Spring's Lilac Snow

01

Within the Jade Moon Pavilion there was an aura that gave all visitors a good understanding of the eldest daughter, the one who lived here. It was rumored that this pavilion was built specifically for the eldest miss, by her father's command of course. Her father was a mysterious man who somehow had a wealthy family and a close connection with the imperial family. No one knew why, or had the guts to question him in public.

The Jade Moon Pavilion was not an ostentatiously large and excessively lavish, nor was it the equivalent of a pig's pen. It was a modestly sized pavilion with a refined courtyard whom anyone could appreciate.

Delicate, though not fragile. Elegant, yet with warmth. Grand, although not wasteful.

With one glance around the layout of the courtyard one would be able to accurately predict that the owner was undoubtedly a person with a gentle and amiable nature.

Early in the morning two voices were unabashedly wailing at each other. Liu Lihua lightly took notice of her second and third little sisters from above on her cherished Wisteria Tree. She gently raised an eyebrow and began drumming her fingers on her leg. Observing them was amusing and all, but once they got too obtrusive, they were no longer a mean for distraction.

Calmly, Lihua raised the wrist that had been tapping on my leg and used her index finger to point downwards. A thin wisp of a translucent silver, gold and jade green glided to them and hovered, surrounding their bodies in a loose ring. The two sisters immediately halted any action they were making and showed themselves out in a orderly fashion. There was no confusion as to what that wisp was, or what it meant, or where it came from. After having this scenario happen as many as it has, they should be the ones who know best what that wisp signified.

Once again embracing the serene morning of her courtyard, Lihua placed the white silk muslin into her left hand and continue threading. The cloth was being embroidered wholly for Lihua this time. It was not to be gifted or to be sold, but to become a sash for her robe. It was going to be a statement to the public.

The idea of using her own fame as an embroider was actually her second younger sister, Xinyi's idea. After the two younger sisters had a persistent dispute to make Xinyi's plan true, Lihua gave in.

Their understanding was that even if it is a quick stroll out on the streets. Even if their older sister's robes were all made of the finest silk. People would still whisper and point for at their beloved older sister for a multitude of reasons.

The robes are all white. They have no design. They are not intricate enough for a young lady of her standing. It was a unfathomable list. Older sister didn't approve of them when they rebuked the gossipers, but they didn't wish to hear these criticisms of their sister. Although they would love to say that it does not bother them and that they live a life where they could forgive and forget just like their older sister, they could not. It only boosts the amount of annoyances of this lifetime. Although older sister was completely alright with adapting to the way people want to judge, they as her younger sisters were not.

Lihua switched over to a golden thread and stitched on the sash with detailed and even lines. Highlight the Phoenix's tail. Border the rim of the sash. Give the fire dimension. It honestly did not matter how much thread Lihua used, nor the value of the sash, because as long as it was distinguished as a sash sewn by "The Liu Lihua" and could prevent some of the whispers pointed at her, it would satisfy Xinyi and Mingxia and thus their hard thought up solution would be gratifying.

Most families would know that few people will dare to wear clothing and with gold, even fewer will dare to sew it. Despite that, the Liu Family was an extraordinary family who was given permission to nearly anything around the world. Show your status and no one will bother you. It was truly that simple.

Disregarding that fact that Lihua could just ask for a family jade and hang one on her waist. Lihua took the time to sincerely create a new embroidery pieces which were quite well known and sold for a rather high price.

Wearing one of her own pieces - in a roundabout way - did signify that this Lihua was not someone that could simply be pointed at. Although truthfully, it genuinely did not bother Lihua in the slightest.

Finishing of the last stitch, Lihua tied a minuscule knot and broke off the thread. Glancing over the muslin once more, she neatly folded and tucked it away when she was guaranteed that she was pleased with it. Out of the corner of her eyes she check the sun. Mid-day. Heading back indoors, Lihua changed her robe out with another that looked the exact same and pinned up half of her hair up. Wrapping the newly embroidered sash around her waist, Lihua headed out of the courtyard and to the main street.

Ignoring stares that were attempting to burn through her, Lihua stepped into a herb and pill shop, the Dragon Claw Hall. Even though the hall seemed just like another store, if you had lived here long enough, you would realize that this store was basically a separate power. Normally, no single person or family could come into this store with haughty words and bossily ask around. Even the imperial family was no exception. They would all indiscriminately be kicked out.

Bypassing the herbs and pills on display without even sparing them a glance, Lihua took her time heading for the inner door. Just as she was about to push the door open, she was blocked by a man who was rather young for a guard. Giving him a soft stare Lihua waited for his reason. With a stutter he explained, "E-Excuse me miss. Only people with permission may enter."

Tilting her head to the left slightly, Lihua patiently directed, "Please bring the Manager Lin here."

The young guard looked as if he was about to refuse, but right before he could Mister Lin, the store manager pushed him aside. Professionally opening the door for Lihua, he spoke in a collected manner, "Sorry for the trouble Miss Liu, I hope you can forgive our new guard." She gave him a slight nod after which he let out a sigh. As she entered the door, in a hushed voice she could hear Manager Lin scolding the guard, "...If you don't know what to do ask to see a pass..."

Feeling a smile reach her face, Lihua let out a quiet laugh. Strolling along the hallway, it didn't take long before she reached the storage hall for the herbs and medicine. Paying no mind to the entire front few rows I head straight for the back of the hall. Ah. There it is.