38 Being Careless

Just like that, the first month flew by.

Fall had come to an end and the first snow had finally fallen.

Yu Mei had finally gotten used to this new body of hers. Her life went on as usual with the exception of a newly built relationship with Consort Nuan. In the seven days that Pei Nan didn't come find her, she had time to concoct a few more pills. Of course she couldn't create as many as she wanted to. Every time she sent Chu'mei to get herbs from the royal warehouse, everything was documented by the bookkeeper. To keep from becoming a suspicious suspect, she could only go once every two days. Even with her restrictions, she still managed to make both of her pills. Why? Just in case she needed it in the future. There was no guarantee what would happen in the future. Especially with the sly and moody Pei Nan. The pills were identical looking, thus Yu Mei put them into two different colored small vials. A sleeping pill in a red vial whiles the aphrodisiac pill in a blue.

Feeling satisfied, Yu Mei decided she would pay Ji Er a visit. When Ji Er saw Yu Mei standing at her door, she couldn't help but think that this sister of hers has gained a bit of weight. The past Yu Mei always watched what she ate because she wanted to look thin and presentable but after Ju Ming took over her body, all she did was sleep and eat. It was no wonder Yu Mei had gained some weight. It wasn't a drastic change though. The only reason Ji Er could tell was because the clothes Yu Mei was wearing were slightly tight on her. Yu Mei entered in a white tunic with a white fur cloak. That was the biggest winter outfit in her closet. Chu'mei had sent an order for new clothes this morning. She would have to make do with what she had.

With the snow falling on Yu Mei, Ji Er thought she looked like a snow fairy. "Come in quickly," Ji Er pulled Yu Mei into her room and closed it.

"Sister Ji Er, it's been so long. You've become even more beautiful." Yu Mei honestly complimented Ji Er. "Yu Mei, you have also become more beautiful too." It was true. Even though she had gaied weight, her face had started to lose its baby fat.

Ji Er pushed the heat burner closer to Yu Mei. "Warm yourself up." Ji Er offered.

"No need. Let's take a look at the snow," This time Yu Mei was the one pulling Ji Er towards the window. The two girls squeezed themselves inside the window with their arms crossed, leaning on the window sill. Yu Mei and Ji Er both sighed with amazement. The first snow was truly here. "Eh, when the snow covers the ground this winter, let's go have a snowball fight." Yu Mei said playfully.

"Is that proper?" Ji Er asked concerned. She had never imagined herself acting so childish. She was always taught to be a proper lady, especially after being married. Her image was everything. Hearing her question, Yu Mei sighed. "Sister Ji Er, don't worry about it. We will play in my courtyard. No one will find out. Even if they do, you have me to back you up."

"Okay," The two of them laughed. They weren't the only one's enjoying themselves. Even their maids got along well. Chu'mei was cracking jokes with Li Lu and Ling Lu. The room was filled with laughter.

Of course, good things don't last long. *knock* *knock* Li Lu went to answer the door. It was none other than one of the maids from Pei Nan's palace. Ji Er and Yu Mei walked arm in arm over to the little maid. "Greetings Consort Pan, Consort Nuan," the maid politely greeted them. "The emperor is having a welcome back banquet for Prince Shao this evening. Prince Nan wanted to make sure Consort Pan and Consort Nuan hasn't forgotten."

"Tell Prince Nan that we would not forget such an important dinner." Ji Er answered.

"Yes," the little maid bid farewell before taking her leave. Yu Mei felt her heart stop. Prince Shao was coming back? He had escorted Prince Mu Yan and Princess Mu Yi back to the State of Chu. He stayed in Chu for two weeks for business purposes.

"Is something wrong?" Ji Er suddenly asked when she saw how pale Yu Mei looked.

"I'm not feeling too well. Is there some way to avoid the dinner?" she asked anxiously. Her plan: avoid Prince Shao at all cost. Ji Er pat Yu Mei's shoulder lightly. "The emperor has decreed that everyone must attend. It isn't just a welcome back banquet but a congratulatory celebration for Prince Shao's success in signing a peace treaty with the State of Chu." Of course Yu Mei knew but she didn't want to hear it. She had a tiny glimpse of hope that Ji Er would say otherwise.

Chu'mei walked over to Yu Mei. "Xiaojie, the banquet is in two hours. You should get ready." Chu'mei politely reminded her. Chu'mei literally had to drag her lady out of the room.

When they returned to the Southern Palace, Yu Mei sat down next to the bronze mirror unmotivated. Chu'mei on the other hand was very excited. She had been hoping for Prince Shao's return for a long time now. Now that he was back, she had to make sure he noticed her lady. A little smirk appeared on her face.

