Several days passed. Lui Xian spent almost all his time at the tea house. Feng Shao improved more in his perfomance. Only a day was left for him to enter the palace. His outfit had been made, and a make up artist had been hired, only he knew he wouldn't let her see his face.On this day, Lui Xian arrived very late. He wore a black robe and tied his hair in a pony. Leaving some strands falling on the sides of his face. His sword was at his waist it's hilt clutched in his hand. This was the first time Feng Shao was seeing Lui Xian dressed as he was. When he looked at his black boots which were dusty and dirtied with dry grass, it made him think otherwise. Feng Shao knew that Lui Xian wasn't a Saint. He knew he could kill without blinking an eye. Although he had never witnessed him do such thing. He just knew. As always Lui Xian greeted him and sat on his usual spot ignoring the glances the other was giving him."How was your practice? You know you will be entering the palace tomorrow
In Wu Kingdom, the whole palace was bustling with cheers from the palace servants, the guards, soldiers and the ministers who at the moment were at the banquet to celebrate the birthday of the Emperor who was now turning thirty-six years old. Wu Luan was sitting at the throne with his five year old son on his lap. The two figures mirrored each other. The only difference was that the former was the older version of the latter. The father and son pair wore robes of the same colour and with the same designs. Wu Luan's hair was styled beautifuly making him look more handsome and domineering. His little heir looked cute as his eyes would wonder on everyone gathered about. He observed how the old men sitting below caressed their beards when talking. How the scholars sat straight without letting out a sound. He also looked at the servants who had their heads down not daring to look in anyone's eyes. His eyes strayed for a long time on the side where the generals sat chatting amongst each ot
Feng Shao looked at everyone through his veil. He felt nervous but also excited. He was thrilled to meet him again. They had met once but it felt like he had been his enemy all his life. He is the only person who made him thirst for blood on the entire earth. Only him no one else. Feng Shao thought he hated Lui Xian. But his hate was nothing close to what he felt for the man he was painstakingly playing this song for. He had taken everything thing from him. His family, not only his blood relatives but also those he had made later on in life. He had snatched his home. Took away his friends. He stole his happiness. And the only person he ever loved. But now he would die than admit it in front of him. At the moment what he saw was the red colour and a blurry figure that urged him to attack.He tried his best not to go insane. Fought with himself to keep his emotions at bay. He held his zither on his lap and started playing. Everyone could hear the agony and anguish that was put across fr
The celebrations were over and everyone dispersed and went to their homes. Lui Xian took Feng Shao to his yard and allocated him a room where he could stay. Feng Shao was surprised to see how big his wing was. The inside was fairly decorated and looked very clean.The general served him some snacks and refreshments which he found so delicious. On a platter there was some water melons neatly sliced in a small plate, some biscuits and others which he didn't recognise. He was shocked to see a boiled egg on one of the plates. He looked at him only to see him looking through some documents on his seat. He didn't hesitate and took a bite eating everything until he was full."Why did you bring me here? I am done with my work. Shouldn't you send me home by now?" He asked feeling very curious."Well, I know you will be called back. After all he thinks you are a woman. I am sorry to say you will be called to the imperial hall tomorrow. If I could I would have stopped it from happening but it's
Wu Luan didn't understand anything. He had done too many things to count. He was like any other ruler. Always living with a pile of garbage. After all he had taken after his father. Who fed on his people's distress. He burnt down lots of villages to gain power. He took away all their beautiful daughters as his own. Sometimes he sent the sons to slavery. He destroyed unfaithful servants for instance all the courtiers who didn't agree with his decisions.Wu Luan even remembers one event in his childhood that made his father destroy one family. He had been given the honour to light up the house on fire. The family name had been the Feng. The Grand Minister Feng had defied the Emperor during the court proceedings. So the Emperor wanted to set an example for the other ministers. He deemed the whole family as traitors, who committed unjustifiable treason and wanted to burn them alive. However, when he thought of the consequences that would come after if one of them escaped, he hired an assas
Lui Xian arrived at the imperial hall just after Feng Shao had been taken inside. The ladies in waiting told him to stand outside and wait for Wu Luan to finish his talk with Feng Shao. The General reluctantly compiled with the ladys' wish. He found a spot to lean on as he looked around the palace grounds. It was not his first time to be told to wait when he visited the monarch. It had now become the norm after all he had lost his favour so who else was willing to respect him. Even a mere slave nowadays dared to throw a stone at him.Feeling somewhat suffocated thinking of the bleak past, Lui Xian diverged his thoughts back to the time he had been together with Feng Shao. In those times, he remembered that he was very happy. Yes, there were times he fought with him but those were very precious too. It's now he realises Feng Shao is the most important person in his life. He now believed that the heavens had granted him such a lotus flower. He still wonders if he still has a chance to ch
