Chapter 73
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Xing, Rijun and their father paid respect to her mother's grave and after dinner, Xing helped Xu mama in washing the dishes even though she protested to let her young miss do such lowly tasks.
"I always did the dishes as mother's hands were delicate. Her hands easily got dry", Xing smiled making AoTian wonder the different ways she acted. In the Heavenly Flowers Palace, she acted like she's above everyone and in the village she acted like one of them and in here she did all the chores herself?
Xing brought her father to her mother's room afterwards and dragged a wooden trunk box under her bed and dusted it clean. She hadn't been in the mood to check it previously before she left her home.
"Mother never let me touch this before", Xing gently caressed the box with a reminiscing smile on her face. It is not locked anymore, Xing thought, it's like she'd known she'd die already... May be.. Xing shook her head and not let her thoughts wander off. There is no way mother would have chosen death, right? Her brother also joined them and was standing beside Xing.
Xing opened the box to see many bundles.
There was one bundle with magpie embroidered on it and Xing opened it to see many embroidered handkerchiefs with her father's initials. Xing could see her father's eyes redden and she gave it to him and saw him holding it close to his heart.
On another bundle, there was her brother's name embroidered on it surprising Xing. She didn't even know that her mother was keeping tabs of her father till this day and even knew her brother's name. She didn't open the bundle and gave it to her brother who was equally surprised.
Another bundle with the number 'three' was there and she knew it was for Shengli and Xing opened it without hesitation and there was a beautifully embroidered pale green robe in there.
Below that there was another bundle with the number 'nine' embroidered on it. So this is for the Emperor? Xing wondered.
"Brother, mother have something for the Emperor too, surprisingly! Guess, Shengli did speak a lot about his ninth brother to mother", she gave it to Rijun. He can decide if he gives it to the Emperor or not.
Xing realised that there was only a neatly folded white silk cloth remaining there and felt her heart squeeze. 'Mother! You left something for everyone, even for that Emperor and nothing for me?', her hands inside the box, froze.
"I think there is something inside", Rijun's voice made Xing gain her thoughts and she opened the white cloth to see..... A beautiful red bridal veil with the most intricate embroidery in gold and a Phoenix headdress inside a box.
Xing's eyes widened in surprise seeing the beautiful veil . She knew everything about her mother's work and Xing would say this was the best work she had done so far. Xing's eyes clouded thinking of the time, work, care and love her mother would have put to make this for her. She even hid it from her. There was even a small note saying that she was only allowed to do this much as Haru had already decided that her wedding dress would be made only by him.
Xing was deeply moved by the love she had received from her mother and Haru. She looked at the veil and imagined her as a bride and at the thought of Shengli lifting her veil in the bridal Chambers made her entire face red as noticed by her father and brother.
"Why are you looking like a monkey's bottom? You are more redder than the veil, Mingxia! What kind of thoughts are you having? ", Rijun cackled and Xing chased him and gave him a good beating, "Indecorous sister!", he cursed her.
AoTian who was observing everything saw the veil she had neatly folded back and knew in his heart that his daughter is ready for marriage. She might be lacking in most areas but she is someone who can adapt to any situations and the man she chose cares about her enough to forget he is a royal and do measly jobs beneath his bearing just for her. He himself cannot find a man more suitable for her even if he searched the three kingdoms and farther. If only he takes back his title as the Prince, he would gladly send her to him in a grandest wedding ceremony this kingdom has seen so far with the longest list of dowry and it would be a grandest celebration the city had ever seen.
AoTian told Xing childhood stories of Rijun when he used to sleep with him until he was six and how he wetted his bed every night too making Xing laugh hard.
"If Lord Ming was here, I would have known about your embarrassing childhood stories too!", Rijun pouted. He was already red with embarrassment.
"He would not because I know his stories too", Xing laughed, "Even so none of us wetted out bed till we were six", she mocked him making Rijun knock her head.
Xing noticed her brother had developed this annoying habit of knocking her head ever since they started to get along. He couldn't give it up even though AoTian had strongly warned him against it. It's like he's doing it uncontrollably and Xing didn't mind much too. So their father had given up on stopping his son from hitting his daughter.
The three of them were chatting away happily in this small house as it was cozy and comfortable making Xu mama cry watching them. Back in their Manor each had their courtyards and they only meet each other during meals or whenever needed. They had less chance to carelessly chat like this as each had their mountain of work to do too. So this was like a vacation that helped them forget everything and get along as a family.
Their house had only two bedrooms and three beds, so Xing was made to sleep in her mother's room with Xu mama and AoTian and Rijun shared the room with two beds.
Middle of the night, AoTian felt something beside him to see his daughter lying beside him and that too upside down and Xu mama was trying to wake her up without disturbing her master.
So this is why she insisted on sleeping on this bed and she even said that he placed the pillow on the wrong side, AoTian smiled. He remembered that his wife mentioned this in her letter that she preferred to sleep in this bed in this exact position as Shengli used this bed when he stayed there and she always ends up on this particular bed even when she fell asleep elsewhere in this house.
AoTian waved Xu mama out and she hesitated to leave and that made AoTian realise something, 'Even though she is his daughter, she is at that age when even him - her father cannot stay beside her freely'.
AoTian got out from the bed and covered her with the blanket when he saw her hand sticking out and he tried to get it covered without covering her face.
AoTian saw his daughter sleeping peacefully. This was the first time he had seen her sleeping face and her hands inside his hands were not that small. He remembered Rijun's hands were smaller than his palm when he brought him with him and he was two years old. If he had met his daughter after she was born, her hands would have been much smaller than his little finger even.
