"WHAT?! THAT SLUT IS BACK?"

Zhenzhen slammed the top of her wooden table. How could she believe that the slut would returned in time for her engagement reveal.

"Your Highness, Crown Princess. please calm yourself down."

The quick witted little maid quickly spoke, making sure to stress on the word crown princess.

On the other hand, her lady turned away. Pretending to be straighfaced.

But sadly, Zhenzhen couldn't hide her happiness in her eyes when she heard her maid calling her Crown Princess.

It was soon to be true in just a matter of days anyways. A few days earlier wouldn't kill anyone.

With a glimmer in her eyes the little maid reported what she had witness at the gates. Having come back from just visiting her family she caught the whole incident that happened at the main gates.

"Crown Princess, that little bitch thinks highly if herself. She even followed the 4th Prince Tianhuo into the palace to report to the Emperor on their return. I heard that they walked into the Great hall on top of a stunning white horse as soon as they entered the capital."

Zhenzhen's eyes grew wider as she listened to what had transpired.

" On top of the horse? Who allowed her such rights? I'm guessing the Emperor punished them harshly for breaking the court rules."

Who didn't know that the Great Hall where the Emperor and his various officials and ministers held their daily discussions were one of the most expensive place in the palace.

The very floor they walked,stood and sat on were inlaid with gold pieces carved into a magnificent golden dragon with 4 claws to signify the powerful heavenly dragon. Even a stone fragment from it would be able to feed a village for months.

Watching her little maids appearance, Zhenzhen felt it odd and quickly looked questioningly at her.

" No... The Emperor was surprised as she not only brought them victory, but the..w-whole southern army has pledge to follow that woman as their Commanding General. "

The little maids voice shranked as she saw the colour fade from Zhenzhen's face.

" How can that be?! There's no woman ever to be a commanding general! Surely the Emperor is not that stupid... Either that or your sources are unreliable!"

Zhenzhen frown as she threw the little jade teacup at her maid as though the words spoken were rubbish. Hitting her on the corner of the forehead, little blood sipping out from the wound.

"Crown Princess please calm yourself. It is true... My sources are but rumors and might not be completely true."

Silence followed as soon as she finished her sentence.

But the longer Zhenzhen thought about the issue, the more she felt her blood boil.

There's a saying that every rumor has some truth in it.

Finally unable to settle, she flipped the small tea table in frustration, biscuits and jade cups and pot flying all over. Zhenzhen couldn't believe her ears.

Even if it was but a rumor, if it really came true then would that slut suddenly rise to a higher position and power? She would have the power to influence the struggle for the throne!

' how can that bitch Feiyun change so much?'

No... she did not recognise this person.

To think that little bitch that she use to bully and treat like a slave would suddenly rise up like this.

"What are you raging and flipping tables for? Did I raise such a wild child?! How can a crown princess have such bearing. "

Concubine Xia, no... she was no longer just a concubine but now the first wife. Ever since the edict to marry Zhenzhen came to their residence, the General Xue quickly elevated Concubine Xia to first wife. Since Feiyun was no longer part of the Xue residence he did not need to worry about it. Zhenzhen also became an official daughter of the Xue family.

A sharp voice of her mother resounded sternly as she walked in, avoiding the broken pieces strewn all over the floor.

" Mother. Did you hear? That slut is back! She even managed to survive the assassins sent by the crown prince. How can you still be calm like this? My heart aches and burns when I think of what she did to qiqi."

Upon hearing the name of her late daughter, Madame Xia immediately loss the gentle smile on her face. Turning dark and cold she quietly sat down beside Zhenzhen, a cold hand on her daughter's.

" I won't rest until I've avenged Qi'er. But don't worry, in 3 days the grand ceremony will be held. After that whether she begs or cry I will make sure I see blood spill from her body. "

Her voice was ice cold but Zhenzhen agreed. There was no way she will let that bitch off. Once she was crown princess even if Feiyun was a general or whatever, she still had to kneel infront of her.

------- 3 days later-----

Zhenzhen sat in front of her dressing table.

The finest quality of powder on her face, eyebrows drawn gentle and willow. A print of pink lotus in between her brows.

Her hair pulled into a half braid with 2 hand crafted pearl and gold pins. A chain of thin gold hung from each end of the pins dangling a lotus flower that jingled as she walked.

Her dress of the finest quality of pink silk known as the baby silk. Each roll of this baby silk cloth could only be bought through auction for the highest bidder. Naturally the price would be incredibly high.

On her long dress, sewn with care and diligence a variety of flowers as though it was real and moved as Zhenzhen walked.

Her maids around her gasped in awe when Zhenzhen finished her liptint by herself, place the red paper back onto the dresser.

"Crown princess is truly beautiful!"

" We are luck to be able to serve crown princess."

" At this rate won't crown princess be able to make even the moon god fall for her?"

They whispered just loud enough for it to drift to Zhenzhen ears. A wide grin appeared on her face as she pretended to scold them.

"Don't say that! I am not yet the princess consort."

One could say that her words and expression were two worlds apart.

Today was finally the day of announcing the Crown Princess officially.

