Hua Hua You Long

Chapter 9: Faded Cry

Compared to the Imperial Palace and its sprawling gardens, Xizhen's place of residence had an atmosphere more similar to Lu Cang's temporary homee by the Yue Long bridge, the gardens were beautiful and serene, and a gentle cool breeze marked the coming of spring.

Jing dragged Lu Cang across a bridge over a man-made pond. Xizhen approached from a distance, laughing, " You majesty...and brother Lu. What took you two so long? The tea I brewed is almost cold."

This palace is built on a lake...how much work must have gone into it? Lu Cang thought idly and from the looks of it, Xizhen wasn't just any regular noble.

Xizhen smiled gracefully and ushered the two inside, ignoring Jing's somewhat irritable expression.

"This is my younger cousin XuanYuan Xizhen, formerly known as princess Xizhen before she married."

Lu Cang couldn't even respond to the "cousin" part and just stared blankly at Jing. The situation was pretty awkward, so Xizhen took over explaining. "....After marrying, my title is Zhen Guifei. I am the mother figure of the Datong Empire."

Note: Guifei=high ranking concubine. They married for political reasons and back then, many nobles married within the family.

"What..." The porcelain cup in Lu Cang's hands fell to the ground, and he stood from his seat. Jing was pretty frustrated as he had not planned to reveal his relationship with Xizhen just yet, but did not deny Xizhen's words either.

Lu Cang stood motionless, a thousand words choking his heart, staring stupidly into space before finally slumping back onto the chair after some time.

Taking into account Jing's age and status, it was impossible he wasn't married, but never expected the Empress to show herself so soon. Moreover, it was Xizhen, whom he knew from quite some time ago!

" Hai hai..." Jing cleared his throat, drawing Lu Cang's attention back to him. "Xiaozhen and I were been betrothed before birth for political reasons. Now, she is the highest ranking in the Datong harem."

Note：小"xiao(3)" [small, little] is added before the name as a term of endearment. In the first chapter, Jing calls addresses Muyue as Xiaoyue, and in later chapters he calls Lu Cang Xiaocang.

Xizhen smiled widely. Her male clothing could not really hide the fact that she was female, and Lu Cang berated himself for not realising earlier - not only was he unable to recognise Jing as a man in ladies' clothing, he was also unable to tell Xizhen was a woman when she wore male garb.

Angry and somewhat hurt at his own stupidity, Lu Cang started to act up, "Why are you telling me this? It has nothing to do with me!" He jumped up and headed for the door, but as usual, Jing caught hold of him again.

Jing firmly pressed Lu Cang into the chair and turned to Xizhen. "Xiaozhen, Lu Cang has received my favour. He's now considered my concubine, you have to teach and strictly discipline him from today!"

Lu Cang wanted to explode from anger. "You--piece of shit! Sack of dog shit -- receive your favour?! Pile of crap, what retarded harem concubine! You bastard! Let go of me...let me go!" He screamed and flailed, trying to free himself from Jing's grip.

Xizhen pretended not to hear all the foul language. She bowed slightly," I understand."

"Lu Cang is a stubborn one... .. I've been busy with the whole Yujia expedition thing again , so I can't stay to watch over him. I'll leave you to teach him some discipline, hopefully he'll be more obedient when I get back..." He sent a grin Lu Cang's way, hinting that Xizhen was not to be trifled with.

"The Yujia expedition? ...Your majesty, which area are you conquering?" As if she had not heard him the first time, Xizhen focused on the fact that there would be a battle. Although she was still smiling, she seemed like a totally different person, nervously waiting her emperor's reply.