Emin Lan Yixiu

2.

I woke with an aching heart, how I wished to hug my mother one last time or play xiangqi with my father, but I knew such thoughts were futile I had to make the most of my life now and feeling sorry for myself wouldn't aide in that. I wore white with a simple dian despite my maids protests for a more extravagant looking dress, i'm sure grandfather would understand that I would have no want to dress myself extravagantly after my parents passing. By the time we entered the carriage the sun was high in the sky but someone was missing "grandfather is 4th uncle not leaving with us" i asked, but he looked at me with a confused expression 

'He left yesterday, you see he must have wanted to leave quickly as you can tell he doesn't have a good relation with his brothers and sister" i looked down towards my hands, I couldnt believe there was so much hostility towards uncle Zhangyu and I hadn't even known despite being part of this family. "Dont worry about it, he lives in the capital and it takes quite a few days to reach which is also why he must have left"

'Would you be able to tell me why" i asked but grandfather looked down at me with a melancholy expression 

"My dear I don't think it is my position to talk about matters of another family, if you must ask, ask him, but only at the right time, as those memories must still leave a bitter taste" I nodded my head in understanding.

"Then grandfather could you tell me about the Lin province" 

"Ah that right you have never been to Lin" my cheeks turned scarlett, how I wished I had gone with my parents when they were alive. "There is no need to be embarrassed,' he laughed  'the journey takes long and the Lin province is a humble place not something children would be interested in" i looked at him warily even i knew Lin was known for its architecture and rivers.

By the time we had reached three days had passed and as I looked at the city I understood why it was so well known, the houses were tall and some even built upon water, the scent of flowers and food and fragrances brought a smile to my face it "it's beautiful' I whispered to my grandfather's amusement. We passed marble statues and blooming trees with persimmons and peaches free for anyone to take. 

'Welcome to our home,' I was in awe of the estate 'these used to be your mothers quarters but they will be yours now' he spoke with a sad smile, he may not have shown it during the funeral but I could tell how much it must have hurt him to lose mother.

'Grandfather Rou thank you for letting me live here' I bowed

He smiled as he placed a hand on my head 'I consider you my daughter so there is no reason for you to thank me'  his sincerity moved me because none of my uncles would have treated me like this. 'I will see you at dinner then'.

Three months had already passed and I had spent most of my time reading my father's books and listening to grandfather talk about trade, or feuds with opposing provinces and problems that other lords were having with their land and what he would do if it were to happen to Rou. But I didn't feel as if I were using my opportunities properly, 'grandfather mother used to say you were once one of the most esteemed generals' looking at him it was easy to tell he had fought wars, not only were his hands covered in scars his face had 3 wide scars cutting across his face, but it didn't take from his charm, and though he wasn't youthful his body was far from frail.

'That was a long time ago, you can see i spend most of my time taking care of this little town' grandfather had to reevaluate what he found little 

'But you still train your own soldiers, and this daughter would like to learn how to spar' grandfather Rou looked at me in mild shock

'But you are still 13 years of age, maybe when you are older i shall see, and I can always add more soldiers to your quarters' he said while smiling, I knew it! He didn't want me to learn how to fight.