The Secret Princess – Fan Fiction by AC Chapter 69: Check the Pulse

March 4, 2018 / Angel Chua

15 Votes

♥Author♥Angel♥Chua♥

Adapted from Princess Agents drama series and original novel by Xiao Xiang Dong’er – Chu Qiao Chuan Biography

Check the Pulse (08.12.2021 edited)

Yah!   Yah!   Heee…!

A man and a horse continuously driving towards the vast open field of snow.

Thick snowflakes began to fall heavily making the open field a zero visibility in sight.

Suddenly the white horse stopped pounding its hoofs and formed white snow hoof prints laid its body on the cold snow.

The owner has been so tired and reckless threw a godly figure to the open snowfield.

Is Yuwen Yue blindered, hidebound and frozen with his soul?

Does he still care or do not want his eyes to look at the naked truth?

Heavy snow came to cover his eyelids.

Yuwen Yue too tired to move gradually fell asleep.

Flashbacks of random memories started to become vivid, the swirling winds came to sweep his eyes.

One year ago, at the lantern festival, he met Xinger.

But on the second day, Yuwen Yue let her go. On the third day, nobody expected that the Wei Emperor is the ultimate player to beat in the Chinese chess competition.

The foreign dignitaries started to pack up to leave Wei, but the Qinghai princes stayed to fill the Wei Emperor’s caprice and sudden silly wish to do something.

Ra Yue already knew something isn’t quite right but have to stay in order not to appear not as an enemy and take out suspicion from the Emperor.

The competition was done privately, and the invited nobles were carefully selected to witness the event includes, the palace ministers such as Wei Guang, Zhao nobles, Yuwen nobles, high-ranking military official Meng Tian and Wei valve elders.

The Chinese chess board called crossing a river is like life and death sentence. Three rounds to win and the score was even for Wei Emperor and odd for Qinghai Princes. Two wins and one loss, the Wei Emperor cooked the game, he can already smell the sweet victory over them.

To ensure that victory is real, the Emperor passed a decree that the three princes are mandatory to join the competition and lost it except for final the match.

On the third match, the Wei Emperor lost the game to Ra Yue forcing him to lose face in front of many officials, made the Wei Emperor angry. It did not show its fangs until the next day.

“Did you know that an Emperor should always win?” The Wei Emperor speaking in a calm like a manner met Ra Yue. On his back, he spoke and suddenly turn around to look at Ra Yue’s masked face.

Ra Yue bowed and remained in this gesture waiting for the Wei Emperor’s next words. Inside his mask, he squinted and sensed dark clouds hovering them.

“Come let’s walk for a while.”

The Wei Emperor invited the Qinghai crown prince in the highest peak of his palace.

Standing still, pointed its finger to the far side and said: “Look! should I do a horrible thing if you do not do as I wish?” The Wei Emperor looking at Ra Yue’s bowed face, calm as the ocean water eyes, he sighed.

The blackguard archers are situated in areas where they can shoot his two brothers, and the blind spy is ready to play on fire with the Qinghai troops. What the Wei Emperor does know is that Yue Qi and Zuo Zong knows this information first hand and already told Ra Yue in advance.

Like a dagger dished at Yuwen Yue’s head, he will have to respond smart and answer this head of the state monster, quick.

Calm, composed and confident he asked the Wei Emperor instead: “State your wish, Your Majesty.” Yuwen Yue twitched his palms waiting for the Emperor’s words.

The Wei Emperor turned back from Ra Yue and said on a very soft, calm voice: “I lost face yesterday and I want to take it back. Can you tell what my wish is?”

Yuwen Yue, a former master of the eyes of God, knows what the role of activating the dormant state of blackguards squad is.

The black seal is deployed, and it has been mounted there for years while the Eyes of God was turned off for the shame that the Yuwen family was not able to prevent and exposed its weakness.

The damage control left Wei to shut it off, not to mention to build it from ashes, replaced it with the darkest bloodthirsty hunters and callous preys.

This is blackguards edge, it does not work to show any mercy or exercise the virtues of the empires noble’s past.

Their vilest operations include outside offensive warfare, to deliver torture, prepare the empire’s graveyard, bury it and convert an empire to its desolation state.

They are scattered in the Wei palace and ready to destroy any state who comes on its way.

Yuwen Yue knows the Bathuja family is missing Prince Zaru because aside from Princess Zama, the Batu royal prince did not appear when the competition opened on the first day.

According to Yue Qi’s intel, the Batuha prince was detained in Yanbei but cannot confirm if he is still alive or dead.

The Emperor waited for an answer, but Ra Yue continued to keep quiet, and his head still bowed in front of him.

The Wei Emperor broke the silence and said: “You are a bright prince, and I think you are capable of giving a solution to this pain in my neck. It has been around there for quite some time, and I am tired of it.”

The Wei Emperor paused and then continued to speak: “Enough of your bow! Listen to my wish.”

And the Wei Emperor continued: “You must go to Yanbei to find Prince Zaru and put him back to Wei. Until then, your troops and brothers will have a good vacation here.

The Wei Emperor turned his back again and look farther he said: “Only then, I would be able to recover from the face you took away from me when you make me lose my face in front of this Golden empire.” And the Emperor turned back his face to Ra Yue and gave him an evil grin.

Ra Yue nodded and said: “Your Majesty before I accept, will you please grant your Wei crown princess to join this mission?”

“I would be surprised if you do not ask.” The Wei Emperor paused and said: ” I know you have been after her all this time and you will bring her as your company and Princess Zama with the blackguards to go inside Yanbei. You must return three royals unharmed and in order.”

“Lastly, do not let your brothers know this is a deal between us or you would not want to slaughter your own blood and troops inside Wei Empire.”

Ra Yue took the oath and said: “It shall be done, Your Majesty.”

The Emperor looked at his eunuch and ordered: “Gather the princesses and the blackguard spies.”

***

Meanwhile, two spy women have been lurking in the high tower of the palace and saw each other’s faces suddenly were gone like a ghost.

Meng Feng was not able to catch her, she let go of her and went down to report the information through fish koi at the 13th Prince palace.

Yuan Song couldn’t possibly hand over Xia Chong for this mission, but if he does pretend that he does not know anything, his cover-ups will be exposed.

