After I dressed up for the banquet, I took a good look in the mirror. I looked good! Even more beautiful than an empress. But no matter how beautiful I looked, it still couldn't compare the feeling of home. I may not have rich but a celebration like this back home felt a blessing now I remembered it.
Standing outside my room, I looked at the entrance with sadness.
"What are you thinking about?"
Turning back, I realize it is the emperor. Sighing, I turn back to the entrance.
"Are you still angry with me?" He asked.
I wasn't angry. He was being honest. Its better I didn't hope in a future that didn't exist.
"Am not angry." I said.
"Missing home? You told me today is also your birthday. Am sorry. You are right. I shouldn't think only about Li Juan. You are so far from home without anybody. You may not Li Juan but her family is also your family. They may compare to your real family but they are your family here." He said.
Looking at him, I smile. I see him smiling too so I laugh. Stretching his arms out, he drags me in for a hug. We continue laughing. I feel safe in this arms. At this moment.
"I have a surprise for you. Come with me" He says taking my hand.
Reaching the banquet hall, the maids open the door. Entering the hall, I see father and mother. All the ministers are here including the duke.
"Greetings to you, your majesty. Greetings imperial princess." They said kowtowing.
"Raise. All of you, raise!!!" The emperor said leading to the table.
I climb the steps and see two seats on the emperor's table. I look at the emperor with question in my eyes. He leads me to sit down then takes his seat. I can't believe this!! Am seating next to the emperor.
"Grand Dowager arrives!!" someone announces
The emperor immediately stands up and takes my hand leading down the steps. He leans close to me
"The grand empress dowager is very fond of Li juan. She may not recognise you because she is old but you shouldn't be cordial with her. Those two were very close, okay?" He whispered.
"Okay"
The grand empress enters. I run to her.
"Grandma!" I shouted.
"Juan'er!!" I hear father say. He must be reminding me of palace rules.
The grand empress laughs.
"Greetings to you Grand Empress Dowager" the minsters said kowtowing.
"Raise! Juan'er. You are still the same as always." She said.
"The empress arrives" someone announces.
"Greetings mother. Mother, you spoil them too much." She said.
"Greetings mother" the emperor said.
"Hui'er, I heard you stopped the bandits." She said.
"Greetings mother" I said.
"Juan'er, beautiful as always. You assisted his majesty in capturing the bandits and saving the people. You deserve to be rewarded." She said.
Kneeling down, I thank her for her grace. His majesty assists me in standing up. We all take our seats. The music starts and the banquet begins.
"Don't tell me you called everyone here because of my birthday?" I ask
"The ministers wanted to congratulate me for the capture of the bandits. I only summoned them here for them to do that. Plus you shouldn't celebrate your birthday alone. Go and make a toast to your father" He said
Standing up, I hold my cup and head to father's table.
"Greetings father. Greetings mother. I didn't expect you to make it." I said.
"Juan'er, I was worried I couldn't throw you a feast this year on your birthday. Luckily, his majesty summoned all the officials to celebrate the capture of the bandits." General Wu said.
"Father, mother, its all thanks to your guidance that I was able to grow up safely. This toast is to you, father and mother. You have spoilt me well" I said drinking.
"Juan'er, you assisted his majesty and brought glory to the Wu house. You have not disappointed me and your father's expectations" Mrs Wu said.
"Thank you mother." I said.
"And a toast to you, may you have longevity and prosperity" someone said.
Turning back, I realize its the Duke. I had seen him earlier on. He was not happy with the fact I was holding hands with the emperor. Even though he summoned all of the officials to celebrate the capture of the bandits, we all knew it was a façade. He had summoned them here because of me.
Although it was quite normal because I was the emperor's god sister, but they also knew the emperor loved Li Juan. That complicates things.
"Greetings Duke Meisheng. Its an honor to have you here." I said.
"Juan'er, hope you thought about what I told you when I last saw you? We will be getting married soon." He said.
"I know we are getting married. You don't need to remind me every time" I said feeling frustrated.
"Forgive me. I don't need to pressure you. I just want you to trust me. Not to break my heart and my trust. Juan'er, me and my family are welcoming you into our lives. Because we trust you. I hope you will understand that." He said.
I did. I just didn't feel at home. At peace. My heart had already chosen its owner. This was going to be a long and hard journey.