Migong - Book 1

Chapter 28: All Grown up

Lord Mu, formerly the Right General of the Firebird Palace, currently the Grand Chancellor of the Moutan kingdom, sat on the balcony that ringed the restricted upper chamber of the former Royal Academy's library tower and mused that life was a funny thing. Next to him, as beautiful and serene as she had always been, sat his student, formerly the Headmaster of the Royal Academy, Liwen Yi. Neither of them seemed to notice the lingering chill of the retreating winter, still evident in the dark predawn as they sipped their tea. In actuality, this could perhaps still be called the middle of the night.

Today, Liwen Yi wore a pale green robe and her light brown hair fell loose except for a gold circlet that was hung with finely interwoven gold strands. With the ones in the back being longer than the front, it was like a cascade of gold in her hair. Centred on her forehead was a brilliant, red huadian*.

Lord Mu glanced sideways at her, secretly admiring the heavy lashes, the thin, elegant brows, and ivory pale skin. In her youth, Liwen Yi, was probably the greatest beauty of her time, and no one would have guessed that she would refuse to participate in the concubine selection in favour of her younger sister Liwen Yue.

Mu Shan still giggled remembering Minister Liwen's nose being out of joint when he discovered what his two daughters had done. Xiao Jing Feng on the other had always been a magnanimous person and he had not held it against Liwen Yi when she asked to participate in the three levels of examinations to enter into the government. Becoming the kingdom's top scholar at all three levels, she had promptly established the Royal Academy, fulfilling her lifelong dream of becoming a teacher like her grandfather. It had been a huge regret when the academy closed down after the war.

"Do you miss the old days...with the children?" he asked.

"Pffft...Master...you make it sound like you're an infirm, old man," she laughed. Carefully setting down her teacup, she turned her head to take in the view of the capital. "They wouldn't have stayed children forever. There's no point in agonizing over these things. You've prepared them all this time...just for today."

"Yes...preparing..." he muttered to himself, suddenly remembering a five year old Feiyan, standing beside him on a small stool, slowly grinding the ink bar in small circles. He remembered how she had watched in fascination as pine trees and chrysanthemums bloomed on the length of cloth as he painted a nature scene, careful not to drip the ink.

That day, father and daughter had been talking about the differences between each kingdom and her little voice came back to as clearly as if she were standing right next to him.

"There are many differences between the three Eastern Kingdoms. You know Moutan well, but what have you learned about Shobu? Tell me: how does it compare to Moutan?" he'd asked her.

"Father, which part?" Feiyan responded with a small frown on her cherry mouth. Her eyebrows creased, making her look adorable, but he coughed to hide his expression, exerting all his willpower to refrain from seizing her and cuddling her with all his strength.

"You may choose to discuss whichever part you wish, Yan'er," he'd said graciously.

"Mmmn," she'd murmured. "Well, if it's like that, we should talk about magic then."

"Magic?"

"Yes, of the three Eastern kingdoms, Shobu probably has the most magic practitioners left from ancient times. Wouldn't this be the biggest difference? The world would truly be a different place if one could call upon a Qilin or a Dragon to come and defend the kingdom..."

"Or a Firebird or a Tiger..." Lord Mu had added, referring to the founding legends of Moutan and Keungang while trying to hide his smile.

"Father is making fun of me again," she'd said, annoyed.