Chapter 4

The following morning, the young lady did not even pay respect to her parents. She rather hurriedly left without having any food with her close servant in tow. The two strolled in the street seeing the common folks getting ready as they set up their place to sell their things. She observed everything that was happening, the greetings the people exchanged, the smiles they showed as others shouted at passing people to come to stop by.

The two continued to walk down the road looking at the inns and markets as they opened doors to let people in. Seeing the inn she had been in a few days ago, it reminded her of the argument she had with her sister. She could not feel any better remembering a certain someone degrading her. She felt like strangling him and she was certain that the next time they met he was going to die by her hands.

"My lady, we have been walking for so long. If you feel tired can I find somewhere to rest? Perhaps get some food, you haven't eaten anything since morning. You even skipped your meal a day ago."

Hearing Tian Li insisting on some rest, she took on the offer and stopped by some enclosed indoor shop. It had no customer in it, only the worker who walked towards her to welcome the two.

Cheng Min chose to sit at the corner of the room as she looked through the window. She could see the common folks struggling to carry their load. Also, the children play with kites at a close distance from their parents. 

"The city is still lively." Tian Li informed as she carried some dumplings on a silver platter. She set it down and then sat opposite her master.

"You think so too. After all, it was the lantern festival some days ago. I wish I had lit one instead of fighting with that jerk."

"My lady, it is alright. After all, you still have time. You are not at an age of marriage yet. You can still have fun." She tries to cheer up her lady.

The two have been together since the time Cheng Min left home. They have been together all the way. They travelled miles and miles. Sometimes crossdressed as boys so that they could do manual work. They encountered bandits and were saved by a scholar who was passing by. The two have a mutual understanding. 

"....,"  But  Cheng Min knew that she could be married off even the day after. After all, her parents had tried to send her to the palace.

"Let us eat, we need to look for new clothes." She was brought out of her trance and offered some water which she drank before facing Tian Li.

"What new clothes? I have enough." She complained then took the chopsticks before she started to eat the white oval dumplings with great relish. Tian Li helped to finish them and then the two took two silver pieces and paid for their meal.

The shopkeeper was overjoyed and thanked the ladies telling them to visit again. He promised to treat them for free.

The two bought the dresses and decided to return to the manor. On the way, they ran into folks chasing after a kid who had stolen a fish. The boy was dirty with scruffy black hair that reached his shoulders. He wore some brown pants and a brown shirt with muddy stains. Looking closely he was about ten years old.

The child ran among the people and disappeared. Cheng Min walked away with her servant and when they were far enough she thought of something and turned around, she stopped in front of the owner who was dispirited as if he had lost a fortune.

"Sorry for that. Children these days take mischief as fun. For the fish please take this as my apology." Tian Li once again took out one silver piece and handed it over to the fisherman.

"Many thanks, young miss." 

They exchanged a few words then walked away.

"My lady, why would you do that? Master Cheng will be angry."

 Cheng Min nodded and kept silent, her servant followed dejectedly as they finally returned to the manor. Her parents were said to be at the Ye pavilion. 

 Cheng Min felt relieved because she did not have to greet them there. Her older sister was probably in her room busy with embroidery. After all, she wants to be a lady. If she is told to marry the prince. She would agree wholeheartedly. 

Tian Li went to put the dresses away and joined the others living her miss alone to sort her thoughts. When they were at the market she noticed how her master was behaving. At least she ate something. Feeling relieved she started making meals for her masters.

 Cheng Min could not help but ravage through her things looking for that white cloth. She threw most of her clothes away until it was within her reach. Inspecting it and bringing it close to her heart. 

'My lord' she thought, reminiscing on that time they met. She sat on the floor as she was brought back on the night the two encountered the man.