Shadows of the Sword

[zzzbeauty]

Highlights? Oh, <IMG SRC="smilies/laugh2.gif" border="0"> I was just joking about highlights, in order to rid of my grey hair. Let me tell you a secret...I’m a <IMG SRC="smilies/nerd.gif" border="0"> too. <IMG SRC="smilies/laugh2.gif" border="0">

Tieu Phong is quite an interesting character. <IMG SRC="smilies/shocked.gif" border="0"> I can’t believe that he’s associated with The Kiet. I don’t think that Tieu Phong or The Kiet are evil..or maybe I’m just biased. <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">

I think Thien Ton might be the master mind behind everything, but then again, these are only my assumptions, Tu Vi would be the only one that knows for sure. <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">

As always, thanks for the chapter and for keeping us on our toes. <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

[Tu Vi]

to lil bubble- of course, i don't mind. it is always fascinating to know what the readers think. hope that you will like this chapter.
to CrazyT- glad you like it.
to ccsakura - i hope that i put even more questions in your mind after this chapter. i am evil, aren't I. Grin like a lunatic.
to zzzbeauty - always happy to meet a fellow <IMG SRC="smilies/nerd.gif" border="0">. <IMG SRC="smilies/wave.gif" border="0">. what do you think of Tieu Phong after this chapter??? you are very welcome. i am having a great time writing this story.
Love Always,
Tu Vi


Chapter 17 – Mastermind
Louis Koo- Kim Bat Pham
Julian Cheung- Tieu Phong (Little Wind)
Carman Lee- Nam Cung Hong
Vivian Leung – Vuong Nha Yen
Ruby Lin- Lam Tam Nhu
Nicky Wu- Vuong Nhat Phi
Vincent Jiao- Chu The Kiet
Gigi Lai- Mai Tu Diep

Morning came as the sun rose majestically behind the tinted clouds in the far horizon. The edge of the world exploded into millions of colors ranging from a pale rosy white to a deep, dark crimson. The mist that covered the forest curled up like bony fingers and slowly dispersed into the four directions. Sparkling dews covered the lush, green grass and one could almost taste its fresh, tangy scent. Wildflowers bloomed cheerfully with their myriad colors splashed against the cool grass.
Bat Pham inhaled the crisp morning air as he stood in front of Chu The Kiet’s house, looking toward the distant horizon. Behind him, thousands of Snow Blossoms bloomed cheerfully, their blazing whiteness seemed to have run into the edge of eternity. And yet Bat Pham paid no attention to these rare, exotic flowers, instead he was focusing on a small sunflower struggling to raise its yellow petals toward the sunlight. Here was beauty, he realized, simple and yet profound.
“Bat Pham.” Hearing her soft footsteps, he turned around and smiled in greeting.
Nha Yen stood a few feet away from him. She was looking at the beautiful, elegant Snow Blossoms with admiring eyes. “I still don’t know how he does it.”
“Power.” Bat Pham replied simply.
“Yes, power.” Nha Yen sighed, “with it, one can do absolutely everything.”
Bat Pham glanced back at the struggling, tiny sunflower and a faint smile touched his lips, “no, not everything.”
Nha Yen didn’t seem to hear him as she stared at the Snow Blossoms, “what do you want most in this life, Bat Pham?” She asked suddenly.
“Contentment, happiness.”
“Not power, not riches, not absolute authority?” Nha Yen questioned.
“With absolute power, comes absolute corruption.” Bat Pham’s eyes were distant as he looked past her, toward the house.
“But without it, can we really achieve happiness? How can we get such an illusive feeling in such a power hungry world?” Nha Yen asked almost tiredly.
“I built my cottage among the habitations of men,
And yet there is no clamor of carriages and horses.
You ask: "Sir, how can this be done?"
"A heart that is distant creates its own solitude."
I pluck chrysanthemums under the eastern hedge,
Then gaze afar towards the southern hills.
The mountain air is fresh at the dusk of day;
The flying birds in flocks return.
In these things there lies a deep meaning;
I want to tell it, but have forgotten the words.” (*) Bat Pham quoted softly.
“Tao Yuanming.” Nha Yen recognized the poet immediately, “sometimes I wonder if he truly forgets.”
“I believe that he does.” Bat Pham replied. He looked up as a few lone birds circled the sky and cawed. Their lonely cried echoed and rang like the rushing wind. “There is beauty in everything, you just have to learn to recognize it.”
“What if you never can?”
“Life is not a struggle, or a ladder for power, Nha Yen. It is two roads; we can pick which one we want to travel. And if we grow tired of it, we can always change our path.”
“Can we really?” Nha Yen whispered and for one split second, her eyes were infinitely old.
“Only you know the answer to that.” Bat Pham inclined his head in farewell, and started to walk toward the trees.
“Where are you going?” Nha Yen asked.
“For a walk, you should try it sometimes.” And then he was gone.
Nha Yen stared after his disappearing figure and for some reasons, the image of a lone crane rose in her mind. Cranes were ethereal, illusive creatures, not of this world but of the next.

They were gone, Bat Pham realized as he walked down the worn path. The people that had watched the house so intensely this past week were gone. Now, all he could sense was the presence of the animals and an incoming darkness. He knew that they would have to leave soon. This place was no longer safe. But for now, he was content to walk his path, and to contemplate his companions. Each of them, it seemed, had an ulterior motive. Even the bubbling Cung Hong and the serene Nha Yen wanted something. Bat Pham stopped at the bank of a sparkling stream, and gazed down at the clear water. Who would it be, he wondered. Who would make the first move?
Bat Pham lifted his head slowly as he heard the sound of light footsteps. It was the sound of people flying over grass. And they were getting closer. Bat Pham flew up into the sheltering branch of a large oak tree, and using the leaves as cover, he swiftly jumped from tree to tree, heading toward the sound. Five minutes later, he came upon a small group, standing underneath a hovering branch.
“Master, what should we do now?” One of the men whispered.
“Spread out, we will attack tonight.” A cultured voice answered.
Bat Pham immediately recognized the speaker as the leader of the Heaven and Earth sect Ho Thanh Son (Eddie Cheung).
“Master.” Another man flew in, gasping. “I just saw the Blue Robes and Black Snakes people not far from here.”
“They are together?” Thanh Son asked sharply.
“No, they are hiding in two separate places.” The messenger panted as he answer.
“Go back, and report immediately if they make any move.”
“Yes, Master.”
As soon as the man was gone, Thanh Son turned to his four students. “We will wait tonight until everyone has appeared and fight among themselves.”
“Then we will be the bird swooping in to claim the prize.” One student said excitedly.
Thanh Son nodded approvingly at his student.
Meanwhile, up at the tree, Bat Pham silently withdrew and headed back toward the house.
When he got there, everyone was in the living room, talking idly. But The Kiet was absented and so were his two servants. Nhat Phi and Tam Nhu were also gone.
Bat Pham nodded in greeting to everyone as he walked in.
“We have some visitors.” He said after he sat down and poured a cup of tea.
“Oh?” Tieu Phong lifted his brow.
“Heaven and Earth, Blue Robes and Black Snakes.” Bat Pham answered.
“What should we do?” Cung Hong asked after a silent moment of surprise.
“Run.” Tieu Phong suggested. “We don’t want to waste our energy fighting these people.”
“We can’t. Tam Nhu and Nhat Phi left this morning to collect some herbs from the mountain. They won’t be back until tomorrow. I am not leaving my brother behind.” Nha Yen said firmly.
“Then we will be like sitting ducks here. They are in the darkness and we are in the light. We are at a severe disadvantage.” Cung Hong said.
“Nha Yen, where did your brother go?” Bat Pham asked.
“Toward the western ridge of the mountain, he wanted some herbs that grew there.”
“Then why don’t we split up?” Tieu Phong asked. “Some of us can look for Nhat Phi and Tam Nhu while the rest distracted the sects and led them on a fake trail. We will meet back here after night falls.”
“All right, I will go look for my brother.” Nha Yen stood.
“I will go with you.” Bat Pham offered.
“Cung Hong and I can distract the sects. I can lead them into Beijing and then the imperial guards can do the work.” Tieu Phong smiled devilishly.

