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The Mandate #1
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A thin man sat on a horse as he stares out at the expansive plains below him; it was almost bare, but with a couple of sprightly trees dotted across the land that looked almost if it would stretch on for all eternity.
The land’s serenity was almost surreal, given that it wasn’t more than 10 years ago when this place was where many great battles took place.
Xiwu, the kingdom located in the southwest, frequently invaded its neighbours, and it was here that Xiwu troops met with the allied troops; primarily made up of Donghai, Pan and Xiang armies.
SQUAWK SQUAWK!
The thin man stirred and almost ducked, but stopped and sighed in relief when he saw a pair of crows sitting calmly on the tree behind him. There used to be a lot more of them around; the numerous battles and countless war dead made sure they had more than enough food.
He turned his sight to the plains again.
The land is now peaceful, if only on the surface. It has only been ten years, but the political landscape had changed beyond recognition.
Xiwu for the past several years had not renewed its invasions; the strong and reliable Donghai had sank into internal strife; Pan had abandoned its longtime friendship with Xiang, and tied up an alliance with its arch enemy Xiwu; Xiang was on the verge of collapse.
The invader was no longer an invader, and the now former allies had turned inward.
SQUAWK SQUAWK!!!!
The crows took off, and the thin man’s eyes followed them for a while before returning his gaze to the plains. A small movement in the horizon alerted him and he leaned forward, narrowing his eyes.
The small movement slowly emerged and it soon became clear to the man what it was he was seeing. He sucked in a deep breath and grabbed the horse reins. The horse neighed as it spurn around.
“The Xiwu entourage’s here! We’ve got to alert the general to welcome the bride!”
-
A messenger saluted the lieutanent and hastily rode off to the Pan capital of Luoyang. General Fan Weiqi was inspecting the fortress walls when he saw the messenger. He immediately knew what news was at hand and shouted for his already-assembled army to march out.
The city came to life with drums and fireworks and a party of dancers followed the army out to greet the entourage. The entourage soon arrived with a carriage made of gold and decked richly with red curtains. The Pan army shouted in unison to hail the bridal entourage, for it carried the Princess of the Morning Jade Yue Fei'er, eldest daughter of the King of Xiwu and consort-to-be of the King of Pan.
The Pan army led the carriage to the palace while the Xiwu escort guard were invited to rest at the guesthouse. The Premier of Pan, Gao Si, came to the gates of the palace with a number of civil officials and palace maids. The officials bowed as the palace maids drew aside the curtains and helped the bride out of the carriage.
The maids held the Princess' hands as the party proceeded into the King's court. The King received his bride in his yellow robes of splendor and they bowed before Heaven in the royal wedding ceremony. The grand banquet followed and the Xiwu envoys were honoured with gold and silk. Finally, the King led his new consort to his private chambers to consumate the marriage.
Meanwhile, a beautiful young lady was gossiping with the palace maids in the servants' quarters. She was dressed plainly like the other maids, but she was Yue Jiayan, the Xiwu Princess of the Northern Clouds, disguised as the Consort's personal attendant. Being really smart, she quickly picked up the important details of the internal politics of the Pan King's Palace...
-
A white shadow suddenly walked past, startling the chattering maids. One of the maids was so startled that she yelped and fell.
"Oi...! What the... wearing all white at such a day and walking so fast at such a time... like a floating ghost!" The maid scolded angrily in a bid to hide her embarrassment at having fallen.
Having heard the maid, the black shadow stopped and turned to look at the maid.
It wasn't a ghost, but a tall man with sharp, handsome features, wearing long white robes with a sword attached to the belt on his left waist. His robes were made of good material, and he didn't seem like someone who should be at the servants' quarters.
"Oh..! It's Lord Zhou! I... I'm sorry! I didn't know!" The maid apologised profusely upon recognising the man. "Uhh... what is Lord Zhou doing here at the servants' quarters? Is there anything we can do to help?" The maid offered quickly with a bright smile, either hoping the man would forget about her rudeness or take a shine to her... or both. But her smile quickly fades when she saw how dark Zhou He's face was.
"Newbie, this is Lord Zhou He, chief attendant of Donghai's Prince Ying." The second maid quickly introduced the undercover princess to the man in a hushed whisper.
"My apologies for frightening you ladies." Zhou He tucked his hands into his sleeves and nodded his head at the maids. "I should be going."
Without another word, Zhou He left as quickly as he appeared.
"Huh. Weird one. He didn't even explain why he's here." The second maid scratched her head.
"Can't be a tryst, right?!" The first maid's eyes glowered.
"What are you talking about?" The second maid was confused.
"Sometimes I see him with that Lanxi!"
The second maid shook her head. She smiled in embarrassment at Jiayan. "Ah, hope you don't take this seriously, newbie. She's just a bit... you know." She sighed.
"He looked upset. Should I check up on him or on Prince Ying?" The first maid wondered aloud.
"Oh... just in case you haven't heard, Prince Ying of Donghai is a guest at our palace. He and his entourage has been here for three years now, and who knows how long they are going to keep staying. Anyway, since Donghai is in an unstable condition right now, nobody knows what's going to happen to this royal guest. So you might want to exercise caution around them." The second maid kindly told Jiayan.
-
in the corner of a grand room, sat a pretty maid, carefully selected by the emperor's highly favored consort, lady yi. the maid's journey to become the consort's private musician was filled with much obstacle as her competitors were also highly talented with the zither. although lady yi had a reputation for being particular and moody, everyone knew that she was also generous with her gifts as long as she was pleased. the maid beautifully played the zither, providing background music for lady yi, who sat in the center of the room while gracefully working on her embroidery. she stopped short as she was displeased with her work. for how could she work? the king regularly and faithfully visited her, but ever since his marriage to princess fei'er, she had not seen him. her two most trusted maids, who stood guard by her, sensed her displeasure and dared not to speak up to comfort her. sometimes, silence is golden.
lady yi sighed, "lanxi, lanyi."
"yes your highness," they obediently and simulataneously answered.
the lady glided her fingers across the embroidery, "how many days has it been since his last visit?" she knew how long it had been, but she wanted confirmation.
lanxi politely responded, "your highness, it has been one week."
"this princess fei'er, how is she?" wondered lady yi. who was this woman who was able to keep the emperor away from her? not even the empress had that power over him.
as lanxi and lanyi guarded her day and night, they too had not had a chance to interact with princess fei'er. lanyi reluctanly answered, "we hear from the gossiping maids that this princess fei'er is a beautiful and young maiden. but she keeps to herself, so it is hard for us to learn much about her. the maids that have served them during the wedding ceremony could tell that the emperor was quite smitten by her."
"is that so?" lady yi glowered as she imagined how to deal with this challenge.
and then, a loud announcement could be heard as footsteps were approaching her room, "his royal highness has arrived."
lady yi immediately put on her most charming smile as she rushed out and curtsied, "long live his royal highness."
the king nodded, "good," helping lady yi up, "consort yi, how have you been?"
seeing his good mood, she pouted and playfully turned around, "your royal highness, how could you neglect me like this? do you know that i think about you and miss you day and night? it's been so lonely and frightfully boring without you around."
the king laughed, obviously pleased that his absence could cause so much distress, "but i'm here now, aren't i?"
"you're here today, but what about next time? i've never been without you for more than three days since i've set foot into the palace," she turned around to face him and carefully caressed his face and slid her hand in a seductive manner down to his chest.
the surrounding maids cast their eyes down. aware that they were not alone, the emperor waived his arm to dismiss them.
once alone, the king chuckled, "well, in that case, i really have to make it up to you, don't i?" as he led her to her bedroom.
she flirtatiously asked him, "aren't you tired after all of those restless nights with your new consort?" moving away from him to entice him. although she flattered him to please him, she was also fully aware that a man always wants what he cannot get. if she carefully played hard to get, he would be much more enticed and would likely return for more. she continued in a sing song voice, "and even if you're not tired, i am from having to wait for you in this room day and night."
the king wrapped his arm around her, "then what is it you seek, my love?"
she playfully pounded his chest, "you can't bully me with your strength," as she giggled, "but promise me that you will visit me more often?"
"how can i visit you more often? i don't even see some of my wives more than once a month."
lady yi knew this was true, but her position in his heart might have been compromised with the arrival of the princess. She needed to secure her position. as the king led her to her bed, he failed to see the dark glimpse behind lady yi’s scheming pair of eyes.
-
**********
It was a warm spring evening. While the sun had finished his day of work and gone to sleep, the city of Luoyang chattered away busily. Bright lamps lit the streets where citizens continued to celebrate their excitement from the event of the day—the arrival of the Xiwu Princess of the Morning Jade. In fact, many have travelled from far just to witness this historical event. It marked the beginning of an alliance of peace between Xiwu and Pan. Gone were the days of worrying about when the next attack from southwestern neighbors would be. Shouts of glee and singing of cheers to the rhythm of clanging of cups were heard from all corners of the city.
“Long live His Majesty, the King of Pan!”
“May the Princess of Morning Jade and His Majesty unite in happiness for a hundred years!”
“And one hundred royal children, too!”
“And may you, brother, also have as many children.”
“Hahahahahaha!”
“Cheers!”
There was no person without a smile.
Perhaps except for one.
Xue Qian could not even manage a frown because the muscles of his face were tired from being wrinkled disgust all day. Disgusted that the lady of his pursuit is to be married to another man. Disgusted at himself for being unable to take her away before she stepped foot into the Palace. And now, he had to listen to these commoners' disgusting praise for their King and his new marriage.
At least the wine was good. Xue Qian raised the bottle to his lips and gulped the liquid down continuously until it emptied. “Waiter! One more bottle!” He shouted, but his voice was drowned out by cheerful chatters of the other customers. With the influx of visitors, it was no wonder that all the restaurants and inns found their business to be more prosperous than usual. Despite the owners taking advantage of the event and raising their prices threefold, all the tables and rooms were filled to capacity.
“Waiter!” Xue Qian shouted one again, this time much more anger in his tone. He slammed down on the table with his left fist. A few other customers quickly glanced at his direction and looked at him strangely but quickly ignored him and returned to their conversations.
-
Unknown to Xue Qian, his anger had caught the attention of another customer at the wine house. Apparently the festive mood had not penetrated everyone's psyche and perhaps rightly so.
Huo Yuan has been in Luoyang for more than a few days already, and he finds it almost disgusting that everyone seemed so happy about the marriage. Have they forgotten that Xiwu was their enemy? Have they forgotten about their friendship with Xiang, just as their fiend of a King had? Have they accepted the betrayal so easily, just so they could make it rich and big with the wealth held within Xiang's lands? And most baffling of all, how could they have trusted Xiwu's intentions as though they had learnt nothing from the stories of Daji, Baosi and Xishi?
Seeing the happy people around him, Huo Yuan wasn't sure which was more infuriating - the behaviour of these people or the fact that he was constantly under appreciated and set up by court officials who were more concerned of their personal vendetta against his father than for the well-being of Xiang.
Any petitions or suggestions he had nearly always received only silence in response or were rejected after months of antagonising wait. Yet an admirable efficiency was displayed the moment he requested for leave...
He gritted his teeth and stood up, holding his half-full wine jar in one hand and his trusty spear in another. He walked over to Xue Qian's table.
"What made you so angry at such a day, my friend?" He asked. He wasn't sure why he was talking to this man. Maybe he needed someone who shared similar feelings, albeit for different reasons, to talk to.
-
“Wine! Wine! Wine! Get me more wine!” demanded Xue Qian, momentarily ignoring Huo Yuan while pounding his fist against the table to attract the waiter’s attention.
The coward waiter signaled back and reassured, “Just a second young master.” He quickly ran to the counter and whispered to the owner of the inn, “I think we have trouble here. Everyone around us is celebrating, but those two men,” pointing in Xue Qian and Huo Yuan’s direction, “are the most solemn here. The nearly drunk young master is getting really difficult to please.”
The owner ordered, “Go get Feng to take care of this.” The waiter nodded and ran to the outhouse, where he found a lanky and dirty faced boy dutifully cleaning away any hint of waste matter on the ground and stall. He quickly grabbed the boy and exclaimed, “Feng, we’re understaffed and you are required to help out with the restaurant today.”
