Land of Freedom
Chapter 031
♥Author♥Angel♥Chua♥
Adapted from Princess Agents drama series and original novel by Xiao Xiang Dong’er – Chu Qiao Chuan Biography
Back to the Frozen Lake
The passing rain stopped and the sky giving away some of its thin and soft blue sea colors settled the after rain smell of fresh forest with its mossy grasses absorbed its water, dews like that of the morning started to appear.
Viper saw He Xiao from a distance and can feel his pain even if it wasn’t her subject to think about. Looking at He Xiao hanged in the pine tree a day after today, she intervened, thus, revealing their presence with her Mimi Gongzhu. He Xiao although lost hope at those crucial moments of his life, Viper came to fill it and renewed it today.
She came to Chu Qiao and said: “Mimi Gongzhu, why don’t we change course? Let’s help this man first and see his army of dry bones before their souls go to the underworld.” Viper also looked at He Xiao, and He Xiao wiped his face and somewhat not wanting to share his private moments, he turned around to them and went back to their small firepit Chu Qiao created earlier.
Chu Qiao standing still not blinking her eyes was staring vast snow-capped mountains from the other side of the horizon is a glistening blue-black lake mirroring the grayish rainmaker clouds surrounded it like an umbrella to the lake. Chu Qiao suddenly moved to look at Viper’s side and asked: Is this the direction going to the frozen lake where you found me?
Viper said: “Yes, but we can have the shortcut route.” Viper was willing to help she offered the shortcut path.
Chu Qiao replied: “Maybe a thousand caves cannot help recover my memories at all and the after rain of frozen lake can help me get back my memories. To be honest, I don’t feel, I was their leader, this Amry of dry bones. Because if it were, I must have been very foolish to make them suffer and let them be where they are today. I feel lost and responsible.”
Viper feels Chu Qiao’s burden as she sees her Mimi Gongzhu staring so far and she could not help herself but look at her with some heaviness in her heart she replied: “If we start to ride with our horses to the shortcut path we will arrive there by dusk.”
Chu Qiao nodded then said: We must help the ailing Army of dry bones and find out what happened to them that I may also find what are the missing pieces to the frozen lake. Xinger, Yuwen Yue, Prince of Yanbei?
Viper silent, not wanting to make things complicated for her Mimi Gongzhu just nodded and turned her back to prepare their horses and paladin. She took some weapons from the royal Palanquin, the indigo scarf of Chu Qiao wrapped into a brown canvas cloth to conceal, mounted the black horse to the Palanquin, dislodged its two brown horses and its two saddlebacks firmly in place, she whispers to the black horse ears. The horse suddenly runs with the royal Palanquin riding back to the Chu Jing Palace. He Xiao was just looking at Viper taking the rein of the horse when the horse strolling towards him, the horse got down on its knees. Suddenly Viper strangled He Xiao’s dress on his shoulders and put him on her back. The horse stood up with its knees and waiting for Viper’s signal. He Xiao on her back cannot keep still, Viper gave her a punch in his stomach. He Xiao is growling in slight pain.
He Xiao said: “Wait! Where are you taking me? Aw..aw..” and then some grumbling to himself, said: “this bat girl will get me killed in seconds than a thousand armies.”
Viper said: “Feed you to the crocs. So hang on, it’ll be a path full of thorns and glimpse of the underworld.”
He Xiao with his big deep eyes widen and violently reacted: “No! Definitely, I am not going there. I am good with the crocs, but to the underworld, I don’t think so!”
Viper seems to be enjoying her company’s callow attitude said: “If you do not keep still and obey me, you would wish that being hanged in the tree was more comfortable than riding the horse with me.”
Chu Qiao finishing her plans in her mind and what will be her reaction if she sees the Xuili Army is still a question to her. It’ll be her first appearance after a year of hibernation. And if there is an army, it means there is a war at hand. She is not going there to be a muse, or pass by just like the wind, she is going there to reinforce an already dying army which to her knowledge is really wrong to abandon a brave army fighting all their life and serve the order of the Yanbei prince. And who is this Yanbei prince? Is he the one Zhong Yu and Viper fought about? Who is Yan Xun? What is their status before the frozen lake?
Questions linger in her mind, but she already made her decision to help an army she once led, that she once protected, that she once fought for them. While they were escaping Chang’an and made Yan Xun still a pretty royal prince in their sight. Making them believe Yan Xun orders were to let her come back for them and did not abandon them. Chu Qiao turned her back from the breathtaking view as the rain clouds started to slowly show its thunders and lighting on the side of the mountaintops she called in her horse and quickly climbed in it. Then she turned to the two, who is ready for their short course adventure.
Viper began their journey through her hands, she got some desert sands in her little pouch and blew it to the path, suddenly He Xiao holds her tight and closed his eyes, took off his stars being the General of Xuili army for a while and became a simple man for this underworld joyride. After a few seconds, the hourglass sands like suspended in time is suspended on air. The three went to a trance-like dream, same mossy forest but Viper’s display of power came when she slowly took the scattered suspended hourglass sands on the air. Every time she does touch them the desert sand forms spiral whirling sand and goes back inside her pouch. No one is unable to speak only witness the power of sands in their eyes. And then the hunting wind blows, their hairs lifted as the winds quicken their journey, He Xiao was tightly holding Viper’s waist. Chu Qiao on the other hand quickly took her indigo scarf, and the wind accepted it, formed a spiral and slowly went down to Chu Qiao’s face settling it in her neck like a beautiful drape that covered her entire face up to her neck. The horses still running until the mossy forest slowly darkened and getting darker as the horses even on the fast run.
The forest grew darker, and the fogs around became heavier with its trees having gigantic to large thorns, a human would not be able to live if accidentally bumped one of these silent creeps that belong to the underworld. The skies above them are grey, no sunshine not even moonlight. No living things saw only three warm bodies riding across its paths, and when they were already trailing the end of the black forest, another glimpse of the underworld came to their sight. Viper showing a little bit of concern she looked at her side to the man who is firmly grabbing her waist with his closed eyes and defined angled face, he became the most gorgeous, athletic and spruce man in her sight. Viper self-talk to herself: “Viper do not get lost, or he gets in the dark.”
A sound of slowing down hooves was heard. When the three bodies go uphill, on a very steep and narrow road between a mountain highland sides and a valley down below, its hooves cracking some rocks rolling down and creates that horrible echo noise below and sends chills to the bones. Chu Qiao looking pristine and calm looked at below, and it seemed like a bottomless pit of nowhere dark and unknown when all of a sudden they reached the top of this suicide spiral mountainside was the glimpse of the underworld headquarters. All dark with a little bit of moonlight shying away from the clouds was tall newly built Chinese architecture buildings, some were still dilapidated and decrepit house structures shabby and unkempt, quite unique never been seen prefectures under the earth and magical underworld birds flying around it. Literally, a horrific underworld structure that lies beneath Chu Jing kingdom was a suicide shortcut to mountaintops of the frozen lake and Viper let He Xiao see a glimpse of it, though Chu Qiao wasn’t really her first time.
Viper said: “The danger is gone, you may open your eyes to enjoy the view.”But really how can He Xiao enjoy the underworld scene when he said: “Enjoy the view?” and he opened his big eyes and even his eye bugs got bigger looking around, his eyes catching some beautiful things here but there is all just darkness and only Viper his beautiful curse he said in a hoarse voice: “Am I dead now and came here to pay for my sins? This is an open hells mouth, and the worst of my nightmares!”
But really how can He Xiao enjoy the underworld scene when he said: “Enjoy the view?” and he opened his big eyes. Even his eye bugs got bigger looking around, his eyes catching some beautiful things here but there is all just darkness. And when he turned his head, his eyes framed Viper. His beautiful curse. In a hoarse voice, he said: “Am I dead now and came here to pay for my sins? This is an open hells mouth, and the worst of my nightmares!”
Chu Qiao laughed and said: “welcome to the underworld headquarters, and there is the forgotten river where the Higanbana grows and takes away your memories and pass from death to the afterlife.”
He Xiao said: “General, let me pay my sins on earth and do not let me rot in here.”
Viper replied: “This is a place not for you, only the elite underworld spies are permitted to have access and stay here..” she calmly said to him while the cold wind blows to her face she threw him canny smile. He Xiao and didn’t bother to answer as his steady goosebumps shows, an average person cannot stay here for long and will soon feel its doom.
On split of seconds, Viper suddenly scooped a handful of sand again from her pouch. She recited some ancient oracles, and He Xiao shouted: “Oh no not again!” Suddenly an unblinding light came to them and brought them out of the frozen lake, the reason for the man pinching his body and face, then said: “Did the tour on hell ended? Am I back to earth?” He Xiao stomping his feet to the icy lake and sees all blue around as the twilight embraces the daybreak.
Chu Qiao smiling like a child came to him and said: “You will be alright, I will help you erase that memory of split of seconds nightmare in the underworld and go back to your normal life.”
Viper took out his hands on her waist and said: “You only have the chance to hold me there because if you don’t, you may have not survived another day in your life.” And as bossy, as she is to He Xiao, she said: “Move!”
He Xiao realized his savior is waiting, suddenly came to his senses and took off his hands on her waist and gently went down from the horse.
Then on his knees, he kneels down. On the side of the icy lake, he felt some frostbite, sharp pain but didn’t mind it along. He said: “I owe my life to the batgirl.” and He Xiao formally introduces himself to Viper he said in a low bass male voice:” Thank you for saving your gorgeous hero. I am He Xiao, Deputy General of Xuili Army, a native from Hong Chuan cit. You have just arrived at the land of my ancestors.”
Chu Qiao just smiling at the two and said: “Well, both of us, lets welcome Viper and Chu Qiao feeling good he winked at He Xiao and He Xiao smiled back at her too.”
Viper still on her not so happy mood she said: “Pay me back when you take out the Xuili army out of their dry bones.”
He Xiao replied: “I do honor my words when the time comes and asks for it.”
Although it is autumn, the lake remained on the ice, cold and freezing, there were some tiny cracks and water beneath the surface of the crystal clear ice can be seen.
Not far from a distance is a mighty black horse and the handsome man standing in the surface of ice not wanting his escorts to come near to the perimeter, he came down from his horse and walked alone. He is dressed on his casual purple robes, with intricate hems of gold, wears his cold face and sword eyebrows, a handsome and gorgeous prince slowly came on his black bear-skin boots and offered some flowers, incense, and burned paper snows to the site. He arrived earlier than last year to commemorate the icy lake incident, he knelt on the ice and a tear almost forcing itself to come out of his eyelids, and his regrets came once again, feeling so heavy, he let go of that tear. Only one tear dropped on the ice, and suddenly the lake became foamy.
Suddenly, Chu Qiao feeling some pain at her back she looks pale. The entire Ice lake started to create a steamy foam. Viper and He Xiao need to evacuate her immediately as the ice blocks begin to melt around them.
Viper said: “Mimi Gongzhu, are you feeling cold but too hot in the inside?”
Chu Qiao felt a drastic change in her temperature but could not speak it out and just nodded.
He Xiao said: “We need to get her out of here. Let’s go to Hong Chuan city so she can rest a bit.”
Viper nodded and agreed warned him: “if you trick me, I swear, I will continue the hazing and hung your neck back to the pine tree.”
He Xiao smiled when suddenly Chu Qiao is already passing out, and Viper caught her.
All of a sudden, they were surrounded by men, and He Xiao came forward in an act to defend the two.
When the gloomy prince started to sense some changes in the ice as it produced crack noises and began to issue tiny cracks rapidly running over inside the ice, he looked at it and calmly stood when suddenly one of his men whispered to his ears and said: “The world, we have company.”
When Yan Xun heard, and his eyes went cold, he ordered: “capture them and do not let them come near this perimeter.”
The Yanbian guard replied: “Your Highness, it is He Xiao.”
“He Xiao?”
“Yes, your highness.”
Yan Xun thinks it is so weird as he expects his Xuili General manning the Meilin border unless He Xiao came to personally deliver him some news which to him is unlikely to happen because he can just order any messenger if there are urgent matters he needs to attend which in the past has not been really attending to. He suddenly climbed his horse while the ice earlier stopped its cracking noise and ordered his entire escort to leave the place.
A Yanbian lieutenant came close to He Xiao and said: “General, why are you here? Is there any urgent matter and you followed us here?”
Suddenly a voice not far, talked and said: “Did you come to give me some news or a concubine?” On his face, he gave him a sly but sad smile and went close with his horse to He Xiao. “Did you just disguised yourself that you dressed so poorly and did not wear your Yanbei uniform?”
He Xiao did not answer back and was just looking at Yan Xun.
Yan Xun came close looking at the two women at the back of He Xiao. One looks like coming from barbarian tribes, a perfect description when he sees her whip clipped in her waist, lips like hell but looked like an angel. Another woman looks like the Princess Jasmine of Aladdin wearing a white dress, indigo scarf draped covering face down to her neck showing only her eyes. Yan Xun squinted his eyes on her. While Viper holding her when she passed out.
He Xiao said: “Your Highness, what a moment of disturbance we have done, please excuse us.”
And He Xiao knelt down before Yan Xun and said: “Your Highness is really kind, I am not here to offer any concubine, I am here because of an emergency and I shall explain later, but for now we need to move out.”
He Xiao did not want to inform Yan Xun about Chu Qiao because he wants Chu Qiao to see Xuili Army first then report later on.
Yan Xun changed his mood from formal to sunny one he said: “Hey, come on ride back with us and will you let me help one of your slaves here?” and Yan Xun came down on his horse did not recognize Chu Qiao as she was wearing her indigo scarf that matched his robe outfit today. Yan Xun walked closer to Viper whom to his eyes looks like a barbarian woman took the woman with the indigo scarf. Suddenly Yan Xun felt some sharp pain on his hands but kept walking, he thought maybe it’s frostbite.
Viper about to bring out her whip when He Xiao gave her a sharp look and shook his head from left to right and Viper got it, she kept still. Yan Xun took Chu Qiao in his arms, and another two soldiers went to help him, they let Yan Xun climbed up to on his horse first, and after it, they support the woman climb up to on his horse. Still, her eyes closed no sense of time and people.
He Xiao was not able to do anything but to let his Commander-in-Chief help them. Viper looking, quiet and serious as Yan Xun laid down the face of the woman gently on his arms. The woman sleeps there like a baby. Yan Xun slowly let his horse walked slowly so as not to disturb the woman in his arms and he felt some kind of comfort on her presence.
And the rest of the escorts along with He Xiao and Viper climbed to their horses and they rode away from the icy lake to the grasslands of Yanbei.
♥♥♥
Chapter 032
♥Author♥Angel♥Chua♥
Adapted from Princess Agents drama series and original novel by Xiao Xiang Dong’er – Chu Qiao Chuan Biography
Iron bone meets dry bones
Two women on their covered faces suddenly run in the woods. They looked at the trail and then hid one of the forest trees. One of the women took out her belt sword, and after making sure no one followed them, she put it back to its U-like sheath. Making the lightest carrying sword, her belt sword the most flexible of all has become her favorite weapons for any core assassins job.
After her twilight spying job for the Prince of Yanbei, she finally arrived at her courtyard. She changed her dress and became the splendid Princess of the Liang Palace. She thought about her upcoming wedding bells with the Prince of Yanbei, and if it’s going to be successful or not, she cannot predict it yet.
“The woman whom Yan Xun carried earlier? Who is she?”
Without Tao Ye, one of Xiao Yu’s spy wings is broken. She cannot just move the way it used to be after Yuwen Yue captured her and imprisoned her at the Green Hills courtyard. Tao Ye holds all the secret spy locations of the Liang State whom Xiao Ce exposed to teach her sister a lesson by using Yuwen Yue. But in the long run, it was Yuwen Yue who both taught the Liang royals a lesson learned. And that is: “Do not play fire with ice.”
As the incense aroma of the burner gradually mixed in the cold air, the princess drifted away and her tired mind and spirit on rest, ready to begin another day.
The night has passed, and Chu Qiao woke up in the grasslands of Yanbei. Smelling the fresh dew of the grass, she thought of a familiar feeling, a feeling of no boundaries, freedom, and beside her was a dark force. Suddenly startled, seeing her face she came in closer and looked at Viper sleeping sweetly beside the bed. Viper did not change her clothes at all. She slept with messy hair and trace of saliva in her small pillow and thought: “She is an angel that became human flesh.”
Viper no sense of people and time, she moved a bit and shifted her head. Chu Qiao was just looking at her with her funny face would like to make fun and poke her charming nose, her lips like hell, so dark it is she thought: “It would have been nice if they were red but why does she always have a wine-like color of lips. This makes her so dark and scary but her eyes and brows so gentle like the wind and the sea.
Suddenly He Xiao rushed to their door at early dawn to fetch the two and plans to explain later to Yan Xun. The important thing is to let these two slip from Yanbei prince’s almost built Palace in time for his wedding. Yan Xun became busy not only with building the structures of Yan but also raised Yan’s future with strategic concubines. These concubines were either provided Yan more sources to become filthy rich or allies to advance his troops to the West. Yan Xun was also busy with one of his secret projects and often retreated at Xiu Xiu mountains and then come back to the military base once in a while to oversee the simultaneous construction structures such as the Yan Palace at the moment.
He Xiao peeked at the window and whispered: Mimi Gongzhu, are you awake? He went to the door again and knocked gently. Good thing there were no standby Yanbian guards as Yan Xun thought it is not that needed, he thinks, they were He Xiao’s beautiful slaves without more questions asked coming from the Yanbei Prince, they let them stay in one of the new VIP rooms built-in the Yan palace.
Chu Qiao heard He Xiao and replied: “I am, come in.”
Chu Qiao hibernated for a year, and like Yan Xun, she has been busy rebuilding the ruins of the Chu Jing kingdom. The Qinghai empire did not dare to come and see Chu Jing latest developments because of its poisoned walls. And only the old residents of the Chu Jing kingdom who heard about the arrival of the secret princess came back passing through a secret passage that only an original Chu Jing remnants know.
He Xiao came on his rushed face gasping some air and saw Viper sleeping beside her.
Chu Qiao startled when he saw He Xiao. He Xiao is wearing his Yanbian General uniform with its stars and complete killing machine body, he is the beauty among the generals of Yanbei. But in the presence of its Higher Ops Chu Qiao, He Xiao will step aside and let the real beauty of Xuili army takes place.
Chu Qiao said: A man hanged in the tree is a stowaway General?
He Xiao put down one of his bags wrapped in an expensive silk cloth he said: “A flattery will spoil me?” and he smiled at her and said: “You haven’t taken off your scarf what’s in there? Here change your clothes, and dress one of these Yanbian General uniforms you wore during one of our important battles in the past. We are heading to Hong Chuan first then maybe if it’s not too chaotic we can tour around Meilin and Changan.”
Surprised to see her old but not worn Yanbian General uniform, Chu Qiao appreciated He Xiao for never putting this off, and although she cannot really recall, she once was his commander in general, she was somehow a bit touched.
Viper slowly heard some noise, she opens one of her eyes and peeks at the feet of the gorgeous man in front of her when suddenly she was stunned making her swing her whip and bind the feet of the man and pulled it. The man was caught, and startled went down on the expensive carpet, and he said: “At ease, girl, it is He Xiao.”
Viper looked at him once again and opened wide her eyes she uttered: “Really?” Then she unbinds the whip at his feet without feeling sorry.
He Xiao somewhat in between embarrassment and pride, the man stood on his knees and looked at Viper who is still sitting on the carpet. He bent a little to lift her perfect jaw from her small face and looked at her angel’s eyes he said: “remember this man in your sight, so you don’t have to ruin me when I am wearing this uniform.” And He Xiao gave away Viper a sparkle in his eyes that every woman would melt in front of this Xuili Army General with its ready to battle gear in front of her.
Viper caught those eyes from He Xiao but she frowned and spank his hand from her jaw, and He Xiao gave her a debonaire smile.
While the two were having drama, Chu Qiao said: “I am ready, where are we heading again?” And the two, both moved their heads to see her, and they were mesmerized with the view.
Chu Qiao once again wore her Yanbian General uniform, but that is all. Inside those uniforms were lost memories of her battles, the Xuili army she once saved and fought and almost died fighting at Hong Chuan is about to meet them again.
