After 3 weeks, i find myself sneaking out the back door. I laugh out loud when i reach the busy market. Thinking that no one have seen me nor know who i am. Happily i walk around. The sound of the busy market is so welcoming.Tried many snacks have a few dessert. Watch an opera at the opera house. A puppet show on the street. There is so many things to do and see. Even the smell in the air is terrific. This is life, to me.
in order to maintain my current lifestyle, i ask my granny Li to stay in the room with me in the day. Some days i leave her alone in my study room. So that most servants know that i have granny Li with me, they shouldn't be in there. While she is there i can enjoy my day outside. Granny Li constant nag at me for my reckless ways.
Out in the market, i make a few friends. i have to lie about who i am. They are just simple ordinary folks who is trying to earn a living. A couples just got to know have a noodle stall near the puppet show. Every afternoon i help by washing some of their dishes. Although their noodles are not the best still it warms the stomach and a friendly smile makes their stall busy throughout the day.
My days are spend happily and forgetting that I'm married under my sister's name. Occasionally, there are letters sent to the Xian mansion. They are short and brief. She too sound like she is having a good life wherever she is at.
"Yun'er im sorry more bowls for you to wash."
"Ming Ger, it's ok. Just put it down. I will try to wash as fast as i can."
"Sorry to trouble you. Later let me cook you a bowl of noodles before you go. I will put in more meat for you."
"No no just the usual will do. I can't eat too full. My family is cooking too. Have to eat up and not waste the food. "
"Oh ok. Let me know how much you need. Please excuse me i go help my wife. "
Washing bowls is not my ambition nor my joy but i enjoy my freedom, my choice to do things in life. Behind the small stall, is my refuge. Another place i enjoy hanging out is at a restaurant. In there i help out the kitchen every 3 days. Whenever the restaurant is booked for a celebration, i will be there. The sight of people buzzing with laughter and joy in enjoying their food is a pleasant sight.
For 3 years i enjoy my life. Trying to managed the mansion and my own life outside. Everything is going smoothly. Till i hear from the butler that his highness might be returning soon. My heart drop a beat.
"Granny Li, how long do i have to do this?"
"Im afraid it is forever."
"Maybe i should pretend to die from something."
She place the comb down the vanity table. She knee down with tear in her eyes.
"You cannot say that. You have to stay alive. You cannot die before me."
I touch her arm and hug her "I am not really going to die. I just want to go back where i lived. I miss our little hut. I miss Cheng'er. I haven't go swiming for a long time. "
I stand up and walk to the window. Outside the moon is shining gently.
"Maybe one day, i will be free."
A week later, while working in the restaurant. I am marinating the meat to prepare for tomorrow's banquet, Suddenly there are men shouting outside. My eyes try to see what is going on but my mind tells me to finish up withy work before i can go home. The others in the dining hall to settle it. The owner comes in into the kitchen in hurry.
"I need all of you to come to the dining hall now!"
Everyone put down whatever they are holding and i wash my hands before stepping out. Everyone is line up as I'm short i can't see what is happening at the front. There are still some shouting going on. Finally after pushing my way around, i see who is at the front. The solider who is standing there look at me up and down.
"You! Follow us!"
I am shocked. "I did nothing sir."
With his hand gesture, he yell "Hurry up!"
I look around and the staff starts to whisper. The restaurant owner gets me to go follow the soldiers. Reluctantly my feet drag my way towards him. The solider gesture that i walk in front of him. My heart is beating wildly. I can't say I'm the wife of Prince Xian. How am i going to send a message to granny Li?
Outside, the soldiers stand in line and the crowd is form to see what is going on. The leader of the soldiers gesture again for me to walk in-between the line of men. So embarrassing with everyone point and gossiping. We keep walking till we are near the hall of justice, they stop. There is a sedan waiting.Base on the decoration and the motif, it looks like it comes from Xian Mansion. I think I'm in trouble.