Chapter 7: Her Prince
San'er was sweeping the walkway when she saw Li Wei humming and skipping. She almost tripped. Such a sight was more rare than seeing a shooting star. Were her eyes deceiving her? They must be, for when had the young miss ever shown such happiness?
The answer was obviously, never.
Li Wei, who was oblivious to San'er's thoughts, was puzzled on another matter. Honestly, she didn't expect Aunt Rin to agree so easily. How did the woman have so much trust in her? Have Aunt Rin always trusted her this much, even in her previous life too? She was really spoiled rotten beyond the point of awareness.
Before leaving, Aunt Rin only said, "Li Wei, remember that this is a secret mission from the emperor. Head there first and wait for my news. I will write to you as soon as I finish wrapping things up here in Na'an. Listen to Hui, he's been with me throughout all my adventures. He's trustworthy and loyal, you'll be safe with him."
The preparations for the trip started as soon as they came to an agreement in the afternoon, but because Li Wei is rushing it even faster, they could only pack what they already had at hand. As soon as Hui returned, Li Wei and San'er left with him.
By midnight, they reached the outskirts of Na'an. During that time, Hui stopped the carriage so they could watch the colorful bursts of fireworks in the night sky. Li Wei gave her permission and even encouraged them to watch the whole show. It was really a splendid sight to see. The black sky filled with glittering stars was the perfect background for the fireworks to shine.
San'er sat with Hui outside the carriage, watching the sky. She had never seen such beautiful sight before. Her eyes lowered to the opened carriage doors where the young miss sat inside, leaning on the window.
She knew the young miss had no interest in watching fireworks, but had stopped to allow her the chance to enjoy herself. These days, she wasn't sure what changed specifically, but the young miss had pleasant temperament. Her act of changing the poison was never mentioned of, she was rewarded for packing the clothes and potteries, and even got a new dress with the pretty pink silk and purple swirls.
Silently, she thanked the heavens for allowing her to meet the young miss. She prayed for luck and happiness for the young miss.
From inside, Li Wei also smiled seeing San'er and Hui smiling contently as they watched the fireworks. They really deserve so much happiness in this world. Such kind and loyal people as them also deserved loyalty and kindness back.
In the dark, she gently laid her face against the carriage. Her eyes fluttered closed despite the sounds of the bursting fireworks. A warm memory came to her.
Once, during the Spring Festival, Khan Bojing came into her room while she was asleep. She had excused herself early in the evening to avoid conversations she knew couldn't be avoided otherwise. She was so deeply asleep that she didn't feel his arms wrapped around her. He carried her to Hundreds Garden and gently laid her down on the big swing in the corner.
When she was gently shook awake, the little bun stood in front with hand sparklers in his hands. He smiled happily, his eyes crinkling into crescents. Even if there was no reaction from his mother, he held her hand to the open area in the garden.
When Khan Bojing lit up the sparklers, it looked as if the stars had descended to earth and danced. Because she had been asleep, Li Wei missed the firework show so the father and son surprised her with their own mini event. Li Wei didn't say much, but she silently treasured the moment.
When the little bun danced, his eyes shone even brighter than the sparklers in his hands. At that point, the wall she set between Khan Bojing and herself softened. She didn't resist his touch when his arms wrapped her up. She would've never dared to admit it at that time, but his warmth made her feel safe and contented. As always.
Li Wei's eyes were close, but there was a sloppy smile on her face when San'er came back into the carriage. "Miss, how are you feeling?"
"I'm warm and fuzzy all over," she sleepily replied.
San'er freaked out. "What? Are you having a fever? Let me check your temperature."
Li Wei giggled and explained, "I don't have a fever. I'm saying that I feel warm and fuzzy inside."
"Miss, how is that possible? Did you drink secretly drank wine...?" San'er was still young and didn't know such things. Was it possible for a human to feel warm and fuzzy and not be sick?
"San'er, silly, this means I feel good. I feel... happy..." Li Wei hesitated on the word "happy." It wasn't as hard as it used to, admitting it openly that she was happy.
Previously, she always hid her feelings inside and rarely shared with others, but now Li Wei quite liked it. It felt nice to be able to speak aloud how she felt. It was a good thing to be happy and tell others.
"Oh. I understand now. If so, then San'er also feels warm and fuzzy inside." San'er spoke bluntly as she grinned to herself in the dark. It made her happy to see the young miss happy. She was also happy because the young miss treated her so kindly. Just then, she suddenly wondered, "Miss, where are we headed?"
"We're headed to Hai'an."
"Hai'an as in the northern empire?"
"En."
"I've heard other's talked about it but I don't know much. Why are we going there?"
"To find a prince."
"Miss, the prince you like is here in Na'an, isn't he? Why are you looking for another prince?" San'er was left confused. What prince? Hua Xifeng was a prince of Na'an, why were they headed for Hai'an? What nonsense was the young miss saying at this time in the night?
Li Wei shook her head. Hua Xifeng was not her prince. Her prince was someone who was the best to her. Someone who treated her more preciously than the world's rarest treasure. Out of all the people in her life, there was only one such a person.
"I'm going to find my prince. The prince whose love I didn't dare accept because it was a love so sincere and genuine it deserved a person equally as wonderful."
"If so, is he waiting for you then...?"
Li Wei's eyes glistened and she closed her eyes to hold the tears that threatened to stream down. When she spoke, her voice was barely audible, "San'er, I don't know. I don't even know if I want him to be waiting for me. A part of me wants to say to him, don't meet another woman. Don't love another woman yet."
"I want to tell him, wait for me. Wait for me to love you again. This time I'll really love you. But at the same time, another part of me wishes he's found someone already. That way, if he already has someone else in his heart, I'll have no more excuses to meet him ever again."
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alixlia
alixlia Hi readers!
It's been a couple weeks, but here are two chapters in one day! Woo hoo! There will be more chapters coming when I have more time. Thank you so much for your support!
It's night time here so I'm about to head to bed. Have an amazing day or night, no matter where you are!
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