A Crown for a Tail

Confrontation

Entering Xiwu Palace Ye Hua came to a standstill at the entrance as his uncle Lan Song stormed from his chamber.

"What the hell is going on here Uncle?" he asked as workers came and went in a rush around him. Large slabs of wood were being carried in, along with thick fabrics, furniture and what looked to be a giant solid gold pair of owls, and from where he was standing, the front doors were being removed from their hinges.

Also arriving, having heard all the commotion was Di Jun, but if he noticed the sheer scale of work being done on Ye Huas Palace, he didn't say anything. Instead he along with Lian Song waited for the fireworks to hit.

"Your betrothed has taken it upon herself to rearrange your palace Ye Hua. I can't believe that woman!" he fumed. "Because she now has the seal of approval, not only has she commandeered every palace maid after I gave strict orders that they were not to enter Xiwu Palace, the bitch gloated in my face." He almost screamed, before flicking his fan to vigorously cool himself down.

Never in his entire life, had Ye Hua seen his uncle angry, let alone curse. He hadn't even realized he knew such words, and that was enough to have Ye Hua storming into his chamber with Bai Qian immediately behind him and Lian Song and Di Jun following closely behind her.

But if he thought the scene at the front entrance was astonishing, he was in utter shock the moment he stepped around the front dividing screen and into the main room.

Everywhere he looked there was a maid erecting a wall hanging, a drape, placing an ornament, laying linen or entering with furniture having replaced everything he had owned including his own wardrobe, writing desk, bed, lamps, tables and guest area that had held cushions Nai Nai had made for him when they were little.

But as he took in the sight, Bai Qian roamed the chamber at will, taking in the decorating with interest. "

Ye Hua!" she said quite loudly as she took in the sea green walls, purple and yellow drapes, ugly wall hangings and the thick bright orange rug.

"It looks like someone took a giant dump in here!" she almost yelled before erupting into fits of giggles and laughter, joined by Lian Song who immediately took a liking to her, as his own laughter began to roar around the room with her, bringing the maids to an instant halt as they quickly lowered themselves into a low bow.

"Hmmmm, the Princess certainly has a unique taste in décor." Di Jun offered as he too looked at the hideous arrangement of mismatched furniture and the outrageous color scheme.

Turning to look at him with a twinkle in her eye, she nudged Lian Song playfully. "Well, you can't really expect much from someone who lives at the ass end of the world." She snorted loudly, setting their laughter off again having found an instant liking for him too.

But the more they laughed, the angrier Ye Hua became. "Where is she?" he asked one of the maids who was still bowed at his feet.

Rising slightly, she pointed in the direction of the east wing, a set of guest rooms that were rarely used.

Storming to the east wing, he was instantly met with builders who had already stripped away the walls and floors while large slabs of marble were piled high in one corner, no doubt to replace the flooring and in between them all was Princess Mei severely disciplining one of the maids.

"Princess Mei." Ye Hua called out to her gently as Bai Qian, Lian Song and Di Jun joined his side.

Turning abruptly, having not heard their entrance being so caught up in the maid,her face erupted into an enormous smile when Ye Hua came into view.