CHAPTER 18 WHEN TWO A COMPANY
“She actually from the palace?!” Yuyan asked, between horror and panic.
“Well lass, you don't address a woman as “Lady” for nothing, do you? And why are you turning white, as though seeing a ghost?” Granny Sun asked.
“N..nothing.... m... merely....” her voice shook.
“Tired?”
“Ah,....uh,.... ”
“Off you go, then”
“Granny Sun...”
“Yes?”
“Why her husband didn't bother to look for her?”
“I wouldn't know for sure but I supposed man with certain title, usually have several wives, and kept many concubines. I guessed he wouldn't have notice and couldn't care less if he is short of one lady in his harem”
“But surely, she has own family, and perhaps children – sons or daughters”
“I thought I said before, she retired from the indulgence and extravagance when her only son was killed... no, not killed. Murdered, to be precise. If memory serves me right, she told me he died at the time the palace underwent a selection – whatever that means. But I suspected the son must be up to no good, and received his early due and punishment. I didn't mean to sound unkind, but one cannot die young and mysteriously just like that”
Something fell hard and loud onto the floor, and both realized she dropped it.
“Now, now.... no need for such reaction”
“Granny Sun, what had happened next?”
“Well, she didn't elaborate and you seemed interested. Why is that?”
“I am really tired now. Please excuse me”
She left Granny Sun abruptly, and the old lady read the harassed movements and saw her hasty retreat. If she is not wrong, Wang Yuyan's seclusion is connected to Lady Ying's retirement. Fortunately, Granny Sun is too old to play busybody or to create discord among her fellow dwellings. Since Yuyan came, she felt less lonely and is glad to have someone to pass time, and somebody to keep her company. She has no wish to upset their civility, or to cause them estrangement. As for the other two women, Madam Ma is too devoid of feelings due to the injustices done to her whereas Lady Ying chose to spend most her time alone, mourning for her only son. Before the latter came here, Huang Yaoshi found her wandering aimlessly, and somewhat deranged. He managed to heal her mind, but unable to bring her of out of bereavement. That how Lady Ying ended up inside The Lost Tomb.
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The Kingdom peace once more, but the palace very worried. Yang Guo is still missing, and in the absence of the heir, Yang Kang the spare have to perform a double duty. At times, he has to shoulder a triple responsibility when matters concerning his own are related to Guo Jing's keepings. Furthermore, he needs to entertain the palace's guests upon requests, and also playing gracious host to his pugilist friends. He is so busy that he has no time for Zhao Min who is recuperating slowly but steadily at the Physicians' Rooms. However, he never missed a single report on her progresses and himself did took off to see her, but late at night where she fast asleep. She only got to know his visits the morning after, when the attendant or the physician told her so.
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Duan Yu is waiting when Ying Ying came to meet him at the usual place and time.
“Ying”
“Yu, I heard you are leaving soon”
“Well yes, I have been long enough here. As you are aware, Yang Guo is missing and Guo Jing being absent while Yang Kang all tight up. I am thinking, and hoping to find Yang Guo”
“Oh...” She looked down.
“Why oh? Anything the matter?” His hand came to her chin and gently lifted it up.
“Nothing”
“Come on, tell me”
“Do you know Guo Fu informed me I can take off”
“Er... no”
“I am telling you now I will be off duty for the time being”
“Yeah, so....? Wait, what about Miss Zhao?”
“Oh... you...! Urgh...!!”
Ying Ying jerked away from him and facing elsewhere, leaving Duan Yu to wonder about the time of the month.
“For your information, Miss Zhao is on the verge of full recovery and will be relocated to Lady Mu's quarters which is under Lu Wushuang” The latter is Ying Ying's fellow attender and they are friends at work and of leisure.
Duan Yu pondered what he supposed to say now. Ying Ying seemed to be in a very bad mood and he has no wish to upset her further.
“Don't you have anything else to say?” She crossed her arms and turned to face him again.
“Ah....” he hesitated.
The man doesn't really know what to say, or do next.
“Good bye!” She started to stomp away, and Duan Yu regained his senses somewhat.