He Xiao swallowed on his throat and said: “Perfect outfit, come on let’s go, and runaway here before the Prince of Yanbei finds us again.” Viper nodded.
Hee..! sound of horse hooves was quickly running away from the majestic Yan Palace. All three horses hissed at every whip of their master’s beat on their side leaving the horse mouths saliva drooping. Having both animal and its master’s got a full night sleep. Their energies were refueled on the fresh air of the plain grasslands of Yanbei. Lively and excited for a short pitstop at the city of Hong Chuan and then another tour on Xuili mountains where the Xuili army headquarters located. Not far from Meilin border pass, became Yan Xun’s foothold to Chang’an city at the expense of Xuili army of dry bones would once again be revived from its pit of mire.
Yan Xun wakes up so light and for the first time from his last, he has never felt any better days other than today. As he closed his eyes and breathe the fresh air of the morning suddenly realize he is waking up at some kind of goodness in his heart. Maybe because he visited the site where he offered some peace in his heart with those lingering memories of his past, whatever buried in his dark past is slowly coming out of light. Suddenly he can smile to his servants, he can listen to every bird songs in the first light of the morning, smell the dew of this land, since the beautiful space in time where he is no longer feeling the shackles of bloodbath and echoes of lament became distant, somehow he no longer bears the burden of silent grief, of hatred, of revenge. Finally, he thinks he can settle for what is today and forgive whatever outcome that will come out on his way.
Yan Xun looking at the horizon as the sunrise above the sky so is his fading memory of last night coming back to his senses. About the woman he took from the lake was somewhat renewing his sense of himself. He felt her power crawled into his blue veins and refueled him of some kind he cannot describe, only feels it. This is what Yan Xun is wanting to experience and for a long time, it was gone until yesterday, that woman in her helplessness softened his heart. The pain and pleasure at the same time at the frozen lake turned him into a numb human and like an animal who continued to devour and spread bloodbath from land after another land he conquers, the blood that spilled out of him is heavy and dark.
Yan Xun on his beautiful light purple Jinhua dress, still looking at the golden horizon with his bright eyes, handsome sword eyebrows, he slightly squinted and smiled then called on A’Jing: “Send He Xiao to my office right now.”
A’Jing asked: “He Xiao your highness?”
“Yes,” Yan Xun feeling excited said: Call him now! Yan Xun looked at A’jing as he is just standing in his place when he should be gone.
“The world, He Xiao left this morning and gave me this letter to deliver it to you instead,” said A’Jing with so much concern.
“What?” Yan Xun looked at him and gave him a cold look squinting his eyes to him, and frowned at him.
“The world, he left together with his company, the two woman, one dressed like a barbarian and the other one looks like an important girl to him, before they left, the guards saw the woman dressed in Yanbian General uniform with her indigo scarf covering her face, showing only her eyes. It became a mysterious figure in the palace and the guards thinks its He Xiao’s woman.”
Yan Xun’s blood rises up like a boiling teapot, but he is not angry instead he feels both ways angry and excited at the same time. Because he thinks, He Xiao his own Xuili general is very lucky for having such a woman in his side but unlike him, he does not even have one to share his good and bad days. Does Yan Xun feel envious on his General? Yan Xun thinks the woman is very fragile and beautiful. He cannot believe that He Xiao took this kind of woman who wants to join his side.
His wedding day is approaching, but as if, for one last time, he would like to meet this woman again. He wants to discover why he is feeling this way. And for the first time, he became interested in the General’s woman in his command. He knows he can just order around and have this woman end up in his bed. Then if its lust, he will let the beauty go and wins from He Xiao. But if he will pay more than what this feeling wants him to go further, then he lost from He Xiao.
Yan Xun’s unimaginable thoughts would be to wreck them and himself becomes pillager of a lover. Behind this thoughts was himself wanting to get involved in between them to see where he stands, to this woman he just carried one fateful night in his arms. For him, it feels like he has already done it for her for a million times… For a long time… And the worst part, he does not know where this feeling is coming from. As if he had limited time left he is forced to choose whether to take action or not at all. The first one feels better for him, and this makes one of his better days.
“A’jing, I need my horse.”
“The world, you haven’t read the letter,” A’jing opened wide his two hands showing in one of his palms the unopened letter but Yan Xun did not bother and said: “read them yourself, I must see He Xiao, again,” quickly, the Prince tap a bell, and fine maidservants came in to help him dress up.
A’Jing left clueless on his thought: “What in the world did the Prince of Yanbei eat last night and wake up this morning and asked about He Xiao today?”
In fact, He Xiao is the least of his priorities and does not read its reports and communication, until now this letter is still unopened but the thing is, the prince is personally going to meet him and will ride to the Meilin border where he has blindly abandoned for a while, as one of his strategies to overutilize the Xuili army and while the Xuili army can still hold the forces out of their own strategy, Yan Xun’s absence meant that he can re-distribute the resources to other armies he has set in place in expanding his empire. He raised and taught their minds that Xuili army should not depend on him but will act as an independent body with unwavering loyalty to him is the requirement to earn his trust and share of resources and also to pay for the blood of Yanbei citizens whom they betrayed and sold their blood to their enemies. Xuili has to pay seven times as much, and until their bones dry out, then that’s the only time they will prove to the dark Prince of Yanbei that they have already paid every last drop of Yanbian blood slaughtered at their own land.
The forest road seems quite, but there is seemingly a feeling of some unknown presence in the air. The three warriors horse stopped to run and all of a sudden gotten dizzy, their horses suddenly do not want to run any further, and without being told, the horse got on their knees and went to sleep.
Chu Qiao and Viper, as well as He Xiao, didn’t have much any choice but to let their horses sleep and they got off from their horses and put aside their saddle bags. Viper is sensing some dark energy at the place and believes someone may have followed them when suddenly three ropes were thrown on where they stand, the three look up to the trees while at their side were three assassins coming forward and a crossbow sniper is hidden somewhere the forest’s tree. The three killers threw some star darts to the three to disperse them. While they were successful at doing it, Chu Qiao caught all three-star darts and closed her eyes and feeling the cold hunting wind she threw and took down the first one at a fast and far distance all three-star darts bulls-eye on the crossbow sniper head and did not even have any chance to react. Viper was impressed on her Mimi Gonzhu, and He Xiao on his busy eyes took out his sword and began to attack the three ninja assassins. Viper leaped and jumped to one of the forest trees and waiting patiently for her opportunity. Chu Qiao standing there watching He Xiao hungry of sword fight gave his might and finished the three without help from his company. Viper clapped at her hands, and He Xiao looked at her, but the clap was not meant that she was impressed instead Viper jumped back to the ground and dusting herself off. He Xiao thinks Viper did not see his moves, cold and wasn’t impressed at all.
Chu Qiao did not put her guard down when suddenly another three ninja assassins came from the heavens and slowly went down on the rope like an acrobat exchanging their places on air. Suddenly He Xiao was caught and Viper about to help He Xiao when a belt sword reached her whip and Viper was not able to maneuver. The other ninja assassin caught her feet with the rope. Now she is upside down hanging in the air, unable to break out.
What’s left was Chu Qiao. The ninja pro assassin stopped being defensive and she suddenly hid the sword around her waist. Chu Qiao although her eyes are closed, she is just waiting for her enemies to exhaust themselves and she thinks, the ninja left has a very strong Skyshadow martial arts and felt its moves even if her eyes is closed and just stood there. She does not have any sword, but her scarf covering her face, her bow, and arrow at her back, her gongfu, and her Higanbana flower is starting to cut her, like someone is backstabbing her back and she is controlling it through an ancient oracle she needs to recite in order to utilize its power instead of losing it around.
The black ninja assassin on its covered face started to talk and said: “I did not come to kill, but to look at you.” Suddenly the black ninja assassin about to take off Chu Qiao’s scarf when suddenly another party came to attack the black ninja and they danced on their martial arts. The third-party summoned the wind when she was about to be cut from the attack of the black ninja’s belt sword, blue feathers suddenly popped on air making the fighting scene so confusing and beautiful like of that peacock feathers slowly falling down on the ground. The black ninja did not fret and the third-party was shallowly cut from her palm. The small wound popped and dark red blood started to gush out. Then suddenly the ninja assassins ran and escaped, leaving He Xiao and Viper suspended on air and He Xiao and Viper are dizzy circling around on its ropes moving on air. Chu Qiao was standing still when she opened her eyes and saw a familiar comrade. But she did not make herself known yet. Instead, she took out a little bottle of celadon, came to the third-party and rubbed the balm on her wounded palm. Suddenly like magic, the wound healed a bit and closed, but it went like a dark brown scar.
The poison will be normalized as I have stabilized it today. In three days the wound will ultimately be gone indicating the poison was healed by another poison. Chu Qiao looked at the third-party and left her with a cold stare.
Chu Qiao cut the ropes on He Xiao first and Viper next using He Xiao’s sword and Viper her usual job to catch He Xiao from falling while she is still suspended on air and indeed, the beauty of Xuili once again saved by its Batgirl. But when it was Viper’s time, Chu Qiao cut the rope, and He Xiao was waiting for her fall, but Viper did not land on He Xiao waiting arms. Instead, she leaped and jumped from one of the tree branches. She landed on the ground. He Xiao’s eyes followed it, stunned with Viper’s amazing leaps and strong stunts. He Xiao impressed but Viper is somewhat looking furious when she saw her sister, Zhong Yu.
He Xiao came closer to Zhong Yu and said: “Are you hurt General Zhong?
I am fine, I just feel dizzy said Zhong Yu.
Why did you come here? Are you escorting the world (Yan Xun) on his tour today?
Yes, the world (Yan Xun) is heading here, I am the advance party, he is going to Meilin to meet you.
To He Xiao’s mind, the prince may have read his letter, but Yan Xun did not really understand it, and He Xiao presumed he did.
He Xiao looked at Viper, and Zhong Yu already knows beforehand that she is with Chu Qiao, but she did tell anyone not even to Yan Xun but told Mr. Wu. Whatever the reason, it is something that only Zhong Yu and Mr. Wu understand.
He Xiao came to Viper and said: I cannot go with you, here take this map and trek the Xuili mountains together with Mimi Gongzhu, I have arranged an advance party and another Xuili Lieutenant is waiting for your arrival.
The Chu Qiao and Viper nodded, and Zhong Yu added: “A’Chu we have lots of catch up to do, see you on the other side, Viper please, this time take care of her… She is worth more than anything else.”
Chu Qiao nodded as if she knows her Yanbei household name is A’Chu. Suddenly she remembers she calls Zhong Yu, A’Yu, they have been together through bad times and good times, and Chu Qiao started to recall her battles together with A’Yu.
Zhong Yu gave a slight smile and bowed at Chu Qiao. He Xiao and Zhong Yu left onsite while Chu Qiao and Viper moved on to their journey to the Xuili mountain as He Xiao will go to Hong Chuan to divert Prince of Yanbei’s tour to Meilin. He will buy some time for Chu Qiao to meet Xuili army first and stay with them.
Meanwhile, Chu Qiao and Viper reached the Xuili mountain, and it is already deep of the night. They found the Xuili Lieutenant Ge Qi the left of Du Wei troops of Xiuli army waiting and sleeping with no standby on his side and is somewhat slipshod. Viper and Chu Qiao looked at each other and understood of what they planned to do.
Ge Qi suddenly startled and suddenly took out his dagger, pointed it in the dark, but then no one attacked him. He just felt an eerie presence lurking in the dark passed by in front of him. Seems like it walked on the abandoned structure nearby where he slept, on its long black hood color in the outside but a bloody dark color in the inside. He cannot barely see the face if it’s a woman or man with only a dim light of shadow casting its figure on the ground.
Ge Qi suddenly stood up and called on the figure somewhat far and said: “Hey you! what are you doing here?” Suddenly a slam was heard, and the character disappeared from his sight. Ge Qi somewhat feeling scared and not scared came close to follow the dark figure when suddenly Viper caught one of his foot, and Ge Qi was captured he fell and caught off guard accidentally lost his knife. The Xuili Lieutenant troop cried for help as Viper pulled her whip and the dark figure suddenly appeared out of nowhere like a ghost Ge Qi looked at the shadow and asked help.
“Who told you to sleep on duty?” A feminine sound was heard.
No one, but I have not slept for days, and I did not know I have fallen asleep. Please help me, I think a nearby vine caught my feet, but I am not sure.
Viper looking at Chu Qiao and Chu Qiao gave her a hand signal and the whip was finally pulled away. Suddenly Ge Qi went up and got his dagger and attempted to capture the figure on the dark hood in front of him. But Chu Qiao effortlessly back tumbled, and Viper leaped to block Chu Qiao. Ge Qi saw Viper’s whip, and his only weapon of defense is the small dagger. He was out of arms and out of food. On his last strength, his eyes went on circling like someone stoned him a rock on his head, he fell in front of Viper and became unconscious. Viper did not put off her guard until a few minutes later, the man did not come back to his senses, Chu Qiao came closer and put her pointer finger in the man’s nose.
“He is alive.” Chu Qiao held the pulse of man and said: “His Chi is weak. He needs water and nourishment. Let’s wait for him to get conscious.”
Viper nodded and said: “I pity him.”
Chu Qiao replied: “We will have him rest for a while.”
I remember He Xiao, this is the same exact scenario we found him although they were not wasting away yet their restlessness is evident said Viper who sat beside the young Lieutenant.
Chu Qiao went in a far distance and gathered some driftwoods and created a bonfire to warm herself. Viper pulled out the man’s sleeping body and came near the firewood Chu Qiao created.
Chu Qiao on her deep thoughts, He Xiao must have not seen his Xiuli troops yet. Looking at this young Lieutenant, even if he does not tell, the war they gave to Wei troops can say that there were no re-enforcement coming from the Prince of Yanbei. Chu Qiao suddenly clenched her fist, feeling so angry she got small driftwood at her side and threw it to the bonfire, and the fire went burning tall, and its yellow flame is waving so high enough to burn a person alive.
♥♥♥
Chapter 033
♥Author♥Angel♥Chua♥
Adapted from Princess Agents drama series and original novel by Xiao Xiang Dong’er – Chu Qiao Chuan Biography
Survival of Mounties (proofread done)
It is almost dawn, and Chu Qiao on her usual coldness threw some spring water to the young lieutenant’s face, and suddenly Ge Qi woke up like he was in a spring body of water looking like drowned. He was startled with the woman on a bloody open hood in front of him, he suddenly stood up and looking for his dagger he turned his back. Viper on his back standing so tall, her right hand patting her folded whip into her left palm and looking so fierce towards him. Chu Qiao does not want the young man to get defensive, she said: “At Ease.”
Finally, when Ge Qi heard the voice of a woman confirmed, he asked: “Are you back? General Chu Qiao of Xiuli army?”
Chu Qiao suddenly felt like music to her ears, and she replied: “I am Chu Qiao, the lost general of Xiuli army if you prefer to call me that.”
The man dropped to his knees and said: “Long live General, we have been searching for you for a year now. We thought you were dead at the lake. Seeing you today, I will thank the Qians (heavens) for granting you alive and well.”
Ge Qi on his tears and joy bowed his head to the ground, and Chu Qiao came close to lift his head and said: Now can you show me the troops of Xiuli army?
Yes, General and Ge Qi about to stand when Chu Qiao said: Before we go on another trip have yourself a hearty meal first.
Viper showed Ge Qi the cooked food, and Ge Qi’s eyes opened wide in his delayed hunger he did not think twice to eat. He Xiao asked for food from Yanbei’s granary and food storehouse and sent their horse saddlebag full of rice grains, meat and other Yanbei provisions such as medicines, light and cold weapons, the extra scabbard of swords and some garments.
While Ge Qi is eating Chu Qiao took the young lieutenant’s right foot and gave the first aid on one of the bacteria infected wound on his foot. Chu Qiao washed it first with spring water and then wiped it with a white cloth, put some balm and then a bandage.
Ge Qi is looking through the beautiful face of Chu Qiao then his eyes still in tears, but his mouth is full of food, he bowed and said: “Thank you, General Chu. I am ashamed to show myself in this condition, but I am grateful that you are here.”
Chu Qiao said: “Stop thanking me, and finish your meal and let’s meet the troops.”
Chu Qiao feels new, and at the same time old at these things, she cannot believe she once was a General of a dying army. She is somewhat feeling so lost, angry and between merciful and cold for whoever caused this difficulty to this Xiuli army which she even wore one of their General uniforms and feels not worthy of it.
After few moments, the three were walking through a barren landscape grassy plain and then a forest, Chu Qiao asked for a pit stop and told Ge Qi he can change one of the garments He Xiao provided. Ge Qi gladly nodded and went to a nearby lake. He took a bath and changed his clothes while Viper and Chu Qiao was sitting and nipping the stalk of long grass and did not bother to look at him.
Ge Qi on his new garment looks so handsome and young in his years. His eyes full of brightness and life, and no more of the slipshod look he had last night. Chu Qiao went to her horse and took one of her arms and gave Ge Qi a new sword, she said: “I didn’t bring it all, but we have enough for the troops, He Xiao reserved for all of you. Take this.”
Ge Qi still feeling overwhelmed said: “I even forgot what is a sword looks like. Thank You General”
Chu Qiao gave him a smile and said: “You will now then not only remember it but feel its protection.”
And Ge Qi tested it by putting some swordplay show, and Chu Qiao and Viper clapped at him and Ge Qi honoring his audience he suddenly bowed in front of them like he was doing a curtain call when suddenly an arrow from nowhere was shot at his back.
Viper runs towards the forest to catch the culprit while Chu Qiao came to pick Ge Qi and she said: “At ease, I got you.”
Ge Qi feeling tired he looked up to Chu Qiao’s calm and beautiful eyes he said: “I am glad I saw the real beauty of Xiuli army, our general who defended and fought for us and never left us in spite of our mistakes, now I can say General Chu never abandoned us, and she is with me today at this moment of my life.”
“Sshhh..” hushed by Chu Qiao and said: “Do not speak those words yet, you are young and this arrow of your back we will take it out and bring you back to your troops.”
Ge Qi said: “I just wanted to thank you General, whatever happens, I am happy to finally see your face even if it meant I will die at any moment on this insidious roads.”
A cold wind blew upon them and Chu Qiao in a slip of time slowly remembered Feng Mian. The sunny and faithful servant of the Yanbei prince, she was holding Feng Mian the way she is holding Ge Qi right now. Those memories came back to her like many grains of sand of time filling her bank of memories, Chu Qiao shed a tear and then looked at Ge Qi who is slipping out of his breath. The arrow was shot accurately at the back and may have been inserted in the walls of his heart, and only a skillful healer can take it out without damaging the walls of his heart.
Chu Qiao hushed him and said: “You will live, you are too young to die like this, this is not your story’s end.”
Viper came back and caught the enemy archer when suddenly she saw Ge Qi and Viper said: “No you cannot die like this. No!! No!!”
Viper on her anger strangled the enemy archer but has not interrogated it yet, so she did not kill it. Chu Qiao looking at the enemy she said: “If he dies, I will send your soul to the underworld.” The enemy archer suddenly felt some goosebumps in his skin and became scared of what Chu Qiao said.
Viper said to the enemy archer and told them: “kneel and lie down your head to the ground!” and the enemy archer obeyed. In this position, the enemy cannot run or even move around, as his hands and feet were tied.
Viper came closer to Chu Qiao who is holding Ge Qi and said: Mimi Gongzhu, if you are willing, you can use your Hing Ba Na, as the leader of Wind and cloud decree you can use your powers but the consequence is unknown. I cannot define it to you, but the last time was, it swept all of your memories. Are you willing or not to lose a part of the mortal self to save this young man?
Chu Qiao hasn’t regained back her full memories, and yet here she is again, will have to give away a part of herself to save this young man. Chu Qiao looking at Ge Qi although they just met last night, she already felt she was close to him, long ago, once upon a time, like Feng Mian on her memories one of those moments, she wants to do something but couldn’t. This time she decided and told Viper: “I shall do it.”