The 13th crown prince is in deep thoughts said: “I cannot withstand the crown princess to go and rescue Prince Zaru and be with the Qinghai prince.”

The second spy hid behind the 13th Prince’s palace bushes. Viper saw how Meng Feng the ex-afterlife camper providing information to the 13th Prince, she looked away and said: “A fish kill to relay information?”

Finally, Yuwen Yue can make plans, now that the Wei Emperor’s intentions were exposed. He knows that the only way he can let Yan Xun open to negotiation if Xia Chong comes in between. Yuwen Yue’s plan is simple. Trade and kill if he must, and bring Xia Chong, Princess Zama, and Prince Zaru come back to Wei.

Qinghai princes extended stay would also mean that Yuwen Yue can take advantage of the chance to meet his Yuwen grandfather in secret.

But it will only happen after he finishes the mission and his brothers can use this extra time to study Wei Empire to look for its weak spots.

He can only hope that his brothers would discover the eyes of God and the blackguard’s spies then plan their own escape with or without him.

But Yuwen Yue knows this is impossible to happen because it will start a war. It will somehow create chaos rather than a peaceful departure.

If this becomes unavoidable, Yuwen Yue has the backup troops stationed at Long Guan mountains.

He can only push hard that Yuan Che does not discover their existence that secretly helped the escape of Xuili army to enter Tangshui of Liang.

He knows that by this time, Yan Xun already scouted the Qinghai troops aside from suspecting they were Turkish Guerillas or Korean assault troops he can only maintain a safe distance not to wake up the Yan army to avoid exhaustion of Qinghai troops.

The unavoidable fate is bound to happen so why delay it?

Yuwen Yue thinks its time for him to meet Yan Xun, not as a loyal friend but one of his lethal enemies.

“It’s time to pay it forward, you must answer and settle the blood you owe to your friend.” Yuwen Yue’s thoughts woke up like a warrior who is going to judge every deed of the past, Yan Xun can only meet it with a brave heart to face it.

Specific instructions passed on to Yue Qi who will lead the 10,000 Qinghai troops and will form an intimidation offense that would look like it will attack Yanbei but it won’t unless a grave threat has been issued.

“You could wait until the creature actually gets to act. The creature is immune to fear” said Yuwen Yue to Yue Qi.

Yue Qi replied: “Master, this is not my first time but for such move will it reduce the power of effect if we wait on the other side?”

Yuwen Yue answered: “How about this, tell the troops to straight up, making it easier to strategize and cooperate. Or say anything in between just to make sure that it does not slow things down. I know you can handle a killing squad perfectly. This time I am giving you the Qinghai troops to lead while Zuo and I pounding the ground of negotiation.”

“Let’s go.”

***

Yan Xun surrounded by armies, he will finally meet an opponent of which he has no clue except for the battle gears left behind with the purpose of intimidating 20,000 Yan army in advance and frighten their state of mind.

Suddenly the battleground accompanied by thunder-like hooves, like a black cloud rolling to destroy everything standing in front of it, Yan Xun stood and looked at the stage, the momentum of the sprints of the horses was rather alarming and overwhelming.

Yan Xun laughs and throws an insult to the masked prince in front of him he said: “I generally discourage intimidation if there isn’t anything flimsy that can be used. You want to intimidate the vampire? You better brandish holy water or a wooden stake. You want to intimidate the local magistrate? You’d better let it slip that you know a few of his indiscretions. And if you want to intimidate a King, you better take a flimsy figure in front and urge him to submit?”

Yuwen Yue talks like a faceless god, looked at Chu Qiao (This is Xia Chong who pretended to be Chu Qiao) and made sure that Yan Xun hears what he has to say: “If the creature is already committed to a fight, it will take a hell of a display to intimidate him into submission.”

Instead of displaying hell, Yuwen Yue opened the heavens and answered Yan Xun’s prayers. The white horse advanced its footsteps, came in front of the masked prince. While the white arrows were loaded and ready to shoot, the white horse continued to walk towards Yan Xun.

Suddenly white arrows released on air is now trailing towards the frail body of a woman, and Yan Xun displayed a colder face. Ra Yue moved fast, throws its body in the wind took out one of the Yan soldier’s sword and out of his horse countered attacked all white arrows.

All of it crashed the ground, and Yuwen Yue threw the sword in front of Yan Xun. Their distance is just three steps away when Ra Yue suddenly pulled down the woman’s scarf and revealed Chu Qiao’s face (This is Xia Chong who pretended to be Chu Qiao). 

***

While two women lurking around the battle perimeters continued to spy and collect information for the big killing event, the two spies have separate interests.

Meng Feng around the bamboo trees nearby ready to save Chu Qiao while Viper climbs a tall tree observing below shook her head in dismay, and suddenly sees Yan’s military adviser Dong Fangyi.

About 10 miles from the battleground, a White Prince standing and Yuwen Gao’s servant holding the famous Bingxue (means snow) arrows loaded into the mini-crossbow ready to aim Yan Xun’s heart.

***

Nobody opened its mouth or even dared to move. Almost in a blink of an eye, Yan Xun like a disarmed mortar turned pale and blue. His steel heart turned into clay. But before everyone forgets this is a battlefield and not a reunion, Ra Yue calm uninviting looked at Yan Xun, as if giving him a secret message: “This isn’t a bluff but rather a deception followed by intimidation to exploit the intention of an impression. Is she a flimsy figure? Call me when your eyes are no longer blind, and your mind is no longer foolish. I am open to negotiation.”

Viper looking below said: “Impressive if the threat is obviously real then you can just skip intimidation straight.”

Yan Xun is somewhat familiar with this masked figure’s gestures and manners forced to raise his hands to stop Yan army loading their bows with arrows. He looked at Chu Qiao and said: “I will enter into a negotiation that will not include peace to the Batuha family but rather an exchange of hostages.” Nobody dares to move a single arrow, or I will cut its head.

Yuwen Yue took the horse of Chu Qiao, and both walked away from Yan Xun’s shaking hands, teary-eyed face. The 20,000 Yan troops faded in his sight, and he would like to scream out her name loud: A’Chu…. but the truth is, he became speechless seeing the apple of his eyes walking away for the nth time.

Zhong Yu knew this is not Chu Qiao, but she pretended she did not understand at all and kept her mouth shut.