Ho Thanh Son (Eddie Cheung) was hiding behind a bush when he saw a figure rushing out from behind the dense cover of the trees. Why, it was the Rodent. He thought as he recognized the running figure.
Thanh Son snapped his fingers and one of his students immediately appeared, “follow him.”
“Yes, sifu.” The student silently blended into the shadow, accompanied by two of his younger martial art brothers.
Ten minutes later, the leaves rustled and the trees parted. Three figures flew out and landed on the clearing.
“I can’t believe he would betray us.” A beautiful young maiden who Thanh Son did not recognize said heatedly.
“It is too late for regret. We must get the map back. Split up.” The student of the White Cloud Manor, Kim Bat Pham, said decisively. His companions nodded and scattered to three different directions.
A gleam appeared in Thanh Son’s eyes. Even heaven was on his side. He sent a silent chuckle to the other waiting sects. They would wait here to attack on an empty house while he chased after the true prize.
“Let’s go.” He gestured.
But unknown to him, two spies from the Black Snakes and Blue Robe also saw everything. And they immediately reported back to their masters. Soon, the forest was empty for everyone was chasing Tieu Phong directly into the capital.

Four hours later, the Heaven and Earth students were still following Tieu Phong. Half an hour ago, they had entered the capital and the Rodent had led them on an exhausting chase as he slithered from one obscured, tiny street to another. They cursed him as they followed him into yet another muddy street where hard eyed men prowled the road. This was a place that very few people in the capital knew existed. It was the place of the underworld where robbers, rapists and murders held their own courts.
Tieu Phong smiled faintly to himself as he blended into a gambling room where sweaty bodies bumped together and the sound of curses was raw in the air. He slipped out at the door in the back and smiled in greeting at the white figure who sat on the roof of the next crumbling building.
“Why do we have to go here?” Cung Hong wrinkled her nose in distaste. In her entire life, she had never been in such a place. She did not quite know how to describe it. She just knew that here, a barely restrained violence permeated the atmosphere and there was a profound sense of ugliness and brutality.
“Because a few dead bodies here won’t be notice.” Tieu Phong answered.
“Dead bodies. You are planning to kill them?” Cung Hong asked in shock.
“What did you think we would do?” Tieu Phong asked mockingly. “We cannot afford to have them follow us back to Chu The Kiet’s house. Then, the whole purpose of this trip would be for nothing.”
“I just thought that we would render them unconscious and leave them on the street. There is no need to kill them.”
“Once they have stepped into this area, they are already dead. If we don’t kill them, someone else will.” Tieu Phong answered carelessly.
Cung Hong stared at him for a long moment, “Are you really that cold-blooded?” She asked finally.
Tieu Phong shrugged.
“But no matter what, I will not kill them.” Cung Hong said heatedly, “they are simply following their Master’s orders.”
“With this kind of attitude, you can never survive in the pugilist world.” Tieu Phong said with a faint smile, “you should have stay in the Ice Palace.”
“I won’t discuss this matter with you. My mind is set.” Cung Hong declared, “If you try to kill them, I will stop you.”
A dangerous light entered Tieu Phong’s eyes but it was gone in a split second, “then what do you propose we do with them?”
“Like I said, hit them and leave them here. They will wake up tomorrow, without a clue to where we had gone to.”
“All right.” Tieu Phong held up his hands in surrender. “And here they come.” He muttered, “you take care of them.” He slipped behind a rotting wall and watched.
The three Heaven and Earth student charged through the doorway and glanced around. They had been delayed by the mass of people inside the gambling room and it took them nearly five minutes to extricate themselves.
“Where did he go?”
“Second brother, go report to sifu and bring him here.” The oldest one ordered.
“Yes, older brother.” The younger one moved toward the doorway but he suddenly felt a brush of icy, cold wind.
The air in the tiny courtyard seemed to decrease rapidly until they could see their breath puffed out before them.
“I’m afraid I can’t let you do that.” A soft, feminine voice sounded.
The three looked up and saw a white goddess gliding toward them. Her silky, black hair was dancing around her breathtaking face and there was a faint smile on her lips. They blinked and rubbed their eyes to see if this was an illusion.
With a sigh, Cung Hong’s hand moved and three glittering ice needles shot out and pierced through the men’s pressure points. They collapsed on the dirt with their eyes still wide open. By tomorrow, the ice would melt and they would wake up.
Cung Hong looked toward the wall, “you can come out now.”
Tieu Phong walked out and with a blank expression; he headed toward the fallen men and crouched by their side.
“What are you doing?” Cung Hong asked as a very bad feeling fluttered in her stomach. She moved forward but it was too late. Tieu Phong pulled the still men up and using their sword, calmly slit their throats.
Hearing Cung Hong’s choke voice, he turned and said casually,
“Never leave a body behind without making sure that they are truly dead.”
He threw away the bloody sword and wiped his hand on the dead man’s robe.

__________________________________________________ ____________________

“When faith is lost, when honor dies
The man is dead!”
John Whittier

(*)The above poem is written by Tao Yuanming and translated by Tony Barnstone and Chou Ping.

<font size="1">[ March 17, 2003: Message edited by: Tu Vi ]</font>

[Suet Seung]

Tu Vi! You never cease to amaze me with your expressive vocab..and diction. The atmosphere you create and all is so poetic. I've only read parts of it because I haven't had any time to spend on leisurely...relaxing stuff like updating my fanfics and reading awesome fanfics by Cloud9 and you.

I really miss reading your fanfics <IMG SRC="smilies/frown.gif" border="0">...must steal some time to read them and others! <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/evillaugh.gif" border="0">

<font size="1">[ March 15, 2003: Message edited by: WhiteKrane ]</font>

[ccsakura]

Hi! This was a great chapter alothough I must admit I was quite disappointed when it ended so soon. Now I'm very sure that I'm confused with Tieu Phong's character. I'm thinking for a fact now that he is bad. Well anyway, congratulations on a great job.

[lil_bubble]

That was an amazing chapter! So poetic and wise words too! I hope you update soon! <IMG SRC="smilies/thumbsup.gif" border="0">

[zzzbeauty]

Wow, I'm <IMG SRC="smilies/shocked.gif" border="0"> by Tieu Phong's actions.

Hmm..I still don't think Tieu Phong is a bad person; he's a person with a mysterious past; but not evil.

As Bat Pham said "each of them, it seemed, had an ulterior motive", we just don't know what each person's motives are at this point.

I'm sure Tieu Phong has his own reasons; he's more experienced in the pugilist world; a dead person can not reveal secrets, therefore the whole gang will be safe for the time being.

