24 Hua Xifeng 1

In the morning, Li Wei was dragged out of bed by Aunt Rin. At this moment, she sat in front of a mirror pouting her lips in silent protest. She looked at San'er who gently brushed her hair and said, "San'er, just put my hair in a simple braid."

From behind, San'er glanced at her young miss in the mirror. Li Wei just rolled out of bed, but she was really naturally beautiful. Not only was her young miss beautiful on the outside, but also just as beautiful on the inside. She was proud to serve such a well mannered and kind woman.

San'er admired Li Wei while she combed the young miss' shiny long hair. Just a simple braid was not suitable for entering the palace, not to mention, on an occasion to spend time with the royal family. "Young miss, your aunt has given orders to make you look your best today."

"San'er, just call me Li Wei. You're already like my younger sister, there's no need to keep the formality." Li Wei spoke with sincerity. To her, San'er was like her family along with Aunt Rin. She also knew it was hard for San'er to decide who to listen to, so she added, "I know Aunt Rin's stubbornness. Don't worry about it and just go along with her orders."

"Thank you." San'er shyly added, "Li Wei."

Li Wei chuckled at the young girl who spoke almost like a scared mouse. "Good."

A couple hours later, Li Wei sat on the big swing in the garden with San'er. The two women slowly pushed themselves in the air. Being on the swing brought them a feeling of being free and innocent like in their younger days. Li Wei rejoiced within her heart as she watched San'er smiled happily. Living the life of a maid was very difficult and challenging. No one would ever wish to live such a life if there were other options.

Feeling a bit curious, Li Wei asked, "San'er, do you want to live freely?"

"I-I've never considered that..." All her life, San'er only knew of this life. How could a lowly maid like her ever dream of living like normal?

"San'er, I'm serious. If you ever wish to be free, I can help you. I want you to be able to live the life you want and be happy."

San'er didn't have to look at the young miss. She knew Li Wei was serious. Hearing the young miss' words today cause a feeling of warmth inside her heart. "I'll let you know if I ever have that feeling. For now, let me stay by your side."

"En, let's cherish our time together while we have it." Li Wei could only said this as she looked into the distance.

From leaving the manor to arriving at the palace, Li Wei wasn't able to focus. She could only trail behind Aunt Rin. San'er patiently ushered her multiple times so she wouldn't be left behind. It seemed as if they turned corridor after corridor and walked endlessly before Aunt Rin's footsteps came to a stop.

Li Wei looked up at the infamous Royal Garden, the pride of the nation's prosperity. No matter what time of the year it was, this garden was always in full bloom. The plants and flowers changed according to the season, but it was always beautiful here-- a sight to be seen and remembered for years. In the center of all its glory was a pavilion in the middle of the lake. Just behind the pavilion stood a cliff with a waterfall. Almost all the surface of the lake was covered in beautiful pink lotuses.

Seeing the Royal Garden caused her to deeply miss Hundreds Garden in Hai'an where she spent much of her days lingering around. As they arrived, she felt eyes on her, but she only quietly followed Aunt Rin across the bridge and onto the pavilion. She sat down obediently next to Aunt Rin. This was a gathering to bring the two families together. Other noble families with high positions in court were also invited to celebrate. Since they were part of the Li family, Li Wei and Li Fahrin were assigned to a table near the front where the seats of the emperor, empress, and empress dowager awaited.

She already knew that various members of the royal family were staring at her. After all, Li Wei was gone for three years and she's never been in the palace before. She was not an important figure, but many of them were curious to see how an orphan like her was living life. After all, she was the child the capable and honorable Li Fahrin adopted.

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"Li Wei, your uncle's family is here," San'er quietly whispered.

The current prime minister, Li Qian, walked proudly with his wife and daughter across the bridge.

Li Wei only spared them a glance before looking down again. She noticed that Khan Bojing really didn't accompany Li Zhilan. Unexpectedly, she felt a bit surprised with his honesty. Li Wei let out a breath she didn't know she was holding, feeling relieved that things were not the same as before.

On the same event, in her first life, it was this occasion that became the first meeting between them. Li Wei first saw Khan Bojing trailing behind Li Zhilan on this day. If only she could be taken away from this place now, how much better would that be?

"Li Wei, we meet again." Li Zhilan spoke as she sat down with her parents. The Li family's tables were set up together and naturally, she spoke to her cousin. The last time they met was not an encounter worth mentioning or remembering.

Li Wei finally looked up as her name was mentioned. She smiled politely, "En, it's been three years. I trust that you've been well?"

Li Zhilan smiled happily, her face glowing of clear happiness. "Li Wei, I've been wanting to tell you. I've been quite well. I met the love of my life and we're getting married soon. Please make sure you come celebrate with us!"

"I'm glad to hear such good news. I'll be there." Li Wei was honest. She really felt happy, almost relieved, to hear Li Zhilan was doing well. Three years ago, they were both immature. Now that there's been time to grow and move on with life, she didn't have anything against Li Zhilan. Li Wei was an unforgiving person, but only on those who deserved it. If such a mean person like her had a chance to relive, then she couldn't blame others based on the past either. In this life Li Zhilan didn't attack her. Naturally, she wouldn't do anything harmful either.

"Xifeng, you're here." Li Zhilan sweetly called as her beloved walked towards her.

Xifeng.

Hua Xifeng.

Li Wei tried to not his name affect her. Her gaze remained on the embroidered lotus on the sleeves of her dress. Even as her lashes slightly trembled, her body remained calm.

"Li Wei." That man spoke her name. His voice low and rich, the same way she remembered it to be. His figure came closer, as if to get a better glimpse of her. "Welcome back to Na'an."

This was their first encounter in this lifetime. If he wasn't of royalty, she wouldn't look up. But because he held the status of a prince, she couldn't ignore him.

Hua Xifeng, the man whom she dedicated all the years of her life to, now stood in front of her. He smiled warmly and his eyes encouraged her to speak. He was tall and handsome, carrying an air of righteousness with him. Yesterday, she didn't want to see Hua Xifeng, she didn't want to be reminded of him. All night and all morning, she wondered if she could really face him again. To ponder and to actually experience meeting him were two different things. Initially, she thought she would be nervous, but she wasn't. Instead, she was curious. She wanted to study this man whom she once loved so deeply in her youth. Li Wei ah, how good was this man that you gave your everything to chase after?

Li Wei bowed politely with a simple response, "Thank you, your highness."

"We haven't met before. I'm glad to meet you today after hearing about your name for so long. I'm Hua Xifeng." He spoke proudly with confidence. It was really not an understatement to say that he was deserving of his confidence. Whether it was his family, talents, appearance, or skills, he was the top on every category. He was inferior to almost none.

She looked at Hua Xifeng straight in the eyes, her gaze piercing through his soul. "Li Wei congratulates your highness on your engagement."