"The Emperor arrives!"

A flowery voice sounded from the front of the main hall, announcing the entrance of the Emperor.

The music stopped, the dancers at the front simple retreated to the side and knelt down while everyone got up to greet the Emperor.

Walking in, Emperor JunZhan quickly arrived at his seat.

The Empress and Crown Prince RuoFeng had arrived earlier and were already in their seats. After the last banquet, the relationship between the three had become strained.

With the Red Jade now in the Emperor's hands, RuoFeng couldn't help but grumble moodily.

While the Empress smiled gently, trying to hide her irritation of having lost the Emperor's trust and favour she had painstaking gathered.

This change had caused the many anti crown prince factions to start making their move against her and the crown prince. Disrupting the balance in the fight for the throne.

Emperor JunZhan was in no mood to give a speech and simply allowed the banquet to resume, his hand held onto a goblet of fine wine.

Although today's banquet was suppose to be a celebration of the signed treaty between the Long Clan and Xing, the atmosphere was slightly cold and stiff.

A weird and unnatural expression mixed with obvious worry and caution could be seen on the ministers and officials faces, after all, with all the deaths and pressure from the citizens, who would be in the mood to celebrate?

A moment later, a small guard quickly entered and whispered to the eunuch beside who then quickly turned to the Emperor,

"Your Majesty, there are commoners outside the main palace gates kneeling in protest. "

Frowning, Emperor Junzhan, continued to look upon the faces enjoying the banquet before him, each pretending to be merry and joyous.

Only after a long while, he responded to the guard beside him,

"Why?"

The guard quickly reported once again,

"One of Yuan ChiDe's guards seemed to have touched the black blood...and also exploded. The rumors of what happened to the people who comes in contact with the black blood had been spread by someone.

This servant is afraid, the people are in a panic and worry the poison will spread, they seek for the Emperor to do something."

Emperor JunZhan slammed his fist, eyes narrowing as he swiped through the crowd. It was at this moment when his attention was caught.

At the corner, the lady dressed in light pinkish white, seemingly cold yet charming and celestial, was approached by a red head guard who simply whispered in her ear and passed her something secretly.

"Princess, an important message from the Chief."

Long Lishi quickly received the note and opened it under the table discreetly and read it's contents.

The words seemed to have been written in a hurry.

She knew that hand writing belonged to her father and the seal at the bottom, no one but her father had access to the seal, quickly she whispered,

" Send the troops back. Take the elite Guards and return ahead of me. "

Surprised, the guard couldn't help but questioned

"Princess... wishes to stay?"

Long Lishi frowned and glared at the guard for questioning her,

Instantly, the guard realised his mistake and quickly bowed to take his leave.

"This guard will take his leave and return in advance with the elite squad. Then, wish Princess a safe return."

Long Lishi frowned and returned her eyes to the two empty seats in front of her as the guard scurried away.

She knew that her father had given her most of the strongest warriors on her journey to Xing, since he called her back there might have been trouble, but sending the elite Guards back would be enough to take care of whatever problem.

Knowing that none of the clans and tribes around the mountain had enough strength to rebel against their Long Clan, even if the letter had asked her to return she didn't see the need to hurry back.

Slowly a smirk briefly appeared on her face, how could she leave before seeing that wretched Feiyun's sad and pleading face and that man, will finally realise his silliness and return to her side.

Emperor JunZhan eyed the Long Princess suspiciously.

Who didn't know that the Long Princess was also a well known poison expert, and she was also from the north.

The facts were lining up but still seem to miss a few points, how could it all perfectly fit together like a puzzle made just for him to solve?

To test her, Emperor JunZhan simply asked,

"The Long Princess seems worried, could it be problems at home?"

Long Lishi smiled coldly and replied,

"Replying your Majesty, my father had requested for me to return, so I am planning to return to the North mountains immediately after the banquet. My apologies to Emperor JunZhan for the hurried departure."

Emperor JunZhan narrowed his eyes, nodding as he stroke his beard.

The Princess of the Long Clan leaving so suddenly as soon as the poisoning incident appears... How could he not be suspicious.

