Rebirth of Fa Wei Lan

Chapter 3: New Life

It took over 3 weeks before we arrived to the Jing Province Valley. We rode in the carriage for days and then spent almost 2 week in a large ship at sea before we reached the Fa Port.

It had been a surprise to me how amazing the Fa Mansion was as sits at the edge of the mountain looking down at the massive Fa Port beside the sea. I quickly learned that Fa He Long's status in Jing Province isn't small. There were guards everywhere and dozens of servants and maids. Mother once mentioned that her father has close relationship with the royal family - but being young and naive, I didn't fully understand what that meant. Now seeing the Fa Estate for the first time, I understood.

"Li, take young miss to the Orchid Quarter. Make sure Wei Lan has proper servants at the quarter"

"Yes master" Li replied with a bow.

"Wei Lan, these few weeks must be tiring for you. Go on and have a proper rest"

I thanked grandfather before I quietly followed Li who lead the way through the large mansion with strange walls heights. There are areas with very tall walls and others with short walls. Although it was odd, it still looks balanced.

"Because of the position of the mansion, there are cliffs at several corners. The walls are design for security purposes. Young miss, after a few months living at the Fa Mansion, you will get use it"

I nodded and continued to listen as Li stop every so often to point out highlights of the mansion.

"This is the Orchid Quarter, and now, it belong to you young miss"

I stood at the beautiful wood double door with intricate carvings of orchids. When Li opened the doors, I was struck by orchid scent. Inside, I saw the small lovely garden. In the center of the garden is a small white stone table with 4 small matching stools. Right behind the garden stood a small but lovely house. Again, every door and wood frame had intricate carving of different orchid flowers.

"Mother living quarter"

Li nodded with surprised that I knew this quarter use to be inhabited by mother.

"Young miss, I will have several maids bring water for your bath before your meal and rest"

"Thank you Li... please send my regards to grandfather as well"

Li bowed before he left the quarter, closing the door after behind him. Alone, I stood in the garden studying the well-kept quarter. It was clear that mother was well loved. Even after she had left, grandfather still kept everything in order as if letting his daughter knows that she will always have a place in his home. That realization moved my heart.

The first few weeks living at the Fa Mansion, I spend my time reading father's journals. Before, I had relied on third uncle for everything. I trusted him to provide me a home. Thinking back on it, what was truly given to me was a temporary place to live. They took care of me because they needed my titled. Now, I understood nothing in this world is free. Being born in a wealthy or noble family, if you are not smart, you will be taken advantage of. Children - the most vulnerable creatures are the easiest to fool.

"Wei Lan"

I was in the garden studying father's journal when grandfather voice was heard. Immediately, I put the book down and stood up to greet him with a bow.

"Grandfather, good morning"

I hadn't seen him since we arrived to the Jing Province. I figured it was because he had a lot of work he needed to do. After all, he had gone for several weeks for his daughter and son-in-law funeral; and despite the grief, he still have the responsibility to his own home. And I knew the people in his home depend greatly on him. The thought made me respect the older man more.