She gently lied down Ge Qi’s head as his eyes still closed and aching,. Chu Qiao stood up and slowly took off her bloody hood and fell on the ground. Then on her Xiuli general’s uniform once again she took it off leaving only her white inner garment revealed a skinny and delicate body, her face is calm and looked so empty, devoid of any sense of feeling and her flower tattoo at her back once again trickling on fire, she once again felt that painful inscription in her back but before closing her eyes, Viper told her: “Mimi Gongzhu you know where to come back, at this time at this place I trust you.”
…..
And once again Chu Qiao used her Hing Ba Na, the willingness to accept or not, the consequences of using her powers to bring back the dead to life is for her to cross the Higanbana flowers of forgotten rivers that belong to the underworld and has the ability to alter the course of time and destiny of the person.
What happened in this part…
Like in a trance of a white dream, an unblinding light came to a soul of a young man walking at the field of flowers, and he looked at it and said: I never saw this place before, but its sweet scent entices me to walk further. And then he looked up and saw the whole field full of flowers. The wind blew on his face, and again he looked down he saw a very, very narrow path enough only to receive his footsteps as if its the only way he must walk on and follow. As the fragrance of the flowers grew, so is his senses pushing him to continue. He walked endlessly until he saw a very old man on his black hood at the river shore is also a small boat and misty calm river. The young man is looking for what is on the other side but cannot see it only clouds of darkness and mists no one ever lived to tell. He cannot also speak to ask the old man, it seems he is only limited to what he can do, and that is just to accept the old man’s hand. He came closer, and the old man offered his hand.
Somewhere between darkness and light, Chu Qiao arrived at the underworld using her indigo scarf covering her face, she is walking so beautiful, and on her, every step is a plum blossom of flower dropping on the underworld ground, and the scent grew its aroma calming the spies and other underworld elements. She was like parading to a group of powerful spies, these spies are a spirit like that inherited a human body and soul. Somewhat in between a hybrid human and you may call them the angels of light and darkness. It is indescribable. They all bowed to the princess as the plum blossoms drop at her path, she continued to walk on her eyes closed.
She suddenly sensed time stopped as the tattoo on her back began to come out of her back and be gone from her body. It went on air and on a spiral like the movement it formed the appearance of a Higanbana flower, and suddenly she was in the forgotten river. The ancient man was surprised to see her, but he bowed and accepted the Higanbana flower. The flower suspended in front of him and showed his sad, droopy eyes full of wrinkled lines a sign of aging. Then Chu Qiao suddenly closed her eyes, he took the hand of the young man and the man gave it away when all of a sudden another unblinding light flashed in front of the young man’s eyes and like an eternity he went out of his sight.
Suddenly, sand dunes and endless deserts, Chu Qiao must find her path, in between her consciousness and subconsciousness she knows where the trail is. It is not her first, she is more confident and knows the way, this time, and she continued to walk, feeling lost her empty stares, her memories faded in time in exchange for a life. Like the lyrics in a song, so is her mantra.
“Look at the state we’re in, this docile apathy, we fight and stumble aimlessly.”
“We broke our promises one too many times when hope is a ghost, fear survives.”
“I am just gonna sit here, I am just gonna stay here for a while, need to catch my breath here, What do we do now.”
“Look at the empty stares of once mighty men, fallen and fragile so unsure. Who do we look to now, how can we trust again, when hope is a ghost, fear survives.”
This is the price of being the secret princess, gaining access to secret pathways and other secret dimensions, her mortal body suspended on earth while her soul journeys through a thousand deserts. Descends through hell but not lost. No sense of time until she finds her way and can free herself on this beautiful curse of her powers at the expense of losing her memories is harrowing and beyond every human soul reach.
**
Ge Qi suddenly awakened and as if he has just been asleep for hours when it’s already been a week and he is back at Xiuli army post at Xiuli mountain. He woke up and felt some mild pain in his back and one of the Xiuli medic corpsman met his eyes, and he said: Where is General Chu?
The military medic corpsman on his kind eyes met his and said gently: What are you talking about?
Suddenly another young Xiuli lieutenant Wu Danyu, from the right Du Wei troops of Xiuli army. It was just in time when he came in and spoke to the corpsman to give the young lieutenant Ge Qi sometime to find himself. Maybe the effects of the medicines treated under his wounds are making him hallucinate. He observed his wounds healed faster than usual. How did this happen? No one can explain but the most important thing is, the young lieutenant Ge Qi is alive.
Ge Qi feeling comfortable on his comrade Wu Danyu said: I know I am not crazy yet but I saw General Chu with a girl, whose lips is like hell and she has a long whip. Ge Qi rose up from his bed to tell more stories.
Wu Danyu recalling this past few days, cannot tell what Ge Qi is talking all about. He went closer to Ge Qi and hold his two shoulders and let him lie down to rest he said: “Alright, we will talk about it more after you are healed completely. For the meantime, you need more rest for yourself and get back to your two feet okay?” Wu Danyu smiled at him and pat him on his shoulder. Ge Qi sensed no one believes him, he just closed his eyes and reminisce his last scenes with General Chu.
**
A rewind of a week ago…
Viper took his magical whip and recited some oracles, the whip became a gold whip and flew on air and suddenly with some light floating on air suspended in time then on Viper’s closed eyes the whip slowly went to the Ge Qi’s back and gently took out the arrow with some of its light closing the wounds. His body was dead for a time, but then he came to live and breathe again.
The enemy archer did not see whatever was happening because Viper prayed and took out the sight in his eyes and freed him afterward. He lived but has to live blind for the rest of his life. It was the ransom payment for making them use their powers, and her Mimi Gongzhu descending to hell and find herself back to the crepuscular light.
Viper was low in energy when he finally put Ge Qi on one of their horses and whispered to the horse ears and let the horse smell the map He Xiao gave them. The Horse suddenly went on a fast run and suddenly gone.
The horse arrived at the Xiuli detachment Mountie’s army gate, and the military guards were astonished when they saw Ge Qi. Immediately they took Ge Qi and the saddlebags. But the horse turned around and went back to where its master was. Some of the guards ran and went to find the horse. Their horses are unmatched taking those malnourished looking horses.
Viper on her low energy suddenly passed out in the forest with Chu Qiao still lying unconscious from the ground. The horse came by and smelled his master Viper. Viper was just looking at her horse with half-opened eyes. Suddenly she drifted to sleep.
The next day, Viper feeling more restored with her Chi flow, she pulled her Mimi Gongzhu in a safe place still near the forest. Chu Qiao’s body is cold and looks like the same thing happened her palms were slightly burned. Chu Qiao was sweetly sleeping under the moss of the forest, with the birds singing on the air, another day to become quiet and let some time pass. Of how long? Viper can only hope not so long unlike when she rescued her at the frozen lake it took many weeks before Chu Qiao recovered and got back on her two feet.
**
The young lieutenant Ge Qi was able to recover, and now he is back to his usual duty, and Xiuli army went back to its normal operations. Wu Danyu has often visited his recovering comrade and have some chat about what happened in the past. Xiuli army surviving on its edge became a sturdy fortress for Yanbei in the Meilin border pass.
Ge Qi started to talk and said: After Qiaoqi cavalry’s bloodbath war with the firefox of Yanbei, they put Beishou city and Hong Chuan city on fire and captured the Xiuli army. We were once a prisoner of war until Prince Xiang converted Xiuli army to become a subordinate of Wei’s Qiaoqi’s army. They were once under the original Xiuli General Lui Ziye, that later committed suicide rather than serve Prince Xiang. The General’s hope became bleak after he learned the news that all of Yan royal family except for hostage prince Yan Xun has been executed in the Shen Jin Gong. On his strategic purpose, Prince Xiang appointed He Xiao who was the only one left capable of holding the military leadership of the Xiuli army. Did you remember the first time we met General Chu?
Wu Danyu responded and said: “We met the general on her fine casual archer outfit, a beautiful lad where anyone would underestimate her abilities. We met General Chu on the military grounds of Qioaqi camp after the Wei emperor bestowed her the decree that was disseminated to the entire Qiaoqi camp:
“To govern the world with civilization and suppress rebellion with the military. The commanders and generals are ridgepoles of the nation and the mainstays of the government. So, I would like to promote talented persons only based on their ability not their background. The lady named Chu Qiao is well-educated and trained in military exercises is both virtuous and talented. She treats her Lord with loyalty, serves the emperor with honesty and acts like Mu Lan, she becomes a good model. She is assigned to be the Coach of Arrow in the Qiaoqi camp. I hope you can die on the battlefield, forget selfishness in the interest of the public and not disappoint my expectation.”
Ge Qi looking far continued: “I can still remember our first encounter with her, on the ground were the Vice Commander He Xiao, a thick rope is at his neck and his hands were tied, consuming all the rhetoric accusations of our Commander-in-Chief Xue Zhelig. It is promised to execute him for encouraging and plotting rebellion among our troops, I am also rebutting in between them at that time and looking for two Commanders to reconcile.
Wu Danyu his mind traveling back in time said: “I can recall those events vividly. The order has been passed on and our deputy is about to be executed when General Chu came and you asked for an excuse for the deputy that he didn’t mean to arouse any plot of rebellion and you were so brave at that time.”
Ge Qi answered: You gave the second motion and asked Commander Xue to forgive him as well. Now that is foolhardy looking at your face trying to convince a commander but seriously are we ready for our necks to be cut at that time? Ge Qi flashed a beam of a smile in his face.
Wu Danyu smiled back at him and said: Did you still remember why General He Xiao always fights Commander Xue Zhelig?
Ge Qi slightly laugh and answered: Because Deputy General always talks of going back home to Yanbei?
“ha…ha…ha..as petty and trivial as it is, they accuse He Xiao, our Deputy General is shaking the Xiuli army’s morale” Wu Danyu on a silent laugh continued to laugh more.
Ge Qi added: I also recall how did General Chu defend General He Xiao that day.
Wu Danyu said: “General Chu asked for a piece of evidence then report it first and Commander Xue noted, there is no need for the General to know and that he is just cleaning the house. General Chu responded to him that the soldier he wants to kill is not just someone or an ordinary person but a Vice Commander of Qioaqi camp and the General of Xiuli troop who is responsible for Chang’an City safety. General Chu even advised him to report to Prince Xiang first or to General Yuwen which made the Commander’s face drop to the ground.
“Can you recall how did the face of Commander Xue turned sour and wants to hurt someone but could not do it?” said Ge Qi.
“Yes, I cannot forget that square face of him, ha..ha..ha..” Wu Danyu laughs out loud.
Suddenly a loud knock was heard, and the Xiuli guards reported that someone outside is waiting for the gate to be opened.
Ge Qi asked: Who are they?
The junior Xiuli guard said: “We cannot see their faces, but they gave us, this..”
Ge Qi was astonished and said: “My dagger! Wu Danyu, I am not crazy it is General Chu and the whipping girl.”
Wu Danyu on his curious brow he said: “Are you sure about this? Let’s go to the watchtower and look at them.”
Ge Qi and Wu Danyu went to the gate’s watchtower and saw in the distance two figures on their black hood riding in two healthy and sturdy brown horses.
The Xiuli guard on their side exclaimed: Lieutenant, that is the horse who brought you into this gates and then run away so fast that our horses were no match.
Ge Qi feeling excited he shouted below: “Let them pass!”
And suddenly a cracking sound was heard opening the Xiuli Mounties gate and let the two pass.
Chu Qiao on her black hood in the outside but bloody hood in the inside likewise Viper has the same hood as bloody as hell her lips, we’re back to their normal state. As if none of that hell happened a week after their moment of showing the power that a human soul could not even comprehend.
Ge Qi and Wu Danyu went down and bowed their heads to Chu Qiao whose only lips like soft pink cotton candy, and her eyes are covered with the black hood and behind her is Viper. Their presence made an impression and attracted the Xiuli armies to come near and flock to them in a circle formation, waiting for that moment of revelation that one could only rely to look on either of the following: one, an angelic like soft pink cotton lips and the other one, a dark villain wine like lips. Like light and darkness, both arrived at their camp.
Chu Qiao head down feeling the weak Chi and energies all around her she slowly let her black hood fell on perfect drapes on her neck, revealing the dark, bloody inside color of her black hood made her face even more fierce, and everybody was astonished and recognized her. Ge Qi was quietly expecting this moment and finally happened.
“It’s the lost General Chu, she came back” the words of clamor between the military men that surrounded them. While Viper did not show her face and she became mysterious and did not plan to meet all of them today.
Ge Qi shouted: “Yes, it is General Chu. The General who saved me from the deadly arrow and who also transported the provisions to our camp.”
The crowd suddenly went noisy and bowed their heads, their knees on the dirty ground, on their muddy boots, their dirty Yanbei uniforms, worn out helmets, spent shields, fading breastplates, out of swords, and tattered Xiuli flags. The Xiuli Army, once renowned Firefox of Yanbei is now living like a dog, in its worse condition greeted Chu Qiao’s eyes.
Some men got old, on their ripped and battered uniforms they continued to stand the fight, some men cried, others just wanted to get a closer glimpse of their General Chu. They thank the Qians for sending General Chu back to their cradle and swear to never leave her side again.
Chu Qiao should have been feeling strange as her memories were given away to the wind of no turning back, but this time she remembers vividly, those faces around her, those tears of joy, the music of victory being played all around, to her this is the world she really feels alive and real. This place is the only thing where her heart beats so fast and feels the need of the people, their hopelessness turned to joy, their faith together is renewed. Chu Qiao at the moment saw her dream world, where everyone will be free, no more slaves and no more fight or wars, only stars that shine and its people living in ultimate peace. She finally said to them in a hushed tone:
“This is my faith!”
Chu Qiao walked in slow motion everyone moved to the side and let her pass. Chu Qiao saw the disfigured Xiuli flag at the corner, she went and took it and then walked towards the middle of the camp. All eyes on her, Chu Qiao’s face fierce but calm, Viper just stood and waited for Chu Qiao at the center, and Chu Qiao’s back was Ge Qi and Wu Danyu who followed her when all of a sudden she raised the big Xiuli flag and then planted its pole on the middle ground. Wind blowing, the trees gave up their long wait of fall, the leaves were flying on air, Chu Qiao on her might and power she nailed the Xiuli flag, a vibration all over the place by the force she gave was felt by everyone and they all shouted on air: “This is my faith!”
♥♥♥
Chapter 034
♥Author♥Angel♥Chua♥
Adapted from Princess Agents drama series and original novel by Xiao Xiang Dong’er – Chu Qiao Chuan Biography
The Path of The World
After Zhong Yu attached the little note in the pigeon’s feet, she freed the bird, and the bird flew far away from where she stood.
“May you reach the man in the Longji Mountains.” she hushed softly.
Yan Xun arrived at Hong Chuan city, and the people in the town was overjoyed to see their King-to-be. Yan Xun wearing his battle gear in its dark purple silk, a silver finish inlaid with gold breastplate, his hair like an ink, majestic long red cape, his black boots with hues of gold, his fresh, fierce and handsome face, those sword brows, fiery eyes, gave the Hong Chuan people a strong and stable future to look forward to.
Long live Prince Yan Xun, Long live! Shouted by the people at the bustling streets full of cheers and joy. Like in a parade, Yan Xun nodded and greeted them with a formal but not so sad face, after the ceremony of honors, he went straight to his newly built mansion. This is a surprise to the people where the Yanbei Prince has not set its foot for a long time and now suddenly his presence on air the Hong Chuan people are preparing for their meet and greet later. Yan Xun cannot brush off the people when he finally settled in his mansion, interested parties flocked together and asked the Prince envoy to give them a chance to meet the Prince and press some concerns.
A’Jing, go to He Xiao’s place, I must meet him immediately, it cannot be postponed.
Yes, Your Highness, I am going to their place.
Yan Xun feeling relieved another servant came and asked if there would be available time for the consultation of the interested parties from Hong Chuan nobles. But Yan Xun gave a hand signal to pass and do not want to see any people except for He Xiao.
Zhong Yu came in and said: Your Highness, what’s the hesitation? The Hong Chuan people would like to meet the Prince and offer some gifts coming from the nobles.”
Yan Xun answered as if he did not hear any of it he said: “If A’Jing isn’t able to bring in He Xiao, you will be my last resort.”
Zhong Yu nodded and said: “Sure, consider it done your Highness.”
Unfortunately, He Xiao is making himself too hard to reach, he left earlier when he just dropped by at his ancestral house but moved quickly and went to Xiuli Mountain to meet Chu Qiao and Viper. Another unfortunate event, He Xiao learned what happened to Ge Qi and his hope wavered again he said to himself: “I lost her again, I hope she can find her way back to Xiuli.” He Xiao can only rely on Viper to get her back to where they agreed to meet. He stayed for a night at Xiuli Mountain then came down to the Meilin border pass to see his junior and senior officer armies. He Xiao left Wu Danyu, on their headquarters camp to help Ge Qi.
Yan Xun’s face cannot be described when he heard the news from A’Jing. Yan Xun clenched his fist and looking furious he said to A’Jing: Get out and tell Zhong Yu to bring He Xiao!
A’Jing wanting to downplay his anger he gave Yan Xun the unopened letter He Xiao wrote while they were in Yan Palace and said: “The World, He Xiao reiterated that you must open the letter, maybe its an important letter that you must read.”
Yan Xun closed his eyes feeling so upset at the moment, he harshly took the letter from A’Jing’s hand, and A’Jing finally bid his goodbye to look for the feather girl.
Yan Xun cannot sleep at night, and he is just turning back and forth in his bed, he then stood and went to his window and looked at the new moon casting a beautiful shadow on the far wetlands of Hong Chuan, the night is deep and the cold wind blowing, it cuts like a knife to the skin. Yan Xun does not know what this part of himself is, he is supposed to be preparing for his upcoming wedding, but here he is, chasing a Xiuli General and playing hard-to-get with him. He thought, maybe he just has to read the letter He Xiao left?
Yan Xun went to his table where he put the letter and opened to read it.
Your Highness,
I do hope you do not suspect me and return your trust to Xiuli because I have a revelation but I cannot tell it yet to you. Waiting for the right time, and I will let you meet her.
He Xiao, Deputy General
Yan Xun thought, maybe he is getting re-married? After all He Xiao is right as single, he did not have any wife or kids at all after they killed his pregnant wife. Yan Xun really thought the woman whom He Xiao took out of the Yan palace was intriguing him more than any of his battles. Ever since then, Yan Xun did not stop to look for him. Yan Xun again thought: “maybe He Xiao is proposing to the woman I carried before when I found them at the frozen lake, and it is something that will happen soon. If this is true, then I should find time to meet the girl and then snatch her for once, to see her one last time before he marries He Xiao?” A thought in the Prince’s mind is playing at the bottom of his heart he said: “Maybe just for this last time before I finally let go, to find some answers in my heart, I must meet the woman even if it means I will have to snatch her from He Xiao.”
Yan Xun has gone twice crazier when he read the letter, he has never felt this intense feeling, but he recalls there is only one girl who made his heart this same old feeling before and that is A’Chu. Though Yan Xun did not verbalize his feelings to A’Chu his actions speak much louder than words, their relationship was apparently more than friends but not official lovers. They cared and understood for each other like no one else does, and Yan Xun planned A’Chu to become his wife and the establish her as the Queen of Yanbei after he regains back the Yanbei throne and sit as their King and it shall be done by his own means.
Yan Xun carved a jade pendant, a gift supposedly on their first-night honeymoon but it is a long way to go, as the state of Yanbei at that time was still in chaos and he is living in the military camp most of the time together with Chu Qiao as his General strategist and his person. However, all of these plans were shattered after the frozen lake tragedy, once again Yan Xun self-inflicted his pain of seeing Chu Qiao on the lake. The condition is set beforehand. There is no mercy in the middle of the battlefield, not even to Chu Qiao but Yan Xun spared her life and to his surprise, Chu Qiao did not also give any value to it. She turned her back to him to save Yuwen Yue. It is one thing that Yan Xun will never understand, and it is one thing that Chu Qiao will never forgive.
Yan Xun closed his eyes, playing the scenario in his mind. He smiled all by himself as if it is already happening at the moment. He planned it all in his mind including how he would make the girl fall in love with him and then drop her to make her come to him he finally said: “I must make a move if I wait for He Xiao, it’s going to be like a cat catching his mouse.”