"Lan're, when will I see him again?" Rushan asked his lover who was caressing his hair, massaging his scalp so he would feel better. The two were out enjoying themselves. The prince rested his head on Lanzhu's lap feeling quite depressed for it had been too long since he last saw Lui Xian."You will. Just give him some time." "How long will it take? It's already three months since he locked himself in his chambers. He doesn't allow anyone inside at all. Even his servants are not allowed to clean his room or say enter it. We even visited him but he never showed himself to us. I think he hates me.""No, don't think like that. Or you will be sad, you know I don't like seeing you so sad. Come on let's go back." Lanzhu stood up then gestured for Rushan to take his hand and helped him up.When the two were on their feet they held hands and walked to where they had left their horse. They let go of each other and then got onto their horse one after another. Lanzhu took the reigns then shouted
With his prayer yet to be answered Lui Xian kept taking care of Feng Shao. He could not eat while seeing his lover suffering like that. All he could do was drink the medicine Feng Shao was having.All day long sitting, sleeping by his side. "Ah Shao, I miss you so much. Please wake up."His room echoed with his pained voice.He wished with all his heart to be the one suffering in his place. "I know you are still angry with me. But please wake up." He murmured whilst carressing his hair. He could see that his state had improved greatly compared to the night he brought him back. On that night Lui Xian had thought he had lost him forever. He can only thank his intuition that drove him to check his pulse once again before sending him away. Upon realising that his pulse was still faintly pulsating Lui Xian was overjoyed. He called up a doctor who helped Feng Shao and left some medicines to give him daily. To think all that happened changed him greatly.Lui Xian never thought that he woul
It has been a few months after their marriage, the couples were living quite a fruitful life. It was peaceful and the days were enjoyable. Feng Shao continued offering consultations to everyone in the valley, he also went into the forest and other places in search of various herbs. Sometimes he would stay at home and spend some quality time with his husband. The two would play around. Either just cuddling and flirting under a cherry tree or sparring with each other. Although everytime Lui Xian would go easy on him. Feng Shao on other occasions he would play a few pieces of his own songs on his zither. The others would listen with a smile. And the villagers would sometimes join them. Some would even beg him to learn. And Dong Dong would be amongst these people. Feeling proud of him. Rushan on the other hand, he would be occupied in his paintings. He loved investing most of his time playing with colours and smelling the ink on the parchment paper. He would sometimes add poems once he
Rushan beamed with happiness, altogether with excitement knowing that he had a chance to get him. He hurriedly got onto his feet and strode to the doors, eager to see him again. "Thank you brother." He waved at the emperor and disappeared before the monarch could say anything in return. He just watched his little brother with a small smile on his lips. He took a sip of his tea, savouring the exquisite taste. Once done, he looked into space as if he was in deep thought. The prince on the other hand was running around the palace path ways, heading to the training area where he assumed he would find him training. Some refreshing breeze graced his cheeks and made his hair dance along with the moving air. The scenery all around him appeared to be surrounded by beautiful cherry blossoms fluttering and emitting a mesmerizing scent. It did not take time for him to reach the training grounds. Various soldiers were busy clushing with wooden swords against one another. Others were engaged in
The following day, the prince got up as early before the rooster crowed. He had black circles around his eyes. His orbs looked very depressed. He was so unkempt. His personal servants were so shocked and embarrased. They prayed secretly in their hearts, begging the heavens so that there hasn't been a single soul that had seen this or else their prince's image would forever be ruined. They got flustered and started running about like headless chickens before the head maid calmed them down and ordered the others to bring warm water from the kitchen and also to prepare for his highness's clothes. In the mean time, she greeted the prince and politely urged him to go behind the screen where there was a beautiful pond with beautiful flowers scattered skillfully on top. She helped undress him and left him with pants on before guiding him into the pond.All the while Rushan was feeling tired and very sleepy. He listened to whatever she was saying so to get her to go away. He didn't want to d
