Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54
"Of course. This shall be your home forever. Huang Shan must've missed you this past few years. What did he say to you just now??" Qing Er asked the girl.
"Nothing much. He said that you will take me to see the two mingjian gege. Qing Er, are they really that important to him?? It seems as if his love for me has totally disappeared."
"Maybe it's because you turned down the mariage to Wu A Ge last time."
"I just realized that I love him, Qing Er. What do I do?? Do you think Wu A Ge still loves me?? I lost all contact with the outside world these 6 years. I haven't heard anything. Except for a woman telling me that there are 2 new GeGes in the palace. That I heard 2 yrs ago."
"Things have changed. A lot. You'll be very surprised when you see Wu A Ge. He's very different now. Er Kang & Er Tai too."
"Is it true??"
"What??"
"About Wu A Ge, Er Kang & ErTai spending a lot of time in Shu Fang Chai?? I heard Huang a Ma gave it to the 2 geges."
"Yes. You should see the comotion there everyday. It's quite amusing. I
too go there quite often myself. Lao Fuo Ye says it's very nourishing to the
brains." Qing Er said with a twinkle in her eyes.
"Here we are." she said.
"Qing Ge Ge jia dao!! Ling Ge Ge jia dao!!!" the eunuch shouted.
"Ling Ge Ge??" Er Kang said, shocked.
"No I Won't!"
"Ge Ge. Please listen to Wu A Ge." Ming Yue pleaded.
"I'll be down soon. I'm jst taking this squirel back to it's mother. Don't worry so--" she replied.
"Qing Ge Ge jia dao!! Ling Ge Ge jia dao!!"
"Ling Ge Ge??" Er Kang said, shocked.
"Wha- Ahhh!!!"
"Xiao Yan Zi!" Yong Qi said & flew up to catch her. As usual.
*Ling Ge Ge stepped in long enough to watch Yong Qi fly up to catch the Xiao Yan Zi. That didn't worry her. But what did, hurt her a lot. The look of love & worry in his eyes as he landed on the ground with her in his arms...*
"XIao Yan Zi/Ge Ge!! Are you alright??" Everyone asked .
"I'm fine. I'm always fine."
"No. You wouldn't be. If not for me." Yong Qi said & gave her
an amused smile.
"Yes, yes. she said & pinched him in the nose.
Ling Ge Ge watched this, horrified. *How could Yong Qi. not to mention HER Yong Qi save this girl & laugh & smile at her every word?? How come everyone is so worried about her?? Who's the other Ge Ge standing next to Er Kang? Who is the foreign looking princess next to Er Tai??* Questions were streaming in her head.
"Ling Yuan, C'mon. I'll introduce you to them." Qing Er said.
"Hi everyone!!" she greeted
"Hi Qing Er!!" Xiao Yan ZI said & wrapped her arms around her.
"who's this??" SHe asked.
"Everyone, meet Ling Yuan. Wu A Ge, Er Kang, Er Tai. I'm sure u know her."
"Hi Ling Ge Ge," they greeted her formally.
She was horrified. "Yong Qi used to call her Xiao Yuan. Now, Ling GE GE???*
"Yong Qi, you know her??"
"Yes. SHe used to be a very good friend in the palace." he said.
*Yong Qi?? How dare she call an A Ge by his name. Even she, so close to him called him by his proper title.*
"Oh i see... Hi Ling Ge Ge. I'm Xiao Yan Zi or Huan Zhu Ge Ge. Call me Xiao Yan Zi though. This is Zi Wei & Saiya Gongzhu."
"Hi everyone. Don't call me Ge Ge. Call me Ling Yuan." she said & plastered a smile on her face, masking all emotions.
*This is weird. According to Qing Er, She has fallen for Wu A Ge already. Why the sudden friendliness? Is she up to something??* Er Kang thought, suspiciously.
"Huang Shan jia dao!!! Lao Fuo Ye jia dao!! Ling Fei Niang Niang jia dao!!" the eunuch called.
"Huang Shan/ Huang A Ma/ Lao Fuo Ye / Ling Fei Niang Niang jixiang. " They greeted.
"Xiao Yan Zi. I heard you've improved in your studies. As a reward, I've got something for all of you."
"What Huang A Ma?? Don't keep me in suspense!!" Xiao Yan Zi said, doing little jumps.
"Calm down & Huang SHan tell you." Ling Fei said.
"Ok Ok. Now quick!!"
"We will all be going on a wei fu chu xun." he announced.
"Yay!!" she said & gave everyone a hug.
"Huang A Ma, can we bring Xiao Jian along??" Xiao Yan Zi asked.
"Of course!!" he said.
"Lao Fuo Ye, what about Qing Er?? She won't be bored as Xiao Jian will be there." Zi Wei said, teasing lightly & Qing ER blushed crimson.
Qing ER & Xiao Jian have been accepted by Lao Fuo Ye who did not disagree at all about their relationship as he looked like Fang Zhi Hang, one of her didtant nephews. But little did she know....
"Qing Er, what do you think??"
"Qing Er shall respect Lao Fuo Ye's wishes."
"But do you REALLY want to go??"
"Yes Lao Fuo Ye."
"What about you Ling Yuan??" Ling Fei asked.
"Err.."
"It's up to you. If you want to go.. then go. If not, stay behind." Huang Shan said.
SHe was delighted to hear him say that. & vowed to herself she will win Wu A Ge back again from that girl's clutches...
"Yes Huang A Ma. Ling Yuan would be delighted to go."
"Very well."
"Huang A Ma?"
"Yes, Xiao Yan Zi??"
"Can I go out tomorrow?? It's the 15th after all.."
"Why??"
"To tell Xiao Jian, Liu Qing & Liu Hong about the outting."
"I suppose it's alright..."
"Thanks Huang A Ma!!" she said, & gave him a big hug.
Ling Yuan was stunned. Even she, a REAL Ge Ge dared not hug her own Father
like that. She suspected Lao Fuo Ye to fret & Fume while Huang A Ma punished
her. But instead, Lao Fuo Ye smiled & Huang Shan hugged her back. Something
wasn't right...
"Huang Shan, Er Tai would like to know who will bw going." he asked.
"Ahh.. this time, not so many. just you whole lot, Ling Fei, Fu Lun, Hu Taiyi, & a few body guards."
"Ling Fei Niang Niang?? YOu're going too??" Xiao Yan Zi asked.
"Yes. This time I decided to walk around the place."
"Goody!! Huang A Ma where will we be going??"
"Most likely Tian Jin, & maybe a few other places along the way & Jinan. To visit Yu He's grave."
With the last words, sadness overwhelmed him.
everyone noticed this & Lao Fuo Ye quickly added in.
"Huang Di, We have to get going. You said something about making arrangements just now?? Well, We'd better get going. Ling Fei, I want to talk to you. Come to Ci Ning gong.
*Yeah, as if *
"Sure why not??"
*******
NEXT DAY
"Yay!! We;re out of the Huang Gong & in the city!! I'm a free xiao yan zi again!!" she exclaimed
*Is she dumb or what>?? she has absolutely no mannerisms like a girl. How can Wu A Ge like her. I Bet he's gonna fume now. This show's gonna be nice...what?? he's laughing & teasing her!! how can this be??* Ling Yuan thought.
"Xiao Jie! Xiao Yan Zi!" JinSuo yelled as she saw them & all 3 of them embraced.
"Hi everyone!!" Xiao Jian said & Liu Qing & Liu Hong followed behind.
"Xiao Jian, I've got great news!"
"What is it, Xiao Yan Zi??"
"We're going on a-" Yong Qi covered her mouth, shook is head & gently let go
*good, He's angry..huh?? He gently explained to her & she nodded in agreement. He then smiled. What's wrong?? He's supposed to scold her, she's supposed to get angry, & they quarell?? Oh no.. hes been bewitched I think-*
"Ling Yuan??" Qing Er broke her thoughts.
*I think I'd better keep an eye for Ling Ge Ge. Her behaviour is very arousing.* Er Kang thought.
***
IN XIAO JIAN'S ROOM
"Xiao Jian, we're going on a wei fu chu xun. Lao Ye asked you to join us. CAn you?? Please??" Xiao Yan Zi asked.
"Haha.. alright. I have nothing to do & Liu Qing just hired a new worker to relieve me of too much work. I'll go."
"Yay!! I knew you'd say yes."
"How??" they all asked.
"Just now, I was playing spy on Xiao Jian & Qing Er. I heard Qing Er telling him about the wei fu chu xun. I guessed he'd say yes."
Everyone broke out in laughter & Qing Er grew redder by the minute. Yong Qi pinched her nose & laughed harder when it turned pink. SHe then started pummeling him with her fists & he gave in at last.
***
THE DAY OF THE WEI FU CHU XUN
"All set??" Huang Shan asked.
"Yes Huang...no no. Yes Lao Ye." Xiao Yan Zi replied.
"This time, we'll be stopping at a small town near Jinan to see Ling Fei's parents. Is that OK with everyone??"
"Sure Huang... Lao Ye." Xiao Yan ZI said & all nodded in agreement.
"Xiao Yan Zi ah.. Tian Ah.. Are you going to change my name from Ai Lao Ye to Huang Lao Ye??"
"Sorry Huang.. Lao Ye." she said & grinned sheepishly. "C'mon, Lao Ye. Let's go!!" she said .
They boarded the carriage as the men rode their horses. Everyone sought this out to be a very memorable experience. Boy, were they right. Memorable indeed.......
"Xiao Yan Zi, how did you become a Ge Ge?" Ling Yuan asked, curious t the attention Huang Shan kept giving her. She was smart, but lazy, in a way.
*I saw Er Kang looking at her suspiciously just now. Is he thinking about what I'm thinking??* Zi Wei asked herself & decided to talk to Er Kang about it later.
Thoughts were streaming in Zi Wei's head as Xiao Yan Zi told the story.
"Zi Wei??" Huang Shan broke into her thoughts.
"Yes Lao Ye??"
"Are you alright??" Ling Fei asked.
"Yes, Ling Niang. Why??"
"You seemed a little distracted just now, Zi Wei." Qing Er said.
"I'm OK. Just thinking about something."
"Al right."
Just then, Xiao Jian rode by.
"Lao Ye, we've been travelling for hours. Why don't we get some rest & all of you come down to stretch about?" he asked
"Good Idea. You may stop the carriage."
The carriage stopped & everyone got down. Zi Wei quickly pulled Er Kang to a deserted side & confronted him with a questioning look.
"Don't tell me you noticed too.." Er Kang said.
"Yes. Infact I did. Do you mind telling me who is Ling Yuan?"
"It's a long story. When Yong Qi, me & Er Tai were young, we used to hang out a lot with Ling Yuan. But one day..."
"Er Kang!@!@ Zi Wei!! Come here!!" Xiao Yan Zi yelled
"Zi Wei!! Er Kang!! COme here!!" Xiao Yan Zi said.
They imediately rushed over, afraid there was trouble. But stopped short when they glnced at what Xiao Yan Zi was pointing at. The sun was just setting. It was beautiful..
Just then Yong Qi pulled Xiao Yan Zi away & Er Kang, Er Tai & Xiao Jian did the same to Zi Wei, Saiya & Qing er.
Ling Yuan felt lost, hurt, angry, sad & left out at he same time. Just then, Ling Niang & Lao Ye came beside her.
"Ling Yuan, I know what you're feeling now. Lost & hurt right??" Ling Niang asked her. & she mutely nodded.
"Ling Yuan, you were very stubborn last time. Yong Qi loved you. You didn't. You disobeyed me. That's why I sent you to the moutains for 6 long years. Hoping you'd grow to love him & he'd still love you. But for the past 2 and 1/2 years, so many things have happened. I met my daughter. I got an new one. One who can really make me happy. But one thing I didn't predict. Was for Yong Qi to fall for Xiao Yan Zi. At that time, I was very happy. I admit. & I totally forgot about you. Until Ling Da Ren, reminded me a few weeks ago. It was then I decided to call you back."
She nodded mutely. A tear forming. & Ling Niang continued.
"Ling Yuan, We all care about you. But I'm afraid Yong Qi only treats you as a sister now. nothing mre...
"I think Yong Qi only treats you like his sister now...Nothing more..."
It took her a while to absorb those words. A sister?? That was not what she wanted. But what could she do?? She could try to win him back!! That's it!!
"You Many try to make him love you. I don't encourage it but it is the only way for u to realize that Yong Qi will never love you again..." Lao Ye said. "Chen Ming,"
"Zhar."
"Go find a place for us to stay & come to report."
"Zhar."
1/2 AN HOUR LATER
The sun had already set & the couples came back. Hand in hand. This caused Ling Yuan's fury & determination to increase.
"Lao Ye, where shall we stay now??" Qing Er asked.
"Qing Er, Xiao Yan Zi, Zi Wei & Ling Yuan can be Lao Ye's daughters. Er Tai, Saiya. travel with Fu Lun as father & son. Yong Qi & the rest, you can be Lao Ye's sons."
"yes. all the girls can share a room. Fu Lun, Fu Jin, Saiya, Er Tai. 4 of you share a room. Yong Qi & the rest share another. I & Ling Niang will take another. The rest, share 2 by 2. Let's go!!"
"Zi Wei.. Xiao Yan Zi.. Qing Er.. Ling Yuan.." a voice came from outside the door.
Ling Yuan yawned, quickly got dressed & opened the door. the rest were still sound asleep. She gasped when she saw Yong Qi at the door. He smiled politely at her & asked.
"Is Xiao Yan ZI awake yet?"
"No. She's still asleep. & so are the rest."
"Well, I guess they'll be up soon. I be going."
"No. Wait. I hadn't a chance to talk to you yet."
"You're right. Come on, since you're up. Let's take a walk & just catch up on things."
IN THE GARDEN
"How are you?" he asked.
"Good infact. You??"
"Many things have happened since u left. many things changed too."
"Yes. I've noticed that. You look some what... mature. Not childish like last time."
"That's just a front. Just because I look mature. Doesn't mean I am."
"I know. I have a question."
"What is it??"
"Answer me honestly, Yong Qi."
"Sure. "
"Are you still angry with me?"
"Why??"
"For what happened 6 yrs ago."
"Oh.. I see. No. I'm not. In fact I;m glad."
"Why??" she asked. Confused.
"Because of that answer. I met Xiao Yan Zi & I;m so happy now. "
"May I ask why you love her??"
"Many reasons. When you left, I felt as if the world was crumbling beneath me. Then I realized that how I loved you last time was not only wrong & inapropriate. But I loved the wrong person. I loved you. as a sister. No more. Ialso knew. that even if I still loved you when you returned, you never would. That was when I met Xiao Yan Zi. She may not be perfect & is lousy when it comes to cheng yu, cooking, playing the qin, & stuff like that, but she still cheers me up. That is the reason."
Ling Yuan was stunned. *never before she thought Yong Qi would say those words. Most of all, she blamed herself for being so insensitive last time. But now, Yong Qi was the insensitive one. He hadn't realised that she loved him. He only had Xiao Yan Zi in his heart. Absolutely no space for her. That wretched girl had bewitched him! The only person who would believe her now was Lao Fuo Ye!! & maybe the Huang Hou!! Lao Fuo ye was very strict about a Ge Ge's behaviour. SHe just had to work her way to Lao Fuo Ye's side..*
"Ling Yuan??" Yong Qi interrupted.
"Oh yes?? Sorry Yong Qi, but I've got to see Qing Er. I just remembered something I wanted to ask her about."
Not far, behind a tree, a young girl stood. & said
"Yong Qi, you made the right decision. You're right. May your love for Xiao Yan Zi live forever... & ever.."
ON THE WAY TO TIAN JIN
"Huang...Lao Ye?" Xiao Yan Zi said & smiled sheepishly.
"Yes, Xiao Yan Zi??"
"Can I go ride a horse."
"Xiao Yan Zi..."
"Huang Shan!! Me too me too!!" Saiya said.
"Ok. But you'll have to promise to becareful."
"Xie Lao Ye." They said.
"Yong Qi!! Er Kang!! Er Tai!! Xiao Jian!! All of you!! Stop the carriage immediately!!" Xiao Yan Zi yelled.
This caused a worried Yong Qi to come riding towards them at top speed.
"What's the matter?? Is anyone hurt?? Xiao Yan Zi?? Are you OK??" he bombarded her with many questions.
"We're all OK. But-"
"Is everything alright??" Er Kang & Er Tai's voice came.
"OK. OK. Saiya & I just wanna ride a horse that's all."
"Whew.. you didn't have to scream so loud that everyone thought there was an accident or something." Xiao Jian supplied.
"Yeah. My heart nearly stopped when you screamed like that." Yong Qi said.
"OUrs too." Er Tai said. "C'mon. Saiya. You can ride with me."
"You too Xiao Yan Zi."
They got on the horses & Yong Qi asked the rest to move on.
Ling Yuan's expression darkened as she saw Yong Qi's arms around Xiao Yan
ZI's waist. So she wouldn't fall. But Ling Yuan did hope that Xiao Yan Zi would
fall. & perhaps die. She knew this was very unlike her soft attitude. But
Yong Qi was her one, true love & he was worth all the sacrifice.
She wouldn't let Xiao Yan Zi take him without a struggle. A tough one. &
this time, she was going to pay the price. For stealling Yong Qi...
"Ling Yuan??"
"Yes Qing Er??"
"Answer me honestly. DO you love Yong Qi."
Ling Yuan was rather taken aback. She wasn't prepared to answer Qing Er yet.
"You do." Qing Er said.
"How did you-"
"Ling Yuan, I've known you all my life & Know u like the back of my hand."
"I do love him. & I will try to win his heart. I'll pay any cost. Do anything. Just to get him back. Qing Er, Are you with me??"
Qing Er was rather shocked. stunned. speechless. This wasn't like the usual soft-spoken Ling Yuan. She was like possessed by some kind of alien. How could the girl she loved & cared for as a sister turn into a...a... monster??
"What do u plan to do??" Qing Er asked.
"Me?? I want to win Yong qi back of course."
"But, he loves xiao yan zi only."
"Well, as long as they're not married, I'll still have a chance."
"Well, You're too late."
"Why?"
"Lao Ye has already betrothed xiao yan zi to Yong Qi. Moreover, I heard him & Lao Fuo Ye discussing their marriage in Ci Ning Gong last week. Right before we left on the trip."
"What??"
"Yes. Ling Yuan. You don't have any chance."
"Then I'll tell Xiao Yan Zi to stay away from Yong Qi. Or else.."
"But you can't do tha-"
Too late. she had already started walking towards Xiao Yan Zi & Yong Qi.
*******
Meanwhile.
"Xiao Yan Zi. I have something to tell you."
"What??"
He pulled her to a remote spot. Covered by tall trees.
"WHat so secretive??" she asked him in a teasing tone.
"Promise me you won't get angry."
"OK I promise. Now tell me. You're making me think weird stuff."
"Alright.6yrsagoIlovedLingYuanbutshedidn'tlovemeback&LaoYesenthertothemountains.IReallydunloveheranymore."
"Huh??"
"Last time, I used to...have...uhh..feelings for Ling Yuan. Lao Ye was very angry at Ling Yuan. He sent her away to the mountains for 6 yrs. But I swear. I swear upon my life that I don't love her anymore."
Xiao Yan Zi was shocked as she slowly digested the information.
"I swear Xiao Yan Zi. I swear if I still love her I'll be struck down by-"
She put a finger to his lips.
"I trust you. But you'll have to promise me becuase it's in the afternoon now. There is no lightning."
He smiled & gazed down at her. "I promise."
"Good."
He then hugged her & when he looked down, she looked up. Their lips met at a point. He immediately kissed her & she returned the kiss. Although they knew that they shouldn't be doing this, especially in braod daylight, it was quite obvious that they couldn't help themselves. It became quite passionate as he hugged her tighter to himself.
Suddenly, Ling Yuan appeared. But the intimate couple didn't seem to notice
her. She looked at them in horror. Then came Er Kang, Ertai & Xiao Jian
along with their respective partners behind her. Saiya suddenly sneezed as
they were about to leave the couple.
"Uh-oh." she whispered
This caused Xiao Yan Zi & Yong Qi to jerk apart & turned to look at them. Immediately, Xiao Yan Zi's rosy cheeks, became even rosier. As she blusked a deep crimson red. Yong Qi on the other hand, bit his lower lip & prayed.
Soon, Er Kang, Er Tai & Xiao Jian errupted into peals of laughter till tears came down & their sides ached. It was quite humourous to look at the both of them. Reactions to their snooping increased.
When the 3 guys saw Xiao Yan Zi glaring at them, the immediately became sober. This left a confused Ling Yuan alone. apart form the rest. She felt different. unwanted. & she felt that to Yong Qi, she was a complete stranger.
*I, Ling Yuan, vow to get back at that girl, Xiao Yan Zi, for destroying my happiness & taking away the person I loved & lived for.* she vowed.
"Fu Lun! Call Yong Qi, Xiao Yan Zi, Er Kang, Er Tai, Saiya, Ling Yuan Xiao Jian & Qing Er here immediately!!" Lao Ye said.
"Zhar."
They went to the emperor.
"Ling Yuan, I have something to tell you. Yong Qi too. Actually, this wei fu chu xun has 1 purpose. To find some one. Someone whom I owe my life to."
"Who is that Lao Ye??" Yong Qi asked.
"Yes, Lao Ye. If you need any help, Xiao Jian would agree instantly. I have lots of resources, so, to find some one is not quite a problem for me."
"This is very hard in fact. But Ling Yuan, I have to tell you something right now. You are actually NOT my daughter."
Everyone gasped.
"Yes. It's true. Your father is actually....Fang Zhi Hang. You real name is Fang Ling."
"The rebel??" Er Tai manage to croak out after a long silence.
"Yes."
"But isn't.." Xiao Yan Zi wanted to say but Xiao Jian cut her off.
"Lao Ye, but if Ling Yuan is a rebel's daughter, wouldn't she have been killed a long time ago??"
"I managed to save 3 of his children. Fang Yan, Fang Ci & Fang Ling."
"What happened to the other 2??" Xiao Yan Zi asked curiously.