***

After a while, Yanbei’s military counselor’s heart hardened like steel put up the crossbows like a gun in front of the horses were already somewhat loose.

While a few dozens of arrows were sparsely sent out could not delay the speed of impact of the running horses.

On the contrary, the soldiers holding the bows were rushed.

One could see that the horses are getting closer and closer to the crossbow lineups. Yuwen Yue holding the torch of hope can only watch while his heart is thrashing to the sound of the ground.

The horse’s initiative is to evade sharp objects, but in truth when he sees running horse and loose formation, his horse turned back to where he stands.

Dong Fangyi is like the unpredicted storm that crashed the bloody reefs. Seeing that Yuwen Yue can no longer catch up, all the soldiers of Yanbei shouted and swelled.

Dong Fangyi looked around at his soldiers. They were all relieved expressions of a dead escape.

After a while, Yuwen Yue, Zuo, and his squad were surrounded by Dong Fangyi’s army. This is an unexpected emissary that crossed their paths and captured Xia Chong.

Dong Fangyi turned Xia Chong like a golden card, and Yuwen Yue switched his strategy from offensive to defensive one, he cannot lose Xia Chong for it will ruin all of his plans.

Yuwen Yue entering the second negotiation, this time using defensive stance he said: “What a fine afternoon to see you again General.”

Dong Fangyi responded: “It is indeed a beautiful afternoon and an exquisite jewel is about to be killed today. Dong Fangyi is looking indignantly and about to caress Xia Chong’s face when suddenly a stray arrow was shot at Dong Fangyi’s hands.

Yuwen Yue was a bit startled, he thinks this is not Yue Qi’s style but definitely one of the Yuwen’s crossbow arrows, he thinks someone from the Yuwen household is following them nearby.

While Dong Fangyi faces still calm but angry like a bear, he took Xia Chong’s neck and pointed his sword to cut it.

Yuwen Yue still calm under his metal face mask, can still feel the pulse of hunting wind, the smell of the Yuwen’s crossbow about to cross and shoot again at Dong Fangyi, he came in front of the two bodies and counter-attacked the quick and fast arrows trailing towards them.

Nobody moved, and the arrows crashed on the snowy ground.

Dong Fangyi slightly smiled but showed an angry eye he said: “No one can counter attack the Yuwen household bingxue arrows except a Yuwen heir!” and then cut Yuwen Yue’s metal mask.

Yuwen Yue’s face was exposed, but he did not stand there looking at the surprised face of Dong Fangyi and stricken his sword and took Xia Chong. The Yan army and another familiar troop rained down arrows to stop Yuwen Yue and Xia Chong from their running horses but Zuo counter attacked them all and to his surprise Viper jumped to sweep them with her whip alone.

Another tidal wave of arrows rained on them, but Yuwen Yue, Xia Chong, Princess Zama and the rest of their squad were already out of range while Zuo and Viper defended their path of escape.

Zuo a bit surprised while he is counter-attacking all the arrows he still managed to tease the dark lady he said: “Are you stalking me?”

Viper annoyed at what she heard said: “No after I’m done with these arrows, I plan to kill you!”

Zuo smiled in the corner of his eyes and said: “It’s just a plan, after all, it might still change later.”

Viper annoyed he whipped the wave of arrows to Zuo, but Zuo leaped high with the pine trees and evaded it all, gibberish smile threw to Viper.

The two fighters counter-attacked all the raining arrows until Dong Fangyi raised his hands and said: “Save your arrows for the real target.”

He knows that an underworld spy is at work and would only exhaust their arms and won’t be able to chase their target for as long as the underworld spy is helping.

Dong Fangyi picked up the half metal mask, he smirked and said: “I am good at knowing my enemies. This is a good catch!”

***

Meanwhile, Yan Xun ordered his men to fetch and prepare Prince Zaru like cattle to be slaughtered. It will take about a day to travel to Yanbei and return back to Longyi Guan mountains.

Surprisingly, another familiar Prince came to Long Guan command post to visit the anxious Yan Xun who asked for the coalition of forces for the brewing battle ahead he said: “Cracking the code of our coalition troops would mean defeat for Xiaoqi camp under Yuan Che’s command.”

The Yan army did not allow the Prince to come near the door tent and they stood up straight with their chin up, their spears crisscrossed not allowing entry to “The World’s” command post.

Yan Xun without looking waved his hands twice to allow the royal visitor to come in his tent. Yan Xun looked at him, and he replied: “I guarantee the defeat of Xiaoqi camp and the head of Yuan Che.”

The face of the handsome Prince came in, settled in one of Yan Xun’s royal chairs in front is a table with a brewing tea kettle and two teacups, he poured in the tea waiting for a toast, calm and composed he said: “But I will be treated as a traitor’s son to the Emperor.” He looked at Yan Xun waiting for an answer.

“You will have Prince Zaru as your escape reason, the emperor will think of you as a traitor for a while but while you can reason, try to win his favor.” Said Yan Xun who took the teacup and slightly raised it for a toast.

Yuan Yang still calm but the stern face he told Yan Xun: “Didn’t you meet the crown prince of Qinghai yesterday and agreed to trade Zaru for your Tiger General Chu Qiao?”

Yan Xun not thinking any better he said: “I don’t care who this Qinghai prince who holds my Xuili General is, I need to get her back and your coalition troops will be an added help.”

Yuan Yang is not pleased with Yan Xun’s disposition, and Yan Xun felt the Prince is after the Wei Throne he reasoned out: “If Yuan Che dies, the Emperor would only depend on you and Yuan Song not capable of handling an army, he is an easy prey after the seventh prince death.”

So are you saying you will trick the Qinghai Prince and do not have any plans of giving him Zaru after all? Yuan Yang waiting for his reply. Yan Xun estimating his ally he responded: “There are no permanent enemies, only real traitors.”

Yuan Yang understood he laughed a bit and said: “Yan Shi Zi, we never had anything good during our childhood days. In fact, I really thought we were born enemies, but look at us now, we are becoming allies.” Yuan Yang tossed his teacup to Yan Xun.

Yan Xun squinted at Yuan Yang’s meaningful response and reminisce those early childhood memories. Back to their childhood days, Yuan Yang was in a silent competition of winning Yan Shi Zi’s friendship.

***

Back to their childhood older days.

