Chapter 15: A Good Friend
Xing left her home with her hand full of medicinal herbs. She looked at all the trees and shrubs and the singing birds around her. Everything looked the same but she felt empty. She walked mechanically towards the village pharmacy. The entire village was decorated in red for Haru’s wedding. Everyone was in good cheer because of all the good things that happened that day from the Emperor’s visit to the punishment of their oppressors.
Xing gave the herbs to the shopkeeper and he payed for the herbs praising her for giving the exceptional as always. He asked why she was still here. "The bride was already welcomed inside the mansion. The wedding ceremony would start soon", he smiled with his yellowed teeth showing.
That’s right, Haru’d be waiting for me. That stubborn guy won’t start the ceremony without me. Xing wondered what she should do and what would be proper. On one hand this is the most important day in Haru’s life and the ceremony cannot be cancelled halfway and on another hand he had to be informed that the one he called mother is dead.
Mother! What should I do?
Xing rubbed her temples in an attempt to think straight as her head hurt like someone had smashed a big rock on it. After contemplating for a while, She asked the shopkeeper for paper and ink and started writing, ’Haru, I’m delayed. Start the ceremony. I will attend the banquet afterwards. If you are not married today, I swear I will not even look at you this lifetime ’. Then she asked a kid playing nearby to deliver the letter. After she made sure Haru read the letter she walked back to the forest.
Not letting Haru know is best. That fool won’t marry for three months if he knew her mother died, since it will be the mourning period and auspicious ceremonies won’t be held during that time. Haru cannot wrong the girl who is entirely depending on him now. If the wedding ceremony is stopped halfway that would create unnecessary rumours bad for Shurei.
As she walked aimlessly in the forest on her way back, She remembered the things her mother said...
So I’m seventeen? But why did mother lie about my age.? Also why should mother wants me to find my father now after all these years?
She remembered asking about her father once when she was young which made her mother so sad. So she never asked about him again. Also with her mother, Haru, the animals and the gods, she had never missed her father. Should she really have to leave everything in here to find her father?
What if I don’t like him? What if he doesn’t like me or acknowledge me? What if he already had another family? She contemplated and finally came to a decision.
I’ll listen to my mother for once. It’s her last wish afterall!
Suddenly she realised she had left Chenglie and her mother at home. Her head spinned. What to do now? What are the procedures one sbould do when their mother dies?