Yan Xun reminiscing the times he carried the woman in his arms from the frozen lake, he opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling of his mansion, and like a young man in love, his mouth is halfway opened and forming a natural half letter “o” and there he is just lying there with no sense of time, the woman, a beautiful intruder preoccupied his mind every waking hour. It is still dark but the horizon is about to give up its light and some of the rooster’s crows and morning birds started to sing that issues the breaking of dawn, so is the prince started to drift.
**
(A week has passed, Chu Qiao and Viper went to Xiuli Mountain)
“Waaahhh,” shouted by A’jing!
“What?”
Yan Xun casually woke up no reaction to A’Jing surprise shout, he said: “Why are you waking up everybody and looking at me like I’ve been to hell?”
And Yan Xun stood from his bed to get his purple robe and heading his way out when A’Jing told him: “The World, what happened to you? Did someone punch you last night? Look at you!”
Yan Xun slightly tilted his head to look into a man-size mirror with corner designs of wooden carved vines painted in rose gold and silver he said: Oh those dark circles?
A’Jing replied: Do you want me to call a doctor?
Yan Xun laughed and said, seriously no doctor can cure me, only He Xiao.
A’Jing seriously looked at Yan Xun and his brows wrinkled, he half-squinted and said to Yan Xun: “No, you can’t be!”
Yan Xun raised his brows and looked at A’Jing and said: “What do you mean?”
A’Jing replied and started to speak slowly like he is going to tell a very long story. While Yan Xun is putting his robes and bedroom slippers, A’Jing swallows his throat then said: “I know you have not seen He Xiao for a while, and he is quite handsome lately. He has brightness in his eyes, single and gorgeous but seriously, if I tell this, I hope the World won’t be offended and does not chop my neck later? I have been with you for years, and I never suspected that you are, you… maybe”
Yan Xun looked at him straight and said with an annoying tone in his voice: “I am waiting, what do you mean?”
A’Jing turned his back, and Yan Xun grabbed his shoulders and turned him again to face him A’Jing said: “Nyaha!! Ugly face! and A’Jing put his two hands to cover his eyes and avoid eye contact with Yan Xun
Yan Xun laughed and on his curious eyes said: “ha..ha..ha..Come on tell me, what do you mean?”
A’Jing feeling embarrassed and shy he stretched his neck a little to come close to Yan Xun’s ears and whispered: “Don’t tell me you fancy He Xiao?”
Yan Xun raised his hand and hit A’Jing’s nape and said: “Ey! I am not a pervert!” on his cold and no emotion voice.
“Aw…Aw, that hurts!”
A’Jing gave a peace hand signal to Yan Xun then smiled at him like a boy who wants to play with his Prince he said: “I am just making sure you’re not!” and A’Jing scratched his head and making some funny faces with Yan Xun.”
Yan Xun smirked and about to hit him again when A’Jing smiled and said: “Enough, I know you are not.”
“At least that’s clear with you,” Yan Xun went outside his room and A’Jing following his back he asked: “Any news from Zhong Yu yet?”
“No, its been a week since she left, I wonder why she is not back yet, maybe..?”
Yan Xun stopped him and said: “Don’t mention it because she can’t fail me.”
A’Jing soon quiet they walked along the corridors and Yan Xun on his purple morning robe so fresh and handsome except for his eye bugs he came to see the falling of the leaves in the garden inside the Hong Chuan Yan Mansion.
Yan Xun wanting to speak but then no words come out, he swallowed and then talk again he finally said to A’Jing: When I was a swallow (Yan Xun’s codename) back then in Wei state inside the City of Changan where A’Chu…”
A’Jing on his back he interrupted his moment and said: “The World, it’ll be two years and you have not forgotten General Chu.”
“What if…” Yan Xun paused and A’Jing waiting for the next words, Yan Xun hesitated he turned around he said: “Have you prepared all the stuff I asked you to shop for?”
“Yes your Highness, is there anything more you want to add?”
“If you were able to buy it all, then I have nothing to add.”
“I am curious, what are you planning to do for the next seven days? The provision seems to be calculated for a seven days journey or whatsoever. Can I ask the World to be honest what is this all about?”
Yan Xun is quiet and his eyes back to the falling leaves and still thinking if the Prince will share what that forbidden desire in his heart is.
“It is confidential but what if I tell you..” and Yan Xun paused again and smiles still looking at the falling leaves, the cold wind softly blowing his face, even if his eyes bugs have been protruding his young face added more masculinity. His beard grew a bit around his jaw looking so gorgeous. Like an experienced Prince with alluring charm, in his lips, seduction hides especially if he smiles.
In fact, Yan Xun has never been so sunny not after that encounter in the frozen lake with He Xiao, the whipping girl and the woman who has the indigo scarf. Everyone around him felt his lightness and not so suspicious and unpredictable attitude towards his inferiors.
A’Jing replied: “As long as the World won’t regret it, then whatever you are planning ahead since you are getting married in a few months time, you ought to do all the things you wanted to do while you are still not tying the knot with the beautiful Liang Princess. And do not ever think twice, take this as the only moment of your life to become whole and happy since you have sacrificed a lot for the sake of the Yanbei citizens.”
Yan Xun felt like a parent blessed him through A’Jing’s voice, he turned around his back and hold A’Jing’s shoulder and said: “So please while I am away, stay alive and do not do anything stupid.” And Yan Xun just like that sunny smile when the Prince was still young he threw that smile showing his perfect white teeth, a heavenly sparkle on his eyes, it’s been a long while since the last time he has seen the Prince in his sunny mood.
A’Jing was a bit teary-eyed, and on his childlike voice he said to Yan Xun: “Why do I feel like you are going to have honeymoon first then get married in a few months, tell me!”
Yan Xun laughed so loud and said: “Don’t worry, I will seal this off to produce a good Yan breed of royals. Remember, I am not easy-to-get. This handsome face is priceless.”
A’Jing stopped his crying moment and looked at Yan Xun in his sad eyes still feels separation anxiety from his Prince.
“Just be back home and make sure when you do, you are all ready to move on, and come back healthy and your head still tied to your neck!”
Yan Xun feeling a little bit sad to leave his servant yet more of his brother, chef, comrade, eunuch, general, everything names it, its A’Jing for every Yan Xun moves, he is always there, but this time he is leaving for a short while to find himself.
“That’s a lot of requirement, are you the one leaving or me?” The Prince on his happy tone of voice, he smiled at him then A’Jing was dismissed to prepare some of his men to accompany him on his journey.
Yan Xun back to his room, he looked at the metal masquerade masks, he will choose one for him and one for another woman. He mainly wanted the purple metal masks and reserved the gold metal mask.
Yan Xun also checked on some of the provisions and other necessities for his intimate journey and thinks A’Jing packed all the things he needs and he is all set. Yan Xun pulled the string of bell, and his servants came in to lead him to his prepared warm bath pool. The pool was made of large wood square shape with wood tiles as the steamy foam is hovering around making the bath like a sacred ritual. The servants put on their blindfold and the Prince confident that no one is looking around he turned his back, raised his hands towards his waist and took off his robes gently. The Prince robes beautifully draped as it drops from his body, revealing some scars and wounds all over his body, an unforgotten token, surviving from a hundred battles.
Finally, he touched that left part of his shoulder where his old deep wound scar and he closed his eyes. Yan Xun put his one foot and then another one, both soaked in the warm water. On his private moments like this, even though the prince survived the pain, but not the bitterness it left him and one of the venoms that lingers like a poison of his thoughts, remembering the childhood friend, his best friend Yuwen Yue who took the lowest moment of his life. It tormented him and put him to death even if he is still alive. There is no such pain other than this. Someone who looked up to the best friend and yet the best friend witnessing all of these events unfold is staring at the deaths of the Yan royal family.
As cold as Yuwen Yue is, Yan Xun knows his danger side, an emotionless aristocrat who is not easy to give up his entitlements. Yan Xun took everything in a different perspective and the darl light started to grow in bitter depts of his heart. From that moment on, Yan Xun had a total change of heart.
If only the prince was able to escape the first attempt he did together with Xing’er and Yuwen Yue was able to counter it from the shot of his servant’s being arrows, then, would the history have written a different fate?
Would his entire family be still alive today?
Yan Xun who is sitting with one of his foot lying flat on the wooden pool and one foot on the bend rested his arms in it. Hanging in there, he tilted his head and realizes he does not seek answers to the questions. He seeks justice through the sweet arms of revenge. The earth may have already sealed its fate. It became a permanent event for the untimely deaths of his family. The noble blood of Yan will never be at rest until the last blood of the collects all due to retribution.
Yan Xun getting drunk in these moments of thoughts. It overshadowed the good in his heart. It protects him from being susceptible and an easy mark for those eyes of people who plots evil behind his back. Who would have known better than a man who saw it all what the world can give and even tasted the most indescribable pain from the untimely deaths of his family? One cannot blame what he became today.
As the foam is still thick and hovers around, Yan Xun shifted his thoughts again to the woman he cannot forget in every waking hour of his life. As the day gets by, his desire grows like a flower ready to bloom but to whom? He does not have any idea who is the woman, where did she come from. He once again compared that woman like A’Chu and why, it has to happen twice in his lifetime, most of the same qualities of a woman. Why can’t he just settle to who is available and who will lead him to the greater good and who will establish him as ruler and King? Why does he have to live and silently compete from another man’s woman?
Yan Xun patiently waited and on his own sweet ways showed A’Chu he will pass her standards and even overqualified for her when she was still Xinger, a maidservant slave at Yuwen Yue’s Green Hills courtyard. He did not also complain why A’Chu has to become Yuwen Yue’s bed chambermaid but even supported her to win, on his hard head and heart continued to come to Yuwen Yue’s courtyard and show to A’Chu he is really hoping they would become a pair. A’Chu is the only girl for him, in his young heart at those moments, were the most beautiful days of his life. After the frozen lake tragedy and she is gone, Yan Xun thinks he is as good as dead. Yan Xun never know this part of himself where all wisdom comes after everything settles and becomes permanent but how can he return back in time and will time allow him to correct everything else? What if…what if… what if… was all his heart can utter.
Yan Xun scooped the water from his palm then let it drip from his fingers and the tiny drops of water like a loud noise on a tranquil royal bath pool. After few more hours of bathing, the Prince came out of the pool and took his robes from the wooden tile floor, at the clap of his hands all of his servants waiting outside took off their blindfold and followed Yan Xun’s back.
Yan Xun back to his room, servants are waiting for him to help him dress and put on his battle gear princely garments. After a few hours, Yan Xun is looking divine from head to foot. The hands look sturdy, the young man’s face is gentle and formal, went out.
Outside were another group of servants came close and put on his metal mask and another one fitting in his black hood at his back, and total look of black hood Prince. Then A’Jing came close as well to kneel and handover the sword and Yan Xun took it and climbed to his horse. On his formal face he bid his farewell to everyone and at his back were five men following him behind and two extra horses with saddlebags full of provisions.
Autumn trees parading their full colors from brown, red to yellow, the wind brushing the ground and issues the scent of woody fragrance all around, the leaves swaying in the air that leads the World’s path to meet his heart’s desire and bask in its sweet moments of stolen time.
♥♥♥
Chapter 035
♥Author♥Angel♥Chua♥
Adapted from Princess Agents drama series and original novel by Xiao Xiang Dong’er – Chu Qiao Chuan Biography
Summer fell into Fall
Chu Qiao and Viper were given the VIP General quarters to stay, and Chu Qiao felt very homey and comfortable even if the room looks dilapidated and less maintained. Several house mouse of the Xiuli military campers who cleaned the room earlier knocked on their room to deliver, a brazier, a pack of incense, a burner and some tea candles to bring out the coziness of the room. Chu Qiao opened the door and said:
“This is a luxury, an opulence to welcome a General like me, but please put it aside and thank you for bringing in some fire to consume and to ease the coming cold nights.”
Everyone bowed and careful not to say any words and left the General Quarters.
At nightfall, Ge Qi wrote a letter to be sent to General He Xiao informing that General Chu finally arrived after a week of searching and waiting for their feet to land at Xiuli Mountain, they finally arrived. Ge Qi knows the Deputy General will be overjoyed but won’t be able to come right away due to the present condition of the Xiuli army at Meilin border pass.
However Ge Qi noticed a ninja like a shadow, he suspected an intruder was lurking and passed by his quarters, and Ge Qi went to see his windows and saw the shadow like a man who just jumped out of the camp and climbed of the tree and suddenly gone. Ge Qi has not been able to talk to General Chu yet, the last time was so quick, and later his General was gone again when he opened his eyes recovering from his wound. Now there is another danger posing a threat to his reunion with General Chu, and he is not feeling right about this.
Yan Xun has waited patiently for the twilight to come. In the absence of Zhong Yu, Yan Xun sent a junior spy, to be the lookout on, He Xiao’s whereabouts and to spot the woman and another barbaric girl. The spy came back in time before twilight and reported both good and bad news to the Prince.
The World, I cannot spot He Xiao, but I am confirming the whipping girl and another woman who looks like a general was inside the Xiuli headquarters camp. They have settled in the Xiuli General Quarters.
Yan Xun turned his back and said: Good!
Yan Xun gave a briefing about the rules and protocols to follow to his five royal escorts including this junior spy and said: “I don’t understand why I have to become an intruder to my own borders and spying my own army but one thing I know we have a mission and accomplish to do. That means, nobody will draw any sword, I will come to Xiuli headquarters, alone.”
“The World, we are with you, but your life will be put to danger,” said one of the concerned royal escort.
Yan Xun replied in a calm voice: “Are you implying I cannot defend myself and the Xiuli army won’t bring down their arms once they see my face?”
“They will recognize you, Your Highness, what I am after for, is your safety and I took an oath to guard your life,” said the concerned royal escort.
“Very well, You will escort me, just you, the rest to wait for us here and be alert. Change your outfit, we will go inside as a disguised man.” After a while, Yan Xun dismissed everyone, and he started to walk. From a prince warrior stature to a poor man’s clothing, his horse covered in black cloth it will be tough to be distinguished as an esteemed guest. If the guards will underestimate them, even if they see it is His Highness Black horse and bypass the search or to uncover their faces from their black hoods, they would pass without being identified as VIPs.
After an hour of walking, they finally reached the Xiuli gate and it is about to close when all of a sudden the royal escort came to stop the closing of the gate. One of the guards got angry and said: You are unidentified people, Xiuli headquarters camp is already closing at this hour, we cannot let you pass.
Isn’t too early to close yet? said the royal escort. I have an important matter to discuss with Lieutenant Wu Danyu to deliver an important message.
“We have to close the gate early as we have detected an intruder earlier. I am sorry we cannot accommodate you. Come back tomorrow.”
Ge Qi at the watchtower gate looking at the two unidentified persons sent someone to initiate interrogation first. A man with a long beard that has a robust body and steady, strong presence came to the gate to interrogate the two.
“Who are you looking for?
We are looking for Lieutenant Wu Danyu to see him and give him this important letter. If you do not, then we will go back tonight to report that Xiuli headquarters just rejected the Prince of Yanbei envoy and you know what this means.
The gate-keeper military guard and the big military man looked into each other deciding if they will let the two passes or not and suddenly the big military man said: “Your identification please.”
Here it is, and the royal escort handed a piece of jade, the black eagle sign of Prince of Yanbei, and they let them pass without suspecting the man behind the royal escort’s back who looks like a poor man.
Ge Qi reacted and said: Why did they let them pass? Go find it out! And one of his standby military in uniform ran towards the gatekeeper, and the big military man said that Lieutenant Ge Qi had asked: “why did you let the two pass?”
“They gave us this.”
And the standby military man understood but then asked them again: If they are from the Prince envoy, then they should have been dressed well and should have Prince of Yanbei’s cavalry of men.
The three military men looked at each other’s eyes and know what the standby military man means. But it’s too late to say a thing, they ran towards the command center post to see Wu Danyu who is on duty at that time. While the standby military men went back to Ge Qi who is supposed to be in his officer’s quarters. Actively supervising guards on duty at the watchtower gate said: “Sir, they are the Prince of Yanbei envoy as they carry the jade stone black eagle. However they were dressed poorly, we did not think they were not intruders at first but right now looking at their dress, we aren’t sure now.”
Ge Qi wants to hit the standby military man, but he suddenly felt some sharp pain from his back…
“Sir, can I help you? What is wrong?”
“Nothing, you are just dumb at the same time smart. That means you should be promoted, but then after a minute, I will ensure you will get demoted!! Go find them!”
Suddenly, the standby military man went on foot to look for the two suspected intruders.
Yan Xun and his royal escort have only a few minutes to spare before everyone can react and detect their intruder presence inside the Xiuli camp.
Yan Xun was looking at the ground while sometimes waiting from their hiding, shaking his head from left to right and smirking because he can’t believe himself doing this kind of actions just for the sake of a peaceful heart. Will, it really be peace after all of this is done? Or more chaos and like he thought before, is he ready to lose than to win at this time? If He Xiao knows that he took his woman tonight, Yan Xun will know if He Xiao was just using her maybe to press more concerns about the Xiuli he intentionally put into oversight. But if He Xiao loves the woman and he cares for her deeply, then he will be in trouble and become a wrecker or pillage of a lover. One rule, he must not get caught snatching the woman from everyone’s sight, and if it does, he can use his position to let them obey using his royal orders.
Yan Xun said: “Whatever! I must win tonight! I don’t owe anyone an explanation, and he dismissed his thoughts.”
**
Chu Qiao was reading her chronicles to catch up the mortal realms and leave the underworld, after a while, her powers were strong, and it kept growing stronger day by day. After her never-ending search at the thousand deserts and sand dunes, she suddenly woke up and found herself at the world of the mortals. The effect to her did not improve, her memories were gone but Viper was patient to her, she gave the chronicles of the Mimi Gongzhu which Chu Qiao draw to remind herself what happened after the icy lake until today. There were no written words to read inside the chronicles, only drawings and objects she can easily remember and symbols that awakens her awareness. Viper has to record for a time, somewhere in between earth and the underworld, every time the Mimi Gongzhu descends to the underworld, so when her consciousness comes back, she can quickly pick up from where she left the mortal realms.
Chu Qiao went to the door and Viper also stood to accompany her when Chu Qiao said: “I need some time alone.” Viper understood and respected her Mimi Gongzhu’s “Me” time.
If you are in trouble just call me, Viper said, and Chu Qiao slipped from her sight.
Chu Qiao was walking outside the VIP General Quarters room and suddenly saw a shadow, she has keen and sharp senses even if it’s a shadow she sensed it is a known entity. She watched if the shadow will pass by again and another shadow passes by her sight. Chu Qiao is unarmed, but not feeling any threat to those two shadows. Instead, she thinks she will play like a little kid, she picked up a stone and took her bracelet that turned into a slingshot weapon.
Ahead came out from the place of hiding and Chu Qiao shot its head, and suddenly the royal escort was down. Yan Xun looking so surprised but not worried he pulled his bodyguard who went to sleep like a baby.
Yan Xun smiled and said to himself: “this is not as easy as it seems, the woman is skilled, she is not He Xiao’s taste, He Xiao would fall for a woman who does not know anything about little killer weapons like this.”
While the two of them left, Yan Xun played a little bit hide and seek to the woman. When he sensed the woman is following him, Yan Xun threw three balls on the ground where the woman was and a smoke came out of it then quickly Yan Xun triggered a weapon in his hand and a rope flew in the air and attached on a branch of the tree and Yan Xun suddenly pulled by it, and he swung his body to literally snatched the woman about to fall on the ground where the smoke made her dizzy.
Yan Xun looking at the woman’s eyes under her indigo scarf is a mysterious face and her simple Hanfu free-flowing dress floated on the air, with half of her eyes closed he said to her: “I know I cheated, but this is the only way I can win tonight to a hauntingly beautiful girl. I won’t ask any apologies.”
Chu Qiao cannot stand anymore as she was feeling light on air with this unknown man who took her on the air, in a not so nice way she hushed softly: “You will pay for this…”
Yan Xun laughed on air and said: “Sure you can charge me a high price and you are lucky to find someone who can surely pay you back.”
Chu Qiao just feeling dizzy she went to sleep again in his arms while Yan Xun already calculated the distance he landed on his horse with her sleeping beauty in his arms. Yan Xun wanting to cut his thrill, he is tempted to take off the woman’s scarf when suddenly another woman came to where he is and shouted: No!