"I'll tell you the story from the start. Zhi Hang & I were best frinds as we grew up together. he was there for me throughout all my hardships. Especially one. The death of Yi Fei. Your mother, Yong Qi. At that time, you were still very young & was very sad. Zhi Hang brought Fang Yan, Fang Ci & Fang Ling to play with you everyday. We saw you grow close to Fang Ci, & decided to betroth Fang Ci to you when both of you are older. But soon, the rebellious poem. Written by Zhi Hang was sought out. The only way for him was DEATH. I couldn't do anything even if I believed him. The only way was to prove him innocent. But alas, my efforts were fruitless. I visited him in his cell. The promise I made him was for eternity. To look after his children. I placed all of them under the late empress' care But one day, the nanny was attacked by a group of black men. she tried to bring all of them into shelter. But to no avail. She only mananged to save Fang Ling. & now, my quest is looking for them."
"What do you plan to do when you've found them??" Ling Fei asked.
"I want to fulfill Zhi Hang's last wish."
"What's that??" Er Kang whispered.
"Betroth Fang Ci to Yong Qi." he answered.
Everyone's eyes grew wide.
"Lao Ye, May I ask you a question??"
"yes, Xiao Jian."
"You need not look for them anymore, Lao Ye. You also needn't betroth Fang Ci to Yong Qi."
"Why??"
"Because you have found them & she has already been betrothed to Yong Qi."
"You mean..."
"Yes. Xiao Yan Zi IS FANG CI."
"WHAT???????? But Xiao Jian, you never told me that..." Xiao Yan Zi said
"I purposely did not tell you that our father was the rebel, Fang Zhi Hang. Why?? Because you were so happy right then. Why destroy your happiness for the past??"
"You're Fang Yan?? Fang Ci??" Lao ye asked.
"B-but..." Xiao Yan Zi stated. Her world started to spin. & when she fell, Yong Qi managed to catch her immediately.
"HUI TAIYI!!!! GET HERE IMMEDIATELY!! FIND THE NEAREST INN."
"Lao Ye, my parent's inn is not far off. if we travel at full speed, we should be able to reach there in no time." Ling Niang said.
"Then what are we waiting for??? Let's go now!!"
AT LING NIANG'S PARENT'S INN.
When Ling Niang's parent's saw Ling Niang, they were about to go kneeling down when she quickly pulled them up & slightly shook her head.
"Around 8 rooms please. & hurry. My daughter is sick." Lao Ye said in a commanding voice.
"Yes, Lao ye." Ling Niang's parents said immediately.
IN THE ROOM
"Hu Taiyi. Check on her now!!!"
"Zhar."
He checked her.
"What's wrong?? Is she OK??" Yong QI asked worriedly.
"Hui, shao ye, xiao jie is OK but has just fainted from shock. She should be awake in a couple of minutes."
"Yong...Qi...Zi...Wei...where..are..you??" Xiao Yan Zi asked weakly.
"We're here, Xiao Yan Zi.." Yong QI said.
"Are you OK??" Zi Wei asked & Xiao Yan Zi nodded meekly.
Lao Ye gestured for everyone to leave the 2 alone. Ling Yuan reluctantly left as she still refused to give Yong Qi up.
"Lao Ye, may we have a private conversation with you & Ling Niang." Er Kang asked.
"Of course." Lao Ye said. "Ling Yuan, go to your room."
"B-but.."
"No buts. Go now."
"Yes Lao YE."
IN LAO YE'S ROOM
"Lao Ye, we kave just discovered something." Zi Wei said.
"Yes, Lao Ye." Qing Er supplied.
"What is it??" he asked.
Everyone looked at each other, not daring to tell.
"C'mon, say it." Ling Niang coaxed.
"Alright, since I;m the most forward one in the group, I think I also have the most guts to tell everyone." Saiay said & Er Tai looked at his wife, horrified.
"OK."
"Just now, Ling Yuan was having a conversation with Qing Er & she said someting...something...despicable!!" Siaya exclaimed.
"What did she say, Saiya??"
"I'm not so sure about that. I think Qing Er would be the one to tell us all. What did she say, Qing Er??"
Qing Er trembled & reluctantly said.
"She wants to 'claim' Yong Qi back she said. & she'll do it at any expense..."
Everyone was taken aback.
"Did she really say that??" Ling Niang asked, eyes wide.
Qing Er nodded meekly & silently prayed that Lao tian Ye & Ling Yuan would forgive her for betraying someone she calimed she cared for.
"Zi Wei, Saiya, Bring Ling Yuan IN." Lao ye said, eyes filled with fury.
"Z-Z-Zhar.." they stuttered.
IN LING YUAN'S ROOM.
"Ling Yuan??" Zi wei called.
"Yes??"
"Lao Ye wants to see you." Saiya said coldly.
"Alright."
IN LAO YE'S ROOM
"Ling Yuan, tell me specifically about the conversation between u & Qing Er just now." lao ye boomed & she trembled.
*He KNOWS!!! Qing Er told Him!! But I won't give up. If I love him I won't be afraid to fight for him* she thought.
"Lao Ye, I admit to all the words I said just now. But I was not really paying attention. I was just joking, right Qing Er??"
the only response was she hung her head down.
*Oh..no..*
"I will deal with you later whe I get back to the palace. But for now, you are to be sent back. We will continue our journey. You will be confined to Ling Jing Gong (her place)."
At that time, something inside her snapped.
"NO!!! Why should I go back Lao Ye?? It's all that Bitch's fault!! She bewitched Yong Qi!! I have to kill her to release Yong Qi!! He Loves me. I know he does. It's that witch's spell that clouded him. He still loves me..." Ling Yuan exclaimed.
Everyone was shocked. She was totally different.
"How can you hurt her???? She's your sister." Ling Niang said.
"Not To Mention!! YOUR TWIN!!" both Xiao Jian & Lao Ye said.
"My...my...twin??"
"Yes. You're both fraternal twins. you are older than her by 5 minutes." LAo Ye said.
"So WHAT??? WHO cares?? XIao Jian!! You are no better than I am!! You never ttried to FIND me!! You Only tried to Find THAT Xiao Yan ZI!! You never cared!! No one cared! Even my Father!! He never CARED a Damn for me!! He only knew HOW TO THINK FOR XIAO YAN ZI!! Lao Ye!! You too!! You used to dote on me & love me!!What happened to all that love?? You gave it away.. TO HER!!"
"I Never knew you were alive!! I thought they killed you along with our other family members." Xiao Jian said.
"Yeah Right." she said sacarstically.
"& even I, the most powerful person Cannot predict the FUTURE!!!" Lao Ye said, his voice lowered, to conceal his identity.
"Do you know that Xiao Yan Zi went through so many hardships?? No one cared for her since a child. You were sitting in the palace, being waited on, educated, not caring for the world. You were so lucky then. Xiao Yan Zi didn't even get proper studies. She had to fend for herself out in the city. Not knowing her fate, her destiny. You?? you were living luxuriously. Being Lao Ye's favourite. & everything. Xiao Yan Zi had no parents. No one to care for her. No one to look after her. But when she entered the palace on ZiWei's behalf, her life changed drastically. Even so, luxury couldn't replace the tortures she had to go through. Pins & needles, the canes, being threathened to be killed instantly, running away from death & many more!! Ling Yuan, you may think that living in the mountains all alone was a torture. But no. It was definitely Much, much Better off than Xiao Yan Zi's style of life. You are just feeling sorry for yourself, Ling Yuan. & It doesn't help." Yong Qi said from behind.
"Yong Qi...you love me don't you?? You said that yourself."
she said & hugged him.
He disentangled himself from her grasp.
"No!! I don't love you. The person I love is inside that room now!! in totall SHOCK!!" he said. "I'm sorry, Ling Yuan for hurting you. I never loved you. At that time, I was only a young boy. i didn't know the meaning of love. The love I had for you was brotherly. No More." he confirmed & she crumpled to the floor
"NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" she yelled.
NO!!!!!!!!!!!!" Ling YUan yelled.
"Yong...Qi..." called a weak voice from the door. Xiao Yan Zi was standing there. Suddenly, she fell forward. Yong Qi as usual managed to catch her in time.
"Why are you out here, Xiao Yan Zi??" asked a concerned Zi Wei.
"I wanted to see my jie." she said expectantly & gazed up at Ling Yuan.
"I'm NOT your sister!!!" she screamed.
"Why?? Why not?? Did I do anything wrong to you?? Tell me.." An innocent Xiao Yan Zi asked.
"You STOLE my ONe true LOVE!!! HOw can you be my twin?? You were most favoured. Xiao Jian didn't even care where I was. He just looked for you!!"
"Who did I steal?? Xiao Jian, why didn't you LOOK for her??"
"You STOLE YONG QI!!!!!"
"NO!! SHe didn't steal me!! I willingly loved her. & I;m asking you to stop this madness. Is that too much to ask for?? If you really love me, you'd give us your blessings." Yong Qi said.
"I'm not so noble Yong Qi. Fine. If I can't be with you, neither can she." she said & to everyone's surprise, she pulled out a dagger & plunged it to Xiao Yan Zi.
"NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Zi Wei yelled & crumpled to the floor.
"Yong Qi!! How are you?? Don't scare me. Wake up!!" Xiao Yan Zi said softly.
"I'm...Ok....Xiao..Yan..Zi...You...??"
"I'm fine. You're going to be alright too. Does it hurt??"
"A..Little."
"Fu Lun!! Grab this murderer!! Taiyi@!@ Come in now!!"
When Hu Taiyi & Fulun entered, they were shocked. Fulun quickly grabbed Ling Yuan while Hu Taiyi attended to Yong Qi.
"Hu Tai yi, How is he??" Zi Wei asked.
"xiao jie, shao ye is quite lucky as the dagger did not reach his heart. But this has caused him a temporary coma. He should be along in a few days. The dagger has been removed but shao ye's health is still in danger."
"What do u suggest??" Ling Niang asked.
"Ling Niang, I suggest that we return to the palace in a week at least as the variety of medicine there is wider. Hopefully, we can resume the journey some other time."
"I think you're right.." Lao Ye said. "But I will not get to visit Yu He if so.."
"Lao Ye, To me, this is a matter of life & death. Visiting Er Niang's grave can be postphoned but Yong Qi's health cannot be put aside. I'm sure Er Niang won't mind at all. Yong Qi's life comes first after all." Zi Wei said.
"Alright. We shall proceed to the palace in 5 days."
"Laoye!!! Ling Niang!!" Fu Lun called urgently.
"What??"
"Ling xiao jie has escaped. She used wu gong & killed the 4 guards watching her instantly." Fu Lun reported.
"What?? She knows wu gong??? Ling Ninag exclaimed.
"Quick!! Protect Xiao Yan Zi & Yong Qi Now and-"
"AHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!" a scream from the nextroom came & everyone ran helter skelter inside.
Ling Yuan stood poised over Xiao Yan Zi holding a sword.
"You MAY BE MY TWIN. But what do I CARE huh?? You still stole the love everyone had for me. Example?? Yong Qi, Lao Ye, Lao Fuo Ye, Xiao Jian, & whole lot of other people!! Since I came back to the palace, everyone started comparing u & me!! They called You HUAN ZHU GE GE, THE BEAUTY OF sHU fANG cHAI. Me??? They said I only knew how to suck up to Lao Ye!!When I exited the palace, everyone seemed to be talking. Huan Zhu Ge Ge this, Huan Zhu Ge Ge that, Huan Zu Ge Ge helps us. She is a REAL mingjian Ge Ge. Even if I were killed to protect this Ge Ge, It would be worth it. I'll finish you once & for all. YOU caused yong Qi into this position. YOU stabbed him. YOU caused his condition. HE loves ME. NOT you. Impossible."
"I didn't stab him. I didn't steal anyones love. No one told me a single thing. I love Yong Qi. I care for him a lot. I do. But I didn't do anything." she replied innocently.
Lao Ye, Er Kang, Er Tai, Xiao Jian & the rest noticed that she was raving mad. Really mad. She was mentally disturbed & that was very obvious. Xiao Yan Zi NEVER stabbed Yong Qi. No one called Xiao Yan Zi a beauty. It was all LIES.
"Ling Yuan. I command you to stop this at once!!" Lao Ye ordered.
"Ling Yuan...don't hurt her..."
"Yong Qi!!!" Xiao Yan Zi exclaimed & ran to him. "Are you OK?? don't try to get up." she said concerned.
"Yong Qi. I'm doing this for you. I LOVE you. For ever." she said & plunged the sword down. But soon, she was on the floor, unconscious.
"Xiao Jian, what did you do??" asked Qing Er, bewildered.
"I just knocked her out for a fewe hours. she'll be fine. meanwhile, it's best to tie her up."
"No. We can't. It's too obvious."
"You're right. What about just freezing her for awhile??" he suggested again.
"Good one."
Xiao Jian then hit the 2 sides if her shoulders.
Lao Ye soon gestured for everyone to leave & Xiao Jian lifted his sister's unconscious form off the floor & exited.
"Yong Qi, Are you OK??"
"I'm fine, Xiao Yan Zi. What about you?? Did she harm you??"
"No. I';m ok. Juat a bruise here & there. That's all. I'm sorry."
"What for??"
"For going into the room just now. If I didn't, then she wouldn't have tried to kill me. & you would't get hurt trying to save me."
"Don't be silly." he said & took her hand. "You're worth getting stabbed a thousand times for."
"No I;m not." she said & smiled.
"You seem...different now.":
"Really??"
"Yes. More mature."
"Oh... you mean I wasn;t mature enough back then??" she asked & gave him a questioning look.
"Well...kinda hard to tell..."
She pouted & he smiled.
"Nah. What ever attitude you have, you're still my Xiao Yan Zi, right??" he said & she blushed.
"Yours??"
"Yeah. Why not??"
"Welll... you never owned me... I own myself." she said.
"OK.. we share each other. Alright?? Half of me is yours & You are half mine. OK??"
"I suppose so."
"I love you." he said. she blushed harder.
"Me too." blushing.
"Huang Di, why are you back so early??" Lao Fuo Ye asked &
gasped when she saw the paralysed Ling Yuan being carried out by Xiao Jian.
"What happened-"
"Huang Er Niang, I'll tell you later. We have to get going to Jing Yang Gong first. Yong Qi has not recovered fully."
JING YANG GONG
"Fu Lun!! Xiao Jian!!! Take a few guards with you & bring Ling Yuan to Ling Jing gong. Keep her paralysed. Then come back here immediately."
"Zhar."
"Huang A Ma, I didn't do Anything wrong. Why Am I treated this way?? Even Xiao Jian, my brother is not standing up for me!!" cried Linh Yuan.
"Brother??" Lao Fuo Ye asked, confused.
"Later, Huang Er Niang."
"Don't take ling Yuan away. Explain the situation to me NOW Huang Di!"
"Huang Er Niang. It's a long story. Xiao Yan Zi & Xiao Jian turned out to be the 2 ppl I was looking for. Fang Yan & Fang ci.:
"Fang Yan??" she said & looked at Xiao Jian. "Fang Ci?"
"Yes, Lao Fuo Ye." A weak Yong Qi replied.
"This means Ling Yuan & Xiao Yan Zi are twins??"
Everyone nodded.
"My.."
"Then Ling Yuan tried to KILL Xiao Yan Zi. TWICE. But Yong Qi got injured instead."
"Ling Yuan.."
Suddenly, Ling Yuan managed to un-paralyse herself. She then made a move for Qing Er. Grabbing her & put 2 fingers at Qing Er's throat. Threathening to kill her.
"Qing Er!!"
"Xiao Jian, you didn't bother abt me last time. NOW. I'll kill who you care about MOST!!!"
"QING ER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
"Yue Mei Zi gu niang jia dao!!!" the eunuch called from outside Shu Fang Chai.
Then, a middle-age woman stepped in & greeted.
"Huang Shan/ LaoFuo Ye/ Ling Fei Niang Niang/ Wu A Ge/ Huan Zhu Ge Ge/Zi Wei Ge Ge/ Fu Da Ye/ Fu Er Ye/ Saiya Gong Zhu/ Qing Ge Ge jixiang."
"Mei Zi, why are you here??"
"That person over there is NOT Ling Yuan." she said.
"WHAT??"
"Even my own godmother disowned me!! Qing Er. This time, say you prayers."
"Jun Ling!!" Mei Zi called "Stop this at once!!"
"Jun Ling??"
"Yes. She was obsessed with marrying Wu A Ge. She looked the exact replica of Ling Yuan since birth. So she poisoned Ling Yuan & went to the palace. I didn't know about this until abbess Li told me that an invitation back to the palace had been sent & Ling Yuan, or Jun Ling, had already left. I slowly pieced everything in my mind & realised that I had to inform everybody immediately. & that's the reason I'm here."
"Jun Ling?? DO you mean Ling Da REn;'s daughter??" Er Tai asked.
"Yes. She's Ling Jun Ling. Not Ling Yuan."
"But how can this be?? Xiao Deng Zi!! Call for LING DA REN NOW!!"
"ZHar."
A while later.
"Ling Da Ren jia dao!!" The eunuch outside called
"Huang Shan/ Lao Fuo Ye/ Ling Fei Niang Niang/ Wu A Ge/ Huan Zhu Ge Ge/ Zi Wei Ge Ge/Fu Da Ye/ Fu Er Ye/ Saiya Gong Zhu/ Qing Ge Ge/ Ling Ge Ge/ Xiao Da Ren jixiang."
"Ling Da Ren! Did you send the message to Fu Hua Mountains as I asked you to last time??"
Ling Da Ren was very confused but answered anyway.
"hui Huang Shan, I did. I passed it to Abbess Li."
"Did you personally escort Ling Yuan back??"
"Yes Huang Shan."
"Now, tell us a little bit of your daughter, Jun Ling." Mei Zi asked
"A Ling??"
"Yes. Where is she now??"
"I placed her in a Fu Hua Temple just at the foot of Fu Hua Mountains 10 years ago. I still return once in awhile to visit her."
"Did you see her on your last trip to Fu Hua Mountains??"
"Yes, Huang Shan. She asked me why I was there & I told her that I needed to escort Ling Ge Ge back."
"Do you know that your daughter looks exactly like Ling Ge Ge??"
"Yes Huang Shan."
"Why did you send your daughter to the Fu Hua Temple??" Lao Fuo Ye asked.
"I-I beg your-your pardon??"
"WHY did you send Jun Ling to Fu Hua Temple!" Huang Shan repeated.
"I-I..."
"Ling Da Ren!! answer NOW!!"
"Huang Shan, it's a disgrace to my family."
"Why??"
"A Ling was born normal. But later on in her years, she developed feelings for Wu A Ge. To prevent any misunderstandings, I sent her away. 5 yrs later, she became mentally ill."
"The person whom you greet now is NOT Ling Ge Ge."
"What?/"
"She is you own Flesh & Blood. JUN LING." Mei Zi said.
"A Ling??"
"Why didn't you tell us that your daughter was mentally ill??"
"hui Huang Shan. My family followed a policy. I was merely obeying my grandfather that jia chou bu ke wai. (Family ugliness should never be told to public). May Huang Shan forgive Ling Meng on his carelessness." Ling Da Ren said & went on his knees.
"Huang Shan!@!" a voice came from Shu Fang Chai living room.
"What??" he said. irritated.
"Huang Shan, there's a gu niang outside the palace gates saying she's Ling Ge Ge. But Ling Ge Ge is already here!!"
"That must be Ling Yuan!!" Mei Zi said.
"Bring her in." Huang Shan commanded.
"Zhar."
Then, a beautiful woman entered. She wasn't like Jun Ling at all. Her dazzling white, smooth skin was the total opposite of Jun Ling's coarse skin. Her clear, radiant complexion was marvelous. It was very obvious that she had just returned from the mountains.
Immediately, Xiao Yan Zi felt very insecure. Especially at the way Yong Qi was looking at her.
"Huang A Ma/ Lao Fuo Ye/ Ling Fei Niang Niang/Wu A Ge jixiang." she greeted
"Ling Ge Ge jixiang." Er Kang, Xiao Jian, Er Tai & Yong Qi greeted.
She looked at them, puzzled. Yong Qi was different. Even the surroundings were different. Shu Fang Chai was normally unoccupied. But why were they gathered here?? Who were the 3 young women standing beside Yong Qi, Er Kang, & Er Tai?? Who was the man beside Wu A Ge?? So many questions were left unanswered.
"Huang A Ma, do you mean THIS Ling Yuan is my sister??"
"Yes Xiao Yan Zi." Huang Shan said.
*Huang A Ma??* Ling Yuan thought, confused.
The girl rushed to embrace her, tears flowing. Ling Yuan had no other choice but to return the embrace. She gave Qing Er a questioning look.
After they parted, Ling Yuan immediately knelt & said,
"Huang A Ma. Ling Yuan is confused. Who are they?? Why does she claim she's my sister?? Ling Yuan doesn't understand at all."
"Sorry to interrupt this lovely reunion but Ling Yuan, you should never have come back. You would've just put everyone you love in danger." Jun Ling said.
"You are??"
"I am the current LING GE GE. YOU. Are NOTHING!!"
Ling Yuan gasped.
"Guards!! arrest this person!!" Jun Ling & Ling Yuan ordered.
The guards didn't do anything but stood on the spot looking even more confused than before. They had never dealt withthis kind of situation before in their lives. 2 people who looked the same ordering them to arrest each other. Who should they obey??
"Guards!! Arrest this person!!" Ling Da Ren said.
The took hold of Jun Lin with immediate effect.
"Throw her in the Northern Jail now!" Huang Shan commanded.
"Yong Qiiii!!!! Help MEeeee!!!"
"Huang A Ma, I still don't understand." Ling YUan said.
"Ling Yuan. You're the daughter of Fang Zhi Hang. Your name is Fang Ling. At that time I had just become an emperor. Totally ignorant of everything. I'm sure you know the story of the Fang family, right?"
"Yes Huang A Ma."
"Your name is Fang Ling. Xiao Yan Zi, over there is Fang Ci. Your twin. She is now known as Huan Zhu Ge Ge & is betrothed to Wu A Ge. I'm sure you've heard of her before??"
"Yes Huang A Ma."
"The other girl is Zi Wei. Known as Zi Wei Ge Ge or Ming Zhu Ge Ge She's my real daughter & betrothed to Er Kang. The person standing beside Qing Er is Xiao Jian. Your brother Fang Yan. The Tibetan girl is Er Tai's wife. He is now the Tibetan consort."
"I see. HUang A ma, how did they becom Ge Ges??"
"That, I think XIao Yan Zi will tell you with very much enthusiasam indeed." Yong Qi said, laughing while XIao Yan Zi glared at him.
