Jasmine and Orchids

-Five years later-

Walking down the street in the capital of Xia are two misses. A twelve-year-old in a pale green dress and a ten-year-old in bright pink. Both walk with elegance and poise, wearing a weimao hat that has a white veil covering their whole being. Behind them, two maids and a dozen guards.

With this much protection and power behind them, it could be no one other than the adored misses of the Wei household.

"Jiejie* don't you think twelve guards are a bit much," the girl in pink leaned over to ask.

Wei Liling, the second miss of the Wei, the other [biological] granddaughter of Commander Wei. She idolizes her cousin, Lan, who is two years older than her and treats her as if she's her sister.

"Aiya, ask Grandfather, I'd much prefer it if it was just us two," Lan whispered back.

That day, Wei Lan finally convinced her grandfather to allow her to take her little cousin to explore the city since they don't usually get to show up publicly as misses of an established family. She meant for just them two and their maids...but twelve guards too?

'Grandfather underestimates me.' Lan could only roll her eyes and accept it because of his "persuasion" skills.

Commander Wei trusts Lan's capabilities to protect herself and Liling. But he must put up a show for people to believe Lan is a miss like any other. Ever since she became a member of the Wei, it was decided that Lan's abilities should be kept from the public's eyes--especially from Emperor Yuan who's been extra cautious of the Wei family.

Armies under the Wei's command are mass and dedicated to especially Commander and General Wei. Although they have no other intentions other than protecting the Xia kingdom, many wouldn't find it hard to believe that the Wei clan has more power than the Yuan's. Enough for the throne.

To the world, Lan is a miss who dresses plainly and lack talents compared to the younger miss Wei. In a sense, it's true. Other than being known as delicate and well-versed in literature, Lan's skills for a common mistress like embroidery and playing any instruments truly are lacking.

Liling, on the other hand, is younger than her but dresses and excels in all areas a mistress should. Though, Lan doesn't mind the attention her meimei* has to be that she'd much rather be invisible and train with her first uncle (General Wei).

Despite the observations of Lan and Liling being known and spread throughout the capital, outsiders have no clue of how they look. Misses from higher classes are recommended to cover their faces in the name of virtue. Contradictory to it though, besides Lan and Liling, young misses all showoff their 'beauty'.

Only family and loyal servants of the manor knows what Lan and Liling look like, and they agree that the girls should be hidden behind a veil; Otherwise, the whole capital would show up at the front gates.

"Meimei, now that we're finally out here, let's enjoy ourselves and take in what the city has to offer," Lan winked at Liling. Liling smiles and nods. They both stroll down the busy streets, eating sweet snacks, and pointing out to each other at what astonishes them.

As they walk past stalls after stalls, Lan stops at one that was selling accessories. An ornament caught her eyes. "Liling, come here." Lan picks up the one with a dainty white jasmine flower, "do you like it?" Liling nods with a smile and began to look for one for Lan too. She saw the ornament with a simple blue orchid with a yellow jewel in the middle and hands it to the seller, "Auntie, we'll get these two."

"Jiejie, you keep the orchid and I'll keep the jasmine to match us. Let's them be proof of our sisterhood."

Lan smiles, "Always."

The girls gave their ornaments to their maids for safekeeping and continue to explore.

But Lan began to sense a presence following them. Alerted, she calls up the head guard. "Pay close attention. Someone's following. Should anything happen, protect second miss," Lan whispered. The guard nods and notifies the others.

"Liling, let's head back. Second uncle and aunt must be waiting for you." "Ah? Already?" Lan nods in seriousness.

Liling doesn't want to go yet, but she trusts her sister. She knows Lan is very well versed in martial arts and others. Lan had always protected her from danger growing up.

Liling nods, "okay."

Lan was able to develop a sixth sense especially after Uncle Jing's intense training since she arrived. She was blindfolded and was told to defend herself from his hits of a bamboo stick. The first couple of days resulted in her full body in bruises, but Lan was quick to learn.

At the front gate of the manor, a plaque that says 'Wei' and two-column with tiger emblem representing the Wei clan. Lan and Liling head in. But Lan could sense the suspicious presence of the same person is creeping towards closer to them. "Liling, hurry in and go to your room. If you see any servants on the way, tell them to hide too." Liling nods, "Be safe jiejie," and runs in right away.

At the front courtyard of the manor, the twelve guards are now alerted and are prepared to protect first miss.

Though everyone adores both misses, the guards and servants especially connect better with Lan due to their times training together, and Lan's genuine care towards them. All are aware of Lan's strength, but will always be willing to sacrifice themselves for their first miss if the time comes.

"One of you, go and alert commander." One of the twelve obliged.

Lan could tell there are more than one now, but she stood calmly with her hands behind her back. "Come out. Let's see who's stupid enough to threaten us," Lan declared.

___________

*meimei = little sister

*jiejie = big sister

Liling's name is translated to white jasmine while Lan is blue, and Lanhua is orchid, but I wanted their names to coordinate with flowers so bear with me.

Commander Wei_Grand Master_Grandfather_Wei Guang He

General Wei_First Uncle/Master_Uncle Jing_Wei Jing

Second Uncle/Master_Uncle Guo_Wei Guo (Liling's father)