Rough Recap for the reader

[ so far in the story ] 

Xiang Yun was accused of poisoning Crown Prince Yan aka Shen Qing's beloved Consort Xue and in anger of the accusation, she decides to seek for the truth to clear her name. At the same time, Consort Fang blames Xiang Yun for the attempt to murder Shen Qing and her unborn child. As a result, Xiang Yun is punished for her crimes without a proper investigation. 

During all of these chaos, there was an assassin attempt to kill Shen Qing, but failed because Xiang Yun defended the sword attack for Shen Qing. Consequently, the palace went into a shut-down meaning that access in and out are forbidden. Furthermore, Xiang Yun bumped into the man named Yi Chen who was the assassin and someone, he claims so, who she knew from the past.

Not long, A'Li finally found a lead onto their poison accusation case but was soon murder at the scene. At the same time, an emperor from Xin Kingdom named Ping Qi Shi visited Shen Qing to form an agreement that later resulted in Consort Fang's death. When a welcoming banquet was held, Qi Shi became fascinated and fell in love with A'Li's charms. Coincidentally, he was also Xiang Yun's savior. After, Qi Shi continuously asked A'Li to join him because he believed that she had potentials to be a general commander, but even more so because he then can always see her. This eventually lead to an argument between Xiang Yun and A'Li. Furious, Xiang Yun fled the palace which caused her to be in trouble with a bunch of human traffickers. Yi Chen saved her and hinted that they were more than strangers. He also confessed to loving her even if she doesn't remember him. When Shen Qing was notified of Xiang Yun's missing whereabouts, he searched night and day for her and eventually fell ill. 

As soon as Xiang Yun returned back to the palace, she reconciled with A'Li and was asked to take care of Shen Qing. However, she refused to do so because she believes that the person who he needs the most at his side is Consort Xue, his doted consort. Yet, concern led her to sneak in Shen Qing's bedroom at night to check up with him. Shen Qing woke up the moment when she tried to wipe his sweat for him which embroils the situation because Shen Qing was slightly angry with Xiang Yun's behavior and accused her of wanting to murder him. Shen Qing wanted to punished her for her action which lead to their first and accidental kiss. Embarrassed, Xiang Yun demanded that he tells no one. The next day, she went to go meet him again to fetch the knife that she'd lost in his bedroom. However, they ended up arguing again. 

After the death of Consort Fang, Xiang Yun was extremely disappointed and mad at Shen Qing because Consort Fang died while having his unborn child. Later the same day, Shen Qing went to her residence and they argued again about Consort Fang's death and his insensible attitude. Strange enough, Imperial Mother locked Xiang Yun's bedroom door suggesting that they should consummate the marriage. At the same time, Shen Qing was starting to feel due to the aphrodisiac that someone had given him. 

Qi Shi secretly met A'Li in the kitchen to tell her that he's leaving the next day and that if she wanted to leave with him, it'll be her last chance. However, A'Li continued to reject his offer leaving Qi Shi heartbroken as he left the room. Morning arrived, Xiang Yun and A'Li escorted Qi Shi out the city at the same time Ke Qiang, Shen Qing's older brother, arrives and caused a scene. 

Ke Qiang glares darkly at me the moment Qi Shi left. I caught him glaring as I matched my eye with his. He stands more upright and buffs out his chest. Closing the gap between us, he finally spoke,

“Are you heading back home?” he asks, politely.

“No, I’m not” I answer, “But why are you back? Is the war over?” I ask.

“No, the war isn’t over. Imperial Father sent for me to come back to discuss political matters. Shen Qing didn’t tell you?” he raised an eyebrow.

“You know your brother, he never tells me anything”

“Then it would be best if you hear it from him” he excuses himself and climbed on the horse. A’Li and I stepped aside to let him pass.

In Main Hall of the Palace

“Greetings, Imperial Father” Shen Qing, Ke Qiang, and a bunch of other crown princes said as they bow down.

“You may stand up” Imperial Father dismisses their formalities, “As you know, the ongoing war with the Zhu Kingdom isn’t going too good. We’ve received an inside news that they’re going to attack us at daybreak with some advance weapons they’ve created”

“Imperial Father, you don’t need to worry. I’ve developed a plan that will definitely surprise them and bring Cai Kingdom victory” Ke Qiang said, confidently.

“It’s not about winning. I’m more concerned about the alliance the Zhu emperor proposed”

“What did he proposed?” Shen Qing asks.

“Giving him his daughter a marriage then he’ll surrender to us”

“That sounds easy. Imperial Father has plenty of unmarried sons” Ke Qiang points out as the crown prince's murmur among themselves.

“But Imperial Father, you don’t seem to like the proposal” eldest crown prince notices Imperial Father’s discontent.

“A marriage will only temporarily solve the issue, but it won’t remove the threat away” Imperial Father answers.

“Then why don’t we take advantage of the marriage?” Shen Qing suggests.

“What do you mean?” Ke Qiang turns to him.

“Fake the marriage ceremony to get inside the palace gates and attack from the inside” Shen Qing said as the Imperial Father nods slightly.

