The Tale Of Mei Xiang

第十一章 (Chapter 11)

第十一章

My mind was in a mess.

What is that supposed to mean? Characteristics of a queen but aura of an empress? It doesn't make any sense. What part of me gives off that vibe? Coming alone out on a night like this, being alone with another man I know not, was definitely not the characteristic of a queen.

How did I carry an aura of an empress? Compared to the current empress, no wait, I'm not even qualified to be compared to her. The past empress were dignified and had strong family backing. My family was just stuck in the middle, neither holding power nor powerless.

Nobody of my clan had produced any outstanding official nor were there any women who became huang hao or huang tai hao. My brothers and cousin were all average as well and nobody was exceptionally good or a young talent.

I shrugged his hands of me and side step, taking a breath of fresh air after having his scent surround me. "Wait, what are you saying? I think I need a break."

I spinned around and searched for the entrance which we had came through. Quickly spotting the big rock right in front of a large tree, I ran towards it as I remembered seeing it when we arrived.

After running halfway, I felt myself being pulled back and right into a familiar set of arms. A sense of de ja vu washed over me and I remembered the intimacy we just shared earlier. Blood rushed to my face and my body heated up accordingly again.

His whisper blew against my ear, making me shiver. "Where are you running off to, my wife? The night is not over yet."

"I, I want to enter the competitions by the riverside. I had always wanted to see what was the hype and wondered if I stood a chance against those famous ladies who got known because they won."

"Okay, I will bring you there. All you had to do was ask. Why did you run off like that? If anything happens to you, how would I answer to your parents and your brother?"

He released me and took my hand. He led me out of the forest and back to where the guards were waiting for us. His guards were all dressed in black with a red sash around their waist. Their postures were as straight as a ruler, no sign of slouching to be seen. Their eyes were wide and alert, hands never leaving the hilt of their swords.

The guard wearing a darker red sash around his waist, with more emblems dangling from his belt approached and knelt down with his hands fist together saluting us. I presume this should be their captain from the way he is dressed.

"Beile wangye, it is getting late and it is no longer safe to stay in the woods. It would be safer to head back to the city center. The festival will be ending soon, if Mei Xiang guniang wishes to enjoy the liveliness of the festival now is the best time to go."

4th Prince nodded and turned to me, "Shall we go?"

A sudden sense of safeness and peace settle upon me as he looked at me with his hand in mine.

That was the moment I felt myself starting to trust him more and the start of my heart opening up to him.

------

Soon we reached the rowdy hut right by the river side.

It was exactly just as I imagined, the fun and excitement filled the air. Right in front of the crowd, right beside the riverbank, seated a few young ladies with a set of sewing equipment by their side. No lanterns were lit and the only light source was from the moon. A young boy was running around and in between the crowd, shouting who would like to bet this year's winner.