Feng jerked himself away from the waiter, “Oh. What do you guys need me to do this time?” He quickly tidied himself while hurrying to the restaurant with the waiter.
“There is another spoiled young master out front who you have to serve. He is getting quite drunk, and none of us wish to be a part of it.” Entering through the backdoor of the restaurant, he motioned, “Quickly, go grab him another bottle of the best wine. He’s sitting right at that table over there.”
Feng walked towards Xue Qian’s direction as he heard him yell out, “What does it take to get any service here?” Feng took a quick look at Xue Qian, lavishly dressed in the finest silk. “One would expect a person with such refine taste to be more well-mannered,” thought Feng. He then saw the gentleman standing next to Xue Qian, also well dressed but much more sober with a slight frown on his face.
As Feng finally approached the table, Xue Qian grabbed the bottle from him, but then he immediately dropped the bottle. “What is that horrid smell?” Xue Qian finally looked up and stared at Feng in disgust. As if his day was not already miserable enough. He may be drunk, but he still could smell everything perfectly well, especially when the odor was feces. “Well, well, I would have never expect a first rate inn like Zhao Long Inn to have such a dirty employee.”
Feng merely stooped down to pick up the pieces of the broken bottle, “Sorry about this young master, I’ll get you another wine bottle.”
“Hmph! You have better get me another waiter too!”
At this point, Huo Yuan sat himself down and stared at Xue Qian, who turned to him and asked, “What do you want?” He was too drunk to care about social etiquette and too miserable to entertain company, but seeing that he couldn’t ignore this person, perhaps rudeness would shoo him away.
But Huo Yuan was a patient man. He repeated, “"What made you so angry at such a day, my friend?"
-
“Did I invite you to sit here and chat?” Xue Qian rolled his eyes and waved his left hand, motioning Huo Yuan to leave. “F--k off. I don’t want to talk about your lecherous King.”
“How dare you insult His Majesty!” a fat man from a neighboring table turned around after hearing Xue Qian’s words. A few others chimed in agreement. Many sitting in the inn were already annoyed with Xue Qian’s behavior as it spoiled the cheerful mood. Who puts on such a long face on such a festive night? Furthermore, he even dared to badmouth the King—a crime that could automatically have him beheaded.
“What? Am I lying?” Xue Qian retorted. “Isn’t that what you people are celebrating today? How your greedy King has claimed another young maiden?”
“Humph. You dress like a human but you speak like a dog,” the fat man taunted. “His Majesty is doing his best to ensure peace to his country and wealth to his people. He has a magnanimous heart, unlike some certain people sitting here who speaks with their a--hole.”
“Hahahahaha!” The inn filled with laughter as many others have already turned their attention this way.
“Are you talking about yourself? Magnanimous heart? He’s nothing but an opportunistic backstabbing leech! He saw the strength of Xiwu so he betrayed his old friend the Xiang and begged for a marriage with Xiwu instead.”
“Bullsh-t! Xiwu should be thankful that Pan is willing to form an allegiance with them. They’re the ones sucking up to us by marrying their daughter to us, not the other way ar---ARG!” Before the fat man could finish his sentence, a cup had smashed into his face, immediately knocking a tooth out. The shards of the cup had cut into this face and blood seeped from his cheeks and out of his lips. He spit out a mouthful of blood, “Why you lithle bathard!”
But before the fat man could speak further, Xue Qian had already pouched in his direction, grabbed him by the collar, and threw him to the ground. However, his body was too heavy and the momentum carried him over to the next table, knocking the table over.
The customers of that table angrily stood up and charged towards Xue Qian. Xue Qian grabbed them each and threw them in whatever direction he could, causing a few other tables to knock over. Most customers had been drinking in celebration all night and thus their disposition a bit more belligerent than usual. Soon enough, more than a dozen customers were throwing punches and kicks at Xue Qian. The entire inn had become a riot. Even those passing by on the street stopped to peak in and see what was going on.
Knowing such a scene was bad for his business, the owner tried to stop the men but they were much too engaged in the fight to pay attention to him. He tried to pull one man out of the fight but instead recieved a punch to the stomach and was shoved away.
While Xue Qian had been trained in the martial arts, he was never a fervent practitioner. He could fend off a few street rascals, but certainly not a crowd. It didn’t take long for him to fall to the losing side of the battle.
-
The man is an a**. That, Huo Yuan could easily tell. But the way he was talking, he was either a Pan citizen who held serious grievances against his king, or was simply a foreigner like himself. Either way, the man wasn't going to get away easily for shooting his mouth off. The price was that at least a dozen feet was kicking at him while he laid on the floor shielding himself helplessly.
He probably deserved the beating, but such an unfair fight was most unsightly. As a professional soldier, Huo Yuan also finds this unacceptable. He had to step in, before the beating escalate into something worse. Besides, he agrees on what was being said about the King of Pan.
Looking at the crowd, he had to do something drastic to make them get away from the man.
"Stop!" He ordered, hitting the floor hard with the spear. The force was so great that the cement floor cracked a little, creating enough noise to stun the crowd and stop them momentarily.
Seeing the effect, he moved quickly to shield Xue Qian.
"He is only a drunkard. Must you kind sirs take offense at the words of a drunk man?" Huo Yuan appealed. However, a cold anger burnt his heart at this moment and he changed his mind about defusing the situation. "Besides, why let him ruin a good night that celebrates Pan's consorting with the enemy? Why stop the merrymaking when Pan will soon become more powerful and wealthier than before by ruthlessly betraying and annexing the lands of an old and faithful friend?"
"Wha... what! You... you are with him! What the hell!" Angry customers yelled out. A man lunged forward but was stunned to a quick stop when Huo Yuan jabbed the tip of his spear forward.
"Damnit! Beat him up!" the crowd cried. Boosted in confidence by the number, the mob rushed up.
Huo Yuan easily fended them off as he drew a quick circle with the bottom of the pole diagonally, tripping some while others were deterred from moving in further. Building on that momentum, Huo Yuan swept in again and stabbed at the crowd's feet with the wooden end, forcing them off, creating a larger space in between. Now having a bigger and more comfortable space, Huo Yuan bent his legs and lowered his spear, the shiny tip pointed at the hostile crowd. He was prepared for a bigger fight.
// This feels kind of good. I must be really sick of them all! // He thought with almost a glee.
"Hey. Can you move? Or are you playing dead? Get up and run." Huo Yuan said as he nudged Xue Qian with his foot.
-
At the palace
As Lady Yi and the King retire for the night, Lanxi and Lanyi went to stand guard outside the room. As time creeps past, Lanxi turned to Lanyi.
“I’m going to the loo.”
“Ok. Be careful.”
Lanxi nodded and walked toward the loo, but once she turned around the corner, she changed direction and quickened her pace, until she reached the imperial garden. Quietly, she snuck into a well-hidden small spacing between two rocks. She smiled upon seeing the person who was waiting for her.
“Well well. Aren’t you on time, Lord Zhou He.”
The rocks’ shadows was casted over Zhou He and even though she could not see his expression, but she imagined he must be…
She brushed the image out of her mind and stepped closer. He did not move.
“How is His Majesty’s mood?” Zhou He asked.
“Cutting right to the chase? You sure aren’t a romantic person.” Lanxi crossed her arms.
Zhou He paused for a moment before he replied, “… I imagine you must be on guard duty so I should not hold you back too long.”
“You have a way with words, but that does not make a woman happy.” Lanxi frowned, but sighed in resignation. “Fine fine… who asked me to like a heartless cad like you, right?”
“Boyan is just…” Zhou He started but Lanxi raised her hand.
“His Majesty’s mood is obviously very good. How could he not be? He has got what he wanted, and the Xiwu princess is young and beautiful, no? He’s happy enough to spend days with her consecutively and he’s all smiles today as well.”
“I see.”
Lanxi waited for a moment but there was only silence. Irritated, she cursed Zhou He in her heart. “That’s it? Then I’m going.”
She turned to leave but was surprised when a hand grabbed at her arm.
“Wait. Lanxi, I…” Zhou He’s voice was hesitative. She waited expectantly.
The grip loosened and the hand slipped off.
“Goodnight, Lanxi.”
Taken aback at the sudden change of Zhou He’s behaviour, she turned around and slapped him across the face with the back of her hand before storming off.
Tears welled in her eyes but she would not cry. No. Not over him. He’s not worth it.
Yet she knows she will go to him again the next time he calls for her.
-
The owner of the inn panicked, “Heavens! My restaurant. Don’t these stupid hot blooded men have anything better to do? Feng, stop them!” Feng’s colleagues also gathered around him and pushed him forward, “That’s right. Do as the boss tells you.”
Feng stared wide eyed as he pondered how to stop the commotion. He barely knew any martial arts, but as he tried to come up with a scheme, it was already too late.
“What are we waiting for? Let’s all attack him at once,” suggested one of the restaurant’s patrons. All the men immediately surrounded Huo Yuan and lunged forward convinced that the bunch of them could take down one man. Unfortunately, they were wrong; they barely even scratched him. Several men jumped back in shock when they saw the spear heading towards their direction, and the more reckless men were forcefully pushed in various directions by the blunted end of the spear.
Huo Yuan laughed at their uselessness, and he felt good. Finally, a release for all those years of suppression by his own kind.
Suddenly, a figure swiftly somersaulted through the window and caught a man who was thrown back midair. He helped the man land safely and saluted Huo Yuan, “Greetings.”
Huo Yuan eyed the older gentleman with interest as this was completely unexpected. The man was dressed in regular civilian clothes. Nothing was distinguished about him, yet he had this calmness that disturbed Huo Yuan. “This has nothing to do with you. Please step aside.”
The older gentleman responded, “You’re right, but this fight is unfair. These men are obviously not your match, and what joy is there in beating up civilians?”
Huo Yuan almost let it go until one of the patrons tried to sneak attack him from behind. He spun and kicked the patron. As the patron flew back, Huo Yuan jumped towards him with the spear racing towards his chest, “I hate sneak attacks. That’s something only a son of a turtle would stoop to do.”
The older gentleman quickly ran towards Huo Yuan and grabbed the back of the spear with his left hand, and then he used his right hand to gently push the back of the spear down. Although the motion appeared as gentle as a breeze, the force generated was so great that it caused Huo Yuan to lose control of the spear. The spear shot straight through the window, and both Huo Yuan and the older gentlemen jumped out of the window to retrieve it. Huo Yuan tried to palm the gentleman to push him away, but he was surprised to find that not only did he not hurt that gentleman, but the palm allowed the gentlemen to lunge forward farther to retrieve the spear.
When the gentleman landed, he walked towards Huo Yuan. He lifted the spear up with both of his hands and offered it to Huo Yuan. It was only then that Huo Yuan noticed the man walked with a limp.
The man spoke, “It is clear what that patron did is wrong. I hope he has learned his lesson.” When the gentleman looked up at the patron who tried to attack Huo Yuan, the man looked down in embarrassment.
Huo Yuan smiled. It had been awhile since he had a good duel. “If you must intervene on their behalf then I have no choice but to let bygone be bygone. By the way, I am Huo Yuan. May I have elder’s name?”
The gentleman smiled, “Who I am does not matter. I am glad to have encountered a reasonable young lad like you. If we have an affinity, perhaps we will meet again in the future.”
“Even if elder does not share with me, I can guess that you are the famous Wu Hao Cun.” Everyone in wulin knew that Wu Hao Cun suffered a major injury to his left leg during his fight against his greatest enemy seven years ago. And a man with such a high internal energy and great martial arts skills as the one Huo Yuan just fought can only be the one and only Wu Hao Cun, the one who possessed the legendary flying dagger.
The gentleman laughed and walked away.
Huo Yuan suddenly remembered Xue Qian. He rushed back and all the patrons cowered away from him. He gently kicked Xue Qian, “Eh, wake up. Are you dead?”
Just then, Feng rushed over with a bucket of fluid and splashed it towards their direction. Xue Qian opened his eyes and startled as he smelled the fluid. “Urine? Why you stupid, dirty waiter.”
