The Red String Of Yearning

The Preparation Before Departure

Lian Jie's mother is helping Lian Jie to pack his things up. Lian Chang has told them what fourth elder Meng LingYi told them this evening. So the parents of Lian Jie are packing wedding gifts too.

Silk clothes of best quality, valuable jewels and ornaments, perfumes, qi purifying pills, qi enhancing pills, wound healing pills, beauty enhancing oils and essences, a jade token as a recognition as a Lian family member of Shui clan and some valuable weapons made of high quality fish bones. Lian Jie's mother brings two beautifully curved jade boxes.

In one box, there's a dagger made out of four winged thunder beast's bone which he has achieved on his recent mission. This will be presented as the proposal or will be exchanged with the proposal gift from the other party. Seeing the dagger, Lian Jie recalls an embarrassing moment so he closes it and opens another one. In this box, there's a silver hairpin with a lotus design at one end containing a beautiful white pearl. Seeing the hairpin, his eyes widens in surprise as it is one of their family heirloom. This pearl in this pin is very old and has the power of healing internal injury and absorbing poison from the bearer's body. It also keeps the bearer's body, mind and qi cool and calm.

Lian Jie, "This... This is our..."

Lian Jie's mother says affectionately, "Yes, it's our family's heirloom. Your father gave it to me. Now it's time to pass it to your wife. Give it to your wife after taking the marriage vows as your acceptance her as your wife. This wedding gift is not only ours but also Lian ancestors's blessings for your conjugal life."

Lian Jie smiles, "Thank you mother." He is getting very shy and embarrassed but, except his blushing ears and flushing neck, he keeps his expression in check or else he'll be more embarrassed.

It's true that Lian Jie may have his fated partner in Huo clan. In HuoLong Sect, there are disciples of all clans. It's a great gathering and Lian Jie may find someone to his liking and marry him. Though Lian Jie's mother has been a bit sad because of sending her son far away, her mood seems cheered up thinking of Lian Jie's marriage and hums a sweet song while packing.

Both Lian Chang and Lian Jie notice the mother's good mood and decide to go to see fourth elder Meng LingYi.

Meng Ling Yi welcomes them and serves tea. After some light talks she gets to the main point. "Lian Jie, a new chapter of your life is going to begin. Are you nervous about it, my child?"

Lian Jie, "No, elder Meng. I am feeling very enthusiastic. I think I am going to have opportunities to learn many new things."

Lian Chang praises his son in his heart.

Meng LingYi says, "Good. What will you do when things may get difficult for you or may not go according to your wish?"

Lian Jie, "I am a Shui cultivator. I have learned to keep my calm and let my emotions flow without any hinderence so that I can think properly, make proper decision and follow it. Water can always make its path even if a mountain stands in its way."

Lian Chang's chest widens with pride of having such a brilliant son like Lian Jie.

Meng LingYi's eyes become gentler, "My my! I am very glad to hear it. I hope you uphold your and your clan's teachings and principles in that land of flame. I believe that wherever you go or whatever situation you are in, you'll make Shui clan proud of you."

Lian Jie feels puzzled so he says, "Elder Meng, did you talk same to Meng Jue when he went to Huo clan for his training?"

Meng LingYi, "No, I didn't. Your and Meng Jue's situations are totally different. Jue-er went to receive training. But you have been summoned there to heal a patient. Though your family shares enmity with the Zhu family of Huo clan, you are still going there. This shows that how much considerate and courageous child you are."