Three months later, Banou spend her days cope in the mansion after she leaves the palace. Outside the main gate, Persian guards stands on the left and the Tang guards on the right. Thus the citizens of Tang come to know that she is a princess.
Meanwhile, Mehmet drag his daughter to apologised while kneeling down in public. She still doesn't accept that Banou is one of the many princess in the Ottoman empire. She only accepted when she see the Persian guards standing at the front gate staring down at her. She read out in Mandarin and Arabic from the paper that her father had draft last night. She continue to kneel with her father till the sun sets. By the time, Banou and Li Jun walk out of the mansion. They look at the father and daughter.
"I hope you learn your lesson. Not to be little those who are weak."
"Ma Men, as fathers it's our responsibility to teach our children. You maybe busy in life but spending some time with them have to built their character. I am not perfect but i try to do my best. Hope you will do so too."
Mehmet who is older than Li Jun feels embressed but he need to stay in business with Great Tang and in Ottoman Empire too. He needs to lower his pride to survive. He looks at his daughter and hope that she learn her lessons and dont go looking for trouble. Demir the mister had informed him that Banou might be the next ruler thus he needs to be respectful. She might be the one who decided if he can operate his business or not in future. After awhile, they got up bow and left in their carriage. Banou look at Li Jun, he smile. That sunset is rather beautiful and gentle. It brings peace in their hearts.
Li Xing is disturbed what he hear on the streets. He run home as fast as his long legs can bring him. He run through the main door and run back out again. He stare at the Persian guards. They too stare at him. His brothers who are close behind him stop running at the main door. The Persian guards somehow look alike to Li Xing. Deep set of eyes with a high long nose. Suddenly those Persian guards place their hands over their chest and salute to Li Xing. He stare for awhile and again run into mansion. Li An and Li Gou run after him.
"Mother!!!" LI Xing scream as he enters their little living quarter.
"I am here." Banou see her son running around and wonder what has happen. She see Li An and LI Gou behind him. They all bow to her.
"What has happen my son?"
"Mother! The people in the market are all saying that we have a Persian Princess living in the city and the person is you!"
"Are you very surprise?"
"Well, i don't know if it is real or just another fake rumour going around. Is It true mother?"
"What if it's true what if it's fake?"
"If it's true... those men at our main door... are they standing there because of you?"
Banou put down her embroidery work. She take his hand and clap them in her's.
"Yes, it is true. I am from Persian. I am a Princess from Ottoman Empire. Overall, i am still your mother."
"Then why then why then... you become a ... slave?"
"It is a mistake by fate. However i am glad that the mistake brings me here. If not, i would never met my sweet son."
Li Xing look at his mother and hug her. Li An and Li Gou soon leave the mother and son alone.
At dinner time, a servant bought in letter in Arabic wordings to Banou. Everyone is curious. However Banou accept the letter and put it in her sleeves. She continue to eat in silence while everyone is talking. After dinner, she sit alone in the garden she remove the letter from her long sleeves and stare at it. She put it back inside her sleeves again and sigh. She recognises from the hand writing. She look up to the sky. Tonite the sky is dark but the stars are bright. They are all blinking in the dark sky. In the morning, Banou after washing her face and saying her simple prayers, she sits on the chair at the balcony. Slowly she open up the letter. It been so long since she last seen a handwritten letter in Arabic.
"My dear daughter Banou, i praise god for the blessing in finding you alive!
For many years i did not sleep well. The day the letter from Demir the ministry of Affairs came into my office. I cry, i sing, i dance. Never i feel so happy. Now my mind is at peace knowing that you are alive.
I went to your tiny bedroom just a few days ago. I did not expect that you actually grow up in a servant's room without complaint. The golden silk gown that i have given to you as a reward was shredded. I asked the maid who used to served you. I had her punished. She have betray her master by helping another to destroy things in your room. Why didn't you tell me of this, i could have do something for you. I sat in the tiny garden behind your room, they say you have your dinner there. I am upset. I fail as a father. When you are my best child in studies and behaviour. How can i let this anger go off? I punish the ones who did wrong, i reward the one who did well, isn't this what we would do? Even those daughters who are now married, i had them back in the palace for punishment. I cannot let it off under my nose. They have to understand my authority. If they can do it to you, i believe they can do it to others as well.
Your brother and sister who switch the marriage prospect with you, i have them punished as well. Rest sure, that son of mine is now strip without power to bully. His title removed and not able to raise the rank. Even if he have a child, they are not allow to raise in ranking. His sister is now lock in her own room. She will be staying in that room infinity. Unless, you are back here and wiling to forgive her, i will let her out. That marriage is annul. I was hopping that would find you within three years but now ten years have passed. The scholar had asked for my permission to marry. I had agreed. I believe he is the best choice for you, since you enjoy reading and alike him good in studies. Your life will be simple and stable. Also i can watch over you for your safety and well being. However god have different plans for you.
The letter from Demir on the second half brings sadness to me. If only i have done something and prevent my other children who bully you. They won't be so bold to go so far to change my decree. Because of this, your heart is broken and do not wish to come back home. I wish i can understand that but i can't yet as a father i don't want my child to be upset. Since you have built a family in Great Tang. I have to accept it. I will built my relationship with the Chinese. This is to ensure that you will have a forever homes with Tang and Persian.
I have send another separate letter to Demir. I have instructions for him to carry out. As a father and a ruler of the Ottoman Empire, i have to ask him to do what is needed to be done. I have asked the ministry of trade to arrange the finest things to be send to Great Tang. They are for you. Nothing can replace the pain you have suffer. However how what i can do is to send you all the luxury that i can afford for you. I will also send the same painter from Rome to draw and paint a current portrait of you. He will take at least three months to reach Tang.
Above all, i wish from a father's heart to my daughter. Please be happy and enjoy your life. You have suffer in the hands of your siblings, i will correct their behaviour as a father. I hope in this life i still able see you one more time before my time comes to meet the all mighty. I then can go in peace.
May Allah protect you as always.
The letter ends with his seal. Banou sit there and cry. She never have a face to face heart to heart conversation with her father. He is always far and high above everyone. He did noticed Banou and take care to reward her quietly. She wish in her heart that her father will remain healthy and strong for the nation. The sunlight slowly creep into her bedroom to shine on her like a warm blanket.