Feng then panicked and ran away. He didn’t realize that he grabbed the bucket of urine. He thought it was water in his haste to find something to help wake up Xue Qian.
-
“You piece of sh*t! I’m going to kill you!” Xue Qian cried angrily as he charged after Feng. All the other customers covered their noses and quickly jumped out of his way to avoid touching his urine soaked robes.
As he closed in on Feng, Xue Qian leaped forward to grab Feng’s collar, but grabbed only air. Unfortunately, while the urine had woke him up, it did not clear away the effects of alcohol. He clearly misjudged the distance between himself and Feng. His momentum carried him forward but before he could react, he had already slammed head first into a nearby table.
For a split moment, he saw flashing lights. Then, he saw nothing and drifted away from consciousness.
“Ha! Now who’s the stinky one?” Feng snickered. While he did not pour the urine on purpose, any feelings of sympathy had disappeared by now after seeing Xue Qian’s attitude. The other customers also laughed and enjoyed watching Xue Qian make a fool out of himself.
-
Huo Yuan deftly stepped aside when he saw the urine splashing towards them. What happened was that the entire bucket of the unfortunate liquid landed square onto Xue Qian.
“You piece of sh*t! I’m going to kill you!” Xue Qian cried angrily as he charged after Feng.
But he was still drunk, and his senses and judgment failed him terribly, eventually causing him to slam head-down onto a nearby table, rendering him unconscious.
The customers looked at Xue Qian in disgust.
"Take your friend away! What troublemakers you are!" The customers demanded.
Huo Yuan sighed and said, "He's not my friend, but I will take him away."
Xue Qian might have been rude and unruly, but at least they had common views. Plus, maybe he's a better person when sober.
Tying his spear to his back, Huo Yuan bent down, slipped his arms under Xue Qian's neck and legs and carried him up easily.
"EWWW!" The customers groaned. They were unable to understand how Huo Yuan could do that, considering Xue Qian was soaked and wet with urine. But in his younger days when he trained hard at his martial arts, and when court officials made things difficult for him, he had seen and experienced worse.
"Wait. What about the stuff you guys broke?" Feng came asking, apparently concerned about the loss they would make.
Huo Yuan looked at Feng.
"If you believe me, I'd come back here tomorrow morning to make the repayments." He said and leaves the wine house before Feng could stop him. He tried to follow but Huo Yuan had disappeared into the busy street.
"Aww... who knows if he will come back at all!" Feng muttered in dissatisfaction.
********
With the inns in Luoyang fully booked, there was no inn for Huo Yuan to return to. But considering they need to clean themselves up, Huo Yuan leaves the city and went to the closest available river stream.
Once they reached there, Huo Yuan placed Xue Qian down and went to wash himself as he observed the area. Clean, pristine looking, and better still, a large tree was just next to the river stream. Good place for sleeping too.
As for Xue Qian... Huo Yuan looked at the unconscious man lying on the grass.
He would remain there.
-
The older gentleman who walked away from Zhao Long Inn was indeed Wu Hao Cun. He smiled, slightly pleased that despite his disappearance, the younger generation of martial artists heard of him. Thinking about his encounter with Huo Yuan, he thought, “That young lad is quite rational. Most young pugilists are too proud and want to parry recklessly just to save face, but this lad is different.”
Then he sighed and touched his left leg. He was well aware that his limp disclosed his identity. This handicap…it would forever be with him. It would forever be a reminder that he was not as invincible as he once thought he was. Perhaps he was too proud, too conceited, and too confident in his abilities. It was partially the reason for his seclusion from the martial arts world these past six years. But these were things of the past. Currently, he had a more important task at hand.
It was getting late. He had wandered the streets of Luoyang long enough and now had to return to his room in Zhao Long inn. When he entered the room, he took out two scrolls from his undershirt and unrolled them; each scroll had a drawing of a different person. He looked at the drawings for the hundredth time. Although he had never seen these individuals, he committed their faces to memory. He wondered how long it would take him to find them. The sooner, the better.
As usual, he woke up early the next day to further explore Luoyang, hoping to find those three individuals.
-
The sun began to peek from the eastern sky. With the ray of light splashing across his face, Xue Qian awoke with a heavy pounding sensation in his head. His body ached. His mouth was dry. He opened his eyes, only to see himself lying on grass next to a river. What the hell? What kind of bad dream is this?
Xue Qian closed his eyes and tried to return to sleep—hoping he’ll wake up from this dream the next time. But before he could even settle in on a comfortable position, a foul smell seeped into his nose. Something like urine. He immediately stood up and tried to walk away from the area but the smell of urine did not diminish at all. Where is this smell coming from? He looked around in confusion.
But soon enough, flashes of scenes from the previous night returned to his mind. The fighting, the dirty little waiter, and the ur---
“Argh!” Xue Qian screamed in disgust as he immediately jumped into the nearby river. He took off his robe and scrubbed himself as hard as he can to remove any residue of urine until his skin began turning red.
It wasn’t until he heard a chuckle coming from the shore that Xue Qian stopped and turned his head. He saw a young man with a spear laughing at him. “So that smell finally got to you. Funny how comfortable you look sleeping in urine.”
Xue Qian raised his furrowed his eyebrows, offended that someone is laughing at him. “Who the hell are you and what do you want?”
“I see. You are just as terrible sober as you are drunk. This is how you treat the one who saved you?”
“Saved me? I don’t need anybody saving me--AHHH!!” Xue Qian suddenly saw a spear thrusting in his direction and quickly ducked out of the way.
The spear sliced into the water without splash, a feat only accomplished with effective speed and accuracy. Huo Yuan lifted his spear out of the water, revealing two carps pierced through the stomach wiggling at the tip.
“Don't tell me you're going to eat that,” Xue Qian winced as he hopped out of the river. He wrung his robe as tight as he can to squeeze out as much water as he can before putting it back on. Still wet, but it’ll have to do for now.
“We're in Luoyang. If you’re going to eat, go to a respectable restaurant.” He walked towards the city. After walking a few steps, he realized that Huo Yuan had not followed. He turned around, “What at you standing there for? Are you not coming? Hurry up, let's go.”
-
BACK IN TOWN
The streets were still bustling from excitement due to the new alliance between Pan and Xiwu. Lanterns, candy, and special memorabilia were selling like hot cakes, in commemoration of the special event.
The scene now shifts back to Zhao Long Inn. On the roof of the restaurant sat a man by the name of Wang Ai Lang. He was dressed in a dark green outfit, black sash, black shoes. Strong, handsome, features. But he had something very distinguishing about him. Despite looking to be in his late 20's, this Wang Ai Lang was heavily graying.
Wang Ai Lang was observing the events blow him, unnoticed, "These people sure are a happy bunch. Drinking and eating, not a worry in their lives. Xiang was once like this. These people most likely have no idea how ruthless the conquest against Xiang was....Xiang, Pan's former ally. In their eye's they see their King as a great man, full of great ambition, wanting to expand the territory of Pan, but they do not realize how treacherous he is. I bet Xiwu too will have the same fate as Xiang...Once the King is bored with the princess, Xiwu too will fall.....and once again, many innocent people will lose their lives.....just like Yu (as in Jade)....I must go find the dog of a king," Wang thought to himself.
Wang then left the roof to prepare for what would lay ahead.
-
Caution: Intimate Scene
[Continued from Post 10...]
AT THE PALACE
Two days later, in the chambers of the Xiwu Princess Yan Fei'er, she sat at the dressing table with Yue Jiayan sitting next to her, still posing as a maid.
Yue Fei'er said, "Yanyan, you were right. It did cast a strong spell on the King. But I really couldn't bring myself to do it at first."
Yue Jiayan said, "Elder Sis, I know it's been hard on you, but you have to do it for the sake of our great Xiwu. Don't worry too much, Little Sis here will do the dirty work for you, and I'll make sure none of the other jealous concubines dare lay a finger on you."
Yue Fei'er sighed. "Alright, I really hope you can fulfil Father-King's (Fu Wang) ambition soon."
At this moment, the attendant outside announced, "The King has arrived!"
Yue Jiayan winked at Yue Fei'er and carried the tea tray. The Pan King walked in and Yue Jiayan gently bowed her head, "Greetings, Your Royal Highness." The King walked right past her and straight towards Yue Fei'er. He completely failed to notice that the beautiful maid bore great resemblance to the Consort he was now smitten with.
Yue Jiayan's lips curved into a sly smile and walked out as Yue Fei'er gracefully curtsied behind her.
The King said, "My beauty, hardly a day has gone by without me thinking of you. Even Lady Yi cannot please me the way you do. Right now I want you to give me such pleasure that befits a King again, just like last week."
Yue Fei'er said, "Your Highness flatters me. As your consort it gives me great fulfilment to please you as a woman deserves to please a King."
The King cupped her voluptuous bosom and she gave a soft moan. That really turned him on and he quickly pulled her robe apart and let it drop on the floor. She carefully took off his clothes and the pair faced each other completely nude.
Yue Fei'er knelt down on a cushion and held the King's waist. The King quickly took a step forward and grinned down at her. She licked it lightly and he took a sharp breath. She then stroke it before sucking it gently, making a slurping sound. The King panted as he ran his fingers through her silky hair, pushing her head closer to himself.
Soon, her head was bobbing back and forth as the King yelled out in ecstasy. When he was done, she pulled her mouth away and licked the deposit off her lips. He then tilted her head upwards and wiped off a drop that had dripped down her mouth as she stared at him captivatingly...
***
Outside, Yue Jiayan heard everything clearly. She chuckled to herself and tossed stones into the fish pond as she schemed her next move.
-
While the King and Yue Fei’er were busy enjoying themselves, they had not noticed the masked figure in a night suit crouched on the rooftop watching them. Well, even if they weren’t distracted, they still would not have noticed as this person’s lightness skill can only be matched by top experts. Luckily for them, she was neither an assassin nor a thief. Instead, she was a palace maid.
Lanxi’s face turned bright red as she watched the actions in the room take place. This certainly wasn’t the first time she had been sent for such a task, but she could not help feeling embarrassed and awkward every single time.
When Lady Yi had discovered that the King would report to the Xiwu Princess’s court earlier this evening, Lanxi knew she was going to be assigned this task again. As always, Lady Yi likes to keep a close eye on all her competition. She wanted to know everything from how they dressed to who they speak with. Of course, their interaction with the King was most important—every single detailed interaction.
Sometimes Lanxi cursed herself for training too hard in lightness skill during her youth. Had she been any less skilled, she would never have been assigned such a task. “All those years of training and all I use it for is voyeurism?”
Lanxi sighed. It wasn’t that she felt unwilling to serve Lady Yi for she owes great gratitude to General Yi for saving her and Lanyi from starvation 15 years ago, during the chaotic times of war. They have been serving Lady Yi since then. While Lady Yi was strict in her rules and desires, she had always been good to them. They are more than willing to give an arm, a leg, or even a life to satisfy Lady Yi’s wishes, but the current task at hand really does not sit well with her.
But, before Lanxi could grumble to herself any further, she noticed two figures approaching the building from a distance.
-
Outside the palace
“What? Are you paying?” Huo Yuan mocked. He doesn’t lack money for sure, but he was certainly amused by Xue Qian’s obvious disgust at the wild catch and his rich young master attitude.
Xue Qian rolled his eyes. He must be some vagrant, Xue Qian decided.
“Well, if you are that poor, I suppose I can spare you a meal or two.” He scoffed.
Huo Yuan pulled the fish off his spear and thrust them into his pouch. Xue Qian wriggled his nose in disgust, disbelieving that Huo Yuan’s going to keep them. Noticing Xue Qian’s face, he grinned, “They can come in useful.”
“I doubt it.” Xue Qian turned his nose up as he walked towards the city, with Huo Yuan following right behind.
// Hehe. Just a free meal and I gain a bodyguard! Not bad! // Xue Qian smiled.
