A Tear Frozen in Time

A Dark Horse

The Celestial Heavens

Going over everything he knew about Qing Qius Bai Qian, Ye Hua wondered if he should prepare the Grand Hall for her entrance.  From what he had learned, her sight was weak so wore an eye covering if the lights were too bright which only increased his suspicions that she might be tied into Su Su, and though he was fairly certain she was not his Mortal wife, he knew she was connected to her somehow.  But to learn her eyes were weak did give him a reason to pause.

Yet it seemed inconcievable that she was his Mortal wife, when Su Su held no Immortal breath, she was a Mortal and nothing more.  Even still, the woman was finally coming to the Celestial Heavens having ignored all invitations until now and he couldn't help but wonder if Mo Yuans return wasn't the reason for it.  There were far too many concidences at play.

For one, he was now absolutely positive that his severnteenth disciple was in fact a woman, it also explained all the gossip regarding his brothers affections for that one Disicple.  She was also missing from the Mountain and no sooner had Mo Yuan learned where she was and who the little Princess was to her, then he had immediately fled the mountain.  Then not long after, his own invitation to attend the next world leaders meeting was accepted.

Ye Hua did not normally believe in coincidences, because fate led everything and this time he had a strong feeling that fate was leading him somewhere and that Queen was a part of it.  Though this wasn't the only reason why he had invited her.  Qing Cang was growing stronger in the bell and his people were seen gathering at the banks of the Ruoshui River and knowing that she was training a large army, it was his duty to ascertain whether he could negotiate with her for their services, or even an alliance which she had flatly refused in the past.

If anything, she was in an even much stronger position than he was in terms of rank and power and now with an army of her own, one that was proving to be exceptionally powerful suggested that she was also a General of the highest order, one that already put him on the back foot.  Of course being a student of Mo Yuans meant she had been trained by the very best and it showed in the level of skill she had in keeping everyone out.

Not even his most proficient spies could penetrate her barriers so very little information was available but he had to assume that her army was a force to be reckoned with and this was also evident in the reports he was receiving from the Ghost Realms.  They too were being blocked from her lands yet he knew they were able to infiltrate his armies, in fact, keeping them out was a full time job. 

Now going over the preparations he deemed important for her arrival, the head maid and head guard were in attendance.

"Cover all bright lights.  Qing Qius Queen Bai Qian has weak eyes so there can be nothing to cause discomfort for her, that means also removing all ornamentation that cannot be dulled." he ordered the head maid before turning to the head guard.

"Queen Bai Qian is one that stands on ceremony, so I do not want to see any uniforms out of place and all weaponry that is not standard must be kept out of sight.  Swords are to be moved to the back scabbard and all eyes are to be lowered at her entrance." he said before adding one more very important order.

"She has also advised us that she is bringing a retinue of both family, servants and personal guards.  They are to be according the upmost respect.  No guards are to be searched and her family are to be given free reign, that includes Qing Qius little Princess who I am sure you are already aware of.  That girl is a close friend of Donghua Di Jun as well as the next Queen of Qing Qiu, and though she can be a handful, she is a honoured guest while her aunt is in residence." he said before turning back to the head maid.

"Princess Feng Jiu is also the family cook.  Allow her entry to the kitchens, gardens and whatever else she may need." he issued as a final order before sending them on their way.