As soon as the thought pass his mind, the Eunuch by near the corner started screaming in pain, writhing and clawing at his throat and just as before, exploded bursting black blood in all directions.

People in the banquet hall started screaming, panic ensued.

Everyone around the body of the dead eunuch ran as far as they could. The guards by the side quickly approached and slowly started clearing away the body as carefully as they can to avoid the black blood.

Princess Long Lishi frowned in distaste and covered her mouth with her fan.

Such disgusting black blood and smell, she wanted to quickly leave this banquet yet the main people were making her wait so long.

"Why?..."

Amidst the screams and panic of the people, no one noticed when Feiyun had arrived. Her spring like voice sounded from the entrance, continuing her sentence,

"Is the legendary Princess Long, praised as a 'Goddess of war' so afraid of a little bit of blood?"

Her dazzling and calm appearance seemed out of place amongst the crowds of panicked people.

They had heard the rumors of the Princess Consort Feiyun, the First Princess of the Nation who had exceptional beauty enough to make even the gods jealous.

Long Lishi narrowed her eyes at the sarcasm of Feiyun but very quickly, she smirked and continued, folding her arms across her chest,

"It seems that the First Princess of the Nation rudeness knows no bounds, my blades have not tasted blood in a long while, would you care to be the first?"

The many people in the banquet hall froze at the bold proclamation of the Long Princess.

Disrespecting the First Princess of the Nation could easily send her head rolling.

But because of her special status, the Emperor would not touch a hair on the Long Princess's head and turn a blind eye to all this.

Feiyun chuckled softly, her voice mesmerising the people around her, but her icy words once again made their backs numb.

"I am only afraid that your blades might break, better for you to train first."

Everyone was drenched in a thin layer of cold sweat.

The previous fight between the two Princesses had spread around like wildfire and everyone knew that Tianhuo who only had eyes for his beloved his consort, had stayed in the Long Princess's manor for quite some time.

Now seeing that the "beloved consort" of his had arrived alone, could the rumors be true?

They watched on quietly, not willing to interrupt and become a cannon-fodder for their anger,

Feiyun smiled gently, ignoring her provocations however the sharp and arrogantly-confident look in her eyes sent a thread of worry down Long Lishi's heart.

'Tsk! Why is this slut so confident?!'

Urging forward, each step of Feiyun sent a gentle ripple down the people's hearts, the marble flooring lined with precious gems and gold only served to highlight her established beauty.

Everyone couldn't help but gaze in awe at the sight of her.

Because Feiyun did not wear a mask her elegantly regal beauty had drawn everyone's attention that no one realized that she was not dressed in any beautiful brocade and instead had on a simple black outfit.

A long black cape attached to her shoulders draped down and fanned out behind her as she moved forward like a cascade of midnight darkness.

The cloth was of high quality and the embroidered on it was a breathtaking Vermilion bird, each feather sewn in gold thread, against the black cape, it stood out and seemed like a painting come to life as she moved.

It's majestic appearance dazzled the people who laid eyes on it, yet they forget that the Vermilion bird was a symbol of the Vermilion Army.

As soon as Feiyun reached the front of the throne, she took a deep long look at the Emperor, then to Empress Mu before finally resting her eyes on RuoFeng.

A solemn smile flashed within her eyes before she quietly made her way towards her seat, settling down gently as she poured herself a glass.

Ruofeng felt that something wasn't right.

Usually, Feiyun would be accompanied by Tianhuo but on this day she had arrived alone and appeared desolate and cold, aloof and untouchable but with a hint of melancholy.

The look in her eyes made his heart waver slightly, this woman, he really wanted a taste.

Yet remembering the sight of her and Tianhuo, it irritated him further, clenching his fist, he continued

"This Prince wonders where my 4th brother have gone of to? Why did First Princess Feiyun arrive by yourself?"

Everyone in the banquet hall fell into silence.

The music hadn't stopped but no one could care to enjoy it.

Everyone's attention was now focused on Feiyun who ignored them, they were waiting for how she would respond to this question.

