Ying Yue was not expecting anyone to be waiting on them as Jianyu had dismissed everyone the night before.
"Shen An, Li An why are you two here?"
"Your highness, it's time to get ready and go greet the noble wives and daughters of the ministers that serves his majesty."
"What? I have to do that?"
"Of course, now that you're officially the empress it is your duty. Do not worry your highness, it's only something that needs to be done once in a while."
"Alright, lets head back to my residence."
With the twin sisters following behind her, Ying Yue makes her way back to the empress residence. Realizing she should take a bath first, she motions for the sisters to go prepare it.
"Before we do anything, I need a bath. I'm covered in sweat and don't think the noble women out there would appreciate it if I smelled."
"Very well, we will go prepare it."
Ying Yue walks to her bed and lays back down. Pinching herself to make sure she wasn't dreaming. She was now really an empress and a full fledged woman. Before long the sister's return and motions for Ying Yue to head to the bath. Warm water filled to the top with flower petals floating on top, it was definitely worth the wait. Removing her robe, Ying Yue steps into the pool and washes herself with a cloth. To her surprise there were red spots all over her chest. Unsure to what they were, Ying Yue turns to the sisters standing behind her.
"Shen An, am I sick?"
"Ehhh....I believe those are called love bite, your highness."
"Love bite? How did they get there?!"
Scrubbing herself profusely, thinking she was sick. Unable to wipe them off she turns back to where Shen An was. Shen An, unable to hold it in anymore bursts out laughing. Even the quiet Li An was grinning and blushing.
"Your highness, I believe that is the work of the emperor. Please don't worry about it, they will fade in a few days."
"Ahhh...I see."
Ying Yue; feeling embarrassed, turns around and hides herself in the deeper part of the large bath. After bathing for twenty minutes, Shen An and Li An motions for Ying Yue to hurry as the noble women and ladies are still waiting for her.
Quickly putting on her robe; Ying Yue heads back to her residence. Rather than dressing like usual. Shen An and Li An prepared a much higher quality dress for Ying Yue. It was a beautiful long black dress, with gold embroidery. The dress had beautiful patterns and a golden dragon was embedded onto the front and back of the dress. Ying Yue had red lips and blush on, along with a red flower drawn onto her forehead. With her hair up and a small golden crown along with golden hairpins, Ying Yue was ready.
Looking at her own reflection, even Ying Yue was amazed at how different she looked now. Even her face seemed like it was glowing, Ying Yue felt like she was now able to stand among the dragon people. Smiling in satisfaction, Ying Yue turns back to look at her maids.
"You two did a wonderful job! I rather like this outfit today."
"Thank you, your highness. That dress was tailored by our finest seamstress. It seems the emperor had it made for just you."
"Hm...I see. Guess I have to thank him later. He should be up now and attending his meetings as well."
"Shall we get going your highness? The noble ladies are waiting in the royal garden."
"Alright."
Ying Yue takes a deep breath and heads towards the garden, with Shen An and Li An following behind her. After walking around for fifteen minutes, Ying Yue could see the garden in sight and the wives and daughters of the ministers and officials that worked for Jianyu.
"I can do this."
Ying Yue clenches her fist and takes a deep breath. As they got closer and closer to the other ladies. Ying Yue watched as the women in front of her change their tone of voice and facial expression. Some looked jealous, angry and worried. Everyone quickly came before Ying Yue and greeted her. With their waist slightly bent and their long sleeves clasped together.
"Greetings your highness."
"You may all rise. Please, enjoy yourselves. Snacks and tea will be prepared shortly."
Ying Yue motions for Shen An to bring out more tea and snacks. Due to the outing today, more tables and chairs had been placed out. Ying Yue seats herself under the shade as Li An stood behind her. Rather than trying to get to know everyone, it looked more like everyone was trying to avoid talking to her. Not that Ying Yue cared, all she needed was Jianyu's love, her mother and her maids. Glancing around the area, there had to be at least seventy women here. Ying Yue noticed a familiar face hiding behind the crowd. It didn't take long for Ying Yue to realize it was Shi Chen and her mother. Breaking into a small smile, Ying Yue calls out for Shi Chen. Although unwilling, Shi Chen had no choice but to follow Ying Yue's commands. Slowly walking towards Ying Yue, Shi Chen rolls her eyes and greets Ying Yue.
