Chapter 2: Chapter 2: Birthday Banquet

A few days later, the Li family manor was being decorated by maids and servants. Red lanterns and ribbons were being hung up all around. It was Old Li fiftieth birthday, and the family was sparing no expense.

In her Peace of Mind residence, Li Yingshan was being dressed by Qiu Ling. Her makeup had already been done, and her hair twisted up and set with pins, combs, and other clips. She wore an aquamarine and navy blue Beizia Hanfu pattern from the Song Dynasty.

"My Lady, you look so beautiful," Qiu Ling praised.

Li Yingshan's delicate features lent her a sense of gentleness and lady-like charm. Of course she was known as the prettiest girl in all of Longxin City.

"I must look good for Father's birthday. Hence why I'm going to wear this new outfit."

The two left the residence and walked over to the meeting hall where the birthday celebrations were being held. Out in front in the courtyard, tables and chairs were set up on both sides. As Li Yingshan approached, all of the guests turned and greeted her. She nodded back to them and walked to sit at her place beside her siblings.

A few minutes later, their father entered the courtyard. On his arm was their mother. Both made their way to the grandest spot, set up in the center at the far end, just for them. They sat down together.

"Welcome everyone, and thank you for attending my birthday banquet. It really means a lot to me."

Many of Longxin City's highest respected men were in attendance. The Magistrate, Governor, and City Elders were just a few. Some of their sons laid lascivious eyes on Li Yingshan. She could feel their gazes but ignored them all.

"My Lady," Qiu Ling leaned down and whispered into her ear. "So many men... and they're all staring at you!"

"Settle down, Qiu Ling. This is normal. But don't forget, Father has had arrangements made since I was a child. There's nothing any of these men's sons can do."

The Magistrate of Longxin City, Niu Yuze牛雨泽 niú yǔzé - given name meaning "Brilliance", turned towards Old Li. "Old Li, I bring birthday blessings! May you live long and have a good life! I hope you can accept this gift of fine wine to celebrate with!"

He chuckled. "Haha, Magistrate Niu, you always know how to flatter me. I don't mind a good drink!"

The City Elders and the Buddhist monk also gave birthday blessings upon Old Li and his family. The City Governor, appointed by the Emperor to keep an eye on the martial artists, stood. He bowed before Old Li and smiled.

"Congratulations on such a life achievement! I hope you can accept this painting for your birthday."

The painting was unrolled by servants and showed the Li family manor surrounded by blossoming cherry trees. Old Li and his wife nodded.

"This painting was done by the Royal Painter himself. I'm glad Mr. and Mrs. Li enjoy it."

Now that the most important guests had given their birthday blessings, it was the children's turn. Li Yingqin李赢勤 lǐ yíngqín - given name meaning "Clever and Hard-Working", as the eldest of the five Li children, was expected to go first. He stood and bowed towards his father.

"Happy birthday, Father. I wish you many lively days to come. I hope you can accept this belt from me. It's studded with steel and made from the finest quality of black leather."

His manservant walked up to the center table and presented the belt. Old Li's eyes lit up. He ran his hand over the smooth material.

"Good! Good, I have a filial son! This belt is indeed precious."

Li Yingxue李赢雪 lǐ yíngxuě - given name meaning "Clever Snow", as the second child, stood after Li Yingqin sat back down. She bowed respectfully towards her father.

"This daughter wishes her father a happy birthday. I hope Father can accept this good luck charm as a token of his daughter's admiration."

A pendant she had embroidered was presented to Old Li. He nodded, grinning proudly.

"Look, everyone, my eldest daughter is so talented! This pendant is very nice. This old man is proud."

Li Yingying李赢英 lǐ yíngyīng - given name meaning "Clever and Brave", the third child, stood after Li Yingxue sat. He bowed and said, "This second son hopes that Father will enjoy his birthday gift. I've found the finest tea leaves in all of Longxin City and hope that Father enjoys some calming tea in stressful times."

"Ahh, my other son is thoughtful and filial also! I have such good children! Haha, some calming tea does sound good!"

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Li Yingyu李赢玉 lǐ yíngyù - given name meaning "Clever Jade", the fourth child of the Li family stood once her second brother took his seat. She bowed and said, "This daughter is not as skilled in embroidery as Eldest Sister but has composed a piece of music for Father's enjoyment. If I may?"

Old Li nodded. "Let everyone listen."

She pulled out her xiao flutea vertical flute usually made of bamboo and began to play a harmonious melody. As her graceful fingers danced across the holes, her body swayed along with the rhythm of the song. When the song finally came to a close, everyone clapped politely. Li Yingyu sat back down.

Finally, Li Yingshan, the youngest of the Li children, stood. She waved to Qiu Ling who presented the wrapped present. "This Third Daughter wishes Father a happy healthy life and a good birthday. I hope Father will accept this gift from Shan'er."

"What is this?"

But Li Yingshan remained silent, letting Old Li satiate his curiosity. He unwrapped the gift, eyes widening. Pulling out the weapon, his ran his fingers along the smooth alder sheath. His right hand gripped the leather hilt and pulled the sword out. Shining steel glinted and reflected the sunlight.

Choosing the right time, Li Yingshan finally explained, "This sword was wielded by the famous General Ouyang from the previous dynasty. I know Father has already treasured old items and swords even more. I hope Father is pleased with Third Daughter's gift."

"Old Li," Niu Yuze breathed. "Your children are so talented and filial."

Old Li chuckled. "Indeed. I have good children! You all have given me unique and outstanding gifts."

The four older Li siblings seethed. They knew their father loved the sword the most of all the gifts. In their hearts, they cursed their youngest sibling and wished her ill.

The highly respected men all urged their sons to go and speak with the Third Daughter of the Li family. Li Yingshan entertained them but didn't give any indication of interest at all.

As a martial artist, she was duty-bound to the people. This fundamental truth was deeply ingrained in her, and she would hold to it. She just hoped that her future husband would respect her and her capabilities.

When the birthday banquet finally drew to a close, the guests slowly trickled out. Servants and maids began to clean up the courtyard while the Li family members retired to their own residences for the night.

In the Peace of Mind residence, Qiu Ling flitted about, helping Li Yingshan get changed for bed. "My lady, are you sure it's wise to upstage your older siblings like that? Aren't you just going to make an enemy of them?"

"As long as the Li family prospers, they won't do anything about it. The family reputation means more than small sibling disputes. They all know that. Plus, my First and Second Sisters are already married and out of the house usually. They just came back today for the banquet. It's more my brothers I might worry about. But I still don't think there's a problem."

Qiu Ling wrung her hands nervously. "If you say so, My Lady."

∇

A few days later, Li Yingshan was back visiting the refugees when a riot broke out nearby.

"Stay here," she told the children.

"But we wanna see!" they protested. "Jie jie's martial arts are the best!"

"No, I don't want any of you getting hurt by accident. Stay here with the adults."

The children pouted but obeyed her. She went running off, using her qinggongmartial artists' flying ability to soar up and run across the rooftops.

"Wow," the kids breathed as they watched her disappeared.

Li Yingshan stopped just above the riot, trying to gauge what was happening. Finally, she flew down between the fighting men. Her sword was already unsheathed, waiting to be used.

"What's going on here?" she asked coolly.

Hey everyone! I apologize for the name dumping in this chapter. I couldn't think of a better way to introduce the MC's siblings. If you ever get confused, just head over to the Glossary for clarification! I'm going to try to keep that updated along with uploading more chapters.

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