2 The Useless Girl (1/2)
The festive atmosphere was brought about by the brightly lit colorful lanterns accompanied by musical instruments being played in the background. Jun Hua watched the splendor and the throngs of people in the big hall. Her eyes scanned the crowd and splendidly memorized all their faces. But because she was too focused on them, she forgot the proper etiquette in greeting the imperial family. It made her commit a lot of mistakes.
Behind her, Xia secretly cursed inside her mind. Her miss is standing before these officials and her mistakes... would surely cause them to look down on Jun family even more.
Unfortunately, there was nothing she could do. Jun Hua paid no heed to the concealed disdain directed to her and chose to take a seat in a quiet corner. She was diligently observing all the people who came to the celebration while Xia could only stand by her side with worry.
”The Lin family has arrived.”
The eunuch's announcement made the girl lift her head once more. She could see a group of people coming in.
At the front is a middle-aged man with scholarly aura, Lin Tang, Jun Hua's father. Walking beside him was his wife, Chun Maora. Behind him were his two concubines and four children – two sons and two daughters. In this rare occasion, only the official wives and concubines who bore children were allowed to take part.
Jun Hua stared at them indifferently. She didn't have much recollection of this man, but she knew that he was her father. All these years, he never once visited her, not even when Jun family's adoptive son, Jun Min, achieved greatly on the battlefield. He continued on with his facade.
”Xia, do you know what kind of people that I hate so much?”
”Miss…?”
Jun Hua stared at Lin Tang. ”It is the kind of man that neglects his wife for another woman and throws aside his own daughter.”
Knowing that Jun Hua talked about her father, Xia didn't dare say anything. She had followed her miss for five years and naturally she had come to know a lot about her life before she went into Jun family. It was the kind of life that she herself wouldn't want to experience.
Jun Hua's presence was easily forgotten, however, at that moment a particular young lady girl walked towards her. Jun Hua stared at the girl with a frown. What could she possibly want from her?
”Jun Hua, why don't you join the others?” a very small girl asked with smile. Jun Hua raised her head and saw a fifteen year old girl standing before her. This girl was incredibly attractive with fair skin and red cherry lips. Her dimples on both sides of her cheeks were showing and her long eyelashes framed a pair of eyes, which curved into a crescent moon whenever she smiled.
It took Jun Hua some time before remembering the girl's name, Lin Yuan. She was the first daughter of the Lin family, however, a concubine born. Considering her age, it won't be long before she would be married away. All girls dreamt of marrying their perfect man and Jun Hua's adoptive brother was among those on top of their lists.
Jun Hua pursed her lips. How could she not know this girl's real intention? But it won't do her any good if she refused outright.
”Jun Hua thanks Sister Lin Yuan, but Jun Hua is not used with parties,” Jun Hua answered softly. Her small voice may have been hard to hear, but was truly pleasing to the ears.
Lin Yuan was stunned when she heard that melodious voice. Jun Hua's voice was very soft and endearing. Coupled with her fair skin and lovely eyes, even Lin Yuan had to admit that this girl was astonishingly beautiful. Those so-called attractive girls in front of Jun Hua were nothing to compare.
”How about I introduce you to my friends?” Lin Yuan asked.
”But, I don't want to trouble Sister Lin Yuan.”