“Wait! Ying!! Ying Ying!!!” He went after her when she didn't stop, “Ying, why are you so upset all the sudden? What is wrong??” he pulled her back, making her facing him.
“What is wrong? What is wrong??” she almost screamed at him.
“Yes. What. Is. Wrong?!” he almost shouted in return.
“I. Am. Off. Duty - You. Are. Going. Away - Of course, n-o-t-h-i-n-g is w-r-o-n-g!! Now, good night to you, Mister!!!”
Ah, he finally get her message across.... He believed this what one calls Lovers Spats and he supposed this being their first. Hopefully it be their last as well.
“Oh, I am sorry! I am so sorry! Ying, I didn't mean to upset you like that!” he reached out for both her hands, and holding them closed in his, “I was thoughtless, and being inconsiderate”
Whether man is right or wrong, or being entirely clueless, it is always advisable to admit himself at fault or taking on the blame. After all, one can often savor the marvel of such virtue later, in a delightful return, if not in full payment. She make a “Hmmm....” sound and he insisted, “Am I forgiven? Don't hmmm me, just say yes or no”
“What if the answer is no?”
“Then I have to find a way to make you say yes”
“How?”
He gave her a full kiss on the mouth.
“You...!”
“Am I forgiven now?”
“What if I to say no again?”
“I kiss you on and on, until you say yes”
He tricked her.
“A gentleman do no such thing!”
“See, when we men don't say or do things, the women threw tantrums out of sudden! When a man ready for actions that speaks louder than words, you said do no such thing”
He is turning the tables on her.
“Unfair!”
“So. Am. I. Forgiven?”
“Alright, you are forgiven”
Duan Yu grinned and gestured his hand, to which she took and they walked under the moonlight of a starry night. After enjoying the silent moments of togetherness, he said quietly, “Ying...”
“Hmmm....?”
“Why not you coming along with me? We can travel together, paying visit to my teacher while looking for Yang Guo” he suggested tentatively.
“Yes, I like the idea very much” she replied happily, much to his own surprise.
“Truly?”
“Yes, truly. When are we leaving?”
“Perhaps, in a day or two”
“Fine and I have to go now. Good night!”
She kissed his cheek and ran off. Duan Yu smiled to himself. If he is to be frank, this trip would prove to be rather interesting and more exciting than his previous ones.
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Zhao Min came to wake fully. Instead of the attendant or her physician, she found a hand holding hers, and a head on her bed. Her widened eyes eventually took in the picture of Yang Kang slumping on a stool beside her, and dozed off. As the man slept on, Zhao Min decided not to rouse him and stole some moments to watch his countenance at close. Come to think of it, she never really studied him clearly or properly. Although there are familiarity and similarity, Yang Kang's face is far noble than that rapist, and his being more righteous. It has been years, but the memory of the rapist's features and cruel doings remained as fresh as yesterday. He deserved his vicious end, while the poor maiden..., well, hopefully still alive. A case of an awful fate and a monstrous circumstance, she prays the maiden managed to escape peril and death. If she sees the latter again, Zhao Min would definitely able to recognize her. If there is something Zhao Min wishes to do very much in this life, it has to be bringing the Killer-Murderer-Vampire to End. After all, she never got to avenge for her family members or delivering justice for her villagers. Neither Chance nor Fortune being fair to her on the matter. Only Life and Opportunity bestows her a pair of legs, and granting her the hands to take care of herself. So sad and lost in her reminiscing, Zhao Min must have make some movements, and Yang Kang being startled from his deep slumber and his head came up.
“Zhao Min...?” He mumbled.
“Yes...” She shifted to make a gap between them, and pulled the cover up while he yawned and rubbed his eyes. Now that he straightened up, she noticed he lost a great deal of weight, and his exhaustion is obvious.
“Zhao Min, how are you?”
“I am fine, thank you”
She wanted to ask about him too, but the words just wouldn't come out from the mouth. He said nothing after this, just stared at her while she just looked down at the hand that holding hers. She tried to remove it only to find he tightened his hold. Uneasiness came over her, and she blurted whatever on the mind, “What are you doing here?”