In the palace
It didn’t take long before Lanxi saw whom the two figures were. The man walking ahead was rather young and wore a troubled expression. He wore courtly robes and a headset befitting of a prince. Yet he was no Prince of Pan. He was in fact, Prince Ying of Donghai, who had sought refuge from Pan a few years ago when his royal brothers began fighting among themselves for the Donghai throne which remained empty to date.
He came to Pan when he was only seventeen. How fast time had passed.
Lanxi’s eyes went to the man walking behind Prince Ying and her heart soured. Zhou He. She didn’t know which was more annoying – having to see him right after the previous night’s fiasco of a tryst or the voyeurism.
He sure had passed on the information to Prince Ying fast enough; the young prince was now already at the doorsteps.
For Prince Ying, this was something he must do, no matter how ashamed he is. The previous King of Pan had promised assistance in reviving Donghai, but his son did not see to fulfilling his father’s dying wish. In fact, he had broken many of Pan’s political standards.
Now Pan had formally sealed the Xiwu alliance with the royal marriage, the hope of getting the King of Pan to do something was slimmer than before. Surely Xiwu would not allow their most powerful enemy to get back on track only to defy them and their ambitions again. For Xiwu, a weakened Donghai would be the greatest news and they would not want it to regain its strength.
But what else can Prince Ying do? He has no support back home. If his supporters weren’t dead, they would be in prison or like him, living in exile. He had no armies, and he didn’t even have any money; he was purely living off Pan’s generosity but already that was starting to wear thin.
He frowned. As difficult as it is, he has to be thick-skinned and keep petitioning to the King of Pan. The last time they met there were signs the King could be giving in soon. Yet he was refused audience for the next one month.... so now he’s here, paying the King a surprise attack so the man would not give him the slip again.
His fists balled. He must succeed.
A hand was placed on his shoulder, holding it firmly, and Prince Ying relaxed at the hand’s warmth.
“Calm down, Your Highness.” Zhou He said in his usual calm and soothing voice.
Prince Ying unclenched his fists and sighed deeply.
“Yes, of course.” He smiles faintly at his loyal attendant.
Taking in a deep breath, Prince Ying turned around the corner and stepped into the courtyard of the palace.
A strange animal-like sound came from the chambers within, and Prince Ying’s hand went to his sword instinctively.
“Wait, Your Highness…” Zhou He quickly stopped him. His lord was young and inexperienced, thus was unable to recognise the noise. His eyes shifted to the roof, but there was nothing.
More groans.
Sounds like it’s bad timing, he mused.
“AHHH!” A sharp shriek came from the chambers.
“That’s a woman’s voice!” Prince Ying was alarmed. “Someone’s in danger!” His hand moved to his sword again as he readies to rush into the chambers for rescue.
-
Palace Storyline Continued
Zhou He hurriedly grabbed Prince Ying. "No! Your Highness, that was the King, you must not bother them now."
Prince Ying asked, "What?? The King is in trouble? Then how can I not go?" He tried to shake himself free.
Zhou He said, "Aiyah. They are just doing... You know, what a man and woman does. They may be a little noisy but we shouldn't be nosy right now."
Prince Ying was confused, "Doing what thing? What are you saying??"
Just then, the doors opened and the King stepped out. Consort Yan Fei'er hugged him lightly from behind and rested her head on his shoulders. He tilted his head backwards and gentle pecked her on the forehead as she stroked his firm chest.
The King said, "My precious, I'm off now." Yue Fei'er bowed slightly before retiring back into her chambers.
The King walked out feeling very pleased with himself when he saw Prince Ying again. He laughed, "Oh Prince Ying, what brings you here? Admiring the Moon while having a stroll eh?"
Prince Ying took a breath before saying, "Your Royal Highness, I really wish to seek an audience with you regarding the restoration of my country Donghai. I'm very grateful for your hospitality all this while but I sincerely beg Your Royal Highness' help."
The King smiled, "Sure. After tomorrow's Court session, you can come find me."
Prince Ying cupped his hands and bowed, "Prince Ying thanks Your Royal Highness."
Prince Ying and Zhou He watched the King stroll off and said together, "Wow that was easy. He must be in a good mood."
When they realised they were thinking the same thing, they looked at each other and chuckled. At that moment, Prince Ying looked at Zhou He and found him looking back at the same moment. They searched each others' eyes for a while before breaking off their gaze.
Zhou He stuttered, "Erm, Your Highness... Er it's late. Perhaps you should get some rest..."
Prince Ying hastily replied, "Uhh yes you're right. I should go." He glanced away and quickly walked off, trying not to let Zhou He see him blushing.
Zhou He watched Prince Ying's back get smaller with distance and sighed to himself, "The Prince is a handsome man indeed."
-
As Huo Yuan and Xue Qian returned to Luoyang, Huo Yuan briefly saw a figure dressed in dark green fleeting across One Hundred Flowers Brothel's rooftop. He focused on the individual’s face but was unsure if his eyes were deceiving him. “Could that be Wang Ai Lang?” wondered Huo Yuan. The features were similar, yet Wang was a young man and this person had too much gray hair to be who he thought he was. Huo Yuan tried to take a better look; however, the figure had already disappeared.
He was tempted to follow the figure into the brothel, but Xue Qian distracted him, “Can you hurry it up? Zhao Long Inn is quite a distance away! I’m very hungry and the smell of your burnt fish is not helping me.” Xue Qian stretched out his arms and continued to complain, “I had such a terrible sleep last night on that uncomfortable grass and in these now worthless clothes,” thinking about the urine incident, Xue Qian’s agitation increased, “When I get my hands on that miserable waiter, he’ll wish he was never born.” As a count, he commanded respect and fear; people aimed to please him and constantly flattered him. Never had he been so humiliated until he encountered that dirty waiter.
Just as Xue Qian stepped into the restaurant, Feng recognized him and quickly turned around so that he couldn’t be seen. He started cleaning the tables, all the while inching closer to the back door. Fortunately for him, Xue Qian could not differentiate between the waiters’ backs. All commoners were dirt in his eyes, and he rarely bothered to remember much detail about them. Only those he despised did he bother to remember their faces to make their lives insufferable, especially those he had a vendetta against.
Huo Yuan saw Feng exit the back door and excused himself, “Go ahead and order. I’ll be right back.” He exited the back door and quickly followed Feng who panicked but was unable to outrun him.
“What are you doing, following me? I didn’t spill any urine on you!” exclaimed Feng.
Huo Yuan reached into his pocket and took out one tael of gold, “This is to cover the cost of the damage yesterday,” and handed it to Feng.
“Huh, what do you know? You actually kept your word,” however, Feng pushed the tael back, “Don’t give it to me. Give it to my boss.” Feng did not wish to reenter the restaurant to hand the tael over.
Huo Yuan put the tael of gold back into his pocket and guessed, “Actually, I know that you’re afraid to see my companion.”
“Well, you can’t blame me. He has such a nasty attitude. Instead of being appreciative of my help, he looks like he wants to kill me every time he sees me now.” Feng walked towards the outhouse and squatted down to clean it as the area began to reek strongly from urine and feces scattered everywhere. He also hoped that the smell would encourage Huo Yuan to leave. “This man cannot be a good person if he has such a rude companion,” thought Feng.
Surprisingly, Huo Yuan followed him and also squatted down, “I’m here to warn you to leave this area for a bit while my companion cools down. He looks like a man of power and is obviously displeased with you.”
“Aren’t you put off by the smell?” Feng was curious. Most men of Huo Yuan’s status only used the outhouse when necessary and definitely not for conversations.
Huo Yuan replied, “You can’t use these tricks against me.” While training, he had been through much worse things than people realized, “But I’ll take my leave. I hope the next time I see you, you’re not beaten up.”
Feng continued to scrub and thought about Huo Yuan’s words, “He has a point. With that spoiled young master here, the prediction will really come true.”
-
Feng scrubbed for a minute when he realised that Huo Yuan was still standing there despite saying that he was taking his leave.
Feng stood up and stared at Huo Yuan, wondering, "What does he want this time?"
Huo Yuan was actually miffed that this dirty kid was trying to use the shit to chase him away despite his good intentions. He decided to teach Feng a lesson by showing this kid that he was not afraid of getting himself dirty.
Huo Yuan said, "Ah, I'm off."
As Huo Yuan walked out of the outhouse, he purposely bumped into the little kid. His butt rubbed against Feng's butt as he past Feng. This shocked Feng and he instantly recoiled, turning to face Huo Yuan, glaring at Huo Yuan with his face red with anger.
Huo Yuan nonchalantly looked down at his robe and said, "Oh it's soiled now. That's alright." He dusted the robe twice and walked back to the restaurant whistling.
Feng breathed heavily and clenched his fists. He never felt this violated in his life...
-
Back at the Palace
The King of Pan sat through the Court session in a good mood, approving minor matters without a second thought. Once these were settled, he summoned the Xiwu Chief Envoy Zhang Duo Qian.
The envoy bowed and presented the King with a precious sword, a Xiwu speciality. When the King unsheathed the sword, a cold glimmer greeted the hall and a soft but fluid whistle was heard clearly by everyone present. The blade was thin and flexible, but when the King dropped a brush onto it, the brush split into 2 with little force.
The King exclaimed, "Good sword! Your King has sent me a great gift indeed. Bestow the envoy with 1000 taels of gold."
Zhang Duo Qian said, "Thank you, Your Royal Highness. Our King would like to increase trade in Pan's fine horses for our royalty and noblemen. In return, our best blacksmiths will forge more precious swords for Your Royal Highness."
The King replied, "Sure. And the horse millet? Will your King be agreeable to the price?"
Zhang Duo Qian said, "Our King has decided to pay double the price Your Royal Highness asks as a gesture of goodwill and strong ties between our nations. Now that Pan and Xiwu are allied against Xiang, our King suggests that our 2 armies be withdrawn from the Pan-Xiwu border and re-deployed in the northern front against the Xiang armies. That would save both our countries a lot of resources and allow us more troops to focus on defeating Xiang and capturing rich bounties."
The Pan King nodded, "Yes, that's a good idea indeed. My officials, what do you think?"
The officials broke out in affirmation. "Yes! Good!" "Great Plan!" "Your Royal Highness is wise indeed!" "This pact with Xiwu can only benefit us!"
However, one young official, the Secretariat of Palace Protocol, Du Zhi Er, protested, "But Your Royal Highness, if Xiwu were to suddenly attack us, there would be no troops between them and Loyang, and with the wide roads and even terrain, their armies can reach Loyang within a day. Your Royal Highness should reconsider."
The King laughed, "Xiwu just married their beautiful princess to us, and now their King is paying good money for our goods. What's this silly talk of a Xiwu attack? Rubbish!"
The other officials agreed, mocking at Du Zhi Er for being young and naive. He sighed and said no more.
The King then said, "Alright, if there's nothing else, Court dismissed!"
The officials dispersed and the Xiwu Envoy smirked, for he knew that all those officials accepted princely bribes from Xiwu and were safely in its pockets. Just then, he saw Prince Ying briskly walking in his direction and trying to catch up with the King...
-
In the Zhao Long Inn
“I knew it was a good idea not to eat his fish,” Xue Qian mumbled to himself, assuming that Huo Yuan was running to the restroom. He then seated himself on an empty table and called for the waiter.
When the owner saw Huo Yuan and Xue Qian appearing in his inn again, his stomach churned. Not these two again… Yet, he was afraid to kick them out as he knew it was probably not a good idea to upset either. By the way Xue Qian dressed, he looked like he could be a man of power. Huo Yuan, on the other hand, is skilled enough to bring down the entire inn if wanted to. As he heard Xue Qian called for a waiter, he quickly motioned one of the inn workers to attend to Xue Qian.
The waiter grimaced as he remembered the fiasco from the previous night. Plus, as a citizen of Pan, he was more than happy with the peace treaty between Pan and Xiwu. Xue Qian’s comments on the King last night certainly didn’t sit well with him. I should’ve called in sick today…
“Young Master, what would you like?” The inn worker forced a smile as he placed a pot of tea and cups on the table.
“Bring up a table finest dishes and your best wine,” Xue Qian demanded.
“Yes. Right your way.” I’ll serve you some of my finest saliva, too.
