The next day most of the girls spends their time by walking around or looking at the flower. Jun Hua stays at the garden with Fan Lanying coming to accompany her. The girl keeps on talking about her experience with Ming Hui the day before.
"With you hadn't learned etiquette, are you going to be alright?" Jun Hua asks suddenly.
Fan Lanying pursed her lips, "I don't want to learn it and Princess Hui said that I could accompany her, so I don't have to be worried."
Jun Hua nodded. Although the disparity in their etiquette will be apparent, with Ming Hui at her side, who dare to mock her? Besides, Fan Lanying is not one to care about these kinds of things. What she wants is to become a great general in the future and probably lead her own soldier.
"What did you prepare for her birthday present?"
This kind of things is quite tricky because as a princess, Princess Ming Hui doesn't lack of anything. Many girls would only send present for formality but knowing Fan Lanying, she would surely think for something special.
Fan Lanying hesitates, "I'm thinking about playing a piece of music for her because my mother would surely prepare other gifts for her. I don't really know if she would like it or not."
"I'm sure she will," Jun Hua answered.
"Really? Won't I make a joke of myself?" Fan Lanying worried. Usually, she wouldn't care about what people think about her but Princess Hui is her friend and she is really kind to her. Fan Lanying wants to repay her but she's not sure about that.
"Don't worry. No one would laugh at you. And I'm sure that your skill have improved during the time you spend learning," Jun Hua consoled. They have been learning for almost 3 weeks now and it will be weird if there is no improvement at all.
"Thank you," Fan Lanying said seriously. "What about you? What will you give for her?"
"Me?" Jun Hua is not really sure about it but if she should give her something, she could only think of one thing, "It's a secret."
"You won't even tell me?" Fan Lanying said disappointed.
Jun Hua smiled, but she only teased Fan Lanying. There are several reasons why she cannot tell Fan Lanying and it will be the best if she knows about it from Ming Hui herself that is if she wants to tell her.
"Let's head to the training room. I have asked Princess Hui permission to use it."
"Why do you want to go there?" Jun Hua said confused.
"Of course to train my body. I'm already itching for moving around," Fan Lanying grinned.
Jun Hua stared blankly. This tomboy truly doesn't know place and she would do anything she likes! Not like Jun Hua never secretly train though, but she would never do it in a broad daylight and on the place where many people might see her.
With her cannot hold Fan Lanying back, Jun Hua can only follow after the girl. Fan Lanying happily change to her training clothes and take out her wooden dagger. This time Jun Hua truly wonders where she keeps the weapon. When they are coming to the palace, their belonging will be inspected. Does the princess allow her to bring that wooden dagger?
Fan Lanying has started to move her body and attacking at the air. Jun Hua studied her movement and she has to admit that Fan Lanying is talented. She cannot compare to 'Jun Min' though, but for a girl who never goes to the real war, she's really good.
Jun Hua raised her head and look towards the other side of the room. Her mouth slightly curved up.
On the other side of the room, Ming Hui is standing behind the window. She knows that Fan Lanying had asked her to borrow this room and out of curiosity, she comes here. Looking from the window, she could see the girl moving around with a wooden dagger on hand.
"Princess?"
Ming Hui is startled at the call from her maid. She smiled slightly, "When everything is done, remind me to take her inside."
"Yes Princess."
Ming Hui stare into the room back and this time she notices another girl inside. The girl is sitting calmly and watches Fan Lanying moving around. No matter how quick Fan Lanying is, the girl never shows her fear or any reaction.
Then the girl raised her head to look at Ming Hui. Ming Hui smiled deepened. She has just found that the girl from the Jun family is as interesting as her brother. They don't bear the name of Jun family for nothing.
"Let's go."
"You don't want to come inside, Princess?"
Ming Hui shakes her head, "No need. There will be other chances to meet them again. Besides, there will be a show I need to prepare first."
Jun Hua notices the presence becoming fainter and she knows that Ming Hui has left. Jun Hua doesn't think much about it and continue to look at Fan Lanying practice. It took the girl almost 3 hours before she's satisfied.
"How's it?" Fan Lanying grinned.
"It's not too bad," Jun Hua answered.
"What is not bad?" Fan Lanying lips pursed, "I'm better than my brother you know, at least in the past. He won't be able to beat me on normal condition."
"That might change after this," Jun Hua said. Battling on the battlefield is completely different with training in the training hall. She had experience it by herself. The reason her uncle let her join the army at mere age of 11 is not only to help him, but also to let her gain more experience and grow stronger. People can grow faster when they are under pressure.
Fan Lanying nodded, "Father is unfair. I want to join the army too and become the first female general of Ming Kingdom!"
Jun Hua is speechless. The first female general... she should have took that title already if she didn't hide her identity. But the law still prohibited woman to join the army which makes her knows that before the law changes, she cannot let anyone knows. Besides, lying to the emperor is a big crime.
Speaking of lying, there are many other people who lie to the emperor. Jun Hua knows that the number of officials who truly loyal are very few.
"Let's eat. I'm hungry after moving around."
"Alright."