"I think we'd better get moving. Mei Zi, you shall stay in Ling Jing Gong as usual. Ling Yuan, you must be tired fter a long journey. Go back to rest." Lao Fuo Ye said
Ling Yuan then reluctantly said "Shi Lao Fuo Ye." She desperately wanted to talk to Yong Qi. SHe had been meaning to catch up on some things, settle the 6 r old matter & start over with him. She sensed something impossible though.
********
Later that night...
Xiao Yan Zi's room
* I Hate Yong Qi! He can go back to his Childhood lover if he wants to. The way He looked at her made me wanna scream!!!*
Suddenly, hot tears rolled down her cheeks. She gasped. She was crying. Why was she crying in the first place?? She herself didn't know why. She started to sob.
*********
Ling Jing Gong
Ling Yuan's room.
* Why was I so stubborn last time. I could've just accepted Yong Qi & none of this would happen...What Am I Thinking??? I shouldn't be thinking about it!!*
Just then, she felt dampness on her cheeks. She was crying & didn't know
the reason. Did she really love him?? Were all the denials untrue??
Her questions left unanswered.
*********
3 Days Later.
"Er Kang, Er Tai, do of you notice Xiao Yan Zi's attitude towards me lately?? Or am I just being sensitive?"
"Looks like we're not the only ones, Er Kang."
"It's very obvious. She is avoiding & ignoring you for some reason. Zi Wei told me."
"What?? Why??"
"He won't tell you, Yong Qi. Zi Wei swore him to secrecy."
"Please??"
"Sorry."
they entered Shu Fang Chai.
When he entered, he saw Xiao Yan Zi, Zi Wei, Saiya, Ling Yuan & Qing Er busilly chatting. He saw Xiao Yan Zi, avoiding eye contact with him. There was something wrong but he couldn't quite place the problem. To calm his worries, he pulled Xiao Yan Zi all the way to her bedroom. When the got in, he closed the door & locked it.
"Let go of me!! What's wrong with you Yong Qi??" she asked loudly. Looking away.
"I should be the one asking the question. you've been avoiding me lately. I just wanna know why."
"No reason."
"That's it?? Xiao Yan Zi don't pull my leg. Speak it out!!"
"No." She stubbornly said.
"Tell me!!!!" he practically yelled.
"Fine! You wanna know why?? You can go back to your childhood lover & I won't care a single bit!! You should be the one explaining to me about the weird way you've been treating her these past few days!!" she said. nearly a scream.
"Ling Yuan is not & was not my child hood lover." He explained.
"I don't care!! You can go to her for all I care!!"
"Listen, you're being unreasonable..."
"Unreasonable??? Who are you to call me that??" he eyes blazing.
"It's true." he said with a stubborn expression.
"Get out."
"I'm not going to till you apologize."
"me?? Apologize to you?? You were the one who started this in the first place ."
"Me?? I thought you're the one with the wild estimations??"
She kicked him. Hard. & didn't care when he doubled over in pain but went out of the room, out of Shu Fang Chai with Ming Yue, Cai Xia. Zi Wei & the rest following her & into the imperial garden. There, she 'flew' up to a tree & sat on a branch.
"You can stay up there for as long as you want. Even forever if that pleases you!!" Yong Qi told her.
"Pleasure to!!"
He walked away.
"Zi Wei, Qing Er, Is anything wrong between them??" Ling YUan asked.
"Nah, it's just one of their lovers tiffs. Very common to both of them. It'll be abnormal if they don't quarrel every once in a month. Especially since their pride comes first. reconcilation is a difficult task." Qing Er said.
"Yes. One minute they're loving, the other, they're screaming their heads off. It's OK. They'll be OK in a weeks time at most."
"A Week?>?"
"Yes. for them to cool down. & push away their pride & apologize."
"Oh..I see.."
Saiya got fed up shouting to Xiao Yan Zi from downbelow & flew up th tree before Er TAi could stop her.
"Xiao Yan Zi??"
"Saiya go back down there."
"Why?? Why are you crying?"
"I'm angry."
"Why?"
"Yong Qi called me unreasonable."
"I bet he didn't mean that."
"Oh yeah?? Whose side are you on anyway?"
"I'm on the fence. Er Tai & I fight a lot too. He calles me names & I say horrible stuff to him too. We always end up saying sory in the end."
"So??"
"Who is the one who always apologizes?"
"Yong Qi."
"Why?"
"He always feels guilty or something happens to me. Then he will apologize."
"Why don't YOU apologize to him first."
"I'm NOT GOING TO SAY SORRY TO SOMEONE UNREASONABLE."
"We'll put it this way. HE called YOU unreasonable.So prove him wrong. If YOU say sorry. He'll feel guiltier & apologize to YOU."
"Really??"
"Trust me. Er Tai & I are always like that. You & I are nearly alike. & so is Er Tai & Yong Qi. I bet there will be the same results."
"Ok then, I'll say sorry tomorrow."
"Not tomorrow. NOW."
"WHy?"
"He won't call you unreasonable for a long time."
"OK."
"Quick!"
But suddenly, there was a sickening crack on the branch. Saiya & Xiao Yan Zi's weight was too much for it to bear.
Then,
"Ahhh!!!!!!!" they came hurtling down.
*******
Jing Yang Gong.
"Yong Qi, you're usually the softer type. Why so mad now??"
No response.
"You're wrong in the first place." Er Kang cont'd
"Why?" he mumbled.
"You HAVE been treating Ling Yuan funnily these days. Everyone noticed it. I'm not surprised Xiao Yan Zi did."
"I never had feelings for her." he muttered.
"You called her unreasonable. YOU were the unreasonable one."
"Whose side are you on anyway?? Mine or hers??"
"I'm nowhere. I think you're WRONG. & She's wrong too. She's wrong because she thought you & Ling Yuan had something going on. But YOU'RE the one wrong when it came to explaining to her. Instead of calming her fears, you accused her of being unreasonable. It was very clear that she was afarid you would fall for Ling Yuan."
"So?"
"You & I have known Xiao Yan Zi for a long time. She has never been good at showing her feelings. Instead, she throws tantrums, does stupid things, or acts rashly."
"Well, she says she loves me. She doesn't even TRUST me."
"She trusts you. The problem is, women are unpredictable. She loves you That's why she's jealous. Even if Ling YUan's her twin, she feels insecure. She needs you to explain things to her. To asure her that everything's OK."
"What do I do now??"
"Apologize."
"I guess you're right. C'mon. Let's go to the Imperial Garden. You know what Er Kang??"
"What??"
"You'd quallify for a woman."
Er Kang nearly strangled him.
*****
AT the Imperial Garden.
"Ahhh.."
Out of Nowhere, Someone flew up & caught Xiao Yan Zi. The same for Saiya.
They landed safely on the ground.
"Xiao Yan Zi, are you OK??" Yong Qi asked, worried.
"Saiya, I told you not to go up there." ErTai said, shaking his head.
"I just wanted to help Xiao Yan Zi.""
"Yong Qi/ Xiao Yan Zi I want to tell you something." They said together.
"We'll talk in Shu Fang Chai." Er Tai said.
********
Shu Fang Chai
Everyone went out & left both Xiao Yan Zi & Yong Qi in Shu Fang Chai to resolve their quarrel.
"I'm sorry." both of them blurted out at the same time & smiled.
"I'm sorry for accusing you."
"I'm sorry for calling you unreasonable. There has been nothing between Ling Yuan & me. We're clean. I'll never betray you anyway."
She smiled up at him.
" I know. Saiya told me."
"Saiya??" Yong Qi asked, an eyebrow lifted.
"Yes. She can b a verygood counselor you know?"
He just nodded & kissed her on the forehead, ignoring her burning cheeks.
"I promise & won't call you unreasonable ever again."
"I promise I'll trust you next time."
******
Outside Shu Fang Chai.
"What did you tell Xiao Yan Zi??" Er Tai asked.
"I told her to apologize & when we were goign down, the stupid branch cracked."
"YOU told HER to apologize & she was WILLING??" Er Kang asked, not believing.
"YOU consoled HER to apologize??" Er Tai asked. Totally not believing his ears.
"Amazing." Er Kang said
"Unbelievable." Er Tai muttered.
"Er Tai, tomorrow follow me out to the country side to see if pigs can fly."
"Hey!! Don't you think I'm of calibre?? I can be very good if I want to." Saiya said & er Kang snorted.
"You?? Of Calibre??" Er Kang said.
"Er Kang YOU!!!" sha said & hit him several times. In the end, the laughing Er Tai stopped her before she hurt his brother further.
"Xiao Yan ZI, you have been doing well in your studies. Ji Shi Fu just sent me a copy of your work. Not bad. Are you sure that no one has been doing work for you??"
"Huang A Ma, to know, you'll just have to look at the writing. Mine is scrawly, ugly & out of proportion. Ziwei's is neat. Yong Qi's is also very, very steady. Er Akng will never help me even if I went down on my knees to beg him. Er Tai is so busy looking after Saiya that he doesn't have time. Who else??"
"OK. believe you. As a reward, you'll be able to go out for another day for 3 months. IF your studies are improving or steady. But if you go down the ditch, you'll be limited to 1 trip per month. Understood??"
"xie Huang A Ma. Huang A Ma wan shui wan shui wan wan shui!!" she
said & did a little victory dance.
***********
"Ling yuan, do you want to follow us out tomorrow??" Xiao Yan Zi asked.
"Nah. I'll stay & rest for a while."
"Alright, it's your loss." Xiao Yan Zi said.
*Xiao Yan Zi, I DO want to go. But I'm afraid The old feelings for Yong Qi will be aroused if I stay in the same carriage as him.* Ling Yuan thought sadly, not wanting to hurt this new-found sister of hers.
********
The Next Day
"Liu Qing, Liu Hong, Jin Suo, Xiao Jian!!" XIao Yan ZI called as usual.
"Xiao Yan Zi??" Jin Suo asked, puzzled. "Xiao Jie??"
"Why are you here today?? Is there something wrong??" Xiao Jian asked.
"No. Lao YE comanded her for her improving studies & as a reward, she gets to come out."
"You?? My own flesh & blood, improving in studies?? Pigs must be flying." Xiao Jian joked.
"Xiao Jian, you're right. I'm very surprised." er kang continued.
"Hmmph!! Both of you ALWAYS look down on me."
"Yeah! Er Kang, you also always underestimate me." Saiya said, recalling the incident 2 nights ago.
"Stop standing there & talking. You're blocking my customers. Come in & sit down." Liu Hong said.
"OK."
******
Later on.
"Liu Hong, I heard some people saying that there is a small promotion & festival at the market today." Zi Wei said.
"Yeah!! I wanna go!!" Saiya said
"Me too!!" Xiao Yan Zi said enthusiastically
"Yes. There is. Why don't all of you go. There are some competitions also."
"Yong Qi!! Let's go!!" Xiao Yan Zi said, pulling Yong Qi's sleeve.
"OK. We'll ALL go." Er Kang said
********
THE MARKET AREA
"Why don't all of us split into groups of 2s??" Er Ta suggested. "It won't attract too much attention."
"Good idea."
"OK. Yong Qi & Xiao Yan Zi in one, ZiWei, Er Kang. Xiao Jian, Qing Er & Saiya & me."
*******
YONG QI & XIAO YAN ZI
"Xiao Yan Zi. Don't run astray please. If I lose you, Huang A Ma will behead me for sure."
"Really??"
He just nodded in return.
"Alright then. I'l stay next to you, k??"
"OK."
"Yong Qi!! Look !! There's a performance over there!!"
"Come on!! Let's go & have a look. But don't run as- Ooff!!"
"Dui Bu chi." a small voice came from a young girl.
"It's OK." Yong Qi returned.
"Are you OK??" Xiao Yan Zi asked.
"I'm Al right." She said & looked up. When she did, a sense of recognition passed in her eyes as she looked at Yong Qi.
"WU Que..." she whispered.
"Huh??" Xiao Yan Zi asked. Confused.
"Wu Que!!" she said louder this time & threw her arms around a startled Yong Qi.
"I'm sorry miss. But You must've mistaken me for someone else." Yong Qi said, wonderling who this Wu Que was.
"Wu Que..." she continued as if she had heard nothing.
"Xing Lan!!" called a young girl, waving her way through the crowd of people.
"What's going on??" asked a seething Xiao Yan Zi. "Who are you??"
"Huh?? Who are YOU??" the young girl asked instead.
"Me?? I am-"
"Wu Que?? Jiang Wu Que?? You're alive!! Xie tian!!"
"Huh??"
"Huh??" Yong Qi said, more confused than ever.
"Who are you??" a young girl in red asked Xiao Yan Zi who was clutching Yong Qi’s sleeve.
"Me?? I should be asking you that question." Was Xiao Yan Zi’s reply.
"Do I know both of you??" Yong Qi asked
"You don’t remember us??" was the girl in red’s reply
"I'm sorry, but I've never met any of you before."
"Xiao La Jiao!!! Xiao Lan!! There you are. I thought both of you were-.... Wu Que??"
"Oh no..." Yong Qi muttered.
"Wu Que thank god we found you we thought you were-"
"I don't understand any of you. Let's all go tp Hui Bing Lou to settle this matter." Yong Qi said & took Xiao Yan Zi's hand & walked off in another direction followed by a jealous Xiao Lan, a confused Xiao LA Jiao & the other young man.
***************
HUI BING LOU.
"Yong Qi?? Why are you back so early??" Liu Hong asked.
"Liu Hong, get us a room. We would like to talk in private." gesturing to the 2 ladies & the man
"OK"
*************
IN THE ROOM/
"Can someone please explain to me what's goign on right now??" an exasperated Xiao Yan Zi asked & plonked down onto a chair, Yong Qi sitting next to her.
"I think Wu Que lost his memory." Xiao La Jiao said.
"Can we start with introducing??" Yong Qi asked.
"I'm Xiao Yu er. Your twin brother."
"Xiao La Jiao, Your sister in-law."
"& I;m Xiao Lan. I was supposed to get married to you but 1 week before our wedding, you mysteriously disappeared."
"I'm Yong Qi. Not any Wu Que. & this is my fiance, Xiao Yan Zi."
"Fiance??" Xiao La Jiao gasped.
"Yes. I'm not Wu Que. My name is Ai Yong Qi. I've been living in Beijing all my life. Maybe you've mistaken me for someone else."
"Yong Qi!!" Qing Er called as she poked her head into the room.
"QInG Er!! Come in." Yong Qi said.
"All of you come in!!" Xiao YAn ZI cont;d.
"You are..??" Qing Er asked.
"I'm Xiao Yu Er. Wu Que's brother."
"Xiao La Jiao, Wu Que's sister in-law."
"& I;m Xiao Lan. I was supposed to get married to Wu Que but 1 week before our wedding, he mysteriously disappeared."
"Who's this Wu Que??" Er Tai asked.
"Him." was Xiao Yu Er's firm reply as he pointed to Yong Qi who looked tired from explaining.
"Yong Qi??" They all asked, shocked.
“Since when did you name become Wu Que??” Xiao Jian asked.
“Never. I was trying to get them to explain to me before you came in.”
“Wait. Can everyone tell me who’s who??” Xiao La Jiao asked.
“I’m Er Kang. This is my brother & Sister in-law. Er Tai & Saiya. We are friends of Yong Qi.”
“I’m Xiao Yan Zi’s brother, Xiao Jian.”
“I’m Yong Qi’s sister, Zi Wei.”
“I’m Yong Qi’s cousin, Qing Er.”
“Wu Que?? You have a sister??”
“I’m NOT Wu QUE!!” cried Yong Qi.
“But you LOOK like Wu Que.” Xiao La Jiao insisted.
“Tell us about this Wu Que guy.” Xiao Yan ZI said.
“Wu Que grew up in the western part of China, after being separated at birth with his twin, Xiao Yu Er. 2 ladies from Yi Hua Gong brought him up by the name of Hua Wu Que & thought him wu gong. But he remained expressionless, abiding by the rules of Yi Hua Gong. He later met up with his brother, befriended us, & was about to marry Xiao Lan. But 1 week before his wedding, we was going out for a breath of fresh air. Xiao Lan told him that she would catch up later. But when she went to the sea shore, he was no where to be found. We waited & searched for days & nights but to no avail. His Da Gu Gu, Yao Yue, is very worried. She even tried to find him with her powers but we never found him.” Xiao La Jiao said.
“We decided to travel to find him. But not until we reached Beijing, Xiao Lan bumped into you. & here we are right now.” Xiao Yu Er concluded.
“Xiao Lan, are you OK.” Xiao La Jiao softly asked Xiao Lan who was sitting quietly at the side, observing Yong Qi & Xiao Yan Zi. Soon, a tear trickled from the corner of her eye.
“Wu Que!! Please try to remember!! Don’t shut me out of your life like that. Please Wu Que!! Don’t!!” she cried & knelt down in front of him, clutching his knees.
“Xiao gu niang, I would like to help you. But I don’t know nothing about this Hua Wu Que. I am definitely NOT Wu Que as I have been living in Beijing all my life!. My life-long friends, Er Kang & Er Tai & my family can prove it. I sympathize you & want to help you. But I can’t.” Yong Qi told her softly & helped her rise.
“Yes, Xiao Lan gu niang. This person, Hua Wu Que is some one we have never heard about. Yong Qi may look like him. But personality wise, he is very different. Yong QI grew up in an emotional home. Unlike you fiancé, Xiao Lan gu niang.” Zi Wei told her.
“Really??”
“Shi ah!!” was Xiao Yan Zi’s reply.
Then, there was a knock on the door.
“Wu A Ge / Huan Zhu Ge Ge/ Zi Wei Ge Ge/ Qing Ge Ge/ Fu Da Ye/ Fu Er Ye/ Saiya Gongzhu/ Xiao Da Ren jixiang.” Greeted a eunuch.
“Long Er??” Er Kang called.
“Huang Shan has called you back to the Huang Gong including Xiao Da Ren as Lao Fuo Ye is ill.”
“What??”
“Ge Ge/??? A-A Ge??” stammered Xiao La Jiao.
“Liu Qing, Liu Hong, Jin Suo!! Explain to them please.” Xiao Jian said & rushed out of Hui Bing Lou with the rest.
CI NING GONG.
“Lao Fuo Ye!!” Qing Er called & rushed into her chamber. She gasped as she found her beloved grandmother lying down on the bed, unconscious.
“Qing Er…” Lao Fuo Ye called weakly.
“Huang A Ma/ Huang Shan/ Huang Hou/ Ling Fei Niang Niang jixiang.”
“Lao Fuo Ye!” Zi Wei & Xiao Yan Zi rushed to the bed.
“Are you OK??” Zi Wei asked
“What happened.” Xiao Yan ZI asked
“Nothing. Just a nasty cold & I slipped when I was walking to the Imperial Gardens.”
“Xie Tian Xie Di..” Xiao Yan Zi said.
“Nothing much. Huang Di, Yong Qi, Er Kang, Er Tai, Saiya, Xiao Yan ZI, Zi Wei & the rest, why don’t you get going. I;m alright/ Qing Er is here anyway.”
“Alright, Lao Fuo Ye, We’ll visit you tomorrow.”
"You are.." Xiao La Jiao started.
"We are friends of Yong Qi, Xiao Yan Zi & the rest."
"How??"
"That's why it's impossible for Yong Qi to be the Wu Que you're looking for." Liu Qing said.
"You mean.."
"Yes. Yong Qi, is Wu A Ge. Xiao Yan Zi is Huan Zhu Ge Ge. Zi Wei & Ming Zhu Ge Ge. Er Kang is Fu Da Ye & his brother is Fu Er Ye. Saiya is a foreign princess. Qing Er is Qing Ge Ge & Xiao Jian is Xiao Da Ren. They are all Huang Shan's favourites." Jin Suo explained.
"We HAVE heard of Huan Zhu Ge ge before while on our journey to Beijing. It is said that Wu A Ge shall wed Huan Zhu Ge Ge soon. Is it true??" Xiao Lan asked quietly.
"Yes. in perhaps 3-4 months time. Xiao Lan gu niang. It is very obvious that you think Yong Qi is Wu Que. But he isn't. You will only get to see Yong Qi 3 times a month. Sometimes, he may not even come outof the Huang Gong if there are important matters to rake care of. Xiao Yan Zi definitely will, though." Jin Suo explained.
"I know. But he looksexactly like Wu Que. I can't but imagine if he loves me just like Wu Que did."
"Face facts, Xiao Lan. There is no way Wu A Ge is Yong Qi." Xiao Yu Er said.
"Yes, Xiao Lan. It is so obvious that this Wu A Ge cares a lot for Huan Zhu ge ge & vice-versa. Don't push yourself."
But Xiao Lan merely nodded.
"I'll give you 2 rooms. Since Xiao La Jiao guniang & Xiao Yu Er xian sheng are married. I'll give you another room. Xiao Lan guniang. You can have this room." Liu Hong said.
"But we don't have enough money to pay.." Xiao La Jiao started.
"It's OK. Xiao Yan Zi & Yong Qi have offered to pay for all your meals & food in Hui Bing Lou. They might be back in 1 weeks time. I'm not sure." Liu Qing said.
"By the way, I;m Jin Suo, this is my Husband, Liu Qing & my sister in-law, Liu Hong."
"Just call us XIao Lan, Xiao La Jiao & Xiao Yu Er. That will do." XIao Yu Er said.
"Ok then. We'll leave you alone. Xiao Yu Er, your room will be next door. here's the key."
*Yong Qi...Why can't you be Wu Que & not leave me ever.. Why??***
"Xiao Lan, what do u plan to do??"
"I don't know xiao La Jiao.. I really don't know.." she said & wept on her shoulder.
*********
HUANG GONG
"XIao Jian, all of you. come into Qian Qing Gong with me. I have someting to tell you."
**********
QIAN QING GONG
"Xiao Jian, I want to offer you the position of a General." He said.
"HUang Shan...but I.."
"No buts. I hope you will accept it."
Xiao Yan Zi & Qing Er looked at him pleadingly that it was hard for him to refuse.
*This person, Huang Shan, killed my family. How can I accept?? But No!! He
saved MY life. XIAO YAN ZI's life & Ling YUan's life. He didn't want my
family to die.* he reasoned in his head.
"HUang Shan. I accept. Xie Huang Shan!"
"Hao la Hao la!! Now, you shall become Xiao Da Ren!! Qing Er shall be betrothed to you!!"
"xie, Huang Shan. Huang Shan wan shui wanshui wan wan shui!!"