He could have held her, carried her, kissed her little hands and feet, watched her grow, seen her smile, heard her wail, seen her tantrums, pampered her silly, taught her to read and write, showed her the world... She'd have hugged him, kissed him, slept with him like Rijun did and probably would have wetted him like Rijun too and called him 'papa', or 'daddy' rather than the distant 'father'..... Without knowing he had tears rolling from his eyes...
I missed watching my daughter growing up... But past cannot be changed and fate is only to be blamed to separate me from my daughter for this long.
He composed himself, 'My daughter! I have missed your past, so I wanted to be with you throughout your future. But, you are a girl and whether I like it or not I have to let you go. I've never done any of my fatherly duties till now but your wedding, I can, I must and I will do it wholeheartedly. Even though you act silly in front of me, I know how smart you are and your choice of your life partner won't be bad. And if he hurts you in one way I can hurt him in thousand other ways. So you can rest assured!', he gently caressed her hair,
' Give me a grand daughter looking just like you and I will raise her as I would have raised you! I will pamper her silly that she'll think she is the princess of this kingdom and everyone is below her! I will feed her, wash her and play with her, I will be the one teaching her everything she knows. I won't give her to you and she'll be raised with Rijun's children in our Manor! If you have other kids you can raise them or you can send me to this father too! I need no other pleasures in this world other than raising my grandchildren! So be happy! This father will give you everything you wish for!', AoTian kissed her forehead and noticed her lips slightly curving up and his heart felt warm seeing that smile and he left the room.
Rijun who is not a heavy sleeper who had woken up by the rustling feigned sleeping until his father left. He saw his sister sound asleep and wondered of he should stay or leave the room.
Whatever! He clutched the letter he had in his hands written by his sister's mother whom he had accepted as his mother too. In addition to various small accessories and embroidered kerchiefs, she had written a letter for him too.
Rijun always wondered why he hadn't been given the 'Ming' character in his name even though he had the title of legal son. He also had wondered why his birth father didn't want him and didn't even care when he went missing. He had heard that his first uncle reported him missing only after a month after he went missing and that's what prompted his father to adopt him as his legal son. If it was not his father who took him but some kidnappers, what would have happened to him? Why did he hate him that much? Even if that woman did immoral things to give birth to him, he as a child did nothing wrong and there should be no reason to hate him right?
But in this letter his mother had written that his original name was 'MingXuan' as his father mentioned to her previously and she only learned from the results of the Imperial Exams when he became the topper that his father had changed his name to 'Rijun'.
She mentioned that 'Rijun' was the name they had come up when they were together to name their son. Actually Rijun means 'average daily' and that's another reason Rijun had wondered why his father had given him such a name. But his mother mentioned how they wanted their son to live normally and peacefully without the stress of the high society, pressured to be something they don't want to be and that's why they chose such name.
Rijun now understood why his father never asked him to do anything and left everything to his decision. So what he thought as his father's lack of care was actually his love for him. And also his father actually gave him the name he had chosen for his own bloodline and he had always felt inferior having that name.
Rijun felt guilty and happy at the same time. He seemed to like his name more now. Yes! Rijun is better than MingXuan! As Mingxia said, who would remember that the Huang family gave 'Ming' character to their legal children in three generations? His name is already in the Imperial Records Book as the all time topper in the Imperial Court Exams. No one can erase that!
Also if his first uncle gave him the name with 'Ming' character, did he plan to take him as a legal son too? But then why did he let father take him?.... Who cares? Rijun thought and turned to his side facing the wall, I'm happy with everything I have now and won't change anything for the world!
The next morning Xing woke up and realised she had ended up here, 'somehow' and freshened up to see a sumptuous breakfast prepared by Xu Mama and her father and brother already waiting for her. She saw the sweet buns Xu mama made and got reminded of the Tiger God she used to meet.
Xing decided against meeting him as something didn't sit well with her, thinking about him. She remembered him mentioning something about her blood, the previous time she met him and her heart felt troubled. It's better to avoid him, she thought.
As they had already decide to leave today, Xu mama had readied everything and their carriages were waiting for them at the border of the village and she left a bit early followed by the three of them after saying their byes to her mother. Xing saw her brother kneeling in front of mother's grave for a long time and wondered what was that about. But she knew her mother would have loved Rijun as much as she loved Haru.
AoTian and Rijun were walking in the front as Xing was talking to Pengpeng and suddenly there was this gust of Wind and a beautiful person appeared in front of her. His hair was impeccably golden and his eyes looked like the clear blue sky and his countenance... That of a God..
Xing at one look could say that he was the Tiger God and her heart skipped a beat. Even if she wished to keep away, he decided to show up?
AoTian and Rijun felt an immense pressure as of someone had pressed their accupoints and stood frozen in their spots.
Xing didn't feel any negative feeling from him but only gentleness eluded from him.
"Little One, leaving without my usual offerings?", he asked making Xing purse her lips.
Why are there people like him? He is a god, does he lack food? Can't he let me go for once? And since when did he became so shameless and talkative? He always behaved like he'll lose his teeth if he speaks!
Xing knew he won't let her go until he gets his sweet buns and gave him a couple of buns she had stored in her sleeves for future consumption begrudgingly. Somehow this god reminded her of that Oldman who always asks her to make tea. Huh! Old people!
The God happily ate that bun in front of her and gave her three fig like fruits that she usually eats before. Xing refused to get it but he forced one in her mouth and placed the other two in her sleeves without saying a word too. Gods! Doing whatever they want!
"Are you trying to fatten me up for slaughter?", Xing asked him with a smile that had many underlying meanings.
Xing saw the God's eyes went dark for a second before regaining it's warmth.
"Little One! Remember! I am always on your side!", the corners of his lips curved up slightly. This was the first time Xing had seen him this close to smiling.