Tu Vi, this chapter is indeed amazing, I don't think Nha Yen is that simple either. You're making me think too much. <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">

To me, the only simple person so far is Cung Hong; unaware of anything or anyone.

But of course, I could be wrong, right Tu Vi. <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">

Thanks again and please update soon. <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

[Bubeng]

Oh oh, Tieu Phong is not that nice a person after all. He doesn't respect Cun Hong's feeling about preserving life. Cun Hong better run away from him. Maybe then he might appreciate her better and will repent from his evil ways <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">.

Hi Tu Vi! Thanks for another excellent update. Can't help but marvel for your creative writing. Keep it up!

[Tu Vi]

to WhiteKrane- you are always far too kind with your praises. <IMG SRC="smilies/blush.gif" border="0"> Good luck with your schoolwork and hope that you would do really well. Hehe, with the rate that I am updating, a year from now I still won't be finish so take your time. Wish you all the best of luck.
to ccsakura- grin, as my philosophy prof. puts it, there is no black and white but only gray. i would think that Tieu PHong fit into that area.
to lil_bubble - the poetic words is entirely the words of the awesome poet, Tao Yuanming, as for the wise words, you are too kind to say that they are wise.
to zzzbeauty - good or evil is in the eye of the beholder, right? Nha Yen? laughing evilly, we'll see and the same with cung Hong. wonder what you think of her now after this chapter.
to Bubeng- thank you, run away? both Tieu Phong and Cung Hong would not even dream of it. it is simply not in their personalities.
Thank you as always for your kind comments.
Tu Vi


Chapter 18- The Forbidden City
Louis Koo- Kim Bat Pham
Julian Cheung- Tieu Phong (Little Wind)
Carman Lee- Nam Cung Hong
Vivian Leung – Vuong Nha Yen
Ruby Lin- Lam Tam Nhu
Nicky Wu- Vuong Nhat Phi
Vincent Jiao- Chu The Kiet
Gigi Lai- Mai Tu Diep


“You!” Furious, Cung Hong charged forward and raised her hand. She didn’t know what she would do but there was something deep inside her that rebelled at his action. It wasn’t just the fact that he had killed three men in cold blood, with her unknowing assistance. There was also something on his face, she thought. It was as if he was testing her.
Tieu Phong didn’t move as Cung Hong punched him on his stomach.
“Why did you do that?” She demanded, “you promise me.”
“Promises are easily broken.” Tieu Phong said with a mocking smile. But then he shook his head, “let’s go.”
“If you think that I will go with you after this, you better think again.” Cung Hong said heatedly but then her eyes filled when she looked down at the bodies. It was the first time that she had killed. Even though they didn’t die by her hand, but it was because of her that they died.
“Stop this foolishness.” Tieu Phong reached out, grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the exit. “You have a job to do.”
Cung Hong was about to dig in her feet but then she stopped at the last moment. A chill ran up her back, “what job?”
“To divert the sects and meet back with everyone at the house.” Even though Tieu Phong’s face was emotionless, Cung Hong knew that he was lying. Could it be that he knew? Impossible, she thought, only two people in this world knew, her father and her. Caught in her thought, she allowed Tieu Phong to pull her out into a dark valley.

“I can’t leave.” Nhat Phi said determinedly that night after Tam Nhu and he had been found by Bat Pham and Nha Yen. They had returned to the house and met up with Cung Hong and Tieu Phong. “I promise Chu The Kiet that I would heal his father. I can’t break my words.”
“But the sects will only be detain for a short period of time. They will be back here. It is too dangerous.” Nha Yen said as she placed her hand on her brother’s. “Please, older brother.”
“Perhaps I can help.” An urbane voice sounded from the door. Chu The Kiet entered, followed by his two servants. “I have a few properties in the capital and I can move my father to any of them. Nhat Phi will be perfectly safe.”
Bat Pham looked at the struggling healer and knew that Nhat Phi did not want his sister to travel without him. “Nhat Phi, stay here, you gave your words and you must keep it. I promise you, I will take good care of everyone.”
A silent conversation seemed to pass between the two men. And then Nhat Phi finally nodded but his eyes were deeply troubled. He turned to The Kiet, “I can only give you two weeks. If I cannot help your father after that period of time, I must leave.”
“All right.” The Kiet agreed, “If you can’t help him in two weeks, then perhaps you can’t help him at all.”
“Please excuse us.” Nhat Phi pulled his sister to the corner and engaged in a whispered conversation with her.
Ten minutes later, everyone was packed and ready to go.
Nhat Phi and Tam Nhu stood outside of the house, watching as the group slowly slipped into the darkness.
“They will be fine, young master.” Tam Nhu said softly.
“I hope so.” Nhat Phi sighed as he silently cursed himself. He should be with them and not stuck here. But he could not, on any good conscience, leave a patient untreated.

“My brother said that he would meet us at the Mount of Ashes three weeks from now. And he will keep in contact by pigeons.” Nha Yen said as they traveled past the towering trees and deeper into the forest.
“I did not know that you keep pigeons.” Tieu Phong said with surprise.
“The Cherry Blossoms Manor keeps in contact with most of the mo lam world this way. And we had a few posts along the way. I believe that there is one in the Province of Zhou. We can stop there and receive information from Nhat Phi.” Nha Yen explained.
Cung Hong, meanwhile, was avoiding Tieu Phong. She was walking next to Bat Pham with her eyes downcast.
“Are you all right?” Bat Pham asked gently.
Cung Hong looked up to his understanding eyes and to her mortification, a single tear slipped down her cheek.
“There, there.” Bat Pham patted her on the back as he handed her a snowy white handkerchief.
“I killed three men today.” She blurted out as she sniffed inelegantly into the handkerchief.
“I see.” Bat Pham sighed and looked up at the dark night sky. The moon was but an incandescent curve against the gray blanket of the night.
“I didn’t want to kill them.” Cung Hong said as her lower lip trembled.
“I know. No one wants to kill.”
Cung Hong stole a look at Tieu Phong who was walking ahead of them. “Some embrace it.”
“No.” Bat Pham smiled gently at Cung Hong, “some are forced to kill and some kill because of duty. But no one, in this world, kill willingly.”
“Do you really believe that?” Cung Hong raised her tear-drenched face up to his.
“Yes.”
“You are a hopeless optimistic, aren’t you?” Cung Hong asked with a fond smile.
“Isn’t it better to spent your life thinking the best of people rather than the worst?” Bat Pham asked back with a faint smile.


Nhat Phi walked out of his bedroom the next morning and found Tam Nhu already waiting for him out at the sitting room. His tea was already prepared and the delicious aroma of cooked food whiffed up.
“Tam Nhu.” He greeted her as he sat down. “Thank you.” He smiled as she poured out the tea.
“You’re welcome, young master.” Tam Nhu sat down across from him in the luxurious, golden room. There was a single vase filled with white roses in the corner, its fragrance strong and heady. It was strange, she noticed. There were white roses blooming everywhere in this elegant manor. Chu The Kiet must really love this flower.