"Ahh.. Yong Qi, Er Kang, Xiao Jian. I have decided. Lao Fuo ye, Ling Fei Niang Niang & I have chosen a perfect date for your wedding. according to lao Fuo Ye this type of day comes only once in 10 years. It's a good opportunity. Your weddings shall be held in 2 months time."
"XIe Huang Shan/ Huang A Ma. HUang Shan wan shui wan shui wan wan shui!!"
Er Kang, Xiao Jian & Yong Qi looked at each other excitedly.
"Huang A Ma!! I have a request." Xiao Yan Zi said.
"What??"
"OUr marvelous day was destroyed when Long Er came to announce that Lao Fuo Ye was ill!! He nearly scared me to death!! Whew!! But the worst came when he called us by our titles. Not Shao Ye & Xiao Jie as he was supposed to. Worse still. We were in a confined room with 3 strangers!! he totally BLEW our identities!!"
"He did??" Huang Shan asked, lifting an eyebrow.
"Shi ah, Huang A Ma!! We did not have time to explain to the 3 of them."
"Ahh... then I sha;; put him in the jail for-"
"HUang A Ma!! Huang A Ma!! That's not necessary.." she said
"Oh?? Then what is??"
"For us to go out tomorrow or the day after to explain to Xiao yu Er, Xiao La Jiao & XIao Lan."
"Is that so??"
She nodded.
"I suppose it's OK. TOMORROW."
"Xie Huang A Ma!!!!"
"You can call them to your wedding if you like.."
"Yay!!!!" Xiao Yan Zi said & grabbed Zi Wei & Qing Er's hands & did a victory dance.
*******************
HUI BING LOU
"LIU Qing!! Liu Hong!! Jin Suo!! We're back again!!"
"Xiao Jie?? Xiao Yan Zi??"
"Where are they??"
"Over here!!!" yelled Xiao La Jiao.
"Hi!!" ZI Wei said & everyone greeted each other good morning.
"Treat us like commoners. Out here, we are not any A Ge, Ge Ge or Da Ye." Xiao jian whispered.
"OK." Xiao Yu Er said.
They started to chat about everything. Then, Zi Wei noticed the rather quiet Xiao Lan & was curious.
"We will be getting married in 2 months time & all of you are invited!" Xiao Jian said.
"You mean.."
"Yes. Liu Qing, Jin Suo & Liu Hong will take you there. Jin SUo has a special pass that enables her to get in as she was once a ya tou. We shall call Xiao Deng Zi to take you in."
"Xie Xie!!" Xiao La Jiao said
There was chaos in Shu Fang Chai as Qing Er, Xiao Yan Zi & Zi Wei. Accompanied by Ling Fei niang Niang & Saiya, rushed around the place looking for things, scurrying the maids, & all that.
"Zi Wei Ge Ge!! Where is your pin??" asked Cai Xia.
"Oh no!! I dropped the apple into the bowl of soup!" Xiao Yan ZI yelled.
"Xiao Yan Zi!! you stepped on my skirt again!! Or is it Zi Wei??" Qing Er said as she stumbled down onto the floor, followed by the 2 others.
"Tian Ah!! I have never experienced this kind of wedding in my life!! So chaotic!" said Ling Fei Niang Niang.
AT last, everything quietened down as Yong Qi, Er Kang & Xiao Jian arrived.
Every thing was in a mess. Zi Wei, Xiao Yan Zi & Qing Er took the wrong carriage & Xiao Yan ZI ended up in Xiao She Fu, then Xue Shi Fu while Zi Wei in Jing Yang Gong, then Xiao She Fu & Qing er in Xue She Fu before arriving t Jing Yang Gong.. They switched back in the end but all the servants were trembling with fright.
**********
XUE SHI FU
"Zi Wei, do you know that marrying you is a real challenge?? See?? For example. What happened today was a total disaster!! Whne I opened the red clth, I expected to see you face but I saw Qing Er instead. Good GRieF!! the second time, I saw Xiao Yan Zi!!"
Zi Wei merely laughed lightly.
"True. the 3 of us fell & must;ve got exchanged. For once, Xiao Yan Zi was actually sensible enough to sugest that we check if the servants got the right people. Too bad, we were in such a hurry that we had absolutely no time to consider."
"Hah!! Xiao Yan Zi?? sensible?? Zi Wei, you must be joking."
"I'm not." she insisted.
He just kept quiet & looked at her adoringly, pulled her to him & hugged her....
(letz not stay with them any longer.)
*****************
XIAO SHE FU
"Qing Er. This is the most terrifyng day of my life." Xiao Jian said with a whoosh.
"Why??"
"I first saw my OWN sister. Then ZI Wei!! I could've had a heart attack."
She did nothing but smile at him & slowly admired his handsome features.
"Qing Er.."
"Hmm??"
"I promise you I will love you forever."
Qing Er blushed & said. "Forever?/"
"Yes."
"I'll keep that in my mind & wait till I become an old hag."
"To me, you're always beautiful." with that, he took er into him arms.
(Qing Er & Xiao Jian is not my favourit part.)
********
JING YANG GONG
"Have the maids all gone??" whispered Xiao Yan Zi.
"Yes.. I think so."
"No One ever listens to me!!" she wailed.
"Why??"
"When we all fell, we got swiched & ended up in thewrong places. TWICE. I even recommended we check if we're with the right people. They didn't bother."
"Oh really??" Yong Qi said sceptically.
"Shi ah!! But it was soo funny watching Xiao Jian & Er Kang's pure white faces when they set eyes on me!!! HAHAHA!!!" she said laughing.
"You should've seen MINE when I saw Zi Wei & Qing Er."
"I bet not as bad."
"I bet worse. I even thought you ran away. I just remembered that marrying you wasn't easy."
"Why?? Having second thoughts??" she asked, teasing.
"Nope. Not in this lifetime." he said & drew her close. "NEVER in this lifetime. Or even the next."
"I'll remember that."
"I'll make sure you do." he said & pinched her nose lightly.
Soon, their lips met. Their meaning for a light kiss, was soon converted into a passionate one. While they kissed, he carressed her cheek lovingly & she blushed ferociously. The kiss lasted for mintues. Emphasizing on the passion, love & intensity they both shared. Soon, they broke apart.
He pulled her to him & she laid her head in between his neck & shoulder. and they...
"Ah!! Jin Suo!!" called Ming Yue & rushed to hug her.
"Jin Suo??" CaiXia said & did the same.
"Jin Suo! You're back!" Xiao deng Zi said & did a little dance around the 3 girls.
"I'll only be staying here for the night."
"Shu Fang Chi is going to be very quiet now.." murmured Xiao Chuo Zi.
"Shi. Now that both Ge Ges are gone, there will be no more laughter here."
"Don't worry. Xiao Yan ZI will come here often. Judging at the number of tiffs she & Yong Qi always share. it's not surprising." Liu Hong said.
"You are..." Cai Xia started.
"Oh. This is Liu Qing, my husband. Liu Hong, my sister-in-law & these 3 people are XIao Yu Er, Xiao La Jiao & Xiao Lan, friends of Xiao Ji & Xiao Yan Zi." Jin SUo explained.
"Oh.. Isee.."
"Ming YUe, CaiXia, can you get 4 rooms?? 1 for me & Liu Qing, 1 for Xiao La Jiao & Xiao yu Er & 1 for Liu Hong & 1 for Xiao Lan."
"Sure."
**************
XIAO LAN
"How I wish you were here, Wu Que.. I really do.." she said to her self.
Suddenly, ther was a flash in her mind.
*Xiao Lan.*
"Huh??"
*Lian Xing*
"Lian Xing??"
*Woke up*
"she.."
*COme back*
*Xiao Yu Er*
*XiaoLaJiao*
*Now*
Then, she saw Yao Yue's pained face.
"Ohno!!"
SHe ran all the way to Xiao Yu Er's room
"Xiao La Jiao!! Xiao Yu Er1!"
"What??" they asked, sleepy.
"Lian Xiang has awoken!!"
"What?/" they asked, more awake then ever.
"Yes. Yao Yue gongZhu was sending me a message. SHe said Wu Que's Xiao Gu Gu is still alive & has awoken from her deathly slumber!"
"This means..."
"Yes1! She was never dead!! She asked us all to return."
"Return where??" Xiao La JIao asked.
"Yi Hua Gong!!"
"Yi HUa Gong!!" Liu Hong blurted out!!
"Liu Hong..we.."
"You are all from the infamous Yi hua Gong??"
"Listen..we.."
"B-but.."
"Liu Hong. Wu Que is from Yi hua Gong. we are not from Yi Hua Gong, Wu Que's Xiao Gu GU, Lian Xing has just awoken. We have to return without anyone knowing."
"B-but you are from Yi Hua Gong!! YaoYue has tried to conquer the palace several times in history but failed!!" Jin SUo said.
"Xiao Deng Zi!! Xiao Chuo Zi!! lock all the doors!!"
"Please, Liu Hong, You have to let us go.." Xiao Lan begged.
"I'mm very sorry."
"Yao Yue gong zhu has changed for the better. She is now not as evil as she was."
"& we have absolutely nothing to do with yao yue. we only stayed in Yi Hua Gong to accompany her eversince Wu Que went missing."
"You sure??" Liu Qing asked cautiously.
"Yes."
"Very well, we shall let you go. But. You cannot return to Beijing after that." Jin SUo told them
"We give you our word." Xiao Yu Er said & they left.
**************
THE NEXT MORNING
Xiao she fu
Xiao Jian yawned & blinked as he studied the suroundings. The place was not familiar as it didn't look like HUi Bing Lou at all. Then, his memory returned. He was a married man. Married to the woman he loved. He was no longer a lost Xiao jian in search of his sister. He was General Xiao. Fang Yan. Working for Huang Shan. What would his god-father say when he hears about this?? He sensed movement beside him. Qing Er was half awake. He turned & looked at her sleepy face.
"'Morning." she greeted sleepily.
""morning, Qing Er." he said & carressed her cheek & she smiled. To his wonder, just one smile from her erased all other thoughts.
*Maybe it's just plain love.* he thought.
He lowered his head & gave her a light, but passionate kiss.
(let's not interrupt)
*****************
Xue She Fu.
"Good morning, Zi Wei." Er Kang murmured as she stirred.
"'Morning."
he sighed a happy sigh.
"Why sigh??"she asked.
"Firstly, I'm finally married to you." he said & she blushed.
"Secondly, It's great to have you here every morning when I wake up."
"& last of all.... Xiao Yan Zi, the trouble magnet, shall no longer be our burden." he said & smiled gleefully.
"Why??"
"She is now married to Yong Qi. So, neither of us will be trouble coming our way."
"That's a horrible thing to say." she said, laughing.
He just looked at her & smiled.
*******************
Jing Yang Gong
That morning, surprisingly, Xiao Yan ZI woke up first. She gazed at her new husband & smiled. He looked so peaceful in slumber. HIs loving, secure arm around her waist made her feel safe. She tilted her head to geta clearer view & his mouth stretched up to a yawn. She immediately shut her eyes & slowly lay her head on his chest again.
As he opened is eyes, he caught sight of Xiao Yan Zi's face on his chest & smiled. She looked so angelic. Her eyes then fluttered open.
"Morning." she said & yawned.
"'morning."
"You're up early..." she started.
"Early?? Xiao Yan Zi. It's quite late." he said, smiling & gazing down adoringly at her.
"Nah.. I think I'll sleep for a while more..." she said & turned around.
He tighted his arm around her waist & pulled her back, forbidding her to turn around. He then lowered his head & kissed her a lithg, feathery kiss. When they broke apart, she lay her head on his chest.
"We'd better get going or Huang A Ma will have fits." he told her gently & she nodded.
After they got changed, they slowly made their way to Qian Qing Gong to greet the Emperor, Lao Fu Ye, HUang Hou & all his concubines.
"Huan Zhu Ge Ge Dao!! Wu A Ge Dao!!" the eunuch called from the main door of Qian Qing Gong.
"HUang A Ma/ Lao Fuo Ye/ Huang Hou Niang Niang jixiang." they greeted.
Xiao Yan ZI & Yong Qi were then asked to kneel & served tea to Huang Shan, Lao Fuo Ye, Huang Hou & every songle one of Huang Shan's 21 concubines. by the end of the ceremony, All Huang Shan's concubines took their leave except for Ling Fei niang Niang & HUang Hou.
"HUang A Ma... do I have to kneel like this every day/??" whined Xiao Yan Zi.
"Why?" he asked in return.
"Because if we have to, I will make my knee protections & give them to Yong Qi, Zi Wei, Qing Er & Xiao jian."
"What about Er Kang?"
"Er Kang?? He can kneel for 2 days & 2 nights & I won't gove a damn." she replied.
"Why??" asked Huang Shan this time.
"He always teases me."
Huang Shan ended up laughing loudly & Xiao Yan Zi pouted.
"Don't worry. You won't have to kneel every day." Lao Fuo Ye told her.
"Huang Shan, yesterday was quite a havoc in Shu Fang Chai." Ling Fei added.
"Why?" Huang Shan asked
"Zi Wei & Qing Er fell down twice & Xiao Yan Zi ate the apple she was supposed to carry with her once as she was hungry & when we got her another, she dropped it into the soup. When Yong QI, Er Kang & Xiao jian arrived, they all fell down on each other & ended up in the wrong places." she said.
"Twice." added Yong QI, laughing.
Everyone laughed & Xiao Yan Zi pouted more.
"Xiao Yan ZI, see?? Even you cannot escape trouble on your own wedding." Huang Shan said & laughed at his words.
"Huang A Ma, You're being like Er Kang now." she whined.
"Xiao Yan Zi. Your huang A Ma is right. Trouble follows you wherever you go. It still manages to find you wherever you are. You can never escape from it..." Huang Hou said & everyone broke out in laughter again.
"Ah... stop teasing the poor child." Lao Fuo Ye said as she glanced at Xiao Yan Zi.
"Yes Huang A Ma. Stop teasing me!! You should pity me instead. Even on my wedding day, trouble comes to find me. I don't want it to but it still does. See?? I was so good but they didn't want to listen to me. I said incase everyone gets mixed up, we should see who's who first. No one listens to me!!" she said
"Are you sure you said that?? Or was it Zi Wei or Qing Er?" HUang Shan asked.
"HUang A Ma..." she whined & pouted.
"Come on. Yong Qi, Xiao Yan Zi, why don't you have breakfast here." Lao Fuo ye said. They agreed & settled down to a delicious breakfast with Xiao Yan ZI cracking jokes & all her wild tales, creating laughter in the usually calm & quiet Qian Qing Gong. Unknown to the group, a pair of eyes outside Qian Qing Gong was eyeing them in envy & rage. The mind was planning for something bad to happen. It was all too horrible to be true...
**************
4 months later.
Xiao Yan Zi laid in bed, asleep as Yong Qi who was already up, changed for court. Before he left, he walked to the bed & looked at Xiao Yan Zi who already rolled to his side of the bed was sprawled out in different ways, snuggled in the thick blankets. He kissed her lightly & she stirred. She gave him a slight smile.
"C'mon Xiao Yan Zi, you had better wake up. Lao Fuo Ye is expecting you in Ci Ning Gong ny minute now."
"Ok.." she said & got up. She changed quickly & followed Yong Qi out to the door of Jing Yang Gong.
They then went their own seperate ways. Yong Qi, to court & Xiao Yan Zi to Ci Ning Gong for her usual meet with Lao Fuo Ye, Ling Fei niang Niang, Zi Wei & Qing Er.
As Yong Qi left Xiao Yan Zi at the turning to their destinations, he felt a sinking & uneasy feeling in his heart He had a feeling something bad was about to happen but didn't know what.
*************
XIAO YAN ZI
She walked to Ci Ning Gong with a joyful feeling in her heart followed by her 2 servants trailing behind her.
Suddenly, a man in black swooped down & tried to catch her. As her usual reflex, she fought back. But to her surprise, a few other people came flying down from trees & roofs to catch her. 2 caught her servants, Qing Qing & Qing Ting. & another 2 faught with her. Alas, she was no match for the 3 wu gong experts & was caught easily. She tried to scream but the man covered her mouth & 'flew' with her caught in his arms.
*Where am I??* Xiao Yan Zi thought as she awoke. She lay on a hard, cold cement floor. Surrounding her, were whips, pins, needles, knives, ropes & many more.
*This must be a torture chamber.* She thought & shuddered. Then, everything came flying back to her. She, leaving Jing Yang Gong, the 2 men catching Qing Qing & Qing Ting, The man that caught her, Everything was so confusing.
Then, a man entered. As he came out of the shadows, she thought he looked familiar but didn’t know who he was.
“Who are you?” she asked.
“Me?? Ge Ge, have you forgotten so quick?? It has only been 10 years…”
*10 years…* she thought.
“Min Wei??” she asked uncertainly.
“Ah.. so you still remember me.”
“Where am I now?”
“I won’t tell you.”
“Why did you catch me?”
“To take back what I own.”
“What do you own?”
“You.”
“Me?? Why?”
“Xiao Yan Zi, remember that time when I told you that I loved you & would love you forever? You rejected me. I told you that someday, I would make you love me.”
“Min Wei…” she sighed. “I Don’t love you. I am married now. For 4 months!! I love Yong Qi. I will never love anyone. Can you please let me go now?”
“No! I will never let you go again. I did last time but-”
“Min Wei……. I told you she doesn’t love you.” Said I girl from the corner. When she came out, Xiao Yan Zi inspected her closely.
“Shut up Wu Zhen! Get out! I don’t need you to poke fire here!”
“Wu Zhen?” Xiao Yan ZI asked.
“Huan Zhu Ge Ge jixiang.” She said & sneered. “Huan Zhu Ge Ge, ni mei ming le!” she said & laughed.
*That does it!*
Xiao Yan Zi suddenly got up & slapped her hard on the face. & when Wu Zhen was about to counter, Min Wei got up & pulled her back. They then went out of the room, leaving Xiao Yan Zi there.
*****************
QIAN QING GONG
“Huang Shan jixiang! Huang Shan wan shui wan shui wan wan shui!!” a eunuch greeted.
“What’s the matter? Why are you interrupting a court session?” asked Huang Shan, angrily.
“Huang Shan, the 2 ya tou from Jing Yang Gong, Qing Qing & Qing Ting, along with Xiao Duo Zi & Xiao Mi Zi were found dead in the opening to The Imperial Garden.” He reported.
This caused Yong QI a jolt in the heart.
“Where is Ge Ge?” he asked anxiously.
“Ge Ge was no where to be found!”
“What??” Huang Shan asked, shocked.
“Huang Shan, Liu Gong Gong was going to Ke Wei Gong when he found the 2 eunuchs & servants dead. He also found a pin supposedly belonging to Ge Ge on the ground.”
“Where is it?” Yong QI asked.
“Here, Wu A Ge.” He said & handed Yong Qi a blue pin, etched with a swallow, a flower & the number 5 on it.
Yong Qi’s face immediately paled.
**Flashback**
“Yong Qi!! Look! This pin is beautiful! It is also perfect. See?? There’s a swallow on it, a flower & the word 5!”
“Gu Niang, this pin IS indeed authentic. My daughter made it herself. She likes Huan Zhu Ge Ge & Ming Zhu Ge Ge she also thinks Wu A Ge & Huan Zhu Ge Ge are a perfect pair! Therefore, she etched this pin.” the shop keeper said.
“Why the swallow & flower?” asked the evercurious Xiao Yan Zi.
“Her friend from the palace, a servant, told her that Ming Zhu Ge Ge is also known as Zi Wei Ge ge. The 5 is for Wu A Ge. & about the swallow, she said it symbolizes Huan Zhu Ge Ge.”
“Why the swallow?” asked Yong Qi.
“She said she just had an instinct & she loves swallows.”
“I’ll buy it!” Xiao Yan ZI immediately offered.
End of Flashback
“Huang A Ma! It IS Xiao Yan ZI’s pin!”
“Everyone!! Set out to look for Huan Zhu Ge Ge! Yong Qi! Check Jing Yang Gong,
Ci Ning Gong, Ling Jing gong & Ling Fei Niang Niang’s place! Er kang, Er
Tai!! Check Xue She Fu, Shu Fang Chai & Ku Ning Gong! Xiao Jian, go to Xiao
She Fu & any place Xiao Yan Zi might go to! Everyone else search the
Imperial Gardens & every other place!!”
“Zhar!!”
************
JING YANG GONG
“Wu A Ge jixiang.”
“You Zhe, has Ge ge been back?”
“Hui Wu A Ge, no. Neither has Qing Qing or Qing Ting. The rice is cold as Ge Ge asked us to prepare for her but has not returned since an hour ago.” You Zhe replied.
“All of you! Search the whole of Jing Yang Gong for Ge Ge. I will be at Ci ning Gong. Inform me if you find her.”
CI NING GONG
“Lao Fuo Ye jixiang.”
“Yong Qi, shouldn’t you be in court now?”
“Lao Fuo Ye, Zi Wei, Qing Er. Has Xiao Yan Zi been here?”
“No, why? She never came. We have been waiting for her ever since the morning.” Qing Er said.
Yong Qi hurriedly explained the situation.
“Xiao Yan ZI!!! Where is she?? IS she OK??” a panicked Zi Wei asked.
“We don’t know.. Everyone is set out to find her. I’m going to Ling Fei Niang niang’s place now.”
“Let’s all go!!”
**************
“Xiao Yan Zi? I haven’t seen her.” Answered Ling Fei.
****************
LIN JING GONG
“Ling Fei Niang Niang jixiang.”
“Ling yuan!! Have you seen Xiao Yan Zi?” Asked Qing Er.
“No. Why??”
They told her all about the problem & then, Zi Wei fainted…
Yong Qi was like a living zombie. He absolutely refused to eat, rest, but kept on running all over the palace, in Beijing city, looking for his wife. He was depressed. Everyone had concluded that Xiao Yan Zi didn’t run away as she left no letter, no sign & every single one of her commoners’ clothes were still stored neatly in the closet.
Then, Xiao Jian entered.
“Yong Qi?”
“Yes?”
“Zi Wei, Er Kang, Er Tai & Saiya are coming over to Xiao She Fu to discuss our next step. Do you want to come?” he sympathetically asked his zombie-like brother in law.
Yong Qi didn’t say anything but reluctantly nodded, walked to a basin & washed his face.
*****************************
XIAO SHE FU
“We have absolutely no idea where Xiao Yan Zi is.” Saiya said her usually happy-go-lucky eyes filled with worry & concern. But Zi Wei was much, much worse. She cried constantly repeating Xiao Yan Zi’s name sorrowfully.
