23 The new mission

In the Minister of War's household, Lihua and Chao-xing are having breakfast. The Minister of War is in his study room with an imperial official. Chao-xing is in a bad mood. Not receiving any invitation from other noble ladies in the capital she's showing impatience and arrogance.

"Why am I not invited to any social gathering in the capital? Shouldn't they know how important I am in the southern border? No one neglected my presence like this before."

Hearing these words, Lihua wanted to rebut her but choose not to. It's just a waste of time explaining things to a spoiled and arrogant person like her.

When Chao-xing did not hear any response from Lihua, she looked at her with malice.

"Did you tell the other nobles not to invite me?" she said accusingly.

"Ha?" she raised her brow in surprise.

"I know you stayed here before. Maybe, you sent a secret message to them to stop them from inviting me!"

Lihua wanted to scream at her out of frustrations. It is true that she stayed in the capital before but as a maid. She did not have any chance to meet those noble ladies.

Lihua sighed before speaking, "Chao-xing, it is true that I stayed in the capital before, but unlike you, I am not popular here. I don't even know who the noble ladies are,"

Chao-xing face changed when she realized that Lihua admitted that she is better than her.

"Okay then, I know that you don't have such ability. Why did I even consider you being in the company of noble ladies?" she continued eating but now in a good mood.

Lihua shook her head in disbelief. She could not grasp the thought that they both share the same father. But she cannot blame anyone. Her father is busy defending the border. He spends most of her time in the army. Chao-xing only has her mother to accompany and teach her. And knowing Concubine Lijuan, everyone can tell why this woman becomes like this.

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After breakfast, Lihua went to the small garden in the west area of the mansion. She took deep breathes of the cool morning air. Being with Chao-xing is really challenging. As the time spending with her, it is clear for her why her father stayed in the army often.

"Challenging morning?" a voice from behind her said.

Lihua looked around and saw Mengyao standing there with a silly smile.

"Hahaha, how did you know?"

"Of course, I know everything around here," he said proudly.

"Oh yeah?" she asked probingly.

"Hahaha, Lihua, how would you want me to prove it?" he said challengingly.

Lihua's expression changed the moment she heard her old name. Mengyao was also taken aback when he realized what he had said.

"I am sorry Huiyin,"

Lihua's face becomes softer and calmer.

"It's okay. I thought you already get used to my new name."

"I thought so too," Mengyao agreed. He looked up and saw a bright blue sky.

"The weather is good today," Lihua suddenly commented.

Mengyao looked at her. She is also looking at the sky. Mengyao's expression changed into seriousness and worry. Lihua sensed it.

"Don't worry about me. You know that I have improved a lot this past five years. I am not the same person you met five years ago."

There's a lot of meaning in Lihua's voice. It is true that her martial arts skills have improved a lot. Being trained by Mengyao and her father, her skills now can be equal to a commander. But then, she's a woman. Her father allowed her to continue improving her martial arts for emergency purposes only.

But with all the training she had been through, she also becomes emotionless. She already learned her lesson five years ago. When conducting a mission, one should set aside her emotions to succeed.

"Did you put my mother's portrait in my bedchamber?" she suddenly asked.

"Yes," he saw a glimpse of sadness in Lihua's face. He felt relieved at the moment. At least he can still be sure that she hasn't vanished all traces of emotions in her. Knowing what happened to her mother and the reason why she had to live in the Holy Mountain made a big impact on her. How he wished he can make all those away. But then, he will be patient. When all of this ends, he will make sure to give her a normal, happy life. He will do everything to make her happy again. To bring back her happy, smiling face that he knew when they were still young.

"Are you sure you are ready for what's coming?" he asked.

"Yes, I am ready to make them all pay."

"Okay then, I will check on the noble ladies in the capital and make sure that both of you will be invited."

Lihua suddenly got confused with what he said. Then, he explained.

"You need to know how are the people you will be meeting in the future. It is better to be prepared."

"Oh, I thought you've fallen to my sister," she said teasingly.

Mengyao's face turned into dark and gloomy. When Lihua saw this, she laughed.

"Hahaha, I am just teasing you. Besides, you are not her type, so you will have a hard time getting her if ever you really have fallen for her."

"I already told you a hundred times before I don't like your sister," he said still being serious.

"Yes, yes, I will remember that. But do tell me if you already like someone. I'll make sure you have the best wife in the world." she said beaming.

Mengyao could not believe what he is hearing. It is true that Lihua has an exemptional talent in martial arts and controlling the elements but she is really too dense when it comes to relationships between men and women. He just shook his head and leave.

"Hey! I am just kidding. Don't take it seriously!" she called out to him but he did not answer. He just raised his arm and waved. She smiled.