In the days following their discussion, XYZ and YQ seemed to have a new closeness about them. XYZ didn't get less rambunctious or less spirited and YQ didn't lose any of his over-protectiveness, but they both seemed softer in each others' company. They still bickered occasionally, usually over some new cheng-yu phrase or Tang dynasty poem XYZ was learning, but their words no longer seemed as sharp. While grateful for change, ZW couldn't help but approach XYZ one night and ask her for the cause of the change. XYZ, however, just smiled mysteriously and said that she had discovered that she and YQ weren't as different as she expected. Though puzzled, ZW was too kind to press the matter further and just let it be. She did, however, broach the topic with EK, who just laughed and said that maybe XYZ and YQ were both finally growing up and maturing.

"Not everyone is as well matched as us, you know." He said, "Both XYZ and YQ have a lot more rough edges that they need to smooth mutually. YQ has lived his whole life being served hand and foot, he needs to learn to take other people's thoughts and ideas into consideration. XYZ is also used to doing things her own way. In a way she's been spoiled too. They both need each other to be reminded that they can't always be selfish. I've always felt it unfair that XYZ deemed herself your older sister while you always seem to be the one taking care of her. You were always the more sensible one."

ZW shook her head: "If I had been all that sensible, I wouldn't have fallen for you at a time when everything was so complicated!"

Because they were seated on a horse, EK settled for kissing the top of her head: "Luckily for me, you did. ZW, do you know, I had always been the sensible one too. ET and YQ both admonished me that ever since meeting you, I wasn't calm anymore. All my rational thinking went out the window where you were concerned…Do you know, sometimes I resented XYZ for pulling you into all sorts of situations and dangers? Sometimes I couldn't help but put the blame on her for bringing forth all the troubles."

ZW: "Really? She doesn't mean to, you know. XYZ can't help being who she is."

EK laughed: "I know! And I can't really hate her, not when she has the power to make YQ lose all reason too! And not when she's the reason I met you."

ZW laughed along with him: "I guess HAM was right after all. We are all strange, putting so much stock in feelings and emotions."

EK nodded: "Perhaps. But you know, I think I prefer living this way. We're certainly a lot happier."

ZW nodded but changed the subject: "You know, EK, you threatened to tell stories of ET in his youth, but I never got to hear stories about you as a child. Were you the model son then too?"

EK groaned: "I'm surprised E-Niang didn't tell you all the scrapes I got into. I was far from the model son. Tell you what, I'll tell you some stories if you promise to share some stories about your younger days as well."

ZW smiled: "I'm sure mine won't be as interesting as yours, but certainly."

EK smiled: "Alright…hmm..how about I start with the time we decided to steal cakes from the Royal Kitchen?"

ZW nodded and the couple passed the time amidst laughter about EK's youthful misadventures.

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XJ also noticed the change in his sister and brother-in-law and was glad. Besides thoughts of revenge, his whole life had been focused on his sister's happiness and well-being. Though he had worried extensively about her marrying into the Imperial family, he found comfort that the match was working out so well. 'Besides,' he thought as he looked at the girl sitting next to him on the carriage and listened to her share her opinions on a famous work of literature, 'I have another purpose in life now.'

Qing-er noticed the softening of XJ's expression and paused in her thoughts: "XJ, are you alright?"

XJ smiled even wider: "Of course. Why do you ask?"

Qing-er nodded: "You've noticed it too, haven't you? The change between XYZ and YQ?"

XJ nodded: "I really should get used to how observant you are. I was just thinking how grateful I am that my sister has been able to find such happiness. It removes a large burden from me. I still feel guilt for all the hardships she has experienced, but if they led her to YQ, then perhaps it was all meant to be."

Qing-er chuckled: "I suppose it was fate for them to meet as they did. They've changed so much about each other. You should see how hard XYZ works at her literary knowledge. I can tell when she's twitching to go out and practice her martial arts skills but she forcefully holds herself back and instead tries hard to learn what I have to teach her. And YQ, I've never seen him laugh so much since his mother passed."

XJ chuckled: "I still think you deserve a lot of the credit. Anyone who can control my sister like that…even ZW had a hard time."

