My Empress From The Future
Bride of the Emperor
The results of the election competition for the empress will be announced this afternoon. General Li's family, Chu officials' family and minister Kang's family were all present at the palace. So are officials of various levels. Dance and music are played with joy. The fragrant aroma of wine was oozing in the air. A variety of dishes are served on each table. The atmosphere feels so good.
Only the three young girls sitting with their families were nervous. One of them is very ambitious and confident he will win. One of them felt calm and airy chest, while the last one felt that his life was on the edge by marrying the Emperor.
After some time had passed by enjoying the dance, now Emperor Tian Yi would say his decision.
"My dear officials. Today is one of the historic days for our great Wu kingdom. The three noble daughters had completed the task given by the Queen Mother yesterday. Today Zhen will choose one of those who is worthy and has the ability to be a mother to all people."
"His Majesty the Emperor is wise." Excite all who are there.
"The empress candidate was chosen based on her competence to complete three tasks given by the Queen Mother. Read the competition!"
"Your Majesty."
Eunuch Hui, the Eunuch from the Empress Dowager's palace started to read the results of the competition.
"The results of the competition conducted by the three noble daughters are as follows. First stage, embroider. With embroidery skills, a woman will be seen as delicate and gentle. She will be a mother to all people and a good mother. The most beautiful embroidery is Miss Meihua's embroidery. The embroidery of the Hong and Dragon birds representing the Emperor and empress."
Everyone present applauded loudly. The General's family froze in their seats. They don't seem to believe in the outcome. Especially Meihua.
"Stage two, painting. With the painting skills of a woman will be viewed highly anyone. The painting that deserves to decorate the Queen Mother's private room is Miss Hongmei's painting. But the Queen Mother had never seen a painting like that of Miss Meihua, such a bold play of color had never been seen in the Wu kingdom. The queen mother wanted this painting to be also installed along with Miss Mingfen's painting in the palace hall."
The entire hall was again crowded with applause.
"What the fuck? Why did I win, but their painting is also wanted by the Queen mother?" inner Hongmei. The girl clenched both her hands. "Wouldn't all my hard work have been for nothing!"
"The last stage is literary art. A woman who understands literature will look graceful wherever she is. Literature makes everyone feel happy. Miss Meihua and Miss Hongmei's answers were both interesting. The winner is Miss Hongmei. Done."
A louder hand clap sounded this time. All pairs of eyes stared at the seated Kang family. Everyone put their hands together and congratulated the Kang family.
"I'm definitely the one who won. The fate of becoming an empress is my destiny. How could I lose?" Hongmei smiled with satisfaction.
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"I did choose Miss Hongmei as the winner for the third task. But, Miss Meihua's reply also pleased me. Clever girl, you understand about governing the country and satisfying the people," the Queen Mother praised Meihua. Now almost all pairs of eyes back to look at Meihua.
"Thank you for the praise of the Queen Mother, I only write what my thoughts are. Regulating the country and satisfying the people is certainly only His Majesty the Emperor who controls it."
Meihua humbled herself. Being stared at by so many people made him uncomfortable.
"You're good at being humble, don't be discouraged. My decision and His Majesty the Emperor is different. I'm just testing and making sure that the Emperor's companion should be a truly deserving girl."
"Hamba doesn't dare, Queen Mother."
"Zhen will announce the empress candidate whom Zhen has chosen. The other two girls would be Zhen's consort of honor and would enter the palace two months after Zhen's marriage to the Empress. Zhen chose Li Meihua as Empress Zhen."
As soon as the Emperor finished announcing his decision, whispers spread throughout the hall like the hum of bees. Everyone questioned Emperor Tian Yi's decision.
"What's? Why is it that Miss Meihua, isn't Miss Hongmei who won the two stages of the competition?"
"Is that fair? Meihua is just a foster child!"
"really. Only an adopted child lives in the village and happens to have a good answer."
"Why is this why she is the empress, while I must be satisfied with the position of the concubine of honor?" Hongmei glanced at Meihua fiercely. If the sight of the eyes could kill, then Meihua must have been stiffened by now.
"Ah, lucky brother Meihua, I'm glad he got chosen," Mingfen commented smilingly at Meihua.
"It's a real joke. My son won and that adopted daughter became empress?" Minister Kang blatantly showed a dissatisfied face.
"Pity Miss Mingfen, she didn't win at all."
"What are you talking about? The son of a servant can she be an empress?"
"Don't talk recklessly, miss Mingfen remains a concubine of honor later."
"I think the Emperor made the wrong decision."
"Your Majesty. Wasn't the slave's daughter the one who won the two stages of the competition? Should've...."
Uncompleted minister Kang defended his daughter, the Emperor has sharply beaten him.
"Minister Kang doubted Zhen's choice? You think Zhen didn't carefully consider this choice?"