“And also,” Xue Qian pulled out a silver ingot and placed it on the table. “Bring me a new set of robes.”
What is this? We’re not your servants. “Um, we only serve food here--"
“Yes, young master. We’ll get you a new set of robes.” The waiter was quickly interrupted by the grinning inn owner, who eyed the shining silver ingot.
“Yes, we’ll get it for you,” the waiter rolled his eyes and quickly walked away, afraid that if he lingered any longer, Xue Qian might come up with a new demand.
“For as good as the food and wine this place has, they really need to hire better waiters,” Xue Qian mumbled to himself. He scanned the restaurant one more time, to see if there was any sign of Feng. Well, I can't smell him, so he's probably somewhere else...
Just then, Huo Yuan returned from the back and sat down on the table. Xue Qian immediately wrinkled his nose. “Geez, what did you do? Fall into the toilet?” He then tossed another silver ingot to the inn owner and pointed to Huo Yuan, “Can you get a set of robes for him, too?” The owner happily agreed.
“I don’t need new robes,” Huo Yuan replied as he poured himself some tea and took a sip. He has been much dirtier during his training and times of battle. “I’m fine with my current clothes.”
“You may be fine, but your smell is ruining my appetitie.”
-
Wang Ai Lang had been doing some inteligence gathering within the palace. Learning of the kings habits, and determining what would be the best time to strike.
"Based on what I heard today concerning Xiang, it's probably best that I kill that King soon ," thought Ai Lang as he walked through the entrance to Zhao Long Inn.
Just as he was about to walk up the stairs, a familiar figure caught his attention. It was Huo Yuan!!! The son of the general whom he served under while in the Xiang army. He wanted to approach Huo, but feared that doing so would bring unneeded attention to two former Xiang soldiers.
-
“What’s wrong with these men?” Feng was furious, but what could he do? He was only the most junior employee at Zhao Long Inn, the one who was expected to carry out all of the dirty work just to make a meager living to help with the family. Thinking about his family, he realized that it had been a while since he had seen them. His family lived in the outskirts of Luoyang, quite a distance away as they were too poor to live in the capital. How he missed them! If he stayed here, he would surely come across the vindictive young master and his equally obnoxious friend. Nonetheless, if he returned home for a period of time, that might cause concern for his brother and sister in law. He had immense difficulty securing his job given his widespread reputation as the Cursed One. It was only upon his sister’s in law suggestion to mask his true identity and the favor owed to his brother by the owner of Zhao Long did Feng find a job. Perhaps he should stay to observe what would happen the following few days.
But the Cursed One is a cursed one. Every corner he turned to, he found himself crossing paths with Xue Qian and Huo Yuan. It became too much for Feng to avoid. Were it not for Huo Yuan’s intervention each time, Xue Qian most likely would have crippled Feng. Even the owner of the inn worried for Feng’s safety and suggested that Feng took a temporary leave of absence from his work. Unable to argue with the owner and also because of his gratitude towards the owner for hiring him, Feng decided it was time to go home.
Unbeknownst to him, his destiny would soon intertwine with another.
At the east wing of the inn, an elderly gentleman began to gather his belongings. He was convinced that those he sought could be found at Luoyang, yet he had searched high and low to no avail. He even requested help from the one person who never wished to see him. Wu Haocun sighed as he recalled the incident from yesterday.
***
It had already been over a week since Wu Haocun arrived at Luoyang. Within this one week, he had searched throughout the entire city multiple times. He spent countless hours wandering the streets starting at dawn only to return to Zhao Long Inn in the evenings to sleep and then to repeat this routine daily.
He had explored every part of Zhao Long Inn except for one. Today, he finally mustered the courage and walked through the door of the flamboyantly decorated One Hundred Flowers Brothel. Upon entering, he was greeted by an entourage of heavily made up women dressed in little clothing. He pushed them aside and with a stern expression he asked, “Where is Chen Biyu?”
One of the younger and more beautiful ladies moved forward and touched him gently before leaning her body against his and whispered, “Why do you want to look for an old maid, a maid who does not pleasure, a maid who does not know how to please her client when you can have a young and obedient woman like me?”
Wu Haocun politely responded, “Miss, you can speak as many tempting words as you like, but I only want to seek Chen Biyu.”
The other ladies began to lose interest in him after their multiple failed attempts in seducing him. Realizing they were only wasting their time on him instead of the valuable joy seekers entering the brothel, they ultimately gave up on him and showed him Chen Biyu’s room.
Entering Chen Biyu’s room, one could observe that the room was simply decorated in stark contrast to the colors and extravagance showered in the common room and entrance, but one would not care much for the room when one could stare at the dazzling beauty sitting in the chair.
“So you have finally come,” a beautiful voice…one that still haunted him.
Wu Haocun looked at her. It had been seven years since he last saw her, and she aged very gracefully. Her large eyes that cried so many tears still pierced his heart as she gazed at him with coldness.
“Biyu, I…” he did not know how to start. If the matter at hand was any less important, he would not have the courage to come there.
“If you didn’t need my help, would you have still come?”
“I am ashamed to face you. I…I owe you too much.” He took a step closer to her but still maintained a good distance.
“You should be ashamed to face me. I have every right to kill you!” With that, Biyu unsheathed a sword and with lightning speed she aimed for Haocun’s heart.
Haocun easily defended her from the attack and feared that if he tried to pacify her, he would wound her. It was a rather difficult task, for although she was not as highly skilled as he, she was one of the world’s faster sword yielder. Seeing that her moves were getting fiercer and her aim more accurate, Haocun released his flying dagger. Ding. Although Chen Biyu had speed to her advantage, she could not avoid the flying dagger. Wu Haocun’s accuracy was unparalled. One dagger was all it took to break the sword.
“Biyu,…” he wanted to make sure she was not hurt by the impact. He threw the dagger with little force to avoid injuring her.
“Don’t call my name. What do you want from me?”
“I want to know if you have seen any of these people.” He took out the scrolls and showed her the drawings. Chen Biyu recognized one of them; however, her spite towards Wu Haocun motivated her to lie to him, “I’ve never seen either one of them ever. Now leave!”
He was greatly disappointed. If anyone knew of the whereabouts of foreigners traveling through Pan, it would be Chen Biyu. If she herself had not seen them, what were his chances of finding them? He never would suspect that his true love would lie to him.
***
Thinking about his incident with Chen Biyu and their past, he was filled with much regret. If he wasn’t so foolish and adamant about being the world’s finest pugilist, perhaps they would have been happily married by now. There were so many things he would have changed about his past. But his biggest regret was hurting her and disappointing her time and time again.
He was so focused on the recent events that he didn’t realize he had loosely tucked the scrolls into his bag and failed to pay attention to his surroundings. As he exited the inn, he accidentally bumped into Feng, causing the scrolls to fall down. Feng helped pick up the scrolls, but then his eyes widened as he recognized one of the drawings. He scanned the paper and read to himself “Wanted by the Kingdom of Donghai, dead or alive. Very large reward.” He immediately panicked.
-
“Your Majesty.” Prince Ying greeted loudly but politely.
The King heard and turned around. He smiled brightly at Prince Ying who bowed politely to him.
“Ah! Prince Ying! There you are! This is most certainly a good day, isn’t it?” The King of Pan laughed merrily.
“Yes, it most certainly is.” Prince Ying agreed. Quickly, he turned to the topic he wanted to talk about.
“Your Majesty, my apologies I have not managed to congratulate you on your marriage with the Princess of Xiwu. Surely your people must be happy now that the longstanding war with Xiwu is officially over and Pan is growing stronger by the day.” Prince Ying said. In truth, Prince Ying felt rather disturbed by Pan’s growing power and the manner of which it had been achieved. But as a guest he had no right to butt in, and all he could do is to secure support to take the throne of Donghai and rebuild his ancestors’ empire.
The King of Pan grinned. “Well well, Prince Ying, that’s correct. My people have been celebrating the union. People might think differently and accuse me of working with the enemy, but there is no eternal enemy in this world likewise for friends. Besides, how could I ignore the plight of the commoners just so I could continue wage war against Xiwu?”
// Besides, that Xiwu Princess is really… // He smirked in self-satisfaction as he remembered the intimate moments he had with Yue Fei-er. So beautiful, so daring and so adventurous. Are all Xiwu women like that?
“That is great, Your Majesty.” Prince Ying smiles. Now is the chance, he decided. “I too, cannot ignore the plight of my people. Ever since my Father-King passed away, Donghai has been embroiled in internal strife… It pains me to see what is happening to my home country, and most certainly the people of Donghai are suffering. If only Your Majesty could lend me some of your troops and supplies, the internal strife of Donghai can be solved and my people and I will be most grateful to Pan.”
// Ah, the damnable dreaded topic… // The King of Pan thought, but did not let his face betray his thoughts.
“Of course I understand. But as you should know, Prince Ying, my troops are currently at the frontline fighting Xiang, and even if I pull back my troops from the West it will take quite some time and most certainly they will have to be directed to the war efforts against Xiang…” The King said.
Prince Ying was surprised by the news. “… Your Majesty is pulling troops stationed in the West back?”
“Of course. The war against Xiang is not moving as fast as expected. We do need more troops at the frontline. The troops at the western borders will do good, as they are seasoned and are Pan’s elites.” The King reasoned.
“But…” Prince Ying was stunned beyond words. Pan was opening itself to Xiwu! It is simply too dangerous!
The King raised his hand. “I know what you are thinking, Prince Ying. But think of it this way, Pan has just sealed an alliance with Xiwu, and we are beginning an extremely profitable trade. Why would Xiwu make so much effort only to break it at the end?”
“Then the borrowing of the troops…”
“It will have to wait.” The King of Pan sighed. “As much as I’d hate to make you continue waiting, Prince Ying, but don’t you think it is better to wait for your royal brothers to drain themselves out before you move in for the kill?”
Before Prince Ying could reply, a beautiful woman turned in from around the corner.
“I found you, Your Majesty!” Yue Fei-er laughed as she ran over and hooked her arm with the King’s.
“Ah, my darling!” The King of Pan was absolutely delighted to see his new favourite consort.
“Your Majesty, you said you wouldn’t take more than half of the morning before you return to my side!” Yue Fei-er pouted, effectively melting the King of Pan’s heart.
“I’m so sorry. But there are so many petitions and discussions to go through this morning… Come come, I will make it up to you.” He winked at Yue Fei-er, tickling her chin.
“Yes… let’s go.” She beamed.
“Ah, be seeing you another time then, Prince Ying.” The King of Pan smiled, happy to be rid of Prince Ying again. He wrapped his arm around Yue Fei-er’s waist and turned.
Prince Ying knew that was the end of the discussion and he shouldn’t push on. Tucking his hands into his long sleeves, he bowed. As he bowed, he did not see Yue Fei-er turn to look at him with flames of desire in her eyes.
After the King and the Xiwu Princess had left, Prince Ying stood up straight and stared ahead.
// Continue to wait for my royal brothers to drain themselves out before moving in for the kill? You are speaking for yourself, right? // Prince Ying felt a silent anger in him.
“Your Highness…” Zhou He appeared from behind.
“You’ve heard everything?” Prince Ying asked.
“Yes.” Zhou He nodded his head solemnly. Prince Ying flinched at Zhou He’s expression.
“Boyan… it couldn’t be… you agree with His Majesty?”
“Yes, Your Highness.” Zhou He replied without hesitation.
“But his actions went against honour and integrity.” Prince Ying pointed out, unable to accept that even Zhou He took the King of Pan’s side.
“What is honour and integrity, Your Highness? Whatever you may think, the King of Pan did end a longterm war with Xiwu, a war that hurts the civilians the most. Yes, the King of Pan might have went against honour and integrity, but at the end of the day, he will be remembered as the one who ended the war and the pain. He will be seen as the man who sacrificed himself to secure the best for his country and people. If he succeeds, he might even become the hero who unifies the Central Plains after centuries of disunity and suffering.” Zhou He replied.
“But…” Prince Ying frowned.