For instance, when Yuan Yang found Yan Xun secretly went out of his palace to hunt a rabbit without the emperor’s permission, he was reprimanded for going back to the Wei Palace to explain his misdemeanor of breaking Wei palace protocols.

Just when he arrived at the Shen Jin palace Hall, Yuan Yang was also coming out of the Hall.

Their eyes met, staring eyes, a hint of mischief and playfulness from Yuan Yang’s presence, he stopped and squinted his eyes then looked away. Yan Xun being arrogant and airy did not look at him and the two-youngster passed by each other as if they are like a ghost.

Yan Xun already knew that it was Yuan Yang who caught him and reported him to the Emperor.

After the Emperor’s father figure talk and scolded Yan Xun’s actions, Yan Xun came out of the Wei palace hall with a discipline rod of not being able to go out of his palace to hunt.

Afterward, Yuan Yang is indeed confusing because he ordered his little gangster servants and tied Yan Xun’s palace guards for the crown prince of Yanbei to continue his hunting adventure.

Feng Mian excited to go back to the hunting grounds went with Yan Xun, and Yuan Yang silently joined them, had a little competition of shooting a passing hare.

Hare is more of a wild rabbit with longer limbs and longer ears, Yuan Yang missed his target only to find out that Yan Xun on his white feather arrows shot the hare neat and clean.

That day, Yuan Yang started to see Yan Xun as an enemy but wanted to win his friendship for him to be superior from his brothers. But Yan Xun refused to bow down to him and instead developed a closer association with Yuan Che and Yuan Song.

Yan Xun, Yuan Che, and Yuan Song are almost like real brothers not to mention their royal sister Yuan Chun’er the sweet princess who gave unique eyes and attention to Yan Xun. Chun’er treats him as his childhood sweetheart. Yan Xun could not deny the fact because fondness grew between them as time goes by.

Most of all, Yan Xun visited the Yuwen household more often than the Wei palace. Everyone knows that Yan Xun’s favorite hangout palace was the Yuwen household.

Though full of traps and stratagems around Merlin Mountain, this did not stop him to reach and see his ice cube best friend, Yuwen Yue. Yan Xun knew Yuwen Yue than anybody else. The bloody cold pact between them forced Yuwen Yue to swear his premature allegiance to the Crown Prince of Yanbei. Yan Xun is good at it.

The two-youngster enjoyed friendship than anyone else. This made Yuan Yang became aloof with Yuwen Yue and would always devise strategies to fail the heir of the Eyes of God, but always ends up the disaster himself.

He never succeeded Yuwen Yue nor won Yan Xun’s favor, not until today. While Yuwen Yue still maintains a colder heart and expressionless face, he did not want to help anybody nor take side except when Yan Xun forced him to do so.

Yan Xun could still remember like it was just yesterday, he said to Yuan Yang: “Did you remember the cracked ice in the Chisui lake?”

Yuan Yang slightly tilted his head and said: “How can I forget, it is the day you forced the heir of the Eyes of God to choose a side and the same day I swear to kill you if I live today.”

Yan Xun remembered how it felt like and said: “I never thought he has a soft spot for dying people. He promised his friendship if I save you first.”

Yuan Yang replied: “You tricked him to believe I was dying when I was drowned at the lake. He was also dying, but you managed to save us both, and I hate you for it.”

Yan Xun responded and said: “Yes, we became enemies, but on the other side I won Yuwen Yue’s friendship. Why do you want him to die when he asked me to save you first?”

Yuan Yang replied: “Because I knew even at the last breath, he is cold-hearted, he agreed to your terms because he is only doing it for the sake of his role. It would just be the accident and failure that Yuwen Yue would answer to my father. The Yuwen household is careful in their ways. Framing one of their mishaps is hard.”

Yan Xun asked: “Are you saying, you should have died, and Yuwen Yue should have been executed?”

Yuan Yang replied: “No, I am saying, he tricked you in return, used you to save himself and not me.”

Yan Xun sighed and said: “Ah, why do you always twist the truth?”

Yuan Yang did not answer the question. Instead, he wanted to clarify something, he asked: “When you were at the frozen lake, why did you not spare any mercy?”

Yan Xun stood up and turned his back on Yuan Yang, he cannot answer his question.

Yuan Yang leaned a bit from his chair and whispered: “Is it because of the lowly maidservant or he belonged to the family responsible for the execution of your family?” Yan Xun still quiet and Yuan Yang back to his normal sitting, he beamed and asked: “Is it for vengeance or jealousy?”

Yan Xun twitched his palm, he answered: “Both!”

Yuan Yang said: “What an unfortunate event, your wrath versus your brotherhood. You looked at him as someone who can settle Yuwen debts under your veins of revenge. You threw your pact of loyalty by killing him. I thought Yuwen Yue is the cold master, but I was very wrong. You turned into a colder master, and that is why, I, Yuan Yang willing to join your forces. I cannot possibly become a friend of a weak empath prince like you used to be. You have proven your worth.”

Yan Xun did not take this word wrong.

Instead, he welcomed Yuan Yang as they squinted their eyes, both knew what it means to unite their forces. Yan Xun told him: “That weak empath prince is gone.”

Then I am looking at who? Yuan Yang slightly teased Yan Xun.

You are looking at what a “notorious World” now said Yan Xun.

***

Meanwhile, the sound of hooves was heard when a Purple Palanquin appeared running towards the open field of Yanbei’s wetlands while the passenger inside closed her eyes and foresaw the shadow of a peddler man. She opened her eyes and on her general musing thought about it.

Xiao Yu had been quite for two years after her encounter with the blackguard spies and the peddler man whom she saw thinks that it was Yuwen Yue.

She had been confined in her Yan Palace spending the rest of the time recovering from her deep back wound. Not to mention the hallucinations she suffered due to the effect of the poison from the Blackguard’s swords, she screamed almost every night and cried until dawn.

The Queen of Yanbei looks hopeless, but Yan Xun eventually sought the help of far northern Shaman tribes to help his Queen recover from blackguards dark attack.

Xiao Yu did not even know his father already passed away, her brother Xiao Ce took the Throne, her mother Empress Yuan had been dethroned, and Southern Liang’s prefectures have been divided into two, putting the entire state into civil war.

At that time, Yan Xun worried of his Queen’s condition, he agreed to trade his undying coals of ember to be used for Chu Qiao’s recovery in exchange for Xiao Ce’s Dengxian Pill whom he risked his life obtaining it from the afterlife camp supervisor.