"Hamba does not dare His Majesty. Forgive me. Forgive me, servant." Minister Kang's apology was only coldly responded by the Emperor.
The stitches are still heard from various angles. Many questioned the emperor's decision. Some even feel dissatisfied.
"Zhen understands this decision raises a question mark for you. But as the Queen Mother said, Zhen's decision with the Queen Mother's decision could have been different. Does anyone still doubt Zhen's words?"the tone of Emperor Tian Yi's voice rose, the words contained a cold tone.
"We dare not Your Majesty."
All bowed, no one dared to look up, however the words of the Emperor were like the word of heaven. That is why the Emperor is often referred to as the Son of Heaven.
"Miss Meihua, do you mind Zhen's decision? Will you be my queen? To be the mother of all the people of the kingdom of Wu?"
Meihua trembled violently in her chair. The thing he was afraid of happened before his eyes. Now the question of the Emperor is like a bolt of lightning striking in broad daylight. If he dared to refuse, then the entire General's family would be punished for rejecting the Emperor's words. If he accepted it, wouldn't the happiness he dreamed of be lost?
Seeing Meihua tremble and not yet answering the Emperor's question, Madam Lianhua panicked. It quickly touched Meihua's hands that were interlocked. The small touch made Meihua know she had to make a decision.
"In reply to His Majesty the Emperor, I dare not refuse the Emperor's decision, I am willing."
Another mouth in the heart, in his heart Meihua unceasingly regretted her situation. Goodbye to freedom and happiness.
"The Li family is grateful for the kindness of His Majesty the Emperor and the Queen Mother. May His Majesty the Emperor live for thousands of years, may the Queen Mother live for thousands of years."
General Li presided over the homage to the Emperor and the Queen Mother.
"Rise! The wedding will take place ten days from now. That day was a lucky day that the palace priest had chosen. Your family is quite prepared for the bride, all other things have been done by the palace" said the Emperor.
"We understand, Your Majesty."
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The days that followed, General Li's residence was really busy. The servants were ordered to prepare red wedding decorations, clean the courtyard, prepare banquets, prepare bridal palanquins, provide compensation for the poor and beggars.
In her room, Meihua absolutely must not do anything that could make her tired or even injured. He could just sit, lie down, read a book, and do it in his room. I can't go to the library at all. Every day, the mother will bring a number of maids to give massages, help clean themselves, take care of her body and face.
Tonight Meihua wants to soak in the warm water with flowers. Various flowers that emit a fragrant smell, and warm water makes Meihua who was soaking so relaxed. At that time there were only three female servants who helped him.
When it was finished and was wearing clean clothes to prepare for sleep, the waiter standing by the window suddenly collapsed with an arrow stuck in his back. A few more arrows shot towards them. The other two servants immediately screamed loudly and pushed Meihua to run away. They were hit by other arrows. They voluntarily became a shield for Meihua, to save themselves.
The commotion that occurred in the Spring Pavilion attracted the attention of the guards who were walking around. One of the guards shouted loudly, "There's an intruder. Protect Miss Meihua!"
A group of soldiers came in droves led by Hao Chen, heading towards the Spring Pavilion. The assassin who had been caught even took a thousand steps. Hao Chen led the chase tenaciously.
Despite being under siege, the killer showed absolutely no trepidation. Being part of a killer organization makes him have to be ready with all the risks. Unwilling to get caught without putting up a fight, the three assassins began to attack quickly.
Their movements were so fast and well organized, the soldiers were certainly not balanced opponents. Very soon, many of the soldiers lost their lives. The inflamed Hao Chen decided to attack the three at once.
General Li and his wife who got the report that Meihua was attacked directly came to the Spring Pavilion in a hurry.
"Hua'er did anyone get hurt?" Lianhua asked worriedly.
"Hua'er are you hurt? Are you feeling any pain?" General Li was even worried.
"Mother's father, Hua'er is fine. Just surprised, but my servants were killed, "sorry Meihua.
"It's okay, what happened doesn't need to be regretted. I will give my family. If he had a brother, father would have taken him into the military."
"Really dad? Meihua felt guilty. That arrow should have hit me. But the ladies are protecting me."
"of course. Now you need to calm down! Let your mother accompany you here. Father will help Hao Chen take care of them."
"My husband be careful!"
"Dad. Take care of yourself!"
Lianhua and her daughter were sitting side by side on Meihua's bed.
"Hua'er you should change your clothes and comb your hair! Let me help you. Oh yeah, where's Li Mei?"
"Li Mei is preparing my mother's wedding dress."
"alright. After this the mother will have people replace her, so that she can rest. Come here, I'll put your hair down."
"Thank you mother."
Lianhua combed Meihua's hair slowly. Meihua herself is daydreaming. This attempted murder addressed to him did indeed make him shaken.
"Mothers. Who wants my death?"
Lianhua's hand movement stopped. He saw Meihua's face reflected in the copper mirror.
"Your status is now the future Empress consort of the Emperor. Of course there are many people who want your death! Hua'er in the future you should always be careful!"
"good. Mother's advice will always be Hua'er remembered."
"Good daughter." Lianhua smiled. This girl had only been her daughter for a few days, now she had to take it off again. Although the General's residence and the royal palace were not that far away, but with Meihua's future status, he was afraid that it would be difficult to find him in the palace.
Meihua thought fast. Not only was she empress, she almost lost her life. Now he must be more careful in everything. Now is the time to show that Meihua is not a girl who is easily bullied.
Whoever it is I'll investigate, I'll make sure he gets a reply. I have accepted my destiny as empress, but there are still those who so desire my death. If I don't get back at all of this, aren't I being too kind?
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The wedding day has finally arrived. During the ten days in the General's residence, there were many attacks aimed at Meihua. The assassination attempt was just the beginning of a series of other assassination attempts. The poisoned cake, the servant who tried to kill Meihua for revenge, to the Spring Pavilion which was on the verge of burning.
But with the protection of the General and Hao Chen who occasionally accompanied Meihua, all that could be avoided.
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The morning sun had crept out of his contest. His warm rays swept across the entire earth justly. Today is the day of Meihua's appointment as the royal consort of Wu.
Meihua who had been dressed looked so beautiful wearing a red wedding dress embroidered with Phoenix birds. The crown of the Phoenix on his head felt heavy, with a sprinkling of precious stones and skewers of konde swaying every Meihua stepped up.
After wearing the crown, Meihua's head will be covered in a red veil, only the husband will open it in the bridal room.
After the time was almost up, Meihua rode on a luxurious stretcher accompanied by a group of people who played music happily. A group of maids and soldiers also joined the journey to the royal palace. The bridal motorcade was the grandest bridal accompaniment in all corners of the Wu kingdom.
Arriving at the palace, Eunuch Kang welcomed the arrival of the bride. Every corner of the palace shone with a red color that brought good luck. From the first gate to the wedding altar only the color red dominates.
The emperor who sat so majestically waiting for his empress, stood up after the bride's arrival. A priest who is believed to lead the wedding ceremony began to recite prayers for the smooth process of the wedding ceremony.
"Your Majesty the Emperor.The time of fortune has come" the priest said.
"Start!"
"Your Majesty. Please the bride stand side by side with His Majesty the Emperor."
Meihua was pushed by Li Mei to the side of the Emperor, both standing side by side.
"The wedding ceremony's starting." Eunuch Kang's shout pierced through the silence.
"First, honor the heavens and the earth." The two brides began to show up to heaven and earth.
"Second, respect to parents." The two brides saluted the Queen Mother.
"Third, the bride and groom salute each other." The two brides came face to face and started bowing to pay respect to each other. After the three honors were done, the sacred ceremony was completed.
"Congratulations to His Majesty the Emperor and Empress. Congratulations to the kingdom of Wu who has a mother for all the people."
After the wedding ceremony, congratulations and wedding gifts came from Wu's royal officials and ministers. Meihua was then escorted to the Golden Palace, the Emperor's residence. While the Emperor himself was still in the main hall of the palace to entertain the guests.
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In that golden dragon-like room, Meihua was not calm at all. His fingers squeezed and clasped tightly together. Cold sweat adorned his temples covered in red veils. This was the second time both of them had entered the Emperor's private room.
"May'er, are you there?"
"Yes miss. Li Mei is here, does Miss need anything?" Li Mei approached her nona.
"I'm so nervous. Mei'er is there any more ceremony after this?"
"No miss. Just the ritual of drinking wedding wine and removing the veil. After that we'll step down."
"Yes already. Leave me!"
"None right."
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The banquet ceremony was finished almost midnight. Emperor Tian Yi accompanied Eunuch Kang back to the Golden Palace. The door was opened by Eunuch Kang, after the Emperor entered, the door was again closed by Eunuch Kang.
The first sight that greeted Tian Yi was his bride sitting upright with her head occasionally nodding. At a glance the young Emperor knew, Meihua had fallen asleep in a sitting position.
The red veil from Meihua's head, in her view, was that alluring beautiful face. Unfortunately, the usually beautiful sparkling eyes were closed.
Slowly at the trunk of her delicate white cheeks. The beautiful face that from the first time she saw him, she was completely unable to calm down. Now the owner of that beautiful face will be his, only his. It did not matter that the girl did not want to marry him at all. After all, he is the ruler of this country, he deserves any girl in any way.
The emperor, who was still fascinated by Meihua's face, did not realize that the owner of the face had woken up. Not yet had the Emperor said anything, a shrill shriek adorned the cold and desolate night. The scream came from the Emperor's private room. What exactly is going on?