The Queen In Red

The Queen In Red 4

Wanting to take in some fresh air before getting ready, she was shocked to find Dong Hua sleeping in her favourite spot. Although he was laying in her outdoor bathing chamber, she wasn't stupid to think that it was appropriate to bathe in such proximity to men.

Instead, She left towards Mingmei's chambers. Once bathed, she dressed in a simple red dress. If they had to go, she didn't want to change again.

Putting half her hair up in a loose bun, pulled together with braids and adorned with a wooden hairpin with red cherry blossoms spread out at the top, ending the ensemble with a little red on her lips.

She did not bother with any other makeup, when, she had a bad habit of accidentally wiping it off. She looked every bit a beautiful, youthful Queen.

"Xiao Jiu, are you dressed?"

"Gugu? yes, come in."

Bai Qian, walked towards Feng Jiu who was looking at paintings Ali had drawn over the years and the recent ones of his sister.

"I haven't spent so much time in your home before, but its no wonder Ali and Mingmei love to stay with you," Bai Qian said with a smile.

Smiling back at Bai Qian. "You are just as welcome to come to stay Gugu, you and uncle.." She took Bai Qian's hands "I'm sorry for worrying you Gugu, I know that my actions probably delayed important matters you and uncle should be attending to in heaven..."

Bai Qian brought her into an embrace "Xiao Jiu, of course, I would be here, your mother and Grandmother are here also. We've all been here, not just to take care of you, but because we are a family first, your duties will still be there as will my own."

Feng Jiu cried into Bai Qian's neck. "Gugu...We killed so many innocent beasts, when I was with your Shifu, I saw them all. I killed them all without a second thought Gugu."

Sighing, Bai Qian tried to console her niece, but she too was there when Dong Hua had told them what was left at the arena after he lifted the spell when he tried looking for Feng Jiu. The attack was placed by someone to annihilate an entire clan and all manner of beasts in a confined space.

Looking down at her nieces crying figure, Bai Qian couldn't help but be proud of the woman she had become. Feng Jiu had spent years building and extending lands to allow for beasts to make homes for themselves. She believed that the wealth of their lands and people, should not stay within Qing Qiu only. With help from Bai Zhi and Bai Qian's siblings who ruled the other lands, a treaty was written up, which allowed these families safe passage into their lands. Of course, the process of living in their lands wasn't simple, ascertaining ones character required a lengthy screening process and many meetings.

But for hundreds of years now, Qing Qiu had grown even more prosperous. The many families that were living there bought skills, materials and trades that Qing Qiu hadn't seen before, allowing Qing Qiu to be an independent kingdom not needing to trade with others.

Feng Jiu's ability for compassion and empathy was never more evident than when she returned from Fanyin Valley; it is what made her a Great Queen. The bonds she had with her people, had them all becoming very protective towards their young Queen and her family.

It was for these reasons Bai Qian wanted to speak to her, knowing her niece would blame herself for something the horse clan had started.

Rubbing her back, Bai Qian softly spoke. "Xiao Jiu, that's enough, do not blame yourself for things the Horse Clan had done, if you want to feel pitiful, deal with it quickly, you are a queen. guilt has no place in your role."