Qing-er replied: "I have an advantage over ZW in this case. ZW was much too close to XYZ and accepts her whole-heartedly for being the way she was. I have the benefit of distance and a bit of fresh perspective. I make fewer excuses for her. "

XJ: "Still. I must thank you for helping her adjust."

Qing-er: "No need to thank me. I've grown fond of XYZ too. It gets lonely in the palace; I'm glad she adds some spice to my life."

XJ nodded: "That she does. That sister of mine, there's never a dull day with her around. It makes me feel so alive."

Qing-er agreed: "She's our little bird and brings laughter and life wherever she flies…speaking of flying, XJ, how far are we from Da Li? I noticed that the scenery around us has changed a lot lately, with many fields of wildflowers."

XJ replied: "If we keep going at the pace we are, we should be there in about three days. I sent word to my godparents from the last Inn and they should be preparing for our arrival as we speak."

Qing-er: "Really? Oh! So soon! We must inform the others!"

XJ: "Of course, I'll let everyone know at dinner tonight. Now, what philosophical insight did you want to share with me?"

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True to XJ's prediction, the morning of the third day saw the group entering the gate into DaLi. Everyone besides XJ was pleasantly surprised at the variety of garments and mannerisms of the crowds around them.

SY exclaimed: "Oh! I don't stand out so much in my garb anymore! XJ! What an amazing place you have brought us to!"

XYZ also asked: "Ge, you never said how vibrant Da Li is! I've been waiting to see the flowers and beautiful scenery, but I never expected the people here to be so wonderful as well!"

XJ laughed at his companions' joyful surprise: "There are many minority groups living here, each with their own history and culture. My godfather settled here because he's so intrigued by all the different stories. He originally set out to open up a school to teach Han culture, but found that he was learning more from his students. Growing up, I learned to keep an open mind because of the wide variety of people in this region. I guess this is what happens when you're in a boundary province. Here near the edge of our country, you get the most exciting mixture of ideas and people."

Qing-er: "Is that why you thought to open a school in BeiJing? Because your godfather had done so here?"

XJ nodded: "Absolutely. Though I must say XYZ gave me the idea as well."

XYZ blinked at him: "I did?"

XJ nodded: "Sure. Hearing the stories of how you suffered in your youth and how you suffered in that Hui-Yi-Cheng (City of Memories – the nickname the group came up with for the Imperial City) because of your lack of proper education, how could I not want to prevent the same from happening to other children?"

YQ laughed at XJ's reply: "Hmm…I don't think XYZ suffered all too much. I think me, ET, and all the other A Ge's suffered more. Do you know how hard it was to hold in our laughter whenever HAM would come to monitor XYZ's progress in school?"

ET agreed: "I swear I was ready to burst at the seams many a times. That and the shock she would give us with her replies no matter how hard we tried to help her."

Even EK laughed along: "I once had the opportunity to follow Lao Ye to school during my job as bodyguard and also got to enjoy XYZ's remarkably unique intellect."

XYZ gave an indignant shout: "Hey! Don't make fun! If I didn't learn properly, it was because you guys couldn't teach correctly. Look at me now! I too can spout all your four-worded phrases and ancient poetry. All thanks to Qing-er. Maybe she should take over Ji-Shi-Fu's (Master Ji, the teacher of the Imperial children) job sometimes!"

Qing-er shook her head: "XYZ, don't say that! Ji-Shi-Fu is one of the most talented individuals in this nation. My knowledge is nothing compared to his. Me being able to teach you is because you're my only pupil. Think of how difficult Ji Shi Fu's job is. All the A Ge's are different ages and at different levels. He doesn't have to energy to keep up with your imagination."

XYZ just sighed: "Oh Qing-er. You and ZW are so alike sometimes…neither of you knows how to take a compliment. There is such a thing as being too modest."

SY now spoke up: "Well, better too modest than not at all like you!"

ET laughed: "Now that's just the pot calling the kettle black. SY my dear, you must admit, you and XYZ are like two peas in a pod with your reactions to praise."

SY mock punched him in the arm but said: "Hmmp, maybe so. But now that we're friends instead of enemies, I think you and YQ had better watch out..we can certainly come up with more ways to make you pay for making fun of us."

Amidst the laughter, the group drew close to a magnificent Han-style gate.

