To Beat One's Destiny

*End of Li Wei's Memories*

In a meditation room of the temple, Li Wei sat in the corner. Her head leaned against the wall and her knees drew up against her chest. The corner of her eyes were red and puffy from crying. A couple hours of analysis and she didn't reach an answer. Instead, she felt tired and empty.

Khan Bojing... She wanted to run into his arms so the world could fade away.

Once she gained her usual composure, Li Wei descended from the temple back to where their camps were set up. Li Zhilan, who was previously picking flowers, ran to her side and hooked their arms together. "Li Wei, do you want to join us in the inn? It gets cold in the mornings."

"It's alright, I'll stay in the tents." Li Wei politely declined but appreciated the gesture.

"The night sky is especially beautiful. " Li Zhilan nodded in understanding. "Come join our feast tonight. Li Wei, I want to show you the beauty of Sunset Temple."

Li Wei nodded in agreement and Li Zhilan happily skipped away. As Li Zhilan's figure became a small dot, Li Wei's thoughts were on her. When Li Wei looked at Li Zhilan for herself and disregarded her status of being the prime minister's daughter, she was just an innocent girl in love.

Since her rebirth, Li Wei was able to really see people for their true colors without the lens of an evil heart. It would be good for both women to become friends. Nonetheless, Li Wei had nothing to lose. Li Zhilan was kind and loyal, surely a friendship would last for a lifetime.

When it came time for the gathering, Li Wei changed into a simple light green dress. All her hair were pulled into a high bun with a golden trumpet flower on the side. She looked especially young and innocent.

"Miss, you look my age." San'er said as they walked side by side.

"Really?" Li Wei's eyes rolled up trying to see the bun on her head.

San'er laughed at the young miss' ridiculous attempt. "En, you look especially cute."

A small trail beside the waterfall wrapped around the bottom of the mountain led to a field of wildflowers in an opened area. From here, about fifty people had already arrived. Some were eating, some stood in small groups talking, and others sat watching the setting sun.

Li Wei stood in awe as they turned the corner, unable to move from the mesmerizing view. It was the perfect moment, the sun dipped halfway down the horizon. The vast sky of deep purple, pink and orange felt as if it was hanging just over her head.

Everything was washed with a white glow, almost as if she had opened the door to different realm. Each blossom lit up like there was a light from the inside. Her eyes shone brightly as if there were fireworks bursting inside. Never in her life had she seen such a magical place, truly worthy of its legend.

When the sun completely disappeared beyond the horizon, only then could she break out of the enchanting view. "Truly beautiful like it's out of this world."

"Indeed." Hua Xifeng's gaze didn't falter from her as he spoke. He happened to arrive soon after Li Wei and couldn't help but find her amazed expression interesting.

Li Wei stared him, the man she loved so much she went crazy for. Unlike his brothers, he carried a calm demeanor, which was mistaken as being cold at times. Not many could get close to him. His status had taught him to be cautious since young. Still, he didn't take advantage of those less fortunate than him. Women swooned over him, men gave him a second glance, but he was loyal and true to Li Zhilan.

Overall, he was worthy of being the male lead and the next emperor of Na'an. But to risk everything in her life for him? Once again, Khan Bojing was right. Li Wei was a fool.

Ah, she should've listened to him since day one. He was smart and resourceful. As long as she held onto his sleeves, she would lead a bright life.

Mo Shufen walked over once she saw Hua Xifeng. As she spoke, her eyes passed from Li Wei's face to a group of maids in the distance. "Li Wei, I didn't see you there. I almost mistaken you for someone else..."

Li Wei didn't bother to smile, and instead pointed to the side where the water was. There was no efforts spent to give face. They were not on good terms anyway. "Miss Mo, the water here is clean and pure. Surely it'll be good to clarify your vision."

Mo Shufen raged in anger. Her fists clenched tightly by her side. She waited for the prince to say something, but Hua Xifeng only looked as if he didn't hear it.

Thankfully, Li Zhilan came over and dissolved the tension in the air. She walked to Li Wei's side and intertwined their arms together. "Li Wei, I'm glad you decided to come. Let's go over there."

Li Wei genuinely smiled as she allowed Li Zhilan to pull her towards the tables of food and desserts. She was glad to be separated from Mo Shufen, who seemed to only want trouble at every encounter.

