The next morning, Li Cheng find himself on the bed. He wakes up with a headache. He is alone in the room. Banou is gone. She is out with the children who are wanting to fly kites in the field. She is feeling light and happy like a kite. Today, she did not do up her hair but instead she have it braided like she used to. Aylin is sitting under the tree getting the pastry and drinks out ready for them. After an hour of screaming and running, they return to Aylin looking for a cool drink. Today the only adults are Banou and Aylin. The rest of them are hiding in the summer house. When the children run off to continue the actives, Banou and Aylin sits there and enjoy the breeze while watching the children.
"My princess, i think i am being to enjoy this part of my life."
"Aylin that is good to hear."
"I have never been happy and learn so many things that i never though i could see or know. Besides that, i think i am in love."
"Oh what a bless! Who is it?"
"Ah Mu. " She said softly and shy. Banou smile broadly and give her friend a hug.
"When..."
"I don't know when but i know i enjoy my time with him. He is so patience with me. He never scream nor get angry. He is always thinking how to explain and make me understand. He never say no to anything. He is always smiling and he pat my head."
"Did he tell you that he likes you?"
Aylin shakes her head but she smile and hug her legs tight to her. Banou look at Aylin, she envy her. At least one of them are happy and in love. Banou look ahead and stare at the children who are screaming and running around. She had once dream of a normal life. She have it now but it is incomplete without a husband. She is now a position worst than a concubine but she have received more love in comparing back in Persian. Where she is a pawn that her father had raised. With her son now growing up in a good place, there is nothing more than she should ask for. She only hope that Li Xing will grow up safe and never fall in the position she was. Maybe one day he will find a person he can love and have a family with.
They return to the summer house in the late afternoon when the younger children are hungry. While the cooks are cooking, Banou prepare a cold bath for her son and the rest of the younger ones. Everyone is in a happy mood even though it is warm. When they all sit down, Banou notice Li Cheng is not around. She knows that he must have return back to camp.
After lunch Li Jun announced that they will be leaving in a five days for there are things to do and to prepare the Guan Li for Li Kang. Also to prepare a job for his son in the merchant association. Li Kang who hears this is beaming with joy and excited. His birth mother is too tearing, the day will be arriving soon. Her son will be independent and consider a grown up. Lady Ban ask for a nice garment to make for her son.
"This have to be done. Don't need to ask Lady Ban. I already have arrange for a tailor to take his measurements when we get back to the Prince mansion. Also, you can get a new garment too. Just you." Consort Wu stress the last two words and adult laugh. The younger one join in laughing after watching the adults. After lunch, the children got tired and take a nap. The summer house is quiet and serene. Banou quietly fan her son, Li An and Li Gou. While Li Jun is carrying Li Ping like a baby in his arms and walk around. Aylin and Ah Mu are busy clearing the dishes and washing them. The older ladies are too getting sleepy and they lay on their side on the long couch to fan themselves. The older children group around to play Chinese chess and another play Chinese cards.
Late afternoon, everyone is awake. Li Kang decided that the younger one needs to revised their work before they forget what they have learn. Li Ping is excited to learn what her brothers have been learning in school. She sit down with them and listen. She start to pick up writing in a clumsy way. Li Jun teach her how to hold the brush in a proper manner. Banou too listen in the lesson that Li Kang is teaching. The older ladies watch with approval nodding on their heads. The sun is setting with a slight orange and red tone. It was a harmonious way to end the day.
The next few days, Li Cheng appear again in the summer house. The children are delighted to see him. Banou is happy but she can't show too much of her expression as she is afraid that Li Jun will get angry. Thus she bow and go about to follow Li Xing whatever he is doing. Both of them are aware of each other where they are going. Till that night, Li Jun and Li Cheng are drinking and Li Jun got drunk again. Li Cheng walk out to find Banou busy helping to collect the dishes at the main hall.
"Lady Ban Nu." She stop and look up to see Li Cheng at her side. She look at him with her big eyes.
"I ... that day..."
"That day, nothing happen." Banou interrupted his sentence. Li Cheng look surprise. "How can..."
"It is true. You just fall asleep and i drag you to the bed to let you sleep. That is all."
He look relief and disappointed at the same time. Li Cheng wants to ask her more but words don't come easily for him when he see her. His hands tremble again and he quickly put his left hand behind him and his right firmly hold on to his sword. "I hope i did not offend you in anyway.., You are ... "
"There is nothing to be offended about. I am happy always to see you, healthy and happy. " He remove a pouch from the opening of his top. "I got this for you from a nearby village. They make sea shell bracelet. I think you might like it."
Banou put down all the dishes and wipe her hands on the skirt. She takes it and open it. Inside is a string beads with sea shells on it. She smile broadly and bow.
"I like it. It's beautiful." A word from her, it makes him feel happy and he feels like he can float off to the moon anytime. Li Cheng not sure what else to say and he start picking up the dishes and help Banou. The night ends with both of them satisfy and happy. They sit on the pavilion and have a drink. Li Cheung tells her stories of his adventures. They laugh and talk, this is seen by Li Jun who wakes up in a intoxicated state. A tear drop from his eye and he slowly make his way back in the room.