As Zhen Huagui lifts the bottle to his lips again, he has no idea how a princess as lovely as Muxue Gege could have such high tolerance for alcohol. In the beginning, they drink in silence, with Huagui glancing occasionally at the princess whose face becomes even more flushed with every gulp of wine she drinks. He finds the silence extremely comforting, as if the woes they each carry disappear with every swallow of the liquid they bought and every secret they share with one another. Huagui finds his own wine tasting especially sweet. He's not entirely sure if this is a result of the distilling process of the wine, the quality of the winery, or if it is because of the beauty of his drinking companion. He also knows the princess's preference of drink on this day is an extremely strong wine, one his cousin prefers. He's wondering if the princess had exceptional practice in drinking. He knows if this were a drinking contest, she will win hands down.
With two bottles emptied, Huagui thinks they have both drank enough and puts his hand down on the princess's shoulders, trying to stop her.
"I think you've had enough," breathes Huagui. He wonders if he reeks of alcohol. He knows if his Jiu-Ma saw him like this, she's probably going to lecture and scold again before sending him to his room for a long rest. Though his mind is swirling with dizziness from the alcohol, he's actually feeling pretty happy.
"What do you mean enough?" asks Muxue, with emphasis on 'enough'.
"Back home with Fourth Brother and Fifth Brother, this is baby stuff," she cries, though Huagui detects an obvious slurring in her words.
"You drink with Fourth and Fifth Prince a lot?" he asks.
Muxue pushes Huagui's arms aside and takes another gulp. "Not so much. They always think I'm a lightweight. But actually, they always get drunk before I do. I'm always the one cleaning up after them," she says loudly, laughing hard.
She points a finger at Huagui and giggles. "You are a much better drinker than they are," she says softly, laughing even harder afterwards.
Huagui smiles and if possible, turns even redder than the wine has already turned him. "Really? Well then, I must thank you, Muxue Gege for your wonderful compliment."
Muxue laughs again and takes another gulp. "Don't thank me Lord Zhen," she says laughing wildly. "I'm not the expert," she continues laughing again. Huagui shakes his head.
"How can you be so happy after drinking so much?" he asks sobering up a little. Muxue doesn't answer him but instead, continues to nurse the bottle.
"From what I've heard, the Empress is healthy and doing exceptionally well. How could you be looking for your mother's grave if the Empress is alive and doing so well? I must ask, what nonsense are you talking now," he asks. Huagui feels the alcohol calming him but knows he better ask while the princess is still lucid.
"Of course she's healthy! She's the Empress! But I'm not talking about her. I'm talking about my mother," she cries in laughter. But then the laughter disappears from her face.
"Ma'ertai Ruoxi," she calls still in a stupor from the alcohol. "Ma'ertai Ruoxi, Ma'ertai Ruoxi," she slurs again. "Do you know who she is?" she asks, lifting the bottle to her lips again.
Huagui thinks hard about the name and the princess's question. Even though his mind is getting fuzzier and fuzzier by the minute, he still manages to remember this is a name that is forbidden from being spoken in the kingdom. Yet, she has no qualms about speaking this name.
"Does this girl have no fear? She runs out of the palace and now speaks of forbidden names. Just what exactly is running through the princess's mind?" he thinks wearily, trying to keep himself awake.
"Lord Zhen," she calls, taking a reprieve from her drinking. "She is my mother, my real mother." Huagui turns to Muxue, a look of shock flashing over his face.
"That's right. The Gugu who took care of me and loved me for four short years is my mother," she shouts, pushing against Huagui. "Gugu, uh-liang," she whispers, "Muxue is not filial." She stands up unsteadily and raises her head, looking up to the ceiling of the pavilion. "Can you hear me?" she asks. "MUXUE IS NOT FILIAL!" she cries.
"How can I be so un-filial to the person who undoubtedly loves me the most?" she asks before turning back to Huagui as if expecting a response.
"Tell me, what I have done wrong exactly?" she questions shaking Huagui's shoulders before slumping and sitting back down on the swing, completely exhausted.
Huagui looks up sadly at the princess. He takes a small sip from his bottle and gingerly slides over on the swing. "There are a lot of things in life we have no control over: our status, our parents, and our futures. In this time period, that's the way things are."