“Your Highness, which conqueror have their hands clean? To achieve greatness, sometimes you must make sacrifices and not be too sentimental.” Zhou He shook his head. “… If Your Highness is unable to make sacrifices, it will be pointless even if the King of Pan lent us his troops and supplies.”
“What?!” Prince Ying was stunned at the bluntness of Zhou He’s words.
“I have a plan that can help Your Highness.” Zhou He said. He had not missed how the Xiwu Princess had looked at Prince Ying earlier on.
“Which is?” Prince Ying was eager to hear.
Zhou He shook his head. “… Never mind, please forget about what I’ve said, Your Highness. It’s too risky of a plan.”
-
Lanxi yawned lazily and rubbed her eyes as she sat up from her bed. Judging by the brightness of her windows, it must be past mid-morning. Because of her hard work in gathering information the previous night, Lady Yi had given her a few days off. Perhaps that was the only positive thing that comes out of all these tasks.
Lanxi wondered if she should sleep in a little more or find something to eat. In the end, with the warm spring weather and the birds chirping, Lanxi decided it was too good a morning not to be sleeping. She pulled up her blankets again and laid back down comfortably. //Ah, such is the good life...//
BANG! Lanxi’s doors suddenly flew open. “Lanxi! Lanxi!” It was Lanyi’s voice.
“Lanyi!” Lanxi whined in annoyance as she pulled the blankets over her head. “Don’t bother me. I’m sleeping.”
“You little lazy bug. The sun is going to shine on your butt soon!” Lanyi sat down on the bed and pulled Lanxi’s blankets down. “Guess what? Young Master will be returning from the Xiwu border soon!”
“Young Master? Shouldn’t you be calling him General Yi now? I don’t care where he is going, only you do. I don't get it. Isn't he too young for you??” Lanxi rolled her eye. “So, what is he doing back anyways?”
Lanyi blushed at Lanxi’s comments but continued to explain, “His Majesty just ordered the troops from the Xiwu border to return and use them to concentrate on the war with Xiang. Since Luoyang is in between the Xiwu border and the Xiang strongholds in the North, the troops will probably stop at Luoyang for a few days.”
“Withdrawing troops from the Xiwu border?” Lanxi sudden sat up being more alert. “Isn’t that dangerous?”
“Apparently, Xiwu wants to increase in trade and their desire for strong ties seem genuine. So, His Majesty withdrew troops on goodwill. Plus, Xiwu Chief Envoy Zhang Duo Qian seems to have a way with words and…” Lanyi paused for a moment. “…and His Majesty’s new favor of the Xiwu Princess of the Morning Jade probably made his decision easier…”
Lanxi frowned, “This isn’t good news for us. The closer the ties with Xiwu, the more favor the Xiwu Princess would receive. We need to inform Lady Yi.”
************************************************** ************************************************** ********
“Is that so?” Lady Yi swirl her cup of tea and watched the tea leaves whirl in circles until they slowly settled to the bottom of the cup. “I suppose it’s been long enough. Perhaps it is time we pay my new ‘sister’ a visit.”
“Yes, My Lady.” Lanyi bowed and ordered the servants to prepare the sedan to travel to the palace of the Xiwu Princess of Morning Jade.
-
In the inn
Huo Yuan was brushing off Xue Qian's comments about his smell and the dirt on him when he noticed a pausing movement not too far away. He turned his head saw Wang Ailang, a man who once served under his father and had dropped by the Huo residence a couple of times before. Huo Yuan remembered that Wang Ailang was one of his father's favoured subordinates so he was sometimes invited home for a drink or chat.
There were a few times when Huo Yuan exchanged words with Wang Ailang, but it wasn't like they were friends or anything. Vexed and angry that his career was making no headway and his father was never making things easier, Huo Yuan seldom spoke at home. In fact he would usually leave for training in the woods. On hindsight, it might be because of his aloofness that led to his father favouring Wang Ailang who was close to his age.
Wang Ailang stopped dropping by after his father went missing. There wasn't much reason to... since he was most probably visiting only because Huo Long had invited him. He continued to serve the army and Huo Yuan didn't think much of it, until he heard that Wang Ailang left the military after his wife was killed in a Pan assault.
He frowned deeply. Unlike him, Wang Ailang was not ostracised in the army or court. He could have continued serving, and could have served with distinction, for his country and for his wife. Instead he left to heavens knows where and for what.
Huo Yuan glared bitterly at Wang Ailang. One who had the chance to serve his country simply gave up; while he, who so badly wanted to serve, had no chance and was blocked to do so.
"Hey, you listening to me?" Xue Qian was annoyed that Huo Yuan didn't seem to be paying attention to his gripes. He noticed Huo Yuan glaring and felt a chill down his spine. Following the glare's direction, he saw it was directed at a strapping young man with greying hair, and the young man seems to be looking over too.
"Uhh... you know him?" Xue Qian asked curiously. He wondered if the man with the greying hair enjoys stinking food, clothes and dirt like Huo Yuan does.
"Do I?" Huo Yuan smirked. "Do you know what's the biggest irony in life?"
"Huh?" Xue Qian raised a brow. Why such an odd question out of the blue?
"It is when there is something you want or want to do so badly, yet it is stolen from you, without a chance for you to defend and protect it. Others has the fortune to have exactly that, but would throw it away without a care as though it is trash. How infuriating is that!" Huo Yuan slammed his fist onto the table, causing the utensils to jump and land back on the table with loud noises.
-
Palace Scene - Viewer Discretion Advised!
(Continued from Post #28)
Lady Yi arrived outside the Xiwu Consort's chambers. Just as she got off the sedan, she heard panting and moaning coming from inside. Suspecting that Yue Fei'er is having an illicit affair, she thought this would be a good chance for her to blackmail Yue Fei'er.
Ignoring Lanyi and Lanxi's hasty protests, she barged into the chambers and was about to confront Yue Fei'er when she saw the King and Yue Fei'er nude, the latter with her hands tied to the bedpost while the King was dripping candle wax on her abdomen.
Lady Yi's jaws dropped and she stammered, "Your... Highness... Aren't you at the Court... Session? I... You..."
The King was taken aback at this sudden intrusion and he was about to punish Lady Yi severely for her audacity when his instincts prevailed.
The King smiled menacingly, "So Lady Yi also wants in on the fun, eh? Then come!" He dragged Lady Yi to the bed, ripped off her robes as she screamed and pushed her onto the bed nude between Yue Fei'er's spread-eagled legs.
Yue Fei'er looked back at Lady Yi with meek submission in her eyes as Lady Yi stared at her full bosom and clearly pointed tips. Before she could think, the King shoved her head down into a kowtow position and and her lips came into contact with one tip.
The King commanded, "Now lick." Lady Yi reluctantly obliged, suckling Yue Fei'er like an infant. Yue Fei'er writhed and moaned on the bed, but with her hands tied she could not move anywhere.
At the same time, the King groped Lady Yi's chest, his hands stroking up and down as though milking a cow. Instead of being put off by this totally inappropriate and awkward situation, Lady Yi became increasingly aroused. Coupled with Yue Fei'er's sensual moanings, Lady Yi's body gave in against her will because she found the whole thing so erotic.
Suddenly, the King penetrated Lady Yi from behind and her head jerked forward. Lady Yi screamed in fright because the King went all the way instantly. As the King thrust in and out, Lady Yi felt her sensations building up below and she also began to moan rapidly together with Yue Fei'er.
Soon Lady Yi could not hold in any longer and yelled out as torrents of spasms were unleashed in her body like streams of Qi that couldn't be controlled. At that moment she realized that the King and Yue Fei'er has yelled out at the same moment. Lady Yi had never experienced this much humiliation, nor this much pleasure, in her life.
As the King got off, Lady Yi thought, "So it feels so good to be humiliated like this, no wonder the King is completely under this s-l-u-t's spell."
The King untied Yue Fei'er and stroke her soft silky hair, his eyes completely lost in hers. Lady Yi saw that and quickly felt that she had to push her limits further. Lady Yi's mouth moved below Yue Fei'er's bosom, gently kissing and nibbling downwards, to her torso, below her navel, finally licking between her legs.
Yue Fei'er took a sharp breath as the King watched in surprise...
***
The three of them, Yue Fei'er, Lady Yi and the King cuddled together in the bed. Lady Yi gently whispered into Yue Fei'er's ear, "Sisters?" Yue Fei'er innocently replied, "Of course," while the King closed his eyes and smiled.
-
“Erm… Your Ladyship?”
Lady Yi jerked out of her daze and blinked when she saw Lanxi and Lanyi looking at her worriedly. She looked down and examined herself carefully before gazing around her surroundings.
Her clothes were still on and this was her room.
She sucked in a deep breath as she recalled what happened not too long ago. Now thinking of it, she had no idea how she could have landed herself in that kind of situation, not to mention even enjoying it. It was… a disgrace.
“Your Ladyship?” Lanyi tried again. Lady Yi had been behaving strangely ever since she returned from the Xiwu Princess’ chamber wing. What exactly happened to cause the usually spirited Lady Yi to become so depressed?
“Nothing’s wrong. Both of you, leave the room right now.” Lady Yi ordered.
Stunned at how Lady Yi suddenly snapped at them, the two maids quickly leaves the room so that their mistress could have her own peace.
Lady Yi’s face darkened as she watched the doors closed behind her maids.
That wicked Xiwu Princess! How dare she bring such twisted bedroom ideas into the Palace of Pan, corrupting the King and now even caused her to become involved?! How is she supposed to face anyone if word of such deviant practices spreads out??
// I must find a way to make her lose favour…! // Lady Yi gritted her teeth.
********
“Ahhh….” Yue Fei-er sighed as she stretched her body in the bathtub. She rubbed at her wrists, where it was still red from the rope tying. Lady Yi’s interruption and participation was completely unexpected, but the effect wasn’t so bad. Though at first she was shocked at how Lady Yi was made to participate, it didn’t take long for Yue Fei-er to adjust to it. She never knew something like that could feel so good.
Besides, it seems like Lady Yi also enjoyed it very much, and they had formed a sister bond. That isn’t so bad, considering their now ‘unique relationship’ and how Lady Yi was one of the King’s favourite consorts. It’s like gaining an ally!
As Yue Jiayan poured another bucket of warm water into the bathtub, Yue Fei-er smiles sweetly at her sister. Naturally she had told her sister everything.
“Don’t you think things are going really well for us right now, sister?” Yue Fei-er asked, obviously pleased at how things are proceeding.
“Your Ladyship, please do not call me that.” Jiayan replied in a low voice as she glanced at Fei-er.
“Hmm? But there’s only two of us here.”
“Walls have ears.” Jiayan warned. She did not want to risk getting exposed. That will make the Xiwu presence in the palace extremely awkward, uncomfortable and dangerous. It jeopardises the little trust they had worked hard to build, and could even destroy the alliance should Pan discover the deception.
“All right.” Yue-er sighed.
“Do not be too sure about Lady Yi too. Remember she said that in front of you and the King… Who knows what she really thinks in her heart and mind? It’s best not to let our guard down.” Jiayan advised.
“Oh well. What can she do anyway? The King loves me so much.” Fei-er scoffed.
“She can do a lot, especially now that she’s aware of how you are making the King so besotted with you.” Lowering her voice, Jiayan added, “Besides, men are fickle… especially those with power. Your Highness should be very aware of how many consorts have fallen in and out of our own King’s graces over the years.”
“That… that makes sense.” Fei-er nodded her head in agreement. Those women the Xiwu King got tired of, were either left forgotten in the harem or were mercilessly tossed to the cold palace. Fei-er shivered whenever she thought of it.
“Your Ladyship should continue to work hard. We have been here for not long so it’s natural to have the King’s attention. But how to maintain it for the coming years is another different thing.” Jiayan placed her hand on Fei-er’s shoulder and gave it a tight squeeze. “But don’t worry, there’s me. I will be here to assist you wherever possible.” She whispered into her sister’s ear reassuringly.
“Jiayan…” Fei-er was touched. “Don’t worry. I won’t let you and our Father-King down.” She promised.
Jiayan nodded in approval.
