章節 21: Farewell

On the last day, early morning, Prince Xiao's people came to the palace with two chests full of gold and jewelry. A bright red curtained sedan with pearl linings was also brought along, waiting for the bride, Jie You.

In the main hall sat the emperor in his golden dragon robe. Next to him was Empress Mei Wu in her prestigious three layered sapphire blue tunic. Her hair was especially adorned today with a golden phoenix crown in the front of her top bun. Concubine Yao, Yu and Lu sat on the second level, just below the emperor and empress. They all were adorned in bright clothes and sparkly pearls and jade accessories.

On the other side of the second level sat Prince Xiao smiling and chatting with the emperor in his white knee high robe. Today, his hair was in a simple top bun, secured with a white crested crown.

The very last level sat the four princesses. Wen Wan usually sat in the very front but today, Jie You had been seated right across her as they both shared the glory of the center. Wen Wan was already feeling bitter since morning ever since her mother told her to not dress as elegant as Jie You, the bride. Now that she had to share the center stage with Jie You, she couldn't tolerate it. Yue Li and Ying Me weren't feeling too happy for Jie You either. When they spoke and teased Jie You about marrying such a fine and outstanding man, they were happily discussing it. But deep inside their wicked hearts, they cursed her, wishing that it was them who had volunteered to marry the handsome Prince Xiao.

In a few hours, Prince Xiao would be leaving the palace with Jie You. He felt that he should be happy but when he realized, Da Ying wasn't present, all source of happiness vanished. All the royal family members were there, yet the only one he wanted to see wasn't there. He couldn't leave without seeing her one last time. "Your majesty, may I ask why Da Ying Gongzhu isn't here? Is she by chance ill?"

"Ying'er just came back not so long ago, the new environment, she's not used to it yet and caught a slight cold. Forgive her for not being here to see her sister off," the emperor explained.

"No problem, I wish her a quick recovery," Xiao Yuan shrugged it off and continued chatting.

After having a family meal with Jie You's family, Xiao Yuan excused himself. Jie You also left, she went to get changed, ready to head back. Her heart was pounding with excitement; she regretted not agreeing to marry him in the first place. She knew he held a grudge against her but she was confident that she would make him fall for her.

Jie You was in a good mood when she came back to her room. The maids had just finished decorating her hair with a golden phoenix crown when she put her hand up, stopping them from going further. "Li Lu, take me to Thousand Lotus Pavilion,"

"Yes, Xiaojie," Jie You took one last in the bronze mirror and smiled. How could she leave without picking one last fight with Da Ying? She wanted to gloat in Da Ying's face. Just thinking about it, she was very satisfied. When Da Ying didn't appear at the morning meal, she thought that Da Ying must have been too heartbroken at the fact that she was almost the bride.

In the garden of Thousand Lotus Pavilion was Da Ying, on both knees attending to her garden. When she first came back, there were no signs of life in the garden but after a few days of replanting and watering, the flowers began to bloom and new buds had started to sprout. Ban Shiang and Bai Zhi were also helping her water the flowers on the other side. Da Ying had just finished one section of the petunias. She attempted to get up but quickly fell down on the grass. Her foot had fallen asleep on her. She turned to her knees and was about to massage them when a hand was put in front of her. She looked up to see, Xiao Yuan smiling at her. "Let me help you," he continued to hold his hand next to her. She didn't hesitate to place her hand in his and let him pull her off the ground.

Da Ying held him for support until they came to a nearby bench in the garden. She sat down and rubbed her knees a few times. "Thank you for help, Prince Xiao,"

"No need, we are friends after all," that annoying smile of his appeared once more. Da Ying didn't know how to react to it, when she first met him in Northern Liang, he seemed to be cold and unemotional. But now…he was very relaxed and easy going. "But what are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be leaving soon? Why aren't you getting ready?" hearing her try to dismiss him once more, he showed her a face of grievance. "And aren't you supposed to be in bed ill?" he retorted back. She only crossed her hands amused. He knew he didn't have much time to talk to her. He had to get to the main goal of his coming. His face turned serious, "This is our last meeting. In the future, I don't know when I will see you. Can't you just give me a few minutes?" She hated to see him so uptight and serious; it meant that he was really bothered by something. "I didn't mean it like that, if Prince Xiao has something to say, please say it,"

Xiao Yuan reached into his sleeve and pulled out his royal emblem and a folded piece of paper. Da Ying's eyes sparkled for a moment. She has always heard that the royal emblem of a Northern Liang was far more intricate and beautiful than any other piece of gold, but to see it for herself, she was in awe. The emblem was made of pure gold, designed with the best craftsmanship. It was said that no one could be able to replicate the same thing. "It's just as extraordinary as they say. My eyes have truly been blessed,"

"I'm giving it to you," he took two steps towards her and placed it in front of her. She gave him a confused look. "This is the same as seeing me in person. If you come across any trouble in the future, as long as you show the people of Liang this emblem, they will not dare act against you," he looked at her worriedly. "I know that you have plans of your own and I can't protect you here, in Southern Han but I've already set my men in place for your use. Show it to them and they will be at your service."

"I can't take it. We do not know each other, and I have yet to accomplish what we have agreed on. How do you expect me to take so much from you?" Xiao Yuan grabbed her hands and placed both items in her hands. He held onto her warm hands tightly, "I am willing to assist you in every way."

"Why? Why are you doing so much for me? " Da Ying stood up, staring at him. Fully immersed in trying to find out what he intended to do. With his hands still holding tightly to hers, he pulled her into his embrace. His arms wrapped around her arms as he lay his chin on her shoulder. "I am not sure of my feelings but I know for a fact, you are someone I want to protect, protect with my whole life. I am willing to wait for you to come to me."

"I…" Before she could say anything, he interrupted her. "Don't say anything; I'm afraid you may say what I am afraid to hear. I only want to tell you that you are someone I hold dear. I will wait but in the meantime, do not give your heart to anyone. Only I can obtain it," he let her go and without looking at her, he walked off. Da Ying was frozen on the spot, clutching tightly on the emblem and piece of paper in her hand.

While this all happened, in a far corner was an angry and jealous Jie You. She gritted her teeth and had torn the handkerchief in her hands a long time ago.