章 24: Chu Bei Market

After traveling for 9 hours, they finally reached the small city of Chu Bei. Chu Bei was not as flourishing as Chen'an who did all sorts of trade. Chu Bei was known for their jade work and black smith. They're blacksmith work was well known, some of the greatest masters and general's sword came from Chu Bei. The three carriages parked right next to the famous Ti Inn. The owner of the popular inn quickly rushed down to greet them. Every year around this time, they would stay at the Ti Inn. The lady boss was already aware of their coming. The empress and the consorts all got their own rooms on the second floor where it was sealed off to the public. Wen Wan shared a room with Ying Me while Da Ying and Yue Li took the other.

As the four gongzhu's were walking up the stairs, the guests on the first floor couldn't help but come closer in hopes of catching a glimpse. It was a shame that all their faces were covered with a white veil. The guests were all disappointment at first but when their eyes caught a glimpse of the beauties' eyes; it was enough to leave a forever lasting imprint on them. Xie De followed behind them, making sure no one dared to take actions on the gongzhus.

The four women split into their own rooms. Xie De was about to head to his own room when Wen Wan dragged him into hers. She had plans of her own when she saw just how bright the day was still. There was no way she would skip this chance to go out. In the past, she would be accompanied by four guards but this year, she only needed her cousin Xie De by her side. That meant more freedom for her. Wen Wan and Ying Me were getting ready to head out.

In the other room, Yue Li was feeling awkward. In the past, she had been close with Da Ying but after she got exiled, she started to curry favor with the new crown princess, Wen Wan. To be honest, Yue Li didn't care much for Wen Wan but her mother, Consort Lu kept pressuring her to get on Wen Wan's good side. If she became enemies with Wen Wan, her future would be unpredictable. She would only have to keep being at Wen Wan's side until she got married into a good family. This was why she felt awkward being in the same room as Da Ying.

Da Ying took off her veil and cloak, neatly putting it on the table when she noticed the awkward look on Yue Li's face. "If it's too awkward for you here, you can go accompany Wen Wan. She is probably going to go explore the city," Da Ying suggested nicely.

"Hmph, who says I want to be in the same room as you either," Yue Li lifted up her chin and smugly walked out. She flung open the door and was quickly surprised by the person in front of the door, Qin Xie De. "Xie De'gege, what are you doing here?" she asked flustered.

"Wan'er wants to go to the market. I came to invite you two in case you are bored," hearing him suggest it first, she jumped up in joy. "Xie De'gege is the best." Xie De's line of sight fell on the quiet Da Ying casually having tea. She did not have an opinion on his suggestion, as if she had not heard anything. "Is Da Ying gongzhu going to join us?"

"I am feeling tired, you enjoy yourself,"

"Yue Li Gongzhu, head over to Wan'er's room first. I'll be over in a little bit," Yue Li looked at Xie De and then turned to look at Da Ying before she left. Qin Xie De walked in. He stopped when he was within arm's reach of her. "Does the Duke of Lan need something?"

"Nothing, I just want to know why you are not going,"

"Did Duke of Lan not hear earlier, I am tired from the journey?"

"Oh? But I don't' buy it. I think you are creating in opportunity to scheme something," Da Ying slammed the tea cup on the table, tea spilling from the corner. She turned her head and glared at him, "When did the Duke of Lan know me so well? Don't tell me you have been secretly spying on me?"

"Hmph!" he snickered in disbelief. "I do not need to spy on you to know what you are thinking. Don't forget that I am the person to stop you from scheming in the future." Their eyes met and Da Ying could clearly tell how confident he was about being able to decipher her plan. She wanted to laugh at him. She was not thinking about doing anything. She just didn't want to accompany Wen Wan. Seeing him so confident, her mood lifted. "Fine, I give you my word, I won't plan anything tonight," Da Ying swore with two fingers in the air. "I don't believe you,"

"Then how do you want me to prove it?"

"Only way I can believe you is if you are in my view at all times,"

"I changed my mind," Da Ying stood from her seat. "I'm not feeling tired anymore, let's head to the market," Da Ying grabbed her cloak and proceeded to leave the room.

Wen Wan's mood was quickly dampened when she realized Da Ying was coming. It was quickly replaced with happiness when they stepped out of the inn and onto the streets. There was so much going on. There were several stalls that sold candy, toys, clothes and jewelry. Along with the stalls were people performing various stunts such as martial arts and dancing. Wen Wan couldn't help but stop at every jewelry shop. Yue Li and Ying Me were just as excited as Wen Wan. Da Ying was the only one who didn't care. She stood in the back with her hands crossed in front of her chest, looking bored. Xie De who planned on watching Da Ying's every move was quickly pulled into every shop by Wen Wan. "Xie De'gege, buy me this," she pointed at a flower pearled hairpin, acting like a spoiled child. "Wan'er, don't you have enough hair pieces at home?" upon hearing him deny, she pouted her lips, grabbed his arm and swung it lightly a few times. "Xie De'gege, but this one is so pretty. If I don't get it, I'll regret it," Da Ying could only shake her head and sigh at Wen Wan's ridiculous actions. Xie De knew his niece well; she would not leave unless she obtained it. Also, he didn't have the heart to say no to her. "Yue Li gongzhu, Ying Me Gongzhu, pick out anything you want. I'll also be treating you both," both their eyes lit up. They too had been eyeing the hairpins.

When they returned to the inn, they quickly rushed to their room to try on their new hairpins. Da Ying was the only one who didn't have one. She had no need to hurry. Qin Xie De followed behind her as they went up the stairs. Wen Wan and Ying Me had already entered their room and closed it. Yue Li too, had entered her room. Just before Da Ying could reach for the door handle, Xie De placed a simple green jade hairpin in front of her. "No need to thank me," he smugly said, waiting for her to thank him and take the hairpin. "Why would I thank you? It's not like I am accepting it?" the arrogant look on his face faded in an instance. "Eh, can't you see that I am being nice right now? Why are you being so stubborn? Can't you just take it without making such a big scene?"

Da Ying turned to face him. "You think I don't know what you are trying to do. Just because you are pretending to be nice to me, don't think that I will fall for it. I am not one to fall for such a stupid act," For the first time, he was really dumbfounded. He didn't even know why he thought about buying her a hairpin. Now she was accusing him of using it to get close to her. "So this is what it feels like to be accused of doing a good deed. Fine, don't take it," he pulled his hand back and left in a heated mood.