The market was bustling with life. People moving about, a group of young people gathered at a store discussing nothing important, children playing around and tavern workers performing their duties.
"Have you heard? The Crown prince is in the capital. He's returning to the palace today."
"How do you know that?"
"I'm telling you the truth. That's what everyone's saying."
The news of Wang Lei's appearance began to spread wide and far. Who would have thought the once rebellious Prince of the Country would one day be seen again in the capital? It was good news, anyways.
In the big decorated carriage, Wang Lei just kept sighing and sighing. His Ivory outer robe was embroidered with golden thread and an Azure embroidery filling the chest area. His Jade belt was placed just a little below his abdomen and his white boots lacked even a speck of dust. He adjusted the white band on his forehead and sighed once again.
Zhao Peng looked at him. He was sitting on the opposite side on the carriage. Wang Lei stared back at him and asked lazily, "What is it? If you have something to say, just say it. What are you staring at?"
His hands were behind his head in a relaxed position and strands of his loose hair fell over his face, leaving him more handsome. Zhao Peng spoke as he placed his hands on his knees, "Your Highness, you've been sighing all the way since we got into the carriage."
"What about it? I thought I was free enough to express myself." Wang Lei responded with eyes closed. He couldn't care less what anyone thought about him right now. All he wanted was some sleep but apparently, someone will deny him that. Zhao Peng opened the little curtain to stare out the window of the carriage, "We're almost there, Your Highness."
Wang Lei didn't say anything. Thinking about living in the palace again was already exhausting. Having to face liars and betrayers who would pretend with smiles on their ugly faces made him sigh once more. Zhao Peng glanced at his head and it was his turn to sigh.
"Your Highness, it's time you took down your headband. You're the crown prince and heir to His Majesty and this Empire. Your hair should be tied up neatly now so you'll look responsible for once atleast."
At that, Wang Lei cracked one eye open and Zhao Peng quickly looked down. What did he mean by "responsible for once"? Wang Lei ignored him once again. There was silence once again except for the movement of the horses, the other carriages and bustling market. As the Carriage rode, people around bowed their heads in respect. It was the Crown prince coming in, after all.
Wang Lei questioned, "What do you think will happen when we get to the palace? I still don't know why I'm being forced to go back there."
Zhao Peng smoothened his hair as he answered, "I don't know, Your Highness. I don't know everything."
Wang Lei just stared at him with disdain....or something close to irritation.
........
"You, you, you, you, and also you. You'll be serving the crown prince in his Wing when he arrives and I'm sure you know what that means." Cai Wei uttered as she pointed at some of the girls in the courtyard. Most of them had been sweeping, cleaning, and washing.
Zhang Li glanced at the other girls who got picked alongside her. It were Fei Yan, Zhi Lan, Lian Hua and He Yuan, an unfamiliar cook. Cai Wei continued speaking but Zhang Li wasn't listening. Who was the Crown prince? Why did he leave the Palace? What happened during that time that it was enough to send the Country's Crown prince away? Was he also involved in the Xifei Massacre? Why is everyone so excited about his return? Who the hell is he?!
"Hey, you! Yes, you at the end, are you even listening? What are you thinking about while I'm standing before you?" Cai Wei spoke as she snapped her fan shut in anger. Zhang Li looked up as she opened her mouth to speak but the look on the other girl's face begged her not to speak out of turn. Zhang Li nearly rolled her eyes. Once again, just who does she think she is?
Cai Wei asked, "I asked you a question. What were you thinking about?"
Zhang Li stared back at her before replying, "I don't want to serve by the Crown Prince's side. I'll remain here."
There was a beat of silence. Cai Wei just stared at her while the other girls just stared at her like she'd grown two heads or a horn. Zhil Lan, who stood beside her whispered. Her voice laced with concern, "Zhang Li, are you crazy? Are you out of your mind?"
Suddenly, Cai Wei burst out in laughter. The other girls standing nearby had to pause and catch the drama going on.
"She thinks she has a choice." Cai Wei said and continued to laugh. She laughed so hard that her eyes began to water but Zhang Li just stared ahead. She was not going to the inner Palace area.
"You don't have a choice, you scrawny-looking girl. You'll go and that's it." Cai Wei finalized as she opened her fan again. Turning to the rest of the girls who had neglected their work, she screamed "What are you staring at? Get back to work, the lot of you. I clearly see no one is hungry."
The girls scrambled back to work, each not ready to go hungry for that period.
Cai Wei kept on speaking again, something about the rules or whatever and once again, Zhang Li's mind was somewhere else. This time, she thought differently.
What if she just serves the Crown Prince? Not entirely a bad idea. She could have access to whatever she needed to know about the Massacre that left her homeless. She mentally nodded her head and folded her fists. This was exactly the right opportunity. What's there to wait for?
Raising her head to meet the Head maid, she blurted out," When do we leave? The Crown prince must be waiting."
The other girls looked at her like she was suddenly crazy while Cai Wei stared at her with no words.