Chapter 167 - Garden Tour I (1/2)
Third person POV
Today was the day where the nobles that came to the tournament were invited into a garden sightseeing. Of course they didn't reject this kind offer and joyfully came to Da Qi's Royal Palace.
Not different from tea party, the guests were guided to the beautifully arranged seat at the imperial garden to enjoy the view. Knowing that this event was flower themed kind of event, the girls dressed up in flower embroidered dress and used Nanjing Velvet Flower as their hair ornament. (Look into story of Yanxi palace or Nanjing Rong Hua, the flower is very beautiful. It was an ancient art and to me, it is very impressive.)
Hoping that they could catch the DQ's emperor's attention or another high ranked young master. Weisheng and Hong er arrived the last and their attire for today's event were more simple and calming. Only a few accessories and simple yet beautifully made clothes.
The rulers of each country greeted each other and then the officials greeted them one by one. The gathering was more relaxed that they thought. An opera performance, dancing, singing, and art appreciation, plus, accompanied with high quality liquor, tea, and confectionaries.
Sound of people clapping and voiced 'Good! Good!' could be heard all over the garden. Then Hong er invited all of them to stroll deeper into the garden which they happily accepted. Hong er had noticed a few people were missing from their seat and it were girls from one of the highest ranking noble in DQ's daughters.
She has keen eyes therefore she could notice their absence in a glance, furthermore, the guests were not that many in the first place and as an empress, she should know her subordinate's face or else she would embarrass herself in the public for being ignorant.
The entourage strolled around the imperial garden for a while and talked about how the garden was artistically made. Hong er briefly thanked them for their praises and saw the girls that were absence before were now gleefully talking and giggling except one girl whose face was solemn and grim. Yet, she noticed one of them was still missing.
Hong er remembered her name is Huang Ming Yu. Ming Yu's presence was quite unique in Hong er's eyes, while other girls tried to sat closer to the bachelors young master, she sat quietly in the corner with a very simple dress and a gaudy looking accessories on her hair which didn't suite her pure and innocent face. And despite her having such a innocent looking face, her gaze was fierce and firm.
Hong er looked around when she heard an ear piercing screech from the girls in the entourage. Even Weisheng turned around to look at what happened as he was the master of this palace. If anything happened inside his territory, then it would be his responsibility.
Girl: ”How shameless of you to do such a filthy thing in front of His Majesties and Her Majesties! Huang Ming Yu! Not only you embarrass yourself, you also tarnished our family's name!”
The girl spoke in loud voice in purpose everyone in there heard and saw what happened. Weisheng and Hong er walked with fast footsteps yet their face was calm like nothing happened. The crowd split into two to give way to the rulers.
There was a girl with her clothes and hair disheveled, her shoulders and half of her thighs were exposed to the eyes of the crowd. She hastily covered her exposed body part with her torn clothes. Her body was trembling vigorously under all of their stares, her face was as pale as paper and nothing could come out from her throat.
She didn't know what to say to protect her name and reputation. Her mind was blanked out and what she could do was lowering her head in shame and fear.
Hong er swiftly took off her coat and dr.a.p.ed it on her shoulder, she tied her coat so Ming Yu's front part was securely covered. Hong er and Huayun helped Ming Yu stand up while Meiyun uses her body to block the crowd's view.
Ming Yu looked at Hong er and Huayun with eyes full of grateful. Huayun comforted her and rubbed her back to reassure her. Seeing that her (the girl with grim face) plan wasn't going right, she went to the front and kowtowed to Hong er and Weisheng.
Other girl: ”I deeply apologize for my little sister's behavior. I, as her big sister had warned her to behave herself, yet, she didn't listen to any of my advice. Please give me punishment for my negligence as a big sister.”
Ming Yu glared at her with her eyes full of disbelief. She didn't dare to say anything back as she could tell everyone in the crowd, including her own father, were siding with her big sister. However, Hong er stepped up and stood dignifiedly in front of the girl.
Hong er: ”Ben Gong hasn't said a word, yet, you had said hundreds of it.”
Hong er coldly glanced at the girl and spoke with low tone. The girl's face paled when she heard Hong er's cold voice. She thought that Hong er is very kind and forgiving therefore she dared to use Hong er as her sword to destroy Ming Yu, her blood related little sister.
(A/N: I will just give her random name, kay. Bc it's hard to use 'the girl' lol. No need to remember her name as she will only appear in a few chapters. Her name is Huang Ming Zhu.)
Ming Zhu: ”I-I deeply apologize for my behavior, Your Majesty Empress.”
Hong er turned her eyes to the shivering Ming Yu without replying to Ming Zhu. Ming Zhu bit her lips in anger, she was older than Hong er a few years, yet, Hong er's presence was tenth times stronger than her presence.