“And as we’re arriving inside, have our men disguised as commoners and surround the city. From inside, we’ll set off a signal and for sure we’ll win if we catch them by surprise” Shen Qing explains.

“Vicious” Imperial Father responds, “But I like that plan”

Shen Qing arrogantly smiles towards Ke Qiang and then bows at Imperial Father. Ke Qiang glares at Shen Qing and spoke,

“But what if the plan fails, Imperial Father? We can’t be betting on one plan if Shen Qing’s plan doesn’t succeed. Plus, what if during the arrival they ambush us?” Ke Qiang asks.

“That’s right; it’s too risky to send one of my own sons into their palace”

“It won’t unless Ke Qiang is the one marrying their daughter” Shen Qing advices, “Out of all of the crown prince, only Ke Qiang has the most warfare experiences so when it’s crucial, his decision should be the most reliable”

“What are you trying to say, Shen Qing?”

“I’m saying Imperial Father should send Ke Qiang to be their son-in-law because he’s quick-minded and react fast to unexpected war incidents”

“Fine, I’ve decided. Shen Qing will arrange the strategies and Ke Qiang will be the one enforcing them. I’ll send in my edict that Ke Qiang has accepted to be Zhu Kingdom’s son-in-law. End of the discussion” Imperial Father concludes, standing up.

“Long live Imperial Father” they all said, bow one last time as Imperial Father left.

Ke Qiang’s piercing eyes glares at Shen Qing which made Shen Qing stop from leaving as he stared into Ke Qiang’s eyes. The room gradually gotten quieter while Ke Qiang steps forward to close the gap between him and Shen Qing.  

“I have a feeling you’re going to go back on you words the moment something goes wrong” Ke Qiang finally broke the silence.

“Of course not, brother”

Ke Qiang scoffs, “Hard to believe considering that it’s odd that you want me to marry”

“Well, you are in age of marriage and you don’t have a wife either” Shen Qing points out.

“Instead of worrying about me you should probably worry about your own marriage”

“I have everything under control with my wives”

“You sure? Because I clearly saw Ah Yun outside the palace with a handsome man. If you aren’t careful, she could be sntached away from you anytime” Ke Qiang spoke lower.

“You’re referring to her?!” Shen Qing laughs it off, “Brother, you don’t need to worry about her. I’m more concerned with Consort Xue’s well-being than her”

“Of course, your heart desires Consort Xue but Ah Yun is your first wife and the lady of the house”

“You’re suggesting?” Shen Qing’s voice trails off.

“I’m suggesting that spend more time with Ah Yun before I take what’s your’s”

Shen Qing’s sarcastic expression fades as it emerges to become indignant. He extends his right arm forward and grasp Ke Qiang’s collar, pulled him closer. Speaking in a deeper voice, “Go ahead. If you see her as significant, then approach her” he pushes him away and left the room.

Ke Qiang scoffs again in amusement. He shakes his head and mumbles, “Your actions says one thing, but your eyes say something else”

A’Li and I found a small tavern nearby to the palace gates. Inside, it was filled with nobles chatting about politics regarding the war with the Zhu Kingdom. A’Li and I sat in the upper floor next to an open window so that we can see the sun shining over the mountain hills. As we waited for our dishes, some wealth officials rant in loud voices about a rumor of the marriage proposal. I stared at A’Li who’s looking at me too. I angled my head slightly to hear what they’re discussing.

“Is it true that the King of Zhu is proposing a marriage alliance?”

“It can be since we’re dominating those lowly people anyway”

“I heard from an insider that the son-in-law would be Young Master Ke Qiang, the third crown prince”

“Here are your dishes” the waiter interrupts A’Li and me as he sets the dishes in a triangle formation.

“Thanks” I smiled.

“Crown Princess, do you think it seems a bit odd?” A’Li asks in a quiet voice.

“What do you mean?” I ask, picked up my chopsticks.

“Zhu Kingdom has more of advantage than our military troops, so why offer an alliance?”

“Maybe they’re tired of fighting?” I guessed as I dug into my food using my chopsticks.

“Sounds too easy” A’Li said, picked up her chopsticks, “Because if Your Highness agrees to the marriage, then wouldn’t Zhu Kingdom have the same amount of power?  Unless. . . “A’Li’s voice trails off as soon as she sees Yi Chen sitting down in the corner of the tavern. He was looking towards their direction allowing A’Li and him to make eye contact.

“Unless what?”  I ask, glare up at her.

“Nothing. Continue eating, Crown Princess” A’Li said, poured her a cup of tea to break off the eye contact with Yi Chen.

“You’re acting strange” I noticed.

“Am I?” A’Li answers as she sets the cup next to me.

“You are” I glared at her intensely, “You’re missing him, right?” I ask.

“Missing him?”

“Sir Ping”

“Of course not” A’Li looks away and briefly spot Yi Chen smiling as he took a sip of his drink. I turned my head, looking around the tavern and finally understood why she was acting strange when I saw Yi Chen. Without saying anything, he raised his cup as a sign of his greetings. I grabbed my cup and did the same back to him. I faintly smiled and drink my tea.