He said that and tried to kiss her as a means to seal the promise but Xing turned unconsciously.
Xing thought he would get mad but the God, smiled and Xing could not deny the beauty of that God.
"You mortals grow up quickly and sealing the promise this way seems wrong to you, right? I forgot. You were so little and weren't able to walk properly just a little time ago! You do grow up fast! ", he looked at her gently and Xing felt that the way he looked at her was similar to that Oldman too and she didn't hear him mumble, 'He was like that too'.
Xing didn't turn away for the reason he mentioned but because she didn't want to accept the promise. My side? Which side is that? I don't want to be in any sides other than the side of my Prince! Just leave me alone! Was her thoughts.
But the God didn't seem to care for her thoughts and gently ruffled her hair,
"Little One! My promise still stands", he said and kissed her forehead. Xing could feel he had put a sort of protection spell on her but didn't know why he was doing all this unnecessarily and she didn't bother to ask either. Even if she asks, he'll give some tricky answer that could mean a million things just to prove his superiority.
Only after that, Xing could see the content in his eyes and Xing turned to leave when the God said,
"I am Fei Lian. Just call my name whenever you are in trouble. Don't spill your blood unnecessarily", he said making Xing feel a shiver passing through her spine.
How did he know what happened inside the Heavenly Flowers Palace? She wanted to ask but he just gave a godly smile and disappeared leaving the words right in her mouth.
Xing turned to leave to see her father and brother petrified. She thought they'd be scared of her too but they didn't mind.
" So who is that?", Rijun asked. The pressure they felt got lifted once that God disappeared. Also even though they were just ten steps apart, they could not hear a word they spoke.
"His name is Fei Lian", Xing said. She never would have guessed the one she thought of as the mountain god was the Great God of Wind and the patron god of this Kingdom. Also he is said to be the right hand General of the Heavenly Emperor who had a great hand in winning the war between the gods that happened five centuries back! So what was he doing with me all this time and that too making me believe as the mountain god?
"Is that so?", Rijun asked knitting his brows. Even though he had decided not to be surprised by his sister, isn't this too much?
.....
In the top of the mountain, Fei Lian appeared in front of the Stag God happily showing the leftover sweet bun.
The stag God rolled his eyes, "She was planning to leave without meeting you" he said in a mocking tone and that wiped out the smile in his eyes,
"Well then! We'll have to make her come to us the next time then", he said and disappeared leaving the Stag God with an unreadable expression.
...
In the carriage AoTian was thinking deeply. Lady Shaoyao mentioned the crown prince of the fox clan receding his support for her knowing Mingxia has a lover. So it means he has some intention towards her. Also that Ying Ryuga is trying to get her attention too. And that God, he clearly tried to kiss her! Even though she refused him, who knows what might happen in the future? And the Emperor has interest in her too. Considering all the others, Shengli seems to be a better match as she likes him too.
"Rijun", AoTian called his son who was busying himself with books to distract himself from throwing up, " Prepare the dowry that has to be given according to the status of a Huang daughter for Mingxia. Let's announce the engagement after New Year and have the wedding after the Coronation".
"Father! Does this mean that you have accepted him?", Rijun was surprised but AoTian could see the happiness in his face. Since when did he started liking him?
AoTian nodded and took a deep breath, " Huang Shengli, Li ChengNuo or the Rui Wang - ask him who will marry our Mingxia in a subtle way. We'll have to plan the wedding accordingly. We don't have much time",he spoke decisively.
So father accepted him completely! Rijun was happy, "Yes father!", he nodded.
"Keep it under wraps for now and even from Mingxia. We cannot alert others especially with many enemies around us planning against our family. Also while at it find a girl for you too. You have crossed the marriageable age too. Don't follow that snotty brat", AoTian commanded and Rijun nodded reluctantly. Where will I find a woman? But my sister is going to get married! He was ecstatic.
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Xing, Rijun and their father paid respect to her mother's grave and after dinner, Xing helped Xu mama in washing the dishes even though she protested to let her young miss do such lowly tasks.
"I always did the dishes as mother's hands were delicate. Her hands easily got dry", Xing smiled making AoTian wonder the different ways she acted. In the Heavenly Flowers Palace, she acted like she's above everyone and in the village she acted like one of them and in here she did all the chores herself?
Xing brought her father to her mother's room afterwards and dragged a wooden trunk box under her bed and dusted it clean. She hadn't been in the mood to check it previously before she left her home.
"Mother never let me touch this before", Xing gently caressed the box with a reminiscing smile on her face. It is not locked anymore, Xing thought, it's like she'd known she'd die already... May be.. Xing shook her head and not let her thoughts wander off. There is no way mother would have chosen death, right? Her brother also joined them and was standing beside Xing.
Xing opened the box to see many bundles.
There was one bundle with magpie embroidered on it and Xing opened it to see many embroidered handkerchiefs with her father's initials. Xing could see her father's eyes redden and she gave it to him and saw him holding it close to his heart.
On another bundle, there was her brother's name embroidered on it surprising Xing. She didn't even know that her mother was keeping tabs of her father till this day and even knew her brother's name. She didn't open the bundle and gave it to her brother who was equally surprised.
Another bundle with the number 'three' was there and she knew it was for Shengli and Xing opened it without hesitation and there was a beautifully embroidered pale green robe in there.
Below that there was another bundle with the number 'nine' embroidered on it. So this is for the Emperor? Xing wondered.
"Brother, mother have something for the Emperor too, surprisingly! Guess, Shengli did speak a lot about his ninth brother to mother", she gave it to Rijun. He can decide if he gives it to the Emperor or not.