“To see you”
“Don't you have work to do?”
“I am off for the day”
“So why don't you rest properly at your place?”
“I am thinking to breaking fast with you”
She ran out of lines and she couldn't meet his eyes without betraying herself. From her strained expressions and tensed body languages, Yang Kang knew she is wary of him, and perhaps distrusted all men in general when comes to proximity. I am going to KILL that bastard!
“Zhao Min, tell me the man who tried to rape you”
Her head jerked up, “What?!”
“You cried out that day, remember? So, tell me his name and I have the palace to hunt him down until he is found. Even if takes forever or till the end of this Universe!”
He spoke with such mean streak that she almost come to fear him.
“I... He..., i..it w..was not m..me...” she stuttered.
“Not you? Please elaborate”
In between broken lines, she says all she could, and would “... if I see the victim again, or come across the murderer, I can tell”
“Can you still remember the rapist too?”
Now, that is a very arduous subject for her to bring on and out. Although she is not sure what the actual relationship between him and that rapist, she knew the birds of same feathers flocked together. Her years serving the titled families and attending the rich peoples, were proofs enough for her to witness things that even Yang Kang himself didn't. However, she was saved from replying for the time being when servants and attendants came in, bringing the foods and drinks. Zhao Min's physician appeared as well and he came forward, reporting “My lord, I come to check on Miss Zhao”
Yang Kang released her hand and stood up aside, and the physician gestured at her, “Miss Zhao, may I?” She allowed him so, and after a thorough check, he said “Miss Zhao, a tremendous improvement and impressive recovery. The only thing is, you must eat more from now on” Then turning to Yang Kang, the physician said, “I will informed his ladyship on the nourishments that she needs” and to her, “Miss Zhao, just take what his ladyship ordered the kitchen prepares and you be as good as new. And more besides” He smile, a smile that seemed to hint much more than improvement or recovery.
Zhao Min kept quiet and Yang Kang asked, “Physician, are you done now?”
“Yes, my lord”
“Then you may go” he dismissed the latter.
“Yes” he bowed, and retreated. The servants and attendants still around, and Yang Kang ordered, “Leave us”
They left discreetly, and Yang Kang turned to Zhao Min, who is caught by surprise when he suddenly announces, “I will be my lady's servant and attendant for the day”
“Are you joking?!” she asked incredulously.
“Did I do a lousy job out of it, since you are not laughing out loud?”
“It is not funny!”
“I try my best to come out with another one then, just to humor my lady”
As he spoke gallantly, he reached out and she allowed him to pull her up. She is relaxed for the moment, and indeed that is good. Very good, as a matter of fact. He never fails in his personal missions, neither a novice when comes to private quests. The cover came down, and Yang Kang removed one of his own layers and put it over her single piece of garment, “Although it is already spring, the weather still cold and chilly”
If she is embarrassed or uncomfortable with the her state, he didn't show he noticed and proceeded to guide her to the table where food and drinks are served. He sat her down, and took a seat at a comfortable space. His hands went to prepare the foods meticulously as though all in a day's job, and poured their drinks without spilling out or messed up on the table. For someone whose life being served from birth until now, he could actually take care of himself well and others. And for somebody who used to be attended from head to toe, he performed the tasks far more efficient than herself or perhaps, better than those in the palace.
“Open your mouth”
“Uh..., I... ”
“Eat. You heard what the physician said”
“I can do it myself”
“As you wish”
He then ate his portion, and Zhao Min observed the man also has good table manner. Also, he in his formal wear and official front, Yang Kang is every inch of a noble and lord.
“Do I look so handsome and extremely attractive to you all the sudden until you forgot how to eat?”
He joked for the second time in a day, and at her expenses. Zhao Min ate hurriedly, and cursed him inwardly, Darn the man for spotting her on! When at one stage he flashed his rare smile, Damn him for being good looking! By right, she should curse her own hormone for kicking in unexpectedly. Indeed, this is the first time she is experiencing such kind of effect concerning the opposite gender.