Fei-er leaned relaxingly in the bathtub. Something struck her mind suddenly.
“Speaking of which, I saw the Prince of Donghai today. Uhh… what’s his name again?”
“Prince Ying?” Jiayan offered. She had heard of how Prince Ying of Donghai had been a “guest” at the Palace of Pan for the past few years ever since her first day here.
“Ah yes! He was… so handsome. Almost beautiful. Very well-mannered too. And his limbs…” Fei-er was almost swooning.
“Walls have ears, Your Ladyship.” Jiayan reminded.
“Uhh yes, of course I know!” Fei-er was embarrassed. “I was just saying… erm… He looks like someone you could be interested in. Uhh yeah, that’s what I wanted to say.”
“All right. Don’t worry about the Prince of Donghai for now. Your Ladyship should just rest well today.” Jiayan said.
“Okay.”
-
Yue Jiayan hugged her sister and changed her clothes before leaving the chambers. She then walked over to the Guest House and found the Xiwu Chief Envoy waiting for her with his assistant diplomats.
They knelt down and said, "Your Highness, after we got your message we immediately prepared for your arrival."
Yue Jiayan said, "Alright get up! Please don't rouse suspicions. Are you ready to go? How do I look?"
Chief Envoy Zhang Duo Qian said, "Your Highness, you look just like the junior diplomats here. Sorry we have to trouble you to walk with us instead of sending a sedan."
Yue Jiayan replied, "That was my instruction anyway. Let's go!" She hopped and skipped along the way, and her followers could not help but smile at how cute she was.
Soon they arrived at the Pan Premier Gao Si's office.
Gao Si, the elderly and highly-regarded Premier of Pan, cordially invited them to tea and said, "Envoy Zhang, His Royal Highness the King has instructed me to discuss the details regarding our bilateral troop withdrawal and horse trade. He also wants to consult your Great Xiwu King on the problem of the Yellow River. As you know, the river floods severely when the seasonal rain hits, and since the Yellow River through our Pan territories flows downstream from your Great Xiwu..."
Zhang Duo Qian said, "Rest assured, our Wise King has already made plans for that. We are aware that the flooding in your Great Pan is partly due to our Xiwu farmers diverting the river for irrigation, but when the rains hit, these irrigation channels burst and release the waters into your Pan lands. We are now constructing dams and dikes along the river in our territory, and we suggest your Great Pan do the same."
He unrolled a large-scale map of the Yellow River with several markings made at strategic places. "This is where we recommend the dams and dikes should be."
Gao Si studied the map carefully and nodded periodically. "Yes, you are right. Your Great Xiwu King is wise indeed. We shall do as you recommend."
Zhang Duo Qian said, "OK I shall take my leave now. I still have to prepare a report for our Wise King." He pointed at Yue Jiayan and said, "This is Guo Xingling, my most intelligent and capable assistant. She will stay behind to discuss the troop withdrawal with Your Excellency. Once the details are settled, we can discuss about the horse trade. Many thanks for your hospitality."
He cupped his hands and left with the other diplomats, leaving Yue Jiayan and 2 attendants behind.
Gao Si looked carefully and noted her exquisite features and sweet, innocent eyes peering earnestly back at him. He stared at her delicate and beautiful face and his heart stirred with lust and passion.
(To be continued...)
-
Zhao Long Inn was not very far from the Pan palace, making it quick and easy for Ai Lang to travel back and forth. He had been following the king unnoticed for the last few days, he seemed to spend most of his time with the Xiwu princess. However tonight, right now, he was in the open.The king had apparently decided to go for a stroll in the palace courtyards and he had only eight soldiers with him.
"After days of trailing the king, I think this is my chance. If I take him down now, Xiang will be spared and further bloodshed, and that goes for all the other surrounding nations. If Pan turned on Xiang, it will surely turn on it's other "allies." But i'll have to do it fast, I don't want to give them enough time to react to the situation," thought Ai Lang as he looked downon the king from a nearby rooftop.
As the king was staring intently at the moon, Ai Lang suddenly appeared in front of his face. Startled, staring at the masked figure, the king asked,"Who are you?!?!!?"
"Just someone trying to prevent more bloodshed...and that starts with you."
With that, Ai Lang lunged toward the king and released a palm. However the king too was familiar with the martial arts. Though he was not able to avoid the palm entirely, he was able to pivot himself enough so that he would not receive the full force of the palm. Instead of hitting the king in the chest like he wanted, Ai Lang's palm strike landed on the king's shoulder,dislocated it, and knocked him back against a wall.
"Why aren't you stupid dogs attacking him???!!!" screamed the king in pain.
Up to this point, the king's soldiers had not had time to react, Ai Lang was too fast. Finally snapping out of it, they encircled Ai Lang, and all together charged at him with their swords. Ai Lang calmly brought his right hand to his waist.
Just before the swords of the 8 soldiers were able to connect with Ai Lang, he pulled out a sword that had been wrapped around his waist this whole time, and with one swift spin, slit the throats of the 8 soldiers. The movement was so
swift that there was no blood coming from the cuts, just thin clean lines. The 8 soldiers dropped dead.
Ai Lang lunged for the king who had a dreadful look on his face. Just as his sword was about to connect with the king, Ai Lang felt two claw-like objects dig into his Shoulders, and abruptly pull him back.
The whiplash threw Ai Lang to his back. He realized it was too late, the Pan soldiers had had time to react to the situation. But Ai Lang was not the sort to give up, he would still try.
Ai Lang pulled the two claws from his shoulders, which were now bleeding, and struggled to his feet. When he got up, it looked like he was facing hundreds of soldiers. Some with clawed chains designed to tear their enemies apart, and some with swords.Ai Lang fearlessly charged the enemy, chopping down soldier after soldier. But no matter how many he killed, they kept coming. At this point, Ai Lang was starting to feel the fatigue.
His very light sword, had started to become heavy, and his shoulders did not help. Ai Lang glanced over at the king and saw that he was now surrounded by his own soldiers, safely guarded.
"Best to live and fight another day," thought Ai Lang as he ran and leaped over the nearest wall. However, just as he was about to escape from the view of the soldiers, an arrow pierced through the left side of his lower back and came through his stomach. Ai Lang let out a cry of pain, and used all his strength to land on his feet. On the other side of the wall, he could here the king ordering to soldiers to go and find him. Ai Lang painfully pulled out the arrow, and ran back to Zhao Long Inn as fast as he could, despite the great injury. Thankfully it was night time, making it harder for people to notice him.
-
WARNING: Disturbing Scenes Ahead.
Continued from Post #32
Gao Si smiled, "So you're Guo Xingling, eh? I wonder if you're as smart as you're pretty."
Yue Jiayan coyly looked down and said, "Young maiden (xiao nu zi) doesn't deserve such praise."
Gao Si felt his heart racing and he said, "Perhaps you would like to come to my study to discuss the troop withdrawal. We have more privacy to talk about state affairs there."
Yue Jiayan appeared to hesitate before replying, "If that suits Your Excellency, I shall oblige."
Gao Si stretched his hand out and said, "This way, please."
Yue Jiayan bade her 2 attendants to wait there while she closely followed Gao Si to his study, her head bowed all the way. He waved and the maids there dismissed themselves and the duo entered the quiet room looking over a secluded garden.
Gao Si invited Yue Jiayan to sit on the cushion next to him, and they looked at the map of the Northwest Central Plains. He kept sneaking peeks at Yue Jiayan's voluptious figure as he pointed out the Xiwu troop locations.
Soon Gao Si got bolder and he put his hand around Yue Jiayan's waist. Yue Jiayan softly gasped and turned her head away shyly. Gao Si said, "You are such a beauty indeed. All my life I've had many women throw themselves at me, but none hold a candle to you. Let me share my vast experience with you!"
He leaned over to kiss Yue Jiayan but she weakly resisted his advances, "No Your Excellency, this is not proper..."
By this time Gao Si could hardly control himself and he forcefully pulled open Yue Jiayan's robes, exposing her bare chest and heaving bosom like her sister's. He hurriedly removed the rest of her clothes as she meekly protested, leaving her naked lying on top of the map.
He then undid his robes, revealing his wrinkled chest and blemished skin overstretched in covering his sagging pot belly. He looked down but found that it was not fully at attention, which made him embarassed.
Yue Jiayan sat up and asked with a mischevious smile, "Having some trouble?"
Gao Si smiled sheepishly, "Erm, I must be advanced in age..."
Yue Jiayan said, "That's alright, let me help." She gently pushed him onto the cushion and used her bosom to massage his member. Gao Si's heart was by this time thumping against his chest walls as this hot and demure young maiden was taking control of the situation, nothing like any other woman he had beded.
Yue Jiayan stroke her bosom along the length of his chest, then used her lips to comb his white goatee. Gao Si grinned and cupped his hands on her bottom, trying to place her on top of his now fully-extended member while Yue Jiayan blushed.
Just before Gao Si could make his grand entrance, Yue Jiayan suddenly jabbed his accupoint, immobilizing his body. She grabbed his head with one hand and squeezed his nose with another hand, then she forcefully kissed his mouth, completely covering it.
Gao Si stared at her in shock and he clenched his fists, straining himself vigorously but his struggles were in vain. He tried to shout for help but his muffled grunts were barely audible with Yue Jiayan wrestling his tongue with hers.
Gao Si could not move at all as he lay there helplessly, his life force slowly ebbing away from him. All his life he toyed with the beautiful women his political power put at his mercy, but never did he expect that he would one day die under the hands of a young nude maiden straddling him.
Finally, Gao Si stopped struggling and lay still with his eyes wide open. Yue Jiayan got off and smiled. She casually put her clothes on and carefully dressed the dead body in his official attire. She then tossed a rope over the ceiling beam and tied the ends.
With that Yue Jiayan peeked out of the study doors and softly whistled. Her 2 attendants hurried in and they lifted the body, placing his neck onto the rope. Once secured, they tied his hands behind his back and stuck a note to his body with a knife.
The trio looked out and saw that the coast was clear, then they closed the door behind them and quietly made their way out.
-
Continued from Posts #33 and #34
By now it was morning, and the Pan King had not slept a wink. The palace physicians were tending to his wounds as he sat there in a foul mood. "Ouch! Watch it!" he snarled as a physician apologised profusely.
Just then the Guard Captain hurried in and knelt down, saying, "Your Royal Highness, my men have searched the surrounding areas and put up Wanted notices, but we still can't find the assasin. I believe he's highly skilled, so we need more men to apprehend him."
The King banged the table and shouted, "Useless dogs! I want him dead or alive at all costs! Find him and bring him back or you can bring your own head back to me!" The Guard Captain hastily cupped his hands and ran out.
Suddenly, more shocking reports came in.
"Your Highness, Premier Gao is dead! His murderers left a note saying, \\ This is the price you pay for habouring Prince Ying. Stop meddling in our Donghai affairs! // "
"Your Highness, the General of the Imperial Guard Fan Weiqi is dead! He was poisoned last night!"
"Your Highness, the General of Xuchang Pass was poisoned yesterday morning!"
"Your Highness, the General of Weinan Pass was decapitated in his sleep 2 nights ago!"
The Pan King looked at the messengers in disbelief. He yelled, "Audacious! Despicable! Donghai scoundrels, you have gone too far! How dare you provoke my mighty Pan!"
The courtiers cowered in silence as the King barked at them.
Shortly after, the Guard Captain returned. The King tapped his fingers impatiently, "Well? Have you got him?"
The Captain replied, "No, Your Highness, but we captured the 2 assasins who murdered General Fan Weiqi." He turned to his subordinates, "Drag them in."
The 2 bound men were shoved into the Court. The King demanded, "Who sent you?!"
They shouted back, "You blasted king. You dared to collude with the enemy Xiwu and encroached our Great Donghai territory! Our wise Prince Fen, the Donghai Long Wang, shall not let the matter slide!"
The King shivered with anger, "Execute them immediately!"
The 2 men were dragged out, still kicking and screaming, and brought to the execution grounds.