Xing realised that there was only a neatly folded white silk cloth remaining there and felt her heart squeeze. 'Mother! You left something for everyone, even for that Emperor and nothing for me?', her hands inside the box, froze.
"I think there is something inside", Rijun's voice made Xing gain her thoughts and she opened the white cloth to see..... A beautiful red bridal veil with the most intricate embroidery in gold and a Phoenix headdress inside a box.
Xing's eyes widened in surprise seeing the beautiful veil . She knew everything about her mother's work and Xing would say this was the best work she had done so far. Xing's eyes clouded thinking of the time, work, care and love her mother would have put to make this for her. She even hid it from her. There was even a small note saying that she was only allowed to do this much as Haru had already decided that her wedding dress would be made only by him.
Xing was deeply moved by the love she had received from her mother and Haru. She looked at the veil and imagined her as a bride and at the thought of Shengli lifting her veil in the bridal Chambers made her entire face red as noticed by her father and brother.
"Why are you looking like a monkey's bottom? You are more redder than the veil, Mingxia! What kind of thoughts are you having? ", Rijun cackled and Xing chased him and gave him a good beating, "Indecorous sister!", he cursed her.
AoTian who was observing everything saw the veil she had neatly folded back and knew in his heart that his daughter is ready for marriage. She might be lacking in most areas but she is someone who can adapt to any situations and the man she chose cares about her enough to forget he is a royal and do measly jobs beneath his bearing just for her. He himself cannot find a man more suitable for her even if he searched the three kingdoms and farther. If only he takes back his title as the Prince, he would gladly send her to him in a grandest wedding ceremony this kingdom has seen so far with the longest list of dowry and it would be a grandest celebration the city had ever seen.
AoTian told Xing childhood stories of Rijun when he used to sleep with him until he was six and how he wetted his bed every night too making Xing laugh hard.
"If Lord Ming was here, I would have known about your embarrassing childhood stories too!", Rijun pouted. He was already red with embarrassment.
"He would not because I know his stories too", Xing laughed, "Even so none of us wetted out bed till we were six", she mocked him making Rijun knock her head.
Xing noticed her brother had developed this annoying habit of knocking her head ever since they started to get along. He couldn't give it up even though AoTian had strongly warned him against it. It's like he's doing it uncontrollably and Xing didn't mind much too. So their father had given up on stopping his son from hitting his daughter.
The three of them were chatting away happily in this small house as it was cozy and comfortable making Xu mama cry watching them. Back in their Manor each had their courtyards and they only meet each other during meals or whenever needed. They had less chance to carelessly chat like this as each had their mountain of work to do too. So this was like a vacation that helped them forget everything and get along as a family.
Their house had only two bedrooms and three beds, so Xing was made to sleep in her mother's room with Xu mama and AoTian and Rijun shared the room with two beds.
Middle of the night, AoTian felt something beside him to see his daughter lying beside him and that too upside down and Xu mama was trying to wake her up without disturbing her master.
So this is why she insisted on sleeping on this bed and she even said that he placed the pillow on the wrong side, AoTian smiled. He remembered that his wife mentioned this in her letter that she preferred to sleep in this bed in this exact position as Shengli used this bed when he stayed there and she always ends up on this particular bed even when she fell asleep elsewhere in this house.
AoTian waved Xu mama out and she hesitated to leave and that made AoTian realise something, 'Even though she is his daughter, she is at that age when even him - her father cannot stay beside her freely'.
AoTian got out from the bed and covered her with the blanket when he saw her hand sticking out and he tried to get it covered without covering her face.
AoTian saw his daughter sleeping peacefully. This was the first time he had seen her sleeping face and her hands inside his hands were not that small. He remembered Rijun's hands were smaller than his palm when he brought him with him and he was two years old. If he had met his daughter after she was born, her hands would have been much smaller than his little finger even.
He could have held her, carried her, kissed her little hands and feet, watched her grow, seen her smile, heard her wail, seen her tantrums, pampered her silly, taught her to read and write, showed her the world... She'd have hugged him, kissed him, slept with him like Rijun did and probably would have wetted him like Rijun too and called him 'papa', or 'daddy' rather than the distant 'father'..... Without knowing he had tears rolling from his eyes...
I missed watching my daughter growing up... But past cannot be changed and fate is only to be blamed to separate me from my daughter for this long.
He composed himself, 'My daughter! I have missed your past, so I wanted to be with you throughout your future. But, you are a girl and whether I like it or not I have to let you go. I've never done any of my fatherly duties till now but your wedding, I can, I must and I will do it wholeheartedly. Even though you act silly in front of me, I know how smart you are and your choice of your life partner won't be bad. And if he hurts you in one way I can hurt him in thousand other ways. So you can rest assured!', he gently caressed her hair,
' Give me a grand daughter looking just like you and I will raise her as I would have raised you! I will pamper her silly that she'll think she is the princess of this kingdom and everyone is below her! I will feed her, wash her and play with her, I will be the one teaching her everything she knows. I won't give her to you and she'll be raised with Rijun's children in our Manor! If you have other kids you can raise them or you can send me to this father too! I need no other pleasures in this world other than raising my grandchildren! So be happy! This father will give you everything you wish for!', AoTian kissed her forehead and noticed her lips slightly curving up and his heart felt warm seeing that smile and he left the room.
Rijun who is not a heavy sleeper who had woken up by the rustling feigned sleeping until his father left. He saw his sister sound asleep and wondered of he should stay or leave the room.
Whatever! He clutched the letter he had in his hands written by his sister's mother whom he had accepted as his mother too. In addition to various small accessories and embroidered kerchiefs, she had written a letter for him too.
