28. The decision

In the city, the news came out. A woman, to help people, prayed the whole day and cut her long hair with a knife in the hope that her blood will help. She almost lost her head while she cut the hair and continued to pray while the blood seeped out of her body.

Some started making jokes. ''Didn't the Emperor says that he will marry even a woman with six arms and a beard, maybe this woman is a better option. At least her hair will regrow.''

The joke made its rounds around the town, making commoners frown and be disgusted while scholars rose their voice together with them. ''A woman's hair is her jewel. She chose to get rid of her beauty, only for the sake of the people and the country. Yet people laugh about her instead of bowing to her. This country is really going down the drain.''

The Emperor heard the rumour and of course, made a big deal out of it. ''So, if I can't find a woman with six arms and beard, I can marry bald one? Good, good. Then let's do it. If nothing else I will give her a noble name and make her be safe and sound for the rest of her life.''

He made an edict. ''The commoner that prayed in the temple is to come to the palace and to become Empress.''

But what was her name? No one knew and those that knew never said it, as they didn't want her to be connected to the palace. Days passed. People started being curious. Why was there no one saying anything? That woman should be proud. After all, she will become the future Empress. But then some other people started a new story. What if she is already married and doesn't want to leave her family? What if she had a deadly disease and doesn't want the Emperor to get it as well?

All those rumours started flying around, but what was really going on was a big headache to the Emperor.

A long line of beautiful females came to the palace saying that they are the ones. But he knew who she really was, but knew her nature as well. She really wanted to stay in her little yard and just pray contently. Now since last time in the abbey, she chooses to pray less as her duty was to become the dragon's bride.

She sighed. What a crazy world is this? What dragon? Do they really exist?

After coming back from the temple Hua Lan couldn't come anymore. The heat was too much and travelling became torture. Liu Mei understood her completely. That shaking was something she never experienced before. No wonder they invented all kinds of stuff on the car to make it soft and comfortable.

So one early morning Liu Mei chose to rush to another side of town by foot with Xiao Ran. But when they arrived they found out her family was visiting her, so she just gave the servant her card and present and walked back. Unfortunately, Hao Lan found out about that by the evening and was really enraged or the first time.

''Why didn't you let me know? I told you so many times that if you hear or see her, you should tell me? Why? Why I ask?!'' She shook while all the servants shook. They got used to that she was comfortable and kind, so they forgot that she was a generals daughter.

Her husband tried to calm her down, while he showed her the things she sent, making her stop raging but now bawling. She took the card and started crying even harder.

''My best friend Hua Lan. You probably will give birth soon and I won't be able to see you for a while. I can't leave my house much as in the next two weeks that thing must happen. I have no idea what is going on, this is seriously ridiculous, but as it seems I have absolutely no other choice. I hope you will never stop being my friend whether am I the dragon bride or not. I will always have you in my heart as my best and only friend. Sincerely your Liu Mei.''

She opened a package and saw beautiful baby clothes. It was made from a soft material and was clumsily embroidered. Though she knew Liu Mei was really bad in embodiment she still tried.

She hugged the whole set of clothes and cried until her eyes became dry and until then the servants were kneeling. She just waved her hand and let them stand up.

''For the sake of my child, I won't kill you. All those that are connected to this case, will leave the house and will be paid what they deserve. All others go back to your duties. If I hear anyone cry out or beg I will lose my patience and will kill you with my own two hands.'' Her monotonous voice scared them all and they dispersed.

Liu Shen was really scared this time. She never was this way. If she continues like this, something might happen to her. He needs to help her, but how? Suddenly she fainted. He was about to pick her up but heard her whispering. ''My friend is maybe your sister. Did you not even consider that? She is there all alone, waiting for the dragon. If she knew who the dragon is, she would probably get so scared and die on the spot. Husband, I feel so bad for her, I feel so hurt. They talk behind her back so badly, I feel like I want to start being a mass murderer. What should I do with these negative feelings? I feel so stuffed. So stuffed here, inside.''

She opened her eyes and just a single tear made its way down her cheeks. She held her chest with both hands while breathing heavily.

Seeing her like this he made a decision. ''Then so be it. We will be by her side when the dragon comes. Is she my sister or not, that doesn't really matter. She is worthy of being my sister. Let's go there and be together with her. Do you think she has a spare room for the two of us?''

She opened her mouth in surprise and tried to stand up quickly. ''Wait. I know you are doing that for my sake. But if you accept her as your sister, you will have to dig deep into the palace pit. You won't be able to come back to this place. Are you sure?''

He nodded. ''Those people found out about me a while ago anyway and will petition to the Emperor about my inheritance. Looking at it, either the way we will be dragged inside. After I get all that my family had before the fall, my power will be greater than of your family. Will my father in law hate me after that?''

She kissed his cheeks and shook her head. ''For the sake of all of us, let's just stand up and this time, never fall again.'' He nodded and with steady steps they went to their carriage side by side.