Her eyes fell on the teacup in her hand, tilting it slightly as a desolated, self-depreciating smile bloomed on her lips so quickly and faded as she brought the tea to her lips, after a moment she finally spoke

"When Spring arrives, the people rejoice.

But once it leaves, even if the blossoms pine for it,

only the cold and lonely snow remains."

Everyone understood the meaning behind her poem.

"Aiyah, I told you so. Even if the she was favoured, once the prince got sick of her, even if her status was that of a First Princess of the Nation, she too would get thrown aside."

"Must be true that the 4th Prince has found a new lover..."

Now that they knew Feiyun was no longer favoured, those who were jealous started to maliciously whisper.

Even the playing melodies couldn't hide their words. Without the fearsome god of war backing her, Feiyun was just a WangFei in name. But they had completely forgotten how she herself had strong martial skills.

Seeing her lonesome figure, some even wondered how the 4th Prince Tian Huo could bear to leave such a beauty.

Vermilion Guard at Feiyun's side: "..."

He could only stiffened his lips into a line. Truly... his master truly was a great actress, even he himself almost fell for her desolated image.

Feiyun tilted another cup and drank it in one move, she continued after a long silence,

"Your 4th brother's whereabout, shouldn't Princess Long Lishi know best?"

Surprised at Feiyun's sudden words, Long Lishi paused for a moment and then sneered, responding arrogantly and sharply as she folded her arms,

" It seems that His Highness,

The 4th- no, My Tianhuo have made his choice."

Feiyun narrowed her eyes hatefully at Long LiShi, her fingers tightening around the teacup.

But suddenly, a sharp sound of fireworks tore through the sky, and instantly illuminated the darkened sky in a red glow.

The people within the Grandhall started in shock at the sight,

"The Red Dragon Flare?!"

"It's the symbol of death.."

Seeing the reddish color that painted the sky, the people stood shock, many gasped and held their breath, their hearts thumping wildly.

Leaning back, Feiyun commented as though it all had nothing to do with her, as she sipped on her tea,

"Ohhh? The Red Dragon Flare?"

Emperor JunZhan frowned deeply, of course he knew what that flare meant.

'An attack on the capital.'

But the Red Flare only belongs to the Dragon Army, the defenders of the North and the Capital not just anyone could have access to it, he knows that the Commander he place in charge of it was definitely his own people.

It definitely can't be an accident, then, this could only mean that the attack was real.

Just in time, the Captain of the Elite Dragon Army quickly ran in, reporting as soon as he knelt,

"Your Majesty! The Long warrior army have already started a siege and more of our Dragon Army soldiers are falling as we speak! "

Slamming his fist on the throne, Emperor Junzhan roared as he threw the jade wine cup, turning to the Captain and passing down his orders.

"Useless! Call back the North and Eastern Army, send out half our Elite guards to support the troops and the other half to protect the palace! Stop them at all cost!"

After the Captain of the Elite Dragon Army rushed out, Emperor JunZhan turned and narrowed his eyes as his voice lowered into a threatening growl,

"Long Princess...What is the meaning of this?!"

"That cannot be, the Long Warriors will not make a move without my permission! Allow me to go and investigate!"

Emperor JunZhan clenched his teeth, If he allowed her to leave and she manages to escape then his only hostage will be lost.

Seeing Emperor's Junzhan's suspicions, Feiyun softly added,

"Forgive this Princess for speaking out of turn but this one believes that time is of essence and suggest to put the Long Princess in custody."

"Your Majesty's suspicions of me is truly understandable but would I put my own life in harms way? This entire charade must have been planned by that wench! What use could I have to attack Xing?"

A sneer flashed through Feiyun's eyes, as she added

"The Long army choose to attack on such a day because the guards are laxed due to the celebration. And seeing how they have moved in such coordination, this must have been planned from the beginning...just I wonder if the Long Princess has had any insider help. "

Feiyuyn was right, as of right now the fact remains that the Capital of Xing is under siege,

'Who else would benefit from this move?'