XJ looked ahead, smiled, and spurned the horse and cart forward. Drawing close, he quickly stopped the cart, helped Qing-er down, and hugged the couple waiting for them: "Godfather! Godmother!"

The others followed his lead and gave the proper greetings. The man in the couple quickly laughed in welcome: "No need no need! You're all our Jian-er's friends, that makes you family!"

The lady standing beside him also smiled warmly in welcome: "Absolutely. XJ wrote to us about your stories. And all I hold is admiration for all of you. Our home is open to you all. We're honored to have guests such as you."

XJ smiled at his godparents: "I've written to you about everyone, but still, let me introduce each of them."

He drew forth EK and ZW: "This is ZW and EK. She's the gentile, brave, and talented Ming Zhu Ge Ge and he is the only man who can match her."

ZW and EK both blushed. ZW spoke up: "XJ, you praise us too much. Madame and sir, please don't mind his excessiveness, EK and I are honored to call him friend."

EK also bowed: "Madame and sir, since XJ wrote to you about our stories, then you should know we wouldn't have survived without him. Thank you for raising such a wonderful godson."

The couple looked at each other, both were much impressed by the couple's bearing and modesty. The woman stepped forward and reached for ZW's hands: "So this is the famous Ming Zhu Ge Ge. Stories about you have travelled even this far South. I am honored to meet such a celebrity."

XJ smiled again and drew ET and SY forward: "This is EK's brother ET and ET's wife princess SY. Though we haven't known each other as long, they've also become good friends."

ET and SY both bowed. ET spoke: "Thank you Madame and Sir in advance for your hospitality."

SY also spoke: "Yes thank you. During this trip, I have experienced the beauty of China. But the most beautiful and exciting place must be DaLi here. I've always thought my homeland was the best place on earth, but this place far exceeded anything I can imagine."

The couple laughed at her frankness and the man said: "Just you wait, we'll definitely let you experience all the beauties of our home during your visit."

XJ next drew YQ and XYZ forward: "Godfather, godmother, this is XYZ and her husband YQ. She is the sister I have been looking for so long. I have finally managed to bring her home."

The woman carefully examined XYZ's face: "Oh! XYZ is it? I'm so excited that Jian-er managed to find you! Do you know? Your mother and I are sworn sisters! I begged her to let me care for you and Jian-er but she was determined to send you North. I am so glad, so so glad, that you've returned to us!"

XYZ looked at her joyful face, gave a loud sob, and impetuously gave her a hug: "Godmother! I grew up my whole life thinking I was an orphan unwanted by my family. When I met my brother, I was so happy I couldn't wait to tell the whole world. I swear I lived in a haze for weeks. And now…to have you and godfather, who are as good as parents. I don't know what I did to deserve such good fortune."

The woman hugged her back and patted her head: "XYZ, I too thank heavens for returning you to us."

YQ approached the man and gave a bow: "Sir, please forgive me for not knowing to ask permission to marry XYZ. Now I can only belatedly ask for your blessings."

The man looked at YQ appraisingly: "Given your status, I wouldn't think you would need my permission or blessing."

YQ shook his head: "No sir. My status gives me no special rights not to consider XYZ's family. She's too important to me for me not to want your blessings."

The man nodded: "Hmm…I see." He smiled: "I see Jian-er was right in his judgment of you. I welcome you to the family!"

YQ smiled back and gratefully thanked him.

Finally, XJ drew Qing-er forward: "Godfather, godmother, I have saved the best for last. This is Qing-er, my yet to be wed Xiao Fu Ren."

Qing-er blushed at his introduction and curtsied gracefully: "Qing-er is honored to meet XJ's godparents."

The woman let go of XYZ and turned to Qing-er: "XJ wrote to us about meeting a lady, but I didn't think he'd bring home such a well-mannered beauty! And you're so well-named too! The weather here is sunny and clear almost on a daily basis!"

The man nodded: "Our Jian-er has spent many years wandering the world, I'm glad he has found a home at last."

Qing-er smiled gratefully at their easy acceptance.

The man continued: "Alright, none of this Sir and Madame nonsense. We're XJ's godparents and you all count as XJ's family, please feel free to call us Aunt and Uncle. We've been standing out here a while and you all must be tired. Please, come in and be refreshed. We have grand festivities planned for tonight!"