Wuxia Tale: Hua in Bloom

Eavesdrop

(WANG HUA)

Baba made the strange announcement one day. It was the end of the week. I was supposed to go to the Palace to mingle with the Princess and other young maidens from other noble families when Baba said that we will not go to the Palace tomorrow for my scheduled visit there.

I frowned, "But I already missed it last week," I said, a bit confuse. Like a sorcerer, my Father predicted my monthly bleeding and it did occurred last week. But it was done and over now. I am in the peak of my health again and capable to go to the Palace.

Baba look at Father before turning to me again. "Hua, you will not go to the Palace again. Father and I decided that you are getting old for Palace games and it will be better if you will keep your studies here in the estate with Father."

"Truly?" I look at Father who nodded and smiled at me.

"Hua," Father put an arm around my shoulder, "You don't have to worry, I will invite Li An here or you can visit her in her home. That will not be a problem."

I smiled at that. "That's wonderful. Li An and I wanted to continue our lessons in preparing tea." Then I worry my lower lip, "But are your sure I don't have to go back to the Palace? Maybe just to formally say my goodbye to the Princess and the Empress. As courtesy?"

Father and Baba were a bit suprised. Dao, my twin, sighed while staring at our parents. "She got a point," he said in agreement with my statement.

"Then we will go next week," Baba said. Father sighed in relief. "Yes, Captain. That will be ideal." He smiled at me.

I nodded. Although a feeling started blossoming inside me. I don't know why or what is the reason but I feel like my parents are preventing me to go to the Palace. Like they don't want me to take a step inside it's walls.

I look at Dao who avoided my eyes. I frowned, now even my twin is acting strange. Come to think of it, this past seven days, Dao had been spending his free time with me. Even taking interest in sewing and puttingg dye in fabrics.

Is something wrong? What is happening?

But I forgot about any of those questions when Father once again said that he will visit Uncle Mei because Zhou Lin, now close to three years old has a fever, and Father will give some medicine to Uncle Mei.

"You want to come with me?" Father asked.

"Of course!" I am happy everytime I can visit Uncle Mei in Jiang estate. I get to play with ShuYin, our five year old cousin. I get to combed and arranged her hair in the style I wanted and share sweets with her.

After the midday meal, Father and I get ready to leave the estate to visit Uncle Mei and my cousins. Father turned to Dao, "What is your plan?" He asked my twin.

"I will meet my friends and we will get some materials for an activity our lecturer gave to us. We have to finish it by next week if we want an improvement on our marks," my twin said.

Father nodded, "Then take the whole afternoon. But be home before dinner because your Baba might join us for dinner tonight. He will look for you if you are not present."

Dao nodded, "Yes, Father."

"Good," Father smiled at my twin before taking my hand so we can leave and journey to the Jiang Estate.

Uncle Mei welcomed us when we got there. He looked a bit tired.

"Zhou Lin won't let anyone hold him but me." He said. "He was cranky and grumpy all morning. He is taking a nap but I know his fever will act up again."