When Chu'mei finished, Yu Mei looked at herself in the mirror. "Chu'mei! Are you crazy? What is this?" a very dissatisfied Yu Mei scolded. It was too much. No wonder it took almost an hour and a half to do. Yu Mei didn't understand what the heck Chu'mei was thinking.

Yu Mei finally arrived at the emperor's palace with Ji Er by her side. Pei Nan, Fei Ning and Ming Yan had gotten there earlier at the request of the empress.

Chu'mei helped Yu Mei out of the carriage. Yu Mei felt embarrassed. As Ji Er and Yu Mei walked side by side, Ji Er couldn't help but throw her inputs in. "Sister Ji Er, you look so beautiful today. Prince Nan will be left shocked. But why the veil?" She chuckled.

"I'm telling you, go along with me. If anyone asks, tell them that I ate something that agitated my skin." Yu Mei continued to tell her what to say, even up until they reached the door.

The royal eunuch announced their arrival. Side by side, the two of them made their way inside. As predicted, Yu Mei drew attention. Even the coldhearted Pei Nan who was sitting near the center couldn't help but look. Yu Mei was wearing a dark purple three layered tunic with silver lining and silver pearl strings hanging from the shoulders. Her hair was put in a high bun, adorned with a small silver peacock hairpin as the center piece. Yu Mei who was not used to dressing up so elegant felt embarrassed.

Pei Nan was mesmerized for a moment but when his eyes reached her face, he scowled. A veil again. Was she that embarrassed about her looks?

Each step Yu Mei took, her heart beat faster and faster. Prince Shao was there, that elegant man in white. But why did he have to sit at the table right next to Pei Nan. As she looked at the seating placement, there were only two options for her. [Damnit. What is this? Did you two set this up on purpose?] Yu Mei cursed as she walked over to the tables. "Greetings Prince Nan, Prince Shao." Both Ji Er and Yu Mei greeted. Two of the worst seats were left. Fei Ning occupied the right side of Prince Nan, the left was opened. Yu Mei didn't want to sit there. Her eyes shifted to the other seat. The seat between Ming Yan and Gu Shao. She didn't want to sit there either. It was a lose-lose situation. [Whatever, I will just sit next to Prince Shao. If he didn't recognize me last time, there's no way he would recognize me now.] Yu Mei's foot changed directions, about to head to the right. "Consort Pan, sit next to me." Yu Mei clenched her jaw. [No! I don't want to. It's too scary! Don't want to.] Was what Yu Mei wanted to reply to Pei Nan's demand. Instead a simple yes came out.She dragged her feet over to the left. And just like that, the two tables were filled.

Yu Mei already knew what he wanted to ask. She didn't have to wait long to hear it. The moment she sat down, he leaned over and asked. "What is it this time?" Yu Mei turned and gave him a sarcastic eye smile. "I ate something wrong and developed a rash." She turned away afterwards, annoyed.

After that little encounter, the two of them ignored each other.

After the emperor gave his speech praising Prince Shao, the real feast began. Dozens of maids came in with trays and trays of food. Yu Mei felt her mouth water. *gulp* Just smelling the aroma was too much for her. This was probably the only thing she liked about banquets. Food and lots of it.

As everyone in the room was busy making conversation, Yu Mei was busy eating. Who knew chicken could be cooked in so many ways; braised, grilled, fried, etc. Yu Mei felt she was in chicken heaven. It was too good to be true. She was eating as if she had been starved for years. Even Pei Nan couldn't ignore it. He turned to her and "whispered". "Must you eat like a savage? Surely I didn't starve you." He complained. It was loud enough for the two tables to hear. All three consorts giggled slightly. Even Gu Shao peeked over for the first time since this evening. Yu Mei who was already feeling pissed off was now triggered. She lifted the chicken high enough for Pei Nan to see. The next moment, she mockingly waved it left and right a few times to annoy him. "If I am a savage, you are a stupid man to have married me. Hmph!" she lightly set the chicken down and stood up. Pei Nan grabbed onto her wrist. "Where are you going?"

"To the restroom. Don't tell me I can't even do that now?" Yu Mei tugged her hand away and left quietly. A few minutes later, Prince Shao also excused himself to the restroom. Just now, he had seen it. He was sure it was the same thing. Earlier when Yu Mei was waving the chicken in front of Pei Nan, her sleeves slightly fell back, revealing her wrist.

There was no way there were two identical jade bracelets like this in the world...