He pauses. "But you must know you are very fortunate. You have an ama who loves you like a precious jewel, brothers to drink with, and an uncle who treats you like you're his own daughter. You even have a mother figure in the Empress," he says and takes another sip.
"You may not have had your real mother growing up by your side, but you have a lot of people who love you. Even, I'm not as fortunate as you are."
Muxue leans her head against his shoulder, tired from her outburst, as Huagui continues talking. "I lost both my parents at the age of five. One little fire was all it took to make me an orphan. I had no siblings to call my own. I was completely and utterly alone after the disaster. Sometimes, I wonder why the fire didn't take me as well," he says with tears in his eyes.
"The house I grew up in was completely destroyed. On the night of the accident, I was saved by a eunuch who carried me outside before returning to the house, hoping to stop the fire. I stood outside of the gate that whole night watching everything I knew and loved burn in the flames. It was only until the next morning that Jiu-jiu came and took me to his residence. Later, I found out that the eunuch who saved me perished. The only thing I have left now of my family, is a toy my father gave to me," he finishes.
"Although I may have lost a lot, I also have a lot to be thankful for. I have a family in Jiu-jiu, Jiu-ma, and Cousin Agui. I have a good position in society. Despite what has happened, the heavens have indeed treated me well," he calmly says.
"I may not have known your mother directly. But from what I've heard from uncle, he said he met a very intelligent Gugu in the palace when he just became an imperial official. He says that Gugu treated him as if he was her equal. If that person is indeed is your mother, than I should also be thanking you as well. Without her, I'm sure my family will not be where it is today. I'm certain your mother is not a person who bases filial piety on the number of visits or bows she gets. Therefore, if you truly want to be filial to your mother, than you should not treat yourself as such, drinking all your sorrows down with wine. You should be trying to live your life to its fullest."
Muxue listens intently, though drowsily. She remains quiet, letting Huagui's words fill her. Tired from his reveal, Huagui puts an arm protectively over Muxue's shoulder. "Go to sleep now. As you sleep, let all your woes go. When you wake up, you should begin living your life to its fullest," he says.
Muxue closes her eyes, a lone tear falling down her face. "What he says is absolutely correct. But my heart hurts not only for myself, but also for Gugu, Uh-liang, and Royal Ama. Uh-liang, Gugu, Muxue promises you both that she will live her life to its fullest,"she thinks before allowing herself to drift into sleep.
Huagui peaks an eye open and sees that Muxue has fallen asleep against his shoulders. He smiles, happy that the girl is finally releasing her frustrations. He closes his own eyes, succumbing to sleep himself.
It is to the sound of stomping hoofs and distant shouts that Huagui blearily wakes up to. Allowing his eyes to adjust to the brightness, he realizes that the two of them have not really fallen asleep too long as the sun is still shining as brightly as before. Huagui concludes it is probably slightly after noon and the two of them have just taken a refreshing nap. Knowing Muxue is still resting on his shoulder, he moves as little as possible to check for the source of the sound. He is not entirely surprise to see the Emperor and Thirteenth Prince walking briskly down to the pavilion. Gently, he nudges Muxue.
"The Emperor and Thirteenth Prince are here. You better wake up," he tells her.
Muxue keeps her eyes close. "They wouldn't mind a couple more minutes," she says snuggling closer. Yinzhen and Thirteenth Prince walk towards the entrance to the pavilion and stop abruptly, seeing Muxue and Huagui in such a position. Before Huagui could nudge Muxue again, Muxue's eyes open and she look up at Huagui drowsily. Still leaning on his shoulders, she smiles softly.
"Thanks for comforting me," she whispers though it is loud enough for Thirteenth Prince and the Emperor to hear. Smiling gently, she tilts her head up, giving Huagui a gentle peck on the cheek. Huagui is shocked and flushes immediately but Muxue does not take notice. Thirteenth Prince and Yinzhen stare amazed at the scene. Neither has ever seen Muxue act so impulsively before. Muxue feels her hair, reaching for the butterfly pin. She takes it off and hands it to Huagui. "You should keep this for now," she says thrusting it into his hand.
Huagui puts on a front, shaking his embarrassment and happiness of being kissed by a girl away by offering a smirk. "But I've already gift it to you…"
Muxue gently shakes her head. "When I'm as free as that butterfly, then you can give it to me. But until then, I'll leave it in your capable hands for safekeeping. Don't worry, I will listen to your advice and try to live my life to its fullest," she says patting his hand and stands up unsteadily, heading to the table. He continues to sit, watching her leave.
