It was in the middle of summer, Xing Xiao lay nonchalantly on her chaise while she ate watermelons, transported from the provincial area of the north. Chun Shi is embroidering while she tells the story of a blessed maiden that caught the eye of a monster cursed by the gods. Behind the chaise, Xia Shi is counting the marks on the candle to determine the time. There is only an hour more till they serve the little mistress' meal.
As they enjoy a peaceful afternoon lounging a knock is heard coming from the entrance. It was a young girl holding a tray with a scroll on it. Xia Shi welcomed the girl and handed her a copper coin while accepting the tray with the scroll. The girl happily accepts the coin and then salutes(bowing) Xia Shi before she leaves. Xia Shi returns the salute and then approaches Xing Xiao's side with the scroll.
"Mistress a letter came for you from the Wei house," Xia Shi offers the tray with a letter in both hands.
Xing Xiao raised her hand slightly to let her sleeve fall to her elbow before inquiring about the scroll. The scroll is tied by a simple knot that can be undone by a slight tug. She unrolls the scroll to see the message it holds. She searches the paper from left to right out of habit only to end up in the very middle of the paper stating, Get Well, and a familiar name under, Wei Xiangli.
Xing Xiao flips the paper over expecting an extended greeting but found none. It was quite odd to write someone a letter with only two phrases. She was curious on what was her relationship with Wei Xiangli in this lifetime.
"Is something the matter young miss?" Chun Shi was able to discern Xing Xiao's conflicted reaction.
Xing Xiao hands the letter to Xia Shi and turns to Xiao Shi, "Who is Wei Xiangli?"
"Young miss, young master Wei Xiangli comes from the line of honorable scholar Wei family. He is your future betrothed" Chun Shi Shi states.
Xing Xiao was shaken by the newly found news that she couldn't even fantom the taste of the tea she was sipping. Wasn't she fourteen? The ancient custom made her baffle. She still has many things to learn. She also wonders if it was also customary to sound so cold when writing a letter. She couldn't read the emotion in Wei Xiangli's letter but it made her feel so uncomfortable.
...
"We will end our lecture for today" the tutor spoke as he gathers his belongings.
Wei Xiangli stands from his seat and salutes his tutor. The tutor returns his salute and strides out of the room. When the tutor is finally out of sight he raises his head again. He also begins to gather his things.
"Brother!" a shrill voice of a girl yells out from the door from which the tutor just exited.
Wei Xiangli looks up to find a young girl wearing a lime dress. Two hair buns laid on top of her head. She sways her arms as she slowly gallops towards him.
"Brother Xiangli," Wei Lingzi heaves when she reaches him.
"Lingzi, don't run you might fall" Wei Xiangli pours her a cup of water.
Wei Lingzi grabs the cup of water from Wei Xiangli. She bends her neck back as she drinks like an old man with his fine wine. When she finished drinking she fall on her bottom to sit. Wei Xiangli ponders where she's getting her habits from. He also sat down to continue gathering his things. This was a frequent occurrence that he is used to. He knew that his sister is about to talk for a long hour regarding either her day or other people's day.
Wei Ling Zi took another deep breath then said, "Brother Xiangli, have you heard the walls(rumors) lately about your 'good' fiancé?"
"Ling Zi stops listening to rumors," Wei Xiangli mutters.
He is aware that his sister has the hobby of gathering rumors from her nannies and handmaids. It is all rooted in her condition growing up. Wei Ling Zi was born prematurely hence her weak constitution. Because of their mother's heartache towards her daughter, Wei Ling Zi is spoiled rotten to the core. Thankfully, her only known entertainment is listening to society's steamy affairs and reading romantic books.
"No brother, listen! It's this one that is really true. Mother told me about it," Wei Ling Zi grabs Wei Xiangli's sleeve as she proves her injustice, "I want to be the one to tell you first before mother."
The mention of their mother finally caught Wei Xiangli's attention. He sets his things down to fully absorb Wei Ling Zi's news.
"Apparently your fiancé lost her memory," Wei Ling Zi says.
Wei Xiangli was taken aback by her statement. Who woulda thought?
Wei Xiangli didn't have much of an impression of his fiancé. They were both indifferent to each other and only exchanged simple greetings through letters. It has only been a year since they were engaged. He was 17 years old and she was 13. It was agreed that they would wed as soon as she reaches her hairpin ceremony*. Lady Juan Lin and his mother decided to match them to get the families closer. He has no clear image of Xing Xiao since he had only met her once during the lantern festival and Xing Xiao is wearing a veiled hat. He had heard rumors that she was a profound beauty but was never able to confirm the rumors since lady Juan Lin was adamant about keeping her daughter obscured. Hearing the news made him curious but it doesn't pique much unease.
*Hairpin ceremony: coming of age ceremony. Usually 15 years old.
"But if you asked me, I don't think it's true that she lost her memory. It might just be one of her's and lady Juan Lin's ploys so they would catch the public attention. It was said that she lost her memory but she still remembers her father and the old matriarch. Isn't it too convenient?"Wei Lingzi rants.
"Ling Zi, whatever thoughts you are having keep it to yourself," Wei Xiangli frowns upon her.
Wei Xiangli was shocked by her brother's remark. Wei Xiangli is usually very gentle with her. He would correct her at times but it would still be kind. However, right now her handsome brother rebuked her with a tone of disappointment.
Wei Ling Zi was so upset so she started crying. She stood up abruptly and yells at Wei Xiangli, "Brother! You are awful. I was just concerned about you." She then runs out of the room.
Wei Xiangli was stunned by her outburst and felt bad for reprimanding her harshly.
Just as Wei Ling Zi left a male servant came in and stood by the entrance. The male servant salutes him, "Young master, the madam asks for your presence in residence."
"Take my belongings to my room," Wei Xiangli says as he passes him by.
Lady Qin was sitting quietly in her sitting area thinking deeply when Wei Xiangli entered.
"My son," Lady Qin got up to meet her Wei Xiangli halfway then led him to sit down and join her.
"Xiangli, how are your studies going?" Lady Qin started with an open question.
"It is well mother" Wei Xiangli responds but is anticipating the up-and-coming topic.
"Xiangli, my son," Lady Qin sighs and held her son's arm, "we need to talk about the Xue manor."
"So I've heard, mother" Wei Xiangli held his mother's arm to return her warmth.
"Yes. It seems lady Juan is no longer the in-charge of the manor," Lady Qin says as her eyes wonders to her son's face.
Wei Xiangli threw off guard by the new information but kept a straight face. He really was not aware of the Xue family's situation since he is about to take the imperial exam to enter the court.
"The power balance in the Xue manor has been toppled. We must choose a different path to make it into our favor," Lady Qin gave off an intent that made even Wei Xiangli uncomfortable.
YOU ARE READING
Cursed Blessing
Romansa"Being on top of everyone else is the greatest, But being on top alone is also the loneliest" Xu Bai Xing is a 21st century woman, famed as the richest woman alive after inheriting her adoptive parents inheritance. She chose fortune over love, freed...
