The Right Path

"Thank you Mother. I will try my best to fulfil my duties as the new Mistress of the Lu family. Please do guide me on this journey and please share with me, your knowledge and wisdom, as the previous Mistress".

"You will be wonderful dear, I have no doubt about that!" Replied Lin Yan while holding Jo's hands.

The mother-daughter pair then started preparing for the trip on the mountain, along with the other women of the Lu family.

In the South Hall the meeting had ended. Lu Ye Ze, was now left alone with his Great Grandfather.

"Consider this my last warning!" The old man looked at his successor with disappointment in his eyes.

Lu Ye Ze clenched his fists and replied. "Yes Great Grandfather!"

At Jin Garden the offerings for the gods were ready and the women were ready to ascend the mountain.

"We will be late, we should start the journey!" Said Aunty Su.

"Alright! The Mistress of the house, is the first to lead the group. Ri-El, take the tray and walk ahead. I have showed you the path on the map and there are markings on the trees as well!" Lin Yan gave her last instructions. "I have to wait for your father in law as per the ritual, so you go first!"

"Mistress Lu, I will be right behind you! If you are not sure, just turn around and I will guide you further my dear!" Said Lu Ye Ze's aunt, Madam Su.

Jo looked at the group of women with a trace of worry in her eyes. Lu Ye Ze asked her to wait for him, as they will go together, but he was late and the journey could not be delayed any further. She had no choice but to start the journey alone.

"Thank you Aunty!" Replied Jo. "I am going to look for you, for further guidance!" She replied politely. She looked once more at the grand gates of the mansion, but there was no sight of her husband, so she turned away and started walking towards the mountain.

Her traditional attire was quite heavy and because of the winter time, she had a large woolly cape over her shoulders as well. She had only walked for an hour, but she was already tired. The tray with offerings in her hand was becoming heavier and heavier.

The woods were quiet and the air was fresh and crisp. There was no sight of any human around, the landscape looked like a still winter painting. The tree branches were dried out and the birds and wood animals were all hibernating. You could see the peaks of the snowy mountains between the trees. The landscape was breathtakingly indeed. Jo stopped to catch her breath, she pulled the water bottle from her bag and took a sip. She had reached a crossroad, according to the map on the first crossroad she should go ahead, but when she looked at the paths, they were almost equally divided in front of her.

Jo fell pensive her intuition told her that she should take the left path, she turned around and Aunty Su had just caught up.

"How are you dear? Do you want to rest for a while?"

"I am ok Aunty Su! Let's move forward!" Jo replied turning left.

"Oh! Dear, this way!" Said Aunty Su.

Jo turned and looked at her reluctant.

"Do you want me to walk with you?" Asked Aunty Su with a soft smile and kindness in her eyes.

"You mustn't Aunty, I can do this!" Replied Jo with a smile on her face, then turned to take the right path.

Back at the mansion the rest of the group were starting their journey as well. Lu Ye Ze had just came out of the mansion and asked his mother.

"Where is Ri-El?"