There was only one answer, Emperor JunZhan's eyes fell dark. His 4th son's sudden closeness to the Long Princess and the fact that the Long Clan was willing to send their only daughter here.

Turning to the messenger guard that followed the captain, disheveled and covered in a mix of blood and sweat, Emperor JunZhan narrowed his eyes and scowled

"Where are the West Tiger Army that was suppose to monitor the Long Army?"

The messenger quickly bowed in response,

"Your Majesty, the Tiger army has been pushed back and are currently on the retreat. It seems that they won't last much longer... There is doubt if they can be of help, seeing that the Long Army is stopping them from returning to the capital."

Emperor Junzhan narrowed his eyes, there was no way that the West Army, handled by Tianhuo would fall so easily! Not unless it was all a show to pretend to defend, when in fact they had no plans of coming back to help.

Emperor JunZhan finally understood; the poisoning of his ministers, the spread of the poison to cause chaos and fear in the people.

Feiyun who was suddenly so anxious and depressed now came alone, why the Long Princess was so confident speaking to her and the fact that a choice had been made by Tianhuo.

By joining up with the Long Princess, Tianhuo now had the backing of a much stronger force than the Vermilion Army. The Long Warriors were skilled in combat and should they join hands with the West Army and attacked, make use of the people's fear and distrust in the current monarch, they could effectively push him off the throne.

"Capture the Princess of the Long Clan."

As soon as his words finished, a group of guards surrounded Long LiShi.

Finally realising that the Emperor had made his stand and that she was in a difficult position, Long LiShi stood in fury,

"You dare?! You think you all are my match?"

The guards stood around her in a circle, inching forward slowly but not daring to actually make a move.

The people in the hall screamed and quickly moved, huddling together, not wanting to be caught in the crossfire. But they were like mouse trapped in a cage with no where to run.

If the fight breaks out, it's each for their own.

"To think that such an intricate scheme was planned... First you poisoned my Ministers, spread the fear to cause my people of Xing to worry and feel anxious. Then now when the country is unstable, you attack us. Indeed, you both think that you can take over and force me off the throne! Do you take me for an idiot?!"

Emperor JunZhan stood up slowly, clenching his fist in rage as he spat each word out,

"Whoever captures her and that treasonous bastard, Tianhuo, will immediately be rewarded."

Long Lishi widened her eyes, this Emperor was sick on suspicion!

Long LiShi finally realised a point, turning her hate filled glare towards the true culprit.

Watching Feiyun sitting there watching a show with a small smirk on her face, Long Lishi erupted in anger.

Even if she was to be set up and captured, she will tear the face off this bitch before that.

"Hmp, slanderous wench! Even if I'm captured here, I want you dead!"

In that moment, Long LiShi took the chance to flick 3 darts towards Feiyun.

A cold smirk flashed within her eyes as Feiyun kicked her foot up, tossing the small serving table in front of her towards the darts.

Each dart stabbed into the wooden table and instantly, the surface that came into contact with the darts started sizzling.

Feiyun then stood up and walked towards the Long Princess, an arrogant smirk spread bewitchingly across her face.

"Too weak."

With a single word, her fair finger reached forward in a hooking motion towards Long Lishi, challenging her to come forward.

Long Lishi gritted her teeth and drew her dagger she had hidden on her thigh. With that she rushed forward at great speed, the guards surrounding her were no match and were all sliced up by her as she moved towards Feiyun.

Feiyun's eyes were dark and there was a hint of bloodthirst in them, she picked up her pace and match Long LiShi with her own daggers she had on her, having drawn them from her space secretly.

The banquet had gone from a celebratory hall filled with music and fragrant food to a battlefield with poison needles and clashing of daggers.

People near the window could clearly hear the sound of fights and bombs exploding in the distance.

The Long Army had truly attacked the Capital!

Feiyun in the other hand was in a delighted state, she had been wanting to personally destroy this wretched woman who dared hurt her loved one.

Their blades clashed and seemed evenly matched. Their figure danced rapidly, one white and the other black and cold.

Clashing against one another, everyone watched both in awe and fear.