Despite her rest, Muxue is still as drunk as ever. She grabs one of the bottles and takes a few additional sips from it before continuing her way out of the pavilion with a hand covering her month to prevent hiccupping. Standing in front of the Emperor, Muxue curtsies wobbly.
"Muxue offers auspicious greetings to Royal Ama, Thirteenth Uncle. Royal Ama and Thirteenth Uncle, you've finally come. Let's drink a bit together," she slurs.
Yinzhen watches the scene warily. He nods and turns his head towards Thirteenth Prince.
"We should head back now," he says quietly. Muxue nods, not answering Yinzhen. But as she heads towards Thirteenth Prince, she laughs loudly, acting just as drunk as before.
"Thirteenth Uncle, looks like Royal Ama doesn't want to drink but you and I can drink some more! I heard from Hongxiao that you're exceptionally good at drinking so you should have no problems drinking with me. Come! Come!" she waves and calls to Thirteenth Prince when she is close enough to him.
Yinzhen turns to Thirteenth Prince, his expression clearly conveying his message to his brother: 'get her on the carriage first.' Thirteenth Prince nods and grabs a hold of the swaying princess who is muttering and slurring her words together.
"Come on Muxue, let's get you home," he says calmly while she waves her arms wildly.
Yinzhen and Huagui could hear words of 'I'm not tired' and 'I'm fine, let's go drink some more' exchanged between Thirteenth Prince and Muxue as the two of them head back to the carriage. As soon as Thirteenth Prince and Muxue disappear, Huagui gets off from the swing, walks towards Yinzhen, and promptly kneels before Yinzhen.
"Auspicious greetings Emperor."
"Rise," says Yinzhen.
"Thank you Emperor," responds Huagui. Yinzhen silently observes Huagui.
"You are Zhen Huagui, the one who wrote the letters notifying me aren't you?" Yinzhen asks directly. Huagui smiles a little and nods.
"Yes, I figured one day out of the palace is more than enough for Muxue Gege's adventures."
"How and when did you find out about her identity?" Yinzhen continues to ask. As much as he is Emperor to such a vast Qing Empire, he is first and foremost a father. He has to ensure his daughter's safety and virtue is still intact.
Huagui nods, not at all frightened by the interrogation. "Actually, when I first saw Gege on the streets, I instantly knew who she was. She was at an accessories stand, looking at this pin," he answers, holding up the butterfly pin for the Emperor to see, "but she was then harassed by two drunken ruffians. I handled them for her and agreed to walk around with her. Originally, I had planned on taking Gege back to the palace right there and then. But the longer I walked with her, the more I realized Gege had no intentions of going back. If I had told her I was escorting her back, she would have definitely bolted. Since it was getting dark, I had no choice but to invite her over to my family's residence. We had dinner together and she stayed in the guest quarters that night."
"As to how I knew of her identity, I was also at the celebration dinner for the Mongolians in the palace and saw Gege dancing. Watching her dance, Huagui really thinks he has never seen anything more beautiful than her dancing. Dressed in pink silk and fluttering as she did, she looked more than ever like a butterfly flying freely through the air," Huagui answers dreamily.
Yinzhen sighs knowingly, recognizing infatuations when he hears them. "Did she tell you why she's so upset?" he asks.
Huagui nods in response. "She told me enough for me to put the pieces together. I mean no disrespect Emperor, but the princess just needs to work it out on her own. I can assure you she is not wounded physically in any way. Rather, she is wounded emotionally. In regards to what the princess has discussed with me, Emperor does not need to worry. Everything will remain confidential," answers Huagui.
Yinzhen nods, again pleased with Huagui's behavior and answers. "With your words, I am assured. You acted accurately and appropriately in this situation. When I go back to the palace, I will reward you handsomely."
Huagui bows respectfully. "Thank you kindly Emperor. But rewards are not needed. Emperor can bestow my rewards to my Jiu-jiu and cousin."
Yinzhen smirks, seeing the evident filial piety and honor from this young man. "Who is your uncle and cousin?" he asks.
Huagui looks up respectfully and gives Yinzhen the names. "My uncle is Akdun of the Janggiya clan. My cousin is Agui, son of Akdun."