The Forbidden City rose and spread in the midst of bustling Beijing. Its walls were a gleaming yellow, so bright that it hurt the eyes. Built almost a century before, it had only known the arrogance and power of royalty. In here, matter of life and death were decided everyday. And of course by housing the most prized possession of Ming, security was always on the highest alert. A wide moat surrounded the high walls, and then came the imperial guards dressed in somber red and white robes, with their stern faces and bright swords. A huge door blocked the entrance.
Once the few and privileges have went past the wall, they would came into a wide courtyard with its yellow marble and five bridges arching over the inner river. If one went pass the bridge, there would be the Outer Court with the three halls, the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Midway Hall of Harmony and the Hall of Military Prowess where the Emperor conducted important and national ceremonies.
And then there was the Inner Court, centered around the Hall of Celestial Purity, the Hall of Union and Peace and the Hall of Terrestrial Tranquility. Alongside with these halls are the Six East Palaces and Six West Palaces where the Emperor, his Empress and concubines resided.

It was in one of the West Palaces, the Hall of Preserved Elegance, where the current Empress lived that the sound of childish laughter was heard. (*)

“Papa.” The child shrieked in delight as his father strode into the room.
“Hello, my dragon.” The Kiet picked his son up and twirled him around. He blew kisses into his son’s stomach. The child gurgled with delight and when The Kiet lowered him down, he rained kisses on his father’s face. “Papa.”
With his arm secured around his son, The Kiet glanced around the room. Just as he looked up, all the maids kneeled down and chorused,
“Your Majesty.”
The emperor of Ming ignored them. He looked at his son lovingly, “what did you do this morning?”
And the tiny crown prince proceeded to tell his father about his activities, which included two broken, priceless vases and a ripped painting from the early Tang dynasty. Thankfully, The Kiet didn’t understand a word his son was saying because the child had not yet master talking in a way that actually made sense. He merely babbled. But to The Kiet’s doting ears, his son was making perfect sense.
“I see.” The Kiet nodded sagely as his son continued on. He added appropriate words of encouragement and sympathy as he settled down on one of the chairs with his son sitting on his lap.
“Hmm. I see.” As Tu Diep watched her husband listening to their son, she wondered if the emperor actually understood that the very busy prince had managed to destroy two of the most priceless vases in her sitting room, and an incredibly rare painting that was given to her as a wedding gift. And her son did all that in under thirty minutes.
“Your Majesty.” She walked in the room, accompanied by one of her most trusted ladies and friends, the wife of the Premier Scholar, Duong Ngoc Nhi (Jade Leung).
The Kiet looked up as his wife curtsied to him. While Duong Ngoc Nhi kneeled down respectfully,
“Your Majesty.”
He nodded to his wife and gestured for Ngoc Nhi to stand up. For some odd reason, he got the feeling that Duong Ngoc Nhi was terrified of him. Her hands shook every time he was near and her face paled. He shrugged that detail aside. It didn’t matter to him whether or not she lived in fear of him.
He placed a kiss on his son’s forehead and put him down. “I will see you tonight. Try not to get into trouble, huh?” He trailed a finger down his son’s nose and the prince giggled.
With a final nod at the Empress, he left and the tension in the room lessened considerably.
“So did you confess?” Tu Diep kneeled down and looked at her son straight in the eyes. The prince scrunched up his face and managed to look guilty.
“I know, you have your father firmly wrapped around your tiny finger and he would forgive you even if you burned down the Forbidden City. But try not to destroy my sitting room, huh?” Tu Diep said with a mischievous smile that she reserved only for her son.
“Mama.” The crown prince said cheerfully and kissed her smack on the lips.
“You think that kisses can fix everything, don’t you?” Tu Diep laughed and hugged him.
The prince wiggled out of her embrace after a minute and toddled toward Ngoc Nhi, “auntie.” He declared and held out his arms imperiously.
Ngoc Nhi laughed and picked him up while all the maids lost their stiff stances, the stance that they had put on when the emperor entered, and rushed toward the prince to baby him. The golden, imperial room lost its haughtiness and rigidity and dissolved into laughter and giggles. Love and warmth seemed to pour out of it.

The Kiet walked into the ancient, musty room that was filled and cramped with books and manuscripts. Dust motes danced in the air as the sun light pierced through the windows. He made no noise as he walked soundlessly on the carpeted floor. As he reached the end of the room, his eyes softened when he saw an aged figure bent over a large book.
“Minister Mai.” He called out softly.
The figure looked up, revealing a man in his early sixties with silvery white hair. His face was scholarly and yet somehow innocent. His eyes were bright and clear and there was a distinctive squint to them. He peered past the book and his face brightened when he saw The Kiet.
“Your Majesty.” He said with obvious delight. “Look, I have found the most marvelous book.”
A rare smile touched The Kiet’s lips as he walked over and looked down the book with the Minister of Scholar.
“Now, where was I?” The Minister said with some confusion, “I swear I saw it not a minute ago.” He flipped the pages back and beamed, “here it is. Your Majesty, look at the writing. This is of the Spring and Autumn Period.”
The Kiet bended down and smiled broadly, “indeed, it is. A very rare account. Where did you manage to find this?”
Obvious confusion clouded the Minister’s eyes for a minute and he gestured vaguely up, “somewhere on the fourth floor.” He looked at the emperor and smiled, “would you like some wine?”
Used to his odd behavior, The Kiet nodded, even though it was very, very improper for the Keeper of the Books to indulge in wine while he was working but the emperor could forgive this particular keeper for almost anything.
“Now, where did I put it?” The Minister scratched his head thoughtfully. He turned around and began to search for the illusive jug of wine.
The Kiet reached down and lifted up a jug of wine behind a mountain of books and papers.
“Ah, there it is.” The Minister smiled, “I thought that I had put it over here.” He shrugged aside the matter, “now, this wine is of the rarest kind.” He peeled off the cover and a heavenly aroma filled the room.
“Hmm.” The Kiet sniffed appreciatively, “must be at least twenty years old.”
“I had to trade one of the books in my collection for it. Its previous owner was very reluctant to part with it.” The Minister poured out the sparkling, golden wine into two small cups.
“Your Majesty.” He handed one to The Kiet.
The Kiet muttered his thanks and sipped the wine. The taste exploded in his tongue and traveled down his throat. “Wonderful.”
“Isn’t it? I save it for you.” The Minister hid the jug of wine back behind another pile of books. “Tonight, we shall have fun. I’ll bring the wine and you bring the chess board.”
“I can’t tonight. Tomorrow night.”
“You work too hard. You need to take care of yourself.” The Minister laid an almost fatherly hand on The Kiet’s shoulder. “Is Tu Diep taking good care of you?”
The Kiet smiled down at the Minister but it didn’t reach his eyes, “yes, quite well.”
“And how is the little rascal?” The Minister asked with obvious fondness.
“He misses you. You should come and visit more often.”
“I will, as soon as I can translate this obscure text from the First Emperor.” The Minister said as he ran his hand lovingly over yet another aged scroll. And then lost in his world, he seemed to forget that the Emperor was there.
The Kiet merely shook his head and walked off to a secluded room at the corner of the vast library. The door shut gently after him and then silent descended. And inside the room, the emperor poured over a large, gold bounded scroll.

* The above names regarding the Forbidden City are not mine. They are general information on the web.

