The Ageless Dream

5.1 After Two Years (17)

Dong Li Hua closed the door then leaned on it. She just left the dragon chamber after Ying Zheng went asleep. Opening her hand, a silver bracelet with crimson red plum flowers is on her palm. Like what Dong Chun Wu said, the silver lace bracelet is an antique heirloom from the Zhao Family. Created before or during the Qin Dynasty. It was passed down to every first son of the headmaster in the Zhao family. The bracelet is given to the first son if he is to become the next headmaster. Afterwards, it will be given to the first son's first wife.

Its silver lace looping through endless circles is believed to be the man's vow to his future wife that he will cherish her for a lifetime. As for the red plum flowers dangling over the silver lace thread, it is showcasing his love that his future wife will only receive. Even if Dong Li Hua is not willing with the arranged marriage, she have to face it since the bracelet is already her fiance's sign of saying she cannot escape like her older sister.

She had hated this bracelet and refused to wear it and even brought her back to time! How hateful it is, ah. Dong Li Hua calmed her excitement and wore the bracelet back to her wrist. She waited for few more seconds but nothing happened.

"What the...? Is this defective? Hey!" she frowned while shaking her wrist however, nothing happened in the next few minutes and hours. Her ignited hope was doused with a bucket of cold water. Dong Li Hua remained coiled on top of her bed, biting her lower lip as she held her tears. She missed her family, even her selfish older sister.

It was during spring when she met them. Before, Dong Xu hid her away from the Dong family under a mansion outside Xi'an. He would visit her in untimely schedules until one day, Dong Xu brought her new guests. That time, she is still at her tenth age, kept away from the outside world for protecting her in every possible harm the Dong family can give. Her new guests were her half-siblings, Dong Zhenzhen and Dong Chun Wu.

"Siblings?" the young Dong Li Hua asked in confusion. She never knew she had an older sister and sister.

"Mn. This is Zhenzhen, Chun Wu." Dong Xu smiled at her in assurance. "From now on, stay with us in the family manor. No one can hurt you now that you have me and two responsible siblings."

"Im your older brother so count on me more often!" Dong Chun Wu pointed to himself with a proud expression. He never knew he have a younger sister but their nannies said that their father had an illegitimate child.

"Call me Sister Zhenzhen. I'll be happy to give you all the stuffed toys I had when I was a kid." Dong Zhenzhen faintly smiled, making her look like a gentle angel. However, she hadn't fully accepted Dong Li Hua yet. For her father's happiness, she can be kind to her half-sister. Its just hard to accept that Dong Xu spent more time on Dong Li Hua than her who is his legitimate daughter.

"Xiao Li, what do you say? Come follow us to the family manor. In that place, you can have more freedom and gain new life experiences." Dong Xu reached out his hand towards her. He is pleased at Dong Zhenzhen and Dong Chun Wu's reaction to his second daughter. Since they are fine with it, he can take Dong Li Hua back. Dong Xu hid her here for the reason he is still powerless years by then. If he were to raise Dong Li Hua inside the family manor, she would die there. Now that he claimed the position as the headmaster, he can protect Dong Li Hua.

"... Alright." she felt warmth spread throughout her heart. Dong Li Hua clutched on the stuff bear in her other hand. Without a mother, she is satisfied to have a harmonious family with a loving father and understanding siblings.

"Li Hua?"

"Sister, wake up..."

"Will she be fine?"

Familiar voices rang through her head and with a gasp, Dong Li Hua awakened from her dream. She looked around to see the same ancient bedchamber. Disappointment crept in her heart before she stood up from her bed. Its been weeks and she kept dreaming about her past, making her desperate and often lack sleep. The bracelet never returned her back to time which further increased her depression.

"Morning Sister Hua!" Xie Er popped out beside Dong Li Hua who is holding a basin of water. They are heading to the dragon chamber and every morning, the two should help Ying Zheng prepare himself for the morning court sessions.

"Xie Er, don't try scaring me." she chuckled. They proceeded into the open hallway when a cold winter breeze went past them, carrying red petals and a sweet flowery fragrance.

"Wah~. The late winter is nearing its end. Its a shame the plum blossoms are about to wither." Xie Er said after catching a single petal but her remarks caught Dong Li Hua's attention.

"What month are we in?" she asked.

The last month on its twenty-fourth day. Its only a matter of days before the New Year. I cant wait for my red envelope!" the young girl's eyes sparkled with stars, thinking how much ban liang coins can she get from Ying Zheng.

While Xie Er is thinking about profits, Dong Li Hua is troubled. She wanted to give the two a gift for accompanying her in the winter season. There is also Li Si who helped her return to the palace. Speaking of which, she had not seen Li Si after their last interaction in the library tower.

"Ying Zheng." Dong Li Hua put aside her worries and knocked on the dragon chamber's door.

"Come in." Ying Zheng's voice trailed.