A Plum Blossom

Chapter 2

During the next days that went on, Li Mei (Ha Lee) just simply stayed in the Li Manor with her mother. She also decided to take the name Li Mei and put behind her old name as it was the past that she once lived.

On this day however, she accompanied her father and brother to the palace where they will be at the training grounds. In the carriage, the three just conversed. Although Li Mei's whole self has changed, since she is now Ha Lee, her family still accepted her.

"Mei, when we get arrive to the palace you can't get out of my sight." he said almost sounding like a demand. She just raised a brow confused as to why he didn't want her out of his sight, but then assumed that she'll get lost since the palace is a grand place.

She nodded, "Yes brother."

The General couldn't help but almost laugh listening to his son's petty words. He was very overprotective of his younger sister and didn't want her out of his sight, let alone a man near her. However, the General also didn't want her out of sight especially in that place.

"Dai, it's alright. Let her roam about the palace if she wants to it'll be alright." he assured his son since there were more guards put on patrol now. His son looked at him with a concerned expression almost doubting his father.

The palace was beautiful but also the most dangerous place besides the battlefield. Silent wars roamed the grounds, and she knew exactly how that felt.

Arriving to the palace, one by one they left the carriage. Li Mei was nervous being back here. This was the place where everything began.

Some court officials that passed by couldn't help but take a glance at the Young Miss. They were thinking of possibly trying to engage a marriage for their sons by eyeing the daughters of other officials.

Then, Prime Minister Niu Zian left the group and came towards the trio. He bowed in respect to the three before greeting them. "Prime Minister Niu Zian, greets the Li family."

General Li just chuckled. The two men have been friends since their childhood and are still close.

"No need for formalities Niu Zian." he said to which his friend just smiled.

"Miss Li Mei, how are you doing?" He was worried about her since that incident took a toll on her, even causing her to "loose" her memories.

"I've been well and I'm sorry that I don't recall anyone that I knew before I lost them." she voiced.

The Prime Minister sighed in relief, "Actually my daughter Niu Xia, has been very worried for you. You haven't seen her since you've awakened and she didn't want to see you so soon. She wanted to give you time to yourself so you can rest and recover." stating the worries of his daughter.

Her face became curious, "Niu Xia?" she said not knowing who she is. "Ahh, she is a close friend of yours. You've been together since children." the official gave a brief history.

"Then, I'll surely pay a visit to her instead of her coming to me." she insisted.

"I need to keep those close to Li Mei, close to me."

He simply gave a nod at her request then looked back to the court hall building. "I must go now. The court meeting will soon begin." he said and quickly left to the morning meeting.

The three then went along their way to the training grounds. As they strode along the palace grounds, Li Dai also gave her a small tour as they walked.

Li Mei listened as he told her about the palaces that each royal member resided in, the Royal Garden, the lotus pond, and the Fall's Spring.

Among the places she was most interested in, was the fall's spring. This place resided in the Plum Palace.