[nickianjo]

Wow!!! <IMG SRC="smilies/shocked.gif" border="0"> Tu Vi, you have so much suspense and twists in ur story it's hard to predict what's going to happen next. Everyone is so mysterious, especially TIEU PHONG!!!! And I just love it! Awesome job. Update soon!!! <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

[zzzbeauty]

Lol...Tu Vi, you're amazing, just when I thought I had everything figured out. <IMG SRC="smilies/clap.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/clap.gif" border="0">

Yup, Cung Hong doesn't seem that innocent anymore; she sure has something up her sleeves..lol...so does everybody else, including the writer of this fanfic. <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">

Awww...it's not going to take you a year to finish this, is it? I'll be old maid by then, hmmm..I might have to change my nick to something else. <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">

Anyays, I'm looking forward to your next chapters, which I'm sure will have a couple of twists and turns in it. Thanks, and bye.

[Danielle Lin]

Great story, so far! <IMG SRC="smilies/thumbsup.gif" border="0"> my sister(that ninny) has been hogging the computer so I couldn't go on lately , i don't know why but even though tieu phong (i know i spelled it wrong didnt i?)is evil his character really interests me, so please update soon! <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">- gotta go know and try to pry my sister's hands off the last can of vanilla coke in the house <IMG SRC="smilies/argue.gif" border="0"> too much info i know-bya

[ccsakura]

Hey Tu Vi, once again another great chapter which of course doesn't anwer any of my questions but just adds more to the list. But I'm really interested in what's going to happen between Tieu Phong and Cung Hong!

[Tu Vi]

to nickianjo - hello, so glad that you are enjoying all the mysteries. hope that you don't think it is too confusing. i have the tendency to go overboard with my plotting. <IMG SRC="smilies/sigh.gif" border="0"> hope that you enjoy this chapter.
to zzzbeauty - thank you, dear. <IMG SRC="smilies/bow.gif" border="0"> well, as you already know, i update really slowly so this story, which is about sixty chapters long, will take a while to finish. don't worry, you won't be an old maid. hope that you enjoy this chapter. <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">
to Danielle Lin - nope, you still his name right. grin. glad that you like his character. i love your sign (the two figures arguing) it is so cute. hehe, make me laugh. nope, not too much information. very interesting.
ccsakura - this chapter is all about Tieu Phong and cung Hong. hope you have fun with it.
Love Always.
Tu Vi

Chapter 19- Hidden Deceptions
Louis Koo- Kim Bat Pham
Julian Cheung- Tieu Phong (Little Wind)
Carman Lee- Nam Cung Hong
Vivian Leung – Vuong Nha Yen
Ruby Lin- Lam Tam Nhu
Nicky Wu- Vuong Nhat Phi
Vincent Jiao- Chu The Kiet
Gigi Lai- Mai Tu Diep

Haunting twilight retreated as the incandescent sun settled behind the distant horizon. Lavender mist rose and entwined softly in the descending darkness. A few stars glimmered in the night sky as the half full moon rose majestically over the mountain.
The chorus of the night crickets began, accompanied by the roars of the predators and the cries of the preyed.
The smell of dry leaves and moss was strong in the air. The tall trees spread elegantly toward the sky with their broad leaves and branches sheltering a small clearing where a fire burned cheerfully.
Cung Hong sat with her back against a large tree with her eyes closed. She could hear the fire popping, feel the flame’s heat licking her feet, and smell the aroma of the rabbit currently roasting over the fire.
“Cung Hong.” Hearing Bat Pham’s voice, she opened her eyes and smiled up at him. He sat down beside her with a gentle smile,
“You will be all right.”
“I know. I just need a little time for myself.” Cung Hong smiled wanly.
“It is good to have time for reflection and mediation.” Bat Pham nodded.
Across from them, Tieu Phong was lying on the cool grass, staring at the night sky.
“Is she angry with you?” Nha Yen asked him softly.
Tieu Phong shook his head as Nha Yen settled down beside him. “Who know what a woman think?”
“What did you do?”
“Opening her eyes a little.” Tieu Phong smiled, “she would never be able to survive in the pugilist world with those stars in her eyes.”
“Are you planning to destroy her illusions then?”
“No, merely to show her that sometimes illusions are deadly.”
“Are they? But maybe they are her reality.” Nha Yen said no more as she stared reflectively into the crackling flames.

Twenty minutes later, Nha Yen touched Tieu Phong’s arm, “she is leaving.” She gestured toward Cung Hong who was walking toward a nearby stream to wash.
Tieu Phong merely lifted an eyebrow at Nha Yen.
“Don’t be so stubborn. Follow her and apologize for whatever you did.” Nha Yen pushed him up.
Tieu Phong’s eyes narrowed and then he stood up and strode nonchalantly toward the darkness.
“Are you matchmaking?” Bat Pham asked in an amused voice as he sat across from her.
“They both are very unhappy. Why not let them resolve it?” Nha Yen smiled serenely. She, too, rose. “Would you like to go for a walk?”
“Oh?”
“I am following your advice. But it is always more interesting to have company on a stroll. Don’t you think?”
“Of course.” Bat Pham gestured with his hand. “After you.”
Nha Yen walked toward the opposite direction from the stream. “Let’s give them some privacy.” She whispered.
Bat Pham grinned conspiratorially at her.

