*Li Juan's POV
This was it! My birthday had finally arrived. If it was when I was still at home, father would have woken me up with birthday breakfast and a beautiful card full of wishes. For me, my birthday was always the best part of the year. Now, I was stuck in a place I did not know, with no one to wish me "happy birthday".
Looking outside the window, I see Ruomei and Suyin.
"Ruomei! Suyin!" I shout.
"Young mistress!"
Hugging them, I lead them into my room.
"Young mistress, you have suffered a lot. Its our fault. Please punish us for not taking care of you." They said.
"Don't say that. I came to fight the bandits not enjoy the scenery of Xuzhou. Why are you people here?" I ask.
"Your father is unhappy that he can't be with you so he sent us here. Young mistress, wishing you longevity and prosperity. May you shine like the phoenix you were born to be." They said kneeling.
Grabbing them up,
" Thank you. How is my father and brother doing?" I ask.
" They are all fine. Your brother, Liwei is in the carriage. He begged general wu to allow him to come." Ruomei said.
"Then get him here immediately." I said.
Few minutes later. Liwei arrives and runs to hug my waist. Kneeling down, I hug him tightly. I was the last born of my family. I have never experienced what it feels like to have a junior brother. So, I was going to take care of Liwei.
"Sister! Sister! I missed you!" He said.
" I missed you too. How have you been?" I asked.
"Sister, I begged father to allow me to come and see you. Wishing you longevity and prosperity. Happy Birthday sister!" He said.
"You are so cute!" I said laughing and pulling his cheek.
"Young general, the emperor is inviting you for a banquet for your birthday this afternoon. He sent this dress and accessories for you to wear." A maid said.
"Young mistress, the emperor really treats you well! Look at all this beautiful accessories." Suyin said.
" Message from the duke!" Someone announces.
"Young mistress, the duke said he wasn't able to attend your birthday and he feels so bad about it. Therefore, he sent all these gifts for you." A maid said.
"Wow! Look at all these. Mistress, the duke must love you a lot." Ruomei said.
These two maids of mine. Supporting two different men. Shaking my head, I sit down in front if the mirror.
"Come and dress me for the banquet." I said.