The Dengxian pill was the only known medicine to cure Xiao Yu’s condition for the time being but the adverse effects are unlikely to be stopped, and the Queen was succumbed into drug substance addiction making her situation far worse.

While Xiao Ce needs the supply of the undying ember coals to wake Chu Qiao, Yan Xun continued to ask for Xiao Ce’s help to source the required antidote to help reverse its effects and bring back Queen’s Xiao Yu’s stable mind.

Xiao Ce still clueless where to find it asked the deposed Empress Lu Zhi’s help. Unfortunately Xie Tai Shan and Zhan Ziyu once again came to a place where they could negotiate for the antidote, but Zhan Ziyu did not agree when he heard the name of Xiao Yu.

Zhan Ziyu told Master Xie Tai Shan to rot as long as he lives, but he will never give any antidote for Xiao Yu.

Hence, this is one of Xiao Yu’s hardest battles and had to endure, as she fights her inner self and stops her hallucinations.

On the other hand, Xiao Ce was not able to provide Yan Xun about their exchange of goods, Yan Xun stopped providing the undying coal ember without realizing who needs it at that time, Xiao Ce did not have a choice but hopes for Chu Qiao to wake up before his supply of ember coal runs out.

On the other hand, at one time, Xiao Yu even attempted suicide because she cannot see herself recovering from her mental madness and the thought of Yuwen Yue being alive left her sleepless nights and nightmares.

“The World, the Queen of Yanbei…”

The royal guard not yet finished speaking, Xiao Yu on her masked face and beautiful gown stepped into Yan Xun’s command post and saw the Wei Prince Yuan Yang.

“I guess I have to leave so you both could talk,” said Yuan Yang.

Xiao Yu gave a passing glance and looked at the side of Yuan Yang who is about to leave. Xiao Yu bowed to Yan Xun and Yan Xun surprised did not reject his Queen but said: “What brought the Queen at this time of the night?”

“It is rather urgent. I want to warn you about what Dong Fangyi’s report.”

“What is Dong Fangyi’s report? Tell me.” Yan Xun on his relaxed face wanted to hear the reason for his Queen’s sudden visit.

Xiao Yu turned her back and breathe then said: “He said that he saw Yuwen Yue and Chu Qiao together.”

Although Yan Xun could just tremble and wanted to ask more about the report, his face became pale a bit, and his veins turned blue.

He cannot possibly believe these statement reports coming from the unstable mind of the Yan Queen,.

Maybe the effect of the Dengxian pill is stirring her Queen’s mind and speech at the moment Yan Xun asked: “Really do you have anything to prove he is Yuwen Yue?”

Xiao Yu turned to him, on her calm face and eyes said: “No proof, except for this.”

Xiao Yu gave him a piece of metal mask.

Yan Xun took and looked at it, surprisingly confirmed: “This is the metal mask of the faceless prince who took Chu Qiao and opened the table of negotiation for Prince Zaru.”

Xiao Yu replied: “My King, do not fret, the woman is not General Chu Qiao. She is my double agent Xia Chong. The masked prince is Yuwen Yue, please do not harm him. Did you remember the night when the blackguards attacked me? That peddler man was Yuwen Yue who saved my life from the Blackguard’s attack.”

Yan Xun already heard this story over and over again. Xiao Yu never got tired of telling that she saw Yuwen Yue that night and rescued her from the Blackguard’s spies.

He kept on telling her that Yuwen Yue died three years ago and the dead does not come around walking at night to rescue her.

Yan Xun told her again and again: “I was the one who rescued you that night and not the peddler man.”

Convinced that Xiao Yu is still experiencing the adverse effect of the Dengxian pill, Yan Xun told his Queen to rest, and he will look into these matters carefully.

And he also took note of Xia Chong, who is she? Yan Xun can only ask himself.

Xiao Yu did not object, and before she goes out of the command post, she looked at the metal mask and asked Yan Xun if she could keep it.

Yan Xun said: “You may.”

Xiao Yu took the metal mask and went out of the command post. Xiao Qi is following behind her back.

***

Yan Xun ordered his spies to send a note to General Dong Fangyi’s camp.

Dong Fangyi read the spies note, touched his beard and with his evil grin he thought he will have the opportunity to mask his fake loyalty to Yan Xun while continuing to report to Xiaoqi camp under the command of Seventh Prince Yuan Che.

“Two strong birds in my hands, not bad,” said Dong Fangyi.

What Dong Fangyi didn’t know, Prince Yuan Yang’s coalition of forces would eventually lead Dong Fangyi chose to abandon one master and continue to follow the other.

The night had fallen while daybreak awaits for the fate of the foolish acts. It will be a long day as the battle takes place, will Yanbei suffer in the hands of dark spies and annihilate their budding breathe who have just recovered from the miry pit.

***

Princess Zama ordered the operation of the black seal to be deployed in secret, the two blackguard spies to surround the Longyi Guan command post while three blackguard spies surrounded Yanbei.

These spies were the darkest and destructive weapons of mass kill that would be activated after Prince Zaru is released. Yuwen Yue unaware of the wicked plan but reads it through Zama’s change of behavior, he followed her in secret.

Xia Chong looked for Ra Yue but could not find him. Suddenly she ran to escape until someone caught her arms.

A white Prince dressed on his white cape, battle gear and his Cheng Yin sword on its waist bumped on her face. He isn’t thinking about manners or what, Yuan Song kissed her lips.

Xia Chong stunned with the kiss, she pushed the White Prince.

Xia Chong not even aware who is this handsome man in front of her for it is still dark, she reversed their positions and in a quick glance, her hands were already about to crack the veins of his neck.

“Chu Qiao, please do not kill me, I am not your enemy,” shouted by Yuan Song.

Xia Chong heard his familiar voice, she recognized Yuan Song barely breathing on her hands strangling his neck. Yuan Song seems harmless and even ready to die in her own hands.

Xia Chong, calmed by her senses, she took her hand away from Yuan Song’s neck and said in a hoarse voice: “I am sorry, what are you doing here?”

Xiao Chong sat down feeling exhausted and drained, she just let go of her silent tears.