Yan Xun soon realized someone chasing them and cannot see the person he said: “Show yourself and dare if you must!”
Viper slowly came to light on the dark pathway of tall forest trees, she steps sideways from darkness to light and Yan Xun was right, it is the barbaric whip girl. Viper is looking so fierce, eyes and lips like hell, on furry boots, fitted outfit full of shackles, a whip that glows in the dark, she is like a hungry wolf that will eat a human alive.
Yan Xun swallowed on his throat, seems not prepared for this scenario when suddenly his escort came out as well from the dark and draw his sword to Viper. Yan Xun smiled and said to his guard: “You know what to do!”
Yan Xun tapped Blast, and they rode away with the beauty in his arms.
**
The rest of the four royal escorts came but did not find Yan Xun and his horse when suddenly Viper met them in the woods and told them: “If you tell me where your boss is, You will still see tomorrow with your head still on your neck,” and Viper whipped them thrice.
The four escorts were swallowing the pain like hell and surrendered to Viper. They said it almost in unison voice: “We honestly do not know where is our boss, we were just waiting for him and suddenly You are here.”
Viper sensed their honesty took another man from darkness and pushed him to the four other escorts and said: “You will help find my Mimi Gongzhu or I will all send your souls to the underworld.”
The five escorts laughed at Viper and said: Really? Is underworld still operating?
Viper laughed at them too and then became a fierce formal face to them and said: “do you want me to try with you?”
And the cold wind blew like it is going to have a storm at that moment and Viper was very angry, her eyes are like a bloody vampire red, she said: “My powers are uncontrolled at night, now tell me again what were you saying earlier?”
“We did not say anything earlier, we were just amazed at you,” said one of the escorts trying to save their lives in front of a vampire-like a creature.
“Now do we have a deal then? Will you help me find Mimi Gongzhu and I will let you live a day of your life.”
“We do, we do,” said the five escorts in unison and they were suddenly hypnotized by Viper and tied their hands from the shackles at her neck she put it to their hands and neck cuffs connecting to each other.
After few hours, Ge Qi and Wu Danyu suddenly came to the forest, and the forest was surrounded with light when almost half of the Xiuli army came each one holding torches of fire and found Viper. Viper on her black hood challenging to see her face, no one was able to look at her eyes and lips except for the five escorts who kept silent after being fierce earlier where her powers work entirely at night. Viper was very upset that she let Chu Qiao slipped from her sight and suddenly remembered He Xiao. Ge Qi went to her and inquired what happened?
Viper feeling so upset she said: “That’s exactly what I am going to ask you. What happened?”
Ge Qi said: We chased the intruders, but they left the camp.
Wu Danyu came and asked: Who are you? Are you the whipping girl?
Viper about to raise her hand to whip Wu Danyu when Ge Qi interrupted and said: “I am sorry I wasn’t able to formally introduce Viper to Lieutenant Wu Danyu of Du Wei right hand of Xiuli army.”
Nice to meet you Viper said Wu Danyu but Viper did not mind him at all and she said to Ge Qi, call He Xiao I must talk to him and held him accountable to what happened. This five escorts would not open their mouths to discuss who is the unknown man who took Mimi Gongzhu.
Ge Qi surprised on what he heard he said: What? Are you referring to General Chu?
“Yes!” Viper said harshly that she wanted to whip Ge Qi if she is not only thinking of his wounds still recovering from the violent shot of an arrow.
Ge Qi said: General Chu is gone again? She just arrived and now gone? Who took him? The intruders?
Shut your mouth! If you are just going to ask more questions than finding answers then just shut your mouth! Viper walked alone, and the five royal escorts followed her back like it was a cavalry of her own.
“My apologies, I am too sharp or dull, maybe not my best today. I already sent the letter to He Xiao and expecting him to come at Xiuli mountain tomorrow.” Ge Qi suddenly quiets thinking deeply about General Chu, and the rest of the military followed him and went back to Xiuli headquarters camp.
The moon is shining so bright, partly dark clouds covering its light and the passing wind making them shiver in coldness answered all their questions that night General Chu is missing and a mysterious entity took her according to the descriptions, a man with a handsome appearance in black hood captured the beauty of Xiuli.
♥♥♥
Chapter 036
♥Author♥Angel♥Chua♥
Adapted from Princess Agents drama series and original novel by Xiao Xiang Dong’er – Chu Qiao Chuan Biography
The World and the Star
Today, the king of the sky did not attend the horizon, dark clouds gathered and unlocked the vault of heavens and issued heavy rain for the entire morning. Yan Xun not feeling tired took the journey along with her sleeping beauty companion and his two horses at his back.
Yan Xun camped and created a small bonfire to warm his cold beauty in the cave while waiting for the rain to stop, and it did not.
Yan Xun looking at his beauty, the face still covered with her indigo scarf, he did not attempt to touch it and see who lies beneath those gentle and beautiful sleeping eyes. He promised himself to wait for the moment that the beauty will open her eyes and finds everything including herself in order. Yan Xun is gentleman although he is excited and on top of the clouds that sent rain today, his self-control is one of his assets.
Well, except for Chu Qiao, where he experienced erratic behavior at times he wanted to see her, he will have to steal some time and pass by stratagems around Merlin together with Feng Mian to arrive at the Yuwen Household. Then pass the usual interrogation at the Red Hills courtyard and finally his ultimate destination the Green Hills courtyard. He didn’t mind the dangers and killing machines planted all around the Yuwen grounds. When he was young, and carefree Yan Xun didn’t think twice to come and see her. And right now looks like he was duplicating the same behavior and his old self once again coming alive, sunny and just happy.
Yan Xun tried to meditate inside the cave while he is waiting for the beauty to wake up and she did not. Yan Xun thought: “Did those three balls affected her too much that she has not woke up ever since this morning, he even worried himself if she still going to wake up or not, this is not what he expected to happen.”
Yan Xun tried to sit straight, in a Zen position he tried to meditate again to ease his tired mind. He hasn’t gotten any sleep yet and won’t. Because he might lose this hauntingly beautiful woman sleeping beside him. After a while, Yan Xun could not stand his sleepy eyes. Finally, let go of the droopy eyes and sleeps beside her company.
Heavy raindrops are falling, the world and the star sleeping sweetly in the rocky beds of the mountain cave. After a few hours, Yan Xun woke up first and thinks it is the best sleep he ever had since the frozen lake tragedy. He leaned on his side and still lucky to see the woman beside him sweetly sleeping, Yan Xun is a little bit anxious. The Prince checked her palms and tried to count her pulse when suddenly the woman woke up. The delicate hands quickly reversed Yan Xun’s hands. The other holding a cold dagger pointed at his neck in which he didn’t even understand where did the beauty hide in her fragile body.
Yan Xun was stunned but smiled and said: “I am your prisoner and you are my warden.”
Chu Qiao heard those words but did not listen to it she said: “Where Am I and why we are here?”
Yan Xun on his assertiveness he said: “The first question, where? Second why? Got it.
Yan Xun continued with his hoarse voice he said: Third is, How can I speak when you don’t settle down your weapon first?”
Chu Qiao tightened and pressed the cold dagger in his neck. The blade cut a tiny wound, and little dark red blood starts to appear in his throat.
“Answer! or I will cut you here and now, I am not going to regret it.” Chu Qiao’s voice is sure and as sharp as her cold dagger.
Yan Xun on her hoarse voice said: “You are only able to put a knife in my neck because I let you but what about if I…”
Yan Xun reversed Chu Qiao’s hand as Yan Xun is a master of close fight position, he shifted the other side quickly grabbing the cold dagger and threw it away. Yan Xun put his left hand in his neck, where the blood is slowly dripping and promptly stop the flow. While Chu Qiao just stared at him in horror as the blood is gradually running down his hand and she focused her eyes on his last finger. Half metal and half flesh on its jade-like skin.
Yan Xun calmed himself and confident as he is, he did not ask for help. He went to one of their saddlebags and took a Celadon bottle. Yan Xun pressed the wound area in his neck, and more blood gushed out. After it, he wiped it with a white cloth and then opened the Celadon bottle, put some balm around the wound area. Chu Qiao was just staring at him.
Yan Xun didn’t even bother to look at her while he was doing the emergency treatment to his shallow wound. After it, Yan Xun looked at her and said: “Ey! don’t cry I won’t die yet, we still have many moments to make.” Like a child, Yan Xun smiled at her, and Chu Qiao feels awkward but familiar with his behavior.
Chu Qiao hearing Yan Xun’s word, she shook her head and looked down, she was having a difficult moment. She thinks she might have seen those fingers before, the last finger gives her an unpleasant feeling. She already knows her condition of memories maybe this is connected to her past.
Yan Xun suddenly felt the long silence in the air, he assured: “Here look at this bottle, it is the only one in the world the best herbal medicine for wounds, from the Far East.
Yan Xun smiled at her and said: Ey! I’ll be alright, tomorrow, you can cut me again, and this bottle will do all the wonders.”
Yan Xun has spoken in this manner to ease her guilty feeling about what she had done noticing Chu Qiao’s eyes is like going to cry like a river.
Chu Qiao seems not worried about the wound but the last finger from this man whom she thinks she is already familiar. Yan Xun smiles at her, her mind kept flashing back like a time-lapse but cannot recall when it happened and where.
Yan Xun interrupted, and stares at her, said: “You can stare at me like that when I am asleep, I am more handsome there but when I am awake here in front of your eyes, do you even that you are with a handsome gorgeous man?
Chu Qiao was quiet and did not react.
Yan Xun wants to be spontaneous: “A penny for your thoughts?”
Not saying any words, this man does not understand what is going through her. Chu Qiao cannot even think of ways to respond to his conversation. Her lips were sealed and just wanted to observe his interesting subject whom she remembers vividly. She is sure he is the man who took her away from the smoke last night.
Yan Xun asked her: “I am hungry, how about you? Aren’t you hungry?”
Chu Qiao did not answer but Yan Xun wanting to hear more of her voice, he teased: “Are you deaf? Mute? Or is it the effect of the smoke?”
Chu Qiao still looks at him with a trace of familiarity and the only thing she cannot recall is when, when did he meet this guy? Was it in her past? Or in her dreams?
Trying to remember to connect to this moment is somewhat bleak.
Yan Xun became a chatty merchant trying to sell his charms to this beautiful lady in front of him, trying to establish a friendship ground from her tiger beauty, he said: “Okay, I know this is all new to you and if you are feeling somewhat awkward or stunned that you are with the company of the Prince of Yanbei today. Don’t feel that way and do not be afraid.”
Yan Xun continued: “We are on our journey, and nobody from the Yan Palace followed us. Unless the whipping girl followed you again? B the way, who is this whip girl who always follows you around?”
Yan Xun stole a glance to Chu Qiao and that every girl would die feeling overwhelmed.
But Chu Qiao is not getting any of it and Yan Xun seems to doubt himself of his charms and looks suddenly not useful to this lady in front of him?
Is she an alien and not human? Yan Xun can only catch a smile on those thoughts he snapped himself back to the beauty in front of him.
Chu Qiao enduring these moments with this playful Prince she said: “How can I answer your questions if You have not answered mine.”
Yan Xun happy as a clam upon hearing her voice again, he squinted his eyes and closed his mouth. He holds his lips like he is going to kiss the woman but he did not.
Instead, he said: “That is the point, I won’t answer those questions, but you will have your answers after this short period of time I stole for us to get to know better. As you are aware of, the Prince of Yanbei is betrothed to the Liang Princess and…”
The chatty moment was cut and next thing Yan Xun do not know what to say next.
Yan Xun was out of words when suddenly Chu Qiao took off her indigo scarf.
Long silence and like a statue, Yan Xun on his pale skin became a rock.
… …
The time of the World stopped as the Star shines in the dark skies.
The World is suddenly shifted in the expanse of nowhere, lost in time, convinced that he sees a ghost.
His sturdy knees frozen in time, his mind froze, his voice suddenly voiceless and the only movement allowed on his body.
Mesmerizing eyes at the pure beauty in front of him, his knees dropped to the rocky ground and pushed away from himself in a backward position.
Like he was out of his mind, this beautiful agony, is it a dream? Or is this real?
No answers, everything was just frozen in time.
Yan Xun’s eyes went furious, he took the cold dagger thrown earlier, on a cold surrender the Prince shouted to Chu Qiao: “You can kill me here, that’s an order!”
Heavy rain still pouring from the vault of heavens, between the World and the Star in silence and nobody wants to make the first move.
… …
Suddenly Chu Qiao confused on the situation, passed out, and Yan Xun quickly caught the beauty who is about to fall like a thin paper. She did not have that amount of strength left to understand where she is, what is going on. Who the hell is this Yanbei prince who stole her from Xiuli camp?
She was starting her life from the place she would want to elevate its success. But what about now, spending time with someone she should or should not?
Yan Xun, do not want to make things complicated when he was just starting his life and closing that chapter in the frozen lake to move ahead.
This is both fateful and unfateful moment he set himself up, his price for coming and seeking peace for himself. All these years he spent and cried in the frozen lake were suddenly here in front of him.
Yan Xun even said to himself in the presence of Mr. Wu: “If I am not entitled to know what happened in the past, and I cannot go back to change it, whatever is it, if I come to see her again, I would not let her go like what happened to the icy lake and would want to change the course of the present time.”
That moment has come, but to experience, it is different from what he is doing today. It seems Yan Xun was just waiting for this moment of his life where he would honestly see A’Chu in his own eyes, and touch her. h
Yan Xun has to be convinced she is alive. A’Chu can kill him now is the only way to make himself sure she is indeed alive.
There has never been any closure from the frozen lake, this is a continuing moment from where A’Chu and Yuwen Yue left him. He was angry at Chu Qiao for drawing a clear line of whom she will choose. From his memory, she chooses to die with Yuwen Yue in the lake.
Yan Xun like double dead meat, living like a ghost this past year..the truth is…
Yan Xun died more than he lived…
Now it seems those moments faded in time. Yan Xun has to face this woman, in front of him who appears to be out of strength every time she sees him.
Yan Xun looked at her angelic face. He hugged her tightly and said: “I would not let go of you, not even a single strand of this hair of yours will fall from the ground, and this is a promise.
Yan Xun welling in tears, a soft, gentle tone, full of joy and misery at the same time… only him can understand.
**
A sound of tiny drops of water heard at the cave as the heavy rain stopped, the sky is clear, and the moonlight shines so bright, like a painted canvas so is this frozen scene like it went back in time.
Yan Xun made himself busy, he cooked some food for A’Chu while she is just sleeping there, he smiled a lot looking at her face, he didn’t eat any and just sit around the bonfire thinking of his next steps.
Yan Xun is very happy and does not really know what to do, will he feel about Yan first or will he believe this woman in front of him. But for now he thought of himself, now that the truth has been revealed, he is right to think that He Xiao was loyal to him.
She is not He Xiao’s woman, it will never be. Maybe this is what his letter was all about and that is to inform him that he has already found A’Chu and she is alive. He was right all these years since there was no dead body found, he secretly kept himself that hope, one day she would find A’Chu.
Chu Qiao suddenly slowly opened her eyes and felt the warmth inside the cave. While Yan Xun came to her and look at her eye to eye Chu Qiao did not hesitate to meet those eyes. Yan Xun opened his lips first to speak to her, he said: “Are you feeling better? I also put some tea candles around to ease your senses.”
Chu Qiao leaned her body a bit and looked around. The tea candles not only the bonfire gave her warmth. On a beautiful candle display at the cave was the most romantic spot she has ever seen and that sweet aroma made her calm her senses she simply uttered: “This is a good smell.”
Yan Xun was just looking at her eyes he said: “You are in a cave since it has been raining all this morning and afternoon. Now its nightfall, we ought to stay here until dawn we will pack and leave. Here I have cooked and prepared a meal for both of us.”
Chu Qiao did not respond she was just observing this man.
Yan Xun cut the silence and in his husky voice, said: “A’Chu do you know how happy I am today?
Yan Xun on top of his happiness said in a happy voice: “Do you know how much I counted every passing time and waited for this waking time of yours?”
Yan Xun wanting to have more chat but sensed she is not responding to any of it. It seems A’Chu is not connecting to him at all and thinks something is wrong with her…
Yan Xun asked again: “A’Chu do you know who are you with at this time of the night?
Chu Qiao was just hearing it all but seemed so quiet.
Yan Xun rephrased the question: “Do you have an idea who is this man in front of you?”
Yan Xun testing her memories if she could recall who he is as she is somewhat looking strange at him.
Chu Qiao finally wanting to answer that specific question, she said: “Earlier you did not recognize me but when you were saying you are about to marry the Liang Princess and I took off my scarf around my face you stopped talking.
“You asked me to kill you.” Chu Qiao said it in a polite but assertive manner.
Yan Xun was surprised with her sharpness, she remembers every second of action of what happened earlier. He further explained: A’Chu, I have to admit, at first, I did not know that the woman I took was you. But one thing is for sure before these things happened, I have already that same feeling that maybe you are A’Chu.”
Yan Xun stood up and walked a few steps further to her he continued: “I just don’t want people to look at me like I am a crazy dragon and showing where my weakness is.
Yan Xun sighed and continued to speak: “You must understand I am the World, the only sole heir and royal left from Yan Royal Clan.
Yan Xun letting go all of his repressed memories from his heart explained: “This is a title I never wanted to come in between us, but after the frozen lake tragedy, it became the symbol of power for the people of Yanbei and formation of might for the Yan army.”
Chu Qiao replied: “You call me A’Chu?”
Yan Xun feels Chu Qiao is responding positively: “Yes, I call you A’Chu.” You revealed to me that name. It was the happiest part of my life from all its tragedies at that time.
He further asks Chu Qiao: “Did you remember the hole in the wall? You gave me your name and that nobody knows except me.”
Chu Qiao, not still feeling and remembering those memories, she tried to sway the topic and asked the Yanbei prince: “Are you getting married in a few days?”
Yan Xun turned around and went closer to her. He sat down in front of her, looking eye to eye contact, he said with irritation on his voice: “Did you listen well? I am not marrying in a few days but in a few months time.”
Yan Xun paused, he observed Chu Qiao eyes if he would like Chu Qiao to feels anything in those statements he just passed on the air.
But Yan Xun finds that pure child’s eyes he once cared, protected and loved during his youngster years.
There was just long silence and the warm air in between, Yan Xun went to break it.
Yan Xun had to ask this question with all his heart: “If I am going to marry somebody, will you be happy about it?”
The ball of the question was passed on to her and this handsome man is hard to resist his eyes and looking for answers, Chu Qiao took off her eye contact with Yan Xun.
Chu Qiao cannot possibly give an answer but feel something is there for her to seal the deal.
She felt as if she is part of it and whatever she will utter for that question, this man in front of him will define his future and hers as well.
Yan Xun understood when Chu Qiao refused to answer and looked down from their eye to eye contact.
He himself cannot say anything to continue their conversation. They just sat there and wasted time in silence watching and hearing the sound of fire as it trickles and burns, all of their feelings start to hang in the air.
Chu Qiao diverted the scene to the food in front of them, the Prince prepared for their dinner, she said: “What a delicious meal, I am hungry. Chu Qiao ate heartily and Yan Xun followed her but he is quiet and not saying any words.”
Chu Qiao felt the quietness in the air, is it because of her not answering his one million dollar question.
She would rather have him think about it first if it is appropriate for him to ask her a question like that knowing that for her.
She just met him but for Yan Xun, its as if they stow away from the world and like they were lovers before and now oppressed by some outside forces and that they just need to decide tonight?
Chu Qiao chooses to bury those question in silence and may none of these questions come out of Yan Xun’s mouth ever again.
Chu Qiao finally thought: “If he marries, then he marries.”
Without her getting on his way, a Prince is a Prince and is not dependent on her answers to his questions.
After their meal, Chu Qiao fixed it and went a distance from Yan Xun to sleep. Yan Xun didn’t bother, he is also keeping himself in control so as not to ruin his plans for this entire journey.
That one fateful night, they sleep together and one cannot know what is their status, are they strangers like a fool, or born enemies, more than friends not even lovers under the moon.
Yan Xun closed his eyes first while Chu Qiao did not sleep right away and let Yan Xun sleep first and then she drifted.
