LOTUS

CHAPTER VII: ENCOUNTER

After the banquet ended, the female guests were given the chance to explore the palace. Most of the women were sent to the palace garden to enjoy tea and the men stayed at the hall to interact with eachother.

“Young miss, where are you going?” Ling Hua inquired, noticing that her master is walking in the opposite direction of the garden.

“Can’t you read the atmosphere? I won’t be alive by the time we are to head home if I stay together with those ladies.”

At her master’s response, she understood and agreed at the young miss’  reasoning. Ling Hua  also knows that the young miss do not enjoy crowded places and being the center of attention.

When they could not hear  female voices anymore, they stopped and scanned the area.

They ended up on another garden which was much smaller, but amazingly it was rather much more beautiful than the one the other ladies were staying.

There was a small pond and a well maintained patio that has various flowers growing around it. Differently colored butterflies were scattered, flying freely as if the place is their home.

The two ladies enjoyed the sight and inhaled the fresh air. After awhile , Bei Wei noticed the uncomfortable expression on Ling Hua’s face.

“What’s the matter?” She asked

Ling Hua looked reluctant and embarrassed at the same time, Bei Wei got even more curious at what is going on and raised her right brow to make Ling Hua continue.

Defeated Ling Hua bowed her head in shame and blurted out her response.

“ I am terribly sorry young miss , but my bladder cannot hold it in any longer” filled with shame, Ling Hua’s face reddened.

“That’s it? Then you don’t have to hold it and just go” Bei Wei replied.

“But you’ll be left on your own young miss, I cannot allow that” at Ling Hua’s reply, Bei Wei internally rolled her eyes.

“Ill be alright and Ill stay right here, so go and relieve yourself.” With a stern tone Bei Wei was able to make Ling Hua go away.

She shook her head at her maidservant.Bei Wei continued her relaxation and got immersed with the beautiful surroundings. She walked near the pond and gazed at the crystal clear water. She was mesmerized until a memory from a certain stream floated through her mind. Frustration swelled at the annoying reminder of her stupidity. Closing her eyes she inhaled and exhaled the fresh scent of flowers and the place trying to calm her drumming heart.

“this is unbelievable” she sighed.

Not even a second has passed, she heard footsteps coming her way.

“That was fast, Ling Hua is truly a worry wart” she thought to herself keeping her eyes closed.

The owner of the footsteps stopped beside her and she waited for Ling Hua to talk.

However it’s as if the air froze causing the hairs at the back of her neck stand on end. Her closed eyes flew open at the deep voice whispering near her right ear.

“ So did you find the herbs?”