"Since you have done exceptionally well and taken such care of my daughter during her travels, I will reward you and your whole family."
"Thank you Emperor for your kindness," answers Huagui.
Yinzhen turns to walk back to the carriage when he remembers something. "Are you part of the imperial court?" he asks Huagui. Huagui respectfully shakes his head.
"Emperor, I am currently not of age. However, I will be in three months and will be a part of the court then."
Yinzhen nods. "When you are able to attend court and visit the palace, you should visit my daughter if you have the time. I'm sure she will like it very much."
"Thank you for the advice Emperor. I bid you farewell," bows Huagui again. Yinzhen nods and turns, walking out of the garden.
Once in the carriage with Muxue, Thirteenth Prince sighs at the incredulous sight of the drunken Muxue. The young princess is still murmuring inaudible and random words. An occasionally laugh arises from Gege follow by the erratic waving of her arms. Eventually, the princess leans limply against Thirteenth Prince's shoulder, completely exhausted from her crying and drinking. The more Thirteenth Prince observes this sight, the more he sees of Ruoxi through her random words and her high tolerance for alcohol.
"Ruoxi ah Ruoxi, look at your daughter. She's more like you than ever. If times were a bit better and she were a bit older, she would have made an excellent drinking buddy for me. But look at her now, reduced to such a state and more recklessness than ever." He sighs once more. "You better look closely after her from wherever you are," he whispers to nobody in particular.
Yinzhen enters the carriage and sits down across from Thirteenth Prince. The carriage trots off. Yinzhen watches the sleeping Muxue with concern. Thirteenth Prince notices.
"Royal Brother does not have to be too concerned with Muxue. She just needs to sleep off the drinks and she should be good as new."
"I'm not concern about her physically," Yinzhen says lead back against the carriage tiredly, "I'm concern about her emotionally. From the looks of things, I'm wondering how Muxue will react when she is back in the palace."
Thirteenth Prince smiles and brushes some of Muxue's hair out of her flush face.
"Muxue is very understanding and intelligent girl. I'm sure she will be fine. If not, I'll talk with her about it after she awakes. How did the conversation go with that boy? From the looks of it, he is clearly smitten with Muxue."
Yinzhen grins. "This Zhen Huagui is the nephew Akdun, an extremely loyal official sent as part of the convoy to Korea. It seems Akdun's loyalty is just as evident in his nephew. That child is extremely intelligent, not afraid of maintaining honor and justice at any costs. Even when I questioned him, I sensed no malice from him towards Muxue. His intentions for her are pure and real. He really did good job protecting her all this time."
"But he didn't notify us until late last night. If he had already found her, why didn't he promptly bring her back to the palace?"
"That's the beauty of it," explains Yinzhen.
"He wrote to us late because he was concern about her welfare emotionally and physically. He had to be certain that Muxue could be convinced into returning. Zhen Huagui knows the instance he turns around, Muxue might mount a horse and flee further into the wilderness. He was not intending on receiving any rewards from this deed."
Yinzhen smiles, thinking back to his conversation with Huagui. "Funny thing is, that child reminds me a little bit of myself," says Yinzhen as he crosses his arms and closes his eyes for a brief rest.
Thirteenth Prince looks at his brother. It seems like finally, things are turning for the better. "Looks like Royal Brother is truly pleased by this boy," comments Thirteenth Prince.
Yinzhen opens his eyes. "I may like him as a nobleman and eventual imperial official. But I still have much to learn about him before I can make assertions on anything else. I've told him he can see Muxue as soon as he enters court. This way, I can see who he truly is both in and out," says Yinzhen.
Thirteenth Prince shakes his head. "Royal Brother really has this planned out. It's a shame Muxue is sleeping too deeply that she can't see all this worry you carry because of her. But then again, given Muxue's fiery persona perhaps she'll be more concern that you're trying to control who she's friends with and may even get upset that you're trying to play matchmaker."
Yinzhen closes his eyes, releasing a deep breath. "Thirteenth Brother that is the least of our concerns. Who knows how Muxue will react when she wakes up.
