Chapter 5 : A farewell

Su Qing er. The matriarch of the Su family and the only woman that hold the head steward position throughout the history. After losing her husband; in grief, she left the position under care of her son, the Old Steward Ah Cheng .Now she is bedridden due to old age.

" You've come, Your Grace. Forgive this old one cannot greet you in more good condition ", with a big smile, the Su matriarch bowed her head even she's on the bed.

" Be at ease, that's not the reason I've come whole the way here to the west wing " , sitting on the nearest chair to the bed, Xue Lian replied.

In the room that is decorated in simple and elegant, showed the owner is a very elegant person. This the room was where the matriarch and her late husband mostly spend time together. That couple always spreading dog food* together; what an iconic couple.

* Spreading dog food is a chinese slang, meaning is public display of affection.

" I'm very happy you come here, Xue Jie*. I just reminiscing the past. How mischievous was Ah Cheng as a child, makes me wonder whose does he taken from?", Although Su Qing er talking with Xue Lian, her eyes and soul already fly through the window.

* Jie is a chinese word means sister

Chuckling, Xue Lian replied, " Who else but you?"

" Oh? Even I've never contradict you as child or even now. He's the only one that's too brave for his own good. Fortunately, with the guide from his father his brain is not too bad, not bad.  Already an old man, but still a bachelor! Make me worried about him....". Old Cheng, it seems no matter how old you are you're still a baby in mother's eyes.

" Yes, you were always being respectful to me. But, you almost burn my palace when I just taking a nap. Also, that chortle really contrast with your own word! "

" What do you mean almost?! I still remember where the burn mark is! Hahaha, my great art! Who in the world would sleeping during an official work?! Good for you my man gave a good word to me, otherwise? Humph! You always ....... "

"..."

Seeing Su Qing er being lively really make Xue Lian's at ease.

" Xue Jie....in my whole life, the person that make my eyes open wide to this day is you. I'm very grateful since the day I've got to know you. Beside my man, you're the only person who is standing behind me. Makes me feel soo strong. The day you support me in front of the elders;  is the happiest moment in my life. After losing my man, made me feel the whole world is blank. But, I knew, I always knew that the most sorrowful person is you! You are the one that seeing our birth, growth our death. For us, servants you're not just our master, you are the parents, the nanny that always pampering us also, our friends. Since our ancestors still. living, you are not only a master, Xue Jie. Although they called you Ice Queen, we all knew how warm your heart is! Oh Xue Jie, cough! cough! cough!"

" Don't be too agitated. It's fine, here drink this. " , Xue Lian patting softly Su Qing er's back before urge her drink the warm water.

Seeing she's tired, " Now, lie down Qing Qing, just talking while lie down, "

Hearing Xue Lian called her childhood names, make it was in the past. Just like when Su Qing er sick as a child, she hold Xue Lian's cold hand.

" Xue Jie, after I'm gone, please eating even it's tasteless. Don't just hold in bedroom, walk around palace. Don't just take care of others, take care of yourself to. Also,...... " , Su Qing er's words become mumbling until she fell asleep.

Who knows how long was Xue Lian just sitting there watching Su Qing er's chest rise and fall softly. Kissing Su Qing er's forehead, " I'll remember that, Qing Qing "

Walking gracefully until the outer room, she said to the Old Steward, " Ah Cheng, call all the people of under my insignia. Also, tell Su Zhen to close the gate after all of them arrived. It's time for a farewell. After that, you are dismissed ".

"I'll heed your orders", Steward Cheng bowed respectfully.

After a few day, the palace is filled with sombre. All wrapped in mourning clothing. All the festive decorations were changed. And as if the world is in heartbroken, the land of Lian is wet from the rain.