Chapter 548: Heroic Orphan
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Unexpectedly, even her fifth uncle, stationed far away at the border, was worrying about her affairs.
Ah, she was indeed fortunate to have such a caring fifth uncle!
She smiled and said, “Then I thank Fifth Uncle for his kindness. Since Changge is Fifth Uncle’s disciple, he can’t possibly treat me as a servant, right? Disciples are considered half-daughters, and Fifth Uncle’s daughter would be like my elder sister, isn’t that so?”
Everyone was stunned; they hadn’t expected Liu Shimei to say such things. Wasn’t she being too humble?
Liu Shimei stood up, bowed to Changge, and said, “Elder Sister Changge, I’ll rely on your care in the future.”
Everyone meant well, thinking that Liu Shimei, as the future daughter-in-law of the Emperor and Princess Dun Yu, would surely have a higher status than her natal family. That’s why the fifth son of the Liang family allowed his disciple, Changge, to acknowledge Liu Shimei as her master.
This way, it didn’t demean Changge, but it achieved the goal of protecting Liu Shimei.
Unexpectedly, Liu Shimei arranged Changge’s position in this way!
Changge was also very surprised. From her expressionless face when she entered to the significant change in her attitude now, she even showed a faint smile. She said, “Eldest Young Miss, you’re being too polite. I… come from humble origins, how can I deserve to be your sister?”
Liu Shimei looked puzzled and glanced at Madam Wang.
Madam Wang explained, “Changge is the daughter of the deputy general under your fifth uncle. Over ten years ago, when they were suppressing bandits, Changge’s father died in battle, leaving her orphaned at a young age. For all these years, the mother and daughter have been serving under your fifth aunt. Seeing Changge’s talent in martial arts, your fifth uncle officially took her as his disciple.”
“No wonder…” Liu Shimei smiled as she looked at Changge and said, “I always felt that Elder Sister Changge exudes a kind of aura that ordinary women don’t have—it turns out she has been on the battlefield and is the child of a martyr. That explains it!”
“I am grateful for Eldest Young Miss’s acceptance!” Changge solemnly clasped her hands in salute, more sincere this time than when she first entered and bowed deeply at a ninety-degree angle.
Mentioning the ‘Heroic Orphan’, the members of the Liang family present, including Madam Wang, had exceptionally stern expressions.
They hailed from a long line of warriors, generations devoted to fighting for their country. Even in times of peace, they honed their martial skills, preparing to defend their homeland in times of war.
Despite the long-lasting peace in the realm and the decline of warrior culture, they never ceased instructing their descendants. Even without the need to battle foreign nations, there could still be incidents like bandit attacks, potentially leading to bloodshed and sacrifice.
Liu Shimei sensed the indomitable spirit embedded in the souls of these warriors and was deeply moved; her eyes welled up with tears.
Yet, she mustered a smile and said, “Alright, whether you consider me your mistress or your sister, it doesn’t matter. From now on, I’ll call you Sister Changge.”
Changge smiled back, “Thank you, Eldest Young Miss.”
With a female guard by her side, her safety was more assured. After all, Zhong Lang was a man; no matter how skilled he was, he couldn’t provide close protection. Moreover, their agreement lasted only five years, and he would eventually have to leave.
But Changge was different; she was practically part of the Liang family!
Liang Yi laughed, “It’s good now; I don’t have to follow my sister around like a shadow anymore!”
Although Liang Yi enjoyed accompanying her sister, they were still of different genders, weren’t they? Always sticking to her sister would be inappropriate!
Besides, her sister was a female physician and often had to attend to the ladies of the court. Moreover, she had to deal with the Silly Second Prince, who was prone to jealousy and always tried to oppose him. Just thinking about it was exasperating.
Everyone laughed.
With matters settled here, and seeing that it was getting late, Liu Shimei entered the palace again..