**
The next morning, Yan Xun woke up first and was all dressed in his White Hanfu and purple robe and graffiti stitches on its hem looking so handsome and hard to resist. Yan Xun prepared all the things her princess will use to dress herself including one of the pairs of metal masquerade mask that matched both of their suits.
Yan Xun still on business and this means his heart was on top of his mind last night but this time his mind on top of his heart, he will continue his plans regardless of the revelation last night.
Chu Qiao woke up and look at her surroundings first and her eyes searched for Yan Xun. Then beside her are divine Calla Lily flowers symbolizing humility and devotion, youth and rebirth while lilies of the valley are given every 2nd wedding anniversary. As the flowers most often associated with funerals, lilies symbolize the soul of the departed has received and restored innocence after death.
For Yan Xun, it should have been their second year wedding anniversary if Chu Qiao after the frozen lake tragedy were alive but unfortunately, things turned out to be different and she chooses the path of thorns.
Another is the princess costume Yan Xun prepared for her and another gold box on top of it as the highlight of the dress. Chu Qiao does not have any choice but to accept this lovely gift and just follow the Prince of Yanbei no instructions, just read between the line actions.
Yan Xun was standing looking at the mountains and waiting outside and he sensed the woman scent approaching him and he slowly turned his back and suddenly stunned by what he sees at the moment.
A’Chu wore the princess cut costume and a purple robe to match his Highness. Except for her indigo scarf she put in her face, still matched their outfit and both can claim they were a couple, judging from their dress alone.
Yan Xun with his hands at his back, without words, walked towards her divine princess whose dress was floating in the wind, such a breath-taking view.
Yan Xun stopped in front of her exposing only her eyes was a moment to die for and this is how Yan Xun feels for her. One of his hand slowly took off her indigo scarf and gave it to Chu Qiao’s hand but, only their eyes were talking and no words in between.
Yan Xun on another hand he surprisingly showed Chu Qiao the metal masquerade mask and put it in her delicate face. Next thing, the Prince of Yanbei came closer to her, it electrified the Prince body.
He cannot resist sniffing her scent. He cleared his thoughts and controlled his desires as he tightens the lock of the metal mask. Chu Qiao feeling some kind of familiarity but same time almost catching her breath. She calmed herself and let Yan Xun finished what his hands are doing at the back of her head.
Yan Xun soon finished, he went back to look at Chu Qiao’s face and gave her eye contact.
Yan Xun squinted his eyes on her and the sparkle in it expressed everything he feels at the moment.
He knows Chu Qiao does not want him to get married soon even if she is not saying anything.
Yan Xun has matured in ways unlike the first time he was forced to marry Princess Chuner and he told A’Chu, the little fox did not say anything except for advising him to be careful on his next moves. Yan Xun did not understand its sense, not until today.
Deep inside Yan Xun knows, what Chu Qiao feels for him.
He always thought they were mutual on their feelings for each other. And yet Yan Xun never learned how to verbalize it and not even express it in a way she would understand the real status between them.
Yan Xun on his eccentric ego and heart full of revenge at that time did not have ample time to search his heart’s desire not until now.
Today, Yan Xun looks at her like a red wildflower. If only Yanbei’s world is simple, he could simply pick this moment, and declare her as his life partner.
But would it be even better if he already thought about this before?
Or back to the frozen lake, think about her more and less of himself and if he hadn’t been so stubborn and selfish at those times?
Yan Xun may not have even lost his best friend Yuwen Yue.
Instead of inviting him to a death squad party, Yuwen Yue should have been invited to Yanbei’s wedding of the year.
♥♥♥
Chapter 037
♥Author♥Angel♥Chua♥
Adapted from Princess Agents drama series and original novel by Xiao Xiang Dong’er – Chu Qiao Chuan Biography
Xiu Xiu Mountain
The sun hides and then shows from the passing clouds, it is just the perfect day to ride with Yanbei’s mighty horses on its beautiful sloppy hills, rich grasslands, a bed of flower fields glittering in the sun, it is the best of earth and the bliss of the world.
Two people arrived at the matchless and beyond compare view, like in a dream, like a promise forgotten in time and now fulfilled, now happening, at the feet of its dainty woman and handsome owner riding on their two prime beautiful horses.
“Heee!”
Yan Xun looked at Chu Qiao riding on the horse beside him, his eyes so handsome, he squinted his eyes, this is the moment to tell her: “A’Chu, If you forgot everything, let me remind you about anything we were before.”
Chu Qiao catching the scent of the grass, and fascinated by the mountain hills full of grass, enjoying the open green valleys, she threw a sparkle look to answer that look of Yan Xun and replied: “Remind me of everything about what we were before?
Chu Qiao’s voice was soft and wondering what is that “everything” with this Prince. Chu Qiao had to admit, this handsome man beside her is hard to resist. Those little eyes, those smiles, those sweet little things he does to her is already cracking her shell.
Yan Xun hushed softly and said: “Yes.”
Chu Qiao heard that voice, and she doesn’t know why she is somehow starting to like it.
Every counting moment with this Prince is getting better, she felt so special. Even if he just met him yesterday, all she knows is that she is getting married in a few months time. But how come, this man spending each moment with her treats her like they were a couple but really they are not.
Chu Qiao answered swiftly: “Like this?”
Yan Xun frequently flashing a smile with her, his eyes cannot resist looking at her lovely face, as if he is flirting with her and Chu Qiao was just receiving it so innocently.
Yan Xun continued to speak in a gentle tone: “Yes, I promised you this…”
Chu Qiao replied in a joke: “Why can’t I remember it?”
Chu Qiao looking at the breath-taking view and closed her eyes and breathe.
Yan Xun replied in a joke as well: “Maybe someone let you forget it?
Yan Xun holding his breath as he sees Chu Qiao in her closed eyes, she inhaled and exhaled and Yan Xun saw Chu Qiao’s lips on her side view.
Yan Xun wanting to steal a kiss from there and he just sighs and quickly inhaled and exhaled rolling his eyes shaking his head from right to left smiling.
Chu Qiao noticed that gesture asked him: “Why did you shake your head and smiling? Is that the right attitude out there?”
Yan Xun answered: “Nothing…”
Chu Qiao is pressing him, she asked again: Really?
“I just missed you.” Yan Xun cannot hide it anymore, he flashed a flirty smile, tapped the horse then went down the sloppy, grassy hill.
Chu Qiao left on top of the hill, said to herself: “What did just happened?”
Chu Qiao is waving her hands, shouted to his runaway prince: “Hey! Are you just going to leave me here? What did I do?”
Yan Xun shouted back and said with a happy voice: “Come over, we have much sightseeing to do.”
Yan Xun still clueless about Chu Qiao’s forgotten memories, he acted as if he just has to pretend she forgot everything. And needs for him to remind her of what they were once before.
Those sweet moments and unshackled emotions, those cold nights they slept together just holding hands, embracing each other when one of them is sick. Waiting for each other at night when one is away before one will go to sleep. Serving each other’s food plate first. Sometimes playing and sticking food to their mouth using their chopsticks, ran together in the field, learning and practicing their martial arts together.
Yan Xun trained her how to fight the enemy when there is a close fight they almost catch their breath and almost kissing but Yan Xun brushed it off.
Chu Qiao blushed all the time but hides those feelings well. There are just a lot of things they have done together. It is not fair for Yan Xun to let Chu Qiao pass this to the wind then come back empty today, looking like a stranger to him.
Whereas, Yan Xun put them all together in a place that one should never forget.
Those times have so much potential to blossom from solid friendship into a budding love to a lifetime bliss. ending her at Yan’s marriage bed.
However, Yan Xun did not want them all at first. Because maybe he is so sure that while Chu Qiao is very close to him, that they have already shared more than what others have already done for her.
The only thing that is lacking was for him to propose marriage and make her, his for a lifetime.
While Yan Xun enjoys a moment of togetherness with Chu Qiao, he became overconfident that their memories together, his presence alone would surpass his best friend Yuwen Yue.
Yan Xun took that opportunity where Chu Qiao was so consumed about her anger for the Yuwen household, and he let it flourish in her heart.
Yan Xun never thought that Chu Qiao is still breakable after that solid friendship he established.
But when the truth finally showed and settled itself in the icy lake, and he remembers, Chu Qiao said wholeheartedly: “if Yuwen Yue dies in Yanbei. I will never forgive you.”
After riding for a few hours, Yan Xun finally reached a small community nearby. He went down from his horse and gave it to the little boy. Then went back to Chu Qiao who riding at her horse walking in circles, she asked: “Are we going to stay here for a while?”
Yan Xun said smiled and opened one of his palms then said: “Come down here A’Chu just trust me, just like we used to be.”
Chu Qiao heard that voice again, and it gives her relief. She gave her hand to that open palm, and Yan Xun received it so warm. It electrified his body her hands are cold.
Yan Xun was swallowing behind his throat when Chu Qiao asked: “Is there something wrong?”
Yan Xun calmly said and smiled: “There is none, my little fox.”
Chu Qiao laughed at the latter and repeated with a tone of mocking: “Little fox?” Who? did you call me, little fox?”
Yan Xun threw a slight smile he said: “Yes you are my little fox,” you would deceive me and make smart moves, but I make sure that I win them all the time.
You even said: “if I can win from you then I can outsmart anyone else.”
Chu Qiao looked above, said: “God of memories, help me here.”
Yan Xun laughed out loud, said: “As we speak, the God of memories has already replied and told you at this moment.
“This man in front of you is your first love.”
Chu Qiao annoyed, her ears were like going to explode, she slammed her palm to Yan Xun’s nape.
But Chu Qiao seems to connect to that two words:” is it really him? She thought of herself.”
Yan Xun was going to play with her like they are kids when suddenly a rugged old woman came and greeted the Prince of Yanbei she said: “Ahem, ahem, your grace, you came how we can serve your Highness?”
Just in time when the clouds partly issued a warning of a thunderstorm and raindrops started to fall.
Without warning, Yan Xun suddenly grabbed Chu Qiao in his side and hugged her tightly not wanting any drops of rain to soak her clothes and become wet. But it’s too late when the big raindrops turned into heavy rain. They looked like they have no other choice but to drench their purple robes into the heavy rain.
Chu Qiao felt so much in that hug, he pushed Yan Xun and gave him a not so nice look.
Yan Xun kept on teasing her with his flirty smiles, and he said to the old woman: “I will have the usual.”
Chu Qiao’s ears went like a boom, she exclaimed: “I will have the usual? What is this?”
The old woman sensed what she means, and this is the only time they usually greet the Prince coming here alone. Today he brought a companion. They never thought it was a girl as lovely as the heavens and as breath-taking like the view of this grasslands. But the old woman cannot see the face of the girl. Her face was covered with a full metal mask that hid her delicate face.
Yan Xun some anxious but enjoying at the moment he said: “Why? Will you get jealous if you found out you are not the only one I brought here?”
Chu Qiao cannot take this anymore she just gave her that jet in the air look and Yan Xun secretly feeling some victory in that look. He knows Chu Qiao very well when she is upset about him.
The Prince of Yanbei, played like a child drenched his expensive clothes in the rain and said: “Old woman, will you tell her the truth?”
The old woman turned to Chu Qiao and spoke to her gently she said: “Your Grace brought you here, his first company. We never saw him with someone or any company even before. But you and your Grace just be happy like that its the first we have seen him since his last….”
And the old woman looked at the Prince of Yanbei like a kid playing happy in the rain, and continued to speak to her: “… Your Grace has never been with anyone else until now.”
Chu Qiao does not know, but she feels entitled from that news she heard from the old woman.
Her heart suddenly secretly overjoyed?
She asked herself again: “Is this taking effect on me? How come I feel something there..like why I am rejoicing inside, knowing, no one else came to this paradise with the Prince of Yanbei except me?”
The old woman spoke again and told her: “I will prepare your place to stay. Please ask your Highness to stop playing in the rain and come to the house.”
And the old, woman left them alone.
Chu Qiao from a distance looking at Yan Xun on his wet clothes, like child smiling, playing, she cannot help herself but laugh as well.
She called on him: Yan Xun!!!!
Long and loud…Chu Qiao suddenly surprised with herself calling the Prince of Yanbei by his name.
Yan Xun finally caught his attention. From a smiling boy to a handsome man, he walked slowly towards where she stands.
Chu Qiao feeling every step she takes, makes her heart beats so fast.
She just looked at him and not afraid when suddenly a flash of lightning came so fast and none of their looks shifted somewhere.
From a field of grass to a rainy afternoon to a flash of lightning in the sky, Chu Qiao and Yan Xun this close not blinking on their eyes Yan Xun softly said: “Little fox, what did you call me?”
Chu Qiao feeling so wet on her clothes and sticky from her feet, seems glued, she said: “I… I…”
Yan Xun looking so drenched in the rain, wet all over, hard to resist, his eyes looking straight to Chu Qiao not blinking a moment, staring at her.
Those looks of an attempt to kiss her wet lips out in the rain, Chu Qiao snapped back herself and break an alibi, ruined this sweet moment she said: “Aw..aw..aw… I think I cannot move my feet.”
“Spoiler!” The Prince snapped back himself at the present moment found a crises situation.
Yan Xun suddenly changed his face mood from serious to anxious he asked: “What? Your feet, take my hand, quick!”
“Help!” Chu Qiao utters a desperate plea.
Yan Xun took out his sword and nailed it on the ground and used all his might to pull Chu Qiao out from the quicksand! And after a few minutes, Yan Xun was able to pull her out completely.
Yan Xun was so tired he lay down his body on the ground beside his sword.
Chu Qiao like him was very tired as well, her hands are swelling from Yan Xun’s pull she almost cried and laugh at the same time.
Yan Xun breathing up and down, laughing and making some funny tired noises, still managed to tell her: “It was so close and yet here we are, what a rush!” And he was gasping more air.
Chu Qiao doing the same she lied down in the grass and breathing heavily up and down finally let go of that laugh she has been holding on at his playmate: “Oh I thought I saw a lightning flashed and maybe a thud of thunder should add to this agony and if you let go of me?!”
“Oh, that cannot happen, let the thunder be, it’ll be a perfect sight.”
In a happy voice, he said: “Let the thunder and the world be one with the star.”
“But if a star went down like what happened at the frozen lake, did you know who died first?”
Yan Xun paused.. on his usual poetic tongue, put in something for Chu Qiao’s heart to sink.
“It’s the World.”
On a hushed voice full of sadness and misery Yan Xun gave it away.
Chu Qiao looking at the black sky, she asked, devoid of any emotion: “A star went down the icy lake? Why?”
Yan Xun answered casually as if it was just a useless conversation, he said: “She went down because she did not like to live with the world anymore and went with the master ice cube.”
Suddenly there was silence…
Then a soft thunder was heard, but the two just looked at the black sky lying on their backs. Yan Xun is waiting for her to respond but none of it came except for the thuds of thunder and lightning alternately resounding at the open field.
Chu Qiao did not answer and kept that childlike stories in her mind. She closed her eyes when suddenly a flash of memory came to her.
A woman was screaming on top of her lungs, Yuwen Yue…..! Loud and clear, she jumped inside the lake and swam as fast as she could and finally she reached the man and saw his face…that face…Chu Qiao focused on that face she came closer to kiss his forehead, but the man seems profoundly injured but used all his might and tapped her shoulders away from him. Chu Qiao looked at the man while the man was uttering some voiceless words..she thought she heard. Live well..three times.. and there the man was gone and was swallowed by the deep.
Finally, the rain stopped a bit and only a few raindrops, Yan Xun went to wake up Chu Qiao. She seemed to be asleep at the moment when she opened her eyes.
All of Yan Xun’s worries were gone and told her to come and walk to the Cabin house. And they both stood up and walked beside each other Yan Xun holding her in his arms as they were shaking and wet all over. Their lips and skin turned into white and plum.
Suddenly darkness fell in the mountain hills, and the grasslands just received their blessing from heaven.
As the rain stopped to give way to the moon who joined the stars of the heavens, it twinkles and sparkles under the quite grasslands of Yanbei. What an unspeakable moment.
Earlier was so fast pacing, here is the Prince of Yanbei walking alone outside his own cabin and looking after Chu Qiao’s cabin whose candle is still lit. Yan Xun preferred that they do not share one cabin.
In this expensive moment, he gives himself far from his duties and responsibilities to Yanbei state and its citizens for the sake of his heart’s desire. Yet he chooses to stay distant from her. When in the past they use to share his room, his bed, take turns in their duty to be like a watchdog to protect each other.
Besides A’Chu there was no one and this alone made the heart of the Prince of Yanbei loved her but kept himself in control and reserve the right moment at the right time.
Now is it the right time?
Yan Xun remembers his dying moments at the Imperial Garrison where the last piece of his breath was ebbing away.
Chu Qiao came to fill it and dip it into a bitter advise and make him hold on to the blade of revenge.
It is the only way, there can be no other because he cannot spell hope at that time not even recognize his Yan household name.
He is basically no one, useless and dying, and nothing else. Time will soon forget, and he is gone, covered by the ashes of oblivion.
And yet he heard it over and over again A’Chu said: Even if it’s like a dog, live it!
For that last string, A’Chus advise became Yan Xun’s string to pull himself.
Even if it meant he has to cut his last finger for the sake of her, even if it means he has to turn away from a marriage and hurt a princess’ heart, decapitate his favorite buddy and destroyed both of his childhood friends, even if it means he has to lure Yuwen Yue, his brother by blood compact, swore their loyalty to each other, used his feelings for Xinger.
He did not spare any mercy to end his life at the frozen lake. Is it to steer clear of Yan’s future with A’Chu?
Those actions taken made Yanbei powerful and arise from its ashes but not his heart. Yan Xun cannot simply untangle the rope he is already tied at the moment.
Not at this time he has already gained so much power and the trust of Yan Citizens and at the middle of conquering Changan City. The very city where he spent his childhood that stole his years far from the land of Yanbei.
Yan Xun in his deep thoughts: “If it’s my heart, I can simply go to the cabin and ask her to run away with me.”
Yan Xun thought of it again: “If it’s my mind, I will turn my back during the day and make her suffer but will call upon her during the night and be at my side.”
Is this what he wants A’Chu to end up with?
A’Chu will be confined in the four corners of the palace, she will seize to be his military strategist.
And oh… she will take care of those Yan kids.
Why not? Is this what he came here tonight?”
If she becomes his wife and will be promoted as Queen of Yanbei, would he achieve that peaceful heart?
What about the blood of Yan, his blade has not yet exhausted this justice he must pour for the slain entire Yan Royal family. What would he share to his children and grandchildren given justice has not been served for the whole of the yan household during his reign as the King?
Because Yan Xun knows if he will choose his heart all of his plans will become complacent. The Prince of Yanbei will embrace comfort, open himself to goodness, slide himself to become dull and surrender into the honeycomb of love. What good will come out of these thoughts?
What will he teach his children? Love and failure of justice?
Repeating the history of his Yan family?
Would he rather win her heart or would instead record his name in the history of time, the King of Yanbei who won back justice for his slain family?
Which one sounds better and which one would balance the scales of vengeance?
… …
This is the third night of being together with her and yet it feels like forever, and his leave of absence from the throne only gave him seven days, and he must go back to work or forsake the citizens of Yanbei. “I hope this moment never ends…”
Yan Xun whispered to himself and started to play the Yanbei warble flute, a mellow song released on air…hoping to reach those ears of the far side.
Chu Qiao trying to fall asleep, but she cannot. Her memory repeatedly flashing back in time, a girl with the bow and arrow, a sword called Poe Yue Jian sword, a frozen lake, a man named Yuwen Yue and remembered a name called Xinger: “Who is Xinger? She asked herself. Is she the Star that Prince Yan Xun was telling earlier?”
He called me A’Chu, but who is Xinger?
She is trying to nap, but she heard a familiar melody, it is so hauntingly sad and makes her want to go outside and look who is playing the flute, but she is just too tired.
Suddenly the sad melody stopped playing and then she thought: “Why did it end?”
Chu Qiao’s trying to struggle to stay awake but cannot hold any longer finally closed her eyes and sleep soundly.