“ We could- ” a loud thump on the floor broke Qing Er off.
‘What was tha-”Er Tai started but the noise was heard again.
“I think it’s the secret room underground…” Xiao Jian said.
Again, the loud noises were heard.
“Let’s check it out.” Er Kang suggested & everyone nodded, careful to protect Qing Er & Zi Wei especially.
******************************
XIAO YAN ZI
For the past week, Wu Zhen had been secretly torturing Xiao Yan Zi. She whipped her, pricked her with pins & needles, till Xiao Yan Zi couldn’t stand it & was bruised all over.
After Wu Zhen exited to buy food, Xiao Yan Zi fainted. She dreamt…
*Dream*
She was in a dark tunnel. There was a light at the end. Xiao Yan Zi slowly made her way to it. But, suddenly flashes of her life appeared in front of her every step she took. She, at the age of 4, 6, 12, meeting Zi Wei, entering the palace, being Huan Zhu Ge Ge, all her memorable moments with Yong Qi, running away, it was all too clear. Then, a picture stayed with her for a long time. It was the night before she was kidnapped…
-Flash back-
Yong Qi was assigned to many things in court. He left early & came back quite late, but made sure he spent time with Xiao Yan Zi. That particular day, they wlaked around in Beijing. Jin Suo had just informed them about her 3-month pregnancy. Everyone shared hers & Liu Qing’s joy. It was to good to be true.
Back at Jing Yang Gong, they were getting ready for bed when yong Qi hugged Xiao Yan Zi lovingly from the back, startling her.
“Xiao Yan Zi.. you know what I’d like most in this world?”
“What?” she said nonchalantly & turned to face him. Her long hair blanketing her shoulders.
“To be a Father…”
“No way… not so soon anyway.”
“Soon?”
“Yep.”
“My dear silly wife, it’s not soon. We’ve been married for 4 months…” he said & kissed the tip of her nose.
“Why?”
“You do like children don’t you?”
“Yes. I LOVE children.” Xiao Yan Zi gushed.
“Then why not one of our own.”
“I’m afraid that if I’m pregnant I’ll look ugly & fat & you will go & find a concuine.” She teased.
“Hah! Even if you weigh as heavy as a horse, you still will be my one & only..” he said.
“Talk’s cheap!” she told him.
“Mine’s not cheap. Mine’s a treasure… So??”
“Hmm….OK.” she said & out her arms on his chest. ‘But you’d better hang on to your words…”
“I will.” He said & bent to kiss her, his arms still around her slim waist.
-End Flashback-
I promised Yong Qi! I can’t go now! I have to see Yong Qi A promised him I would bear his child. I can’t! I promised Zi Wei to be her child’s godmother. I promised Huang A Ma I would go for Ji Shifu’s classes when I’m free. I promised Saiya a duel. I promised Lao Fuo Ye I would learn how to play the qin. I promised Xiao Jian I would learn the Fang family swordplay. I promised Jin Suo I would buy her child clothes as a present. I promised myself I would find Liu Hong a husband. I promised all the children in Da Zha Yuan goodies. I promised Ling Yuan I would find her match. I promised Qing Er I would be there to hold her child when she got one. I promised everyone so many things. I can’t back out on my word now. No one can carry my task out if I go so fast! No! I mustn’t go now!!!
*End of Dream*
Xiao Yan Zi’s eyes flicked open. She slowly pushed herself up. She glanced around the room. There were no windows. It must be an underground room she thought sullenly. She then spotted a long hard pole. She crawled to it & pushed it to the ceiling making several thumps. The ceiling was hollow! Just as she thought! It was an underground chamber. Only all the general & minister’s homes had this underground chamber! If only she could get someone’s attention…Then, a door at the side opened & she flicked her weak head to the side.
“Yong..Qi….” she weakly muttered & was down on the floor, out cold.
“Yong…Qi…” he heard a faint murmur as he entered the concealed room. He then saw Xiao Yan Zi’s limp form on the floor. He immediately rushed to her side & so did the rest, tears started to form at the corner of his eyes. He laid her motionless head on his arm, not daring to check if she was breathing or not. He then held her hand, ready to bring her out & when her sleeve dropped lower, revealing her bruised & pricked skin, Yong Qi was hysterical. He started to cry. Zi Wei immediately fainted.
The only people who were still sane enough to think were Er Kang & the wide eyed Er Tai. Saiya was screaming her head off & tears were streaming down from her face. Zi Wei already lay limp on the floor. Qing Er was crying, calling Xiao Yan Zi’s name over & over again. Xiao Jian knelt beside Xiao Yan Zi & checked her pulse. He was worried sick. He suddenly exclaimed.
“She’s alive!!” Er Kang immediately brought her to the nearest place in the palace, Shu Fang Chai. Over there, Ming Yue & Caixia’s eyes were red from crying when they discovered that their mistress, Xiao Yan Zi had been missing. When they got to Shu Fang Chai, Ming Yue, Caixia Xiao Deng Zi & Xiao Chuo Zi didn’t waste any time. The women attended to Zi Wei & Xiao Yan ZI while the 2 eunuchs ran off to get Huang Shan & the taiyis.
*********************************
Half an hour later.
Everyone was gathered in Shu Fang Chai. All Huang Shan’s concubines. Although thy had not known Xiao Yan Zi as well as Ling Fei, they too cared. They knew that she was extraordinary. Since her entrance to the Palace, many things have gone wrong, but she alos brought luck. She was one in a million. She managed to get Huang Shan’s forgiveness so many times. It was unbelievable to them.
Yong Qi paced the floor of Shu Fang Chai in worry. Huang Shan was another one. He sat on the chair, got up, paced, & sat down again. Lao Fuo Ye & Huang Hou’s eyes were red from crying. Ling Fei prayed silently. But the faint streaks of dried tears on her eyes still remained. She was worried. For both Xiao Yan Zi & Yong Qi. They were both like her won children. Outside Shu Fang Chai stood all the A Ges, Ge Ges, servants, eunuchs & guards. But only one concubine was absent. Ke Fei Niang Niang. But no on seemed to notice until Ru Wei Ge Ge, Ke Fei Niang Niang’s daughter noticed her mother’s absence. She informed her brother, San A Ge, Yong Ming.
“Yong Ming.” She called.
“What?”
“Er Niang is missing.” She started.
“I know. I was looking for you.”
“I think I know who’s behind all this…” Ru Wei started.
“Me too.”
“Let’s just say that Er Niang doesn’t feel well so we decided to chack up on her & return later.”
“OK.”
“Da A Ge!” called Ru Wei.
“What?”
“We are gong to visit Er Niang as she doesn’t feel well. Inform us on the progress when we get back.” Yong Ming said.
“Sure.”
“Taiyi!! How is she?” asked Yong Qi when Hu Taiyi came out.
“Hui Wu A Ge. Ge Ge has suffered several injuries due to constant beating, kicks & whipping. Including being pricked by needles. But, I have just found out that Ge Ge has been expecting for 2 months already but she has suffered a miscarriage as she has been injured in the abdominal area. Unfortunately, Ge Ge is now in a…a… coma.” HU Taiyi said & stammered when he spoke his last words.
“MISCARRIAGE?” Qing Er exclaimed.
“COMA??” Yong Qi asked, loudly.
“shi, Wu A Ge, Qing Ge Ge.”
“Tian ah!!” Ling Fei said, shocked.
“I want to see her NOW!” Yong Qi said & rushed into the chamber. He stopped short when he saw Xiao Yan Zi’s lifeless body on the bed. He stepped nearer. & with every step, his heart ached. Soon, tears formed in his eyes. This was too much for him to bear. He didn’t cry when his mother died as he was to young to feel anything. But this…this was different. Having the love of his life like this was misery to him. He sat on the edge of the bed. & called her.
“Xiao Yan Zi…”
Zi Wei came flying in next & knelt next to Yong Qi.
“Xiao Yan Zi!! Wake up! Please Xiao Yan Zi. Wo qiu qiu ni (I beg you).”
“Xiao Yan Zi…”breathed Qing Er & went to her bedside.
“Xiao Yan Zi!!!! Cried Saiya & rushed beside Qing Er who was crying.
“Who did this to you??” Saiya continued. “I will KILL whoever did this to you! I will never let that person go! Tell me, Xiao Yan ZI! WAKE UP!!” she hollered. Er Tai then calmed her down & hugged her.
“Xiao Yan Zi…” whispered Huang Shan as they made way for him & he sat on the bed he touched her smooth cheek. “You are my Huan Zhu Ge Ge. You cannot give up like that without a fight. You cause so many people to be hurt. You must wake up to cure them! Xiao Yan ZI & command you to wake up now!!”
But no response, Xiao Yan Zi still lay on the bed.
Zi Wei & Qing Er both fainted this time & Er Kang & Xiao Jian had to bring them to other chambers. An hour later, Huang Shan left Yong Qi with Xiao Yan Zi. As Yong Qi poured his heart out, every other person in the palace prayed for her.
Unknown to them, word spread fast in Beijing city & soon, everyone set out to pray for their beloved Ge Ge. Temples were filled with people, some knelt down in front of their homes, facing the direction on the palace & kowtowed several times. Each had a silent prayer on their lips.
While everyone prayed, cried & hoped for a miracle, someone was cursing & smiled happily.
**********
MING YU GONG
“Niang!!” exclaimed Ru Wei & Yong Ming as they stepped into Ming Yu Gong.
“Ahh… both of you are here. Come, have a sit. Ke Yi!! Get Ge Ge & San A Ge a cup of tea…”
“No need for that Er Niang>” said Yong Ming harshly.
“Er Niang. Tell us the truth. Do you have anything to do with the kidnapping of Huan Zhu Ge Ge??” asked Ru Wei.
“Why do you ask?” Ke Fei said curiously.
“Nothing. We just want you to know that if you did, we support you all the way…” said Yong Min as his eyes glinted. Ru Wei gave him a wide-eyed stare with a questioning look but Yong Ming ignored her.
“You really want to know?” Ke Fei asked & they nodded.
“Very well. It is true. I arranged for her to be kidnapped. I arranged for her to be found in Xiao Da Ren’s residence.”
“So it IS you!!’ exclaimed both Ru Wei & Yong Ming.
“Er Niang. How could you??!” Yong Ming said.
“Yong Ming, what’s wrong with you. You just said you would support me.”
“Er Niang, Yong Ming did not mean that. We just wanted to catch you into telling the truth. May Er Niang forgive us but we HAVE to tell Huang A Ma.” Yong Ming said & shook his head regretfully.
“Yong Ming! I did it all for you! Huang Shan’s favourite has always been Wu A Ge! T has always bee, ‘Yong Qi this…Yong Qi that…’ nothing else about you! Your chances of reigning after him are practically zero! To top it up, you are not even married.”
“Er Niang. I do not wish to become the crown prince. Yong Qi is fit for the job. I do not want to be burdened. I do not want to live all my life ruling a huge country like China. I want to spend time with my family, I want to be loyal & have only one wife, I want to self educate my children, I want to wait for my one true love to arrive before I make any rash decisions. Being the emperor is not my field at all.”
“What about you, Ru Wei? Huang Shan never bothered about you. He never came to Ming Yu Gong to visit you even when you were ill!”
“Er Niang. He did, just when you weren’t around. Er Niang, he avoided you. Everytime I spend time in Ling Jing Gong, he will visit Ling Yuan & me. Everytime you went to ZI ZhengGong to visit Yong Ming he would come. He acknowledges me. He loves me just like a father should. Most of all, he cares for Huan Zhu Ge Ge, Ming Zhu Ge Ge & me like a Father should.”
“Why would he want to avoid me?” she asked angrily.
“Because…” Yong Ming said & glanced at Ru Wei.
“Because he never loved you. He never liked you. You were his good friend and nothing more. You Father pleaded the past Huang Shan to marry both of you. He loved someone else. You weren’t even close to his lover. You were his sister.” Ru Wei blurted out, crying.
“What? He never loved me? No! Who told you that??” asked Ke Fei, raging
“Huang A Ma himself told us.” Yong Ming said, sympathetically.
“No!!!”
"Da A Ge dao!!" called the eunuch in Ming Yu Gong.
"Ke Fei Niang Niang jixiang." he greeted.
"Why are you here Yong Rong?" asked Ke Fei curiously.
"hui Ke Fei Niang Niang. Huan Zhu Ge Ge has suffered a miscarriage & is presently in a coma." he said sorrowfully.
"A Coma??" Ru Weu asked incredously.
"Unfortunately, yes." was his reply.
"Niang, excuse Yong Ming & Ru Wei.
"Yong Ming/ Ru Wei gao ci." they said & hurried out with Yong Rong without a reply.
******
IN THE HALL OF SHU FANG CHAI.
"XIAO JIAN!!!!!!!!" called the infuriated Huang Shan
"shi, Huang Shan."
"How did Xiao Yan ZI end up in Xiao She Fu?"
"hi HUang SHan. I myself am not sure. We heard thumps on the floor & checked the only room that sounds could penetrate from the ground. The underground Torture CHamber which was already installed for me the time Qing Er & I moved in. Chen did not know of it's existance."
"I know. It is usually situated in all the Da Ren's homes. Without their knowledge. But how did Xiao Yan Zi get there?"
"HUang A Ma!!" yelled Yong Qi & everyone rushed into the room.
"Xiao YAn ZI! She woke up for a second or so. She called for me & said Min Wei...Wu Zhen...& last of all, she called the name Liu Hong!@!"
"Liu Hong?" Er Tai asked, disbelieving.
"Yes.."
"Summon Liu Hong, Liu Qing & Jing Suo to the palace immediately!"
Xiao Jian & Ertai left immediately.
****
HUI BING LOU
"Liu Qing, Liu Hong, Jin Suo!!" called Xiao Jian urgently
Liu Hong & Jin Suo came running out.
"Is the news true??"
"Yes. SHe is now in a coma." Er Tai said sullenly
"You are to come with us immediately. Close the shop." XIao Jian said.
"Why?"
"Lao Ye summoned you 3."
*********
IN THE CARRIAGE
"Liu Hong, who is Min Wei??" asked Er Tai.
"Min Wei?? Chen Min Wei????" asked Liu Hong.
"CHEN MIN WEI??" exclaimed Xiao Jian
"Xiao Jian, you know who that person is?"
"Yes, he's been staying in Xiao She Fu. I forgot about him." said Xiao Jian shaking his head.
"What that bastard doing in Xiao She Fu?" Liu Qing said
"He came to inform me that my godfather is ill. Although I do not plan on returning to Dali until later, I invited him to stay for a while. & he agreed. I've known him before I left for Beijing."
"Min Wei..no...this is not right..." mumbled Liu Hong whose face was as white as a sheet.
"Who is he Liu Hong?" asked Jin Suo, worried.
"No...no....this cannot be.." she kept repeating those words, fumbling with the handkerchief.
"Liu Hong??" called Xiao Jian
"Quick!!! Bring me to Min Wei Now!" she suddenly said & they headed for Xiao She Fu.
"Why Xiao She Fu?" Er Tai asked.
"Arrest Min Wei. Xiao JIan. Do not let him free. I will explain later."
At Xiao She fu, they arrested a startled Min Wei & Wu Zhen who were about to make their escape.
********
SHU FANG CHAI
"Huang Shan/Lao Fuo Ye/HUang Hou Niang Niang/ Ling Fei niang Niang jixiang." jin Suo & the rest greeted & Jin Suo fled into Xioa Yan IZ's chamber, tears streaming. Although she never showed care for Xiao Yan Zi, but it really mattered everytime she got into scrapes & this caused Jin SUo o be concerned.
"Liu Hong. Xiao Yan Zi called your name & another person by the name of Min Wei & Wu Zhen just now when she was awake. Who are they?" Yong Qi asked.
"hui Wu A Ge. This started out 10 years ago when Xiao Yan ZI & I were strolling in the woods. She was only 10 then & I was 15. She noticed movement in the bushes & that's how we met Min Wei who was 15. We grew as friends. Within a year, although Min Wei was only 16 he developed a feeling for Xiao Yan Zi. Of course Xiao Yan Zi faltered & rejected but to her despair, Min Wei tried again & again to win her heart. This was not gone unnoticed by everyone. I sensed something about Min Wei. Something mysterious & did not encourage Xiao Yan Zi to accept him. This caused fury within Min Wei's soul & despised me. He then left but did not give up. He left with these last words :' Xiao Yan Zi, wherever you are, what ever you're doing, whenever it is, I will get you & make you mine. No ONe can rule you or possess you or make you his...except for me.' & he laughed an evil laugh that is still fresh in my mind." said Liu Hong, tears streaming & she was trembling.
"Huang Shan, last week, Min Wei came to hui Bing Lou & bumped into us. He asked us about Xiao Yan Zi. We, of course told him that she was married & did not live with us. He asked about her whereabouts but we did not answer. He was furious. He told us that he would find her no matter what it costs. We told him that she lives in a faraway place but he did not seem convinced." Liu Qing said regretfully.
"Yuan Lai Ru Chi..." said Huang Shan whom's eyes still showed sadness & grief.
"These. Are Min Wei & Wu Zhen..."
"There suddenly came a panicked cry from the room.
"XIAO YAN ZI!@!!!!!!!" Jin Suo & Saiya's voices rang through the whole of Shu Fang Chai
"XIAO YAN ZI!!!" came wails & screams from the chamber. Jin Suo's voice was heard clearly & this sent everyone in the main hall running to Xiao Yan Zi's chamber, anxious.
Yong Qi nearly fainted at the sight of Xiao Yan Zi's condition. She lay on the bed, weak but conscious. Her usually cheery & fresh expression on her face turned a shady colour of a mixture of white & purple. She looked as if she was in great pain. A pool of blood surounded her & covered bth Saiya & Jin Suo who were hugging on to each other, sobing uncontrolably. This caused Yong Qi running to her bed side.
"Taiyi!! Treat Ge Ge imediately." HUang Shan commanded.
"Zhar."
After checking her pulse, her eyes & all that concerned her weak condition, Hu Taiyi turned to Huang Shan with a grave face.
"What's the matter??" whispered Ling Fei.
"hui Ling Fei Niang Niang. There has been some kind of unnoticed poison in Ge Ge's body. This poison is known as the The Flower Of Death. This poison is usually applied when one is unconscious. Unfortunately, so far, no one has found a cure."
"What??? A poison with no cure???" Lao Fuo Ye exclaimed.
"shi Lao Fuo YE. This poison is injected into the the person through a wound. Most likely, whoever hurt Ge Ge poisned her when she was unconscious or ge Ge would have known. The only person who has the antidote isthe person who has the poison as it is very rare. The antidote is near the flower. Ge Ge will suffer a horrrible death if not cured soon." He said.
Min Wei & Wu Zhen were brought out in a few minutes by the guards & were forced to kneel on the floor, in front of Xiao Yan Zi.
“Yong…Qi…” she called in a weak voice.
“I’m here… I’m here.” He said & caressed her cheek. She tried to sit up but her arms failed her.
“No, don’t. I’ll help you.” Yong Qi said & pulled her up to sit, letting her lean on his arm for support. This made Min Wei boil with anger & jealousy.
“Get you FILTHY HANDS OFF HER!!” he yelled to everyone’s surprise.
“WHAT did You say??” an already angered Er Tai asked loudly & made a move to slap him but was stopped by the unusually calm Er Kang.
“No. Let him say what he wants to say.”
“Yong…Qi…why…am I…so…weak?” Xiao Yan Zi asked Yong Qi.
“You have been poisoned. Shush… save your strength.” He softly told her & she nodded in return.
“Xiao Yan Zi, it must be that FILTHY man you’re sitting next to NOW!! He poisoned you!!” Min Wei shouted.
“How DARE you accuse an A Ge. Guards, give him a beating.” Huang Hou said.
“No!” Yong Qi said & stopped the guards. “What poison did you give her??”
“I did not poison her. I Love her too much to do such a spiteful thing.” was Min Wei’s reply.
“Yong… Qi…he did…not poison…me… I…think…it…was…Wu Zhen…” Xiao Yan ZI said.
“Wu Zhen?” asked Min Wei, glaring at her.
“Yes. I admit. I poisoned Huan Zhu Ge Ge when she was out cold. I whipped her, kicked her. So she would lose her child. I checked on her when she was still unconscious & found out that she was bearing a child. I needed to make her suffer. I want her to regret.” Wu Zhen said.
“Mis…carriage??” asked Xiao Yan Zi, wide eyed with tears brimming.
“Xiao Yan Zi…It’s OK. We can always have another.”
“How sure are you that the child is yours?” asked Wu Zhen, smirking.
By that time, it was a little bit too much for Yong Qi & stepped up to slap her but Xiao Yan Zi held him down.
“No…I know myself that I won’t do something so despicable. Unlike herself.”
“Why you….”
“Enough!!” Huang Shan shouted.
“Wu Zhen, where is the antidote?” Lao Fuo Ye asked.
“Lao Fuo Ye, such an almighty person like you wouldn’t want to know about commoners like us I suppose??” she said & sneered. Lao Fuo Ye was enraged & slapped her, hard.
“No one. Not even my parents. Have ever slapped me in my life. You…”
“Maybe it’s because your parents have never slapped you. That’s why you have no manners. Not enough to respect others!!” Huang Hou shouted.
“Humph!! I do not need some one like you to teach ME manners… I-”
“WU ZHEN!!! WHERE IS THE ANTIDOTE????!!!” burst out Min Wei whose face was of pure rage.
“Min Wei, she doesn’t love you. Why let her live?”
“That it MY problem. I do not need your interference.”
“Fine. I’ll tell you. Even if I do, you’ll never be able to find it. It is in yours, Fu Da Ye’s You You Guo. To think you’ve spent so much time there not knowing a pair of eyes watching you & a poisonous flower in the distance.” She said & laughed.
“You You Guo??” Yong QI asked, not believing his ears.
“Er Kang!! Let’s go!” Xiao Jian said.
“Wait, be patient, Fu Da Ye, Xiao Da Ren. It WAS there. Not anymore…”
“WHAT???”
“Didn’t you hear me?? It isn’t there anymore…Someone-”
“Wu Zhen, you may not know where another plant is but I do.” Said Qing Er.
“Qing Er??” asked Lao Fuo Ye & Xiao Jian.
“Yes. Lao Fuo Ye, remember last time when we were on our journey back to the palace? Shu Yi got poisoned by a flower, which was in black & white. She died later, 3 days after the full moon. What was left was just a skeleton thin Shu Yi.” Qing Er said, referring to an old servant who was also her play friend since a child.
