The Birth of the War Goddess

I take my place which, Having my father took accord with Lord Feng, Is right beside their family, in front of everyone...

-I know it is just to have you exposed as merch for all these mens but... At least we are together!- tries to encourage me Hua

-As if it is my presence the one you are happy about- I tease him, pointing at my brother who's approaching

-Listen, I really forgot he was seating with us so my words were genuine but... You are kinda right. Oh Pei'Ge! so nice to have you keep us company!-

"He said Ge?! Already this close...?"

-Oh little Hua, it's a pleasure- he takes seat beside me

-Wouldn't it be fun to have some gossip over those thirsty dudes looking at your little sister Gege? Since she's already on display let's have some fun at least- comments Hua

-I don't think we should badtalk...- I try to interfere but they cut me off

-I couldn't agree more-

-Uh?!- they are on the same side, I lose

The first thing served to us is Lotus soup with its typical gray colour... I'm not really a fan, especially of the slimy consistence but a good lady must eat everything so...

Let's dig in... *Sighs*

-What about that one?- points Hua

I didn't even notice but he changed seat just to grab onto my brother's arm, who is seating completely straight with a seductive smirk

-That one? Probably will throw her away if she birthed a female... And looks like a sex addict-

-Pff!- I almost choke on the soup listening to their conversation... I fix myself pretending that nothing happened while looking away

-Well... As if every man isn't... Once you eat a sweet candy you can't help but want more-

"Isn't that too straightforward?" That little boy is a malicious luxurious spirit...

He almost seats on my brother's laps, holding his arm closer to his chest

-But a man of manner knows where to place his hunger- he smirks

"Could it be...? Oh gosh my brain is running wild..."

-Oh don't be so perversed Gege!- laughs Hua

-Then... That one?-

-That one? Mmmh I actually never saw him, must be a General from a far land...- he leans forward holding his chin with a fading smirk

-Maybe from the North?- I interrupt making them turn toward me

Hua almost kills me with his gaze for spoiling the fun while my brother seems interested

-What do you know about the North, Lai'Er?-

-Just voices at the marked but some say riots are happening... Others say it's something worse-

-Mmh... Just take them as village gossip, don't bother with that too much-

-Yeah right! Let's not ruin the mood now thinking about such things, please...- Hua seems troubled looking at my brother, he probably heard some voices too.

...

After the banquet we move outside for a show of fireworks while the guests chat amused and satisfied with the food

-Oh the Ying siblings!

And my own soon too hahaha... I hope he didn't bother you too much with his nonsense, I know he's pretty wild sometimes-

-C'mon dad! I'm not that bad, right Pei'Ge? And don't you see I'm having fun with my friends? Don't bother us Umph!- he pouts making his father laugh

-I hope the banquet was of your taste my honored guests-

-It surely was perfect Lord Feng- replies my brother

-Then I'm more than happy... Oh right, dear Lai'Er... Some friend of mine wanted to meet you would you mind following me?- I look back at my brother

-Won't take us too much don't worry, you will be back to your brother soon-

-Sure...-

Hua looks at me worried -Be careful Lai'Er, men are weird uh-

-It's all good Hua'Ge- I smile following Mister Feng.

...

-Oh so this is the beautiful daughter of the Ying family... Your reputation doesn't compete with the real thing-

-You flatter me, My Lord-

The man in front of me is supposed to be a consultant of the Imperator himself... He has a long beard and an hat to indicate the rank

His eyes are good but still severe

-So dear Miss, I suppose you understood why I wanted to meet you... Voices reached me that you are really cleaver-

-My Lord it is not a matter of intelligence, it's easy for a Noble's young daughter to understand the wishes of a father...-

-Mhmhmh- he giggle -Well said! Then let me Introduce you to my son, come with me-

...

I get to talk with his son who is a really serious man with perfect manners, even if looking a bit older than his age... After a few Introductions we are left alone

-So Young Miss... I suppose my father is already organizing something, he seems to like you-

-Thanks for the compliment My Lord-

-It's no problem...

I just want to have a serious talk with you, I'm not really searching for a wife but if I don't get one as soon as possible I will end up finding a stranger in my home and I wouldn't be able to bear such a thing so...

Being that I have a position from which you could gain many favours, are you willing to do this thing even if no affection will ever be implied?

I wouldn't mind if you had a lover as long as this fake marriage stands up-

It is actually what I'm searching for but I can't admit it out loud to a stranger

-Would it be so impolite for me to ask the reason behind this request?-

-It's completely fine, everyone wants to know what they are buying before doing it...

I actually once fell in love with a young lady but she was extremely ill due to her low rank... I wanted to help but once my father found out we got separated...

It was my own cowardliness that made me backwalk and leaver her, but the day I finally understood how useless this rank is she was already dead...

So I simply cannot bear to watch a woman anymore without feeling guilty-

-This is really tragic... I'm so sorry for asking-

-Don't you worry, the past is past... And completely understand if you are unwilling... After all it is my own past and mistakes so I'll just bare with anything the future will offer me-

-Actually... I will consider the proposal

I just need to think it over... I'm not really someone willing to commit to the typical wife life, even tho I don't say it out loud to everyone...-

He turns to gaze at the fireworks over the terrace -Young Miss Ying your brother works at the Palace...

Whatever you might decide have him report to me, now if you excuse me...- he bid his farewell leaving me alone on the terrace where other peoples are feasting behind me.