Preparations in Progress and A gift or two...

The palace was busy. There where people moving around, preparing for my wedding. I sighed as I was being measured by the tailor. Bai and Ai were standing aganist the wall, watching cautiously for any dangers around.

"I'm done Mistress Chen" the tailor said as he packed his kit. I nodded, bowing slightly towards him. "Thank you sir" I said. He smiled, walking up to me. "No need to bow. Your going to be an empress soon. I should be the one bowing to you" he said.

I smiled, "No need. Your an elder. Even if I'm in power and have authority, an elder will always be wiser and have more power than me" I said.

He smiled, replying "a wise soul is a old soul, yet you my dear show of wiseness. A great choice indeed" he said and bowed once more before he left the room.

Bai, Ai and I walked towards my private garden. There was a pond and a small patio. Weishang gifted this to me as a pre-wedding present. I tried to tell him that he shouldn't have but he insisted and I gave in. Since than, I come here to train and spare with both Bai and Ai.

Today I decided that I should fight both Bai and Ai at the same time. I was prepared and confident, since I did beat them both separately. "Are you ready mistress?" Ai asked as she stood in position next to Bai. I nodded and got in position as well.

"Impressive" said a voice behind us. After we bowed at each other, since well it was a tie, I turned to see Weishang and some officials, including my father.

"I didn't know you could fight. It seems you surprise me everyday. Minister Chen, why haven't you told me she could fight like that?" He asked, looking at my dad.

"Well as a woman, she should not know how to fight, but since my father said it is for her own protection, which I did not understand why, taught her his secrets which he did not share with me or my brother" he said, rubbing the back of his neck slightly.

"Well tell elder Chen he helped me alot. Now I know that she can protect herself, even if Bai and Ai aren't around" he said walking towards us, with the officials behind him.

"Greetings your majesty, father and elders" I said, bowing my head slightly. Bai and Ai were on their knees, greeting them as well. They got up and stood behind me,

"Dear, I'm pleased to see that you are occupied" Weishang said, looking into my eyes. I nodded, shifting slightly, "Well, I do not really have a sparing partner, only ge-ge would fight with me. But since Bai and Ai have came, I have been able to learn new things" I said.

He nodded and turned to the officials. "Let us continue to the hall and leave my empress-to-be to practice" he said. They all turned and left, but my father stayed. "Your majesty, can I talk to my daughter?" He said, sounding a bit shy.

"Of course, but please hurry" Weishang said as he stood still by the hall. "Bai, Ai... please stand secure" I said. They nodded and stood by the patio.

"I just wanted to tell that things are go in to change. I realised when you were born that when that man blessed you, things will never be the same. The reason why I kept you under that veil is because of what will happen now. I begged the emperor to take you in his wings because I know I am not that strong enough to protect you.

I knew that if you were under the protection of the emperor, people will not even dare to come close to you. Since that man blessed you, I knew something was more different, something that was not in my power. I hope you understand, and know that I love you dearly" he said kissing me on the forehead and walked towards the group of men, whom were waiting for him.

The a week passed by people were still preparing. A lot of females came to me, preparing my skin and making it relax and shiny. My aunt even came with my ge-ge. Ge-ge was happy that I am marrying the emperor and he couldn't wait for me to get married so he could get my room.

As I sat in my room, I felt a strong urge to sleep. I went to my bed and laid down. My eyes closed immediately, sinking into darkness.

I opened my eyes again and saw the white temple. I walked inside and saw Lianhua Zhanfang standing next to a woman who looked like me.

"Ah, your back. How are preparations?" She asked, walking towards me and guiding me to the lounge table. "Busy. I rarely see Weishang these days. Sorry for my rudeness, my name is Chen Hien Lixue, but you can call me Lixue" I said bowing.

I heard shifting and looked up. The woman brought my head up and she looked at me as if she knows me. Tears cane into her eyes and she hugged me. "I'm so glad to meet you" she said. "Okay?" I said with a bit of confusion in my voice. She pulled away from me, whipping her tears from her eyes.

Lianhua Zhanfang smiled, taking my confusement as joy. "Hien Lixue, be for you freak out, remember as a goddess you can have disciples under you? Well this is my disciple, Wa Zhi Ruo, your mother" she replied, looking at my shocked face.

I turned to my said mother and felt tears come into my eyes. She gestured for me to come into her open hands. I walked towards her and had a strong grip around her. My mother gasped and giggle at this gesture. "Mommy...." I said, choking out the words before a soft sob come out my mouth.

Lianhua Zhanfang smiled at me, showing me two thumbs up before walking towards another room in her temple, Guv in me and my mother some privacy.