The Rise of Xueyue

When Xueyue went home riding a blind horse, everyone was surprised.

But most above all, they didn't expect a girl to sit so tall and proud on the horse, as if she was made for that spot.

Xueyue climbed off of her horse and gently guided Heiyue towards the stables.

"Handle her with the highest level of care. If she doesn't want to walk or be brushed, leave her be. Don't roughly grab her reins or whip her." She said to the stable boy who slowly nodded.

"Under no circumstances will she be allowed rough treatment." Xueyue emphasized when the stable boy took the reins.

She stayed behind for a few minutes to watch the treatment.

Heiyue's stall had a very fresh layer of hay, she was fed, and groomed.

Xueyue turned to walk away and then stopped. "Oh, I almost forgot."

"Please let her roam the open fields if she wants to." She said with a smile.

Walking towards Heiyue, she lightly brushed the hair in front of its face and gave the horse a light pat.

"I'll see you later, little one." She whispered.

The horse let out a light snort and nudged her head towards Xueyue's hand.

A bubble of laughter fell from her lips and she gave Heiyue one last pat.

Just when Xueyue walked out of the stables and into the Li Manor, Chenyang had came home with his horse.

He was surprised to be bested by a horse with thin legs and blind eyesight.

But he knew he should've known better when he saw how fast the horse ran to the ports.

Shall Xueyue care for the horse, it will no doubt, be one of the fastest horse of the Capital.

Soon, a carriage pulled near the Li Manor.

Thinking it was Wenmin, Chenyang thought nothing of it until a group of servants came strolling forward and suddenly, a bright red carpet was laid onto the floor.

Chenyang walked his horse further away from the entrance, so that he was out of sight.

He stared at the extravagant carriage made with gold, silver, and the finest red silk.

He felt his throat dry at the familiar carriage.

It was the carriage of royalty.

Immediately, the Li servants all came out.

They lined the walkway and entrance, with their hands tucked in front of them, and just when the door to the carriage opened, everyone bowed.

A dainty maidservant stepped forward, bowed her head to the ground, and allowed herself to be the stepping stool.

One golden-pointed shoe stepped on the maidservant's back, and the other leg followed when another maidservant walked forward to help the woman out of the carriage.

"Greetings to Imperial Consort, Sheng Feiying!" The servants all chanted as they lowered themselves onto the floor in a grand and deep bow.

Chenyang cursed under his breath.

That fourth Prince's mouth sure traveled fast!

He really cried to his mother!

Duchess Li stood by the main entrance of her Manor.

She had a graceful and warm smile on her face, and was dressed to perfection.

She had already anticipated Sheng Feiying arrival.

"Imperial Consort Sheng, it has been a while." Duchess Li bend her legs in a tiny curtsy.

Duke Li was still in court dealing with the Emperor's business.

He was very busy with the war that might erupt between the Shenzhou Empire and the Hanjian Empire.

While he was away, Duchess Li was the Madam of the house.

She would deal with each and every affair.

Everyone who had witnessed Duchess Li's magnificent skills knew she was amazing at dealing with the affairs of the house.

Imperial Consort Sheng didn't even spare the Duchess a glance as her eyes take in the expansive Manor before her.

Duchess Li, who was familiar with the woman's bad temper, didn't drop her smile. Instead, she held her head high with grace and dignity.

The Li Manor was huge and lived up to its price and expectations.

The house was constructed by the best master craftsmen, analyzed by a Feng Shui Master, and blessed by the highest monk of the Temple.

It was one of the biggest houses in the capital, and the dreams of many nobility.

Voice like honey, and eyes like a fawn, Feiying spoke, "Ah, pardon my manners. I forgot to greet you, Duchess Li." Imperial Consort Sheng gracefully fluttered her fan open.

"But then again, there is no need for formalities. We are, after all, sisters-in-laws." She lightly giggled, her laughter sounding like bells.

With beauty that no woman could match, a voluptuous body with bountiful assets, and gaze so alluring and seductive, it was no wonder why the Emperor married her.

Her beauty came from being a Princess.

She was young and married the Emperor the minute she bled.

From being a Princess spoiled by her father, the Imperial Consort was haughty and ill-tempered.

She wanted everything to go her way.

Duchess Li's face remained kind and gentle.

She didn't flinch to the subtle insult thrown at her.

Consort Feiying was poking at the fact that the Duchess had bowed, when they were supposed to be family.

She was purposely trying to embarrass the outstanding Duchess.

But Duchess Li was already far-too familiar with these type of woman.

Her older brother was the Emperor, what was there to be afraid of?

Would the man choose his blood-related sister or a bed warmer?

The answer was clear.

"Of course, Mei-mei [1]. How could I ever forget?" Duchess Li walked forward, her smile wider and faker than before.

By pointing out Feiying was younger than her, it was pointing out the woman should show respect towards her superior senior.

"Come, let's not stand outside. I know your body is very fragile, and I'm afraid you might catch a cold. I fear my beloved brother would freight over it." Duchess Li's words seemed welcoming and kind to the naive ears of her servants, but the smarter maidservants knew this conversation was an exchange of insults.

Beloved brother...She was clearly pointing out how much the Emperor doted on the Duchess.

The Imperial Consort let out a light chuckle and looped her hand through Duchess Li's.

She purposely revealed her wrists, filled with expensive jewelry.

The servants stared at it in awe.

"Of course, Jie-jie [2]. I've yet to see your Manor." Feiying gritted through her teeth, her voice never faltering when her eyes shone with bright animosity.

Duchess Li laughed and lightly patted the woman's hand. "Come now, let me guide you on a tour."

As Duchess Li engaged in brief, small-talk with the beautiful woman on her hand, her eyes turned towards Chenyang who instantly got the message: hide Li Xueyue at all costs.