CH. 2 ~ Preparation

Lou Qi Ran was waiting for Xiao Li, so she started to sort through her thoughts. Lou Qi Ran was the Princess of this country, the Lou Country. Her father was the Emperor, Lou Zi Zhang. While her mother was the Empress, Lou Xia Fang. Lou Qi Ran had an older brother, the Crown Prince, Lou Song Hao.

Lou Qi Ran was the pearl of her family, her family doted on her exceptionally. They never reprimanded her due to her ability to be able to think through things. They know that she's smart enough not to do anything out of propriety. Lou Qi Ran understood lots of things, she didn't usually need anyone to guide her.

They understood her personality well, once she decided on something she'll be really stubborn and go with it. No one can easily change her mind, Lou Qi Ran was very good at verbally shutting down others who try to argue with her. She's also a very straightforward girl, sometimes so straightforward that they become speechless, but she knows when to hold back. Lou Qi Ran, is a this for that type of person, if someone causes harm to her or anything she loves/cares for she'd find a way for justice no matter who.

Lou Qi Ran wasn't an arrogant princess on top of it all. Instead she always fairly made decisions between people whether they were rich or poor, she understood that status doesn't count, only the true hearts and intentions of the person counts.

Lou Qi Ran knows that she couldn't avoid going to this banquet, it was for the birthday of the Crown Prince of Hua Country, Hua Shimeng. She has heard people talk that his appearance is peerless, no on can beat it, and that even her Imperial brother stands a level under him too. But she also heard them say that, he was once engaged to a young girl but the girl suddenly died. Although she doesn't know much, the girl was the one he chose himself, and that they were childhood sweethearts.

She didn't know much but she also wasn't interested much, she only knew these stuff because Xiao Li always blabbered to her about the gossips that went around between the maids. Thinking about Xiao Li, she heard a knock and Xiao Li entered.

Xiao Li had brought in her meal on a tray. There wasn't much on it but a bowl of congee, mixed in with eggs and minced meat. She could smell the aroma it brought as soon as Xiao Li opened the door. Lou Qi Ran didn't particularly like to eat a heavy meal late at night so she always opted for a quick but satisfying meal.

Xiao Li walked over to the table and placed the tray down and placed the bowl onto the table. After doing so she gave the spoon to Lou Qi Ran, and retreated backwards.

Lou Qi Ran glanced at Xiao Li and started to eat as she slowly blew on the congee. "Xiao Li, let's start preparing the clothings we'll need when we go over to Hua Country. We have a lot to prepare before it's time to go, it's going to be quite cold soon, too."

"Yes, I already ordered the others to start preparing things. I told them to pack quite a few thick clothings because it'll be very windy once we reach over there. Don't worry!" Xiao Li replied enthusiastically.

Lou Qi Ran mouth curved upwards due to Xiao Li's burst of excitement. Looking at Xiao Li, she soon dropped her smile. "This time will be our first time to be somewhere unknown so we have to be extra careful. No matter what we just have to keep our manners together and do as followed. It may become dangerous too, so we have to be careful about our surroundings."

Xiao Li looked at Lou Qi Ran with a serious look and spoke. "Yes, I understand. I won't make any mistakes, I'll prepare well."

Lou Qi Ran had finished her entire bowl just as they finished speaking. After pouring herself a cup of tea, she dismissed Xiao Li to bring back the empty dishes. When Xiao Li had left, Lou Qi Ran exited her room and there she took out her sword. Lou Qi Ran stared at her sword, it has been a long time since she used it, and whenever she took it out something keeps pulling her body to move along with it as if she were dancing.

The sword glinted under the moonlight, and the wind blew through the trees. Lou Qi Ran stood as still as a bamboo unmoving as her clothes blew with the winds. She looked at the sword and began practicing her moves. As Xiao Li came she witnessed, Lou Qi Ran swiftly dancing along with her sword.

Young Miss, always came out at night to practice her sword fighting skills. Whenever she watched, Xiao Li felt amazed at how Young Miss could easily attain such preciseness, it was as if her body was made for sword-fighting. Xiao Li had sat down on some rocks watching intently as Young Miss continued to practice.

Young Miss always looked calm whatever it was she was doing. Whether it was sword-fighting, playing instruments or displaying her artistic side Young Miss never once showed any panic nor nervousness. Truly, Young Miss was more superior than any ladies out there. As Xiao Li continued to observe Lou Qi Ran soon stopped her sword practicing, and looked towards Xiao Li, gesturing her to come.

Lou Qi Ran looked at Xiao Li and spoke, "You're finally here? Let's head inside, go prepare me my bath, it's late already," Lou Qi Ran spoke as she looked up at the moon, "We have a busy day tomorrow. Let's go, Xiao Li."

Xiao Li nodded then headed inside, after Lou Qi Ran got inside she closed the doors after her.