Sharing a Pavilion With You
Chapter 61: Time Reveals the Heart

Chapter 61: Time Reveals the Heart

Bai Li was in Lord Mei’s study with Lady Yu.

"We’re sorry to trouble you like this Commander Bai," said Lord Mei.

"It’s no trouble at all Lord Mei. I’m very happy that you asked me to help," he bowed to the man he hoped would be his future father-in-law.

"Commander Bai, please feel free to discipline our daughter as if we were there," said Madam Yu. "She can be too headstrong sometimes. We’ve spoilt her."

"I’m sure that won’t be necessary Madam Yu, but you have my word I’ll watch over her with the greatest care, don’t worry about anything."

"We knew we could trust you with her Commander Bai, that’s why we thought of you when her brothers came down with stomach issues last night. If your mother can’t spare you, you must tell us. Mei Meili will just have to be disappointed."

"My mother sends her regards and is very pleased you asked for me. She said to tell you she plans to drop by and visit you this afternoon Madam Yu."

"Oh, I look forward to welcoming Madam Bing. I have some very pretty, and tall, fa gao for her. I was worried they’d be flat after Meili destroyed the ones at the palace," she complained.

"Oh, ho, ho," laughed Lord Mei. "The Li family had that coming. You mustn’t keep blaming our daughter for that incident my dear. That girl of theirs will think twice before she bullies Meili again."

Bai Li allowed himself a small smile. He completely agreed with Lord Mei.

"Alright then wife. When the elders talk, the young ones don’t enjoy listening. We must let Young Bai leave now," he clapped the serious fellow on the shoulder. "We are in your debt, Commander."

"Not at all. I hope to make this a habit," the young man bowed and turned on his heel.

Lord Mei turned to his wife. "He really is a trustworthy and sensible young fellow. You should consider him seriously, wife."

"I agree husband. He’s just so stoney-faced and serious. Let’s see how things develop as they spend more time together."

"My brother reports that the Second Prince is head over heels for her too."

"We’ve known Zhu Yicai since he was a young child. He has a good heart, but he’s been hardened by the death of his mother and having to survive the palace politics."

"I’m more concerned that the Emperor will marry him off for an alliance. What position can she hope to hold in that kind of royal household?"

"You’re right husband. The next year will tell as he moves to his fiefdom in Gu. The Emperor will see him married at the same time."

"That young Tan boy’s the dark horse. He’s definitely wooing her. She was light as a fairy when she returned from that outing to Xuanwu Lake with the fellow."

Madam Yu smiled fondly, chuckling. "Yes, he has a similar temperament to our daughter. He makes her laugh and smile. I’ve always liked him watching him grow up with Fifth. He’s a kind boy; a bit flighty though. I’d need to be convinced of his constancy. As you wisely told me, husband, ’as distance tests a horse’s strength, time can reveal a person’s heart’. I’ll make a decision fast, but not too fast. You just manage the concubine selections, and leave the rest to me," she patted his hand.

"I have complete trust in you on this matter, wife," he wrapped his arm lovingly around her waist.

The four young travellers set off on horseback for Purple Mountain. Tricky sat in his little saddle behind Meili, proudly surveying the world as though he owned it.

"I can’t believe my parents let us go anyway, Bai Li. Thank you! You must have said everything just right."

"I was just polite," he said modestly.

"They must really trust you," she said in wonder. "I thought for sure they’d cancel this trip once my brothers fell sick."

"Fell sick?" asked Tan Bowen. "Are you sure they’re not just hungover?"

"No, no, no, it’s way worse than that. It’s definitely something they all ate at the New Year dinner we had last night. Only the boys ate the shrimp, so we’re pretty sure they’re the culprits."

"Well, the upside is, I was invited to accompany you by your parents," said Bai Li.

The other two men glared at him. The attitude of her parents was everything in this game.

"Yes," said Meili gaily. "Thank goodness they trust one of you three."

Bai Li smirked at the other two. "They trust me, and I know they reminded you to do as I say on this trip, Mei Meili," he chided her.

"Mmm hmm. They did. One thousand times... Don’t worry I won’t do anything silly; I promise."

"I haven’t seen you have a good track record on avoiding silliness young lady, so please work harder while you’re under my watch."

"Yes Commander," she sighed. He was another brother, this serious friend of hers...

She trotted Tufei to pull up alongside Tan Bowen’s horse. He could always be trusted for some fun and light-heartedness.

"If you do as he says, we won’t have any fun at all on this trip," whispered Tan Bowen loudly.

Meili laughed. "I’m sure Commander Bai knows how to have fun, at the right time."

"He doesn’t," said Tan Bowen gloomily. "Believe me, I have firsthand experience of it." He leaned down to rub his ankles, which still ached from the blunt-tipped arrows that had knocked him off her wall.

"I can second that," said the prince from up ahead. "He’s missing the ’fun’ bone entirely. It’s been bred out of the Bai men over generations of serving the Emperor."

"Are you quite finished with your criticisms, gentlemen?" asked Bai Li. "Most uncalled for. I’m here, aren’t I? The purpose of this trip is for fun."

"Oh, you know that do you?" asked Tan Bowen. "With the way you’re dressed, I thought its purpose was for killing people."

Bai Li looked down at his outfit, which included light armour. He supposed it might be a bit of overkill for a lantern-viewing journey.

Still, he liked to be ready for any eventuality. And with this girl, the eventualities were myriad, and they just kept on coming...

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