Yuan Song saw the love of his life, his heart skipped a bit and came close to touch her pale cheeks he said: “Don’t worry I am here now when the morning comes, this is not the world your eyes would see.”

Spoken by a gentle Crown Prince who just promised Xia Chong a different life from now on, Xia Chong could not help herself but fall into silent tears.

Yuan Song standing in front Xia Chong said: “Come, let’s go back to the Empire. I will explain to the Emperor, and surely he will not abandon the crown princess of Wei.”

Xia Chong sitting on a child’s pose her head down on her hands on top of her knees without looking at him said: “Go away Crown Prince, you do not understand what is looming ahead.”

Yuan Song hearing every word she said, pierced a hundred knives in his heart: “What do I have to understand? That you should go away from me and live in hell like this?”

Xia Chong feeling her emotional distress, she does not want the Crown Prince to be involved in this battle, took the courage, to be honest, said: “Please leave…I am not Chu Qiao.”

Yuan Song got angry, on his low male voice said: “What are you saying? Do not do this to me. No! Not this time.”

“Did you hear it? I am not Chu Qiao!” Xia Chong looked at Yuan Song standing in front of her holding a torch of fire, did not move.

Yuan Song could not believe what he just heard, but it seems there is truth to all the lies, decided not to leave her behind, he asked on a very sharp voice holding back his emotions: “If you are not Chu Qiao, then who are you?”

***

The sun rises, a group of marching men formed on the Longyi Guan grounds, around 20,000 Yan Army came to witness the historical exchange of hostages.

Just as what the Qinghai Prince asked, Yan Xun came to arrange and fulfill the deal. Prince Zaru looking thin, dirty and full of wounds, the face is barely unrecognizable.

The aristocratic prince of the Batuha family is on his bended knee and tied hands waiting for the arrival of Qinghai Prince, Chu Qiao and their mysterious envoy horrible faces covered with black sackcloth.

The Qinghai Prince Ra Yue who is the same as the late Yuwen Yue the heir of the eyes of God of the Yuwen household, on his usual demeanor, came in late.

Just because he has to take care of other pressing matters that took place before he came to face this epic battle with a former friend and comrade.

***

Two hours earlier, Viper attacked Yuan Song and put a sack on its head.

While Zuo took Xia Chong and tied her hands. Yuan Song was not able to quickly react as he is in the height of his emotions violently fought Viper.

Using her whip, Viper tied Yuan Song’s feet and hypnotized him, putting the crown prince of Wei to sleep.

Yuwen Yue on his expressionless face coldly looked at Xia Chong, and Xia Chong threw him a piercing glance she said: “Do not even dare to hurt him. Or you will not have successful trade today.”

Yuwen Yue did not respond. Instead he took the sack out from Yuan Song’s sleeping head.

Viper, take the crown prince back to the Wei Palace.

“No!” Suddenly a loud voice behind their back sounded.

Meng Feng and the rest of ex-afterlife campers came down from the nearby trees ready to fight them.

Yuwen Yue on his half metal face startled a bit to see his former spy servants. He stepped in front of them and took off his mask.

Meng Feng surprised, threw a frozen stare, and her goosebumps started to spread on her body. The rest of the ex-afterlife campers feared Yuwen Yue’s presence and fell down on their knees.

Yuwen Yue took out his sword and showed it to Meng Feng.

Convinced that she does not see a ghost, Meng Feng was the last to go, disarming her killer instincts, she dropped on her knees and silently cried, said: “Master, we have searched for you everywhere. I have not stopped looking for you on every town and empire until your body was found.

“The Yuwen household pronounced you were dead.”

Another entity came closer to touch Yuwen Yue, said: “Master! You are alive!”

Yue Lui sobbed and went down on his knees to cry in front of Yuwen Yue.

Yuwen Yue remained cold in front of his crying former spy servants, one cannot contain their emotions being reunited with their master, he let them empty their feelings.

Zuo momentarily interrupted them, asked: “Master brother, where are Princess Zama and the rest of our envoy?”

Yuwen Yue on his cold voice he said: “Do not expect them to cooperate, they have planted the black seal around Yanbei.”

Yue Lui knows what it means stopped crying he said: “Then we are all doomed to die.”

Yuwen Yue came to him and said: Stand up, you need to find Yue Qi and inform him of the brewing disaster. Here, take this flare, and Yue Qi not far from here will know we need earnest help, or we won’t be able to survive out of this place.

Viper smirked and intrigued, she interrupted and asked: “Really? Is the blackguards the most powerful spy in the world?”

Yue Lui ears exploded when he heard about his brother Yue Qi, he asked: Master, Yue Qi is alive?

Yuwen Yue answered Viper first: Isn’t? In the mortal realm, they are buried underneath earth only to come out to destruct and inflict a mass kill. Who can defeat them?

Yue Lui answered: “Only a Yuwen Heir.”

Yuwen Yue turned to him and said: “Go and warn Yue Qi.”

“Meng Feng take the crown prince back to Wei palace, he is not supposed to be harmed, or my brothers and Qinghai troops will suffer in the hands of the emperor.”

Meng Feng understood and obeyed Yuwen Yue’s orders, took Yuan Song then Viper said: “He won’t wake up until he smells the plum blossoms. And when he wakes up, he won’t be able to remember anything happened here.”

The three groups went on to their separate ways, they took their horses and run towards their own path except for Viper.

***

The Prince of Qinghai and Chu Qiao is riding two separate horses while Zuo on his disguise was the only envoy left at their back facing 20,000 Yan armies.

Yan Xun slightly smirked and underestimated the far side. Happy achieving today’s goal, Ra Yue intends to deceive his mighty opponent.

The Yan Generals waived their black eagle flags and sounded their drums as Chu Qiao, and Ra Yue walks at the middle with his Poe Yue Jian sword on his waist.

Some Yan soldiers helped Prince Zaru stand up to walk, and after reaching a distance, the sound of a mighty black horse is running behind his back.

Prince Zaru weak and dying was tripped but everybody far away from him, nobody was able to help him stand up.  His face was down to the ground and blood gushed out from his mouth.

Yan Xun the strong, handsome, healthy but full of scars from his past victories walked tall, sovereign, and Lord of all rode proudly on his black warhorse.

Taking what Xiao Yu told him, whose names he did not forget, Xia Chong and Yuwen Yue but all he can see in the far distance is the frail, burnout Chu Qiao dressed in neat white Hanfu and pale face. Behind Chu Qiao is Ra Yue.