Staring back at herself, a glint of cold flashed in her eyes.

After years of hard work, chasing and scheming for the crown prince's attention, how could she not feel accomplished.

Not to mention once she was officially the Crown Princess, with the little child in her belly, she will secure her route to Empress.

Placing a hand on her womb, she took a deep breath.

As she stepped out of her door, Infront of her a 8 man palanquin prepared to get her from her courtyard to the front gate where the carriage was waiting.

Her heart pounded as she stepped in and was brought to the carriage.

A sandalwood crafted carriage pulled by 6 horses waited her arrival. A grand procession accompanied by royal sigils and a group of musicians and guards.

After a long but heartpounding journey, she arrived at the Great Hall. The sound of music and scent of food wafted through the air.

" Your ladyship, we have arrived. " The royal driver announced.

A knock rapped against the carriage door and cold familiar voice appeared from the other side.

"Hurry up. Everyone is waiting."

She felt her heart sank slightly. Ever since the day she told Ruofeng about her pregnancy, even seeing him for a second became hard. She felt him becoming colder and colder.

Yet she still believed that he loved her, otherwise why would he marry her?

Quickly standing up, she hurriedly open the carriage door to find a handsomely dressed Roufeng waiting for her.

Although he did look slightly reluctant, he still reached out to lend a hand to her as she stepped out.

After all he had an image to uphold. In front of the various ministers and officials. He quickly hid his annoyance and smiled warmly.

Leading his crown princess into the Great hall. Upon their arrival, the people who had assembled inside quickly stood up in greeting to the crown prince.

Although no one said it, everyone knew the lady beside him was the crown princess to be. Some watched in envy while other smile in approval.

Such a beautiful lady, known as the number one lady in the capital. With gentle features like flower and captivating eyes that sparkled like diamonds. Her smile warm and dazzling like the warmth of a morning sun.

Who wouldn't be envious of the crown prince for being able to get such a lady. How many families son have tried but ended in failure.

Glancing to the side, Zhenzhen saw her mother and father sitting to the side much nearer to the Dragon chair than before she felt satisfied. Having raised her family's status to be on par with the royal members.

Taking her seat beside Ruogfeng, she quietly watched the music. Keeping her head down and pretending not to care about the stares from the people.

Quickly she scanned the surrounding she noticed that the seat directly across her was empty. A sneer formed on her face.

'Definitely getting punished for breaking the rules.'

Thinking that Feiyun wasn't here because she got punished for riding a horse into the Great hall was a mistake on Zhenzhen's part.

How was she to know that even if she did break the rules, the emperor would still be hesitant to punish in fear of Tianhuo's power.

Who didn't know that in the entire palace, the God of War was the only one who didn't hesistate to not give face to the Emperor. What makes you think that he would arrived on time for a mere crown prince's wedding announcement.

Just as she was sipping on her tea, a flowery voice announced the arrival of the Emperor JunZhan and his Empress Mu HuaRong.

Everyone stood up and bowed low as the greetings resounded in the Great hall.

"Long live the Emperor and Empress."

As he settled down on his Dragon throne, he allowed his people to rise.

"Rise, rise. Today is a auspicious event let us go easy on the formalities. I have 2 great news to announce. "

Hearing that his father had 2 great news confused him slightly but Roufeng quickly dismissed it. His felt moody and annoyed for being forced into this marriage. He picked the wine glass to the side and drank it quickly.

Anger brewing in his eyes the longer he thought about it. Just killing that quack physician wasnt enough to quell his anger.

Emperor JunZhan scanned the room quickly, realising that Tianhuo and Feiyun were not here, he frowned and felt his blood start to boil. Even now he was not given face.

Yet suddenly he felt a chill run down his spine. Just then an obviously scared voice sounded from the entrance of the Great hall.

"4-4th p-prince Tianhuo and Princess Consort Feiyun have arrive."

At that moment, everyone turned their attention to the doors, preparing to get up in greeting once again. But what they saw sent their chins to the floor.

Some stumbled in fright, legs giving way, cold sweat formed on thier backs while others held a shocked expression but tried to remain calm.

On a majestic white steed, Feiyun was dressed in a pure white dress that fluttered as the majestic beast walked in.

Her face covered by a white half mask that revealed a flawless chin and red supple lips. Her hair flowing behind her pulled into a half flower braid with 4 golden hand crafted cranes. Each dangling a priceless blue sapphire gem stone.

The blue in the stones brought out her eyes that were a deep and magnetising as she glanced to some sending their hearts pounding and their face flushing.

If the lady beside the crown prince was a beauty then the Princess Consort Feiyun, even without showing her face already appeared 10 times more attractive. There was just something about her that drew peoples attention.

Each motion she made, a small tilt of her head or a gentle motion of her hands, they found the breath stuck and eyes glued to her.

Beside her, walking in together. The Deathly God of War.

He was the same as usually, devilishly handsome appearance cladded in a full black robe with a silver Tigers prowling down each shoulder sleeve.

His hair tied into a simple high ponytail flowing in a black cascading waterfall as he led the white horse with Feiyun sitting proudly on top.