Rijun always wondered why he hadn't been given the 'Ming' character in his name even though he had the title of legal son. He also had wondered why his birth father didn't want him and didn't even care when he went missing. He had heard that his first uncle reported him missing only after a month after he went missing and that's what prompted his father to adopt him as his legal son. If it was not his father who took him but some kidnappers, what would have happened to him? Why did he hate him that much? Even if that woman did immoral things to give birth to him, he as a child did nothing wrong and there should be no reason to hate him right?
But in this letter his mother had written that his original name was 'MingXuan' as his father mentioned to her previously and she only learned from the results of the Imperial Exams when he became the topper that his father had changed his name to 'Rijun'.
She mentioned that 'Rijun' was the name they had come up when they were together to name their son. Actually Rijun means 'average daily' and that's another reason Rijun had wondered why his father had given him such a name. But his mother mentioned how they wanted their son to live normally and peacefully without the stress of the high society, pressured to be something they don't want to be and that's why they chose such name.
Rijun now understood why his father never asked him to do anything and left everything to his decision. So what he thought as his father's lack of care was actually his love for him. And also his father actually gave him the name he had chosen for his own bloodline and he had always felt inferior having that name.
Rijun felt guilty and happy at the same time. He seemed to like his name more now. Yes! Rijun is better than MingXuan! As Mingxia said, who would remember that the Huang family gave 'Ming' character to their legal children in three generations? His name is already in the Imperial Records Book as the all time topper in the Imperial Court Exams. No one can erase that!
Also if his first uncle gave him the name with 'Ming' character, did he plan to take him as a legal son too? But then why did he let father take him?.... Who cares? Rijun thought and turned to his side facing the wall, I'm happy with everything I have now and won't change anything for the world!
The next morning Xing woke up and realised she had ended up here, 'somehow' and freshened up to see a sumptuous breakfast prepared by Xu Mama and her father and brother already waiting for her. She saw the sweet buns Xu mama made and got reminded of the Tiger God she used to meet.
Xing decided against meeting him as something didn't sit well with her, thinking about him. She remembered him mentioning something about her blood, the previous time she met him and her heart felt troubled. It's better to avoid him, she thought.
As they had already decide to leave today, Xu mama had readied everything and their carriages were waiting for them at the border of the village and she left a bit early followed by the three of them after saying their byes to her mother. Xing saw her brother kneeling in front of mother's grave for a long time and wondered what was that about. But she knew her mother would have loved Rijun as much as she loved Haru.
AoTian and Rijun were walking in the front as Xing was talking to Pengpeng and suddenly there was this gust of Wind and a beautiful person appeared in front of her. His hair was impeccably golden and his eyes looked like the clear blue sky and his countenance... That of a God..
Xing at one look could say that he was the Tiger God and her heart skipped a beat. Even if she wished to keep away, he decided to show up?
AoTian and Rijun felt an immense pressure as of someone had pressed their accupoints and stood frozen in their spots.
Xing didn't feel any negative feeling from him but only gentleness eluded from him.
"Little One, leaving without my usual offerings?", he asked making Xing purse her lips.
Why are there people like him? He is a god, does he lack food? Can't he let me go for once? And since when did he became so shameless and talkative? He always behaved like he'll lose his teeth if he speaks!
Xing knew he won't let her go until he gets his sweet buns and gave him a couple of buns she had stored in her sleeves for future consumption begrudgingly. Somehow this god reminded her of that Oldman who always asks her to make tea. Huh! Old people!
The God happily ate that bun in front of her and gave her three fig like fruits that she usually eats before. Xing refused to get it but he forced one in her mouth and placed the other two in her sleeves without saying a word too. Gods! Doing whatever they want!
"Are you trying to fatten me up for slaughter?", Xing asked him with a smile that had many underlying meanings.
Xing saw the God's eyes went dark for a second before regaining it's warmth.
"Little One! Remember! I am always on your side!", the corners of his lips curved up slightly. This was the first time Xing had seen him this close to smiling.
He said that and tried to kiss her as a means to seal the promise but Xing turned unconsciously.
Xing thought he would get mad but the God, smiled and Xing could not deny the beauty of that God.
"You mortals grow up quickly and sealing the promise this way seems wrong to you, right? I forgot. You were so little and weren't able to walk properly just a little time ago! You do grow up fast! ", he looked at her gently and Xing felt that the way he looked at her was similar to that Oldman too and she didn't hear him mumble, 'He was like that too'.
Xing didn't turn away for the reason he mentioned but because she didn't want to accept the promise. My side? Which side is that? I don't want to be in any sides other than the side of my Prince! Just leave me alone! Was her thoughts.
But the God didn't seem to care for her thoughts and gently ruffled her hair,
"Little One! My promise still stands", he said and kissed her forehead. Xing could feel he had put a sort of protection spell on her but didn't know why he was doing all this unnecessarily and she didn't bother to ask either. Even if she asks, he'll give some tricky answer that could mean a million things just to prove his superiority.
Only after that, Xing could see the content in his eyes and Xing turned to leave when the God said,
"I am Fei Lian. Just call my name whenever you are in trouble. Don't spill your blood unnecessarily", he said making Xing feel a shiver passing through her spine.
How did he know what happened inside the Heavenly Flowers Palace? She wanted to ask but he just gave a godly smile and disappeared leaving the words right in her mouth.
Xing turned to leave to see her father and brother petrified. She thought they'd be scared of her too but they didn't mind.
" So who is that?", Rijun asked. The pressure they felt got lifted once that God disappeared. Also even though they were just ten steps apart, they could not hear a word they spoke.
"His name is Fei Lian", Xing said. She never would have guessed the one she thought of as the mountain god was the Great God of Wind and the patron god of this Kingdom. Also he is said to be the right hand General of the Heavenly Emperor who had a great hand in winning the war between the gods that happened five centuries back! So what was he doing with me all this time and that too making me believe as the mountain god?
