Upon reaching the royal palace, Takeshi and Lihua first greeted King Nao.  He had just dismissed court for the day and as the ministers started leaving, the announcement of Hell King and Lady Lihua's arrival to the court hall stopped everyone's attention.  They watched as King Takeshi held on the fairy's hand as she glided next to Hell King.  They bowed in front of King Nao and King Nao immediately ordered them to stand.  

"Rise brother." King Nao said.  "Rise Imperial Sister in law.  What brings the both of you here?"  

"King Brother." Takeshi said as he stood up first while giving a hand to help Lihua stand, as if she couldn't do it herself.  "My Lady Wife had been invited by Concubine Lei to attend a tea party today. Although not feeling too well, my Lady Wife did not want to decline the invitation and insult Crown Prince in any way due to her health.  She has asked this King to attend the tea party along with her, even if it's just for a short period of time."  

King Nao shook his head in understanding.  Lady Lihua had just became Imperial Aunt to his children and did not want to have a bad first impression on them.  And even though her health was not the best she still wanted to accept the invitation as to give some face to his first son.  She has also gotten along with Queen Yuki, so she was also giving his Queen some face as well.  

"This King shall come join the two of you as well."  King Nao said.  It is a great day to drink some tea under the shade.  As he spoke five Ministers and two Generals have also stepped forward to also say that their daughters were attending the tea party and would like to join.  They wanted to use this opportunity to get closer to the King, Hell King, and the Crown Prince while their wives and daughters could get closer to the Queen and Lady Lihua.  

King Nao frowned, but he allowed them to join them, seeing how their daughters were already at the tea party.  With the plentiful spies in the palace, Queen Yuki had received word of the presence of the Hell King and Lady Lihua and their greeting to the King before going to the tea party.  

However what surprised her was that instead of heading straight to the Autumn Pine Courtyard, where the tea party was being held, Hell King and Lady Lihua's carriage came to her courtyard first.  When they were announced in her hall, Queen Yuki immediately welcomed them and received them in her receiving hall.  

"Please rise." Queen Yuki said as she waved them to sit to enjoy the tea put in front of them.  "It is a nice surprise that you both have come to visit me, but what brings you here to the Back Palace?"  

"Queen Yuki, I was invited by Concubine Lei to attend a tea party she's hosting today, that is why we are here.  I was not feeling too well, however seeing that it is Concubine Lei, I could not say no, for Queen Yuki has always been so gracious with this Lady.  My husband seeing the dilemma volunteered to be my guide even though we don't plan on staying long for my health." Lihua said as she leaned closer to Takeshi.  "When we arrive, we came here to first greet King Nao and now you, Queen Yuki, we just wanted to give you both the respect you deserve, before we go to the tea party."  

Yuki's chest puffed up proudly.  There were people who still has manners and etiquette in the nobility.  Those that went to the tea party without seeing her first would get an ear full from her!

"This Queen is grateful that King Takeshi and Lady Lihua still remembers this old lady.  This Queen shall see you at the tea party soon."  Queen Yuki said as she dismisses them.  

King Takeshi and Lady Lihua bows to the Queen one more time before leaving to go to the Autumn Pine Courtyard.  

In the carriage, Lihua leaned on Takeshi's shoulders as they made their way to the tea party.  "You're causing more trouble by the day." Takeshi said to Lihua.  

"Me? Causing trouble?"  Lihua said as she lifted up her head to look at him in disbelief.  "I would say that today's play is caused by you!  I just planned on a small play with one act, but with you, you had to bring in the whole Imperial family into it, now it's going to be bigger than any one of us has imagined.  The only causing trouble is you, dear husband, not me."  

---------

When they arrived the tea party was already in full swing.  The King, Crown Prince Jing Guo, several Ministers and Generals were sitting under the huge gazebo in the middle of the koi pond while the women sat on the other side of the gazebo enjoying their tea as well.  

King Nao had sat in the middle with the Crown Prince next to him while the ministers and generals sat next to the Crown Prince.  Concubine Lisa had sat herself in the middle as well, being that she was the host of the event.  She loved the attention she was getting from her friends and girls that wanted to be her friend, but when the King and his advisers came to join the tea party too, she couldn't say no.  

It was awkward at first, but seeing that the advisers were the father's of her friends, she easily smoothed over the awkward atmosphere and improvised.  The Crown Prince came soon afterwards and looked at her with a smile, giving her the acknowledgement of his approval.  She was able to attract the attention and favor of the King and his advisers by having a tea party.

Her heart bloomed with happiness with his acknowledgement.  She would do anything for him to smile at her once again.  She has missed his touch and kisses.  She missed his warm body against hers.  With this tea party, she was determined to win him back into her arms.