Even if you wanted, their arrival and presence was hard to ignore. Their outfits although contrasting in color and mood somehow made a perfect painting. As though a painting had come to life.

How could anyone ignore such a sight. Together the couple easily drew the attention of everyone.

"The Devil and the Celestial Maiden..."

Although no one knew who whispered those words, many agreed in their hearts.

Everyone knew that the white horse of Tianhuo's was a renowned stallion that was wild and untamed. Even a master tamer couldn't break the horse.

His speed and size was unmatched among the lesser breeds. It's fur, mane and tail was as white as snow and soft as silk.

Yet it respected and surrendered to Tianhuo with just the first meeting.

It's intelligent dark eyes clearly understood it was the center of attention and it held its head high. Only the clopping of its hooves on the expensive jade and marble floor resounded as it drew closer to the Dragon Chair.

Many eyed the hooves that clopped on the priceless floor. Quietly swallowing saliva. Waiting for the Emperor to blow his top.

The pin drop silence in the hall was eerie. It was no secret, even those that were in the furthest corner of the Great hall could feel the cold pressure coming out from Tianhuo, wondering which idiot managed to anger the 4 Prince to this extent.

Many not knowing that that Idiot was their own Emperor.

Having heard the entire story from Sakura, Tianhuo was doing his best holding his anger at bay. He refused to greet the scum of a man sitting on the throne.

Once they arrived at the front, many people expected Tianhuo's greeting but he instantly turned to his seat and brought Feiyun down from BaiFeng's back.

Setting her down on her seat and then proceeding to comfy himself beside her. The intelligent animal quietly took to the side. Standing with its head down in a relax manner as though waiting for it's next command.

Of course Emperor JunZhan was enraged. Not greeting him was expected but usually he would get a bow. His time his existence was completely ignored. Even that wife of his completely showed no formalities.

And to think he brought his wild horse into the Great hall again simply slapping his face multiple times. What a son.

Clenching his fist Emperor JunZhan stared daggers towards the couple. His thoughts racing on how he should punish. He pledged to destroy that animal for all it's worth.

But quickly his attention was broken by Ruofeng's voice.

"This Prince welcomes back brother Tianhuo. I have heard about the victory to the south. What a wonderful wife you have. Congratulations."

Although the words were kind, Ruofeng's tone was filled with sarcasm.

Zhenzhen frowned slightly, how can the Emperor have nothing to say about Feiyun riding a damn horse in?

Tianhuo paid no attention to him merely continuing to place some meat onto Feiyun's bowl.

If not for Feiyun wanting to attend, this kind of party he would have rather burnt down the entire hall of despicable people who murdered and schemed against his true family.

"Sister. I am glad you came back safely. I...I was so worried when I heard you left for the south. "

Zhenzhen saw the opportunity to show the people her kind and gentle side quickly spoke without waiting.

Feiyun turned slightly to glance at her with a smirk in her eyes.

Zhenzhen felt anger rushed inside of her. That look of Feiyun's was definitely a look of sarcasm.

Everyone heard it audibly and felt their heart aches when they saw the gentle Zhenzhen's face sank when she did not get a response from Feiyun.

But still they dared not to say a thing and only watched in pity.

"Your majesty, today I heard there were 2 great news you wished to share?"

The Empress Mu HuaRong quickly added in drawing the tense atmosphere back to a slightly breathable place.

The other ministers and officials could finally breath and resumed to quietly snacking and drinking their wine. Keeping a careful watch on what was about to transpire.

Clearing his throat, Emperor JunZhan reached out to a scroll that his attendant promptly held out.

A golden seal and jade sigil signifying the scroll in his hands were of utmost importance.

"Today... I have gathered everyone in this banquet hall to announce 2 great news. Let us start the banquet with a joyous news!

Firstly, my son and crown prince, Xing Roufeng is hereby decreed to marry Xue Zhenzhen as his crown Princess 2 weeks from now. "

Hearing the news officially announced, Zhenzhen felt a tingle of excitement and a relief of stress. After all that hardwork she was finally seeing it bare fruits.

Her dream to become a princess, her dream to marry the man she loved, her dream for revenge everything is slowly coming true.

Many officials and ministers clapped and congratulated then engaged couple. Nodding in approval while some hid their blatant disapproval.

But Feiyun hid a smirk with her hands. The plot she set has already entered phase one. How could she not be excited to watch it all unfold.

'Blood for blood.' - that was her promise to the previous Feiyun.

Helping Zhenzhen up, the couple walked to the center and bowed deep with their hands in front.

" We thank Father Emperor and Mother Empress for bestowing us happiness."

"No need, quickly rise. Go back and enjoy the banquet."

Emperor Junzhan's chuckle sounded through the hall as he allowed the couple to return to their seat.

The banquet resumed and dancers were brought in. Although there were smiles on the faces, deep down everyone wondered what the 2nd announcement would be that it was dragged until the end.

They had their guesses as the rumors of Feiyun's achievement has spread. But many believed that the Emperor would not approve of naming a female as Commanding General.

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