Wuxia Tale: Hua in Bloom

Blessings

(WANG HUA)

It's been over half a year now since the last time I entered the Palace to play with the Princess Cai. Now, I am entering the Palace again, but this time to formally greet the Emperor and Empress as the soon to be bride of the first born son of the Emperor.

Today, Prince Jin and I will officially receive the blessing of the Emperor for our union.

"Details for Prince Jin's apprenticeship under your Baba will be tackled and his living arrangement here in Wang Estate will also be discuss." Father said while supervising my preparation to greet the Imperial couple. "You take your cue from me or your Baba. Don't talk unless you are being directly asked. Always keep in mind to be polite. And refrain from sharing secret smiles with Prince Jin. No need to show that kind of affection towards each other in front of your elders. Keep your pure and unassuming appearance for them. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Father." I nodded obediently.

Father nodded to nanny after she tied the silky sash around waist to emphasize my figure. Nanny took a step back and Father ran his critical eyes on me. "That will do, Nanny. Thank you." Father smiled in satisfaction with Nanny's work on me. "Leave us so I can talk to Hua more."

"Remind her to keep her cheeky tongue behind her teeth, Master Dayu." Nanny gave me a teasing look.

"Nanny..." I cannot believe that she is also lecturing me. My ears are already ringing from all of Father's reminders.

Nanny amusedly chuckled before she gathered discarded clothes and other items to take outside as she leaves. She left me in Father's care.

"Don't be nervous," Father ran a gentle hand on my carefully coiffed hair. "It's for formality alone. Your union with Prince Jin is already assured. It's a done deal. No need to be afraid anymore."

"I am not really scared, Father. I feel excited about it, actually..." I confessed in a small tone.

"Good," Father patted my cheek affectionately. "Smile. Show them the lady that you are. You are General Wang's daughter. You are precious. Prince Jin loves you. You are loved, my beautiful flower. Your dream is finally here. Your Prince is yours. His heart and mind. Soon...his name will bind to yours. You just have to be patient a bit more."

I flushed a little and nodded. Our wedding will take place two years from now, just as Father wanted it. During that time, Prince Jin will live inside the Wang Estate to continue courting me and proving himself to my Baba. But in truth, I am the one who will be under training. Training to be a proper wife and learn how to manage my own household before my parents let me go to live with Prince Jin in the property he bought for us.

For Father, two years will be enough training time for me. And it's also a good opportunity for Prince Jin to earn more of my parents' trust.

"Two years will fly by fast. No need to be impatient. Prince Jin will not stray from you. Like I said, he loves you." Father assured me.

"And I love him, Father." I replied with a smile. "Thank you, Father. I know I won't be able to go through this courtship without your help. You, Baba and Dao. The three of you had always protected me. I feel precious because of the three of you. My family. I am so blessed to have the three of you in my life. Thank you..." tears blurred my vision of the man who raised me and loved me. The man I also love so much.

"Don't cry. It will ruin your appearance. It's enough for me to know that you are grateful. No need for tears, my Hua." Father hugged me carefully. I want a tighter hug from him but I know Father doesn't want to crumple my dress.

"I promise to be a good daughter to you and Baba. And a good wife to Jin. I promise that once I married him, you, Baba and Dao won't have to worry that much about me anymore. You can focus on Dao after I get married." I said to Father.