"Tick tock..."
The sun shone down melting icicles hanging from the eaves, which created tiny pools of water as the droplets fell on the snow-covered steps. The reflection of sunlight on snow was blinding.
Where the snow was frozen, trodden by pedestrians, the sunlight revealed the colors of the rainbow. The snow that hung from the trees slid to the ground, and remaining snow melted in the daylight.
Fresh snow was falling, while the wind's chill stung and bit people outside.
Yun Canglan woke at noon. The dazzling light coming in through the window was blinding and not what she was used to.
The pillow next to her was icy cold, and the man who had shared her bed was gone long before she was woken.
She was a little disappointed, hoping that she would waken in his warm arms not aside an empty, cold pillow.
She dismissed the idea, knowing that Huo Liuyun was after all very busy.
Yun Canglan had a backache as she got out of bed, when she turned back, she saw the dried blood on the bed and felt struck in the heart.
The door opened.
Yun Shu entered carrying a basin of water.
"Mistress, I have water for you to wash your face and Yun Hua is preparing lunch." Yun Shu absolutely knew what happened last night. But she said no more.
Yun Canglan was in pajamas still as she washed her face with the water in the basin. The chilly water was uncomfortable, but woke her completely. Maybe it was the ice cold pillow next to her that made her feel that way.
Yun Hua went to make the bed, when she saw the dark red blood, she stared for a moment before turning to look at Yun Canglan, her face red in embarrassment.
"Mistress, are you in a bad mood?" Yun Shu asked.
"I'm a little annoyed."
"Are you upset with His Crown Prince?" Yun Shu handed her a towel as she continued. Yun Canglan wiped her face as it turned hot and red.
Yun Shu immediately took the towel and finished drying Yun Canglan's face gently.
"This towel is expensive, Mistress. Don't tear it!" Yun Shu reminded her with a disapproving expression.
"You are such
with disgust at herself.
"Actually I'd rather stay here."
"Mistress, you are so nice and kindhearted!" Yun Hua flattered her.
"It's good for you to have an idea, I'm not sure Liuyun will realize your worth though."
"I would like to give it a try. Mistress, please help me!" Actually, Yun Hua despised Yun Canglan in that moment.
"I do not understand, why do you want to be an imperial chef?"
"I'm a humble person, and my dream is a humble one too."
Yun Canglan's face was blank.
"Mistress, will you go or not?" Yun Hua couldn't help but ask.
"I'm a nice mistress and care about my subordinates, so I'm leaving."
"When you go out, turn left, go straight until you see 'Kuanglan Palace' after three palaces. That is where His Crown Prince is!"
"You really are very anxious to be an imperial chef!"
"Yes! I am!"
"You must be the first servant ever to dare boss the mistress."
"Yes. I'm bossy!" Yun Hua said, rolling her eyes.
"Besides..."
"Mistress, are you going or not?"
"I already left the room!"
"Mistress, time for lunch is now!"
"Got it!" Yun Canglan finally exited Yingpiao Palace after half an hour.
Yun Hua and Yun Shu had burst out laughing.
"Imperial chef! Ha..." The sarcasm was clear in her voice.
"Stop laughing, you don't want to be made the top prostitute of Yelaixiang Brothel!" Yun Hua said in a hushed voice.