11 A Pile of Woods, A Piece of Jade (1/2)
”Hui, have you ever heard of the illegitimate prince of Hai'an?” Li Wei poked her head out from her room into the hallway, stopping Hui as he was about to to into his room. There were so many things she wanted to know. Ever since the conversation in the restaurant, the rumors filled her head endlessly. She was afraid of not being able to fall asleep if she was unable to find out more information.
”Young miss, where did you hear that from?” Hui's back was still faced her, his previously tired eyes suddenly became alert. He didn't expect that she'd ask this question, for not many knew of these rumors.
Li Wei cautiously replied, ”I heard from some people at the restaurant this morning. There's also words of the illegitimate prince taking over the throne.”
Hui sighed. He knew the young miss was stubborn. If he didn't answer her questions, he wouldn't be allowed to fall asleep. In these years, he knew how the young miss felt for the first prince. It was farfetched, but Hui didn't want to destroy the young miss' feelings so he still informed her of any news he heard about the prince every now and then. ”Honestly, I don't know. It's true that there are many rumors recently about second prince.”
”How can that be when there's only one prince? Could it be a fake prince?”
”Miss, don't worry about such rumors for we are not involved in royal affairs here in Hai'an. We will soon return to Na'an in a month's time so prepare yourself.”
”Yes, Hui, you're right. I'm going to rest for the night, see you in the morning.” Li Wei obediently closed the door and returned to her room. When Hui's footsteps became silence, her lips hooked up in a smile.
Of course, she was not that obedient. Knowing Hui's personality, he wouldn't get them involved in dangerous situations. She just wanted to try to get some information from him, but he was not helpful at all. He neither confirmed nor denied the rumors. If he knew anything, he wasn't telling her. She could only rely on herself to find the truth.
Two days later, Li Wei excused herself to the marketplace to buy gifts for Aunt Rin for their return trip next month. She especially remined Hui and San'er not to look for her. From the morning until early evening, she ate and slept at an inn close to the palace. When the sun dipped beneath the horizon, Li Wei stepped off the stairs leading to the inn's entrance. She felt full and happy. If she was able to meet Khan Bojing tonight, she agreed that she'd feel even better.
She happily skipped towards the street but stopped when she saw a cart full of firewood rolling towards her. Ah, it'd be perfect for her plan! ”Older brother, how much are you selling these woods for?”
The man pushing the cart soon came into view, although his features were hard to make out due to the minimal amount of sunlight at this time in the evening. Li Wei happily walked closer and asked again, ”I want to buy these woods, how much are you selling them for?”
”Hmm... For you, one golden tael.”
Her nose scrunched up, why was this pile of woods more expensive than a pile of jewelries? She slipped her lantern onto her arm as she questioned the man with sarcasm, ”If these woods are that valuable, perhaps, their ashes will turn into gold?”
”For you, it sounds likely. Perhaps that might happen,” the owner's voice returned with just as much sarcasm as hers. He didn't think he'd run into this girl again, but now that they're face to face again, he couldn't help but to make fun of her. This girl was so slow, he had recognized her from afar but she still hadn't recognize him even now when they're less than five feet apart.