Chapter 3: Lin Family
3 Lin Family
After a while, the eunuch announced the arrival of the Emperor and Empress.
The emperor was already advanced in his age, however, it didn't show in his graceful and dignified posture. His lavish and gorgeous clothes resembled his status perfectly. Beside him, the Empress stood wearing a phoenix dress complete with a set phoenix crown. Her face was already showing some lines suggesting her old age, but she still exuded the aura of a refined and elegant woman.
Everyone started to greet the emperor and empress. Afterwards, they continued as they were before, but the way they conducted themselves was much more refined.
Jun Hua didn't really stand out from the crowd. She eyed the man seated on the throne calmly as the coldness within her is concealed deeply. She thought, 'There will come a day when she will force him to fall from the throne.' This was one of her vows to her family.
"Jun Hua, let me introduce you to my other friends," Lin Yuan continued to drag her around. The girl decided played along as she did not feel any hint of hostility from Lin Yuan. Although the girl had hidden motives, at the very least, she proved to be quite true to herself.
After another round of seemingly endless greetings and exchange of pleasantries with the young members of noble families, Lin Yuan finally let her go and took a rest. Jun Hua and Lin Yuan sat together, and Lin Yuan started talking to her about various happenings within the capital – from social gossips to academic lessons at school.
"Jun Hua, why don't you attend school? Normally, us, girls will have to go there when we reach thirteen to broaden our knowledge about womanly matters."
There was indeed an academy for girls, where they would learn about etiquette, music, painting, needlework, and mathematics. They would study for three years as preparation for their marriage since women's tasks consist mainly of housework.
Jun Hua blanked a little when she heard about the academy. She had never had a chance to learn at least three of them. If she decided to join in, she would surely become a laughing stock.
"I don't know..."
Lin Yuan sighed. "Really, if only dad didn't force you out from our family, you will definitely learn a lot about those things with us."
Jun Hua partially agreed with that thought. She knew that with Chun Maora's particularly jealous character, it would be a miracle if she could stay safely in the Lin family. However, Lin Yuan indeed had another point; in the Jun family she could barely learn things about women. The Jun family was a family of generals and most women died young so there was practically no one left who could teach Jun Hua.
The young girl's eyes flashed with interest. It seemed she had found something she could use for now. Currently, the relationship between the Jun family and the Lin family could be considered irreconcilable, and Lin Tang didn't seem to have any intention to change it. Jun Hua initially didn't want to have anything to do with them too. However, she had thought of some things that the Lin family could help her with.
"Don't blame your father for what happened."
Lin Yuan's eyes widened slightly. Upon hearing Jun Hua say 'your father' and not just 'father', it appeared to her that this young girl didn't want to acknowledge Lin Tang as her own father too. It was logically understandable, considering what she had gone through all these years.
"Well, you can also join from your family's side. I'm sure that they wouldn't hinder you."
Jun Hua nodded, "I will talk about it to my grandfather later."
Lin Yuan face beamed and she continued to talk with Jun Hua for a good long time until the second daughter of Lin family, Lin San, came over and blurted out, "Sis, why are you talking with this waste?"
Lin San looked at Jun Hua with ridicule. Lin San was the daughter of Chun Maora, the twin sister of Lin Hong. She was a spoiled little girl and only a few days older than Jun Hua. Her face was strikingly appealing, however, her unpleasant attitude made her quite annoying in some people's eyes.
Lin Yuan's face changed, "She's our sister too, so I think it will be better to introduce her to my friends as well."
"What is the use of introducing her?" Lin San ridiculed Jun Hua once more. But then, she remembered Jun Hua's adoptive brother, so she didn't lash out to her further. She was actually envious of Jun Min, the perfect brother of Jun family. Compared to Jun Min, her scholarly brother seemed lacking. Lin Hong was a gifted scholar, but he was nothing compared to many other intelligent men in the capital. As a result, he could only work tirelessly every day.
Lin San scoffed for a while before leaving with a few other girls who followed after her. Lin Tang was the Prime Minister, so it was expected that a lot of people would want to get close with his sons and daughters. The easy targets were obviously Lin San and Lin Hong, as they were the main wife's children.
"Don't mind her; she's just a little airhead."
In Jun Hua's eyes, "airhead" was an incorrect description of Lin San. It would be more accurate to say that she doesn't have any brains at all. Jun Hua smiled, "I don't mind it Sister Lin Yuan."
Seeing Jun Hua smile, Lin Yuan felt relieved. But somehow, she also felt that something is amiss from the girl's smile. She just couldn't figure out what it is.
The party didn't last much longer. Seeing that her grandfather was also not very capable in socializing with people, Jun Hua didn't want to stay at the party for a long time and bid her farewell to Lin Yuan.
"Sister Lin Yuan, it's time for me to go," said Jun Hua.
"Right, see you in the next chance, Jun Hua," replied Lin Yuan.
With that, the two girls parted ways. Xia hurriedly followed Jun Hua out.
Jun Hua smiled, "Xia, what do you think if I become part of Lin family again?"
Xia's face changed, "Miss, why would you want to be a part of Lin family? They are all a bunch of useless people."
"That may not be necessarily true. These people have their own uses."
Jun Hua climbed inside her carriage and headed home. Her mind began to plan out her attacks.