Chapter 23: Found Her Uncle by Chance?
A week passed and Xing was happy she had no reason to be confined anymore. Lady Shaoyao playfully told Xing that her breasts will hopefully develop soon. "Oh no! That would be inconvenient while using sword", was Xing’s immediate response which made her laugh. Lady Shaoyao hit her in the head playfully and asked Shengli to prepare everything for their departure.
Lady Shaoyao made Xing sit beside her in the bed. She caressed her hair, " Xiao Táng, us women are not treated fairly in this world. Most women are used as ’things’ by men, for their pleasure, for their way of climbing up, for trading as goods. But never, not even once think that you are not better than men. Xing, you can do everything a man can and even more. Never bow down your head for anyone unless it’s out of respect. Take care of yourself first. Your mind, body, skills, wisdom and beauty are all weapons of yours and use it wisely", she then gave a jewellery box, her eyes were clouded, " Xing dear, I may ask you to call me big sis, but I have always considered you as my daughter. So accept this gift. It’s nothing compared to what I have and what you have but still.. ", she wiped her tears.
" I’ll treasure this, big sis", Xing smiled accepting the box .
" Also don’t always wear that makeup to hide your beauty. Sometimes you can shut a thousand mouths just by looking pretty. Remember you are a woman and always take care of yourself", she said and kissed her forehead.
What beauty? Aren’t I ugly? At least that’s what Haru says, Xing thought but didn’t say it out loud.
Xing hugged her and thanked her and took her leave from the Heavenly Flowers Palace.
They then they both rode the horse with Xing in the front. They took shortcut through the mountains and reached the road to the big city gates by the evening. He had asked her to call him Huang Shengli at all times in the capital as even walls have ears there. As they were riding closer Xing asked Shengli,
" Huang Shengli, where will I stay?"
"With me of course. Father’s kind. He’ll let you stay with us", he answered confused by her sudden question. Wasn’t that always the plan?
"But... I don’t want to impose on you. I can stay in an inn, you know?"
Okay... Imposing..? Why would she think that way?
"Táng Jia Xing, this Huang Shengli can take care of a little old you very well without you being imposing", he sighed, "Silly girl! If a six year old can take a twelve year boy to her home saying she can share her mother and home then can’t a twenty three year old man take the girl he wants to spend the rest of his life with, to his home?", he whispered in her ears and kissed her cheeks.