"Is that so?", Rijun asked knitting his brows. Even though he had decided not to be surprised by his sister, isn't this too much?
.....
In the top of the mountain, Fei Lian appeared in front of the Stag God happily showing the leftover sweet bun.
The stag God rolled his eyes, "She was planning to leave without meeting you" he said in a mocking tone and that wiped out the smile in his eyes,
"Well then! We'll have to make her come to us the next time then", he said and disappeared leaving the Stag God with an unreadable expression.
...
In the carriage AoTian was thinking deeply. Lady Shaoyao mentioned the crown prince of the fox clan receding his support for her knowing Mingxia has a lover. So it means he has some intention towards her. Also that Ying Ryuga is trying to get her attention too. And that God, he clearly tried to kiss her! Even though she refused him, who knows what might happen in the future? And the Emperor has interest in her too. Considering all the others, Shengli seems to be a better match as she likes him too.
"Rijun", AoTian called his son who was busying himself with books to distract himself from throwing up, " Prepare the dowry that has to be given according to the status of a Huang daughter for Mingxia. Let's announce the engagement after New Year and have the wedding after the Coronation".
"Father! Does this mean that you have accepted him?", Rijun was surprised but AoTian could see the happiness in his face. Since when did he started liking him?
AoTian nodded and took a deep breath, " Huang Shengli, Li ChengNuo or the Rui Wang - ask him who will marry our Mingxia in a subtle way. We'll have to plan the wedding accordingly. We don't have much time",he spoke decisively.
So father accepted him completely! Rijun was happy, "Yes father!", he nodded.
"Keep it under wraps for now and even from Mingxia. We cannot alert others especially with many enemies around us planning against our family. Also while at it find a girl for you too. You have crossed the marriageable age too. Don't follow that snotty brat", AoTian commanded and Rijun nodded reluctantly. Where will I find a woman? But my sister is going to get married! He was ecstatic.
Xing, Rijun and their father paid respect to her mother's grave and after dinner, Xing helped Xu mama in washing the dishes even though she protested to let her young miss do such lowly tasks. "I always did the dishes as mother's hands were delicate. Her hands easily got dry", Xing smiled making AoTian wonder the different ways she acted. In the Heavenly Flowers Palace, she acted like she's above everyone and in the village she acted like one of them and in here she did all the chores herself? Xing brought her father to her mother's room afterwards and dragged a wooden trunk box under her bed and dusted it clean. She hadn't been in the mood to check it previously before she left her home. "Mother never let me touch this before", Xing gently caressed the box with a reminiscing smile on her face. It is not locked anymore, Xing thought, it's like she'd known she'd die already... May be.. Xing shook her head and not let her thoughts wander off. There is no way mother would have chosen death, right? Her brother also joined them and was standing beside Xing. Xing opened the box to see many bundles. There was one bundle with magpie embroidered on it and Xing opened it to see many embroidered handkerchiefs with her father's initials. Xing could see her father's eyes redden and she gave it to him and saw him holding it close to his heart. On another bundle, there was her brother's name embroidered on it surprising Xing. She didn't even know that her mother was keeping tabs of her father till this day and even knew her brother's name. She didn't open the bundle and gave it to her brother who was equally surprised. Another bundle with the number 'three' was there and she knew it was for Shengli and Xing opened it without hesitation and there was a beautifully embroidered pale green robe in there. Below that there was another bundle with the number 'nine' embroidered on it. So this is for the Emperor? Xing wondered. "Brother, mother have something for the Emperor too, surprisingly! Guess, Shengli did speak a lot about his ninth brother to mother", she gave it to Rijun. He can decide if he gives it to the Emperor or not. Xing realised that there was only a neatly folded white silk cloth remaining there and felt her heart squeeze. 'Mother! You left something for everyone, even for that Emperor and nothing for me?', her hands inside the box, froze. "I think there is something inside", Rijun's voice made Xing gain her thoughts and she opened the white cloth to see..... A beautiful red bridal veil with the most intricate embroidery in gold and a Phoenix headdress inside a box. Xing's eyes widened in surprise seeing the beautiful veil . She knew everything about her mother's work and Xing would say this was the best work she had done so far. Xing's eyes clouded thinking of the time, work, care and love her mother would have put to make this for her. She even hid it from her. There was even a small note saying that she was only allowed to do this much as Haru had already decided that her wedding dress would be made only by him. Xing was deeply moved by the love she had received from her mother and Haru. She looked at the veil and imagined her as a bride and at the thought of Shengli lifting her veil in the bridal Chambers made her entire face red as noticed by her father and brother. "Why are you looking like a monkey's bottom? You are more redder than the veil, Mingxia! What kind of thoughts are you having? ", Rijun cackled and Xing chased him and gave him a good beating, "Indecorous sister!", he cursed her. AoTian who was observing everything saw the veil she had neatly folded back and knew in his heart that his daughter is ready for marriage. She might be lacking in most areas but she is someone who can adapt to any situations and the man she chose cares about her enough to forget he is a royal and do measly jobs beneath his bearing just for her. He himself cannot find a man more suitable for her even if he searched the three kingdoms and farther. If only he takes back his title as the Prince, he would gladly send her to him in a grandest wedding ceremony this kingdom has seen so far with the longest list of dowry and it would be a grandest celebration the city had ever seen. AoTian told Xing childhood stories of Rijun when he used to sleep with him until he was six and how he wetted his bed every night too making Xing laugh hard. "If Lord Ming was here, I would have known about your embarrassing childhood stories too!", Rijun pouted. He was already red with embarrassment. "He would not because I know his stories too", Xing laughed, "Even so none of us wetted out bed till we were six", she mocked him making Rijun knock her head. Xing noticed her brother had developed this annoying habit of knocking her head ever since they started to get along. He