Execution Date

Pastel colored petals caressed the fair maiden's face in a shy manner, as though she was the delicate one. The subtle scent of the chrysanthemum tickled her nose, making those small coral lips bloom. Her eyes were closed but her lashes danced like butterfly wings, long and gentle. Ebony hair flowed like a serene stream, making curtains around her face. Light footsteps came from afar, making the girl lift her head away for the fair flowers.

"Your Highness."

Mu Qing scanned the person in front of her from head to toe. The gentle and innocent maiden from before hid behind a wall of ice, and now stood an icy and beautiful Empress. Her clear onyx eyes were as bright as stars, looking straight through the man. For the man, the scene that he interrupted made him almost lose himself. Two pretty maids came from behind the Empress and stood before him, standing guard.

Her voice was mild at best, "Crown Prince Yu, it's a pleasure to see you again."

His tone was polite, "Your Highness flatters me. Please just call me Yu Xi. I just came from a tea shop, and stumbled upon a very majestic scene. Would Your Highness join me in a cup of tea?"

Mu Qing nodded, and the two walked over to a marble table. Gu Chi and Ke Ying followed behind diligently, never taking their sharp eyes off of the sleazy prince. The garden was a breathtaking sight. All of the flowers are in full bloom, giving off a very colorful and lively vibe. The entourage of four finally settled down, and Yu Xi handed a bag of tea to Gu Chi to brew.

"When I went out today, I heard a very interesting piece of news," Yu Xi looked expectantly at Mu

Qing.

She looked indifferently in return, "Oh, I can't imagine what Crown Prince Yu has heard."

His chuckle was light and soft, "I heard that a minister by the name of Yan will be executed tomorrow. It will be quite a sight."

Inwardly, Mu Qing was mildly surprised by this news. One would think that Hu Feng would've told her about something this interesting, but getting that mute man to talk was next to impossible. Her face did not change even one bit as she stared at this nice looking young man. Yu Xi smiled even more when he sees that she held some interest in the matter.

"If Your Highness would like I can escort you to watch the excitement. I'm sure His Majesty is too busy to attend such matters."

Gu Chi silently poured each of their cups with warm tea, while cursing Yu Xi in her head. The fragrance of the tea was nice and aromatic. Mu Qing did not directly answer him, instead she gingerly picked up the cup and blew on it. Yu Xi did the same, his eyes never leaving her plump pink lips. She took a small sip before putting the tea cup back down.

"Crown Prince Yu can drink tea at your own leisure. I'll excuse myself first."

With that, Mu Qing left the garden without looking back. Gu Chi and Ke Ying bowed in a very rough manner before leaving. Yu Xi sat there for sometime as he looked in the direction that she had left. He found that it was surprisingly enjoyable to talk to Hu Feng's Empress. She did not reject him, but she just flat out ignored him. What more, she actually did it twice! This type of woman was just up his alley. Truly, Hu Feng has some great taste.

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Mu Qing glared at the man in front of her the whole time she was chewing. The taste of the smoked beef appeased her anger by a huge margin. The smokness consumed her entire body, while the tangy sauce lit a fire on her tongue. If it was not for her will power (anger), she would have long succumbed to the heavenly sent food. She eyed him up and down, but it didn't seem to bother him at all.

Hu Feng noticed her eyes on him, but it did not stop him from eating. His every move flowed with elegance, even the motion of him chewing. On the other hand, Mu Qing looked like a savage with one hand holding a rib, a rim of sauce around her mouth, and her nostrils flared. Hu Feng decided that ribs should be eaten more often for dinner.

"Are you clueless or just dumb," her voice muffled by meat.

Hu Feng sent her a deathly glared. However, she just swatted it away. If he wanted to kill her, he would've done it sooner. Plus, she was still very useful to him, so there's no need to fear the man.

"Well, are you?"

He swallowed some wine before coldly saying, "What."

She rolled her eyes.

"Are you not going to tell me about the execution tomorrow?"

Hu Feng replied mildly, "Who told you?"

Mu Qing sucked the sauce off her middle finger, "Yu Xi. He asked me to go see it with him."

The Emperor sent a death glare at the two maids on the side. Gu Chi and Ke Ying held their heads down, knowing that the Punishment Hall awaits them. It was not their fault at all! They were so busy helping Mu Qing plan the Flower Viewing Party that they completely forgot the incident afterwards. They really did not have any time to run off and report it.

"You want to watch it?"

Mu Qing shook her head, "Who wants to watch a man get his head chop off and ruin their lunch? I would like to know the circumstances around it, that's all."

Hu Feng said nothing and just waited patiently as Mu Qing washed her greasy elegant fingers. When she was done, he stood up and grabbed her hand. She looked at him questionly, but did not move it away. With a pull, Hu Feng effectively placed the small woman onto the couch. He then sat across from her.

"I will tell you."

Bright round eyes shined like the glittering stars above their heads.