Chapter 3, Accident

At that time, I was still thinking that I could go back, and I was still thinking that I would soon be able to reunite with the young lady

Li Xuan timidly asked me if he had never tried climbing a tree

He attempted to climb the tree, but always slipped down halfway. After much effort, he managed to climb a bit higher, only to be playfully pulled down by me. Furious, he chased after me to hit me, leaving a trail of deep and shallow footprints in the snow. In the end, I nimbly ascended the tree like a monkey, and Li Xuan's eyes sparkled with admiration, greatly satisfying my vanity.

One after another, these women passed before my eyes, some friendly, some filled with hostility, some indifferent, and some respectful, a myriad of expressions. I took careful note; this household was far more complex than I had imagined.

During the day, I spoke to Li Xuan about how steep and majestic the mountains are, I told him how magnificent the sea of clouds is, and shared with him the places I have visited and the interesting things I did in my childhood. Li Xuan always listened intently, filled with longing.

Father has six daughters, three of whom are already married. Among them, one has married the current emperor as a consort, but unfortunately, she has not borne any children and passed away in the palace two years ago. Now, at home, apart from me and Lady Jun's five-year-old daughter Li Shuang, there is only Lady Lian's one-year-old infant daughter. The other concubines, who warm the bed, are of lowly birth and do not have the qualifications to bear children for my father. Even if they accidentally become pregnant, a bowl of medicinal concoction would end that yet-to-be-formed life. If they deliberately conceal the matter, they would face expulsion from the residence at best, or death at worst. There is only Lady Lian's one-year-old infant daughter; the other concubines, due to their lowly birth, do not have the qualifications to bear children for my father. Even if they accidentally become pregnant, a bowl of medicinal concoction would end that yet-to-be-formed life. If they deliberately conceal the matter, they would face expulsion from the residence at best, or death at worst.

Sister, can we have a snowball fight?

I cannot fathom the intention behind my father's actions, yet I feel a vague sense of unease. However, due to my father's importance, the guards and maidservants in the residence treat me with utmost respect, and even his wives do not dare to show me any neglect

Then Li Xuan took me to his study, showed me his calligraphy and paintings, and even played the piano for me, as if he couldn't wait to showcase all his skills at once, truly quite childish.

At that time, I did not know that this fellow had only attended banquets in the palace and had spent all his time in this house. His mother was ill, and his father did not care for him; he grew up in solitude. I suppose I was much luckier than he was, as I, at a young age, accompanied the young lady everywhere, following her and pretending to be powerful. Reflecting on the past, the corners of my mouth slightly lifted.

The father has five sons and eight daughters, two of whom have already passed away. One is the son of Lady Gu, who died at the age of three months. One day, he suddenly turned purple, crying out in pain. An hour later, he bled from all seven orifices and died in excruciating agony. Lady Gu witnessed her son's tragic death and went mad that very day

After these people left, my mother had already fallen asleep from exhaustion. The doctor said that there were significant signs of improvement in her health. Upon hearing this, I felt a slight sense of relief

"Your husband is truly a rare beauty among a thousand." I smiled faintly, standing calmly beside my mother, blocking her condescending gaze. I was displeased with the way she looked at my mother.

I have heard that this flower is extremely difficult to care for. I never expected that this fellow would possess such skill. When Xiao Xuan heard me say he was impressive, his excited face turned red, and he said it was the first time someone praised him like this. His father also forbids him from touching these things, saying that indulging in play leads to a loss of ambition. I couldn't help but gently stroke his hair, feeling a pang of sadness in my heart

My father publicly claimed that on the day I was born, due to my frail health, I was taken care of by a high monk. Now that I have fully recovered, I have been brought back home. They do not mention how I ended up in the West Ling region, and I did not inquire about it either

Sister, may I climb the tree

Ye Er, this is Madam Jun. Mother said lightly, I have also heard of Jun Tingting, who is said to be the foremost among the eighteen ladies, the sister of General Jun Tingwei from the Northern Kingdom. She now has a son and a daughter. Her son, Li Ao, is eighteen years old this year, acts decisively and efficiently, possesses ruthless methods, and excels in both martial arts and strategy, earning great favor from my father. Her daughter, Li Shuang, is eleven years old, lively and beautiful. This family holds a prominent position in the Li family.

After the banquet concluded, it was widely rumored outside that the eldest daughter of the Hulong Division, having lived amidst the majestic mountains and rivers since childhood, absorbed the essence of the sun and moon, and the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, possesses a beauty akin to that of a celestial being, transcending the mundane. Some even claimed that I am the reincarnation of a divine maiden, bestowing blessings upon the northern lands

Under my guidance, the little one finally managed to climb up. Before he could steady himself, he wanted to show off to me, but little did he know that the branch was very slippery due to the snow. As a result, he fell backward. Fortunately, I reacted quickly and performed a heroic rescue, catching him just in time. To my surprise, he became attached to me and was reluctant to come down, his gaze filled with trust.