It is dusk by the time they return to the palace. The servants fawn over the carriage as soon as it comes to a stop in front of the Empress's suites. Yinzhen steps out and excuses all of them except for the two main ones normally serving Muxue. Thirteenth Prince steps out of the carriage, carrying a sleeping Muxue bridal-style in his arms. The servants immediately kneel, bowing and saying their greetings to the Emperor, Thirteenth Prince, and Muxue. Thirteenth Prince ignores them, brushing pass the servants and walking briskly into through the gates with the Emperor and two servants following closely.
In the courtyard of Muxue's chambers, the Empress and Qiaohui sees them coming and quickly rush over, ushering them into Muxue's rooms. Qiaohui instantly take charge, telling the servants to bring in a basin of warm water and to go ask the kitchen to ready some warm ginger soup. Along with the Emperor and Empress, Qiaohui watches as Thirteenth Prince gently lays Muxue down in her bed. He carefully covers Muxue with the blankets, tucking the princess in tightly.
The Empress turns worriedly to the Emperor. "Emperor, what happened?"
"Empress does not need to worry. Muxue is not hurt in anyway but as a precaution, I will ask the royal physician to look her over. Gao Wuyong," he calls.
"Servant is present," replies Gao Wuyong.
"Call forth the royal physician to look over Gege," he orders. Gao Wuyong nods and scurries to carry out the Emperor's commands.
Qiaohui returns with one of the maids following. "How did Gege happen to get so drunk?" she asks as the maids put the basin filled with warm water on the table and begin wetting the towel. Taking the wet towel, Qiaohui goes to Muxue's bedside, wiping the princess's flushed face.
Thirteenth Prince returns to stand next to the Emperor. "It's not a very big deal. Muxue just needs sleep. It's probably best if we step out and let her rest," he says to the Emperor and Empress. Yinzhen takes one last look at Muxue and turns to walk out with the Empress and Thirteenth Prince, leaving Qiaohui and her ladies to tend to the sleeping princess.
Muxue feels herself walking fuzzily in abstract space. She turns her head left and right, looking for something or someone but doesn't see anything. Suddenly, she hears a voice.
"Muxue, Muxue," calls the voice from a distance.
Muxue turns and finds herself staring directly at the smiling face of Ruoxi. "Gugu?" she asks uncertainly.
Ruoxi only smiles knowingly and continues to pour the tea. Muxue looks around, realizing she is one of the palace courtyards, sitting on the seats of a stone table. Looking up, Muxue realizes this is the same exact table that is in the courtyard of the tea attendant's suites.
"Gugu? Why are we here?" Muxue asks. Ruoxi continues to smile, as she continues the ancient practice of pouring the tea.
"This is the courtyard of where I used to live," Ruoxi explains, still pouring the tea ever so slowly. She lifts her eyes towards Muxue.
"But that is not the real question you have," she states knowingly. Muxue stares speechlessly. Ruoxi pours the cups over the teapot and hands Muxue one of the smelling cups. "You know the answer to your question. So why are you still unsure of what to do?" she asks.
Muxue takes a deep breath. "Gugu," she begins and then shakes her head, "no Uh-liang, don't you think I have been un-filial child?" she asks. "How is it that you're not upset I never called you 'uh-liang'? I don't even remember what you did for me except for the little memories I have of you. But even then, those are fuzzy. I feel like I've been lied to all my life."
The smile on Ruoxi's face never falters. "As long as you know you are my daughter, then that is more than enough for me. If you are happy, then I am happy. If you are sad, then I will be sad with you. I will never truly be far from you," says Ruoxi. She urges Muxue to drink her tea and begins drinking from her cup.
"Before, all the princes came to visit me for tea. Fourth, Eighth, Tenth, Thirteenth, and Fourteenth Prince would all come to this little courtyard, hoping I will pour the tea for them. But today, I have the honor of pouring tea for my own daughter," she says while drinking the tea. "Someday, perhaps you will be fortunate enough to have tea with your child."
"Uh-liang, what are you saying?" asks Muxue, as she takes a large sip of her tea.
Although she can only see the bottom of her cup, she hears gentle laughter erupting from Ruoxi. "My darling Muxue, how can you truly not know of your own feelings towards Zhen Huagui?" asks Ruoxi.
Muxue awakens, expecting to see Ruoxi but finds herself in the comforts of her chambers. She blearily rubs her eyes, her drunkenness still affecting her. "Never has my head hurt so much before," she thinks as she tries to sit up. Instantly, she feels someone beside her, helping her. It is Qiaohui.
