A Wuxia Tale: Twins of Trouble

Growing Up

(WANG HUA)

"The Princess is rude and callous. She is mean," I told my brother and parents while we are having dinner.

Dao's eyes widened. "And you still want to go back to the Palace next week?" He asked in a tone that is questioning my logic. "Why?"

"There is a girl there. She's the granddaughter of a minister. Also a playmate of the Princess, she's a quiet one. We like to be friends. But apparently, his grandfather and father doesn't like Baba. And the only way I can see her is if I go to the Palace to play with the Princess," I explained.

"I see," Father look at Baba who frowned. "A granddaughter of a minister?" Baba frowned. "What is her name?"

"Li An," I smiled.

Baba groaned, "Minister Li's grand daughter. I see."

"Why?" Father asked. "Is your relationship with Minister Li that severe?"

Baba winced a little. "He thinks I am an arrogant know it all that actually knew nothing and use my brawn to bully my way through the council's law. We had a spat about the modernization projects of the military bases around the country and for the additional training facilities for the soldiers."

"You didn't call them old fashioned curmudgeons. Right?" Father inquired gently. "Please tell me you refrained yourself from calling the ministers and council members pansy ninnies who did nothing for the country but argue over everything like noisy baboons."

Baba's eyes started shifting around. "I would love to tell you that...but you see I can't totally claim that I managed to refrain myself...and..."

"Wang Qing!" Father exclaimed.

Dao and I look at each other and decided to busy ourselves eating. Baba is in a ditch and if we don't eat our vegetables, we will join him there. I think it's better that Baba had Father's total focus on him. It's truly satisfying to see Father get disappointed at anyone else but me and Dao.

We heard Father sighed, "Let's not talk about that while dining." I look up to see Father smiling at me. "Hua, I hope you and Li An become good friends. Be circumspect in the Palace. Stay respectful to everyone and avoid any conflict with others."

"Stay away from the Princes," Baba added.

Father turned to him again. "Why? Are the Princes aware of our Hua's presence in the Palace?"

"I was introduced to them, before I got introduced to the Princess," I volunteered that information.

"Really?" Father kept his gaze to Baba. "And what were their reaction to Hua?"

Baba shook his head. "Let's talk about that later. Dao, eat your rice too."

"But it tastes bland," Dao whined.

"That is why you have to eat it with vegetables or meat," Father said. "You need rice to grow big."

"Yes, Father." Dao attacked his rice bowl.

Father sighed, "I hope the two of you won't be like your Baba. Hold on to your tempers. Especially you, Dao. I know you have a limited supply of patience. But still, even if you lose your temper, the damage won't be as bad as when Hua loses her temper. So daughter," Father turned to me. "Hold on to your patience. You are lady. You are far better than anyone in holding a grudge."