Yan Xun finished playing his flute, he walked a few steps and arrive at Chu Qiao’s cabin, just like what he is doing in Yanbei military camp. He was walking around General Chu’s quarters. She does not seem to know it, but the servant knows and sees him walking and thinking profoundly. Whenever they caught him, he points his fingers upwards and then put it in his lips, a signal to keep quiet.
The night is cold, bright stars twinkling in the expansive skies of Xiu Xiu mountains, a paradise of grasslands undiscovered, beautiful and memorable.
♥♥♥
Chapter 038
♥Author♥Angel♥Chua♥
Adapted from Princess Agents drama series and original novel by Xiao Xiang Dong’er – Chu Qiao Chuan Biography
Throne of Ember
The Yanbei skies are clear, an early dew of the land brings out the smell of fresh grass as butterflies visit its field of flowers, the wild horses once again runs to their course. The owner of the land came out of the window’s cabin, he raised his hands and yawn, he sees his horse fed by their servant boy, then he breathed into the fresh air thinking he woke up early and his eyes went to the opposite direction and even extended his neck to see the other cabin. Seems like no one lived on the other side and so quiet.
Did I wake up late? Yan Xun a bit anxious, suddenly moved swiftly and after some time, he looked at himself at the mirror, look at the total package he said to himself: If she does not fall for me then I lost my charms, and he squinted his eyes suddenly went outside to mess the other cabin. Yan Xun walking slowly and quietly, he bent his body and went to peek at the window of the cabin when somebody pokes his back.
“Are you looking for the star?” Chu Qiao watching him peek inside her cabin and at his back when Yan Xun startled he turned around and saw Chu Qiao. Chu Qiao frowned and was waiting for answers, she squinted her eyes.
Yan Xun suddenly straightened his back, and on his princely stature, he looked at Chu Qiao, swallowed his throat, he answered: “No I thought I saw a spider went inside the window, so I was just looking where did it go.”
Chu Qiao on her wrinkled brow she said: “I know what you did last night, so don’t waste your effort deceiving me.” and Chu Qiao left him.
Yan Xun followed at her back then asked: “What did I do last night?”
“Were you drunk? Ask for yourself!” Chu Qiao on her sarcastic voice she continued to walk.
Yan Xun on his corner smile, he said: “Okay, I know.” Yan Xun suddenly grabbed Chu Qiao’s arms and said: “You cannot escape today, we have many moments to make.”
Chu Qiao narrowed her eyes and asked: “Like what?”
“Why should I tell, you’ll see when we get there.” Yan Xun smiled at her, but Chu Qiao frowned and pushed his hands away from her arms and turned back at him.
“Hey, you cannot ruin this royal trip, I have to follow my schedule and write me back to the throne report later.” Yan Xun smiled at her then he gave a signal to the youngster to gather their horses.
“I thought I woke up early but here is the little fox woke up earlier than the world.” Yan Xun still smiling while taking the horse reins went to meet Blast while Chu Qiao climbed to her horse.
Yan Xun looked at Chu Qiao for a while and noticed she did not wear her metal mask, he asked: “A’Chu you have to wear the mask, it’s too dangerous if anyone sees you and me together.”
Chu Qiao looked at him and said: “Why? Is the Prince of Yanbei afraid of his fiancée and will kill you because you are with somebody else and not her?
Yan Xun on his male bass voice became steep he said: The last time I check my Yan ring finger, I don’t still owe any loyalty to any woman. And oh, concubines doesn’t count.
Chu Qiao smirked and said: So you have not given any engagement ring at all?
Yan Xun replied fast: Is it necessary?
Chu Qiao laughed at him and said: Poor fiancée if I were her, you never get any chance!
Yan Xun replied: “She’s not poor, she can afford to buy one if that’s all she needs, but I cannot waste Yan treasures just because she wanted an engagement ring. Anyway, the wedding is going to be grand and will there be any need for an engagement ring when she ends up with a wedding ring? Either way, she gets it all, the Yanbei Prince, a kingdom and…”
Here! Chu Qiao tapped her horse and went on the fast run, and Yan Xun came after her until he was able to catch up her back and run beside her.
Chu Qiao was given everything she needs, the old woman made sure everything was carefully followed from Prince of Yanbei’s orders, she is wearing her horseback riding tight-fitting clothes and covered her face with her indigo scarf exposing only her perfect almond shape eyes and a black hood with dark purple lining inside. Yan Xun had the same black hood outfit, like of that Zorro on his black Hanfu dress wore his purple metal face mask, a sword in his waist and a total handsome villain-like man riding with his magnificent horse.
Yah!! Yah!! Yah!!
After a few hours of horseback riding above the earth of the green land of Yanbei and under the blue sky with the world, they passed by a palace.
Chu Qiao gasping some air while on the horse run shouted to Yan Xun: “A Palace? At this paradise? Wow!”
Feeling proud, Yan Xun suddenly pulled the ropes of his horse and turned around, Chu Qiao did the same. Yan Xun reached the horse paddock, went down from his horse and hung the horse reins, but Chu Qiao did not go down from her horse as she beholds the beauty of the marvelous palace.
Yan Xun came close to her and gave his hand without any words he just looked at Chu Qiao and with those real little eyes makes Chu Qiao trust him, she gave her hand.
Beside the Palace are a beautiful fall and an evergreen forest on its autumn trees. Chu Qiao cannot believe herself she is walking down at this fantastic place. Yan Xun just looking at her is a joy to his heart. Finally, his dreams came true, all of his hard work paid off.
Chu Qiao left staring at the beautiful falls and forgot about the passing time but Yan Xun cannot go and overlook her, he turned to Chu Qiao’s face and looked straight into her sparkling eyes. Yan Xun cannot help himself but to give this moment its chance, he closed his eyes to kiss her, but Chu Qiao is not feeling at the moment she slightly turned her face sideways.
Yan Xun sensed the beauty is not welcoming, on his emotionless face, he turned his face to see the beautiful falls, inhaled then said: Once upon a time, I met a girl at the bloody hunting field, as deadly as she is fierce, she swept all of her bloody battles, when I thought she died, but then she lived. She did not know a prince like a dog behind followed her and gave its best shots to block all the arrows that thugs her breath away. The prince did not let go until their servants took her to a safe place, a cold owner who won her in the game of the generals, who broke all the rules and snap the hunting price from the pack of the fox, today. Here she stands and does not understand.. Yan Xun clenched his fist and remembers it once again, his past, his slain family…and he can’t continue to speak.
Chu Qiao interrupted and said: What do I have to understand?
Yan Xun turned to her face and almost teary eyes he said: I asked you once, now I am asking it again..Did you ever love me?
Chu Qiao is totally clueless she said: “I knew nothing about this..” Feeling a heart of heaviness, she looked down.
Yan Xun revealing all that is hidden in his heart: “Then let me say this once, once upon a time you said…”
“I don’t know if my feeling for you is love or not
I only know that
I cared for you
I couldn’t stand people hurting you
I regarded your dream as mine
I regarded your home as mine
your standpoint, your safety
your gain and loss
have always been the most important things in my heart for these years
My biggest dream is to come back to Yanbei with you
to see you return to your homeland safely and get what you wanted
I lost my families, my memories
All these years, you are the most important person to me. You are the meaning of my existence
But I am not sure now if everything I have done is worth it
Do I really know who you are?
Yan Xun, from the moment you started to go back to Yanbei you began to become suspicious of Miss Yu, Mr. Wu and me, you have become wary of every person and became a slave of power, your revenge, your hatred is born because you’re off your selfish motives. I don’t blame you for killing Yuwen Yue
I just loathe your shabby trick
You should not tread on my loyalty to you
You should not tread on my feelings for you..”
I only know that
I cared for you
I couldn’t stand people hurting you
I regarded your dream as mine
I regarded your home as mine
your standpoint, your safety
your gain and loss
have always been the most important things in my heart for these years
My biggest dream is to come back to Yanbei with you
to see you return to your homeland safely and get what you wanted
I lost my families, my memories
All these years, you are the most important person to me. You are the meaning of my existence
But I am not sure now if everything I have done is worth it
Do I really know who you are?
Yan Xun, from the moment you started to go back to Yanbei you began to become suspicious of Miss Yu, Mr. Wu and me, you have become wary of every person and became a slave of power, your revenge, your hatred is born because you’re off your selfish motives. I don’t blame you for killing Yuwen Yue
I just loathe your shabby trick
You should not tread on my loyalty to you
You should not tread on my feelings for you..”
Yan Xun stopped right there not wanting for her to recall it all and neglect that part of Yuwen Yue for it pierces his heart more than he can ever bear right now in front of her.
Chu Qiao slightly closed her eyes and recited:
“Now as you wish I am going to find Yuwen Yue
This is my last warning if Yuwen Yue dies in Yanbei. I will never forgive you.”
“Now as you wish I am going to find Yuwen Yue
This is my last warning if Yuwen Yue dies in Yanbei. I will never forgive you.”
Chu Qiao started to cry, she suddenly recovers those memories, but she doesn’t feel she owns them all.
This morning was a beautiful, perfect day but all this afternoon became dark and unpredicted thunderstorms is about to fall on them, as tears come out of their eyes suddenly another rain came without warning. The two just standing there, one makes him remember the past, and the beauty recognizes but does not seem to own it.
While the two were totally soaked in the rain, Yan Xun took her hands while there are still tears in their eyes suddenly Yan Xun turn to a cold face, he bit and wrinkled his lips on anger and pulled her beauty away.
Chu Qiao startled, her feet seem to ride away with his runaway prince, they landed on the main entrance of the Palace.
The weather outside continues to bring more rain, lightning, and thunders like what happened yesterday, they were once like a kid but now a little more grown-ups, Chu Qiao does not really understand her feelings, but she can relate to Yan Xun’s past his “Star girl” but really, is this what she is to him? She started to question her identity is she Xinger or his Star girl?
Yan Xun opened the door of the palace empty of servants, on its two sides were two lion heads carved in rare limestones, with precious stones in its eyes and looks revolting on-site painted in rose gold. The floor is the grandest where there is two dragon emblem on top of its thick red carpet made of gold material. Around the palace are Jin Bu(gold fabric) curtains, tea candles at the top hanging on a square like a countertop, and all its walls have a torch of fire burning all day and night. There is a medium distance aisle and looking above, a 6 steps stairs, and finally, a stage, an old brick of stones mounted above the stage and on top is a jade stone that sparkles at the middle is the main focal point one can see a dark red sword. From the stage another elevated slope with three wide steps stairs and above it, cannot be seen with physical eyes, is the divine’s, most sacred full of burning incense, one can find, the World’s called the Throne of Ember. Where one can only see the foothold of the King but not his mercy-seat of his Ember Throne.
Chu Qiao look at Yan Xun, and only their eyes are talking, a glance from the Prince allowed her to run towards the aisle and reached the stage and saw a dark red glistening sword, the Canhong Sword, well-preserved. While Yan Xun slowly walked at the aisle like a king with no crown, a dark king with no servants, a king without a heart, he continued to walk in slow motion dripping on his black hood suit, on every step he takes, it echoes to Chu Qiao’s heart and took her breath away. Chu Qiao still dripping from her wet outfit did not mind it all along, all eyes focus to Yan Xun.
Yan Xun reached where Chu Qiao was, and he stopped for a moment, sudden cold air came to follow but Yan Xun on his stern and aristocratic hidden face from its black hood. A face full of tears did not even look at Chu Qiao. He passed by, in front of her, like they have never met or known each other for so long.
The Prince suddenly continued to walk until he reaches The Throne of Ember where its burning incense received Yan Xun’s body and suddenly were gone like ash, his whole body sits on the throne where his presence beholds, revealing only a foothold that can be seen below. Like a piece of heaven in the world, is the King of Yanbei’s throne, rose from the Embers and burning incense day and night, The World to rule Yanbei kingdom from ash to its remnant embers, will never seize to seek justice for the slain and seek peace for the entire land.
Chu Qiao for a time froze, from where she stood, felt the majestic presence of Yan Xun she understood. She took the Canhong Sword and walked like a princess towards the Throne of Ember, and she raised her hands with the Canhong Sword towards the Throne of Ember and bowed to the Throne. Yan Xun on his face full of tears he said: “Is this what you really wanted?”
Chu Qiao responded in full tone: “Yes, Your Grace.”
Yan Xun controlling himself, his head held up high, proud and not looking down. His hidden eyes betray him in the dark, are sincere tears falling. Whatever it is, it’s not for everyone to know, suddenly for the first time, broke the protocol of the Throne of Ember. He went down and showed his face. He lifted Chu Qiao’s face, opened her hood and took off her indigo scarf.
Yan Xun wondering what it feels to kiss her lips for he has never found any courage not until today. He slowly draws his face went closer to kiss her lips. Yan Xun on his tears closed his eyes, basked in her scent and his lips as close to hers…
Chu Qiao is calm like the waters, did not hesitate this time, let alone Yan Xun feel what she feels. She closed her eyes but remained cold and uninviting. She is emotionless and feeling nothing.
Yan Xun wanting her for that moment, suddenly, did not seal her lips a kiss. He slightly moved his face away and breathe, inhaled deeply continued to shift from Chu Qiao’s lips. Realizing something, on his smooth control did not go further.
Yan Xun momentarily lost his mind for that lovely little face, for the only woman she loved… against the Throne of Ember should have been put to death, at any moment Yan Xun breaks his throne protocol is graveyard waiting ahead…
And so, gaining back all of his senses, his majestic presence, and lordship, he walked back to the Throne of Ember and after a while, a silence… Chu Qiao opened her eyes, feeling forsaken, not aware, her tears fall down from her lovely face. She took the Canhong Sword and her indigo scarf she put into her face and stood up to walk away from the Throne, her eyes soaking in tears.
Yan Xun felt she is fading away, he is stronger and capable to hold his emotions he suddenly found the words and spoke at her: “A’Chu, on this Throne of Ember, is the King of Yanbei. Time after time, we can no longer find this moment if we let it go. The next time you see me, whatever you feel in there…it’ll be just the face of the King and not a lover.”
“Remember that…”
♥♥♥
May Connect to Chapter 40 Buried in the Snow
or click next.
Chapter 039
♥Author♥Angel♥Chua♥
Adapted from Princess Agents drama series and original novel by Xiao Xiang Dong’er – Chu Qiao Chuan Biography
Breach of Chasm
In a little town, at the heart of the marketplace, a fine young woman is setting up her trades and goods for today’s business. While everyone moved on, engaged, others married, the fine woman remained single and chose to be a nobody to everyone. An old lady was only her companion as they help each other set up their goods. They have known each other since they met one fateful night and from there on, the old lady became her beacon to live each day.
One afternoon a man came to deliver a parcel to the old lady and suddenly glued her eyes to the man. He was tall, ordinary, and nobody wearing poor man’s clothing, an old tattered, farmer’s dress, he exudes a balance of confidence and humbleness, on his eyes, one can define the endless pristine and stormless semblance. He gave the parcel and bowed to the old lady and left.
The old lady wanting to talk to him more she was not able to help herself, and she called him and said: “Hey, come back here, you forgot to collect the payment.”
The humble man came back and again the man was back to the old lady’s sight without saying a word; he waited patiently until a sudden rainfall came to shower the entire marketplace. It was a spring rain, the first rain of the year and suddenly all of the people in the market went into shambles. The man looking around so cool saw a woman putting some blankets in their dry goods business. Another man was disappointed for the vegetables on display is wet, murmuring on his loss, he tried to save what’s left.
Suddenly a fine woman running on her maidservant dress but pretty face turned around when the man saw him, and his world stopped. The fine-looking woman drenched in the rain, and then she went to cover a little boy who lives in the street and looks like the boy has nowhere to go. The man watched the fine woman from head to toe and saw her worn out boots, a long dark brown hair and of course her pretty face, shifted to look at her side view. Far from his distance one cannot really know who is she and what she is doing here but looks like she is a native from this place. The man wanting to go near them when suddenly the old lady said: “Thank you, would you like to sit down and snack for a while, we have the best ginseng noodle soup in town and also it is my birthday today and maybe you came like an angel and to be part of my special day.”
The man looking at the old woman was expressionless but humble when he suddenly said: “Where can I sit and accept the blessing of the old lady?”
His voice was as calm as the waters, but he called the old lady, a response that the old lady did not expect from a simple but stern face. Nonetheless, the old lady interested she smiled a bit and said: “Well, thank the Qians (means heavens), this good-looking man in front of me will join the celebration in a moment.”
Muqin, I am here, look what I got here.
Thank you, sweetie, we have a guest today.
A guest? I never knew you invited someone to your special day.
The old lady and the fine woman came to the dining area and saw a man.
The man was not looking at them and was looking at the soup on the table he gently turns up his face and saw the fine woman.
Their eyes gazed upon each other, and the man held his sight for a little longer than it is supposed to be and the fine woman got it, she frowned at him.
The man suddenly stood as he was stunned at the fine woman and would like to ask her right away, however, the moment went back to coldness, the man couldn’t find any words to say.
The man said to himself: “I am sure she saw me.”
The man left to his thinking, ruggedly handsome pleasing look, stole a glance from her and he said to the old lady: “It was nice meeting you. I am leaving.”
Again, the old lady looking puzzled she said: Why are you leaving so soon? “You did not even start your soup.”
The man not wanting to be impolite said: “I have another parcel to deliver, a delay will cause me in trouble.” And the man not wanting to hurt the old lady’s birthday he said: “If tomorrow is a good day, I will come and revisit you.” He gave the old lady the kindest look, and the man left without waiting for their reply.
Suddenly the old woman left puzzled was looking back and forth to the fine woman and to the direction where the man went.
The fine woman asked: “What? I didn’t do anything.”
The old lady said: “You are not going to have a man in your life and will end up and old lady like me if you are going to continue frowning.”
The fine woman said: “Why not? I am a fan of yours.”
The old lady laughed and said: “I don’t believe you are.” And then suddenly the fine woman said: “Muqin don’t tell me…” and the fine woman put her hands on her mouth so she could stop talking. The old lady on her curious face, somewhat deciphering the hint on her face told her: “Oh, do not even think of it!”
“ha..ha..ha..I never knew you like younger guys half of your age.”
And the old lady rebutted to put back the insult to her she said in a daring voice: “I will snatch him if you didn’t even notice something in him! Tomorrow, if he is a real man he will come back.”
The fine woman did not add more to it and just brushed off the old lady’s indiscretion she finally said: “I will change my clothes, I am all wet here and oh this is for you.”
The fine woman left her gift at the table.
This is so thoughtful and so sweet of you, said the old lady.
The next day, on the narrow bustling business street, around the corner opened its business as usual and the man on his usual route passed by again the old lady’s Kowloon noodle house and the old lady noticed him as he intentionally walked slow, his ears waiting for that call the old lady even went in the narrow street to block him she greeted: “What a coincidence to see you again Mister!”
The man on his usual muse kept a cool countenance expressionless face he said: “I must have passed by the same route for another parcel to deliver just around the corner.”
“Oh, I thought you are dropping by to finish your ginseng soup already cold since yesterday” said the old lady reminding him what the man left yesterday is putting him to set aside a pit stop he replied: “Oh, I missed that ginseng soup yesterday but first things first I have to finish my job and maybe come after my job is done?” And the man scratching his head, the old lady said: “Okay be sure to come after your shift, I’ll prepare the best ginseng soup for you.”
The man nodded to show respect and in his cold stare continued to walk but stole a glance at the Kowloon house inside hoping to see the pretty lady but no trace and his heart somewhat skipped a bit. The old lady was keen she saw that glance, and squinted her eyes having an idea what the man’s eyes were looking somewhere or are it, someone?
After some time, the fine woman wearing her usual maidservant dress came right after the man left and the old lady said: “How come You are late?” The old lady’s voice was a cold as the morning did not even look at her.
“If I am late, who is early?”
The fine woman not wanting an early morning discussion gave a corner smile shaking her head from right to left and went to attend her casual kitchen duties. She is the cook to the best Kowloon noodle house in the marketplace.
The customer started to arrive, and orders are coming in the old lady shouted: “Two ginseng soup and black tea later!”
She put a flawless finish on that finely sliced onion stalks when suddenly she throws the chef’s knife an 8-9 inch blade and a thick bolster, a metal that extends from handle to the edge of the blade as a nearby post full of blade marks. Her face was pretty serious looking at her apron hanging on her neck, her nape extended and long, as tiny sweats start to appear on her forehead.