"Gege let me help you," says Qiaohui as she gingerly grabs a hold of Muxue, helping to sit up. She then brings a cup of water for Muxue to drink. Muxue has her hands to her head, trying to massage the pain away.
"Gege, water." Muxue sips the water with Qiaohui's help.
"Qiaohui," she whispers, "Please speak quieter. Your voice is making my head hurt more."
Qiaohui laughs quietly. "Gege, you drank so much I'm not surprise that your head hurts. Thirteenth Prince says your tolerance is quite high," she whispers, handing a warm towel to Muxue. Muxue just nods, her head still hurting.
Qiaohui smiles amicably. "When you feel up to it, drink some of this hearty chicken soup. Then I'll help you dress. The Emperor and the Empress want to see you."
Muxue nods. Her head is starting to feel some relief from the warm towel. "Is Royal Ama angry?" she asks quietly as Qiaohui spoons some soup for her to drink. Qiaohui shakes her head lightly.
"The Emperor is not angry at all. He doesn't say much, but I can tell he's been very concern about you this whole time. He also got quite angry at Third Prince when he found out you talked with him."
Muxue doesn't say anything but nod, allowing Qiaohui to help her dress into a lavender qipao. After dressing and fixing Muxue's hair properly for the morning greetings to the Emperor and Empress, Qiaohui accompanies Muxue to the Empress's quarters.
"Emperor, Muxue Gege has arrived," announces Gao Wuyong.
"Send her in," says Yinzhen.
Muxue and Qiaohui enter the Empress's quarters, curtsying respectively.
"Auspicious greetings to the Emperor and Empress."
"Auspicious greetings to Royal Ama, Royal Uh-liang." The Empress immediately stands up bidding the ladies to rise.
"Rise quickly. Muxue are you feeling better?" asks the Empress.
Muxue stands silently not responding. The Empress looks to Yinzhen but also does not say anything. The Emperor sighs. "Qiaohui, you may go."
Qiaohui glances worriedly at Muxue before nodding. "Yes." She leaves the Empress's quarters, closing the door behind her.
As soon as the doors are closed, Muxue walks towards the Empress and kneels down, bowing three times. Yinzhen and the Empress stand immediately in shock.
"Muxue, what are you doing? Rise quickly," says the Empress as she reaches down to help Muxue. Muxue shakes her head.
"Muxue is not filial as she caused pain for her parents. Muxue should not have run from the palace. If Royal Ama and Royal Uh-liang wish to punish Muxue, Muxue will accept it wholeheartedly."
The Empress tearfully looks down at Muxue. "Since you know the truth, why do you still call me as such? I almost killed you when I offered you the snacks the other day. If anyone is to ask for punishment, it should be me," she cries.
"Royal Uh-liang, you have done nothing wrong," Muxue calmly replies. "You have cared for me, watched over me, protected me, and guided me all through life. If not for you, I know I will not be who I am today. Although you are not my mother, but you still acted as a mother towards me. As for not telling me, Muxue also understands. Muxue knows Royal Ama and Royal Uh-liang did not tell Muxue because they want to protect Muxue. The day I was drunk, Zhen Huagui told me the story of his family. He lost his family when he was very young. But still, he lived his life happily. He also said that if I really want to be filial, then I need to live my life to its fullest and not worry Royal Ama and Royal Uh-liang anymore," says Muxue.
She gets up and links her arms with the Empress. "Yesterday while I was sleeping, I dreamed of Gugu," she continues and that as if remembering, turns to Yinzhen worriedly; talking of Gugu is still forbidden. Yinzhen smiles and nods, asking her to continue silently.
"In my dream, Gugu was pouring me tea in the residence courtyard she used to live in. She says as long as I know I am her daughter, then that is more than enough. More importantly if I am happy, then she is happy. After I heard these words, my heart feels a lot calmer," says Muxue.
The Empress nods knowingly. "If this is truly what you believe and how you feel, then I'm happy for you," says the Empress smiling gently.
Muxue suddenly frowns cutely. "But at the end of the dream, right before I woke up, Uh-liang told me something I don't understand," she states. Yinzhen smiles.
"What did she tell you?" he asks, indulging her dream as if it were real.
