"You've been working hard mei-mei"
I was in the empty martial art hall in my dark blue robe, sitting on my knees and I mediated after a long morning of practice when I heard Min's voice. I didn't bother to open my eyes. Ever since Min arrival, I quickly picked up on his playful personality. The boy, I learned now is only 14 years old who likes to play and have fun. His cheerful and sunny personality was refreshing and despite his teasing, it made me feel a bit happy. It was like having an older brother. I had always been the only child so I never had anyone to speak so freely. Even in my past life living with my uncle and his family - his sons and daughters always kept their distance. At first, I thought it was because of my Heir status. Now I knew it was because they never consider me as family.
"Mei-mei" Min whined like a little boy, bringing me out of my deep thoughts. "Play with me, ever since we met, you been training and training. Aren't you bored?"
I kept silence with my eyes closed.
"Mei-mei, let's go outside and play" Min continued to whine.
"Min-ge" I said softly with my eyes still closed. "Wei Lan has to be stronger, please let Wei Lan train in peace"
"Why do you want to be stronger? You're a princess; you can have guards like grandfather said"
"Wei Lan is not a princess..." I replied softly. "Wei Lan doesn't want to have guards"
Having guards by your side every time you step out and being protected like some kind of frail princess? I refused to be looked at that way.
"Mei-mei, here in the Fa Family, you are a princess, this is an unchangeable fact. Why do you want to resist your fate?"
"Fate..." I opened my eyes and turned to see Min's friendly smiles.
I wasn't angry, but I did feel bitter toward the word "fate". Standing up, I faced my older cousin. Seeing my sudden smiles, Min looked startled.
"Min-ge, Wei Lan has a favor she hopes Min-ge would help with"
"Oh? What favor?" Min tilted his head with surprise.
"Although the master is helping Wei Lan with martial arts, it's difficult for Wei Lan to grasp it without a sparring partner..." I continue to smile. "Min-ge... will you help Wei Lan and be her sparring partner?"
Min was surprised, but after a moment, he jumped into the training hall with a big playful smile on his face.
"Sure!"
"Min-ge won't go easy on Wei Lan, right?"
"Why would I go easy?" Min tilted his head again. "How would you learn if I do?"
"Thank you Min-ge" I was relieved to hear his words.
"Don't thank me just yet" The boy laughed openly. "Just make sure you don't hate this Min-ge by the end of the today"
"I won't" I stood across from him and watched him rolled up his sleeves.
I knew Min was strong from the trainer who spoke highly of him. After all, Fa Min was trained since he was able to walk. Using this opportunity, I decided to use this cousin of mine to become stronger. After all, I did not want to be controlled by fate. I did not want to end up becoming a frail princess again. To end up being used and killed without a fight.