The Qinghai Prince is wearing a torn metal mask, his presence exudes divine power like a faceless god, cold and unrelenting.

There is a constant whine on the battlefield. At this time, twenty thousand cavalrymen had stretched far and wide to the wings to overrule the broken pawn Prince Zaru.

On the other side, the outer hinterlands were occupied and outstretched by 10,000 cavalrymen, spearmen, silver swords, crossbows archers, bow and arrows neatly lined up on their Qinghai heavy uniform led by Yue Qi.

Ra Yue not worried of Xia Chong’s safety, he knows that Yan Xun’s is forever blinded with the interest of Chu Qiao he looked up to the skies and said: “May the heavens forgive me, but if you have some mercy left, please spare us through giving us rain.”

Ra Yue deceiving Yan Xun while using Chu Qiao’s resemblance is an unforgivable crime. But this situation again did not leave him any better options to choose.

Just like when he was the former spymaster of the eyes of God, he is aware of everything and yet only tried to imply to his former best friend Yan Xun about what was happening before the execution of his entire family to fulfill the order of Shen Jing Gong.

Again, this time, for the sake of Qinghai empire, his family and troops, the trade must be seamless. Ra Yue does not have plans of saving Xia Chong, knowing Xia Chong will be in good hands after the trade. This is also giving her freedom.

A one-way ticket to run away from Wei’s cold, bloodthirsty empire. And if there is one thing left to worry, Princess Zama out of his sight, shoveled Yanbei’s graveyard in advance and only Yuwen Yue can stop and can bring everyone to their eternal escape.

***

Yue Qi looking far but somewhat near picked the most favorable spot to watch his master’s vengeance. Ready to aim and counter-attack, his offensive stance is undoubtedly unbeatable and highly undefeatable.

He remembered everything about the frozen lake, his dying day, in the icy lake where he lost his master and lost his life.

In silence, he uttered: “You only die once where the Legends are born in the valley of death.”

Yue Qi positioned and hearing every beat of his pulse is now ready to aim at Yan Xun’s heart.

On the west wing was Dong Fangyi’s cavalries, ready and steady are witnessing Chu Qiao walking towards Yan Xun says: “The tiger general meets the Xiaolong King again.”

***

Another cold presence is observing the spectacular yet horrific view, Princess Zama tears fell looking at her unrecognizable brother like a dead man buried in the ground.

She cracked a pill, a code wherein she entered the superhuman state and started to unleash her chi flow. Her fingernails grew, her hair extended so long that it can sweep an entire army, her face as black as ink, she is devoid of any emotions and humaness, opened her burning yellow eyes and saw a desolate place.

Chu Qiao (This Xia Chong acting as the doppelgänger of Chu Qiao in the movie) stopped and saw Prince Zaru breathing heavily.

She saw his face and did not felt anything.

Yan Xun stopped his horse waiting for a few more steps to reach Chu Qiao, his fierce eyes beginning to swell some tears he holds it back and breathe out.

Ra Yue (This is Yuwen Yue who is wearing the metal mask) stopped his horse and went down. He walked in slow motion, feeling his pulse and the cold hunting wind at his face, he finally reached and took Prince Zaru. When Ra Yue turned his back, Xia Chong (acting as Chu Qiao) turned her back to see him for the last time.

Zuo shouted so desperately and ran towards Ra Yue.

***

At the far side, Yuan Che (same as Zhao Che) arrived at the battlefield with his 50,000 Wei foot soldiers.

The battlefield is surrounded with layers of reinforcements never stopped surprising each other’s expectation when Prince Yuan Yang and his cavalry of 30,000 brightest and fearless soldiers on foot met their own uniform, not as an ally but archenemy.

Estimating their range Yuan Che ordered to shot an arrow and reached Yuan Yang’s front liners, he shouted at them: “You are the Wei Empire’s termites! You deserve to die ten times for committing treason!”

Yuan Yang responded to his brother and said: “Enough of your flowery words! You betrayed father first by joining Dong Fangyi’s ally for the longest time. Who betrayed father better? Between us who? Isn’t the Great Yuan Che?”

***

A white feather arrow whistled and ring a shot landed at Yuwen Yue’s back, he used his body to shield Prince Zaru’s wasting body.

Yue Qi welling in tears doubled the strength of holding back his bow and arrow for he cannot wait for his Master’s command any longer, he closed his eyes and let go the long-range triple shots.

Two arrows landed at Yan Xun’s Blast warhorse feet, forcing it to drop to the ground, while Yan Xun aching received the shot at his upper left chest.

Blast managed to move a bit missed to shot Yan Xun’s heart on the spot. Yue Qi felt relieved, anger and mighty courage roused his spirit, loaded another triple arrow in his bow.

The echoes of the bowstring stirred Yuwen Yue’s ears, he raised his hands indicating a strong message to hold it on air.

Yuwen Yue opened and closed his palms and blood gushed out from his wound, though he felt the pain at his back did not give the slightest idea on Prince Zaru eyes then he said: “You must hold on, help is coming.” Prince Zaru thin face, wasting away, obeyed him and looked at him as a god, nodded.

Everyone in awe no one dared to move as the Lord of the land dropped his body to the ground.

He saw the skies looming under the dark clouds and then an angel appeared in his sight. Chu Qiao without emotions and wordless mouth looked at him and helped him get up.

Yan Xun took her hand and felt ten times stronger, although blood loss is evident his lips turning purple, he did not order his cavalry to finish the Qinghai Prince and Prince Zaru.

Yan Xun knows he was tricked by the Qinghai Prince who was surrounded by the strong presence of his reinforcements standing nearby.

Yan Xun also saw the cracked ground that crept his warhorse in fear and slightly moved from where he stands before the arrow was shot, missed his heart.

He already knew the presence of Blackguards and possibly operating led by Princess Zama.

Yan Xun stood up still proudly waiting for one-on-one stage fight, and the skies started to show its flying birds across cirrus clouds.

Yuwen Yue trying to stand up on his feet dropped on the ground while Zuo came to receive Prince Zaru’s body and saw his Master brother’s eye of regret he said: “if you must finish it here, then go and never regret it!”

