Recognition

The rest of the journey to the Liang household was uneventful. Da Chen was able to rest in the back with Li Li fussing over him any time they would hit a bump. The driver was a middle-aged man. He enjoyed talking leaving Fen Hua at a disadvantage because she had to listen to it for the remainder of the journey. Because Da Chen was in the back with Li Lii Fen Hua was forced to sit with him outside the carriage. She didn't mind of course, she understood that Da Chen needed rest, but certainly wasn't happy about how uncomfortable the drive was, and how incessantly the driver spoke.

"Was the first time I looked at such a pretty young girl," Zhang Bin, the driver said, "we were married within a few months. I had to think of so many ways to win her over. Would bring her flowers, spend the nights waiting for her to finish her work, bringing her little snacks from the kitchen. I imagine that it was the food that won her over in the end. She's not a small lady you see. I've always enjoyed a woman that can wear a little meat on her bones."

Fen Hua nodded her head, she had long ago given up trying to add anything to the conversation.

"Wasn't too long after that the first little one came around." He turned his head and loudly spit. Fen Hua had to force down the disgust. "If you ever saw an animal give birth, well Ill tell you what, it's way worse then that to have a kid. Happened to be in the room next to her when she went into the last stages. She screamed so much I couldn't stop myself and ran right in just in time to see the little thing plopping out looking like some bloody....," he stopped talking noticing that Fen Hua was obviously disturbed by what he was saying. He ran a hand through his hair and gave her a sheepish smile. "Sometimes I say a lot more then I should. Maylin is always getting on me about that." He looked ahead for a few moments, his hands holding the reigns of the horses, pulling one every now and then to keep them on the right path. Just as Fen Hua thought they would have some peace for a while he began speaking again. "Well I'll tell you what, after that one was born, I realized that your heart just keeps growing when it comes to love. Never run out of room...….."

Fen Hua listened to the kind older man speak for the continuation of the journey. They drove for at least another three hours before finally making it to the city of Shangong. This city was much larger than the city they had just left. It was filled with homes and shops, street vendors and taverns. It was hard for Fen Hua to take it all in. There was too much to see. Unlike the Neutral Territory, which was also bustling, this city lacked the desperation and poverty that filled that place. Here there were men flirting with women, mothers buying trinkets for their children, slaves conversing in the streets as they did their daily routines. There was laughter and hope in this city. Every now and then Fen Hua would notice something disturbing, a man coming to close to a woman, or a beggar holding out his hands for food, but these things were found in every city. Overall, she felt that this place was not bad. She still wasn't a fan of the humidity or the numerous verities of insects she had already encountered, but what place was perfect?

'I wonder if I can ever come out into these streets as a slave," she thought. 'oh, look at that stall, those hair pins are adorable, and those buns. Now I'm hungry great." Her mind reeled with possibilities then like always reverted back to worry. 'What if they are worse then the Baek household? …...What if I get treated like a dog, or a sex slave?' She shuddered at the thought. '...…..But he's there,' she unwillingly thought blushing all over again, 'snap out of it Fen Hua! This is a no brainer here. The only thing that's going to happen with that guy is heartache and rejection. Your main goal is to keep away from that evil brother and his mom, you don't have time to think about how deep his eyes are, or the way his smile made his entire face light up, and the smell, what was that smell? It was warm and enticing...' she forced herself to stop going down that path. Who knew where those thoughts would lead to next? 'Focus! Focus! You don't have time for this.' She bit the bottom of her lip forcing herself to get serious again.

The Liang household was surrounded by a massive wall, at least two men tall. The main gates were huge wooden doors. A lion holding round loops served as door handles a. A black placque with silver words 'Liang Household' was at the top of these doors. Inside the gates was a large estate, many different quarters and living spaces. It was like a small city within itself boasting of the wealth and importance of this family.

Fen Hua hadn't given much thought to the status of the family she would be serving, thinking mostly of the way she would be treated. Seeing such a luxurious and massive estate was surprising. The Baek estate had been large too, hosting several different quarters and sections, but it was nothing compared to this home. Fen Hua stared at the nicely dressed slaves as they walked here and there going about their business.

'It can't be,' she thought noticing one person in particular. She leaned in closer trying to get a good view of her. 'It is! It's her! It's Jingfei!' She continued to watch the young woman, her first friend in this world noticing that something seemed off about her. She realized that Jingfei held one of her arms to her stomach as if it didn't work. She also had a slight limp. What had happened to her? How did she get here?