Cung Hong dipped her hands into the cool stream as she stared down at the dark water. The waves rippled and spread gently as her movements disturbed the water’s still surface. The sparkling stars that reflected on the water plummeted into its endless depth, and distorted the illuminating moon.
Cung Hong lifted her hands up and she could see the blood spilling out of her palms. She lowered them again and began to scrub furiously but no matter how hard she washed her hands, the crimson blood was still there, dropping from her fingers like tears.
“It is useless.” A masculine, familiar voice sounded behind her.
Cung Hong did not turn around but her hands stilled. She sat down on the bank, heedless of the wet grass. “What is useless?”
“No matter how much you wash your hands, the blood will still be there.” Tieu Phong said as he leaned against a tree.
“Why did you do it?” Cung Hong asked in a whisper. “You could have just left them there. They could not do any harm to us.”
“But there is a chance that they could have.”
“A very small one, almost nonexistent.”
“A small chance is what kills you.” Tieu Phong looked up at the sky, “I will not leave anything up to chance.”
“Who are you really?” Cung Hong murmured.
“Who are you?” Tieu Phong asked her back.
“I am Nam Cung Hong from the Ice Palace. You already know who I am.”
“Are you really?” Tieu Phong took in a deep breath, “what do you really want?”
“Same as everyone else, to find and destroy the Red Script.”
Tieu Phong shook his head, “I don’t think so. I believe that you are the only one in the group who has absolutely no interest in the Red Script. You are trying to find something else. What is it?”
“You are mistaken.” Cung Hong said coolly as she stood up, turned around, and faced him.
“No, I do not make mistakes.” Tieu Phong pushed away from the tree. His eyes were penetrating and bright. And they were empty, Cung Hong suddenly noticed in shock. Before, Tieu Phong’s eyes were so bright and cheerful that she had not notice that there was an endless depth to them. She shivered when she realized that there was nothing in that depth except for absolute and total emptiness.
“Who are you?” She repeated as she took an involuntarily step backward.
Tieu Phong’s mouth twisted in a self-mocking smile, “a shadow, nothing more.” He took another step forward as Cung Hong continued to retreat. And then her feet hit the damp earth and she knew that she could not take another step back for the water was behind her.
“Are you trying to intimidate me?” She asked bravely as she straightened. The Ice Princess did not cower before her enemy.
“Am I?” Tieu Phong asked in a soft, velvety voice. He lifted his hand and Cung Hong braced for an attack and then they came, but not from the direction that she had expected.
Ten black shadows flew out from the trees. And suddenly the water behind her exploded. Ten more rose from the dark water like phantoms of the night. The silvery moonlight reflected on the sharp edge of their swords as they charged forward.
Cung Hong spun around and her arms moved rapidly. Countless ice needles flew out from her wrists and headed toward the men with lightening speed. She spun up into the air as the men dodged the ice needles. Their swords moved at the exact same moment, and a bright light shot forward. Countless blades twisted and danced in the air with deadly grace and surrounded her in its silken web. Cung Hong’s feet landed on one of the incoming swords, and using the momentum she shot up. Icy cold energy shot out of her palms and hit two men directly on their chests. They grunted and staggered backward as blood spilled out of their masks.
Cung Hong continued to step on the swords and she flew across the clearing with energy exploding out of her palms. The assassins dodged and their swords vibrated with energy as they changed their stances. They no longer used the blades of their swords to cut but instead pointed them up so that Cung Hong could not step on the sharp points. Cung Hong dipped down as she lost her balancing places. But then, she kicked on the swords’ edges and then with a lightning move, her legs twisted and she kicked two men on their faces. Meanwhile, ice needles were shooting out her hands and spread like a fan. Cung Hong’s hands blurred into countless shadows as ghostly fists shot out from her Buddha palms and hit three more men.
But the assassins were not easily defeated. They started to run in a circle around her with their swords pointed inward, piercing at Cung Hong. Cung Hong stood still and then at the last moment, before the swords could go through her body, she somersaulted into the air and using her legs, she grabbed the swords and in one quick move, broke them in half. She flew up higher in the air and twisted her body until it blurred into a shadowy form. The broken swords shot out from her twirling body and hit the men. Pained grunts were heard as some men fell backward. But then the remaining men threw their half of the broken swords at Cung Hong who was at a severe disadvantage because she was hovering in the air. Cung Hong twisted her body so that it flew side to side to dodge to the incoming swords. But then, the swords were moving too fast. She could feel a hot, searing pain as one of the broken swords pierced past her protective energy and through her shoulder. She grunted and lost her momentum.
Tieu Phong pushed back from his lounging position at the tree when he saw Cung Hong fell down from her air. He pushed his feet against the earth and flew upward to catch her.
Cung Hong could feel the air rushing past her and then she fell into a comforting embrace. Through her blurry gaze, she could see Tieu Phong looking down at her. She watched him as he landed on the ground and laid her gently against the tree.
“I am fine.” She tried to stand up but unbearable pain shot through her shoulder and her legs shook violently.
“Be still.” Tieu Phong said calmly as he broke a slender tree branch, not much bigger than her thumb.
Worried, Cung Hong looked out at the assassins who had surrounded them in yet another circle. There were still about seven men left and she wasn’t sure if Tieu Phong could handle them all. She moved her twists and a few ice needles slipped out from her robe and rested comfortingly on her hands. If he needed help, she would try her best.
“Well, are you going to attack or are you going to stand there and look at me?” Tieu Phong questioned coolly as he stepped a few feet away from Cung Hong.
The men looked at each other and then charged forward.
What happened next happened so fast that it became a blur to Cung Hong. She only saw Tieu Phong moved slightly. Then, he had flown back to her side. All the assassins were still standing there. At first, she thought that Tieu Phong needed help but then a light breeze murmured past the trees and all the assassins fell backward. Their masks fluttered up into the whispering wind, revealing a thin slash across their throats
Cung Hong stared at the dead men with wide eyes. In her entire life, she had never seen anyone moved so fast and so deadly. She watched as Tieu Phong threw away the tree branch and crouched down next to her.
“You..” She wasn’t sure what she was going to say next as she leaned forward but then pain rippled through her upper body. She winced and lay back against the tree.
“Cung Hong, Tieu Phong.” Hearing the panic voice, Tieu Phong turned around and saw Bat Pham and Nha Yen hurrying toward them.
“Are you all right? We were attacked by ten masked men a few minutes ago.” Nha Yen said as she rushed toward their sides. She gasped when she saw Cung Hong’s bloody dress.
“Cung Hong!” Nha Yen immediately took Cung Hong’s twist.
“She will be fine. The blade didn’t pierce through any of her vital points.” Tieu Phong looked down at Cung Hong’s increasingly pale face, “but she is losing a lot of blood.”
“We need to remove the sword.” Bat Pham said in his quiet voice as he smiled reassuringly at Cung Hong.
“I have to tell you.” Cung Hong gasped as she felt her shoulder being encased in ice and fire at the same time, “I don’t deal well with pain.”
“This won’t hurt a bit.” Tieu Phong said confidently.
“Are you sure?” Cung Hong narrowed her eyes in distrust but then she screamed, as Tieu Phong pulled out the sword in one swift move. Blood spurted out of her wound and splattered Tieu Phong’s face. Then she fainted.

“What happened?” Tieu Phong asked once they had got back to their camping place and put Cung Hong to bed.
“Bat Pham and I were on a walk when we were suddenly attacked by ten masked men.” Nha Yen replied, “it took us a few minutes to defeat them and we immediately rushed back to where you and Cung Hong were.”
“Only ten for you and Bat Pham and yet twenty for Cung Hong and I.” Tieu Phong mussed. “I think that their true target is Cung Hong because they did not even attempt to attack me.”
“Why Cung Hong?” Nha Yen frowned.
“Why would the City of Mist want to attack the Ice Palace?” Bat Pham sighed as he looked back at where Cung Hong was resting.

[ccsakura]

Hey Tu Vi
When I first read your story I thought that I would like Nha Yen and Bat Pham the most, but now I have managed to like Tieu Phong and Cung Hong more!! And this chapter is really really really good! Not that your other chapters aren't good but this one is just a bit better. I can't wait to read the next chapter... and have some questions answered!

[Danielle Lin]

great story i like how tieu phong and cung hong relationship developed. in a weird but really interesting way! cant wait for the next chapter! <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">
I just finshed visiting the titanic exhibit! it was great except i accidently pressed this lil black button that surronded this glass box with a real gold necklace, that survived the ship wreck... <IMG SRC="smilies/sweating.gif" border="0"> which caused a very VERY loud beeping noise! when the security guard came i looked to my friends for help but they just stared at me, which caused about 119 heads to turn toward me too. <IMG SRC="smilies/tearlaugh.gif" border="0"> the security guard made a joke about how you have to leave before an alarm sets off, in 30 sec. which surprizingly caused a lot of ppl to panic. <IMG SRC="smilies/rolleyes.gif" border="0"> that didnt help much <IMG SRC="smilies/toilet.gif" border="0">
anyway when are you going to talk more about bat pham? but honestly tieu phong is a more interesting character... cant wait for the next update! <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

[zzzbeauty]

<IMG SRC="smilies/blob.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/blob.gif" border="0"> Right on, another interesting chapter!! <IMG SRC="smilies/blob.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/blob.gif" border="0">

You like keeping us on our toes, don't ya? <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">
I don't think any of my questions are answered yet, just more questions after reading this chapter. <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">

I love all your characters; they're so mysterious and I still don't know what they're up to.

It seems that Nha Yen is interested in Bat Pham. I don't think Bat Pham is aware of this fact or, maybe he's thinking about Vicky. I like Nha Yen and Bat Pham, but I also like Vicky with Bat Pham too. Nha Yen and Bat Pham makes a perfect couple; they're so much alike, smart, quiet and mature.
Ok,Ok, I admit it, I'm biased, I don't really know much about Vicky's character, but I like her. I like Noel's character, but I'm leaning toward Vicky more. hmmm......who does he like, Tu Vi?