"Well then Qi Han, come and inform me when he returns.""Yes, Your Highness." Qi Han answered respectfully. He watched as Rushan turned and walked away, going back to his palace. The little minister then turned back giving the room where Lanzhu lived a last glance before going on his way. On the other side, Rushan rested in his office and waited patiently, while thinking of things he was going to say to him. He had done this many times but he never seemed to get tired of it. Just the thought of telling him how he felt filled his tummy with butterflies. After a moment, then he felt sad for some reason. His mind having wild guesses like: 'Maybe the letter wasn't meant for me.'"Does he like someone else?""No, no. If that is the case I will never be able to accept it."The Night approached very fast and Rushan takes a nap and dreams of him again. He couldn't help but smile in his dream. Just the thought of being kissed by those juicy lips sent him into the clouds. He wished to never
Shiny charcoal hair flowed gently past his eyes, flattering with the wafting breeze making the scene look breathtaking. The rays highlighted the beautifully styled hair. The shimmering emerald robe he was wearing enhanced his graceful figure. And also the gentle but cold temperament.Rushan just couldn't get enough while looking at it. His light blue eyes wandered a lot more on the gorgeous designs, then the coarse and shiny hair before they shifted on to the good-looking face. The thirsty prince took in the unfamiliar distinct features. It appeared as if he was drinking an exquisite juice just by looking at them. Especially the white fair skin and scarlet eyes he had never seen before. It was rare to find anyone with this eye colour in Wu Kingdom. Even when he went on his voyages, he had never come across such a trait. This made his interest pick up.He couldn't move his eyes away, so he chose to look to his heart's content. His rosy full lips didn't escape his scrutiny as well. Rus
There he found an outlet for his troublesome woes. Lui Xian listened and felt amused by his dear friend's antics. He felt like he was watching himself when he had just realized that he had fallen for the monarch.But it was very different for his friend. He had never met the person at all. All he could hold onto was the emotional bond he had achieved through heartfelt words on an ordinary parchment paper. Lui Xian however, never judged his dear companion, for he knew how hard it was to be in a fruitless love. One had to hold onto the hope that perhaps one day he will see my love. One had to dream of a life together, longing and yearning to acquire their coveted wish. He watched as Rushan told him how eager he was to find the person who wrote to him. He had searched and searched everywhere in the Kingdom until he almost lost hope. That is until he stumbled upon a piece of writing when he had visited his Imperial brother. On that fateful day, the prince was low spirited and was in no
After the adventurous wedding night, Feng Shao woke up feeling sore all over. His body was littered with vivid love bites and scratch marks. His eyes were shining brightly knowing that he was now Lui Xian's husband. He looked down beside him to see Lui Xian still asleep with a set of his own marks on his chest. The white-haired male stretched his hand and grabbed a handful of his spouse's jet-black hair strands, feeling the soothing texture. His warm eyes landed on his glowing face which was being softened by the morning glow. When he had looked enough, Feng Shao leaned on him and stole a very quick kiss on his lips before getting off the bed and rushing to take a bath behind the screen. Behind the two meter white board decorated with magnificent scenic paintings, which was shielding him from prying gazes, some purple garments were hung in one corner. And there was a wooden tub situated in between the board and the wall. It was filled with cold water with rose petals floating on top a
"Ruo?...Ruo.." 'Where have I heard this name before?' Feng Shao contemplated in his mind. When he was still living in his hometown his father used to have a visitor with the name Ruo. Everytime on his visit this man would always bring him a sweet and would also throw him up in the air and and play with him. Now that he thought about it, it should be someone related to Lui Xian. Feng Shao told his lover everything he knew. The other only listened and also continued with his story. The two talked till morning. Dong Dong was the one who came over to them and cut their story short.The three regrouped with the others and accompanied Rushan to Wu Capital. Of course Feng Shao and Lui Xian bade goodbye to their friends and remained in the capital. Rushan and the others proceeded to enter the palace. He met his nephew and spent a week together with him. They played together, had the royal artist paint a painting of them. After all was done he promised his nephew to visit him again and then l
When they returned to the restaurant, everyone in their group could see a change in Feng Shao's mood. He had gotten more relaxed and back to normal. A smile couldn't leave his face. He was more sticky to Lui Xian. Whilst the others were sitting on the table, he was on his lover's lap being fed a spoon full of chicken stew and a sip of light wine. Rushan and Lanzhu had an idea of what had taken place a few years back in this town. They had also followed their friend and had witnessed everything that just happened. Seeing them happy also made them feel good.The group left the restaurant and booked a few rooms to spend the night. Feng Shao and Lui Xian took Dong Dong and made their way to their room. Dong Dong watched his Daddy crying and felt speechless. It was his first time seeing him like this. Unlike Lui Xian who had gotten used to this, for this little guy it was quite a shock. He couldn't find a reason as to what made him cry. He seemed to remember him letting down his third cup