Banou did not reply to her father's letter for days. She have to think carefully and thoughtfully. A child will be the heir the other, she not sure what will happen to him. Thus what she writes back must not be interpreted that the one not suitable is not able to be the heir.
The Sultan who never openly say who is selected to be the heir however base on Banou's point of view, her father might favour Arya. A person of humble background is much a better choice. He who is innocent and never tinted by greediness of society. While Darius who have education from his grandmother who is the grand princess, the sister of her father. She might guide him and shape the way he is now.
Greetings father,
May god grace peace upon you. I am fine over here. It's now into the snowing season. We are starting to wear thick clothes. I know in the hot sands, you cannot imagine wearing thick fur coats and walk around. However in Tang here, after a few more days or weeks, the streets will be thicken with white snow. As if a thick white blanket is spread throughout the city. Even the animals are hiding away The children will run outside the streets and play with the thick snow outside the door.They will have snow fights which is enjoy by all ages While inside the mansion i live with my husband, the servants will lit up small heating system here to provide warm in every room. I wish i can bring you here to show you how cold it is over here. The temperature here is even colder than Yakhchals that our engineers have design and build over the years.
Father, in-regarding to the last letter that i have received from you. In it, you asked me for my thoughts about the boys. Whether which boy i think is the best person to in-heir the empire is not important. The wise decision comes from you as you are wiser than i am. You have more in-depth of which child is better and suitable for our Empire. For now i only can see two boys who are eager to learn about the world we live in. Both of them get along well with my children. My husband teach them how to use the sword when he is back from camp. While daily they practise bow and arrow with my twins.
Please do not worry. Everything here will be fine. The guards you send with the boys escort them daily whoever they goes. While in my mansion, all male servants are equipped with the ability to fight off intruders at anytime as they are previously soldiers. Thus father, don't you worry. Just do your daily work, if there should a need, i will despatch urgent letter to you. For now, i am enclosing some illustration books for your amusement. Also some Chinese herbs to improve your health. As for the crown prince, i hope he is getting better. I have consulted the same physicians whom done the surgery on the crown prince, they have provided some medical advice which is handed to Sir Afshin. He is translating and getting the herbs mentioned. Hopefully it will help to ease the pain that the crown prince is suffering from.
Lastly i will end my letter here. May god bless you and our Empire for a thousand years to come.
Your daughter
Banou
Two weeks later heavy snow is build up in the city. Children of all ages are enjoying playing in the snow. The two boys along with their bodyguards are intrigued with the white snow that are pilled high up in every morning. When the twins brings the boys to the lake to learn how to play and skate on ice. The two boys and their bodyguards who come from Persia is shock to see the whole lake is frozen. They haven't seen so much ice, as Ice in Persia is only the rich can afford to have in their residences. This is the only day that the bodyguards put down their defences but still keep a watch on the heirs as they learn to skate on ice. Banou brings the three youngest babies along to see and play in the snow. For awhile they all enjoy the marvellous scenery and the nature wonders. The white mountains in the distance reminds Banou that her life back in the sands. Mountain of sands that are endless and today she sees the beauty of another element. The world is beautiful again.
Soon another Lunar New Year is arriving. The mansion is set up with red decorations. The three youngest ones are learning to talk now. Two girls call Banou 'Ma Ma' while her grandson who is too calling her 'Ma Ma' cry when he gets scolding.
"You should call me 'Zu Mu'. Han'er, come look at me."
He refuse to listen and cry. He see Li Xin walking in with Wang MoMo, he run to her and cry as he hug her legs. While the other two baby girls who are holding Banou's old toys are staring at their brother and wonder why is he crying.
"Mother"
"Xin'er, where have you been?"
"I went to Ajax to give him some thick coats."
Li Xin picks up the crying boy and pat his back gently.
"When is Xing ger ger coming back?"
"A few more days. This year he wants to bring Li Han to the Kim family. Also to go pay respect to the dead Kim Min Jin."
"Consort Princess, you have to get the Luar New Year gifts for your in-law prepare as well."
"Oh i forget about those. Thank you Wang MoMo for reminding me. Please help me to arrange some proper gifts."
Wang Mo Mo bow and she smile. The adults continue to correct Li Han over the days but he refuse to correct it. As he knows that what he is hearing and understand is correct. Everyone address her as 'Ma Ma' why should he address her differently. However when comes to Li Cheng he dress him as 'Zu Fu' without a problem.