The next day Chaoxing wakes me up. I thought after what happened with the emperor, I thought I might not be able to cope living with the duke but he seems like a nice person.
I first go to greet my mother in law with the duke. We arrive to see her waiting for us. I had allowed Ruomei to do my hairstyle. Ruomei and Suyin had been allowed to move in the duke's manor with me. Ruomei was in charge with managing my clothes and main affairs while Suyin was in charge of guarding me.
"Greetings mother!" We say together kowtowing.
"Raise! Xing'er, you are now married. Both of you should please sit" she said.
Ruomei helps me stand up. The duke comes to my side.
"Mother, we were heading to the palace to great the king and the queen mother" he said.
"Xing'er you must be careful. Don't make mistakes."she said.
We both depart and head to the palace. When we get to the palace, we head to the emperor's palace first. I see Danji with the emperor. I have to say I feel a tinge of jealousy but I wave it off as Chaoxing holds my hand.
"Greetings Empress" we both say bowing.
"Lijuan, no need for ceremony. You are the sister to the emperor and my friend." She said.
"You are now the empress. I can't address you as I wish" I said.
"Oh you are here! Juan'er, Duke!" The emperor said.
We greet the emperor and thank him for his grace. We act like total strangers. Although everyone can see that we are avoiding each other, we pretend not to notice.
Later on we pay our respect to the grand empress and empress dowager. Danji and I are left alone in the imperial garden drinking tea.
"How is life at the duke's manor?" She asked.
"Well, I don't know what to expect. What will happen now? The future looks boring" I said.
"I won't be so sure. In the royal family, not a single day is considered boring. We are married to two men that are at odds. But Genji, I believe you were able to come to the past for a reason. Now, you can make a difference in history." She said.
"I just want to go back home. What difference in history can I make? I don't even know what to do with my life now." I said.
Later on we chat a little. Danji tells me about Chu state. The situation between the two nations have become better than before. Even if they don't officially go to war, it is an event that we know is bound to happen if Fengwu is not removed from the throne.
Danji explains that my help might be needed in the future. I am now married. The future seems even more interesting.