PERFECT

THE LANTERN FESTIVAL

Its good that brother emporer, i mean my foster brother isnt here to mock me as now my heart starts racing like a crazy horse, everytime i meet Ming Zeng. It takes me time to settle down. So first half an hour, i ignored Commander Ming Zeng, but with time without knowing myself on the way to the palace, i was talking so much with him as i felt so familiar and close.
"So Princess, what was all that you brought along in the ship? I heard that it was from your foster family! The Japanese emporer!but whats so much?" General Shing asked while i was sucking in a long noodle. Brother Emporer didnt mind him talking as he was enjoying the noodles just like me. But the Empress and Ming Zeng were so polite and was listening to the old man attentively.
A sudden pleasure rose within me. I kept the chopsticks away and reached for the cup of tea while replying joyfully.
"Father said that its a shame that my new brother emporer, the so called Great ruler of the Dragon Empire is so poor to send such small gifts for looking after this great foster daughter of his for years." Brother Emporer's face darkned and he spat a bit of soup as i said so.
"Cough!cough!" Brother Emporer annoyed interupted my words while the empress patted his back."How can that old man say so?by the time of the war, he didnt even have a proper amount of grain even. So how can they be rich."
I could only smile wickedly as the empress answered him smiling in a motherly manner.
"Your highness, its true they asked us for such a thing. Even i wondered why they asked for so little. However With time i realised, they were just saving their treasures. They have enough minerals, stones and all and also so many craftsman, so they dont need anything else. Also as i got to know how much they loved our princess though she was not from the same blood, it turns out to be that them asking for the grains was a lame excuse to cover the point that they only wanted to support our Princess!"
I went for the sweets next enjoying my brother's darkening expressions.
"Oh brother!dont worry! He hasnt sent all the stuff to aid your treasury. He said it was only for looking after me for these few months. And even the whole ship filled with treasures wont be enough for taking care of me!" Then brother displayed a fool's anger. Everyone else tightened their lips not letting out their bursting humor within.
"I ll show that man that this brother is more capable of gifting and showing gratitude, even for the sake of this stupid little sister of mine!" Then his powerful voice turned a bit embarassed."But later....cause the royal treasury has some debts to cover these days...." He then lightly banged his fist on the table letting everyone burst in to  laughter, except the Commander. Ming Zeng of course as usual with a faint smile which looked gorgeous, continued with sipping his ending cup of tea of the dinner.
After few talks, First the Commander and the General headed out of the palace.

"Sister Huwanuwei," the empress talked as i was playing chess with brother. I spared her  a glance as we were on the peak of the game.
"I was wondering if you could join me to the this year's lantern festival which will be held next week undercovers?" We both looked in surprise at her.
"Wont i be enough to accompany you?" Brother asked like a child.
"Its not that your highness! You will have to rest a little as the physicians said. No long walks! So i cant go alone. So thats why! And i also want to make out some time with my new sister...you two have already made up a little at the celebrations. I didnt have time  for such a thing with her. Dont worry, for those few hours our crown Prnce will accompany your highness!" Though her voice sounded caring and lovable, it had a touch of command.
"If she likes , then you may go with her without me. But only this time!" He said a bit upset but obediently and looked away.
"I like it of course!" Actually i also wanted to attend to it this time, but not with her....actually with Ming Zeng, but never mind...this is faith.......LETS HAVE FUN!!!
She smiled and stroked my hair as Brother shouted out loud announcing his victory while i wasnt giving attention at all to the game.
"Of course, you played unfair! This chess piece wasnt in this square before. So how could you cut it off???" I was pissed out by his sudden announcement.
"No it was their! Its just you dont wont to accept my victory!"
For couple of minutes we let the empress enjoy our verbal fight. After we got bored of ourselves arguing, we bid good bye as i got to my palace under great threats shooted to me by brother, not letting me return to my cottage at that time of the night.