Chapter 8: 08. Getting to know each other better
Shu Ya was in a hot bath until the water became uncomfortably cold. She slowly dried her skin and wrinkled her eyebrows. Her whole body was covered with bruises. Just like before...
Looking at simple clothes she was about to wear, she liked it. It's inconspicuous and she can travel like this comfortably.
When she came out the servant waited for her and she gave him a smile and nod. "Thank you for waiting so long on me."
He shook his head. "Don't worry miss Bai. Lord Ko told us to wait. It was not that long."
Actually she really didn't take long. As soon she entered the room and saw hot water she tore the dirty dress she wore and almost jumped inside warm water.
Her hair was still moist so she rushed towards the carriage. The servant saw her wet hair and quickly brought one more cloth so she could dry it on her way to the mansion.
She gratefully smiled about fresh cloth and slowly tried to get as much moisture out her hair as much as possible.
As they slowed down she saw a beautiful gate opening and a bunch of people waiting for the carriage. One of the servants rushed to bring a small chair and as she came out a well dressed middle-aged woman rushed in front and held her hands suddenly.
''Child, you have been through so much. I...'' But then saw her still wet hair and pulled her inside. ''Come in. You need to dry your hair. Quickly, bring me another set fo clothes and dry cloth.''
''Sorry, but it's fine about clothes. They are not wet. But I will be happy to get a dry cloth to continue drying my hair.'' She touched her end and saw they were still completely wet.
She was pulled by the woman to warm room and as she sat down two young servants started carefully drying her hair. In her whole life, she never had someone serve her so she felt awkward, but comfortable at the same time. No wonder the nobles had so many servants. but then realized her position and stood up.
She smiled at the servants that looked at her with surprise. ''I am no one. Please do not waste your energy on someone like me. But thank you for offering help.'' She took the cloth from their hands and started drying slowly her long silky hair.
Before she was dirty and full of grime but when she opened her bun she knew that her hair was long and full. And from nature quite soft in touch.
Servants looked at their mistress as they had no idea what to do but she just waved her hand and sent them out. Then she pulled Shu Ya's hand and sat her next to herself. She took the cloth out her hand and patted her head. ''Stay still. '' As she dried her hair she started murmuring. ''My name is Hong Luli. Your mother saved me from being kidnapped one time. I owe her my honor. I can't repay her that anymore but I can at least fatten you up a little before you leave to northern countries.''
Shu Ya sighed. ''My mother died and my father denies my existence. I will be fine if I could live somewhere alone. Comfortably. I am going to the Bai family only to ask them to give her a tiny space in the ancestral hall. That will be enough for me.''
Worry could be seen as she looked at the old urn.
Suddenly voices outside could be heard and Lord Ka entered the room. He saw Shu Ya with open wet hair and his face became dark. ''Why is no one helping?''
''What are you yelling about. I sent them out as I wanted to do it myself. I have naughty boys and always wanted to have a girl. I hope in future my sons will have daughters so I can spoil them.''
He looked lovingly at his wife and chuckled. ''Never is too late..'' But saw her warning gaze and just sat down.
After a short silence, he looked at Shu Ya. ''It was not that concubine that did anything to your mother.''
Shu Ya nodded. ''I expected that. Looking at greedy expressions my family members made as you mentioned dowry I guess they even regretted as they haven't killed me on time.''
Lord Ka felt sorrow. ''Your female family members killed her. Or better said she did kill herself. But they told her if she doesn't do that, you will be implicated and your life would turn into living hell. With a new mother, you wouldn't have bad days. But actually planned to slowly starve you until sickness and death. So even if someone tries to look into it, they would find only that you got sick.''
His wife gasped. ''How cruel. But she is his own blood. How could they?''
''Well even if they made Bai Zhenzhen kill herself, they gave her choice so I can't sue them directly. And Shu Ya is still alive. I can just take everything that is worthy form their hands, sell it and give the money to Shu Ya as her mother's dowry.'' He looked at calm looking child that just calmly listened.
She rose her emotionless eyes towards him. ''Lord Ka, that is enough then. That woman, concubine, I need to talk to her. Can you help me find her?'' She assumed she runs after this situation.
Lord Ka watched his wife's hands as she carefully wiped Shu Ya's hair and approved. ''She is nearby and planning to travel with her children to the south. Ru Shen is planning to send her to his village.''
Lady Hong smiled brightly. ''It seems he took a liking to that little concubine. we tried for so many years to find him a wife and now he found it himself. How long it will be until his contract expires?''
Lord Ka thought about it and then smiled at her. ''It is in couple more months. Do you plan to let him off earlier so he can go back with her?''
She just nodded and started combing Shu Ya's hair. ''Tell servants to bring them in the morning here. Then we will give him a few things as a dowry and his payment and send them together. He was serving you all this time full heartedly and saved a few times your life. We can't skimp on our gratitude.''
Lord Ka's eyes became warm as he saw his wife. ''Yes. We will do as you suggest. Shu Ya, did you eat anything since those few dried fruits today?''
He could see her face being a bit pale. Suddenly a loud growl could be heard from her stomach and she suddenly became beet red. ''I guess not. Servants! Prepare dinner and call the boys. We will eat today together.''
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone