Villain Lady

"Thank you, Uncle."

Wei Lu nodded and then relaxed his position. He looked at the ceiling and sighed. "As much as I wished for you to steer away from problem, I'm sure that you won't abide to my words, would you?"

"You know me very well, Uncle." Wei Liuying didn't deny it. She knew very well that she was not exactly the type to stay silent for a long time. Besides, she loved to stay at the north and participated in the battle from time to time in order to keep the kingdom save.

"I'm more concerned about another thing."

"Yes?"

"When will you get married?"

"…Sorry?"

Wei Lu chuckled when she saw Wei Liuying's expression. "Strategist Yang came to talk with me not long ago. Since you didn't have any parents anymore, he could only talk with me and asked for your hand in marriage."

By this time, Wei Liuying didn't know what kind of expression she put on her face anymore. She was simply looking at her uncle while her brain was trying to digest what he was telling her. While she knew that Yang Xian already told her that he wanted to marry her, she didn't expect that he would be telling her uncle about this so soon.

"That's…"

"He also passed this to me as the betrothal gifts since his real properties are at the north."

Wei Lu passed a bamboo scroll to Wei Liuying along with a small pouch. Looking at that scroll, Wei Liuying's expression turned strange but she still opened it. Inside it listed the house that Yang Xian had along with the land around it that also belonged to him.

In other words: he would give her his entire property.

The small pouch contained some money that Wei Liuying knew Yang Xian carried with him. It was his portion for the week while the rest was already kept with Wei Liuying. She pursed her lips at that thought.

"I told him that I don't have any say in regards of your marriage," Wei Lu said slowly. "Whether you want to or not, I'll leave it all to you. All I hope is that you can be happy, Ying'er."

With her father's death, the Imperial Edict Wei Liuying asked from Prince Ji Sheng back then was useless. He also didn't make one for her because it would be useless and simply told her that he would give her another reward. Wei Liuying hadn't talked about it with him again. 

Wei Liuying looked at her uncle as she slowly regained her composure. She faintly nodded. "Thank you, Uncle."

Wei Lu chuckled once more when he saw Wei Liuying's stiff expression. There were not many people who could render Wei Liuying unable to say anything. Yang Xian might be the only person Wei Lu knew who could make Wei Liuying wore this expression in her face.

The uncle and niece duo continued to speak for a while longer before Wei Lu departed because he had to start working.

On the other hand, Wei Liuying headed to the room where she was staying before. Yang Xian was still sorting out the documents as usual as if there was nothing wrong. He raised his head when he heard Wei Liuying coming and smiled lightly but didn't ask about what she was talking about with her uncle.

Wei Liuying could see Yang Xian had returned back to face the document. They have a lot of works to do, so it was not weird that they would be working from morning until night. It was only lessened recently since several weeks have passed, but it was inevitable that there were still a lot of work to do.

She put the scroll and pouch back at the table. Yang Xian looked at it for a moment but he didn't have any intention to take it back after giving it to her. He resumed to look back to his document.

Wei Liuying smiled faintly. Slowly, she opened her mouth, "Xian."

"Yes?"

"I accept."

This time, Yang Xian raised his head from the document. He could see Wei Liuying was keeping her face straight but her ear had turned a bit red. Even though she always acted nonchalant around him, it would not erase the fact that she was still a young girl.

He smiled broadly and stood up. With a swift movement, he hugged Wei Liuying tightly.

His action startled Wei Liuying, but she didn't resist. His embrace felt warm and comforting. It felt reassuring to stay inside his arms like this.

"When?"

"After my hairpin ceremony," Wei Liuying mumbled. It would be spring soon, so she would turn 16 in a few more weeks, not long after New Year.

Yang Xian nodded. He could wait that long. With tender movements, he released Wei Liuying from his embrace and smiled lightly. "Shall we finish our work in the meantime?"

"Yes."

Not wanting to keep this awkward atmosphere, Wei Liuying made her way to her seat. She looked at the pile of documents in front of her. Now, it was time to work again.

…

As spring came and the New Year celebration started, it was done in a very much humble way. The Emperor was simply too busy trying to restore everything. In addition, they were in mourning period because the previous Emperor passed away not long ago, so they simplified everything to the point that it didn't look grand at all.

"Your Majesty, Prince Ji Sheng is here to meet with you."

Just a day after the New Year ceremony, Ji Shao Yang received unexpected request. He furrowed his brows but waved his hand to allow Prince Ji Sheng entered the hall.

The servant scurried away and opened the door. Standing behind the door was Prince Ji Sheng who was wearing light robe, which contrasted his usual gallant appearance with his armor and everything else. The sharp gaze from Prince Ji Sheng rendered the servants unwilling to look at him directly in fear that they might incur his wrath.

Prince Ji Sheng walked inside and cupped his hand. His gaze was directed straight at his older brother. "Ji Sheng greets the Emperor. May the Emperor live a long life."

"No need to stand on ceremony. What brings you here today, Ji Sheng?"

"I wish to return back to the frontline, Your Majesty," Prince Ji Sheng replied without beating around the bush.

Ji Shao Yang arched his eyebrows. The New Year ceremony had just passed yesterday and Prince Ji Sheng already wanted to return back to the north?

"Why are you in such a hurry, Ji Sheng? The Lantern Festival is still in 13 more days."

Lantern Festival was held 15 days after the New Year and also the peak of New Year celebration. There were many people who waited for this day because they wished to be able to celebrate it together with their family.

"My wife is waiting for me at the north. Since she had been helping me to guard the border, I wish to reunite with her," Prince Ji Sheng replied unhurriedly.

Ji Shao Yang sighed. Knowing how his brother's attitude towards his wife, he could understand that Prince Ji Sheng didn't want to spare even a second longer. The most urgent matters were dealt with and there were already two prime ministers along with several other ministers.

It was already time for him to return back.

"In that case, I give you permission to return back to the north, Ji Sheng."

"Many thanks for your kindness, Your Majesty. Your subject will excuse himself."

As Prince Ji Sheng turned around, Ji Shao Yang's eyes were looking at his younger brother. They were not related by blood, so Ji Shao Yang knew that Prince Ji Sheng was not part of the royal family. In addition, he knew that Prince Ji Sheng would not have any interest to fight for the throne based on his action before. However….

"Ji Sheng."