She quickly took a white cloth and folded it to make a long rope she used it to swat a nearby long handle ladle, it flew on the air and landed on her right hand she opened that gigantic casserole, a steamy air went out, and the ginseng aroma meets her nose, using the ladle to scoop the ginseng soup and pour it with art and grace to a ceramic bowl. A scene you would not want to miss.
“Order’s complete!” she exclaimed.
The old lady getting more orders fed the pretty chef’s ears all day long, where she executed all of them perfectly. The fine woman on her graceful and quick on the trigger moves transforms her kitchen into a killing training ground bore its walls, jumped into its ceilings and the sharpened her tools from the tiled floors and not so visible blade marks around it. She can tell whether the throwing of a knife was perfect or needs improvement, on a small space she performed her cooking using her martial arts skills, thus leaving her sharp but undiscovered.
At the end of the day, she always manages to have leftovers, and after all her chores are done, she wears a rugged brown fading, head hood half way long up to her waist, she never missed a day to feed the street people and children.
A man standing outside the Kowloon house and the old lady is busy counting the coins when she slightly tilted her head to see who is this athletic man and she suddenly recognized him. The man took his words for real, the old lady on her bland voice said: “A demigod is looking for you, and please, you do not want to impress him with your dirty looks eh?”
The man looking gray but expressionless tried to look for the old lady who is inside, and he just waited there in the outside.
The fine woman was just cleaning the dishes when she heard the woman’s murmur like voice she asked coldly: “Who?”
“Why to ask me?” said the old lady’s sarcastic voice forcing her to come out and see who’s outside.
The man started to slowly walk when suddenly the fine woman on her apron came out and peeked outside the open windows of the Kowloon noodle house. The man like a passing scene put into slow motion saw her pretty face, and the crisp, fresh airbrushed his face basking in the moment of time. While the fine woman not able to see who is the man outside waiting or standing, frowned, did not bother to see who and said: “Maybe its a ghost.”
The old lady looked at the outside and saw the man was gone she said: “You’re late!”
The fine woman complained: “You have been telling me I am always late today, what’s the fuss? And I will never get tired of asking you, who is early if I am late? There’s the only ghost outside.”
The old lady smiles and tells herself: “This is interesting. How can the rooster meet an angry peacock?”
The fine woman ready to go finally went out and on her daily end of the day routine destination, to the streets of the poor and bless them with heaven’s grace.
The next day, it is a sunny morning and all of sudden a child running in the marketplace chased by a gangster. It looks like they are bullying the little boy and ran as fast as he could in the front of the Kowloon house and a man was passing by towards the narrow street and saw the little boy so afraid, the little boy sat down in front of it. The man keen on his senses and humble clothing, did not bother to look at who is at his back and simply put his foot to swat the first person chasing the little boy and then suddenly he was down on the ground the man went to fake his actions by looking cold and angry he said: Are you blind? Get out-of-the-way you maybe slip out of your foot again! And the man sensed another one coming, he faked his action by turning around and stepped on another man’s foot, and the youngster was receiving the pain while the man complained: “Didn’t you see, a man here who just stumbled?” There were three more who came to bully the little boy and did not bother their two members who were so caught up with dust in the ground.
The three youngsters came to the little boy who is scared and started to turn around his back to knock at the Kowloon noodle house. The customers were somewhat startled, and other curious ones came to see the boy. The old lady sensed someone is asking for help she ringed a bell and the kitchen chef was awakened.
The man not far and near was just looking at the three youngsters who came to beat the little boy, and if any juvenile crime happens on site he uttered to himself: talking about breaking the rules! He decides to save the little boy and just be gone.
The fine woman came out of the Kowloon house cold and no fear, she looked at the three youngsters, and the little boy went to hide on the back of her skirt the gangster bully laugh at him.
While the fine woman rolled her eyes, esteeming herself whether to teach them a lesson and give them some critical thing to remember or scare them by faking her identity she muttered: “I am the mother, why are you bullying my child?’
Suddenly the three gangsters did not show any respect and said: You? Thin and… and.. not yet finished speaking when swiftly the fine woman swat one of his knee making his head bow at her and spank his butt she said: “What were you saying?”
And the youngster swallowed his throat and cried in pain while the man in the middle of the street was just watching, and on his cold eyes, he secretly hid a joyful muse in there.
Another one came to strike the fine woman but she quickly grabbed his front shirt and hung him in the Kowloon’s wall lamp, slapped his face twice then she said in a slight but somewhat angry voice: “If your mother did not yet do this to you, then you just come back here. My hands are always free to do it.”
The man just watched the fine woman doing her role as the Muqin of the little boy, he put his hand on his jaws and formed his arched brow made him so gorgeous and a standby Adonis.
Then after her slapping session, the little boy at the back of her skirt secretly laughing in victory, the fine woman held his hand and asked: Where is the leader of this gangster. The little boy pointed his fingers towards the man who is standing in the middle of the street where the two youngster boys beside him in pain and the leader was just running towards him they ask him to help them.
The fine woman thought that the leader is the man standing in the middle street. An Adonis looks, athletic, and a face like came from the coldest north pole with a hint of a muse in his eyes suddenly grabbed the ears of the gangster leader who asked him his help and pulled him back towards the fine woman, who gave away her fierce looks and times ten angry look than earlier.
The man suddenly in front of her but not looking at her, he looked at the leader of the gangster he said: “I must be an accessory to the crime, here is your main offender” and he finally looked at her and threw a corner sly smile and continued: Like a father I am telling you to bow to show some respect to the Muqin, apologize to her child and promise not to make this thing happen again and in thirty days you will serve the mother of the child as a penance for your bullying acts.” his voice as calm as the hunting winds stirred to kill two birds at one time.
The leader of the gangster enduring the pain in his ears, heard the voice of his fake father, he bowed his head to the fine woman and uttered: “We are very sorry to the little boy and to you Aunt Muqin, I will fetch some pail of water to help you in your chores and befriend your child.”
The fine woman on her wrinkled eyebrows and diffused anger after hearing were satisfied with the words of promise. She shifted her looks to the man, she gazed on him revealing her beautiful brown eyes, she said: “If these were your kids, make sure for them to remember the face of my child because the next time I see them in this scene I will make sure to punish not only them but their accessory to the crime father!”
The man receiving that killer but somehow most beautiful gaze of her eyes colors the gray areas of his life he replied: “Nothing to worry.” He paused before he said: I just wished my children would have a Muqin like you, then I can just stay at the corner of the house be at ease knowing my children are disciplined from head to toe.”
The fine woman praised and complimented on her fake mother role from this man’s fake father role of the moment totally let go of the matter they left him and his gangsters outside. Another day is done, and the old lady was just watching at the Kowloon house windows, and the viewers were thrown in awe and gawky face they forgot about their busy lives, she suddenly took a staff and repeatedly banged in on the wooden post and said: “The action is over, back to your seats please.”
The crowd looking frenzied and startled, got back to their seats and to their normal lives, happy to eat their noodle soups.
Connect to Chapter 41 Blind date
♥♥♥
Chapter 040
♥Author♥Angel♥Chua♥
Adapted from Princess Agents drama series and original novel by Xiao Xiang Dong’er – Chu Qiao Chuan Biography
Buried in the Snow
Chu Qiao running away from nowhere suddenly took her horse and ran away from the Palace. Her mind is racing, her face soaked in tears, it dried and just remained in bitter and coldness. She does not understand, and she refuses to give in to the moment knowing her memories were somewhat fragmented and like a puzzle looking for its missing pieces. The Prince of Yanbei is an unexpected person she met and for a short period of time, four days to be exact, its like four years of her lifetime.
Time went slowly in his arms, his smiles, his sweet nothings, his child within attitude made her like him and discovering Yan Xun advancing his moves revealed in his actions and reminding her they were former lovers was just the problem, a heart issue that makes her present condition complicated. She likes him not because she wanted to have a relationship and knowing he is the Commander in chief of the Xuili Army, she needs this chance to call his attention but the Prince seems is not going through any process of getting to know and friendship.
Yan Xun breached the walls of her heart which she thinks is not ready for anything more profound other than friendship even if she feels the Prince may have a past love whose name was Star and he sees it with her. Her only reward was knowing she is A’Chu in his eyes, she was his right hand and still did not replace her as his General. Nothing of those mattered nor were discussed in their short getaway, and now she just left him there unable to reciprocate his feelings towards him. The Prince is also getting married in a few months time, and if she stays longer and takes advantage of Yan Xun’s opinions, what would she become?
Upon seeing the Canhong sword, her feet cannot last a minute to stand where she was at that time when Yan Xun nodded and understood her eagerness to go near and look for the sword. If there is one thing, she is sure of herself at that moment its that feeling of she cannot wait to take the sword and unsheathed it. It is a desire and joy when she saw it, it’s the only thing she would ask out of favor and took from Yan Xun, and the Yanbei Prince on his grace gave it away by bestowing her royal orders and which she understood when Yan Xun walked to his Throne, she played that part very well. However, her tears were a thing that was new to her and that attempt kiss she was ready to receive from Yan Xun and felt his rejection afterward dragged her feet away from him. What could it be? She does not feel she is getting any justice for it and she is set to find out.
Along the lonely road, are horse hooves she heard, she suddenly hides behind and when the horse hooves stopped where she is disappearing as the horses sense another horse is in the same feather did not violently act but one of their owners said: Show yourself! Viper looking around sensed someone is lurking then finally Chu Qiao saw her, and she slowly pulled the reins of her horse and said: Did you just ordered your Royal Princess to obey you?
Viper heard that familiar calm voice she turned around and saw Chu Qiao. She narrowed her eyes and said: Mimi Gongzhu, where have you been?
I have been to Xiu Xiu mountains. Chu Qiao not wanting to be interrogated she diverted: And this man at your back? What is he doing? Sleeping?
Viper replied: I used my powers to hypnotize him but he gave me every terrain to look and search for you and if in case he is just tricking me, I will put him back to where he saw me the first time and continue his fate.
Chu Qiao chuckled and said: “I would rather choose that I haven’t laid my eyes on you then if I were He Xiao.”
Viper getting relaxed after few days of worry and sleepless night finally gave herself at ease finding Chu Qiao in order but somehow protruding eye bugs sprung in the corners of her beautiful eyes.
Chu Qiao joined Viper, and they rode back to the Xuili mountains and settled there for a few months. He Xiao woke up and was freed and still in on and off friction with Viper who is secretly watching her Mimi Gongzhu. Viper never spoke to anyone in the camp, she remained mysterious, but if there are tasks that she needs to walk behind her Mimi Gongzhu, she is seen following her back as her escort instead of He Xiao. Zhong Yu, on the other hand, helped the forces at Meilin border pass, to ease the struggles of the Xiuli army’s 5,000 army personnel actively fighting the elite troops of Xiaoqi camp. Not to mention the local townspeople who were victims of the war where some children were rescued and were in custody of the Xuili Camp. These children were now orphans as their parents were either mutilated and died at war as the Wei state forces did not leave anyone by chance except for the children where Xuili armies fought and were able to save. Chu Qiao wrote Yan Xun and asked for reasonable support to set up a rehabilitation facility and recuperate the children’s mental and emotional well-being and offered her service to take care of them. The Prince of Yanbei responded positively and ever since then she was the go-to person to mediate between Xuili army and the Yanbei Prince.
They also freed the royal escorts and returned back to the Prince of Yanbei envoy not able to recite what happened after the night they breached one of their own Xuili military camps. Chu Qiao never heard or have seen any shadow of the Prince of Yanbei ever since their last but occasionally hear from him through military announcements, royal orders, and official letters addressed to the Generals especially to General Chu. But out of all of this action plans, the Prince stayed true to his word, and that gave her a space to become free and breathe for a while as she thinks about the situation of Yanbei and their forces at Meilin border pass. Finally, you can say, General Chu was reinstated and received her back to work order from the absolute rules of the Prince of Yanbei.
**
It is winter, and Yuan Che who is the current royal commander-in-chief at Xiaoqi camp gathered military intelligence and some useless gossips without evidence that were heard over the military galley and pantries he observes and understands those musings gaining some kind of fright and weakness inside his camp. His curiosity grew and wants to order and send some volunteers to carry out a suicide infiltration mission to enter the Xuili camp and look for the possibilities of gossips if they were true.
Yuan Che laid the plan and choose five of his brightest men who specialized in sabotage, ambush, and infiltration using military tactical movements he finished the letter and send an envoy to the emperor for approval. The envoy arrived at Shen Jin Palace, and the military communication was passed to the Emperor and the emperor not so much of a reaction, he sealed and approved the suicide mission on one condition.
Yuan Che approved the condition and went to the Bathuja family to include Prince Zaru as the leader of the mission. Five men and one Black Prince will complete the task. The seal arrived at the Bathuja Palace, Zama did not approve the purpose for it means it is a mismatch staff, Zaru, on the other hand, would want five men from of the blackguards camp. Military and Blackguards cannot work at the same for time for they have different training and mindsets. The military thrives on the chain of command while the Blackguards does not follow any set of rules and will do whatever it takes to complete the mission whether they live to tell or not, it is always a one-way ticket for them.
Another setback Yuan Che has to respond to the Batuha Family, the instruction from his father is apparent, without the Black Prince, there is no mission at hand and the Bathuja family prefers to use their own men instead of their military strength for reasonable purposes. Yuan Che has to decide. Yuan Song has been intercepting those messages in secret using the Eyes of God. Once again Yuan Song he thought he would also like to join them and he knows his brother well. He won’t yield to the Black Prince who is an opportunity for him to do some hands-on as Yuan Song wanted to see for himself if the gossip is true. On one condition Yuan Song will make a deal with his brother to use two men from the Eyes of God as they specialize in this task aside from the specialized military staff Yuan Che will deploy.
Yuan Song went to Xiaoqi camp and met his brother Yuan Che.
Brother, how are you doing?
This is a surprise visit I did not expect, what brought the 13th Prince, Your Highness, here?
Nothing I just wanted to see if my brother is all well and if there are any issues maybe I can be of help?
Yuan Che was in a desperate situation to execute his plans but if he involves his brother the crown prince of Wei his father might punish him. But who knows his childish brother might have bright ideas for him to solve his problems and finally execute his plans. Yuan Che out of alternatives said to Yuan Song: I heard gossip, and you won’t believe this.
Yuan Song suddenly all ears he said: Did you leveled up my brother? Or went dull? We do not work for gossips we eliminate them right? He is starting to talk about his brother and making sense.
Yuan Che replied: I know but this gossip is posing a threat to Xiaoqi camp.
Yuan Song cannot believe his brother is acting this way. A gossip threatening the Commander-in-Chief must be a severe and alarming situation. Gossip may not only be gossip at all but a state of emergency downplayed by some diplomatic means? Yuan Song did not have precise information as to where and what is the background of the gossip passed by Eyes of God report as the military communication was intercepted and presented to him. The message was all too general thus, he is also in suspense to know so his interest is at hand but will continue to challenge his brother until his brother asks him to become involved.
What is small gossip compared to the 300,000 troops of Wei? Not to mention 100,000 Wei Valve troops guarding the borders day and night? Yuan Song having pride in their own Empire reminded his brother of their Military might.
Yuan Che said: A gossip like this is like a match, one drop of a match stick in the forest can create a wild-fire, it cannot be overlooked.
Yuan Song finally gave up his challenge he offered himself and said: Tell me, maybe I can be of help.
Yuan Che looked at his brother and said: You? Did you forget your protocols?
Who? Me? I did not forget, but just because I have protocols to follow doesn’t mean I will not also act on behalf of the palace out of our Military chivalry. I have heard in the foreign kingdoms the princes were thrown into battlefields and were tested to their core before their thrones are passed down to them. They call that baptism of fire.
My little brother, we cannot have you on board. It’s too risky, this is a suicide mission.
First of all, I am not little anymore. Second, maybe the risk you know is not really a risk at all since it is gossip. Third I am asking, will you let me avenge our sister, mother and Wei Shu Ye? All the internal conflicts started to creep in our clan just because for once I believed that Peace can be achieved by using goodness as a means.
Yuan Che looking at his brother in profound wisdom as if he knows how to be a wise ruler said: I remember what you told to me that day. You blocked my way and 10,000 troops to enter in Meilin border pass. You even insisted as the Duke of Yanbei, you are willing to be stepped on? That time you are talking insane and really believe you can achieve peace by those means? Out of depression our father released a decree to declare you like the Duke of Yanbei as a band-aid approach and show the sovereignty of Wei over Yanbei when Yan Xun breaks out we have no other options but to put true blue blood in the land of Yanbei to control it as the rebel escaped to recover Yanbei. Your job was to expand influence with the help of Yuwen Yue in Yanbei and Meilin border is an essential military strategic pass, but for some reason with your short-sighted, you did not put yourself at will and was so overwhelmed with your emotions and childish mind. Yuan Che turned his back and looked very far.
That is a long rant, my brother! Yuan Song gave a sly smile and said: Try me now.
Yuan Che said: I cannot let you enter to a suicide mission.
Then do not make it a suicide mission, pick someone from the eyes of God and let it operate like the way it used to be.
Who can it be? Without Yuwen Yue, the eyes of God was just like a machine, not the way it used to be “the Pulse.”
Why not Yuwen Huai?
Are you at memory loss? He just burned down the Eyes of god repository, the smartest thing a noble can do is to press its self-destruct button and boom! Yuan Che somewhat angry and sarcastic voice is talking in reverse psychology to Yuan Song.
Yuan Song laughed a bit and said: “Yes that’s the smartest thing that the Highest Supreme court official can do, burn it all down.”
Yuan Song was riding all reverse psychology statements of his brother added: “Just because Yuwen Yue is incapable of holding it anymore, due to abuse of power he committed as their loyalty pact takes effect by the time Yan Xun was sieged, that gave internal crises to arise inside Yuwen household. And what did we do? We were supposed to support them and not hammer them and break them into pieces. Never forget that without the Eyes of God “Wei’s Pulse,” Wei will fall down and go back to the stone age days. Do you want to hunt for food the way our nomad ancestors did before? “
Yuan Che realizes Yuan Song has a point. Why did their father suppressed the Eyes of God Major General Yuwen Yue and put him under his command and then floated the status of Yuwen Huai and broke down the Supreme court justice of the land?
Both of them looked into their eyes then Yuan Che said: What is our father after for? Is he changing the regime or the Imperial form of government? Or he wants to cut all of Yan’s connection to the throne?
Yuan Song is blinking his eyes and put his finger on his temple tapping it, and like a child thinking in his sight, it irritated Yuan Che, and he said: You are making some funny faces again and this is not a time for us to make fun.
Yuan Song getting back to the world of grown-ups, sat up straight and went formal: “That is what I am going to find out for you if you let me take part in it.”
Yuan Song has never been this convincing and has never let him hear this hauntingly low male bass voice that nobody can shatter and can say no.
Another uninvited visitor came, and the military guard went to inform Yuan Che’s person.
Yuan Che was surprised then said: “let him come in.”
The Prince came and on his Black leather made from animal skin hood and Hanfu clothing inside revealed a genuine style and a ferocious strong scent issued on air. Its shoulders full of snow particles he dusted it off and on his usual airy attitude greeted the 7th Prince and was just surprised as well to see the Crown Prince of Wei, His Highness 13th Prince Yuan Song.
Define Black? Yuan Che breaks the ice on the three of them, and Prince Zaru exclaimed: What more can a black presence means Zaru is inside the Xiaoqi camp. While Yuan Song on his serious face suddenly smiled like a child and Zaru mirrored him.
Yuan Song suddenly asked: What did the Black Prince eat and drink last night and he surprisingly came to visit Xiaoqi camp?
I ate and drank this.
Prince Zaru gave it to Yuan Song.
Yuan Song’s face went back to formal and looked very far and passed it to Yuan Che.
Snow is starting to fall in the mountains, and three buried their looks as they take a bite on gossip that evolved and turning itself to become truth, one can tell Xuili Army is going to bury Xiaoqi camp deep in the snow.
Connect to Chapter 42 Tributary hunt
Lookback to Chapter 38 Throne of Ember
Comments
Post a Comment