couldn't give it up even though AoTian had strongly warned him against it. It's like he's doing it uncontrollably and Xing didn't mind much too. So their father had given up on stopping his son from hitting his daughter. The three of them were chatting away happily in this small house as it was cozy and comfortable making Xu mama cry watching them. Back in their Manor each had their courtyards and they only meet each other during meals or whenever needed. They had less chance to carelessly chat like this as each had their mountain of work to do too. So this was like a vacation that helped them forget everything and get along as a family. Their house had only two bedrooms and three beds, so Xing was made to sleep in her mother's room with Xu mama and AoTian and Rijun shared the room with two beds. Middle of the night, AoTian felt something beside him to see his daughter lying beside him and that too upside down and Xu mama was trying to wake her up without disturbing her master. So this is why she insisted on sleeping on this bed and she even said that he placed the pillow on the wrong side, AoTian smiled. He remembered that his wife mentioned this in her letter that she preferred to sleep in this bed in this exact position as Shengli used this bed when he stayed there and she always ends up on this particular bed even when she fell asleep elsewhere in this house. AoTian waved Xu mama out and she hesitated to leave and that made AoTian realise something, 'Even though she is his daughter, she is at that age when even him - her father cannot stay beside her freely'. AoTian got out from the bed and covered her with the blanket when he saw her hand sticking out and he tried to get it covered without covering her face. AoTian saw his daughter sleeping peacefully. This was the first time he had seen her sleeping face and her hands inside his hands were not that small. He remembered Rijun's hands were smaller than his palm when he brought him with him and he was two years old. If he had met his daughter after she was born, her hands would have been much smaller than his little finger even. He could have held her, carried her, kissed her little hands and feet, watched her grow, seen her smile, heard her wail, seen her tantrums, pampered her silly, taught her to read and write, showed her the world... She'd have hugged him, kissed him, slept with him like Rijun did and probably would have wetted him like Rijun too and called him 'papa', or 'daddy' rather than the distant 'father'..... Without knowing he had tears rolling from his eyes... I missed watching my daughter growing up... But past cannot be changed and fate is only to be blamed to separate me from my daughter for this long. He composed himself, 'My daughter! I have missed your past, so I wanted to be with you throughout your future. But, you are a girl and whether I like it or not I have to let you go. I've never done any of my fatherly duties till now but your wedding, I can, I must and I will do it wholeheartedly. Even though you act silly in front of me, I know how smart you are and your choice of your life partner won't be bad. And if he hurts you in one way I can hurt him in thousand other ways. So you can rest assured!', he gently caressed her hair, ' Give me a grand daughter looking just like you and I will raise her as I would have raised you! I will pamper her silly that she'll think she is the princess of this kingdom and everyone is below her! I will feed her, wash her and play with her, I will be the one teaching her everything she knows. I won't give her to you and she'll be raised with Rijun's children in our Manor! If you have other kids you can raise them or you can send me to this father too! I need no other pleasures in this world other than raising my grandchildren! So be happy! This father will give you everything you wish for!', AoTian kissed her forehead and noticed her lips slightly curving up and his heart felt warm seeing that smile and he left the room. Rijun who is not a heavy sleeper who had woken up by the rustling feigned sleeping until his father left. He saw his sister sound asleep and wondered of he should stay or leave the room. Whatever! He clutched the letter he had in his hands written by his sister's mother whom he had accepted as his mother too. In addition to various small accessories and embroidered kerchiefs, she had written a letter for him too. Rijun always wondered why he hadn't been given the 'Ming' character in his name even though he had the title of legal son. He also had wondered why his birth father didn't want him and didn't even care when he went missing. He had heard that his first uncle reported him missing only after a month after he went missing and that's what prompted his father to adopt him as his legal son. If it was not his father who took him but some kidnappers, what would have happened to him? Why did he hate him that much? Even if that woman did immoral things to give birth to him, he as a child did nothing wrong and there should be no reason to hate him right? But in this letter his mother had written that his original name was 'MingXuan' as his father mentioned to her previously and she only learned from the results of the Imperial Exams when he became the topper that his father had changed his name to 'Rijun'. She mentioned that 'Rijun' was the name they had come up when they were together to name their son. Actually Rijun means 'average daily' and that's another reason Rijun had wondered why his father had given him such a name. But his mother mentioned how they wanted their son to live normally and peacefully without the stress of the high society, pressured to be something they don't want to be and that's why they chose such name. Rijun now understood why his father never asked him to do anything and left everything to his decision. So what he thought as his father's lack of care was actually his love for him. And also his father actually gave him the name he had chosen for his own bloodline and he had always felt inferior having that name. Rijun felt guilty and happy at the same time. He seemed to like his name more now. Yes! Rijun is better than MingXuan! As Mingxia said, who would remember that the Huang family gave 'Ming' character to their legal children in three generations? His name is already in the Imperial Records Book as the all time topper in the Imperial Court Exams. No one can erase that! Also if his first uncle gave him the name with 'Ming' character, did he plan to take him as a legal son too? But then why did he let father take him?.... Who cares? Rijun thought and turned to his side facing the wall, I'm happy with everything I have now and won't change anything for the world! The next morning Xing woke up and realised she had ended up here, 'somehow' and freshened up to see a sumptuous breakfast prepared by Xu Mama and her father and brother already waiting for her. She saw the sweet buns Xu mama made and got reminded of the Tiger God she