“Yes… Shu Yi. Qing Er. Where is the other one??” asked Lao Fuo Ye.
“In Yan Mi Mountains.”
“But…but that’s so far away!!” Yong Qi said.
“Hu Taiyi, when is the next full moon?”
“Hui Huang Shan, Next week. But three days won’t make a difference.” He said.
“Xiao Jian!! Er Kang!! Er Tai!! What are you waiting for? Get to Yan Mi Mountains now! Don’t waste anymore time. Leave tomorrow, immediately.”
“San A Ge dao!! Ru Wei Ge Ge Dao!!!” the eunuch said & Ru Wei & Yong Rong rushed in.
“Huang A Ma/ Lao Fuo Ye/ Huang Hou/ Ling Fei Niang Niang jixiang.
“Huang A Ma!! We know who caused Huan Zhu Ge Ge to be kidnapped & poisoned.” Said San A Ge.
“Yes, Huang A Ma.” Ru Wei said.
“Who??” asked Huang Shan sharply.
“Er Niang.” San A Ge’s simple reply could’ve sent Huang Shan flying to the end of the room.
“Ke Fei??” he asked, disbelieving.
“Shi, Huang A Ma…” said Ru Wei, tears streaming. “Er Niang confessed.”
“Er KANG!!! CALL FOR KE FEI IMMEDIATELY!!”
“Zhar.”
"HUang Shan/ Lao Fuo Ye/ Huang Hou Niang Niang jixiang." she greeted, stammering at the last word. While Er Kang followed closely behind.
"KE FEI!!" HUang SHan boomed, raging. "WHAT DID YOU DO TO XIAO YAN ZI!!" he yelled loudly at her.
She immediately went to her knees, face as white as a sheet.
"Chen doesn't understand." she stuttered.
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND??" he bellowed.
"Chen...c-chen..."
"Guards!! BEHEAD HER!!"
"HUang A Ma!!" cried Yong Ming & Ru Wei, pleading for their mother.
"HUang Di. She may be in the wrong but she is still a Fei Zi. You cannot behead her." Lao Fuo Ye stated, after stopping the guards.
"HUang Shan, Lao Fuo Ye is right." huang Hou added.
"KE FEI!! I WILL STILL BEHEAD YOU. BUT IF YOU CNFESS, I WILL decrease the punishment."
"Huang Shan. I don't understand." she said firmly. & Hang Shan boiled in rage
“Behead her!” the emperor shouted.
“Zhar.” The guards said & pulled Ke Fei away.
“Huang A Ma!! We beg you!! Don’t hurt Er Niang.” Called Ru Wei.
“Huang A Ma.” Called someone weak.
“Xiao Yan ZI!!” exclaimed Huang Shan, surprised & happy. His angry expression changed immediately when he caught sight of Xiao Yan Zi being helped by Yong Qi. This tested Ke Fei’s limit to Xiao Yan Zi & she shot Wu Zhen a cursed look.
Unfortunately for her, this did not go unnoticed by Lao Fuo Ye, Huang Hou & Ling Fei, who were examining her closely.
“Ke Fei. Admit now.” Lao Fuo Ye coolly said.
“Hui, Lao Fuo Ye. Chen Qi doesn’t know anything.” She said in a tight voice.
Then, a voice came again.
“Huang….A….Ma….I saw….her…” Xiao Yan ZI said.
“Xiao Yan Zi, Are you OK???” asked everyone at once & yet again, Ke Fei boiled in rage.
“I ADMIT. I DID IT!! SO?? WHAT??”
“Ke Fei!! I shall send you to the disciplinary department for further investigation. But-”
“But BEFORE than Huang Shan, LOOK BACK AT WHAT YOU”VE DONE YOUR SELF!!” she screamed at him. He was taken aback. None of his concubines have ever screamed at him before. Especially Ke Fei. The person he sought out to be the last one on Earth to try to hurt him or those he loved.
“What do you mean by that??” asked Huang Hou.
“Huang Hou, I think you yourself understand.” She snapped. “Huang Shan, YOU have never bothered about me.”
“Ke Fei!! This time, you’re too much.” Lao Fuo Ye said, stunned at her behaviour & Huang Shan’s quietness.
“Ke Fei, We just want to know why you wanted to hurt Xiao Yan Zi, that’s all.” Yong Qi said, calmly.
“YOU want to know why?? Well, well, well… SHE stole all the happiness I had. And YOU, WU A GE, were no better. Your Huang A Ma DID not even come to visit us at Ming Yu Gong. AND YOU two.” She shouted at RU Wei & Yong Ming. “Traitors!! I did it all for you & this is how you repay me?? MY own Flesh & blood, Instead of helping me, you BETRAY ME????”
“Er Niang, please, we had to do so. If we delayed, you could’ve even KILLED Huan Zhu Ge Ge. We don’t want that. We don’t want to be favourites. We just want to blend in, that’s all. Yong Ming doesn’t even want to be the crown prince. We just want to be like the rest. No more. Niang, we beg you. Stop this madness now. Please.” RuWei said, getting on her knees, followed by Yong Ming.
“Madness?? You call this Madness??” she laughed bitterly. “IT IS NOT Madness. It was a MASTERPLAN. If not for you 2.” She said & laughed hysterically. “ & YOU” she said, pointing at both Wu Zhen & Min Wei. “Are NO better. Lousy. Both of you!! Can’t even accomplish a simple job like this. AND as for you, Huan Zhu Ge Ge, even if you don’t die in my hands, you will. In another’s.” With that, she pulled out a dagger & stabbed herself.
“Niang!!!” Ru Wei screamed.
“Ke Fei Niang Niang!!” Xiao Yan Zi gasped.
************
1 week later
“Ke Fei’s funeral is over & done with, Min Wei & Wu Zhen were just sent to jail for 3 months & will be banned from Beijing for the rest of their lives. In other words, alls well, ends well.” said Saiya, stretching & placing herself on the chair at a Pavillion, followed by everyone else.
“You’re right, Saiya. I wonder what will come next.” said a dreamy Xiao Yan Zi.
“Maybe a villain, taking Xiao Yan Zi out of our miserable lives for good.” Er Kang teased.
“You’re to find out soon enough.” Said a voice from behind.
“Huang A Ma/ Huang Shan jixiang.” The group greeted.
“Huang A Ma, what do you mean by that?” asked Xiao Yan Zi, looking puzzled.
“This means that there soon will be another person here.”
“Who??” asked everyone curiously.
“Have you ever heard that curiosity kills the cat?” Huang Shan teased.
“Curiosity kills the what??” Saiya asked, more confused than ever.
“Er Tai, you really should teach Saiya more on cheng yu & simple words like that if both of you are to continue staying in Beijing forever. This could put you to shame.” Er Kang said laughing.
“FU ER KANG!! WHAT DID YOU SAY???” Saiya exploded & pulled his ear roughly while Huang Shan sat on the stool, bursting with laughter.
“Saiya, don’t bother about him. He’s not worth all the energy & breath wasted upon.” Xiao Yan Zi said & looked down her nose at him.
“Wonders, Saiya. Remember, this is actually the man you fell for once.” Qing Er said, recalling the fact that Xiao Yan Zi had mentioned to her not long ago.
“Fu Er Kang. I don’t even KNOW why I actually volunteered to marry you last time & sat on the chair, glaring at him.
“Enough, enough.” Huang Shan said, cutting the chatter. “I have come to inform you all that Shu Yuan Ge Ge & my brother, will be coming down to Beijing soon. They have been in Mongolia for a long time as Shu Yuan is half Mongolian. They are coming to stay here permanently.” He told them.
“Shu Yuan Ge Ge??” Er Tai exclaimed then covered his mouth.
“Yes. Shu Yuan. I had better get going. There are some arrangements to make. & oh. I usually do not allow Ge Ge’s to receive guests. But…this time I think I’ll make an exception. For you lot.” Huang Shan said, smiling.
“Yong Qi, who is Shu Yuan Ge Ge?” Xiao Yan Zi asked after the emperor left.
“Shu Yuan?? You should ask Er Tai. He is more informed compared to me.” Yong Qi said, eyes teasing Er Tai mercilessly.
“Oh…was she Er Tai’s childhood lover??” teased Xiao Jian.
“Childhood Lover??” Er Tai blurted. “Ugh. I hated her. Of all people. Her.” He said & shuddered.
“FU ER TAI. You had better tell me WHO this Shu Yuan is or you’ll get it.” Saiya said, sternly as Er Tai glanced at her helplessly.
“Yeah Er Tai. Who is she??” Xiao Jian prodded.
“She…she…” he stuttered uncontrollably.
“C’mon. Let’s go to Shu Fang Chai. This is no place to talk about this matter.” Er Kang said & led the way.
“Fu Er Tai. You had better give me a good explanation.” Saiya said grabbing his ear & pulling it, hard.
********
SHU FANG CHAI
“Who is she Er Tai??” Zi Wei asked.
“She….she….”
“She what?? Hurry up & say.” Saiya said.
”Ok…OK…she’s a childhood friend.” He mumbled.
“Only that?” Yong Qi asked, laughing.
“Wu A Ge!! She…Haiya. I hated her. She seemed to follow me wherever I went.” He said, frowning.
“Really. Or was it vice-versa??” Saiya glared at him.
“It’s true. Ask Er Kang or Wu A Ge. She really had no shame. Hinting to everyone that we were…we….an…uhh…an item!! Me?? & her/??? Together?? Not in THIS lifetime.” He spat out.
“You sure??”
“Positive.” He said, looking pleadingly at Saiya.
“OK then. I forgive you.” She said & hugged him.
“Hey you 2. Remember that there is an audience.” Er Kang said.
“Oh really?? As if you & Zi Wei don’t go all mushy, mushy all the time??” she challenged him.
“I…..Uhh…??”
“Speechless??” she asked Er Kang sweetly & triumphantly.
“Oh….Fine! You win!” he told her.
“ER Kang, it’s weird. You & a princess fighting??” Yong Qi started.
“Unbelievable.” Xiao Jian said.
“Once in a blue moon.” Xiao Yan Zi added.
***********
THE NEXT DAY
Zi Wei, Xiao Yan Zi, Saiya & Qing Er were taking a walk in the Imperial Gardens while their spouses were at court.
"Xiao Yan Zi, why don't we have a duel again??" asked Saiya enthusiastically.
"Yes...We should!! I haven't fought with you for a long time." she replied with an equal sense of enthusiam.
"But Xiao Yan Zi, you're not well yet. Taiyi asked you to rest for 1 more week before you start to fly around the palace again." Ziwei protested.
"But Zi Wei!! If I don't fly, I'm not a Xiao Yan Zi anymore!! I'll be like living in a gilded cage." she said & pouted.
"Oh..alright. Nevermind Zi Wei. Let her spar just this once." said Qing Er while Zi Wei nodded helplessly.
Soon, 2 figures were seen flying left & right. Each with a weapon. A sword & a whip. Cries & shouts of precaution were heard too. Zi Wei & Qing Er were running left & right trying to keep track of their movements. Soon, the 2 untrained women sat down on a rock to rest. They ran like lightning when they heard Saiya exclaim, "XIAO YAN ZI!!!"
“Huang Shan jixiang.” Said a eunuch.
“Why are you here, again, disrupting a court session?? Don’t tell me something happened to Huan Zhu Ge Ge again??” Huang Shan asked sarcastically.
“Shi Huang Shan.”
“What??” asked Yong Qi loudly.
“What now??” came Er Tai’s voice.
“Ge Ge was sparring with Saiya Gongzhu in the grounds of the Imperial garden but fainted.”
“This court session is dismissed & shall continue tomorrow.” Said Huang Shan, worried.
************
JING YANG GONG
“Huang Shan/ Wu A Ge/ Fu Da Ye/ Fu Er Ye/ Xiao Da Ren dao!!”
“Huang Shan/ Huang A Ma jixiang.” Greeted Saiya, Qing Er, Zi Wei, Huang Hou & Ling Fei.
“Where is Xiao Yan Zi??” asked Yong Qi with neads of perspiration on his forehead.
“She’s in the room. Hu Taiyi is checking up on her.”
************
XIAO YAN ZI’S CHAMBER
“Xiao Yan Zi!!” called Yong Qi & rushed to her bedside. He was shocked to find her quite pale.
“Taiyi!! I thought you said Ge Ge was free from danger??” asked Huang Shan.
“Hui Huang Shan. Huang Shan, Lao Fuo Ye, Wu A Ge gong xi, gong xi.” He said.
“What is there to gong xi about?? If Ge Ge is sick, treat her!!”
“Huang Shan, Ge Ge is OK. Only that she is pregnant that’s why she fainted.”
“PREGNANT??” asked Huang Shan, not believing.
“So fast??” asked Er Tai.
“shi. At that time, the poison clouded the reading and the miscarriage problem turned out to be an assumption.” Said Hu Taiyi.
“So, you mean Ge Ge is…” Xiao Jian started
“Alright??” completed Ling Fei.
“And pregnant??” asked Huang Shan who was smiling like a Cheshire cat.
“Shi!!” said the taiyi cheerfully
“Hao le!! Hao Le!!”
“Yong Qi….Huang A Ma?? Lao Fuo Ye?? Huang Hou Niang Niang?? Ling Fei Niang Niang??? Why are all of you here?? I thought I was in the Imperial garden fighting with Saiya??”
“So that was the cause of your fainting. Xiao Yan Zi, how many times have I told you to…-” Yong Qi said.
“Not fight & rest & listen to the Taiyi & don’t get you into fits of worry?? I know I know. You’ve told me 24 times today now.” She said miserably.
“And YOU Saiya. How many times have I told you not to provoke Xiao Yan Zi & not spar with her till she has recovered?? Yong Qi has been drilling that into my ear.”
“ & YOU have been drilling that into MINE. Fu Er Tai, let me count.
Twice last night before I slept, another 5 times in the morning before u went to
court, you even sent a messenger to remind me about that 3 times. All together
10 times. And NOW once.”
She said.
“You know what??” Xiao Jian said.
“What??” they all asked.
“I think Er Tai & Yong Qi were twins in their past life &…”
“Xiao Yan Zi & Saiya are long lost sisters. They’re all exactly alike.” Completed Er Kang.
“Hahahaha!!! Xiao Yan Zi, have you heard the good news??”
“No. What Good news?? Is fainting a good news?? If it isn’t, then how did you expect me to know if everyone was busy lecturing & teasing me & Saiya??” she said, a hundred questions at once.
“Fainting is NOT a good news.” Qing Er said.
“Yes, Xiao Yan Zi. We had our hearts in our mouths.” Said Zi Wei, fanning herself.
“But…but…your hearts are in your body. How can it go to your mouth??” asked Xiao Yan Zi incredously.
“Xiao Yan Zi. I;m making sure you go back to Ji Shifu.” Said the emperor with a smile.
“Stop teasing the poor child, tell her the good news.”
“Shi!! Shi!!”
“You’re pregnant!! There was no miscarriage. It was just an internal error.” said Yong Qi.
“Really??” she asked, eyes wide.
“Yes!!” he said, excited.
“Huang Shan/ Lao Fuo Ye/ Huang Hou Niang Niang/ Ling Fei niang Niang/ Wu A Ge/ Huan Zhu Ge Ge/ Zi Wei Ge Ge/ Fu Da Ye/ Qing Ge Ge/ Xiao Da ren/ Fu Er Ye/ Saiya Gong Zhu jixiang.” A eunuch greeted.
“What now/? Has another Ge Ge fainted??” asked Huang Shan
“uhh…BU shi, Huang Shan. Jing Da ren is at Qian Qing Gong, waiting to discuss the arrival of King Rong & Shu Yuan Ge Ge tomorrow.” He said.
“Alright. We’ll get going.” He said. “ Xiao Yan Zi, don’t get into anymore scrapes for now. I expect to see you in one piece tomorrow morning at Ci Ning Gong with Yong Qi. And Yong Qi, there will be no court tomorrow & I want to see my daughter in law healthy and cheerful tomorrow. And make sure she behaves. I don’t want to lose face in front of my brother tomorrow like I did 5 years ago.” He said, with an irritated voice when he said the last sentence.
“Shi Huang A Ma.” They said.
And Huang Shan left
Yong Qi had a hard time getting Xiao Yan Zi to wake up. But soon, she managed to open her eyes after an hour of protests & pleads by Yong Qi & got ready in the nick of time. Making her new personal servant, who was transfered from Qu Yu Yuan, You Ying, miserably tie her hair in different styles to look satisfying to her eyes.
“Are you ready??” Yong Qi asked, popping his head into the room for the 34th time that morning. It took her an hour to get up & another hour to get ready. They were really going to be late.
“Yep!! I am. See, an hour of You Ying’s hard work is really worth it. Now let’s get going.” She said & gaily grabbed Yong Qi’s arm & skipped along the way to Qian Qing Gong.
“Xiao Yan Zi, slow down.” He said, breathless.
“Ok, OK…” she said & her steps slowly receeded to a slow pace.
*************
QIAN QING GONG
“Huang A Ma jixiang.” Yong Qi & Xiao Yan Zi greeted.
“Why are both of you so late?? Xiao Jian, Qing Er, Zi Wei, Er Kang, Er Tai & Saiya have been here for 45 mintues!!” he exclaimed.
“Ask Yong Qi.” Xiao Yan Zi said simply.
“What?? Me??” he asked her.
“Yes, of course you. You woke me up late.” She told everyone.
“But…but..” he spluttered.
“Xiao Yan Zi, Yong Qi will never wake up late. It must be you.” Er Tai said.
“Fine, fine, fine. I just wanted to look good, that’s all. Is that a crime??” she asked.
“Huang Shan jixiang.” A eunuch greeted.
“Yes??”
“King Rong & Shu Yuan Ge Ge are about to arrive at the Palace Gate.” He informed them.
“Very well then. Let’s get going.”
**********************
"Huang Shan jixiang. Huang Shan wan shui wan shui wan wan shui." they greeted.
"Dispense with formalities!!" Huang Shan said & tried to put on a happy face but found it hard.
"HUang Shan. We haven't met in years now. How is everything??" asked a man.
"Brother. You have missed so many changes. Come. Let me introduce you to my children." he led the man & the young girl to Yong Qi & the rest.
"This, as you know, is Wu A Ge, Yong Qi." he said, proudly.
"King Rong jixiang." Yong Qi greeted.
"And this, is my daughter-in-law, Huan Zhu Ge Ge. Otherwise known as Xiao Yan Zi."
"King Rong jixiang." she said, & smiled.
"Ahhh...this must be the famous Huan Zhu Ge Ge. Known all over China." he said & looked at her as if studying her. This made Xiao Yan Zi uncomfortable. Huang Shan noticed this & quickly distracted him.
"This, is Ming Zhu Ge Ge or Zi Wei as she is commonly referred to as. & is married to Fu Er Kang."
"King Rong jixiang." both of them greeted.
"Ahhh...one of the ming jian Ge Ge as I have heard." he said.
"This, is Xiao Da Ren, Xiao Jian. Married to Qing Ge Ge." he said.
"King Rong jixiang." they both greeted.
"And last, but not least, Fu Er Tai." he said & the girl standing next to King Rong smiled shyly while Er tai looked very awkwardly at them. "Married to Saiya Gongzhu of Tibet." Huang Shan finished & a look of horror passed the girl's face.
"This, is Shu Yuan Ge Ge." Huang Shan said, introducing her.
"Shu Yuan Ge Ge jixiang." they greeted.
& she returned, "WU A Ge/ Huan Zhu Ge Ge/Ming ZHu Ge Ge/ Qing Ge Ge/ Saiya Gong zhu jixiang."
"Come on. Let's not just stand here. We'll go to Qian Qing Gong." Huang Shan said.
"Ahh.. Huang Shan. What if we let the youngsters talk among themselves while we make our way to Qian Qing Gong to catch up on things." he said
"Why not." was Huang Shan's simple reply. And they left.
"Let's go to Shu Fang Chai." said Yong Qi & led the way.
***********
SHU FANG CHAI
"Wu A Ge/ Ge Ge/ FU Da Ye/ Fu Er Ye/ Saiya Gong Zhu/ Shhu Yuan Ge Ge jixiang." Ming Yue & the rest respectfully greeted.
"How man times in the past 2 years have I told all of you not to kneel, & greet us so long. Huang A Ma has already said that Shu Fang Chai does not have to abide to most of the palace rules such as kneeling. And this is mine & Zi Wei's place. You can only follow OUR rules." Xiao Yan Zi sighed.
"Shi Ge Ge." they said.
"Hey, aren't I welcomed here??" she asked them
"Ge Ge!! We've missed you. Shu Fang Chai has lost it's normal chaos & joyfulness!!" CaiXia said and hugged Xiao Yan Zi & Zi Wei. This caused Shu Yuan to be very confused.
"Good. Now bring us some tea & lunch. Boy, am I hungry."
"Shi Ge Ge." they said & scurried off.
"Shu Yuan Ge Ge." called Saiya sooo sweetly that everyone could've thought she had something up her sleeve.
"Call me Shu Yuan." she said with extreme sweetness that everyone could sense a quiet war going on between them. Of course, over Er Tai.
"HAve a seat." came Er Tai's stuttering voice & sat down.
Immediately, both wanted to sit next to Er Tai. As Saiya was Er Tai's wife, she had the privilege to do so while the one sided love Shu Yuan had for Er Tai was going nowhere.
"Umm...Saiya, Shu Yuan ge Ge. Why don't you sit here. I'll uhh...sit next to Er Kang." he said gesturing to the empty seat. It was obvious that Er Tai was backing away from it. he was darn afraid.
He had known Shu Yuan Ge Ge for a short while in his life but knew she was the type that refused to give up, no matter what.
"Uhh...let's take a walk in the garden." Qing Er said, trying to ease the tension.
"Uhh...sure." came Er Kang's uncertain reply.
As they walked out, Saiya grabbed Er Tai and held his arm tight, refusing to let go. this left a raging Shu Yuan.
And while walking out, SHu Yuan 'accidently' bumped into Saiya. causing her to fall. The usually short tempered Saiya was of course angry. she too, pushed Shu Yuan down.
Soon, both of them were seen jumping around, fighting. Waht surprised Er Kang, Er Tai & Yong Qi, was she knew martial arts. They Shu Yuan they had seen years ago never knew wugong but was still the same. Hot headed & stubborn, like Saiya. So, it was fire against fire.