Muxue ponders for bit. "Uh-liang said she hopes that I will be fortunate enough to have tea with my child. But I'm not even married! Uh-liang also asked Muxue how I do not know of my feelings towards Zhen Huagui. Royal Ama, you tell me, what does Uh-liang mean by that?" she asks dubiously.
Yinzhen and the Empress glance at each other before bursting out in laughter. Muxue looks confusingly between the two of them. "What? What's so funny?" she demands, looking as spoiled as ever. Suddenly her expression changes to that of horror as she realizes what Yinzhen and the Empress's reason is for laughing.
"Royal Ama, don't be mistaken. This is nothing going on between me and that Zhen Huagui. We are just acquaintances and nothing more," she exclaims before crossing her arms. Yinzhen and the Empress nod knowingly, a smirk appearing on both their faces. Muxue realizes that neither of them believes her words completely.
"What I said is true so there should be no misunderstanding of it," she continues. Yinzhen continues to stare at her knowingly. "It's true," she pleads, "nothing happened between us."
Yinzhen decides he doesn't want to let his daughter off the hook so easily for having worried him for two days. He continues his teasing. "If it really is nothing, why did you kiss him?" he asks with a smile. Muxue's mouth drops in shock.
"Kiss him? Why would I kiss him? He stuck to me like glue and never left my side! What an idiot! And his name 'Zhen Huagui'? Who does he think he is? Really some 'luxurious treasure'?"
Yinzhen shakes his head, laughing as if he knows Muxue is in denial. "Don't you deny about that kiss. Your Thirteenth Uncle was also present. He saw it as clearly as I did."
Muxue kicks herself mentally at having both her Thirteenth Uncle and Royal Ama around to witness such embarrassment, not to mention in front of this Zhen Huagui. The more she thinks of it, the more embarrass she becomes.
"Well, I was drunk then," she offers as an excuse. "How I am supposed to know what I've done or said while I was drunk."
"Yet you seem to remember what Zhen Huagui said to you," points out the Empress. Muxue is speechless and blushes a brighter shade of red. It is uncertain whether her face is as such out of anger or embarrassment.
"Royal Uh-liang, you have to help me. Gugu may be my true Uh-liang, but you are also my Uh-liang. Therefore, Royal Uh-liang you have to say some helpful words for me," she whines, tugging on the sleeves of the older woman.
The Empress is touched by Muxue's words and looks at Muxue with glistening eyes of happiness. Yinzhen sees this and while proud of his daughter, he feels he cannot relent on the teasing.
"Look, even your Royal Uh-liang is getting misty," he says before turning to the Empress.
"Looks like our daughter is growing up. I may have to organize a marriage for you soon," he muses to Muxue's utter horror. She continues to tug on the Empress's sleeves.
"Royal Uh-liang, look! See how Royal Ama is treating me. As for that, Zhen Huagui, I am never marrying him! Even if he's the last man on this earth, I still won't marry him! He may look all kind and nice at first, but he's always so sure of himself. And," she emphasizes, "he smiles too much. How can I marry such a conceited man?" she asks to the amusement of Yinzhen and the Empress.
"So you have been thinking a lot about Zhen Huagui then?" teases Yinzhen. "For someone who claims to not like him so much, you sure seem to say a lot about him."
Muxue becomes indignant. "Royal Ama, Muxue will not discuss this anymore with you. As far as I am concern, Zhen Huagui can walk off the edge of a mountain for all I care." She curtsies formally.
"Muxue will take her leave now. Muxue still has a lot to do other than think about stupid idiots like Zhen Huagui," she says walking huffily away. The Emperor turns, a smile plastered on his face.
"Where are you going?" he asks.
"I'm going back to my chambers to finish a present for Hongxiao. Because of that idiot Zhen Huagui, I lost two days of work. Now I have to hurry to finish it. If I ever see him again, I'll make him pay!" she mutters bouncing out of the sanctum to the hilarity of the Empress and Emperor.
The Empress raises a handkerchief to her mouth to hide her mirth. "Emperor, looks like your daughter is still as spunky as ever. Looks like not even leaving the palace did any good for her temper," she comments.
Yinzhen looks playfully indignant at the Empress. "Empress, what are you saying? She's your daughter just as much as she is mine. She is like this because you spoil her as such. Looks like, we have to tighter our rules with regards to her," says Yinzhen as the two of them happily watch Muxue's skipping back retreat out of the chambers and into the courtyard before disappearing.