used to meet. Xing decided against meeting him as something didn't sit well with her, thinking about him. She remembered him mentioning something about her blood, the previous time she met him and her heart felt troubled. It's better to avoid him, she thought. As they had already decide to leave today, Xu mama had readied everything and their carriages were waiting for them at the border of the village and she left a bit early followed by the three of them after saying their byes to her mother. Xing saw her brother kneeling in front of mother's grave for a long time and wondered what was that about. But she knew her mother would have loved Rijun as much as she loved Haru. AoTian and Rijun were walking in the front as Xing was talking to Pengpeng and suddenly there was this gust of Wind and a beautiful person appeared in front of her. His hair was impeccably golden and his eyes looked like the clear blue sky and his countenance... That of a God.. Xing at one look could say that he was the Tiger God and her heart skipped a beat. Even if she wished to keep away, he decided to show up? AoTian and Rijun felt an immense pressure as of someone had pressed their accupoints and stood frozen in their spots. Xing didn't feel any negative feeling from him but only gentleness eluded from him. "Little One, leaving without my usual offerings?", he asked making Xing purse her lips. Why are there people like him? He is a god, does he lack food? Can't he let me go for once? And since when did he became so shameless and talkative? He always behaved like he'll lose his teeth if he speaks! Xing knew he won't let her go until he gets his sweet buns and gave him a couple of buns she had stored in her sleeves for future consumption begrudgingly. Somehow this god reminded her of that Oldman who always asks her to make tea. Huh! Old people! The God happily ate that bun in front of her and gave her three fig like fruits that she usually eats before. Xing refused to get it but he forced one in her mouth and placed the other two in her sleeves without saying a word too. Gods! Doing whatever they want! "Are you trying to fatten me up for slaughter?", Xing asked him with a smile that had many underlying meanings. Xing saw the God's eyes went dark for a second before regaining it's warmth. "Little One! Remember! I am always on your side!", the corners of his lips curved up slightly. This was the first time Xing had seen him this close to smiling. He said that and tried to kiss her as a means to seal the promise but Xing turned unconsciously. Xing thought he would get mad but the God, smiled and Xing could not deny the beauty of that God. "You mortals grow up quickly and sealing the promise this way seems wrong to you, right? I forgot. You were so little and weren't able to walk properly just a little time ago! You do grow up fast! ", he looked at her gently and Xing felt that the way he looked at her was similar to that Oldman too and she didn't hear him mumble, 'He was like that too'. Xing didn't turn away for the reason he mentioned but because she didn't want to accept the promise. My side? Which side is that? I don't want to be in any sides other than the side of my Prince! Just leave me alone! Was her thoughts. But the God didn't seem to care for her thoughts and gently ruffled her hair, "Little One! My promise still stands", he said and kissed her forehead. Xing could feel he had put a sort of protection spell on her but didn't know why he was doing all this unnecessarily and she didn't bother to ask either. Even if she asks, he'll give some tricky answer that could mean a million things just to prove his superiority. Only after that, Xing could see the content in his eyes and Xing turned to leave when the God said, "I am Fei Lian. Just call my name whenever you are in trouble. Don't spill your blood unnecessarily", he said making Xing feel a shiver passing through her spine. How did he know what happened inside the Heavenly Flowers Palace? She wanted to ask but he just gave a godly smile and disappeared leaving the words right in her mouth. Xing turned to leave to see her father and brother petrified. She thought they'd be scared of her too but they didn't mind. " So who is that?", Rijun asked. The pressure they felt got lifted once that God disappeared. Also even though they were just ten steps apart, they could not hear a word they spoke. "His name is Fei Lian", Xing said. She never would have guessed the one she thought of as the mountain god was the Great God of Wind and the patron god of this Kingdom. Also he is said to be the right hand General of the Heavenly Emperor who had a great hand in winning the war between the gods that happened five centuries back! So what was he doing with me all this time and that too making me believe as the mountain god? "Is that so?", Rijun asked knitting his brows. Even though he had decided not to be surprised by his sister, isn't this too much? ..... In the top of the mountain, Fei Lian appeared in front of the Stag God happily showing the leftover sweet bun. The stag God rolled his eyes, "She was planning to leave without meeting you" he said in a mocking tone and that wiped out the smile in his eyes, "Well then! We'll have to make her come to us the next time then", he said and disappeared leaving the Stag God with an unreadable expression. ... In the carriage AoTian was thinking deeply. Lady Shaoyao mentioned the crown prince of the fox clan receding his support for her knowing Mingxia has a lover. So it means he has some intention towards her. Also that Ying Ryuga is trying to get her attention too. And that God, he clearly tried to kiss her! Even though she refused him, who knows what might happen in the future? And the Emperor has interest in her too. Considering all the others, Shengli seems to be a better match as she likes him too. "Rijun", AoTian called his son who was busying himself with books to distract himself from throwing up, " Prepare the dowry that has to be given according to the status of a Huang daughter for Mingxia. Let's announce the engagement after New Year and have the wedding after the Coronation". "Father! Does this mean that you have accepted him?", Rijun was surprised but AoTian could see the happiness in his face. Since when did he started liking him? AoTian nodded and took a deep breath, " Huang Shengli, Li ChengNuo or the Rui Wang - ask him who will marry our Mingxia in a subtle way. We'll have to plan the wedding accordingly. We don't have much time",he spoke decisively. So father accepted him completely! Rijun was happy, "Yes father!", he nodded. "Keep it under wraps for now and even from Mingxia. We cannot alert others especially with many enemies around us planning against our family. Also while at it find a girl for you too. You have crossed the marriageable age too. Don't follow that snotty brat", AoTian commanded and Rijun nodded reluctantly. Where will I find a woman? But my sister is going to get married! He was ecstatic.