“Careful, lest you choke”
She reached for her cup and after she drank her fill, Zhao Min wiped her mouth and setting aside her food.
“You didn't finish it”
“The food is too much”
“You called that too much?”
“I don't eat like a lot, sometimes I go without” She shouldn't have said that. She. Really. Shouldn't. Have. Said. That.
“Why?”
“Oy, just take a look at me, do I seemed to be a big eater, and one with great appetite? Do I also appeared like a food dump or trash bin?” she joked, trying to humor him back.
“You can't fool me, so please don't lie” His tone is grave, meaning next to steely. And she knew him well enough to understand it is an order and not a request. It is not wise to provoke the man now or to test his mood further.
“In my previous employments, there were moments I got enough to eat, but most time I merely took leftover and just water. So I am used to little food, and could live on none”
She didn't know her confession would ignite such a reaction, reaction where he grabbed hold of her immediately and unexpectedly.
“Didn't they feed you?” he asked angrily.
“You are holding me tightly, let go!” she struggled intensely.
He released her presently but she was so caught up with the moments, “Do you expect me in my size and height, to push around the boys or guys in order to get food?! In case you forgotten, men are total brutes when coming to show off their strength on those who are weaker and smaller!! And I have you know now, that even women bullies girls and those who are younger than themselves!!!”
She is shaking with pent up anger, that her whole being shivered and trembled. It took her several moments to register Yang Kang trying his best control her troubled flow. When she finally regained consciousness and senses somewhat, Zhao Min became aware of Yang Kang's arms fully around her.
“I am sorry, I didn't know you had so much hardship in the past”
Extracting herself from him which he allowed her to do so, she replied flatly, “It is not your fault, there is no need for you to be sorry. Even the Almighty failed us sometimes”
He could discern bitterness and cynicism in it. She has suffered, she has truly suffered. For one to survive all the adversities at her age, Zhao Min must possessed more than wit and courage, will and determination. It is impossible for a man not to admire or impressed by such character and female strength.
“Zhao Min....” he started but she said tiredly, “I wish to rest”
This is not the time to push his luck, or to press her more. Besides, he needs to take his proper rest too. The rape issue yet to be solved, and Yang Kang decided to follow up later. Not that he being lacking now since his betrothed is unscathed in the case, but he must wait for the time and right place to raise it again.
“I shall see you later today, and we will pay a visit to my parents then”
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She is packing when Guo Xiang comes knocking, “Ying Ying!”
“Guo Xiang, please come in”
The latter entered, saw her packing and asked, “You are going off with Duan Yu?”
“How do you know?”
“The wall have ears and the place got eyes”
“Oh....! Well erm.... so what's up?”
“Nothing, just wants to double confirm the fact. And since you are really going off with him, as a friend and confidante, I suggest and advise you to take precautions”
“Guo Xiang, what are you getting at?!”
“Alright, I won't beat round the bushes. If you are underage, I can write you off as ignorance and deserved to be educated properly. If you are attached and he is married, or vice versa then I have to say what you two planning to do are wrong and scandalous. If you say no and he uses force, that is called rape. But now, you are willing and he is free, so the word is consensual. There is no harm doing things together, just remember to take precautions that's all. See, I talked like an expert and lectured you pretty well, didn't I?”
“You are imagining too much! He... I, hey, stop laughing, we are not like that!”
“Let see – stolen kisses, ritual meetings and now private moments – me imagining too much, hmm...?”
Before Ying Ying could reply, someone came in and said, “Xiang er, save your breath. Ying Ying doesn't need your help on such thing. She is already one crafty woman and artful lady, given the facts she could manage to have the man all by herself. Even the Lord Yang Kang listened to her, while I believed Guo Jing is still enamored by her.
Guo Fu said all these smilingly, but her tone is anything but teasing. Ying Ying have no wish to make an enemy out of the lady, so she kept quiet. Guo Xiang however, refused to be silent. Her elder sister is getting more and more malicious lately. This time she went too far and one time too many.
