That evening, Zhang Li stood at the entrance of the gate as she stared at the only place she could call home. With her bag slung across her shoulders, she turned to leave. Not looking back again for even once. After about three hours of climbing down, she soon got to the bottom of the mountain and surprisingly,it was quite lively with people moving here and there in the market.
"Everyone, I have steamed buns for you." A seller shouted loudly across the street.
Another cried out,"Pancakes! Pancakes!"
She watched as a couple bought a paper kite for their little child . Another couple who seemed like newlyweds were trying out some other paper crafts at one of the shops. The atmosphere was a whole vibe and She thought to herself as she hugged her sword against her chest,"Is this what I've been missing these years?"
A man walked up to her and asked,"Do you want to buy Pigeons? It's for a little amount of money".
"I'm sorry but no". Zhang Li replied with a smile and walked further away, still staring around. She clicked her tongue and shook her head," Sucks for those who didn't take the Sword. They don't know about such life I'm seeing for the first time in my life and I bet those who took the Sword before had no regrets whatsoever".
She walked to the man selling Pancakes and sat down beside him. He asked," Young Miss, how many pancakes do you need? This is the place you can only find the best Pancakes." He pointed and whispered," I'm telling you, Miss. That man over there has the worst Pancakes. I've never seen someone as terrible as he is". Zhang Li glanced at a lonely man sitted in his own stall, looking dejected and without a single customer. She turned to the other man and smiled,"Okay. Since you've said it, I'll have four Pancakes".
The man looked at her in shock and asked,"Miss, isn't that too much for someone like you?"
Zhang Li drew closer and whispered,"To tell you the truth, this is my first time being here and tasting this and just like you said, you make the best Pancakes".
"Really?! It's your first time trying these?" The man asked and looked at her again before continuing,"Oh, a cultivator?"
"We have the strictest meals one could think of". Zhang Li said with a pout as she placed both palms under her chin. Her sword just lay carelessly on the bench as she stuffed her mouth.
...,...
Later that day, the royal Eunuch gave the Empress a small box. He whispered a few words into her ears which she smiled evily to and then he left. The Empress sighed in relief to herself, "This is good. Everything going according to plan."
An handsome young man walked towards her and she smiled," Wang Jin, here you are. I was about going to you."
"To me?" Wang Jin asked in surprise but he continued,"Mother, how many times have I told you not to send people to look for me? I'm no longer a child. I was at the marketplace". Immediately he said that, the Empress pulled at his ear while he whined.
"How many times have I told you to stop gambling? Is it until you lose everything before you learn? You're a Royal Prince for heaven's sake". He carefully removed her hand and replied,"Alright, alright. I still have a lot to do. By the way, how's Father's health? I couldn't go to see him yesterday".
The Empress sighed," You can see him now. He's not getting better no matter the pills given and the Royal Doctor left two hours ago".
Wang Jin's eyes carried a hint of pain and sadness. His eyes caught the small box his mother held and he asked,"What's that you're holding?" He made to touch it but she held it closer to herself," It's medicine. Oh, the eldest son came to see the Emperor today".
"Wang Lei?!" He raised his voice in extreme Surprise.
....
Zhang Li stood some meters away from the Palace gates. Dressed in clothes made from hemp and a bag slung across her shoulders, she approached the vicious-looking guards.
Just as she was about to go through the entrance,the guards used their spears to block the entrance and one of the guards asked.
"Hey, you! Where are you from? Where is your Pass? Never seen you around here before."
"Pass?" Zhang Li asked herself in wonder. They need a pass to get into the Palace now?! Why didn't I ever hear this? I could've stolen one before coming here to make a fool out of myself.
Another one poked her with his shielded sword on her chest and repeated," Where's your Pass, Young Lady? Or are you an intruder? Who sent you?"
Zhang Li knelt down in feigned panic and placed her hands to the ground," Spare me. I'm from the Country's Plains and I'm here as a servant to the Palace".
The one who had poked her took a step closer and asked," Servant? Aiyoo, what a waste of beauty! I bet this one won't be a total waste because it's rare to find a beautiful maid."
They all laughed heartily while Zhang Li just laughed in pain, wishing she could finish them off at that instant. They allowed her in and as soon as she stepped foot in, the fragrant air hit her nose. She looked left to find a small area of scented flowers. The environment looked nothing like she imagined. The ground was made of shiny bricks and the courtyard was spotless. The gardens with two maids working in it was well-taken care of. The building in sight was beyond amazing. Just as she continued to feed her eyes with her bag still slung to her back, she heard a voice.
"You over there! What are you doing just standing there? Do you want a whip?"