As always, looking forward to your next chapters.

<IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

<font size="1">[ March 25, 2003: Message edited by: zzzbeauty ]</font>

[Bubeng]

Mysterious as ever, Tu Vi! That Tieu Phong guy, I don't trust him. Hmm... he's even more dangerous now, that he knows kungfu. Not only that he knows kungfu, his kungfu is very deadly <IMG SRC="smilies/cringe.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/shocked.gif" border="0">
Did Tieu Phong signal for those 10 masked men to attack Cunhong or it's something that we don't know?

PS. I got caught up reading your story "The Last Tear of Autumn" at Siubing. Very intriguing story line, so typical of Tu Vi <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">. Just wondering, are you working on that one also, or is it put on a halt for the moment?

[Tu Vi]

to ccsakura - I hope that this chapter answer most of your questions. It is the most revealing one so far. as for bat pham and nha yen, more will be written about them later.
to Danielle Lin - i also visited the titanic exhibit nearly a year ago. it was very sombering and haunting when i stood there, watching one of the pieces of the ship that they had preserved. to think that people had died in that steel trap. sighs, it's ok. it is so easy to touch the boxes and the buttons because they are so close to you.
to zzzbeauty - i only like to keep you on your toes for some of the time. as a goodwill gesture, here is this chapter, incredibly revealing and you can figure out everything while i rack my brain to figure out new way to torture my readers, opps, a slip of the tongue there. I mean to help my readers enjoy the story a little bit better. Why the bias toward Vicky, is it because of the actress? Or do you suspect some hidden motives? Bat PHam, who knows what the guy like? he is very shut mouth. grin.
to Bubeng- more about Tieu phong coming up. I did update last tear of autumn at winglin though the updates are incredibly slow. here is the URL. Hope you like it. thank you, thank you. http://www.winglin.net/fanfic/TearofAutumn

Chapter 20 – The Pawn
Louis Koo- Kim Bat Pham
Julian Cheung- Tieu Phong (Little Wind)
Carman Lee- Nam Cung Hong
Vivian Leung – Vuong Nha Yen
Ruby Lin- Lam Tam Nhu
Nicky Wu- Vuong Nhat Phi
Vincent Jiao- Chu The Kiet
Gigi Lai- Mai Tu Diep

Two hours later, in a deep corner of the forest. A masked man in black stood with his hands on a white pigeon.
“Mission completes, the snake is out of its hole.” He muttered as he pushed a tiny, rolled piece of paper into the small jar that the bird held under its feet. He pushed the bird up into the air. And the pigeon soared toward the sky, its white wings soon became but a blur in the horizon.
The head of the assassin division that had attacked Cung Hong, Tieu Phong, Nha Yen and Bat Pham then silently slipped back into the darkness.

Tieu Phong wiped the sweats beading on Cung Hong’s head with a white cloth as he sat beside her. She was slumbering deeply and her face was deadly pale. Her skin was clammy and her lips had a bluish tinged to them. He frowned slightly as he looked at her bandaged shoulder. Even through the thick layer of tightly bound cloth, he could still see the blood seeping out. Cung Hong’s injury was much more serious than he had previously thought.
“She will be fine.” Bat Pham said as he sat down beside Tieu Phong.
“I know.” Tieu Phong answered but his face was grim.
“What are you worried about?” Bat Pham asked curiously.
“An ingenious move.” Tieu Phong muttered, “and I fell right into it.” He shook his head in self-disgust as he stood up and walked away.
Bat Pham frowned after Tieu Phong’s disappearing figure as he took the cloth and continued to wipe Cung Hong’s forehead with it. His gesture was gentle.

The Forbidden City,

Tu Diep walked pass the hall filled with kneeling guards with her maids and eunuchs trailing behind her. She stepped into the garden and was greeting with the sight of thousands of white roses blooming endlessly. This entire corner of the palace seemed to be devoted entirely to white roses. She remembered the outer gardens were filled with exotic and rare flowers such as orchids and plants that had no name. But here, in the emperor’s private compound, white roses bloomed and spread elegantly under the brilliant sun. That was strange, she thought, because her husband was a man who had exquisite tastes and he should not have preferred roses, a beautiful but very common flowers. And her husband was anything but common. Lost in thought, she went through the thriving, vast garden and stepped into the emperor’s palace, the Palace of Heavenly Tranquility.
Same as everywhere else in the Forbidden City, gold gleamed arrogantly. The marbles that lined the floor were all painted yellow. The thick, huge columns that supported the roof were a blinding red color with yellow, beautifully carved dragons winding around them. Even the air smelled of absolute power and authority. Everything sparkled and shone, their brightness nearly rivaled that of the sun.
The twenty imperial guards that stood outside of the emperor’s chamber kneeled respectfully when they saw her,
“Your Majesty.”
Tu Diep gestured for them to stand up and went through the open door. Her maids remained behind because the emperor did not like servants inside his private chambers unless it was absolutely necessary. The large room before her was filled with priceless vases and artifacts from previous dynasties. A huge painting of the first Ming Emperor dominated one side of the wall. And in front of it, sat a large, gold inlaid desk with a huge seat carved in the shape of a flying dragon. Scrolls and books were placed neatly on top of the gleaming surface. And a vase filled with white roses sat in the left corner next to the quills and ink. The scent of roses was strong in the air. And the room was empty.
Tu Diep turned left and walked through the door that connected to the emperor’s sitting room and found her husband and son.
The emperor was sitting in a large, lounge chair with the crown prince curled on his chest. One of his hands was placed over the tiny prince’s back protectively. Both were asleep and the prince was drooling profusely on his father’s chest.
Tu Diep could feel her heart softened as she gazed down at her sleeping son, held so securely in his father’s arms. She looked up and stared at the emperor’s sleeping face. He looked innocent in sleep, she thought, with none of the ruthlessness and authority. The blazing power in his eyes was shielded by his long lashes. But he didn’t look peaceful at all. There was a sense of restlessness within him.
The crown prince stirred and she looked back at him. His mouth was slack, and hanging open, and he was drooling cheerfully on his father’s royal robe. She smiled at the ridiculous sight. Her eyes trailed back toward her husband’s face and his sober gaze met her.
“Your Majesty.” She whispered.
He grimaced and she thought there was a glint of humor lurking in his eyes.
“He has no respect for his father.” He whispered back.
“I don’t understand.” Tu Diep frowned.
The Kiet gently lifted his slumbering son up and revealed the wet splotch on his once spotless royal attire.
Tu Diep stared at it for a moment before comprehension dawned in her eyes. A giggle bubbled inside her throat but she maintained her expressionless face.
“So I see.” She said seriously. “Would you like me to hold him?” She held out her hands.
“No. It’s fine.” The emperor stood up carefully while holding his son away from him. A trail of liquid ran down his robe and dripped almost musically on the gleaming floor.
And that was the last straw for Tu Diep. She burst out laughing at the sight of her powerful husband, dripping wet and looking very pained.
Her laughter woke the prince up and he rubbed his eyes sleepily. “Mama.” He demanded.
Tu Diep sighed at the inevitable and was about to take her son from her husband’s arms when she, by chance, looked up. Her husband was looking at her with something, something very much akin to longing in his usually enigmatic eyes. Feeling uncomfortable and trapped, Tu Diep looked down at her son’s bald head. She felt her husband reaching out and then he brushed his fingers over her mouth but not quite touching her. His hand whispered over her lips for one split second and then it was gone.
“There, that is something. I have made you laugh.” His voice was infinitely sad. “I have done something right at last.”
“Your Majesty.” Startled, Tu Diep looked up, not even knowing what she was going to say. Her eyes met the emperor’s and held on for a second. And then another face flashed before her eyes; that long ago, beloved face that she should not have met and should not have loved. But loved him, she did and now, she was paying for it. She took a step back and broke the contact.
“Majesty.” She said respectfully.
“Mama!” The prince demanded loudly as he leaned toward her. She took him and finally gained enough courage to looked back up. The emperor’s face was coolly composed now, betraying none of his previous emotions.
“Forgive me, Empress.” He inclined his head slightly.
“Your servant doesn’t dare, Your Majesty.” Tu Diep said in shock. As far as she knew, her husband had never apologized to anyone. Why should he when he was the emperor?
The emperor smiled tiredly. “But you did.” He reached out and brushed a finger down his son’s nose. “Be good, and I will have a treat for you tonight.”
The prince grinned toothlessly at his father.
With a final nod at her, the emperor left.
Shaken, Tu Diep leaned against a table. He had not looked at her with such intensity in so long. When she first married him, he had treated her this way for three months, showering her with affection and care. But after that fateful meeting, he had withdrawn carefully. Oh, he was always perfectly polite to her and treated her with the uttermost courtesies. In all these years, he has never once raised in voice to her or spoke to her harshly. Everything that she ever wanted or needed, he gave to her. But there was a boundary between them, one that neither one wanted to cross. Both preferred their distance and both treated each other politely and carefully, as if they were strangers instead of husband and wife. Their only connection was their son. But now, for one strange moment, he had become that intense and affectionate husband of long ago. And she was terrified. She did not want his intensity or his affection but only his distance and aloofness because the price for both of them was too high. She knew that once they crossed that invisible boundary, both would never be able to forgive themselves.
“Mama.” The prince tugged her hair, “wet.” He whimpered pitifully.
“Oh, I’m sorry, darling.” Tu Diep kissed his forehead and changed his wet clothes. But her eyes were deeply troubled.