“There is no need for you to take it out on her. In case you forgotten, Lord Yang Kang is engaged to a certain Miss Zhao. I also failed to see why you so jealous when our cousin brother gave Ying Ying the bracelets, it is not as though you like them”
“Xiang er!” Guo Fu shouted at her sister.
Guo Xiang about to retaliate when Ying Ying cleared her throat and said, “Ladies, I just remember I have something to do. So, please excuse me” and went away, leaving the sisters to squabble in private.
“Stop being a pain in the neck, would you? Do you really think being the thorn would endear you more to the Lord Yang Kang, or the rest of us in the palace?”
“Guo Xiang, remember yourself!”
“Why don't you do that first?!”
With that, Guo Xiang swept passed her elder sister and left the latter alone and indignant.
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He cannot remain here forever. To do so, is neglecting his duties, and being an irresponsible person. It was his own folly, and he should blame on none but himself.
“You being here, but your heart is afar”
He took a deep breath, and Dragon Girl continued, “Our sights often deceived us. It is always better to see with our heart”
Yang Guo turned to her, “Besides being Guardian of the Dragon Sabre, you are also a Seer in this Universe, aren't you?”
“You really are a man of intelligence, and brilliance”
“Of course, all due to present company”
“Are you flirting with me?” she smiled.
“If you think I am, then I am. If you think I am not, then I am not” he smiled.
If her smile reflected thousands word and thought, then his would be thousands act and deed. A woman could keep a man using various means, and crafts but sooner or later he easily break free. If a man wanted to stay, nobody can make him go away. In any event, Dragon Girl has long foresee he is man who set his own terms and laying the conditions. If the most potent substance, or the oldest trade unable to dominate his will or rule his heart at his most weakest element and lowest defense, nothing else would. And for one able to show resistance and displayed restraint where most failed, is one to be highly regarded with esteem and honor. Such man is to be truly admired, and should be genuinely respected.
“I have a parting gift for you” she said suddenly and producing a crystal vial. Inside the vial, a fluid of red.
“What is it?” Fascinated, he asked and taking it from her hand.
“Blood of a phoenix”
Startled, Yang Guo stared at her for what it seemed moments before taking a closer look at the vial.
“It could save a life, even though that life already departed”
Again, Yang Guo stared at her and she continued, “It is very precious, and only a drop. So use it wisely”
“Dragon Girl.... I, I don't know what to say to you for giving me such a treasure....”
“Just say thank you will do”
To him, the word “thank you” is inadequate. Yang Guo always believe in action that speaks louder than word. He leaned forward and kissed Dragon Girl gratefully on the cheek. Deeply touched by his voluntary gesture, she shifted a bit and he didn't pull away, allowing her liberty for the one and only time, if not the last. Almost perished in his course of duty, and having a close shave with malignity, Yang Guo decided then to go with the flow. If Life is to test him greatly and deeply, he will overcome whatever Fate has in store for him. And if Destiny is to drill him physically or plans to drain him emotionally, he is ready to conquer any Mandate that comes calling.
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“MinMin, since you are discharged, I want you to stay here for the time being so I have you pampered, and fattened up in no time” the Lady Mu Guiying fussed her.
Zhao Min have no answer to such statement and the only thing she could manage is looking over at Yang Kang. But the man was engaged with his father, and they seemed in deep discussion over matters of the court.
“Also, you need to be trained up befitting a Lady. You seemed bright to me, and I am sure you can master most of the procedures, if not all. Now come to think of it, Lady Zhao sounds very nice” Zhao Min could tell her face is getting hotter, and redder each passing moment.
Meanwhile, Steward Yang has stopped talking and Yang Kang took a sip of his drink. The Lady Mu then asked her husband, “My Lord, have you set the date and settled the formality?”
“The wedding is to be held in this Autumn. Today, the palace already issued an announcement throughout The Kingdom and all the preparations for the event are in progress”
“What?!” Zhao Min will be Zhao Min, and she jumped up with her entire being flushed.
“Kang er actually requested a Summer Wedding, but due to your newly coming fourteen of age I decided to give you some more time for the adjustment. Also in consideration of my nephew's absence. Hopefully, he will be found by then, and returned safely to the palace to celebrate the happy occasion with us” Steward Yang said as though he is reporting for all to hear.