There, in the crowd, Yue Jiayan was dressed as a horse merchant. When the condemned prisoners saw her, they sighed. Yue Jiayan nodded her head. They were actually Xiwu agents Yue Jiayan assigned for this suicide mission, and she had promised that the Xiwu King would take good care of their families.
They shut their eyes tightly as the sabre fell on their necks, and their severed heads were displayed for the public to witness.
Yue Jiayan smiled cooly. Everything was going according to plan.
-
By now the story of the attempted assassination and murders had spread like wild fire, invoking panic in Pan’s court. Has Donghai settled its internal problems that it dared to make such a challenge to Pan? If that is indeed true, the situation is not in Pan’s favour with its ongoing war with Xiang, especially so if Xiang and Donghai allied together to fight Pan.
While Donghai has been embroiled in internal strife for years, the civil wars had not caused the empire to collapse yet, and its highly efficient and mobile armies have left fearsome memories in the hearts of Pan officials.
Already there were multiple petitions to the King of Pan; some asked to return Prince Ying to Donghai so the issue could be solved, some others advised to kill Prince Ying to avenge the dead and to show that Pan is still a friend of Donghai’s.
The King angrily casts the petitions to the floor.
“Rubbish! All rubbish!” The King shouted in court and the officials trembled in fear and worry.
“All of you are seasoned officials, and this is what you can come up with?! Return Prince Ying to Donghai?! He is our guest! He came here seeking refuge because there was trust in Pan! What will the world say if I sold someone who came to seek protection from Pan?!” The King railed.
Grabbing another thick roll of petitions, the King threw it to the officials who gasped in fear.
“These are the worst of the lot! Kill Prince Ying to avenge the dead and prove that Pan is still Donghai’s friend?! Have you bunch become idiots from years of being high ranking officials?! How is this no different from admitting to the world we are frightened of Donghai and is Donghai’s subordinate?? Are you crazy?!”
“Please be appeased, Your Majesty!” The officials bowed meekly.
“Appeased! I will be appeased if you bunch of fools stop coming up with such idiotic petitions!” The King fumed.
A guard rushed in and said, “Prince Ying of Donghai is here!”
“Good! So he’s finally here. Let him in!” The King ordered.
Prince Ying stepped into the audience hall, ignoring all the hostile eyes that were on him as he tucked his hands into the sleeves and bowed politely to the King.
“Ying pays respect to Your Majesty.”
“Prince Ying, you should know very well why I have summoned you here.” The King said, gritting his teeth.
“Yes, Your Majesty. It is regarding the assassinations and the attempt on Your Majesty’s life.” Prince Ying replied. So the deaths made so open, it was impossible not to know.
“Good! Now we can talk!” The King growled.
(to be continued)
-
”Right now it is important to play the cards right, Your Highness.” Zhou He advised Prince Ying as they walked together to the audience hall. The King of Pan had summoned them to court and it was an expected turn of events after what had happened.
“Whatever Your Highness says or do in court, will have an effect on Pan’s resulting action, as well as Donghai and Your Highness’s future.”
“So what do I do? Those are clearly not done by my royal brothers.” Prince Ying shook his head, “That is simply not their style, especially when the situation in Donghai is still the same as ever.”
“That is true. But Pan will not see it this way.” Zhou He agreed. “But remember, Your Highness. We must practice prudence… even more so at this point…”
Prince Ying knew there were two ways to doing it; pinning it on his brothers so he could convince the King of Pan to lend troops to him, or deflect the accusations to ensure matters do not spiral out of control, but that could also mean he would lose the immediate chance to take back what is rightfully his in Donghai.
“Your Majesty, I am truly sorry for your loss.” Prince Ying began.
“Hmpf! You must have heard, that it is Prince Fen who did this!” The King accused.
Prince Ying bowed again and replied, “I am sorry, Your Majesty, but that I do not agree with.”
“You don’t?” The King’s eyes flashed dangerously.
“Your Majesty, my royal brothers have their hands tied with the situation in Donghai as it is. Even if they do wish for assassination, the target would be I. Yet they chose to go after Pan. That does not make sense. Why would they risk Pan’s ire and a potential war when none of them have full control in Donghai? Besides, Pan is not a random state; Pan has a powerful army and combined with Xiwu’s alliance, any missteps in that sense could cause the destruction of Donghai. I assure Your Majesty that none of my royal brothers are foolish to that extent.” Prince Ying explained patiently.
“Hmpf. Perhaps they fear Pan would lend troops to you.” The King seethed.
“True. But won’t those actions actually have the effect of hastening the process?” Prince Ying appealed.
“That… That is true…” The King nodded, as realization dawned upon him. He would not deny that he was partly angry because none of his officials had thought of taking military action against Donghai. In fact, he was already considering lending troops to Prince Ying to get back at the royal princes in Donghai who dared to issue such a brazen challenge. But now thinking of it, perhaps the challenge was too brazen to be true.
Prince Ying had a better idea on who the true culprit is, but decided against speaking out because it could turn the tables on him.
“I wonder, Prince Ying. Why do you not take this chance to request for troops? Surely I would have agreed.” The King questioned.
“I do not doubt that, Your Majesty, after what happened and since Your Majesty had always the heart to help me.” Prince Ying replied. “But I fear this could be a wicked plot to drive a wedge between Pan and Donghai relations, with the aim to completely do both states in with one move. I certainly will not risk Donghai, but at the same time I do not wish Pan to be in trouble.”
“Hmm…” The King stroked his chin thoughtfully. “Who then, do you think could be behind this?”
// For all its faults, Pan’s court had always been peaceful… but just a few days after the Xiwu Princess is here, there is such big trouble already… Surely the biggest winner after all these wars would be Xiwu, who had been silent all these while, with the opportunities to build on its military strength as Pan, Xiang and Donghai squander theirs needlessly… // Prince Ying thought.
Prince Ying, however, held his tongue.
He bowed politely. “I must apologise, Your Majesty, but I have no idea. But whoever it is, the intention must be wicked and bears no good will towards either Pan or Donghai.”
-
Tangquan Sect, Jingzhou 唐拳派, 荆州
The man fell to the ground screaming. There was a ‘thud!’ sound as a bloodied severed hand landed on the ground next to the screaming man.
“Hah! The best fists in Jing? You couldn’t even hold out for more than five stances!” A young woman scoffed as she whipped her sword to one side.
The other men present looked on in fear. When the woman challenged their master Tang Yi, known for his powerful palm skills in Jingzhou, they had thought little of her; just another one of those snotty ignorant budding pugilists who thought too highly of themselves.
Although they were rather impressed with the sword she held – purple decorated with a shiny blade that was purplish in tint but which reflected multiple colours depending on how and where the sunlight landed on the blade – they didn’t think she was this good.
“What a waste of time. You lot deserves death for this.” The woman raised her sword arm, ready to attack. The men cowered, knowing they would not be the woman’s match even if they teamed up on her. Plus, she had a companion.
“Yushen, stop.”
All eyes turned to the woman’s companion, who had remained silent and stood behind for the whole time. Dressed in splendid white robes, he was tall and had golden brown hair and blue eyes. Even though he looked every bit like a foreigner, he spoke their language perfectly, as though he had lived in the Central Plains all his life.
The man smiled.
“Yushen, there is no need to waste further energy on these worthless bums. Let’s go.”
At that, Yushen lowered her sword arm and sheathed her sword. What’s more surprising was that her killing aura had instantly vanished the moment the man spoke.
“Yes, Master.”
“Wa… wait!” Tang Yi shouted from the ground. Two of his men were at his side, helping with his wounds. Gritting his teeth to exert control over his body and the pain that is ravaging him, he demanded, “Just who are you people!”
“What? Losers have no right to demand such knowledge.” Yushen sneered. But her master held out his hand to stop her. He smiles.
“Do you really want to know?” He asked.
“I want to know the names and background of those who defeated me!” Tang Yi growled.
“All right.” He obliged.
“Master?” Yushen was confused.
The man stuck out two fingers and swiped straight down, pointing directly at Tang Yi. Tang Yi’s eyes widened for a second before the light goes out of them, and his head plopped aside.
“Master?!” The men were shocked.
Yushen nodded once in understanding. So weak, so common, yet dared to be called the best fists in Jingzhou. And even after defeat had the audacity to be insolent. It was only appropriate that he pays for the knowledge with his death.
“She is Yushen, my sword carrier. And I am Jueqing, Lord of Jiancheng.”
“What?!” The men were stunned. The woman who defeated their master so easily was only a sword carrier? And this man was the lord of the famed Jiancheng?
Jueqing looked tenderly at Yushen.
“Yushen, let’s go. Time to look for more worthy opponents.” He turned and stepped out of the hall. Yushen smiles and follows faithfully.
Very soon, she was very sure, the whole of Central Plains would know of Jiancheng’s prowess and bow to her Lord.
-
BACK AT ZHAO LONG INN
Things hadn't gone as Ai Lang had planned. He had been up all night tending his wound, periodically changing the bloody bandages, circulating his chi so that the arrow wound would heal faster. However, a wound like this would take more than a few days to heal. Maybe weeks or even months.
Ai Lang had a chance to look outside his window on to the street a few times. He had noticed that wanted posters had been put up. Thankfully he had had a mask on at the time, but the poster did mention graying hair. Ai Lang knew he had to leave Pan as soon as he could. Suddenly there was a knock at the door. Ai Lang grabbed his shirt and threw it on his naked upper torso, trying to cove up the wound. Ai Lang walked up to the door and asked ,"who is it?"
-
In the Palace
“Clarify your words, Prince Ying!” One official demanded. “It’s a known fact that the other Princes of Donghai have been resentful towards Pan ever since your arrival. The only enemy of Pan at the moment is Xiang. Are you suggesting that Xiang is the one trying to sow the discord?”
“But Xiang has always been on friendly terms with Donghai. Even though Donghai is not involved with the war between Pan and Xiang, there is no reason for Xiang to frame Donghai, as a weakened Donghai will not benefit them at all. If anything, Xiang would want to sow discord between Pan and her biggest current ally—Xiwu.”
“Secretariat Du, if you don’t think it is Xiang, then who do you think it is?” the King asked.
Du Zhi Er responded solemnly, “Your Majesty, as Prince Ying has stated, going to war with Donghai benefits neither of us as the fighting will weaken both of our military powers regardless of who is victorious. The only ones that benefit are those that want to see both Pan and Donghai weakened.”
“But there are no common enemies of Pan and Donghai,” another official chimed in. “We have forged a new alliance with Xiwu and Naxi generally does not have any contact with us. Jin, Feng, and the other states are all too small and weak. Even if Pan and Donghai’s armies are weakened, they still do not stand a chance against either of us.”
Du Zhi Er hesitated for a moment and breathed deeply before saying his next phrases. “We should not rule out Xiwu as a culprit.”
Suddenly a scroll flew down the hall and hit Du Zhi Er straight in the face, causing his teeth to cut into his lips and blood to drip from both his nose and his mouth. “Ridiculous!” The King exclaimed angrily. “I thought you had made some sense in the beginning but all you came up was this rubbish? Take him out and give him 50 beatings!”
Immediately, two palace guards entered and grabbed Du Zhi Er by the shoulders and arms to drag him outside of the hall.
“Your Majesty, perhaps it is best to first hear his reasons!” Prince Ying quickly pleaded.
“What reasons could be have for such rubbish?” Other court officials began to add in.
“It’s obvious he has an agenda against Xiwu. He was protesting against a trade and peaceful arrangements to remove troops just yesterday!”
The King waved his hands to silence the crowd and to order the palace guards to momentarily pause before dragging Du Zhi Er out of the hall.
“Du Zhi Er, what do you have to say for yourself?” the King interrogated.
“Your Majesty, they say that in war, there are no friends or enemies forever. We should not put complete trust in Xiwu. Outside of Pan and Donghai, Xiwu is the most powerful state. The one who could benefit the most is Xiwu!”
“Humph. That is your reason? We have already discussed this yesterday. Xiwu benefits in their allegiance with us because we are a strong state. Perhaps they may have an agenda against Donghai, but there is no reason for them to want to weaken Pan. Use your brain next time! Let those 50 beating teach you a lesson. Take him down!”