt after that encounter. Back in the Mu fu*(1), all she ever did was attended her lessons and listened to her mother's scolding. It was suffocating. Due to this reason, Mu Qing had long learnt how to conceal her inner feelings, leaving her face a blank piece of paper.

However the imperial palace was much livelier. She could play with these old cunning women all day, and she does not have to worry about mountains of homework and lessons. Yet that does not mean that she will expose herself, instead it made her conceal her thoughts even more. She will be the perfect cold beauty.

Entering her courtyard, she signaled the servants to prepare her breakfast. Closing the door, Mu Qing finally let out a burst of laughter. Her melodious voice twinkled like a bell swaying in the wind.

Tears formed around the edge of her eyes as she laughed, "Haha, old woman yo-you have no shame. Acting like a young innocent girl, when you have seduced the former Emperor a thousand time. Hehe, too funny." She laughed for a good while.

Taking calming breaths, Mu Qing gathered herself together. After finally regaining her composure, she looked around her room and searched for a book. Her smooth fingers picked one off the circular bookshelf and walked to the couch by the window.

Long legs stretched to the full length of the couch, long silky hair flowed to the floor, Mu Qing was truly at ease. It was a reminiscent of last night, when Hu Feng first entered through the bridal chambers. Mu Qing couldn't help but sigh when she remembered their meeting.

Handsome might be an understatement for Hu Feng's looks. It seemed like God took extra care when making him. Nonetheless, God was fair and made the man cold and void of human emotions. Mu Qing knew that fact as soon as she looked into his eyes. She is well aware that he would never love anyone, and she did not want to love anyone. Hence, this political marriage suited her needs just fine.

'If I do not act according to his wishes, I might be a corpse soon.'

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(1) Fu: The Chinese equivalent of the word manor