The Queen In Red

The Queen In Red 39

@Fishisteve - I promised to release a chapter last week but I totally forgot, sorry! Thanks to @CesarVega779 for reminding me :) I won't release another chapter until I've written a couple more which will be a little longer - But I truly hope you all enjoy :) 

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Dong Hua

The bitter taste of the medicine lingered on my tongue. But it brought relief to my throbbing head and rest to my aching body. I could taste a few more ingredients that Zhe Yan, no doubt, had added. But I was thankful.

I had never stretched my mind the way I had done so before. I could never understand the great pains people would go through for love.

But having a purpose other than duty placed a higher priority on the meaning 'to preserve life.'

Bai Feng Jiu

She was the anomaly and missing piece to my melancholy existence, opposite to me in so many ways, but compatible nonetheless.

Once we found each other, I knew we would never escape the dreadful fate I brought. Moreover, I still wished for her to remain by my side. Not a maid or a contender of my affections, but an equal.

Zhe Yan's voice interrupted my train of thought.

"We are nearing Qing Qiu. I've sent Si Ming and Lian Song ahead of us. What's your plan?"

"Stop the war from going forward."

"And how do you expect to do that? The foxes have no choice but to support her, or else they risk looking divided amongst the realms. Haode will follow you.."

My mind was too fragile for his sarcasm, Zhe Yan's voice was noisy and annoying, so I interrupted him. "I'll deter her plans."

"I know that look, Dong Hua; this is her first time leading a realm meeting in court. It's so large that Bai Zhi moved it to the field that holds the Bai family weapon hiding ceremonies. If you undermined her, she will spend years trying to get back the honour she would lose because of your words."

My anger sprouted once more as I grabbed Zhe Yan's collar and pulled him towards me roughly. "You think I care about what people think? her honour means nothing if she's dead!"

Saying that caused my chest to tighten, Zhe Yan noticed immediately and removed my hand from his collar.

"Okay, Okay. Slow your breathing. I'm just saying, her first day in court is a big deal, she will need to impress, and you and I both know she is crafty with her words."

"I care nothing for her popularity. My only desire is to give her a peaceful future by ensuring the safety of the realms."

"Such sweet words from an indifferent careless God, Dong Hua, you've become so bold with your heart lately."

My fist twitched as it wanted desperately to meet Zhe Yan's jaw. Although it had been years since I hit him, I wanted a reason to smile. But Zhe Yan already felt my anger and stepped backwards.

Zhe Yan continued talking to my dismay. "With the number of leaders that have arrived to attend, the introductions should take a few hours. How do you know Feng Jiu will speak last? You don't think she will go first?"

"I've observed her many times in court when she came to defend her request for a treaty. Jiu'er watched and learned. She heard what everyone had to say first. Once they all spoke, she was able to suggest a solution or at least acknowledge their concerns."

"She's not a strategist like you and Mo Yuan. Foxes, by tradition, always speak first."

I preferred not to engage anymore and placed myself in a meditative state to calm my mind. Although I could hear what he was saying, I drowned out the sound.

---

A meeting so large was certainly remarkable. I wasn't biased because this was Feng Jiu's doing, but I was sincerely impressed. No doubt, others shared in my thoughts.

We had arrived when Queen Jie Lu from the Biyi Bird's tribe was speaking. I had not known that Miao Luo had killed most of their people and destroyed Fanyin Valley's lovely lands only a few days ago.

But seeing Feng Jiu crying at the mention of the young Xiangli Meng's death made me question just what kind of relationship she had with the young boy.

The thought of her with someone else made my blood boil.

Zhe Yan spoke after placing a soundproof barrier above the invisibility spell he placed over us.

"Many of the High Gods know that we are here. Lord Pua can't stop laughing while Bai Zhi is threatening to pluck my poor phoenix feathers if I get caught. Little do they know. You're here to stir trouble." Zhe Yan continued. "I'll eat my words. You obviously know my niece well. She has not yet spoken."

"Shush, I need to hear what's going on."

Zhe Yan and I listened to each introduction, many repeating what the other person said. I took the time to meditate while Zhe Yan, who was fighting to stay awake, conjured himself a small table and tea set.

Soon enough, I heard her speak. I stood up, still under the invisibility spell and watched as she moved gracefully to the centre of the field.

She was beautiful. Always has been, always will be.

I admired not only her maturity and power but the grace she embodied.

Influence from a woman was not easily attainable. Many men believed in their own efforts and that they would be the only ones capable of achieving anything great. It was a stone-aged mindset. One I had never thought much on, but hearing the whispers of idiots around the field, I sealed each of their mouths, using up a considerable amount of magic.

"Dong Hua, you can't do that. Ignore them." Zhe Yan conjured his table away and had me lean against him.

"It's done, take me to the top, keep the invisibility spell in place until I tell you to remove it," I commanded

"Hold onto my arm."

Appearing at the top, I was regretful for what I would say next, but I required time to prepare everything.

"Many have raised concerns with the way leaders have handled the Demon King since her reign. To know that her actions were never confronted. It angers me, and I am sure that it angers you too. However, we have all heard that Miao Luo has been able to do this for many years because of corruption and a lack of resources. No individual clan or kingdom could take her."

With her protection in mind, I spoke.

"And you think the war will fix this? How disappointing, I thought the Queen of Qing Qiu was a capable woman."

'Straight to the point, I see.' Zhe Yan opened a dialogue with Mo Yuan, Bai Zhi and me.

Bai Zhi only swore at me while Mo Yuan sighed.

