Steps

Throughout the capital, news had already spread of the deaths. Rumors had it that it was a disease. Those who knew more knew it wasn't.

The remaining members of Wei continued their stay in the vacation home for three years. Right before they came back, Guang He announced his retirement and gave his duty to Wei Jing.

The egoistic emperor took this as his win, and stopped his attacks. Little did he know it was the first step to the plan. Lan's plan. Her revenge.

Three wooden carriages adorned of golden tiger emblem make their way down the road of the capital. Guang He and Wei Jing step out to look at their nostalgic home. They take a glance at the third carriage: One of Lan's personal maid held her hand out to aid her miss.

Lan comes out in a simple grey dress that's covered by the veil of the weimao hat. She elegantly walks to where the men stood and waited for them to walk in. Before she follows them, she stares at the same 'Wei' plaque. 'We left with six people...now only three are back.' "Miss, is something the matter?" Refocusing she slightly shakes her head, and steps into the manor.

She goes into the main hall for dinner, whilst her maid unpacks her belonging her room. Lan took off her hat now that she's away from the public's eye. The three ate in silence.

Then a servant came in bowing, "Grand Master, the emperor's new eunuch is here to deliver a message." Guang He nods while Wei Jing and Lan continues to eat without a care.

The new eunuch, Kao, comes in, bows, then open a scroll to read, "Wei Guang He, for his dutiful works in protecting this kingdom for the past fifty years, this Emperor would like to throw a retirement party in his honor. He and his family shall be awarded then. The party will take place tomorrow night at the palace. Everyone is invited."

Guang He put up a fake smile, took the scroll and bows, "This servant is thankful to His Majesty. May his majesty live and reign for the thousands of years to come." Lan internally laughs at the irony. With that, the eunuch left.

Once out of sight, Guang He threw the scroll away and continues his meal. Lan looks up, "Grandfather, you aren't going to make a fake excuse to not go right?" He lets out a chuckle, "Mm, no need to waste time with trash."

When the meal was over, the three drank tea to cleanse their palates and wiped their hands with a towel. As Lan puts down the towel, she puts her attention to the grown men in front of her, "Grandfather, we will go tomorrow." They look at Lan, confused. "Just trust me." Guang He hesitated, but nods.

Everyone retires for the night. Lan took her steps into her room; One she hasn't been in for three years. Everything is the same. Simple. Lan doesn't show off her belongings like mistresses her age.

She stares at the rounded table and seat. The first step she took into this room eight years ago, little Liling comforted her. Here was where they talked, laughed, and played. But not anymore can that happen.

Lan takes out the two ornaments she always has under her robe. She stares at the jasmine and orchid until she was interrupted. "Miss, your bath is ready." Lan nods and places the ornaments in the drawer under her vanity table to undress.

Once done with her bath, she wears her silk nightgown. Sitting in front of her vanity, one of her maids combs her long black hair, and another grooms her brows. Lan stares in the mirror. The past three years haven't treated Lan badly: her round hazel eyes are accentuated by its sharpness, lashes naturally long and thin, full pink lips, and a beauty mark on the cheek to finish her unique, pure face. But behind it, are pain and sadness she has yet to ease.

'Tomorrow comes another step.'