"HUang Shan jia dao!! King Rong jia dao!!" the eunuch called & Huang Shan & King Rong walked into Shu Fang Chai. Right into a scene of....competition. A competition and the prize was...FU Er TAI!!
“ Huang A Ma/ Huang Shan jixiang. King Rong jixiang.” They greeted & looked wearily & almost pleadingly at Saiya & Shu Yuan. Er Tai felt the most torn apart. When he was young, Shu Yuan would help him in everything. She was his best friend. But she changed. Rapidly. After a visit to Mongolia for 2 months, she came back totally shameless of everything. Her claims had fallen on deaf ears, thankfully. Saiya, was his wife. The person her actually felt something strong for.
“SHU YUAN!!” King Rong’s loud voice boomed over the gardens of Shu Fang Chai. Immediately, Shu Yuan came down & knelt. Followed by Saiya.
“Huang Shan jixiang. King Rong jixiang.” They greeted.
“What are you 2 doing up there?? Asked Huang Shan.
“we…were…uhh…” Shu Yuan started.
“Dueling!!” we were trying to see who was best.” Saiya exclaimed.
“Saiya! Are you OK??” asked a worried Er Tai. This caused jealousy in Shu Yuan’s eyes. Obviously.
“I’m OK. Just slightly bruised that’s all.” She told him & brushed away stray dust.
“Xie tian ah!! Don’t do that again, k?? you don’t want to lose the child do you?” he asked her, voice barely a whisper. But Shu Yuan & the rest heard this too & gasped.
“Saiya!! I’m your friend and you didn’t tell me!!” Xiao Yan Zi exclaimed.
“Shi ah!! Even we don’t know.” Zi Wei said, glancing at Er Kang.
“Ah Ma and Er Niang already know. Last night, Saiya did not feel good so we called for the Taiyi. He said that Saiya is already 2 months pregnant. We decided to tell everyone this morning. But Xiao Yan Zi & Yong Qi arrived late, as usual, so we post-phoned it.” Er Tai said, with a twinkle in his eye.
“B-but..” said Shu Yuan.
“Congratulations!! This month is certainly full of good news. But Zi Wei, Er Kang, Xiao Jian & Qing Er. Can’t both of you speed up a little bit?? I need another few bundles of joy too you know??” he said and laughed while Zi Wei & Qing Er blushed red.
“Huang A Ma. Don’t worry. I’m sure you’ll receive some good news from them. At least by the end of the year!! Xiao Yan Zi said, in between laughs.
“Ahh…Xiao Yan Zi. After this one I still want another grandchild you know??” Huang Shan teased & King Rong laughed.
“Huang A Ma. What do you think I am?? A mu zhu (a pig)??” she asked & pouted. As a result, everyone broke out in laughter but Shu Yuan just faked one a little. She was green with envy & full of anger. It was as though she would explode any time.
****************
RONG ZHEN GONG
“Ah Ma!!” whined Shu Yuan. “Er Tai he…he’s…already married. I want him. Cam you get him for me??” she asked pleadingly.
“Shu Yuan. If he were married to a normal Ge Ge, then it would be a piece of cake. But he is now married to a Tibetan Princess. Moreover, the Tibetan King’s favourite. Do you think he will allow Er Tai to take a second wife??” he asked regretfully.
“But…but…you promised me Er Tai!! Ask Huang Shan to talk to the King of Tibet then.” She said & pouted.
“I would, if I could. But now, with Huang Shan’s support, Tibet is stronger than ever!! I even hinted to Huang Shan this afternoon but he paid no heed & said firmly that Er Tai must not & will not have any concubines.” King Rong consoled his daughter.
“I Want Fu Er Tai!!” she told him.
“Forget about him. Try to. Anyway, Er Tai won’t be able to give you much. Why don’t you go for Wu A Ge?? He is Huang Shan’s favourite. And is most likely to inherit the throne. You could be the Empress.” He told her, wide-eyed.
“Oh, what’s the use. He’s married to Huan Zhu Ge Ge anyway. And even if I marry him & he inherits the throne, Huan Zhu Ge Ge will be the Huang Hou. I will just be his lowly Fei Zi.” She told her Father & looked fixedly into her cup of tea.
“Haiz!! If everything I suggest has a flaw, why don’t you come up with something yourself??” King Rong told her, exasperated.
“Fine. I’ll try Er Tai again. If I fail within 3 months, call Si Ge & Er Di (fourth older brother & second younger brother) down.” She said.
“What for??” King Rong asked her.
“To enchant Huan Zhu Ge Ge of course. No one has ever escaped their charms.” She said, referring to her brothers & grinned slyly.
***************
THE NEXT DAY
“Yong Qi!! Wake up!!”
“What…??” came a sleepy voice.
“We’re going to Hui Bing Lou today, remember??” she asked expectantly.
“But…but… OH alright.” He said at long last.
An hour later, both of them were ready. Dressed in commoner’s clothes they were about to set out when the eunuch announced an arrival
“Huang Shan jia Dao!!! King Rong Dao!! Shu Yuan Ge Ge jia dao!!
“Huang A Ma/ King Rong/ Shu Yuan Ge Ge jixiang.” They greeted.
“Zi Wei Ge Ge jia dao!! Fu Da Ye jia dao!! Fu Er Ye jia Dao!!! Qing Ge Ge jia dao!! Saiya Gong Zhu jia dao!! Xiao A Ren jia Dao!!!” the eunuch called.
“Huang A Ma/ Huang Shan/ King Rong/ Shu yuan Ge Ge jixiang.” They greeted, all dressed in commoner’s clothes.
“Ahh…Since all of you are here, why don’t you take Shu Yuan out with you as she will have nothing to do here.” Huang Shan said.
“Sure!” piped in Xiao Yan Zi who was ready for company anytime while Er Tai winced at her words.
“Well, it done then.” Huang Shan said.
“But Shu Yuan does not have any commoner’s clothes.” Said Qing Er as she knew of Saiya’s jealous looks & Er Tai’s plight.
“Qing Ge Ge. I do. On the way to the palace, A Ma bought some for me. I brought them along. Can I borrow a room to change??” she asked.
“Sure. Chui Ting, bring Shu Yuan Ge Ge to one of the guest rooms.”
“Shi, Wu A Ge.” She said, knelt, then led the way.
*******************
HUI BING LOU
“Liu Qing, Liu Hong, Jin Suo!!” yelled Xiao Yan Zi.
“Xiao Jie!! Xiao Yan Zi!!” called Jin Suo from behind & hugged them both.
“Come on. Let’s all go in and-” Liu Hong said before she stopped short.
“You are??” she asked.
“Oh. This is Shu Yuan. She’s uhh…Er Tai’s-” Er Kang said & stopped when Er Tai gave him a warning glare.
“She’s our cousin. Used to be Er Tai’s best friend.” Said Qing Er.
“Oh.” Liu Qing said with an understanding look.
“Liu Hong. I heard there’s a wu gong competition & many others at a festival downtown. Let’s all go and take a look.” Said Zi Wei.
“Let’s. Business is slow today so we might as well close the shop for a day.”
“Treat it as a holiday.” Said Jin Suo & informed several customers who paid their fee & left.
On the way, while there were walking, Saiya & Shu Yuan were having a little war. Over Er Tai. Saiya did not want Shu Yuan anywhere near Er Tai while Shu Yuan tried to pry Saiya away from him. Poor Er Tai was stuck in the middle. Qing Er pitied him & pulled Shu Yuan away.
There also was a wu gong competition not far back & Saiya & Xiao Yan Zi & Shu Yuan insisted on joining. But there were short of one person for doubles. Shu Yuan begged & in the end, she was paired up with an unknown girl.
“Saiya, what weapon do you want to use??” asked Xiao Yan Zi.
“Uhh…Let’s use the whip.” Saiya said.
“Alright.” Said Xiao Yan Zi & grabbed her newly made whip. She had been practicing for a couple of months before her pregnancy. Yong Qi was absent minded lately & seemed to forget about her pregnant condition & that, she was thankful.
“LET THE MATCH BEGIN!!” shouted the umpire.
“LET THE MATCH BEGIN.” Shouted the umpire
“Yong Qi?? Are you out of your-” Er Tai started.
“OHNO!! Xiao Yan Zi/ Saiya can’t get up there!!” both Er Tai & Yong Qi exclaimed & silently scolded themselves for being so careless.
“It’s OK, Yong Qi. Xiao Yan Zi has improved lately as when you were in court, she & Saiya have been training. Coordinating their steps & to me, they’ve improved a tremendous lot!” said Zi Wei to calm the tension. But she still couldn’t push back the eerie feeling she had.
“I hope you’re right.” Mumbled Yong Qi as he watched expectantly.
“Me too.” Said Er Tai, barely a whisper.
*************
Up on the platform, the 4 contestants were exchanging blows, kicks & defenses.
Xiao Yan Zi & Saiya seemed o be losing, to Shu Yuan’s delight. But suddenly, they launched on a very complicated sequence. Much to their friends’ surprises. Yong Qi & Er Tai watched, open-mouthed while Xiao Jian exclaimed in delight.
Soon, Shu Yuan and the other girl were down on the floor, with minor bruises while Saiya & Xiao Yan Zi gave each other high-fives. & they cheered.
“And the winner of this round’s competition is-” the man shouted.
“Not so fast!” yelled Shu Yuan & threw a dagger in the direction of Saiya’s stomach. Xiao Yan Zi immediately hurled herself forward & received a deep cut on her arm. Yong Qi, Er Kang & all those who knew wu gong, flew up along with Zi Wei, Qing Er & Jin Suo to take a look at Xiao Yan Zi. At the look of her pale face, they quickly made a move back to the palace & put Shu Yuan in Er Kang’s custody & he left her with a few highly skilled guards & out her in a separate carriage.
************
JING YANG GONG
Yong Qi paced impatiently, Huang Shan sat on a chair, ready to burst anytime, Lao Fuo Ye looked concerned, Ling Fei gripped her kerchief tightly, Huang Hou prayed silently and the rest were about like Yong Qi. Pacing, sustaining themselves from barging into the room & worried sick.
Hu Taiyi came out.
“How is Ge Ge??” everyone asked.
‘Hui Huang Shan, Ge Ge is fairly well, except for the cut on her arm. There also was a slight trace of poison & dried blood on the dagger not belonging to Ge Ge as it has been dried up for a long time and looks like it’s about to rot.”
“Poison??” asked Yong Qi.
“Shi, Wu A Ge, but not to worry. This poison has been left on the dagger too long & has lost it’s effect.”
“Xie tian!!” said Ling Fei.
“But I would like to know, Huang Shan, who the blood belonged to.” Said Hu Taiyi.
“Bring Shu Yuan Ge Ge out.” Said Huang Shan, voice hushed yet full of fury.
“Huang Shan, I may have a hunch on whose blood this is.” Er Tai said, fearfully.
“Who?”
“Liu Ge Ge.” He said, simply.
“Why??”
“The night Huang Shan announced the betrothal of Er Kang & Liu Ge Ge, at that time we were uhh…in love. She wanted to ask Huang Shan to cancel the marriage. But before she could do so, she died. Poison. Shu Yuan was here too when she died. When we were in Qian Qing Gong, she disappeared. But came back, happy & glad. Soon after, the eunuch came to say that Liu Ge Ge was on her deathbed. Before she died, an hour later, she pointed to Shu Yuan and said, ‘Shu Yuan…kill…’. We thought she was asking Shu Yuan to avenge her death as they were close, then. Most of all, Hu Taiyi diagnosed her death. Kun Min poison.” Er Tai said, with tears in his eyes.
“Huang Shan, there are 2 traces of poison here. One is Orchid love, and the other, proved Er Tai right. Kun Min poison. Except that this poison no longer exists, nowadays. I think Er Tai may be right…” he said, sullenly.
“Shu Yuan Ge Ge dao! King Rong Dao!!” called the eunuch.
“KNEEL!” shouted Huang Shan. His voice, so fierce, stern and frightening, brought a distraught Shu yuan immediately to her knees, trembling.
“H-h-Huang S-Shan ji-ji-xiang. Lao Fuo Ye/ Huang Hou Ling Fei Niang Niang jxiang.” Shu Yuan greeted.
“Huang Shan/ Huang Er Niang/ Huang Hou jixiang.” King Rong greeted with absolute confidence that made Huang Hou flinch.
“Shu Yuan!! Is this dagger yours??” shouted Huang Shan.
“S-shi Huang Shan.”
“What were you trying to do when you aimed this dagger at Saiya Gongzhu but it hit Xiao Yan Zi instead??” hollered Huang Shan.
“I-I….I…”
“Huang Shan, Shu Yuan was just trying to win the competition, that’s all.”
“You also killed Liu Ge Ge with this dagger, didn’t you??”
“Liu-Liu Ge Ge??” she questioned.
“I don’t care anymore!! This questioning is getting nowhere. ALL evidence points to YOU. Guards, Behead HER!!” he shouted & several guards came to drag her off.
“Wait!! Huang Shan, have mercy, she’s just a child.” King Rong said.
“MERCY?? She doesn’t have any & doesn’t NEED any. Did she have mercy when she aimed the dagger a Saiya & her unborn child?? Did she have mercy when she stabbed my sixth daughter, my favourite daughter at that time???? Did she have mercy when the dagger got Xiao Yan Zi instead?? Did she even come to say Sorry?? NO!! This person doesn’t need mercy from me. She needs mercy from the Gods above & all her ancestors!!” Shouted Huang Shan.
“But…” King Rong started.
“Behead Her!!” yelled Huang Shan.
“Hold it right there.” Called Lao Fuo Ye.
“Huang Er Niang…” began King Rong
“Shut up! You should’ve taught your daughter properly & trained her well. But Huang Di, It is not a wise action to behead her so quickly. Guards, throw her into the Northern Jail Chamber & keep a close eye. Whoever let’s her escape shall beheaded.”
“Zhar.” The guards said & obeyed without hesitation.
“Huang Di, we have to investigate further. What if Shu Yuan is innocent? It doesn’t do her any justice, does it? Er Tai may be wrong. But on the other hand, her is most probably right too. King Rong. Go back to Rong Zhen Gong.” She ordered.
“Shi Huang Er Niang. King Rong gao ci.” He said & left.
“Huang A Ma??” called a vibrant voice from the end of the hall.
“Xiao Yan Zi?? Go & rest. What are you doing here??” Lao Fuo Ye said.
“I got bored & curious so I came here. Huang A Ma, I have another request.” She said sheepishly.
“What? I still haven’t punished you for entering a wugong competition when you’re pregnant.” Huang Shan said, lifting a brow.
“But Huang A Ma, if I did not enter the competition, I wouldn’t be Xiao Yan Zi, right?” she asked cheerily.
“All I know is if you did not enter the competition, you wouldn’t be in the condition you are now. Now, come nearer & let me take a look at your arm. By the way, how are you, Saiya?”
“Perfectly fine & not a hair hurt.” She replied & hugged Xiao Yan Zi tightly. “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. You saved me.” She exclaimed.
“You’re welcome.” She said, pink with all the praises.
“If we continue praising Xiao Yan Zi, she wouldn’t Xiao Yan Zi anymore & all the compliments may get to her head.” Er Tai said & prodded her head.
“Hey! Today Er Kang & Er Tai have switched personalities, I think.” Xiao Yan Zi said sarcastically & punched Er Tai, hard. Unfortunately, the quick-witted Er Tai ducked and the punch went straight into Yong Qi’s nose while Er Tai who was laughing hard hit a nearby table & went red in the face when the whole heavy antique chair collapsed onto him.
“Serves you right.” Both Xiao Yan Zi & Saiya said together.
Huang Shan had decided to post-phone the trial of Shu Yuan and wait till both Xiao Yan Zi & Saiya gave birth.
***********
JING YANG GONG
“Quick!! Bring the water in.” called Ling Fei, her face contorted with worry.
“Wu A Ge, no, you can’t go in.” persuaded a 4-month pregnant Qing Er, exasperated.
“Yong Qi, stay calm.” Said Huang Shan when he himself was perspiring badly.
“Zi Wei!! Hurry.” Called Ling Fei & Zi Wei, who was then 3 months pregnant, gave Yong QI a light shove & rushed into the room and Qing Er was left, battling with the practically crazy Yong Qi.
The chaos was almost humorous as servants, princesses, Huang Hou her self & Ling Fei bustled about Jing Yang Gong. Yong Qi was pacing up and down the floor of Jing Yang Gong and asking everyone who came out of the chamber, a million questions whom they respectfully ignored. Huang Shan was exited and worried for the birth of his first grandchild.
Half an hour of concern was put aside when a loud baby’s wail came from the room. Amazing enough, another wail followed. 15 minutes later, Qing Er & Zi Wei came out carrying a bundle each.
“Yong Qi! It’s so unexpected. Xiao Yan Zi was having twins & we didn’t even know about it.” exclaimed Zi Wei.
“A boy and a girl!” Qing Er added.
“Twins??” everyone asked, excited as Qing Er held the baby out to Yong Qi and Zi Wei did the same. One in an arm, he gently kissed their foreheads and handed them over, carefully enough to Huang Shan who was beaming in delight.
“Hao le!!” he said as he gazed at his two grandchildren as Yong Qi ran off to find Xiao Yan Zi.
She lay on the bed, quite pale but beamed as she saw Yong Qi.
“Adorable, aren’t they?” she whispered & smiled.
“Yes. Just like you.” He told her and kissed her on the nose.
“But I’m telling you, Yong Qi. This is the first and last time I’m ever giving birth. Two at a go, totally unprepared is too much for me.” She told him, followed by a grin.
“Pity. I was expecting several more.” He told her & as a result got punched lightly.
The next day at court, Huang Shan announced the birth of his first 2 grandchildren, Shi San A Ge (thirteenth prince), Mian Yi & Xin Wei Ge Ge.
A month later, Saiya was the one in labour. As there wasn’t enough time to go to Xue Shi Fu, they just had to deliver the child at Shu Fang Chai. Midwives and servants were seen everywhere in the compound. Hers was very much worse than Xiao Yan Zi’s and it took her 4 hours to deliver her daughter, Hui Qi. This time, Er Tai was the excited father-to-be. Grabbing each servant or Ge Ge’s by their shoulders and shaking them till they became dizzy. So far, his situation was much worse than Yong Qi’s. This went on until Er Kang spoke up.
“Er Tai! If you keep shaking my wife like that, I’ll kill you. Please remember that she’s pregnant.” Er Kang told his brother.
“You can’t blame me can you?? It has already been 4 hours! Even Xiao Yan Zi’s didn’t take such a long time.” He said & continued pacing.
“Er Tai, Calm down a little. Even Yong Qi wasn’t half as worried as you.” Huang Shan told him. But when Er Tai wanted to respond, Fu Jin camae out and told him.
“Relax. Did you know that I had a hard time giving birth to you?? It took me 5 and a half hours!” she consoled him and it did miracles. He finally sat down, until Er Kang said something.
“Maybe that’s why you’re so THIN!!” he said & roared with laughter while Er Tai continued pacing again.
“Oh no…” he said & Fu Jin gave Er Kang a dirty look which made him shut up immediately.
“Er Tai!! Er Tai!!” came a call from the chamber followed by a baby’s cry. Soon, Xiao Yan Zi emerged, carrying a gurgling baby.
“It’s a girl!” she exclaimed, unable to contain her mirth and nearly dropped the baby while handing it over to him.
“Tian ah!! Xiao Yan Zi! I’m never letting you hold my child again.” Er Tai told her sternly while everyone chortled and surrounded the amazed child. Xiao Yan Zi, on the other hand, glared at him & said.
“You’ll pay, Fu Er Tai.”
***********************
COURT ROOM.
“Bring Shu Yuan out!” Huang Shan commanded.
“Zhar!!” and seconds later, a tattered Shu Yuan was brought to face her verdict.
“Do you admit killing Liu Ge Ge, attempting to kill Saiya Gongzhu & injuring Huan Zhu Ge Ge??” he asked.
“No.” was her firm reply.
“Very well then, you shall be beheaded.”
“But wait!!” she yelled.
“I did kill Liu Ge Ge. I tried to kill Saiya. I did injure Xiao Yan Zi. But it was all coincidences…”
***Flashback***
“Liu Ge Ge, shall be betrothed to Fu Er Kang.” Huang Shan announced in front of all his concubines, children and ministers.
“xie, Huang Shan.” Greeted Er Kang.
*There is no way I’m getting out of this. Forgive me, Er Tai.* thought Er Kang as he looked at Er Tai’s crestfallen face.
An hour later, everyone in Qian Qing Gong were celebrating. When Er Tai went to look for his best friend to confide in her, she was no where to be seen.
“Funny, she was here a minute ago.” Er Tai said to himself.
An hour later, she returned. The eunuch came in to announce Liu Ge Ge’s sudden collapse, Seconds ticked away was the pitiful Er Tai watched his first love on the deathbed. Silently praying, crying, and his heart wrenched with anger, revenge and frustration. But no one saw the smug look on King Rong’s face. No one saw the crying & heartbreak Shu Yuan was going through. No one saw the happy and relieved look on Lan Fei’s face….
***End of flashback***
It brings us joy.
It brings us pain.
It brings us relief.
It brings us suffering.
It brings us happiness.
It brings us uncountable wealth.
It's all love...
“Huang Shan, Lan Fei Niang Niang had a power to see the future. She told me she saw 3 new people. She said one is the phoenix, the other, the eagle and the last one, a sparrow. These 2 elements shall bring peace & wealth to the country the palace & Huang Shan. But on the other hand, it shall destroy her. My best guess is Huan Zhu Ge Ge, Saiya Gong Zhu & Zi Wei Ge Ge. Huang Shan, you weren’t there when she died. She recited a poem which sounded like a curse.”
“What is it?” he asked disbelieving
"A time shall come when 3 arrive,
Joy and happiness shall they bring.
A time in space so far to thrive,
In life and death will be such a being.
I sacrifice a life,
My daughter in disguise,
And another shall take the blame.
He lived to rule not love but hurt,
Those I love I can no longer be tame.
They shall suffer, they shall see
What they brought to me,
Death is sought now, no more,
Lightning shall strike them to the core.
To live, to wonder, to search he shall see,
The misery they bring to me.
I therefore curse on where I am,
Death and loneliness shall become them.”