Later in the evening, Li Wei sipped leisurely on a cup of tea. The warmth of tea balanced with the night's chilly temperature.

From where she sat under the golden trumpet tree, she watched young women and men danced the night away. Around a large bonfire, their figures whirled and spinned with the music of the musicians. Once the sweet melody changed into a subtle romantic song, they separated off into pairs.

"Li Wei, come join us!" Li Zhilan broke from Hua Xifeng's embrace and walked over. Her eyes radiated happiness and her cheeks were tinted in pink.

Li Wei immediately declined the offer. "I don't feel too good. I think I've drank too much."

Li Zhilan didn't question it and nodded in slight disappointment. "Ah, then rest well. Tomorrow we'll be going on a hike."

Li Wei tried to lift Li Zhilan's mood. She wiggled her eyebrows to tease her cousin, whose pink cheeks burned deep red. "En, hurry and go back. Brother in law is waiting for you."

Li Wei's blunt words caused Li Zhilan to become shy. She giggled at Li Wei's teasing and walked back to where Hua Xifeng stood waiting.

The festive music faded as Li Wei wandered back to their tents. Upon her return, she didn't go inside right away, but joined Aunt Rin who was enjoying steak by the fire.

"Li Wei, you're not dancing with the young ones?" Li Fahrin patted the seat beside her. The more she saw this young girl, she more confused she became. Li Wei had been acting strangely, aloof and quiet.

"I'd rather hang out with you." Li Wei shamelessly laid her head on Aunt Rin's shoulder. With her legs outstretched, the fire warmed her feet.

Li Fahrin laughed loudly without the constraints of being a well mannered lady, "What a sweet mouth you have."

"I was raised by the best fairy guardian." Li Wei snuggled on Aunt Rin's thick coat. The soft fur gently caressed her cheeks. Because of Aunt Rin's job, they rarely had time to be together like this. She must treasure such precious moments well.

Li Fahrin patted the young girl's head tenderly. "Smart and sweet. The chance we're given in this moment may not happen again. What's beautiful today might not be beautiful tomorrow."

Li Wei remained silent for a while before she made up her mind. She decided to entrust her worries in her aunt. "Aunt Rin, what would do if you know you were destined to lead a tragic fate?"

"Utter nonsense! Who told you those silly words?" Li Fahrin abruptly stood up, clearly offended although the target wasn't her. Whoever dared to spread lies will have to go through her sword!

Aunt Rin's rage was within her expectations. Li Fahrin herself was a woman of fire. Li Wei calmly pulled Aunt Rin back to a sitting position before she continued to explain, "It's the High Priest."

The High Priest was a well respected man known by all. He had lived over one hundred years and his wisdom was not to be taken lightly. Li Fahrin was sharp, she stopped her anger and began to make sense of the situation."I see. No wonder you disappeared after our short visit."

"Aunt Rin, what should I do? You say, can I defy my destiny?" Li Wei spoke lightly, but her heart was heavier than ever.

Li Fahrin saw Li Wei's hopeless face and she heavily scolded. "Life is like falling into a world with no prior consent and no escape, but you are still alive. Act like it. Don't die before your death."

Don't die before your death. Li Wei didn't realize she was dying before her own death...

"Darling, listen and remember." Li Fahrin turned the young girl to face her. Aunt Rin made her realize it once again. Even if Aunt Rin was not her mother, the love between them was not inferior to the unconditional love of blood. "Who can tell what the future holds? The High Priest can foresee things we can't, but there may be some factors he didn't consider. Some factors he ought to have left out of the equation."

"Today is the youngest you'll ever be. Fail big, my dear, you only live once. But after failing, stand up stronger and fail better the next time. Remember the little decisions define the big moments in your life." Li Fahrin watched at Li Wei took in her words. The young girl's previously lifeless eyes began to bloom with a new light.

"If you have a dream, follow that path and do everything within your power to make it come true. And if you can't, I'll make it happen for you." She pulled Li Wei into a tight hug. Li Fahrin was well aware of her absence in Li Wei' childhood. The young girl had gone through a lot. Some things she knew and others she didn't know, but she wanted to ensure from this moment on, Li Wei knew she could be leaned on at anytime.

"Don't ever let others tell you or make you feel you're a nobody." With all her sincerity and love, she spoke the words she wished Li Wei would remember forever. "Darling, always believe your life holds ultimate significance."