SailorStar9: Well, we've hit Chapter 40 and I present to you readers an interlude. So, read and review. Come on guys and girls, is it so hard for you to leave a review other than put this on your favorited list and story alerts?

Disclaimers: Me no own, you no sue.

Chapter 40: Interlude: The Mid-Autumn Festival

"Wait a minute," Mei Li suddenly voiced after the Coiled Dragon Pot was put away. "What day is it today? We've been on the road for so long, I've lost track."

"It's the 15th of the eighth month." Sanche replied.

"The 15th?" Mei Li echoed. "Mao, do you know what this means? It's the Mid-Autumn Festival!" she gushed. "Can we stay for a little longer, Mao?" she pleaded. "Please?"

"Who wants to bet Mao breaks in under ten minutes?" Shell joked.

Both Ya Xue and Leon exchanged amused looks. "Sucker bet." Ya Xue smirked, causing Sanche to bite back a laugh.

"You don't look too happy." Sanche looked at the solemn swordswoman, after Mei Li dragged Mao out to the festival that was held on the streets.

"She won't be." Leon voiced. "Her father was killed on this day."

"I see..." Sanche blinked. "I didn't know."

"You won't have." Ya Xue replied. "Excuse me." she muttered and slipped out.

"Leon," Sanche turned to the silent seafood master. "Do you know how to release someone from a 'Life Vow'?"

"Mao, can I speak to you about something?" Sanche pulled Mao aside when he returned.

"What is it, Sanche?" Mao asked.

"It's about Ya Xue's 'Life Vow'." Sanche admitted. "I asked Leon about it and he said only you or your sister can release the 'Life Vow'."

"Why would you..." Mao wondered. "I see..." he realized. "You like Ya Xue." he grinned at the blushing older chef. "You'll have to write to my sister to ask about that; she's the head of our family. Do you also want to draw up a betrothal contract, too?" he teased.

"Mao!" Sanche exclaimed.

"Ya Xue, we need to talk." Mao informed the maid-servant. "About family stuff." he added, with a glare directed at Shilou who shrunk and made himself scarce. "Sanche... you know he likes you, right?"

"Yes," Ya Xue nodded. "But..."

"If you rejected him because of the 'Life Vow', he asked about it and how to go about releasing you from it." Mao cut her off. "Since nee-chan is the head of the family, she has the final say about it. And if all goes well, you'll be released from the 'Life Oath' and when we return to Szuchuan, she'll already have a betrothal contract drawn out. Ya Xue, I know you're honor-bound to fulfill the oath, but I don't want you to sacrifice your happiness for it. I'm sure nee-chan will tell you the same thing."

"Mao-sama..." Ya Xue gasped.

"Besides," Mao shrugged. "The 'Life Vow' thing is outdated anyway."

SailorStar9: Now that's done, read and review.