"Greeting your highness, what did you need me for?"
"I can't call you unless I need you for something? That's new."
"Ah, please excuse me if that came out wrong."
"Shi Chen, stop being so tense. Relax a little."
"You....do you not hate me for what I did to you?"
"Oh! I do, I hate you with a burning passion. Although at the same time, I am empress now and need to maintain an image. I can't allow myself to dwell on the past."
"Tsk....I hate people like you. Trying to act so righteous! Hah! Don't think I've given up yet. I just need to wait for when the emperor gets tired of you."
Saying what she wanted to, Shi Chen bids Ying Yue farewell before running back to her mother who was still chatting away with the other noble wives. Ying Yue watches as Shi Chen walked further and further away. If she wasn't in such a good mood, Ying Yue knew she would've punished Shi Chen for talking out of line.
"That damn woman is lucky I'm feeling nice today."
As Ying Yue continues to sip on her tea. A noble woman walks up to chat with Ying Yue. Looking to be in her early twenties, with long golden hair and jade colored eyes. She was indeed a beautiful woman, but rather than exotic looking like Shi Chen, she was pure and innocent looking.
"Greetings your highness."
"You may rise. I have not seen you before, what is your name?"
"My name is Yi Yu. My father is duke Yu Ping. I am normally sickly and rarely leave home, but I was able to convince my father to let me out today."
"Ah...did you not come with your mother?"
"My mother...passed away during childbirth, your highness."
"I..I wasn't aware I'm sorry for reminding you of something you probably didn't want to talk about."
"Heh, it's alright your highness. I lost my mother, but I have a younger brother that's currently studying under father. But just between you and me, don't apologize too quickly, some other nobles will look down on you for that."
"I'll keep that in mind."
Yi Yu leans in closer to Ying Yue who was just about to pick up her cup of tea. Using her right index finger, she motions for Ying Yue to come closer. Glancing around her to make sure no one was listening, Yi Yu whispers into Ying Yue's ear.
"Your highness, when will you be planning for an heir?"
"Cough Cough!"
Ying Yue nearly chokes on her tea the moment she head Yi Yu mention and heir.
"An heir?! Isn't it too early for that?!"
"Of course not. Considering his majesties age, he should have more than five kids by now. Looks like his majesty is following in his late father's footsteps too. So, having an heir will be all on you, your highness."
"Uh....Yi Yu, what do you mean by that?"
"You don't know? The late emperor only married once. He didn't have any consorts or concubines unlike all the emperors before him."
"Huh....I had no idea...."
"Well! I'm sure you two will have one in no time. I think I've taken enough of your time today your highness. I'll be excusing myself."
Just as Yi Yue turns to leave, Ying Yue calls out to her.
"Yi Yu! Do come again to keep me company when you have time again."
"Of course, your highness! I'll be more than happy to."
Bidding Ying Yue farewell, Yi Yu quickly disappears among the crowd of woman. Ying Yue was back to sipping on tea, until Jianyu sent a messenger calling for her. A guard comes from behind Ying Yue and gives her a letter. Ying Yue could tell it was Jianyu's handwriting right away.
Ying Yue my love,
You must be bored there. I have finished my morning meetings. Please come join me for lunch. I will be waiting for you at your residence.
Love
Your Emperor
Breaking into a smile, Ying Yue quickly stands up and silences the crowd of women who were still chattering around.
"Ladies, looks like I will be heading back first. Please enjoy yourself."
An older woman from the crowd walks out and greets Ying Yue before speaking out. Looking to be in her fifties, with a thin and fragile frame. Although older, Ying Yue could tell she was once a beauty.
"Your highness, pardon me for being bold. But tea time is not over yet. I find it rude for the guest of honor to leave first."
