8 Marriage Decree (1/2)

I walked to the pond in Yun manor garden to look at summer flower there.Lotus flowers are blooming there. The pink color contrasts with the pool water which is slightly dirty. However, the scenery looks beautiful.

No wonder a Confucian scholar Zhou Dunyi wrote, 'I love the lotus because while growing from mud, it is unstained.'

Everyone has their own interpretation of his words. In my opinion, his words has a deep meaning. Someone who is purified in suffering. Just like a lotus flower that grows from mud.

After getting a second chance to live, my thoughts changed slightly. In the past, I always complained and angry when somethings didn't happen like I want. I don't hesitate to vent my anger to my servants. Especially to Ling. Therefore, many servants don't like me.

Now, I don't vent my anger and resentment to them. I tried to be calm. If something didn't happen like I want, I choose to be quiet in my room until I feel calm.

When I was watching the lotus flower, I heard the footsteps of someone who running towards me. I raise my head and see Ling running towards me. I stood up and waither to arrive. Ling breathed hardly before talking.

”Miss, there is a guest from the Palace. Master sent everyone to the main hall, ”Ling said with a panicked face. Her words and expression worried me.

”Who?” I asked her.

”Eunuch Zhu,” Ling answered my question. I immediately remembered the face of an old man who had become Bixia's right-hand man. The old eunuch would only come to visit a noble family to convey something very important. My heart is getting anxious. I feel afraid that Bixia (emperor) would give my family a new punishment because my suicide attempt.

”Let's go to there!” I asked her and walked quickly to the Yun manor main hall.

In the main hall, everyone had gathered. My father was sitting on the ground in first place. My mother, young brother and all our servant sitting on the ground behind my father. I go to the place behind my mother. Directly sit on the ground.

Eunuch Zhu stood in front of us. I can see that he bring a golden manuscript roll in his hand. I was a little relieved becausethe color of that's manuscript roll. The gold color shows that the contents are good. If Bixia give punishment him, he will write it on a black roll.

”I will start reading messages from Bixia,” Eunuch Zhu gave a signal. All of usimmediately prostrate.

”Bixia said that he considered that Yun family have a lot of contribution for Kingdom. Bixia wanted to build a more closer relationship with Yun family. Because it, Bixia want to bestowed Yun family's second daughter, Yun Xia He with the fifth Prince, Xiao Junwangye (prince rank two), ”Eunuch Zhu continued his words.

”We thank the Bixia. Hopefully Bixia is given a long life by Heaven, ”my father answered immediately after Eunuch Zhu ended his words. The whole hall followed my father's words.

”Hopefully Bixia will live for a thousand years,” we all said the same thing. Even though my heart isn't happy to hear his words.

After that, a banquet was held to honor Eunuch Zhu. I saw my father's face at a glance, when he was talk and talk with Eunuch Zhu. His face looks calm. His expression made me curious. Is my father feel happy if I married Bixia's son who is famous for his nickname, Waste Prince?

***

It was late when the banquet was over. My father company Eunuch Zhu to walk to the front of manor gate. He stand there until Eunuch Zhu was not seen anymore. My mother, my younger brother and me are waiting for my father in his study room.

I had spent two cups of tea when my father arrived. He looks calm. There was no tired expression on his face. My mother immediately poured tea into the cup and gave it to my father after he sat down.

”I was very surprised when Eunuch Zhu suddenly arrived. I think he will bring Bixia's message in the form of punishment for our family. Thank Heaven, that didn't happen, ”my father said after drinking his tea. He looked at my mother with a gentle gaze.

”What do you think?” My father asked my mother.