Chapter 4: A Dream Of The Past

I was sitting in front of the mirror quietly, just staring at my reflection. In two days, I'll get married to Crown Prince Yao Zhi. I have met him several times but it wasn't enough to know him better.

Abruptly someone knocks the door.

I could see Crown Prince through the reflection. He had something in his hands. I turned to face him.

"Should I call you Yun Xi or Yu'er like Nai-Nai?" He had a small smile on his face. "I don't know, it is up to you, my Lord." I bowed. "Aiya, Yun Xi."

He lifted my face through the chin. And our eyes locked. His eyes were clear like mirror. Giving me few glimpses of something I have no idea. I felt like downing in vivid images.

"I know you are nervous about the event." He whispered. It brought me back to reality. He slowly released me from his grip.

"I have a question for you, I hope you can them truthfully."

I nodded.

"Do you want this marriage?" He was calm. "I don't know I have never got to know you."

He smiled, satisfied with my answer. "After this marriage, we will have plenty of time to know each other."

"Consort Yun Xi." He called my name. "I swear on Thirteen Heavenly Skies and Twelve Demonic Realm, you will be my only wife. I shall be married to no one but you." He nudged my nose.

Oddly it made me happy.

"Lord Yao Zhi, can I ask you a favour?"

"Yes Yu'er, you are my wife. You can ask anything your heart desires."

"I want to learn current affairs."

"That can be arranged. I'll discuss every affair with you."

"Are you happy?"

"Yes, very much." I smiled.

***

It was late evening. I decided to have a short walk. Every inch of the Hua Manor was decorated.

Soon I was joined by Lord Gu.

"Consort Yun Xi, remember Gods don't give second chances."

"Lord Gu." I gave a soft bow. "Hua Guniang, you are getting married in two days."

"I know and I have accepted it. If Heaven wants us together, who am I to question it." I sighed. He pauses and laughs. "Hua Guniang, if Heaven actually cared about you, I wouldn't have to come here."

"What do you mean??"

"Have you heard the story of Jheng Er and Yun Fang?"

The names are familiar. "Their story ended in tragedy; I think I have heard it somewhere."

He gave a soft sad smile.

"Hua Guniang, whatever you said is true. They lived a life of tragedy, a tragedy they didn't deserve."

We paused in front of the Manor pond.

"Let's not talk about tragedies, when you are getting married."

"Hao." I whispered mindlessly, deep in thoughts.

I couldn't help but wonder, where did their love go wrong that it offended the Heaven.

"Hua Guniang?" Master Gu looked at me worriedly. "Yes, Lord Gu?"

"Do you play 'Go'?"

"Well, I had no chance." I gave a nervous laugh. Every time Nai-Nai tried teaching me, I fell asleep right after. Politics could never spark interest in me.

"Well, you are entering into the Grand Dragon Palace, learning politics is important for that kind of atmosphere. And there is no better game than 'Go' to learn politics. After all it's Grand Dragon Palace, you can't trust anyone, once you enter inside."

"What about me Lord Gu? Should she trust me?"

We turned to find Crown Prince, Fang Yao Zhi leaning against a tree with his arms crossed.

"Crown Prince, please forgive me if I stepped a boundary." Lord Gu sank in his knees bowing. "You did nothing wrong Lord Gu, I'm glad that I chose a responsible person like you."

"Yu'er, have you tried the wedding dress yet?" Yao Zhi asked. And I took the signal. "No, Lord Yao Zhi." And I left quickly as possible.

***

(Intermission: Gu Cian Tou)

"I believe, you respect the responsibilities the Emperor and I bestowed to you." Yao Zhi said. So, my guess was right, he suspects me of having wrong motives. I couldn't help but chuckle. "Crown Prince, you do not need to worry. I'll forever stay true to my promise. And whatever actions I will take is for the Emperor and the Lord's benefit only."

"Hao. I know it already; Lord Gu I trust you. As I said earlier, you are a responsible person."

I can't believe I have bow in front of a mortal. He helps me standing up.

"Lord Gu, have you ever had feelings for some girl ever?" He asks out of blue. "Feeling as in love?" I gave him a sly smile. He gave a dramatic eyeroll. "Yes, Lord Gu love. I am talking about love. Do you have feelings for some girl in Eastern Empire?"

"There certainly was a girl. But I'm not sure about the love, because she left the realm as soon as we met." I chuckled. I wonder how is she doing.

I sat alone in the pavilion. "I have never seen you bow in front of any God, and you bowed in front of a mortal. It must have been humiliating for you." Yu Hai sighed. "There is nothing wrong being humble sometimes." I smiled.

***

"Lord, you are truly the greatest of all." He sank in his knees and bowed. "Yu Hai." I stood and sharply disapprove his action. "Let me do this Lord." He sniffed.

It took him few minutes to calm down.

"Sit beside me." I told him, as I rolled my sleeves and poured 'chā' for both of us. Running the administration must be difficult without me.

"I'm afraid, the Heaven has got the smoke." He told as he took a small sip of the tea. Worry washes over me. "How is Fa Jing?"

He chuckled. "You are still worrying about her, while you are in danger yourself."

"Ah, well her condition is improving day by day. Her pulse has become strong and steady."

"That is good."

"Lord let's go the Demonic Realm."

"I can't, in two days finally Jheng Er and Yun Fang are getting married."

"We still have two days in hand. But if you don't come to Demonic Realm with me, something wrong would happen."

"If you say so, I'll go with you." I finally agree. I can't let Hua Jiang Guan destroy my plan.

***

(Yun Xi contd.)

I and Jiang Ge-Ge sneakily enter into the Mortal Realm. "See they are preparing for the Mid-Autumn Festival." He pointed towards the bustling street. It was late evening; the place was glowing with all sorts of lanterns. My tummy growled as the smell of delicious cakes invaded my nostrils. He laughed as I embarrassingly clutch my tummy.

"Let's get something to eat." He gave a soft smile. Soon we found a nice-looking place to dine. It was a bit busier than the other places.

"Two plates of Osmanthus cake and your specialty noodles." He ordered.

As we took a seat, I noticed that a young gentleman was playing Guqin on the stage. His sleeves were rolled upwards. He looked familiar. Like I know him, or have to know him.

Soon he stood up finishing the last song of the night and unrolled his sleeves. My eyes never leaving him as my cakes remained untouched.

"Mister, you played so well." I said as he walked past beside me. He paused and turned.

"Xie-xie nie Guniang."

"Can I know your name?"

"Fang, my name is Fang Jheng Er."

"Can I know your name Guniang?"

"My name is Hua. Hua Yun Fang."

***

Suddenly I woke up. I was covered in thin sheet of sweat. The dream felt surreal, like it happened with me.

But how come I am Goddess Yun Fang if I am born as a mortal? I shouldn't overthink as it was just a dream.