It had been three months since I married into the duke's manor. I still had not gotten used to the place. Never in my wildest dream did I expect I would be the madam of the Huang family. I was practically in charge of everything. From dealing with the accounts book to managing family affairs.
The good part was that Chaoxing was the only son of the grand princess. He had a younger sister, Chyou. She was still unmarried and was living with us in the manor.
It had also been three months since I had last seen the emperor. I was no longer young general Wu. I was now Madam Huang. But all in all, it had been a year and half since I arrived here. A year away from my family. Would they be worried and looking for me? What would be happening to father? I know he would surely be worried sick. Knowing all this, how could I sit still?
I bring out the mirror Tianfei gave me. I have not seen him since the incident with the emperor. Maybe its because I lost all hope of leaving this place. But there is no way I can stay knowing father would be worried sick about me. I must leave this place.
"Ruomei!" I shout.
"Young mistress. Oh sorry, madam." She said.
"What you call me isn't important Ruomei. Go and bring me a bowl of water" I said sitting down in the main hall.
She immediately brings the bowl of water and sets it down.
"Make sure no one disturbs me." I said.
"But the concubines...."
"Even the manor is on fire, you must not disturb me." I said.
She leaves and closes the door. When I'm sure she is gone, I bring out the mirror and put it in the bowl of water. Last time, Tianfei came personally to meet me. I wait for a few minutes and realize he isn't coming. Wanting to put the mirror back, I realize it is glowing so I try to take a closer look but Tianfei's face appears. I drop the mirror screaming.
"Li juan? Li juan?"
"Who..... Who are you??" I asked panicking.
"Li juan? Don't be afraid. Its Tianfei." He said.
"Tianfei? Why was he talking through a mirror?" I thought.
I pick up the mirror slowly and put it on the table.
"Tianfei? What is happening?" I asked
"I am talking to you through the mirror. I am unable to come and meet you. What do you want?" He said.
"I want to leave this place. I want to go back home. I can't stay here again. There are so many people waiting for me back at home" I said.
"I told you that the time stone got destroyed. After the phoenix blast, we never saw it again. Everyone in our clan including his majesty has been searching for it." He said.
" What do you mean it disappeared? Tianfei, I have a family that might never stop looking for me. I can't make them spend the rest of their life looking for me." I said.
"I assure you I am doing everything to look for it. Once we find it, I will make sure you get home safely." He said.
"Tell me how I can help. I want to help in any way I can." I said.
I then hear two people arguing outside.
"My lord, my lady gave instructions that she should not be disturbed"
"What is she doing that she locked herself in the main hall?"
Turning to Tianfei,
"Chaoxing is back. I have to go. Please lemme know how I can help you." I said
I then stand up and head to the door. I meet outside before he is able to enter.
"Chaoxing, what are you doing here?" I asked.
"'Juan'er, why did you lock yourself here?" He asked.
"Nothing. I was just sitting down trying to admire the view behind the main hall." I said avoiding his eyes.
"If you want to admire the view, I can always take you out to admire the city." He said.
"Thank you. I have to admit I have been feeling a little bit stuffed" I said.
He holds my hand as we walk away from the main hall into the road in the manor. This three months, Chaoxing has been very caring. Although he has concubines, it was only due to pressure from the grand princess. He has truly treated me well.
"You must be tired from managing all the affairs. You must not wear yourself out." He said.
"Chaoxing, you are a scholar. You must know a lot of things right?"
"You look like you want to ask me something. Ask away." He said.
" Have you heard about the time stone?"
"Of course. Legend has it that the time stone is a powerful stone that belongs to the Shijan clan. The stone controls time from different dimensions. Past, present and future. Why have you asked about it?" He asked.
"Nothing" I said as he lead me back to our room