3. Into a new household
Year 892.
Spring festival is just a few days away. A lot of people are coming in and out of the capital of the Middle Kingdom, that's why security is tight. Merchants with their caravans are lined up in the entrance to the capital.
Qiao Zhi sitting inside a carriage feels restless. She keeps on looking out of the window.
"Can I just ride a horse?" she asked Master Heng who is riding a horse near her carriage.
"A lady rides a carriage, not a horse." Master Heng is laughing lightly.
He is proud of himself for making her stay in one place for the whole duration of the trip which is a rare occasion.
"Hmp!"
The slow movement of people makes Qiao Zhi really bored.
The journey from the Mengmeng Mountain to the capital took them 5 days. It should have been 3 days if they rode by horses but her master insisted on her using a carriage instead.
She does not understand the reason why she needs to stay in an old couple's house.
"The Huang Family is a close friend of mine, they will need help soon that's why we are sending you. This is part of your training." Master Guanli told her a day before they leave.
Now thinking about it, what kind of help can she give to the Minister of War household. She heard that the couple does not have any children.
Maybe her master just wants to get rid of her. She felt a sharp pain on her chest with this thought. She's been with her master all her life, though she experienced extensive training and nagging from him she knew deep down her heart her master cares about her a lot.
"But this is the first time I'll be out of the Mengmeng Mountain for a long time," she whispered sadly.
She looked at her delicate hands. She's been brave and naughty in the past but right now she felt a great sense of fear and uncertainty.
It took them another couple of minutes to reach the Ministry of War's mansion. They were greeted by the Huang Couple at the entrance of their residence. Qiao Zhi slowly walked out of the carriage but since she is not used to it, she stumbles a little. Master Heng went to her and help her up.
"Be careful or else Master Guanli will kill me if you broke any of your bones."
Master Heng approached the Huang couple with Qiao Zhi.
"Welcome Master Heng, Miss"
"Thank you for welcoming us. This is Qiao Zhi. Qiao Zhi, this is Minister Liqin and Madam Jingfei" Master Heng said. Both of them bowed to the couple.
"Greetings Minister Liqin and Madam Jingfei." Qiao Zhi bowed to the couple individually.
"You looked like a good child," Madam Jingfei said, holding Qiao Zhi's hands.
"Thank you," she said shyly.
"You sure is different today," Master Heng commented looking at Qiao Zhi and let out a light laugh.
"Master…" Qiao Zhi felt her face embarrassed.
"Hahaha, it's okay Qiao Zhi you don't need to be shy with us." Minister Liqin said as he joined in with Master Heng's laugh.
"Let's continue this inside. Please, come in." Minister Huang Liqin said leading the way.
Qiao Zhi walked behind the two men with Mrs. Huang on her side and the servants behind them. Qiao Zhi noticed that Mrs. Huang keeps on looking at her. She felt uncomfortable and looked at her with a smile. When they arrived in the main hall.
"Jingfei, you can go and show Qiao Zhi her room." Minister Liqin said.
"Yes."
Qiao Zhi felt the hand of Huang Jingfei and she was lead outside of the main hall.
After a few steps from the main hall, Qiao Zhi can feel the awkwardness within her and the madam of the household. She can sense something is going on. She is about to say something when she heard Jingfei spoke.
"I know this is so sudden, but we are glad you can come over." she smiled gladly at her.
Hhmmm, so there is really something going on. I wonder how can I help this couple. Qiao Zhi thought to herself.
"It's nothing. My master might be tired of me going around and eating most of the food so no need to thank me." she said nervously. "please bear with me, I did not mean to say that I eat a lot." she just lost it. She is planning to act like a lady just like what her master keeps on reminder her.
How would I know how to act like a lady if I don't even know how a lady should act?
Qiao Zhi's internal monologue was interrupted by the soft laughter of the madam on her side.
"I think we will have a great time together," after hearing this from Huang Jingfei Qiao Zhi also hoped that they will have a great time together.
The madam in front of her is a symbol of a refined woman. She wondered if she will still like her after a few days.
Before they could reach the room in front of them, they heard a male's voice from behind. "Aunt Jingfei" both of the women looked back. Qiao Zhi almost lost her balance when she saw who is coming.
"You?" both Qiao Zhi and the man said at the same time.