“You’re blushing, Crown Princess” A’Li stated. I quickly set the cup down and touched my cheeks with my palms.

“Did something happen?” she asks as I completely face her so that I’m not angled towards Yi Chen.

“Nothing happened”

You’re lying”

“Are you accusing me of lying?” I furiously spoke.

“I wouldn’t dare” A’Li lowers her head.

“Greetings” Yi Chen’s voice was suddenly louder.

“You” I said, startled and turned to face him.

“Can I have a seat here?” he asks.

“Please do” I gesture.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you outside the palace; what made you came out?” he asks.

“Sir Ping was leaving today”

“Sir Ping?” he raised his eyebrows.

“The emperor of Xin Kingdom” I clarified.

“Ah, him” he nods and suddenly someone bumped into me.

“It’s you” the male said, pointing his index finger at me causing a commotion.

“Do I know you?” I ask.

He scoffs, “Of course you won’t, but I remember you. You’re Yan Shen Qing’s wife, the one who plotted against my cousin Yu Xiu”

“You have the wrong person” I pushed his hand from pointing at me.

“Sir, I suggest you be careful with your words before I kick you out of here” A’Li threatens.

“Look! Everyone look! Be my witness, they’ve just threatened me” he said making everyone glance over at us.

“Crown Princess, let’s leave” A’Li waved for the waiter to come over so she can pay the bill.

“You’re not leaving so soon” he grabs my hand harshly when I stood up, “You’re coming with me so you’ll be punished for my cousin’s death”

“Let me go” I demanded.

“No way” he yanks me over and Yi Chen grasps onto my other hand. I turned to look at him as he was darkly glaring at the man.

“Sir, let go” he politely demands.

He refused as Yi Chen managed to pull me to the side and twisted the man’s arm.

“You’re a man; you should be more polite when handling with a lady”

“Don’t you know who I am? I’m one of the Prime Minister’s loyal subjects”

“I don’t care. Haven’t your parents taught you how to respect your seniors?” Yi Chen kicks the back of his leg as he immediately fell on his knee.

“You!” he shouts, “Men! Capture them alive” he yells.

“A’Li, behind you!” I warned as his men attacked us.

           Chaos erupts and A’Li dodges the man coming from behind at the same time I ran to the side corner to hide. Yi Chen lets go of the man and kicks his back so that he’s flat against the floor. He steps over the man and attacks his men that were gradually charging into the tavern. As more of his people enter, I slowly moved myself out of the scene. The man who pointed his finger at me got up from his spot and glanced around for me. As soon as he spotted me, he rushed towards me. I had no choice, but to run. However, he grabs my shoulder making me stop. Yi Chen notices this and automatically kicked the man in his way from reaching me. A’Li on the other hand was surrounded by his men so her trying to reach me would be difficult. The moment I blinked, Yi Chen was already pinning the man against the wall and threatening his men with his life. Once his men realized that their young master was in danger, they all stopped. A’Li rushes over to me as Yi Chen used their young master as a defense as he leads us out the tavern. After safely exiting the tavern, Yi Chen pushes their young master for them to catch as we all ran for it. When they weren’t chasing us anymore, I immediately stopped running and tried to catch my breath. Breathing harshly, I stared at Yi Chen and A’Li who looks completely fine after running.

“You two” I pointed at them, “Aren’t you tired a bit?” I ask, exhale breathlessly.

“Crown Princess, we’re fine but are you okay?” A’Li asks.

“I’m dead tired from running” I admit, stopped pointing at them and started fanning myself.

Yi Chen laughs at the same time as he looks away from me.

“What’s so funny?”

“Nothing” he answers, trying to stop laughing. A’Li darkly glared at him not understanding what’s funny about the situation.

“Speak. Why are you laughing?” I continue to ask.

“Nothing” he answers again and finally turns back to me.

“Annoying” I mumbled, stood upright and crossed my arms in front of my chest.

“I just think it’s funny how a crown princess like you had to run away from a bunch of a troublemakers; makes you seem so improper”

“So what if I’m improper. It’s not like I love being a crown princess anyway” I said.

“Crown Princess!’ A’Li raised her voice a little.

“What?” I turned to her.

“You shouldn’t be speaking like that. It’s inappropriate to say such thing”

“Okay okay”

“Who were those people back there anyway?” Yi Chen asks.

“I don’t know. Probably some members from the Fang family” I answer.

“Fang family? Why would they have a grudge against you?”

I was about to open my mouth to answer, but A’Li cuts me off from speaking.

“Enough. It’s getting late. Crown Princess shouldn’t be staying out for too long before Crown Prince gets worried” A’Li reminded. I stare at Yi Chen and back to A’Li. Yi Chen’s eyes seem to be scanning mine as if he’s waiting for me to say something, but I didn’t.  

I apologize for such a long hiatus. 

Thanks for being considerate readers and 

Happy New Year!~~