02| Postponed

"Jin," I called out as she combed my hair.

"Yes, mistress" she replied as she put the upper part of my hair into three buns, before letting the rest fall to my back.

I shifted in my seat as she added the accessories, "Why is the marriage so close?"

I could see Jin's furrowed brows from the mirror. "Mistress, they have been planning this marriage since last year. Even since the day you were born" she said exasperatedly.

I nodded as she patted my hair before stepping back to admire it. Standing up, I held a part of my pink gown so that I could walk properly.

We made our way out of the room, and into the corridor, where I spotted the maids tending to the flowers. I ignored their greetings especially after hearing what they said yesterday.

Walking through the pathway, I could only guess what my parents problem was. They probably wanted to tell me that I should start preparing to go to my husband's house. But they need not worry, I have no problem anymore. I heard he's a crown prince, so that should be enough.

Getting to the pavilion, I saw my family members sitting there, and went to join them. Mother, was sitting next to Quingquing, while I sat on the bench opposite them, and father sat on the bench on my right. Placing my hands on the table, I spotted some roasted chestnuts, and immediately began to break them open. Jin had brought some for me yesterday, saying it was my favorite, and I liked it.

"Quingyan," Quingquing complained. "Don't finish it all."

"Eat if you want to, why disturb me" I said not bothering to look up.

Father looked at me with furrowed brows. "Do you know why I summoned you?" He asked.

Shaking my head I replied, "Of course not, father."

"Well," he began. "Your marriage with the prince has been postponed."

"What?" Mother shrieked, so I guess father hadn't told her.

"Why?" I asked plainly as I bit into the chestnut that was between my fingers.

Father continued, "The royal family wants to you to recuperate properly. They even sent some herbs to help."

"Oh" mother sighed with relief. "They love you so much. The empress has shown her sincere liking towards you from day one."

Quingquing smiled and held my hand across the table, "My sister is too beautiful not to be loved."

Mother nodded, "Now, go rest. You shouldn't stress out yourself. Go, go" mother ordered.

I stood up and took my leave. As I stepped out of the pavilion, I found Jin sitting there and staring at a flower. Running up to her, I pulled her up.

"Mistress," Jin began. "It's inappropriate for you to run."

"Ah, I know" I said. "I just need to get some books. Specifically my books on the empress training."

Jin nodded enthusiasticlly, and began to lead me to wherever the book was. It's better I start practicing from begining, cause I don't remember a single thing that has happened in my life.

We walked through the different buildings and pathways, and finally, we came to a big building, that had the tag 'Xu Library' on it. I smiled at Jin as she opened the door and we both walked in.

"Sit, mistress" Jin said and walked towards a table, while I sat on a chair and looked at her. She came back after some seconds, and handed me a huge book, "Here."

'Empress's Regal Training'.

I flipped through the pages, as I analyzed each word slowly. "Jin, let's practice the greeting" I said.

Jin cocked her head to the side, "Are you okay, mistress? You already know how to greet. Why would you want to do that? Did you lose your mind?"

I frowned, then motioned for Jin to lean forward. "Thing is, I can't remember most things anymore. It's becoming really warped in my mind" I whispered in her ear.

"You should have told me. We would have gone to meet, old Mandong" Jin said as she placed the book on the table. "Let's go."

I stood up and followed Jin out the library as we made our way down the path, to head for the gate.

As we got closer to the big gates, the guards immediately stopped us.

"Where are you going, with the mistress?" One asked in a deep voice.

Jin looked at me, "The mistress will like to go for a walk, and I want to pick up more of her medicine from, Mandong."

The guard squinted at Jin. I'm sure I had a really bad reputation for me not to be trusted. "Someone should accompany you both."

"Uh..." Jin began but I cut her off.

"Are you telling your mistress what to do?" I asked putting on a tough demeanor. "Don't you have respect anymore?! Or should I report to my father?!"

They immediately shook their head, and one spoke up, "It's not like that, mistress. Don't mind this idiot. You may go, we'll tell your father you went with a guard if he asks."

I huffed and walked past them and out the gate as Jin scurried along. We walked in a comfortable silence as we navigated our way through the roads. There were so many shops and stalls, and small caravans that sold all sorts of things.

We navigated our way into a road, and was immediately met by a crowded place. Reading the sign at the entrance, I nodded, 'Wind City Market.'

The market was bustling and full of people as everyone tried to get people to buy their goods.

Someone gasped, "Isn't that the eldest daughter of the Xu's?"

"That's her, she's so beautiful" a girl replied back to the girl who asked the question.

I increased my pace as Jin tried to catch up with me. "Slow down, mistress. Patience is a virtue."

I nodded and followed as she walked into a building that had lines of beads at the front door. They all jingled as we walked through them. My nose was permeated with the smell of drugs and incense.

The wooden walls were intricately designed with small written prescriptions and quotes on it. There was a counter, and a big sign above with the words; 'Say your problem and it will be solved with a cure'.

There were different cups, tools and mixtures in bottles for sale everywhere. The shop was actually empty. There was no one there.

Just then, an old man walked out of a room. The beads jingled as he walked through. He was carrying a big box of medicines as he made his way to the counter. Dropping it, his eyes widened as he saw me.

"Young mistress Xu!" He called out.