“No one understood. But I did. A time shall come when 3 arrive, Xiao Yan Zi, Saiya & Zi Wei. Joy and happiness shall they bring, just as she predicted. The 3rd & 4th phrase meant they were impossible and she would perish. The ‘he’ in the 2nd verse is Huang Shan. You are supposed to find out about what caused her death. And there & then she bestowed her curse. Onto people who were yet to arrive.”
“What does that have 2 do with Liu Ge Ge, Xiao Yan Zi & Saiya??”
“Liu Ge Ge WAS Lan Fei Niang Niang’s daughter.” Er Kang concluded.
Liu Ge Ge is Lan Fei's Daughter.
Lan Fei can see the future.
She saw Zi Wei, Xiao Yan Zi & Saiya.
To her, they wreck all her chances of reigning.
Remember in part 1, Er Kang told Zi Wei that he was betrothed to Liu Ge Ge but she never lived to see her own wedding??
Well, her own mother killed her as a 'sacrifice' & put Shu Yuan in the most suspicious place.
But before Xiao Yan Zi arrived, Xiao Yan Zi's inner energy was so strong that it killed her.
She then muttered a curse only to Shu Yuan's ears.
A time will come when 3 arrive - Saiya, Xiao Yan Zi & Zi Wei
Joy & Happiness shall they bring - she means to Huang Shan & the empire.
I sacrifice a life, my daughter in disguise - Liu Ge Ge
And another shll take the blame - Shu Yuan
He lived to rule, not love but hurt those I love - Huang Shan hurt her & her loved ones in many ways.
I can no longer be tame - she can't be so patient anymore
They shall suffer, they shall see - Xiao Yan Zi etc shall sufer throughout their lives
What they brought to me - Sufferings & death to Lan Fei
Death is sought now, no more - She predicted her own death.
Lightning shall strike them to the core - a shocking news shall live within them forever, haunting them.
To live, to wonder, to search he shall see - Huang Shan shall see all the sufferings
The misery they bring to me - The so-called misery & death they brought to her.
Therefore I curse on where I am - She curses
Loneliness & Death shall become them - Death that leads to loneliness shall come upon them
"But what does that have to do with Xiao yan Zi & Saiya??"
asked Er Tai.
"Don't you get it?? To her, they bring misery.They are the cause of her
death. They ar the cause she had to kill Liu Ge Ge. She thinks it shall be the
end of her reign of Huang Shan." Xiao Jian said thoughtfully.
"But the past still is the past. We should not change the future because of
it. Let it rest." Yong Qi said.
"Yes. We can't change the past. Let her soul rest in peace." Huang
Shan said.
"But what about Shu Yuan??" asked King Rong.
"She may not have killed Shu Yuan but she DID injure Xiao Yan Zi. That I
presume you admit??"
"Shi, Huang Shan."
"You shall be sent to Mongolia & I prohibit you to return to Beijing
for 1 year." he said.
"Shi, Huang Shan. Shu Yuan accepts the sentence willingly."
"Very well. You shall leave for Mongolia tomorrow."
************
AT SHU FANG CHAI
"Shu Yuan GE Ge Dao!!"
"Shu Yuan??" Xiao Yan Zi called.
"Huan Zhu Ge Ge. Shu Yuan has come to ask for forgiveness fo attacking
you."
"Nah, it's OK."
"Allow Shu Yuan to give 3 kowtows for the stupid mistake." she said
& knelt.
"No, you should actually ask forgiveness from Saiya. You may have hurt me
physically but you hurt her mentally." Xiao Yan Zi said& helped her up.
"Saiya Gongzhu, may you forgive me for what I have done."
"I don't actually mind. Never mind. You are my friend from now on."
"Xie Saiya GongZhu." she said happily.
**************
2 YEARS LATER.
JING YANG GONG.
"Huang Shan jia dao!!"
"Huang A Ma/Huang Shan jixiang." the greeted.
"Dispense with formalities."
"XieHuang a Ma / Huang Shan."
"Now where's Xin Wei, Mian Yi, Er Yi (Xiao Jian & Qing Er's daughter),
He Ling (Saiya & Er Tai) & Kang Wei??" he asked happily.
"Huang Ye Ye!!" exclaimed Xin Wei, Mian Yi & KangWei as they
stumbled out from under the table.
"What are you lot doing under there?" asked Xiao Yan Zi.
"Playing Er Niang." Xin Wei said in her own broken language.
"Where are He Ling & Er Yi??"
He immediately felt 2 pulls on either side of his clothes as he sat down &
gazed into the eyes of He Ling & ErYi.
Over the past 2 years, a new generation has come to the palace. Mian Yi, Xin
Wei, Kang Wei, He Ling & Er Yi brought much more joy to the palace.
The twins, Mian Yi & Xin Wei, like Xiao Yan Zi seemed to follow her
footsteps. Getting into trouble. But Xin Wei was more sober, like Yong Qi &
tended to help her brother most of the time. Although only 2, the both were
smart in their own childish ways & had a million tricks up their sleeves.
When it came to looks, they both had Xiao Yan Zi's eyes, huge & glittery,
her mouth went to Xin Wei. Mian Yi, however inherited Yong Qi's aristocratic
looks. Nonetheless, both were good looking.
Kang Wei, on the other hand, got Zi Wei's eyes, her soft, caring nature & Er
Kang's temper. When he wanted something, he would try & try to get it not
bothering the costs. He too, like Mian Yi always got into trouble & Xin Wei
would help them out. Only one year apart, both were the best of friends like
their fathers.
He Ling & Er Yi were 2 worlds apart from their cousins. He Ling was a dreamy
1 year old & a fighter like Saiya but Er Yi was more serious, like Qing Er.
And yet, they were both just as lovable & Huang Shan treated the 2 just like
his own grandchildren.
"I have good & bad news." Huang Shan announced.
"What, Huang A Ma??" asked Zi Wei
"The good news is, our ambassador managed to settle a dispute with Japan.
The bad news is, Korea is launching a war upon China because a minister came to
China but never went back. Therefore, Yong Qi, Er Kang, Er Tai & Xiao Jian
have to go to battle." & everyone gasped in horror.
"No.." Zi Wei whispered & grabbed the nearest table to steady
herself.
"Er Tai is different. He is married to Saiya & is the Tibetan consort.
He has a choice whether to battle this one out or return to Tibet as soon as
possible."
"Huang Shan, Er Tai shall stay & fight for the country. I was born here
& do not wish for it to go in crumbles. But Er tai requests that Saiya &
He Ling be sent to Tibet immediately."
"No way!! I shall stay here with He Ling. I mean, we all need to stick
together. I can be here if Xiao Yan Zi, Zi Wei or even Qing Er get into
trouble." She said.
"No! You HAVE to go to Tibet."
"I will not Fu Er Tai & You can't force me to."
"No Er Tai. Saiya is right. She is much safer in Beijing. She can't travel
all the way back to Tibet. It's too dangerous. The Koreans, for all we know are
already in China. What if the Koreans get hold of news that Saiya is returning
to Tibet?? It will be a threat to us." Xiao Jian said.
"Xiao Jian is right." Huang Shan said.
"Very well, everyone is to stay in the palace. No getting out." Yong
Qi said & looked straight at Xiao Yan Zi.
"Yes." She muttered.
"Huang Shan, I can send a letter to my father requesting for military help.
I am sure he is most willing as I am here in the palace now."
"Hao. You do that & send it through to fastest messenger."
"Huang A Ma, when do we leave??" asked Yong Qi.
"As soon as possible. The latest by next week. You shall head northwest to
the border of Chiang Han (my imaginary place). Troops are gathered there. 3
Taiyis, Fu Lun, most of the A Ges & a few Da Rens & Da Yes shall be
accompanying you."
"Shi Huang Shan / Huang A Ma."
******
1 WEEK LATER.
"Yong Qi, take good care OK?? Come home as soon as possible if not I'll go
to Chiang Han myself to look for you." She said in tears.
"I will, don't worry. Look after Mian Yi & Xin Wei for me."
"OK."
"A Ma, where are you going?" asked Xin Wei who was very attached to
Yong Qi.
"Somewhere. But don't worry. I'll come back soon before your
birthday."
"Bye A Ma." Said Mian Yi & Xin Wei who were crying.
"Bye." He whispered into Xiao Yan Zi's ear as he hugged her at the
palace main gate.
"Er Kang, Er Tai, Xiao Jian. Look after him OK?? If anything happens I'll
look for you 3."
"Don't worry." They said & left with troops of soldiers in tow.
"They'll be alright." Said Saiya in tears as if to console them. But
deep down inside, she felt something go terribly wrong.
Soon, Fu Jin, Zi Wei & Saiya were asked to move into the palace as it was not safe for 3 women & their children to be alone in the house with no man.
Qing Er too was asked to move back to the palace & Qing Er, Zi Wei & Saiya stayed at Jing Yang Gong which was one of the most protected gongs in the palace besides for Qian Qing Gong. Most guards & servants from Shu Fang Chai moved in for the time being to wait on the 4 princesses. Fu Jin stayed with Ling Fei.
One week passed & the palace was more glum than usual without Yong Qi, Er Kang & Er Tai. Everyday, Xiao Yan Zi especially, lived her life like a robot. She seemed so out of life without Yong Qi. This, of course, did not walk blindly past Huang Shan’s eyes. He visited the 4 girls more often. But it did not do any good.
One day, a message from Er Kang arrived. It was confidential & only to Huang Shan’s eyes. But when her went to Jing Yang Gong, he informed Xiao Yan Zi, Zi Wei, Qing Er & Saiya.
“Huang Shan jia dao!!”
“Huang A Ma/ Huang Shan jixiang.”
“I’ve got good news. Our troops are coming back but Er Kang & Yong Qi shall arrive first as Er Tai & Xiao Jian have been sent more to the north due to sudden attacks there. But, they’re all fine.”
“Yay!! They’re coming back!! They’re coming back!!” Xiao Yan Zi exclaimed & she & Saiya went around Jing Yang Gong telling everyone. Even Xiao Yan Zi’s parrot.
**********
1 WEEK LATER.
“Huang A Ma jixiang.” Greeted Er Kang with full respect.
“Dispense with formalities. Where’s Yong Qi??”
“Uhh…Wu A Ge wanted to stay back to wait for Er Tai & Xiao Jian.” He said & watched silently as Xiao Yan Zi’s face paled.
“Our army seems to have grown smaller.” Huang Shan remarked.
“Shi, Huang A Ma. We did not expect the Koreans to be such strong fighters.”
“Yong Qi wanted to wait for Er Tai & Xiao Jian??” Xiao Yan Zi finally asked.
“Yes.” Er Kang said, quite unsure.
“Well, why don’t you get back to Jing Yang Gong??”
“Shi Huang Shan/ Huang A Ma.”
“Huang A Ma, I have something to discuss with you.” Er Kang said.
“Sure.” Huang Shan said & led Er Kang into the study.
“Wait! Zi Wei! I lost my earring. It dropped off my ear I think.” Xiao Yan Zi said & clutched her ear.
“Do you want us to wait for you??”
“No, it’s OK. You guys go back first. I’ll catch up later.” she said & they left.
“Now where can it be??” she muttered to herself & unconsciously, she neared the study…
********
STUDY
“Huang A Ma, Er Kang is very much guilty & deserves to be killed.”
“Why??”
“Wu A Ge has not stayed back to wait for Xiao Jian & Er Tai.”
“Then where has he gone??”
“Wu A Ge has been kidnapped. Along with Qi Da Ye & Mao Da Ye.”
“WHAT???”
“There was information about another attack right after we sent the message saying we’re leaving. Wu A Ge asked me to handle it while he searched the place for any leftover attackers. The attacks were false reports. But when I returned, every single camp had been turned upside down. The bodies of our soldiers lay strewn on the ground. Wu A Ge, Qi Da Ye & Mao Da Ye were nowhere to be found. After thorough searching, we decided to come back here & ask for extra help. I have already informed Er Tai & Xiao Jian.”
“Yong Qi…kidnapped…??”
“Shi Huang A Ma.”
“NO!!” yelled a voice & Xiao Yan Zi came running into the room immediately grabbing Er Kang by the collar.
“Say it isn’t true. Say it’s just a practical joke to scare me. Say IT Er Kang!!” hollered Xiao Yan Zi. This time, Er Kang kept quiet & didn’t dare to look into Xiao Yan Zi’s eyes, afraid of the pure hatred he might find.
“Dui bu qi, Huan Zhu Ge Ge.” He said mournfully.
“No…” she mumbled, letting go of Er Kang as tears streamed down her porcelain face.
“Say it’s a lie. Huang A Ma, tell me it’s a lie.” She faced Huang Shan who merely shook his head sadly & hugged her. Minutes later, she fainted due to shock.
JING YANG GONG
“Xiao Yan Zi…” she heard murmurs. Faint ones. Could it be Yong Qi?? But
no… it was a woman’s voice.
“Xiao Yan Zi, don’t scare us…wake up…”
“Zi Wei…” she whimpered in reply & opened her eyes.
“Can…can…all of you please go out?? I…I want to talk to Zi Wei.”
“Sure.” They answered her.
All alone in the room with her sworn sister, she broke down. Crying in Zi
Wei’s arms didn’t comfort her a single bit but helped her relieve the pain.
“Zi Wei, is it true?? Tell me.”
“Xiao Yan Zi…yes…Huang A Ma has already sent troops down to look for Yong
Qi.”
“No…please tell me I’m dreaming, that they did not return without Yong Qi…please…”
“Shh…” Zi Wei said until Xiao Yan Zi fell into a deep slumber.
*********
3 DAYS LATER
Xiao Yan Zi was a living zombie. She didn’t laugh nor talk. Worst of all, she
refused to get out of bed. Not eating any food given to her. She did not even
see her 2 children who came everyday to see her but broke out in tears when Er
Tai, who had returned, told them about their missing father. One fine day, Zi
Wei, Qing Er & Saiya who couldn’t stand her misery anymore barged into the
room & told her off.
“Wake up & smell the roses, Xiao Yan Zi.” Saiya said loudly while Er
Kang & Er Tai who was out side ran into the room to see what the commotion
was about.
“No… you don’t understand. Er Kang, Er Tai. They’re all back here. But
Yong Qi isn’t!! They say that they can find him. But for all they know the
Koreans have killed him!!” Xiao Yan Zi sobbed out loud.
“No. You KNOW he’s alive. You can feel him. That’s what it’s all
about.” Zi Wei said.
“No. Can’t! I have nothing worth living for now,” She screamed.
“You do!! Your children! Xin Wei & Mian Yi. You have been neglecting them
for the past 3 days. They need your love too. They’re only 2 yrs old &
compare to you, they have lost a father too. Think!” Qing Er shouted &
that echoed through Jing Yang Gong.
Er Kang & Er Tai tried to pull their wives back but to no avail.
“Er Tai! Stop it. She has to know that she’s been so selfish lately.”
Saiya said.
“Niang…” Xin Wei said quietly & ran to the bed to hug her mother
followed by Mian Yi.
The 3 women watched this tearfully & walked out of the room with their
husbands.
“Er Niang, I promise not to cause trouble. Please??” Mian Yi said.
Xiao Yan Zi smiled for the first time in days & nodded.
“Alright.” She said & hugged her children.
The letter
*************
1 WEEK LATER
“Huang Shan jixiang.” A eunuch greeted.
“What??” he asked, irritated. As it was at the crack of dawn & this
eunuch kept banging on his door saying it was urgent.
“Huang Shan, the king of Korea has just sent this message.”
“Quick, let me see.” Huang Shan said, the expression of his face totally
different.
Huang Shan,
We have, your precious son, Wu A Ge in our hands. Not to worry, he’s not being
mistreated. We want, in exchange for him, his wife Huan Zhu Ge Ge whose beauty
has been spread far & wide. I’m sure one prince for a miserable princess
is a fair exchange??
I’ll be in Beijing in 2 days time to discuss the exchange. I will also be
bringing Wu A Ge.
The King of Korea,
Ku She Bang
“Summon Zi Wei Ge Ge, Fu Da Ye, Fu Er Ye, Saiya Gong Zhu, Qing Ge Ge &
Xiao Da Ren immediately.” Huang Shan said, his face ghastly white.
HALF AN HOUR LATER
“Huang A Ma/ Huang Shan jixiang.” They greeted.
“Dispense with formalities.”
“Xie Huang A Ma/ Huang Shan.”
“Huang A Ma, what is the emergency??” Zi Wei asked.
“This.” He said & passed them the imperial letter. The 6 crowded around
Zi Wei to get a clearer view.
“Tian…” Zi Wei mumbled & the letter slid to the floor from her
fingertips.
“They…they’ve really taken Yong Qi…” Qing Er said.
“Should we tell Xiao Yan Zi??” Huang Shan asked.
“Yes. She has right to know.” Er Tai said.
“But you know how silly she is. She won’t even take to consideration all
matters & take action without thinking.” Er Kang said.
“No. Don’t tell her. It won’t lessen her hurt but increase it.” Zi Wei
said suddenly.
“But what do we have to do with this problem??” Saiya asked.
“I’m not sure…”
“Ku She Bang wants Xiao Yan Zi. He has never seen her before. What does he
want her for??” Xiao Jian asked, deep in thought.
“Anything is possible. He may want her as a concubine, or even to wed one of
his sons or perhaps as his princess. You’ll never know.” Er Kang said.
“But I’ve got a plan. Unfortunately, it involves Xiao Yan Zi as she plays
the main lead. This means we have to tell her at any cost. She loves Yong Qi
& should be willing to make this sacrifice.” Er Tai said, sober.
“Please, Er Tai, don’t tell me we do what the Korean King asks??” Zi Wei
said.
“No. It’s slightly complicated. But Xiao Yan Zi should understand. She will
be here all right, no changes made. But Ling Yuan should also be there. She will
also have to understand that what we are doing for her is the right move…”
Er Tai started & immediately, the room became silent as they discussed Er
Tai’s plan.
But they just don’t know….
2 DAYS LATER
“Huang Shan, the King of Korea is here.” The eunuch informed him at Jing
Yang Gong.
“Bring him in.”
“Huang Shan jixiang.” The king replied, sneering.
“Where is Wu A Ge?” Huang Shan asked expressionless.
“Here.” Yong Qi was brought out.
“H…Huang A Ma jixiang.” He managed to choke out.
“Are you OK??” he asked, concerned.
“Yes…Xiao Yan Zi…don’t let anything happen to her.”
“I promise.” Huang Shan said & meant it.
“So, where’s Huan Zhu Ge Ge??” Ku She Bang looked around curiously.
“She refused to see anyone.” Zi Wei said.
“And who are you??” he asked.
“She’s my daughter.” Huang Shan replied.
“Well, I didn’t ask her. She should know how to remain silent & not
interfere.” Ku She Bang said & proceeded to slap her but Huang Shan held
him back & in an icy voice told him.
“You are now in my territory & it is MY job whether or not to punish my
daughter.”
“Very well. Where is she??”
“Ming Yue… Bring Ge Ge out.” Zi Wei said her eyes showing deep grief.
“No Zi Wei. Don’t.” Yong Qi said.
“Shut up!” yelled Ku She Bang & kicked him.
“A MA!!” called Xin Wei out of the blue.
“Xin Wei!” he said hinting for her to go back but she ignored it completely.
“Who are you??” Ku She Bang asked coldly.
“Who are YOU?? You took my A Ma away & made Er Niang sad. You are a bad
man.” She told Ku She Bang & hit him on the shin with her toy to
everyone’s horror. This was not part of the plan.
“Why you wretched little…” Ku She Bang said & kicked her hard. This
sent the little 2 year old across the room & if not for Saiya, she
would’ve hit herself hard on the pillar.
“You kicked my sister!!” Mian Yi said & kicked Ku She Bang followed by
Kang Wei, Er Ling & He Yi.
“You kicked my cousin! You bad, bad man.” They chanted & hit him on each
side.
“He with the most power kicked the 4 children & Saiya & Liu Hong who
was called to the palace managed to catch in time.
Suddenly, Xiao Yan Zi stormed up.
“You have no right to kick my children, my nieces & nephews. You are not
their father. You have no heart.” She said & before he could react, kicked
him hard on the face. He released the chain holding Yong Qi’s wrists &
Xiao Yan Zi set to a task breaking them with Xiao Jian’s help. Soon, he was
free.
“A Ma!!” called the 2 children & ran to him. He picked them up with much
effort & hugged them tightly, pulling Xiao Yan Zi into his embrace.
“Not so fast!” called the Korean King.
“Throw this man into jail!” Huang Shan said full of fury.
“Wait! Huang A Ma, this man is not the Korean King.” Yong Qi said.
“He’s not??”
“Don’t speak bullshit.” Ku She Bang said nervously.
“He is Prince Ha Te Ruo.” Yong Qi said.
“Ha Te Ruo??” Xiao Yan Zi asked clearly confused.
“Shi, Huang A Ma. He wants to use Xiao Yan Zi to get the throne. He will only have a chance if he is married. And I also heard him say that Ku She Bang admires Xiao Yan Zi & will be happier if Xiao Yan Zi is his daughter-in-law.”
“What??” they asked.
“You can’t punish me.” Ha Te Ruo said.
“I can’t but I can send you back to Korea under the hands of my most well skilled guards so you can receive punishment dear boy.” Huang Shan said.
“B-But…”
“Er Kang, bring me some writing aids.”
“Zhar.”
“This note, shall be attached to you for Ku She Bang.” Huang Shan said.
After writing the note, he called for He Da Ren & Fu Lun with some other guards to send He Te Ruo to Korea~!
**********
Later that night
After putting Mian Yi & Xin Wei to bed, Yong QI & Xiao Yan Zi strolled to their own room hand-in-hand.
“It’s good to be home. Even if I’m trapped in a Forbidden place.” Yong Qi murmured as they stepped into the room.
“You don’t know how good it is for me.” Xiao yan Zi said slowly as he swept her up into an embrace.
“Home will always be home. Especially if there’s a family waiting for me.” Yong Qi told her.
“To think I almost lost you.” Xiao yan Zi said, tears collecting.
“To think I almost lost YOU. You could’ve been brought to Korea & it’s much worse than having 100 men injuring me.” Yong Qi said & kissed her forehead.
“Promise you’ll never leave without me??” she asked innocently putting her pinky finger out.
“Promise.” He said winding his own finger around hers & sealed it with a long, passionate kiss.
Under the stars & the moon. The Gods watching them from above. Fate bringing them together. Love entwining their souls, touching their hearts. As Han Xiang & Meng Dan’s spirits, a butterfly, hovered above them smiling to itself…
**~THE END~**