"I understand where you are coming from, but for the past two hours not a single one of you has found the time to come and introduce yourself. I don't see the point in staying any longer if nothing's going to happen."
Ying Yue watched as all the noble women look at one another before chattering erupted. Yi Yu face twists with worries and quickly makes her way towards where Ying Yue was standing.
"Everyone please calm yourself. Her highness is tired since she just had her wedding yesterday. I believe it is late as well, so we should all call it a day and head home."
Yi Yu who came to help the tension, in return only got lectured at by the old woman. Ying Yue watched as the old woman continue on to talk about how Yi Yu was being rude and disobedient.
"Yi Yu! Who do you think you are? I swear, daughters without mothers are so shameless!"
Ying Yue snapped instantly. Her calm demeanor was no more; unable to hold back herself anymore, Ying Yue raises her voice.
"Silence! You damn old woman! I let you into the palace and you think you're all of a sudden special?!"
"Gasp! You...you're just a human!"
"Old woman! If I hear one more word from your mouth, I will have your tongue cut!"
The old woman's face was now twisted with anger and fear. Not only was Ying Yue taking Yi Yu's side, Ying Yue was also lecturing her in front of so many other noble women.
"Oh no... who was it that made my empress mad?"
All of a sudden, a deep and familiar voice calls out from behind Ying Yue. Before she could even turn around to see who it was, Ying Yue feels a strong and warm arm hold onto her waist.
"Jianyu...?"
Everyone quickly greeted Jianyu. Breaking into a smile Jianyu turns his gaze to Ying Yue who was refusing to look him in the eye.
"What's wrong my empress?"
"It's nothing....why are you here? I thought you were going to wait for me."
"I got tired of waiting and decided to come get you. I got to witness quite the scene."
The old woman who was bickering at Ying Yue moments before was now silent. Ying Yue could see her cower at the sight of Jianyu. Jianyu lightly pinches Ying Yue's right cheek before letting go of her waist. Walking towards the old woman, Jianyu offers her a warning.
"Old madam Pan Bo. Out of respect for your late husband's loyalty I will pardon you this time, but if I catch you disrespecting my empress again. I will have you and your family executed."
"My....my apologies your majesty. Please forgive this foolish one."
The old woman quickly turns to Ying Yue and falls to her knees. Ying Yue watched as the old woman continue to beg for forgiveness. With a deep sigh, Ying Yue finally motions for her to stop.
"I'm not the one you need to apologize to; Yi Yu deserves an apology from you."
The old woman sucks in her pride and turns her attention to Yi Yu and apologizes for being rude. Although Yi Yu was flustered, she quickly helped the old woman up and forgave her. Jianyu motions for everyone to return home as he had other plans with Ying Yue.
"You may all leave. My empress will be keeping me company today."
Jianyu grabs hold of Ying Yue's right hand and drags her away from the royal garden. Ying Yue turns around and waves farewell to Yi Yu as Jianyu drags her further and further away. Making their way back to her residence, Ying Yue remained silent throughout the walk.
Finally reaching the empress residence courtyard, Ying Yue could only watch as Jianyu motioned for maids to start bringing in dishes.
"What's on your mind, my empress?"
"Nothing...really."
"That's not what your face is showing. I'll ask again, what's on your mind?"
"Jianyu...how can I be empress when no one respects and treats me like one?"
"Heh, don't worry. Give it some time. You need to prove yourself to be worthy of being their empress."
"How am I supposed to do that?"
"That's for you to figure out."
As Ying Yue and Jianyu chattered away; soon maids returned with trays of food. Ying Yue ate in silence as she tries to figure out a way to gain the trust of the dragon clan people. Her being human was already a disadvantage, so Ying Yue knew she would have to work extra hard to overcome that barrier. Jianyu couldn't help but watch in amusement as Ying Yue's facial expressions changed.
"Heh, would you like to go out on a stroll tonight my empress?"
"Let me guess, we are sneaking out again."
"Yep!"
"Well...I'm up for it if you are."
"Good, we'll go once the sun starts to set. The night market is truly a sight at night."