Chapter 2

Me and Qinqin live happily after the incident. We may walk around the capital, eat foods and buy clothes. Or Qinqin may accompany me while I'm reading. We may only just walk and idle around the mansion or in the garden.

One night, father asked for my presence.

"Father, what can I do for you? "

"Sorry to call you at this late. I just want to see my daughter".

He smiles and grabs my hand.

Father looks older than before. He is turning 67 this year. Though we are not very friendly, he is good to me.

"I'm sorry, sorry for marrying you off to the palace without asking your wish. The fourth prince is a good man. Though he doesn't have power, he's still strong enough to protect you."

"I understand your difficulties, father. I don't mind. I can take care of myself."

"You will always be my good girl. You resemble your mom a lot. Especially your eyes."

He's looking at me dearly and warmly with his teary eyes. Maybe he misses my mom.

"Well, it's too late now. You may go back. "

"Then please excuse, father. good night. "

My father said the fourth prince is a good person. Then what about his face? Ugh! Think less and let's sleep.

As days pass by, the wedding month has arrived. The palace sent thirty chests of gold, twenty chests of silver, many silks and accessories to the General's mansion as the wedding gift. The first wife seems to not be satisfied with the gifts.

When I was in the down town, I heard many rumors about the fourth prince. Some says he's an undead and locked up in the dungeon for five years. Some says he is still a child, around 11 years old. Some says that he was found by the emperor during the war against the Northern intruders and was adopted. It's even say that he is the son of the Northern king. Northeners are originally savages. After they had been defeated, they retreated towards the North away from the east. Other princes and officials seem to dislike him because of this. Even says that he's not allowed to attend the court.

I'm getting more curious about my husband to be. What if he was just an eleven years old little brat. Maybe I can bully or play with him as I'm 6 years older. I'm thinking and laughing to myself.

Since it is still winter, it is chill during the night. On the sleepless nights, I'd love to watch snowing outside and gaze at the sky.

Tonight, there is no stars in the sky. But snow started falling over. I feel delighted as I watching it. My name is 'Yinghua' means 'Cherry Blossoms'. They bloom because of the kiss of snow. Maybe that's why I love snow. I didn't know when I fell asleep...

Finally spring has arrived and so my wedding day. I am wearing a beautiful red chooses bridal dress. I also wear makeup and my lips are stained cherry red. I'm so exciting, no maybe nervous, waiting for the carriage that will take me to the palace.

As I'm still sitting and waiting in the room, Qinqin entered, "Miss, everything is ready. The carriage has also arrived. But the groom... "

"What happened to the groom? "

"The groom didn't come! As the men from the palace said, the prince will not come. You.. you have to go there by yourself..."

I heard tremble and worry in her speak.

According to the tradition, the groom must come to pick up the bride and then escort her to the temple for paying respects to Buddha. Then both the groom and the bride go back to the manor, pay respects to the elders, then to each other and can finally enter the bridal chamber.

But the groom didn't show up with no reason.

A marriage without a groom?? I stopped thinking and walked out of my room to the carriage.

On my way to the carriage, my sisters showed up and laughed at me.

"Sister, I'm so ashamed of you. Your groom didn't even show up. Maybe he's afraid people would see his disfigured face. Humph! What a coward! "my second sister said boldly.

"I don't know why second sister is concerning about my husband. You haven't even met each other, do you?" I replied.

"Humph! Say that to yourself. You can be bold right now but later, you can no longer keep anything even your pride."

"Thank you for caring about me, second sister."

"You shameless!!! "

"Enough sister. We are here to say goodbye to our little sister. Stop causing trouble to yourself. Whatever she says, she will no longer be a miss of the General's mansion. We wish you best of luck little sister," my eldest sister smirked and said.

"Let's go back sisters", the three of them walked pass me when they satisfied provoking me.

I sighed and walked towards the courtyard where the carriage is waiting for me.

No one sending me off, not even my father. Only Qinqin followed behind me. As soon as I entered, the carriage started moving.

I was brought to the temple to pay respects to the gods alone. People may look at me with pity but I'm fine with it. I feel neither sadness nor happiness. Then I was brought to the prince's mansion in the palace. As I stood in front of the gate, I realized that there were no one for the marriage ceremony. Even the elders didn't show up to give blessings. No! There wasn't anything prepared for the wedding....