As everyone stood to greet Zhe Yan and me, my eyes remained fixed on Feng Jiu.

"Tell me, Dong Hua.." I snickered at her boldness and the reaction of those surrounding us. "Who brought my people back from the Demon Clans?"

Such a bold question, but I knew what she was trying to do. I decided not to answer the question.

"What did you see when you were there? Does she have any care for children, women or families? Is there a limit to her insanity?"

I watched as she intruded on the space of her uncles and leant over them. They obviously still saw her as a child.

Her defiant eyes confronted me again, but this time I had a feeling of Deja Vu. Those same eyes challenged me when I asked her to leave Tai Chen Palace the last time.

"Most of the Kingdoms and Clans that are present today have shared stories of their own experiences with that Demon. Who will avenge those victims? Who will pay the cost for their lives?"

Her words were well thought out. She acknowledged everyone's concern, therefore appealing to everyone.

She was determined.

But even so, I couldn't allow it.

"And what do you know of wars? Of bloodshed? of loss? You are but a mere child who has lived a breath of my existence barely. What do you understand about compensation? How useless!"

'DONG HUA! THAT'S TOO MUCH!' All three yelled in my head at once, causing my head to throb again. I immediately cut off the chatter and blocked them out, easing it slightly.

Until I could only hear her voice, the only voice I wanted to hear, even if she was angry, it was comforting.

'You dare belittle me because of my age and experience?'

She was always daring. I couldn't help but smirk at her. 'What part of what I asked is not true, Your Majesty?'

'Don't you dare antagonise me, whom do you think you are?..'

'You've lost your temper over my few words. What else can I expect from you?'

Now, I know it wasn't very kind, but jesting her was always fun.

I sensed commotion around me and throughout the court.

Voices were speaking, but I only wanted to hear her voice.

'You despicable. What are you trying to accomplish by slandering me? Let me tell you, Dong Hua! I am capable, strong-willed and determined to save the lives of many. I will die, proving to you that I am not useless!'

Sadness flooded me instantly. The vision of her body, dead in my arms, overwhelmed me. I cut her off and grabbed Zhe Yan.

"Take me to the peach grove. I need to rest."

---

"You really outdid yourself there, brother."

"She will get over it soon enough."

"Bai Zhi is going to want your head after what you said."

"Give me the grove this evening, tell everyone I've left for Tai Chen Palace. I can't travel soo far."

"Eh? Where am I supposed to go."

"You've been staying in Kun Lun to be close to the fox boy. Go there."

"How did you..?" Zhe Yan always thought he was crafty, but he could never be away from that kid for too long.

"Do you have food?" My stomach rumbled as I asked.

"You actually have an appetite after the chaos we left behind?"

"I'll take that as a yes."

"Aishh, you suck at answering questions, you know." Zhe Yan conjured a few dishes and utensils. "I'll leave after we've eaten. Ali has cooked a lot of what you see here. Xiao Jiu is quite the teacher."

"She taught him how to cook?"

"Mmm, She's taught most children how to cook. She's also learning more about agriculture and keeping cattle to teach children and families just as Bai Gui once did."

"How does she make time for everything else?" I was curious. Amongst her duties as Queen, teaching and learning the skills to work with the land. When did she find the time? She seems to visit the nine heavens, and I've been told that she goes away to spend time with friends. How does she manage it all?

"Xiao Jiu is indeed extraordinary. Lian Song has taught her a spell that will allow her to access information with her magic from anywhere. It is an impressive spell. In the future, these things will be much easier."

It annoyed me that Lian Song had spent time with her. With such a spell, they surely would have been alone for some time. He is such a player... he wouldn't dare.

After we had both eaten our fair share of food, I sat back in my seat and felt my mind throbbing, both out of jealousy, confusion and exhaustion.

"Aiyah, Dong Hua! You are not jealous again, are you? Tut tut tut. How will you ever get used to her being with someone else? You wasted so much cultivation to shut the mouths of those wicked men in court. You are funny."

"If you're done, you can leave."

"Okay, okay, I'm full anyway. You can use Xiao Jiu's room out the back. It's cooler and much more relaxing, she hasn't used it since she returned from Fanyin Valley, but we specifically set it up to help aid in her recovery."

"How hurt was she? How did I not know this?"

"Ahh, too many questions, I need to go. I'll come to get you in the morning for court. Don't drink, or you will feel it in the morning."

He disappeared before I could stop him.

---

I went to bed not long after Zhe Yan left.

Looking around, it looked almost identical to her own bed chambers, except for the overgrown plants that wove through Zhe Yan's cottage.

I used to grumble at the mess the vines and plants made when I visited in the past, but seeing its beauty as it was now, the only thing I believed it lacked was colour.

Having not thought about sleeping garments when I arrived in Qing Qiu late this afternoon, I had to sleep in my undergarments.

It felt a little weird, sleeping in her bed half-naked. It wasn't gentlemanly at all.

But I dismissed the thought. My body was indeed lacking sleep.

As I closed my eyes to rest, I heard a crash outside and sounded like a woman crying.

I tried to ignore it, but the sound got louder and louder.

It took me a while to get up, but I didn't want to hear Zhe Yan blaming me for making a mess, which, from the sounds of the pottery clicking and glass smashing, I could only deduce that it was coming from the wine cellar.

Zhe Yan always complains about Bai Qian raiding his cellar and rummaging through his many different stashes. I hoped that it wasn't her.

I threw on my white thin undercoat and followed the noise.

My ears were sharp, while my guess was right. It led me directly to the wine cellar.

When I opened the door, I was surprised to see her.

"Jiu'er?"