Feng Jiu was peacefully sleeping and was not aware that someone was staring at her. A hand reached out to touch her, when suddenly Bai Zhen appeared in her room and the mysterious person disappeared. Bai Zhen sensed a strange energy in her room and decided to check on his niece. He found her sleeping but decided to keep guard just in case. He wasn't at peace with what he sensed.

Zhe Yan found him at Feng Jiu's room. "Bai Zhen what is it? Is something wrong with her?"

"Earlier I felt a strange presence in Xiao Jiu's room and when I came in, it was stronger. Whoever it was left."

"Was it Dong Hua?"

"No, it wasn't him. I knew he came by and was talking to you. But his presence was not here. I can't identify who it is, which worries me. She can be a target. We must be careful with her Zhe Yan. She needs protection."

"I'll stay here with you then. She wont mind finding us sleeping here in her room. Let's talk later with your father, he needs to be aware of this so he can arrange protection for our Xiao Jiu." Bai Zhen nodded.

The next morning Feng Jiu woke and pondered about the argument she had with her father. She didn't want to see him, but she knew she couldn't avoid him further. Not ready to return to her fox den, she wondered around Zhe Yan's peach blossom forest trying to ease her mind. It was early in the morning, so she decided to do her Tai Chi morning routine. She magically changed her clothes and started her routine. The magic emanating from her caused peach blossoms flowers to swirl in the air around her. She was commanding the air flow with her hand movements. This is how Bai Yi found her. He saw the scenery in front of him and was marveled on how Feng Jiu was able to control the environment around her. It was an incredible sight. She was one with nature and the forest was responding to her swift movements.

With her eyes closed, she ended her routine with the lotus position, when she sensed someone was approaching her, so she quickly got up.

"Xiao Jiu." Bai Yi called her.

She looked at Bai Yi expressionless. She didn't expect to see him so soon. "Feng Jiu greets his highness, Bai Yi." She kowtowed to him with no emotion.

Seeing Feng Jui acting so cold towards him, he decided to speak with caution: "Xiao Jiu. I want to apologize for what happened between us. I.... got carried away and humiliated you and for that I'm truly sorry." He saw Feng Jiu staring at him expressionless. She was truly hurt by him.

"May I speak freely?" Feng Jiu asked.

"You may."

"During my immaturity I have done plenty of stupid things in the past that have brought shame to our kingdom, but I want you to clearly comprehend my stand as a primordial council member and Qing Qui's queen. Qing Qui's prosperity has been achieved thanks to a joined effort; my intent is not to compromise this and ruin our reputation. I greatly value your intention and the council elders' efforts to supervise the work, policies concerning not only the current state but the future of Qing Qui as well. As a primordial council member, I do know that I do not have power individually, but collectively with the entire council body to make and second motions, vote on matters presented before the council and partake in discussions. I understand that as an individual council member cannot supervise Qing Qui's employees unless otherwise directed by the entire council. Also, I understand that an individual member cannot give orders, but the entire council has authority over Qing Qui's administrative affairs, work to enact legislation for our lands, set and interpret rules in relation to the Qing Qui's proceedings, direct the enforcement of Qing Qui's laws, protect the welfare of our residents, and appoint members for our board.

But as Queen, as Head of Qing Qui monarchy. I know that I possess the ability to make and pass legislation for the benefit for our realm. As political or executive role, I understand that my position is to play an important part in the life of our kingdom. I know that I have dominion to our commonwealth realms. As Queen I have the right to be consulted, to encourage, and to warn our ministers. I am to be understood to be a contract between the sovereign and the subjects. As Queen I have sworn to protect this kingdom, increase the wealth and trade of the kingdom, as well as to take care of the poor redistributing the tribute paid, as necessary. Under my Sovereignty during these years I have been able to achieve this and also, I have been able to focus for our own identity, unity and pride; to gives a sense of stability and continuity; officially recognizing success and excellence; supporting the ideal of voluntary service. Not to mention that I am the owner of my own life and I am fully capable to make decisions concerning my future as an individual.

I only ask that as my father to support my reign being a member of royal and my immediate family. With this I am letting you know that I will not tolerate to be manipulated by nobody nor to be forced to do something against my will. Grandfather saw my potential to pass the kingdom to me to rule it. And clearly, I have proved that his decision was proper. Your actions have shown your disagreement towards his decision and my ruling, behaving against our laws and protocol. We cannot show to others that we are internally divided. Unfortunately, everyone saw this at the ceremony. Naturally, I had to act quickly to fix this flaw as monarch. What guarantee can you give me that this will not happen again?"

Bai Yi was surprised to hear how well Feng Jiu expressed herself. "Xiao Jiu, my apology is sincere. I am fully aware that I acted improperly. Father also made me see it too. He shares your point of view. But I cannot give you a guarantee that my fatherly instincts will not betray me again. I am willing to support your decisions as a ruler if they are not contrary with our laws. If any disagreement arises in the future concerning your wellbeing, I promise you to resolve these internally as a family and not bring them out in the open like I did. My intent was to secure your future, but I didn't consider your feelings towards marriage. I will not force you again to accept anybody that you don't wish to marry."

Feng Jiu was not 100% convinced but was able to accept his apology. "Thank you, father. That is all I ask for." She curtsied to Bai Yi and maintained her distance from him.

For some reason Bai Yi felt hurt with her demeanor. He knew he needed to make amends to recuperate his relationship with his daughter.

"If this is all, then I will take my leave. I have duties to attend to." Feng Jiu left him alone.

Zhe Yan and Bai Zhen were closely watching their conversation in case something bad happens to her. Zhe Yan approached Bai Yi. "Do you realize that Xiao Jiu still holds resentment towards you?"

"Yes I do. I truly hurt her."

"Keep that in mind, for the next time you want to raise your hand towards her, think it twice or you will end up without one." Zhe Yan told Bai Yi using a stern tone while walking away from him.

Bai Yi eyes widened towards Zhe Yan but held his tongue.

"Second brother don't take to heart Zhe Yan's words, he's also mad at you for now. Give them time to appease their anger."

Bai Yi nodded to Bai Zhen and left the peach blossoms forest.