Zhao Min's widened eyes went to Yang Kang, who said nothing. Drat that man for not getting her message through! She cursed him for the third time straight in a day. Meantime, his parents has had the grace to overlook her reaction, and pretended nothing happened.
“MinMin, it is time for us to call it a night, so why don't you send my son on his way out” Lady Mu told her.
Yang Kang stood up, bidding good night to his parents and waited for Zhao Min to precede him. She saw his chivalry, and understood the protocol. She moved without excusing herself, and he followed quietly. His parents wisely refrained from commenting. Halfway, and when they are alone she turned to face him desperately, “There is no need for you to marry me! We can continue on as Master and Servant but if the palace objects or your parents prohibits it, then I can go away! I promised not to say a word about that night! I swear I won't ruin your name or tarnish your reputation!”
It is becoming clear to him, that she never treated or regarded him to be more than an employer.
“But I wanted to marry you. It has nothing to do with obligation any more, and no longer a question of reputation for my part. Not even an excuse under the guise of honor”
Zhao Min opened and closed her mouth several times in attempt to reply the shocking and bold confession. But each time, neither she could come out with ready word nor able to muster up her proper speech.
“Let me take care of you from now on, and allow me to protect you for life”
The man offered his name, and bequeath everything that all girls could only yearn for but mostly never achieved. Her cheeks is stinging hot, and she knew her face has reddened so much so that Zhao Min has to look away from Yang Kang. He make a movement, and she jerked to find his face already lowered to hers. Zhao Min went still and stiff when the kiss came, but it was chaste.
“While you are here, I will visit whenever time and work permits. Now, I shall see my own way out so good night, my lady”
Long after he left her, she remained stunned on the spot when Lady Mu appeared silently by the side.
“MinMin, my son loves you very much. You should cherish it”
“My lady does not know that...” She stopped herself from saying, “Wait till you see another caught his fancy!”
“Believe me, I know my own son. In my entire life, I never saw him wanting to marry any girl, be it tempting offers or decent proposals. His father told me, he never witness our son wishing to settle down or into matrimony so much like he does now. He almost turned the Study Room upside down when my husband suggested the next Spring when you turning fifteen. His uncle The Lord has to step in, to order his restraint and negotiated the date to Autumn”
“Well, that only proves he's... he's...!” With greatest effort, Zhao Min held the tip of the tongue from running loose, by reminding herself that this woman is in fact, Yang Kang's mother.
“Miss Zhao, a man needs not to marry a woman for the reason of bedding her. You ought to know, first my son saved you from further poverty and natural deprivation! Next, he utterly rescued you from the grasp of Death itself!”
Now Zhao Min's red face has nothing to do with vexation or embarrassment but shame and chastened. The lady might as well slap her soundly, or splashing cold water onto her face by exposing nothing but the truth. Yes, she knew she was lost twice and indeed, aware herself owed him not only life, but many things she should be thankful of. Instead, she is being ungrateful to him, and ungraceful towards his mother.
“Attendants!” Lady Mu called out and several maids turned up. The lady instructed, “Bring Miss Zhao to her new chamber, and served accordingly to her post and my son's status.
“My lady....” Zhao Min ventured timidly, for Lady Mu a lot more sterner and far more austerer than his son.
“Yes?”
“I am sorry....” she swallowed, trying to think of a better way apologizing but she lacked the worldly arts and poor in that sophistications.
“MinMin... it is alright. I trust my son will not simply take a wife, or name his bride so blindly. His father and I are satisfied with his choice of consort, and we do love to have you as our daughter in law”
Zhao Min blushed for the third consecutive time for the night.
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CHAPTER 19 AND THREE NOT A CROWD
Sneak Preview
She seemed lost her way, and missed the actual direction. A sound of stalking movements, and she turned to the source. A large and mature wolf, with its predatory snarls and jaws snapping, took a moment to sense the prey and observed the wilderness before launching an attack to kill.