Father, you are looking for me

This flower was planted by me, yet they say it has already withered. I was taken aback; this type of flower left a deep impression on me. When I first entered the Leng residence, Young Master Leng had a similar pot of flowers. At that time, I diligently watered this flower, not realizing that this pot of seemingly weedy plants was Young Master Leng's favorite. I ended up watering it to death, and the outcome was predictable: I received a scathing reprimand from Young Master Leng, akin to being struck by frost and thunder. Therefore, even if this flower turns to ash, I would still recognize it. Next time I return, I will bring a few pots back for Young Master Leng.

"Sister, I will take you out to play," Li Xuan affectionately took my hand, his little face flushed with excitement. I smiled and allowed him to pull me out, feeling as if I had suddenly returned to my childhood, when the young lady would also drag me out to play like this.

Now my father has three sons left: one is my younger brother Li Xuan, another is the son of Lady Jun, Li Ao, and the last one is the son of Lady Shui, Li Qian, who is sixteen years old this year. Unfortunately, when he was young, he fell off a horse and became disabled in both legs, and has been in a wheelchair ever since. He usually stays in the Shui Garden and does not talk much with others, which makes my father feel very sorry for him

On the day of the banquet, pairs of eyes patrolled over me, filled with curiosity, jealousy, envy, and even resentment. Nevertheless, after this night, everyone knew that the Dragon Guard had a daughter named Li Ye. She was the legitimate daughter of the Dragon Guard, the young lady of the household, cherished exceptionally by the Dragon Guard, holding an unshakable position within the residence

Her gaze swept across my face, sharp as a knife's edge, and this woman was filled with hostility towards my existence

Hmm. In the moment our eyes met, my heart gave a slight twinge. Father's eyes were surprisingly bloodshot, as if he had not slept for several days and nights. I don't know if it was an illusion, but I felt that Father's complexion was particularly poor tonight, yet his imposing presence remained as captivating as ever

Jun Tingting suddenly threw her head back and laughed. The laughter was not loud, but it was quite uninhibited. Although she was already the mother of two children, it must be said that her figure was delicate and enchanting, very alluring

On such a cold winter evening, I would sprinkle some snow on him, then set a trap to scare him into squealing. He would then gather the snow into a ball and throw it at me, laughing joyfully, making it impossible for me to hold back my laughter

Perhaps exhausted, as dusk deepened, this little one actually fell asleep under the big tree, with beads of sweat glistening on his forehead, yet a sweet smile gracing his face. I gently stroked his hair, and a tenderness I had never felt before surged within me

The Emperor has ordered the selection of a new group of palace maidens, and your name is on the list. My father said to me, his voice calm, yet his bloodshot eyes were deep like a dark night

My mother's health has been gradually improving, and there is more laughter in the house. The maid mentioned that this courtyard hasn't been so bright and sunny in a long time. However, aside from the day we met, my father has not spoken a word to me. With so many children, perhaps my existence is of no concern to him. Although I tell myself not to mind, I still feel a bit disheartened.

There is also an elder brother who is one shichen older than me. It is said that my mother was pregnant with twins, a dragon and a phoenix. I have another biological brother who, at the age of fifteen, went hunting and was attacked by wild wolves, ultimately being killed by them. When he died, his body was mangled, with one leg already inside the belly of a wild wolf. Upon hearing this, my mother fainted on the spot, fell seriously ill, and nearly lost her life.

However, what I did not expect was that half a month later, my father held a grand ceremony for me to recognize my ancestry. My mother was so excited that she could not sleep all night. In the evening, a magnificent and grand banquet was held, with officials from the northern region coming to congratulate us, and even the current Northern Emperor personally sent someone to deliver rewards.

Next, as if receiving the news simultaneously, other ladies in the residence came one after another. There was the gentle and soft Lady Liu, the talented Lady Yan, the elegant and cool Lady Ru, ... the charming and alluring Lady Tian, and ...

"Oh, so this is the young lady, she really resembles the madam, like a flower fairy." Although Jun Tingting spoke these flattering words, her gaze was icy. After finishing her remarks, she slowly walked towards her mother, standing at the head of the bed and speaking words of concern, making the scene appear quite strange.

I did not nod, but unexpectedly smeared some snow on his face. Who could match my skills in teasing? Back in the day, when I followed the young lady, I certainly caused my fair share of trouble. How could this little fellow be my opponent? Once the little one reacted, his small face beamed with joy, like a flower in full bloom, utterly excited

In the evening, the steward of the residence informed me that my father wishes to see me. It has been a month since I last saw him. The maidservants in the residence say that the lights in his study are always kept burning throughout the night. Is the Dragon Guard perhaps busier than the Emperor himself

"Xiao Xuan, when your mother recovers, I will take you to Liangzhou to see the sea." I did not expect that this sentence would take root and sprout in the little one's heart