Ra Yue cold but Zuo read what is in his heart, took his word of approval. He stood up once again, holding his old left chest wound, took a deep breath. He unsheathed his sword looking straight at Yan Xun.

Yan Xun threw his bow and arrow, unsheath his Xiaolong sword and put it down.

He started to walk slow, piercing the ground with the tip of his sword.

Yuwen Yue closed his eyes and began to put the sword in the middle of his chest slowly walked until he ran fast. Two wounded bodies clashed, two swords met in the air with great force and passion for killing, today must end in a bloody feat.

In this world, the two cannot co-exist. Either one must die, and the other shall live.

The great Yan, Wei, Qinghai armies watched as the two bodies collided and used their martial arts to defend its life with its blades. Yan Xun twirled his Xiaolong sword and brandished needles trailing Yuwen Yue’s wrist.

Yuwen Yue caught off guard, and his pulse was pricked.

Yuwen Yue’s Poe Yue Jian blade fell like an ordinary sword, he fell in the presence of the World.

Yue Qi does not hesitate to let go of the triple shots defying his Master’s command, tearfully closed his eyes when suddenly a woman in his black ninja suit came to rally and aide Yuwen Yue she said.

“Enough!!!”

Yan Xun caught by her voice was interrupted for a moment.

***

Yue Qi with great strength hold back his arrows while Zuo Zong is confident with his Master brother’s ability to fight back Yan Xun’s attack, he stood still watching a timeless duel.

Yuwen Yue faking his weakness caught Yan Xun’s sword and threw it away forcing him to level up to a man-to-man fight.

Suddenly Yuwen Yue gave Yan Xun’s face a quick blow. Finding a bloody nose, Yan Xun vomited blood, he responded it with a kick at towards Yuwen Yue’s gut.

Yuwen Yue must have already felt the mortal pain, he laid his body on the ground, his body in rapid blood loss like of that in the icy lake, he remembered it once more.

Yan Xun’s lips turning blue looked at Yuwen Yue soaked in his own blood, he walked a few steps and took his Xiaolong sword. He raised it high about to finish the godly figure and did not even think to uncover his mask.

By this time Xiao Yu not far from the bloody body of Yuwen Yue took Chu Qiao (this is Xia Chong at the moment who pretended to be Chu Qiao)  she said loud and clear: “Stop!”

“Didn’t I ask Your Grace not to harm the heir of the eyes of God?” said calmly by Xiao Yu and Yan Xun was a bit stunned.

Xia Chong in front of Xiao Yu’s sharp dagger pointed at her neck is already dripping with blood, she summoned the rain.

Nobody dared to move, and sudden thick water drops started to fall into the bloody ground.

Yuwen Yue can no longer stand his blood loss washed into the ground, closed his eyes flashed a memory of happy Chu Qiao inside the Castle peak courtyard he said: “So is this how it’s going to end? Is this what you call freedom?”

Xiao Yu let go of Chu Qiao’s neck, and Chu Qiao like an autumn leaf slid her body from Xiao Yu til her body lying unconscious on the ground.

Yan Xun cried and shouted her name: “A’Chu!” dropped his sword and ran towards Chu Qiao.

Xiao Yu drenched in the rain, emotionless, stood still,  looked in the direction where Yuwen Yue’s body is lying and bathing in his own blood.

What she feared happened and she lost her strength and dropped into the muddy ground.

Spreading her eyes, Xiao Yu saw how Yan Xun cried bitterly and scooped Chu Qiao’s bloody neck from the muddy ground. Xiao Yu’s heart died but not her hope, she crawled from the ground to reach the body of Yuwen Yue.

Yue Qi and his troops already close to where Yuwen Yue’s body is lying, while Zuo Zong secured Prince Zaru came back with Yue Qi.

The Yan army generals about to shoot Yuwen Yue but Xiao Yu stood up and offered herself to shield and protect the remaining breath in Yuwen Yue’s body.

Yan Xun raised his hands to halt the Yan army while he is busy crying, he will have to order the army to stop shooting his Yan Queen.

This is madness, chaos and not written in the books.

Yan Xun can only stop his army for a while but also wanted to finish his enemy and go home victorious.

What is a victory if he lost the very essence of his soul, is this what you call freedom?

The road to victory means Chu Qiao and Xiao Yu to die at the same time in this battlefield for you to call it a victory?

Yan Xun powerfully waived his hand that paralyzed the entire Yan army making reinforcement useless in efforts to win the battle.

His only option left was to lose it so you could still call it a win-win or stalemate to be exact.

He cannot afford to lose two of his chess piece at the same time.

***

The Qinghai troops suddenly lined up and surrounded Xiao Yu and Yuwen Yue’s body. With their crossbows already pointed towards Yan Xun and the dead body of Chu Qiao and Xiao Yu in their capture, Yan Xun should be raising both of his hand to surrender.

Yue Qi knelt and hold Yuwen Yue’s palm to check for any signs of life, he is glad to feel his pulse, but it is weak.

While Zuo Zong slowly took a piece of clean cloth to wrap Yuwen Yue’s bloody back to stop it from leaking more blood while the Qinghai troop silver shields formed above their heads to cover and protect the body of the Qinghai crown prince.

Bloody skies started to pass its dark clouds in a timescape lapse while the muddy ground cries for the life of the slain innocent, justice must be served.

Yanbei wrapped in horror as the blackguards started to blast the black seal inside, a dark lady lurking finally used her powers to disarm the five blackguard spies.

Suddenly Viper finds herself in a hard to pass to fight Princess Zama and Dong Fangyi she found an underworld spymaster, she called his name: “Sand Drizzle Master?”

♥♥♥

---

Next

Back

Princess Agents site

All rights reserved. Credits to the photo owners.

Share this:

•  X
•  Facebook

Loading...

Related

The Secret Princess – Fan Fiction by AC Chapter 18: The BlackguardsNovember 20, 2017In "Blast from the Past"

The Secret Princess excerpts and editing statusMarch 10, 2018Liked by 6 people

The Secret Princess – Fan fiction by AC Chapter 01: Life in the snowy spring of waterNovember 8, 2017In "After frozen lake"

 featured, Phoenix empire diaries

Post navigation

← The Secret Princess – Fan Fiction by AC Chapter 67: Must you go to afterlife

The Secret Princess – Fan Fiction by AC Chapter 71: I can’t be your fairytale →