As promised, Yu Mei came over to see the empress. The two of them were sitting outside in the pavilion. Yu Mei was making oolong tea while Mother-in-law watched closely. Yu Mei couldn't be considered the calmest and most collective person when making tea but something about her put people at peace.
But then how could anyone be at ease when they had the empress watching their every more.
Yu Mei handed the first cup to her. After taking a sip and approving of it, the empress nodded her head. "Do you make tea often for your parents?" she asked curiously. To make such refreshing tea, one must have practiced for a long length of time.
Yu Mei didn't know how to reply. After all, she had never met this body's parents ever since her soul entered. It was a pity.
"It's been a while since I've made tea for my parents. I'm glad mother likes the tea." Yu Mei quickly avoided the question.
After that small conversation, the two sat silent and awkwardly for some time being. Yu Mei didn't know if she should speak or not. She was being careful to be on her mother-in-law's good side now that they were seeing eye to eye. To come this far, she couldn't afford to ruin it.
The empress could see how hard Yu Mei was holding back her tongue. This only made her want to laugh. The child in front of her was rather too innocent. And she was right. There was so much talking that Yu Mei wanted to do but was afraid the empress would get annoyed.
"I can see why Pei Nan takes a fancy to you. If you have something to say, say it. It's not good to hold back your tongue." The empress quickly threw a few remarks before continuing to sip her tea.
This light sentence of hers quickly got Yu Mei all excited. It was the same as giving her permission to speak as much as she wanted to.
From morning to evening, Yu Mei accompanied the empress as they drank tea and played the qin.
***
Chu'mei accompanied Yu Mei back. When they returned, Feng Ju was standing guard. This could only mean one thing, Prince Nan was here.
"Greetings to Consort Pan," he said when she walked over. After confirming that Pei Nan was here, Yu Mei went in. Chu'mei like usual followed behind but was caught off guard when Feng Ju grabbed her wrist. "What are you doing?" she softly asked.
Yu Mei looked back.
"My apologies Consort Pan but his highness has asked that no one enter the room but you." He explained.
"En! Chu'mei, be good and stay here." With that command, Chu'mei had no choice but to watch her lady enter the room.
The door closed.
Chu'mei looked at her wrist and then at the emotionless Feng Ju. "You clearly see that I have no intentions of going in. You can let go now. Stop trying to take advantage of me. You're going to ruin my reputation." she took her frustration out on him.
Feng Ju was a handsome man. No woman has ever talked down to him before. It was only her who dared not respect him. Today he was not going to listen to her. Instead of letting go like a gentleman, he tightened his grip and pulled her towards him. His strength was no joke. Chu'mei's body literally flung over to him. One more step and she would run into his chest.
His cold gaze; Chu'mei felt her body shrink in front of him. The first thing she thought of was, he smelled good. She had lost herself for a moment.
She blinked a few times.
"What are you doing?" with a shaky voice she asked when his face advanced towards hers.This heavy feeling…she had never felt this uneasy feeling before. So awkward! She had no choice but to look away.
"Not cute nor pretty." Feng Ju released her. He took a few steps back and crossed his arms.
Not cute? Nor pretty? What was that supposed to mean. Chu'mei got offended. She took a step forward. "Eh! What is that supposed to mean?" She placed her hands on her hips like an angry wife to a husband who had done wrong.
He shook his head disapprovingly. "You asked if I was taking advantage of you. And that was my reply."
"What?" She didn't understand his meaning.
To help her, he put one finger up. "First, you are not cute in anyway." A second finger went up. "Secondly, you are not pretty. I have no reason to take advantage of you." All of this was said with a straight face.
Chu'mei's whole face turned red; half embarrassed, half angered. "You lackey! Who cares what you think." She crossed her hands and turned away. The two of them were stuck waiting outside for their masters but that didn't mean they had to look at each other. Ever since that conversation, their backs were turned away from each other.