The Birth of the War Goddess

Once arrived we get announced and led into a big hall for us to sit divided by families.

At the centre of the hall there are some dancers with big fans and pink clothes, accompained by music being played at the end of the hall...

Before the banquet begins there is still some time left, so I decide to walk near one wall watching the guests talk and have fun with eachother

-Are you sure you'll manage alone?-

-Don't worry Pei'Ge... I'll just chat here, I don't want to be the center of everyone's attention-

-Fine...- he nods before approaching some General who's calling for him

-If I have to be honest, I dance a lot better...- a voice from behind reach my ears

-Oh Feng Hua... It's a pleasure to meet you again- he winks, seating down beside me

-I heard my father was searching for you... Apparently the son of an old friend of his is searching for a wife... You know, that stuff.-

-And who is this one?-

-Don't tell me you are considering it again... Oh please- he snorts disgusted

-That man gotta be a Pig as much as his father! I know that old ogre.

No manners at all with human beings and only knows how to eat and drink!

Absolutely disgusting to watch once... Imagine doing it for the rest of your life...- he complains hugging his waist adorned by red robes

-I see you are wearing a very nice lipstick Hua'Ge...

I actually think the one who will find husband tonight will be you if we don't restrain you- I laugh behind my sleeve

He smiles, happy to be the one compliment now

-Well... I wanted to make my intentions clear in case any girl tried to approach me... Not too obviously tho- he smirks looking at the hall

-Should we go there and socialize? I'm not quite sure if I'm supposed to play hard to get or be a perfect mannered girl tonight-

-Well... I think I will end up socializing a lot after the banquets is done- he says eyeing down a few guys

-You are hopeless... Let's go introduce ourselves to some beauties then- I stand up inviting him

...

-Oh really? Yes I love his books too... The way he describes emotions, it makes me feel so melancholic... It's really divine-

-It's nice to find someone to talk with about this book Madam Lang, fewer and fewer girls are interested in literature lately- I sighs

-For real... We should have a tea together sometimes then- she squeeze my hands tenderly

-Lai'Er?! Lai'Er!-

-Oh excuse me Madam... My brother is calling for me...-

-Oh I see don't worry, you two can go, it was a pleasure to meet you-

-For us too- me and Hua bend down taking our leave

-Your brother? I didn't knew he would attend, I'm so curious to see how much he grew up haha! Last time we met I was taller than him-

-He surely surpassed you Hua'Ge...-

-I'll be the one to judge- he pouts

PeiZhi finds us, walking along with an older man

-Lai'Er! I finally found you.

I wanted to introduce you to Chen Hen, he's the man who trained me at the Royal Palace!-

-Pleased to make your acquaintance- I bend slightly

-Oh?- PeiZhi rise an eyebrow -Who is this friend of yours Lai'Er?- he asks looking him up and down

-He's Feng Hua dear brother, don't you remember him?-

-Really? You... Changed a lot

You became a young man little Hua! I shall invite you over for a Tea from time to time, to revive our old friendship- he smiles sending the poor Hua in heaven

"That's my brother indeed, it's in the family" I giggle proudly

-I... would very much love so! We should really recall the past over a hot cup together...- The younger man almost studders

-So this is the perfect girl I'm been told about so much! I see why your brother is so jealous of you! Haha- speaks the old man.

...

-Lai'Er! That really was your brother?!- he ask clinging on my dress

-Yes-

-Please tell me he's single-

-Oh Uhm... I don't think he's into... How to say it, "different expirinces".

Actually he's probably not into anything at all now that I think about it...-

-There's always a first time my dear, plus... You haven't saw me yet in my full glory- he smirks swinging his hips

-Nor do I want to see you in your full glory... Ever...- I murmur -But my brother is a really polite person, you could win something but I don't know how far you can go... I'll be rooting, I guess?-

-I'll be rooting for myself too! Getting even just a stare from that snack of your brother is a reward... You know what? I'll go start annoying him out hehe-

-Snack...?- I stare shocked

I head back to my seat after seeing him run to my brother, twisting his braided hair between his fingers, he seems to have locked his eyes on a prey...

My brother is not a shy person but it must be difficult to relationate with such obvious flirting.

...

-Here you were! Come here to your mother little girl!-

-Oh? Mother?- I see her coming to "collect" me and she drags me toward a group of women throwing death stares...

-This is my little ChangLai my dears, I really wanted to show her to you all!- she says giggling proud in front of those overly adorned girls and women, one extremely skinny... One quite the opposite... One with ugly colored makeup, etc...

-A pleasure to meet you all Misses- I bend greetings

-So... Is this girl of yours really amazing as they say?-

-You can pretty much talk about anything and she will know the topic my dears!- talking as if I were the latest gadget

-So... Does this lady perhaps know things like herbs or so?- ask someone's mother

-Of course Madam, it is extremely important to me... Herbs are the foundation of medicine and aliments...

One can only gain benefit in learning a few- I smile

-Tz! Mother let's go! We don't talk with lower ranks who even bother themselves in grass and mud- respond stiff her daughter waving her fan

-You are true dear... Your future husband is an Imperial doctor why should a Lady like you feel the need to study such things- she turns to leave...

I should bite my tongue, I should bite it... I really should...!

-Madam I'm sorry you think so lowly about your daughter- I say regretting it right away, putting a hand over my mouth mentally

-Excuse me?!

It's not me the one letting their daughter play with dirty plants- she throws a mad stare at my mother

-Well... If you think so lowly about herbs and medicine...

Then letting her marry a doctor of who's work is to play with dirty plants, means you don't want the best for her no? Why would you let her marry someone with such filthy hands that one day will held her body? In your eyes, your daughter has the same value of a raw potato-

The women around us all fall silent for a few seconds, before one starts laughing

-This girl is right! Why do you insult the future of your daughter Madam Zhang?!

Hahaha, Lai'Er is really cleaver as they say! Madam Ping your daughter is a splendid flower-

The daughter of Madam Zhang become redder and redder -She is right mother!

Why do you hate me so much?!

I won't marry him I won't!

I'll run away with anyone but not him!- she screams taking her mother back from the shock

-No little flower! It will ruin our name!- the girl run away moving quite ungracefully due to the embarrassing heavy clothes

-Dear daughter! Just reflect! You can't find anyone better with your looks!- she yells running back to her only making her cry more

-Well... A bit of a dramatic end wasn't it?- comment another woman

-I'll take my leave now... Haha I wouldn't want to put my daughter under a bad light...- she whisperslooking at her daughter, a bit far away laughing with all her teeth exposed, and leaves

-My little Lai'Er really is perfect- my mother comment caressing my face -It's time to eat now, let's go meet with your father-