The Kiet sat at the stone table and gazed with unseeing eyes at the blooming roses. He did not turn around when he heard soft footsteps.
“You are late today.” Nhat Phi sat casually as he sat down across from The Kiet.
“hmm.” The Kiet made a noncommittal sound.
“I have tried nearly everything that I know but your father remained unresponsive.” Nhat Phi continued, “The chance of healing him is almost nonexistent now. I suspect that he would remain like this for the rest of his life.”
“There is no other way?” The Kiet asked with a heavy voice.
“I don’t think so.” Nhat Phi remained silent for a long minute and then he spoke again, “I’m sorry.” He laid a comforting hand on The Kiet’s shoulder.
The Kiet stared blindly at it. In his entire life, only one person had comforted him, caught him when he tumbled, and braved his father’s punishments when he failed. But that person was now gone. And he was utterly alone. He straightened; there was no use for lamenting over the past. They all had made their decisions and they would have to live with it. He stood up and walked toward the railing of the pagoda.
“Do you believe in destiny, Nhat Phi?” He asked unexpectedly.
A pained looked crossed Nhat Phi’s face and then it was gone. “No.” He said softly.
“Neither do I. A man makes his own destiny.” The Kiet said almost to himself.
“But it is a lonely one.” Nhat Phi murmured.
“Yes, it is.” The Kiet continued to stare at the white roses. Both men remained silent but a bond had developed between them for they had understood each other in that one moment.
After a long silent, The Kiet turned around and looked at the healer who was calmly sipping a cup of steaming tea,
“I have an excellent jug of wine buried under this house, interested?” The Kiet offered most hesitantly.
“It would be my pleasure.” Nhat Phi smiled and The Kiet grinned back.

“I think my son would like you.” The Kiet said as he twirled the wine cup in his hand, half an hour later.
“You are married?” Nhat Phi asked with some surprise.
The Kiet looked down at the rich, golden liquid in his cup and then tossed it back almost carelessly, “yes. Why so surprise?”
“You just don’t seem like the marrying type.” Nhat Phi explained, “I thought you would like to lead a solitary life, aloof and isolated from other people.”
“Sometimes, one has no other choice.” The Kiet picked up a peanut and cracked it.
A shadow crossed Nhat Phi’s eyes and then he smiled, “why do you say that your son would like me?”
“Because he would be able to twist you around his little finger, just like he does to his mother and me.” The Kiet smiled fondly. “He is a little scoundrel and a whirlwind of destruction and no one in this world can resist him.”
“You love him very much.” It wasn’t a question.
“He saves me.” The Kiet replied simply, “from myself.”
“I think I would very much like to meet him.” Nhat Phi didn’t ask about The Kiet’s wife or why the later had glossed over this detail.
“You are not going to ask about my wife?” The Kiet asked almost curiously.
“If you want to tell me, then you will. If you don’t, there is no point of asking.” Nhat Phi replied.
The Kiet smiled faintly at the answer, “what are the reasons as to why a person would cough out blood?”
“Depend.” Nhat Phi didn’t even blink at the rapid change of topic. “How old? What are the circumstances? Woman or man?”
“A woman, twenty one years old, she has everything that power could possibly buy and yet she still coughs out blood, and has severe headaches. I have summoned the best healers in the Middle Kingdom and they all told me that they could find nothing wrong with her.”
“I have to see her before I can say anything definite but from your descriptions, it seems like she suffered from internal illness.”
“What do you mean?”
“Is she happy?” Nhat Phi asked.
The Kiet’s mouth twisted in a smile of self-mockery, “some of the time.” He shook his head, “that is a cowardly way of answering it. No, she is not very happy.”
“Then, it might be that she is suffering physically because she is unhappy. Sometimes, a person’s mood can affect their health. And this might be one of the times.” He looked at The Kiet with his unseeing eyes, “I can cure almost anything in this world but I cannot cure internal illnesses. People have to defeat this themselves. If you can make her happy, then her headaches would ease and she would stop coughing out blood.”
The Kiet stood up and wandered toward the railing. He leaned against it and touched a white rose gently. “I can’t make her happy.” He muttered helplessly.
Nhat Phi asked steadily, “do you love her?”
The Kiet’s eyes were distant as he answered the question backward, “she doesn’t love me.”

[ccsakura]

Hey it's always great to read your updates! I'm really interestes in reading about Tieu Phong and Cung Hong, you know I never really liked Carman Lee, I've only seen her in one series and one movie. And now because of reading your stories (Destiny and starting to read Last tear of autumn) I really have started to like her!

It was interesting to read about The Kiet and Tu Diep aswell!! And Nhat Phi is a pretty cool character! <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

[zzzbeauty]

<IMG SRC="smilies/blob.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/blob.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/blob.gif" border="0"> Interesting chapter.

Lol..what answers..just more questions and mystery. <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0"> That's why I love your fanfic; don't know what to expect or predict. <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

I like all your couples in this fanfic

Aww..it's sooo sweet that Tieu Phong and Bat Pham both care for Cung Hong.

Bat Pham seems to care for her in a brotherly way...or they related by chance <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">

Please update soon. Thanks <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">