24 Hua Xifeng 1 (1/2)

In the morning, Li Wei was dragged out of bed by Aunt Rin. At this moment, she sat in front of a mirror pouting her lips in silent protest. She looked at San'er who gently brushed her hair and said, ”San'er, just put my hair in a simple braid.”

From behind, San'er glanced at her young miss in the mirror. Li Wei just rolled out of bed, but she was really naturally beautiful. Not only was her young miss beautiful on the outside, but also just as beautiful on the inside. She was proud to serve such a well mannered and kind woman.

San'er admired Li Wei while she combed the young miss' shiny long hair. Just a simple braid was not suitable for entering the palace, not to mention, on an occasion to spend time with the royal family. ”Young miss, your aunt has given orders to make you look your best today.”

”San'er, just call me Li Wei. You're already like my younger sister, there's no need to keep the formality.” Li Wei spoke with sincerity. To her, San'er was like her family along with Aunt Rin. She also knew it was hard for San'er to decide who to listen to, so she added, ”I know Aunt Rin's stubbornness. Don't worry about it and just go along with her orders.”

”Thank you.” San'er shyly added, ”Li Wei.”

Li Wei chuckled at the young girl who spoke almost like a scared mouse. ”Good.”

A couple hours later, Li Wei sat on the big swing in the garden with San'er. The two women slowly pushed themselves in the air. Being on the swing brought them a feeling of being free and innocent like in their younger days. Li Wei rejoiced within her heart as she watched San'er smiled happily. Living the life of a maid was very difficult and challenging. No one would ever wish to live such a life if there were other options.

Feeling a bit curious, Li Wei asked, ”San'er, do you want to live freely?”

”I-I've never considered that...” All her life, San'er only knew of this life. How could a lowly maid like her ever dream of living like normal?

”San'er, I'm serious. If you ever wish to be free, I can help you. I want you to be able to live the life you want and be happy.”

San'er didn't have to look at the young miss. She knew Li Wei was serious. Hearing the young miss' words today cause a feeling of warmth inside her heart. ”I'll let you know if I ever have that feeling. For now, let me stay by your side.”

”En, let's cherish our time together while we have it.” Li Wei could only said this as she looked into the distance.

From leaving the manor to arriving at the palace, Li Wei wasn't able to focus. She could only trail behind Aunt Rin. San'er patiently ushered her multiple times so she wouldn't be left behind. It seemed as if they turned corridor after corridor and walked endlessly before Aunt Rin's footsteps came to a stop.

Li Wei looked up at the infamous Royal Garden, the pride of the nation's prosperity. No matter what time of the year it was, this garden was always in full bloom. The plants and flowers changed according to the season, but it was always beautiful here-- a sight to be seen and remembered for years. In the center of all its glory was a pavilion in the middle of the lake. Just behind the pavilion stood a cliff with a waterfall. Almost all the surface of the lake was covered in beautiful pink lotuses.

Seeing the Royal Garden caused her to deeply miss Hundreds Garden in Hai'an where she spent much of her days lingering around. As they arrived, she felt eyes on her, but she only quietly followed Aunt Rin across the bridge and onto the pavilion. She sat down obediently next to Aunt Rin. This was a gathering to bring the two families together. Other noble families with high positions in court were also invited to celebrate. Since they were part of the Li family, Li Wei and Li Fahrin were assigned to a table near the front where the seats of the emperor, empress, and empress dowager awaited.

She already knew that various members of the royal family were staring at her. After all, Li Wei was gone for three years and she's never been in the palace before. She was not an important figure, but many of them were curious to see how an orphan like her was living life. After all, she was the child the capable and honorable Li Fahrin adopted.

Find authorized novels in Webnovel，faster updates, better experience，Please click for visiting.

”Li Wei, your uncle's family is here,” San'er quietly whispered.