Shen Qing enters Ke Qiang’s room and closed the doors as he stepped inside. Ke Qiang glances up from his spot as he closed the book on the table. He stood up and greeted Shen Qing. He signals Ke Qiang to sit.

“I’ve received a message.” Shen Qing referring to the ambush troop that is arriving soon and he sat down in front of Ke Qiang.

“Did they make it safely?” Ke Qiang asks, fixing his posture.

“They were raided by some merchants, so they’ll arrive in three days.”

“What about the wedding? I thought the best attack was when the emperor is distracted and away from his guards?” Ke Qiang looked at him with a confused expression.

“We need to change our plan then.”

“We can try delaying the marriage or stay here for three days.”

“Delay the marriage,” Shen Qing concluded. He thought deeply and grabbed for a blank piece of paper on the table. He started writing something on the paper with the brush.

“What are you doing?” Ke Qiang asks watched him. Shen Qing ignored him for a brief second.

“I’ll explain later. We must act now if you want to keep being single,” Shen Qing setted the brush down and rolled the paper up, “If we want the emperor to delay the marriage, then we must anger him or else forcing the delay wouldn’t work”

“Are you saying that we get the emperor mad just so he delays the marriage rather than being told to do so?”

“Yes” Shen Qing stood up.

“Okay. Then I’ll have my men sent to help the troop”

“No,” Shen Qing refused, “The less the better. I’ll have Ruo Xie go help the troop. As for your men here, they need as much rest for this upcoming battle”

Ke Qiang nodded and understood what Shen Qing has planned. Shen Qing dismissed himself, so that he can meet the Zhu Emperor.

In Main Hall of the Zhu Palace

    Shen Qing arrived just in time when the Zhu Emperor and his loyal subjects were discussing political matters. He kowtowed in front of the emperor and the Zhu Emperor gestured at him to stand up.

“Your Majesty, I request to have a private talk with you,” Shen Qing suggested.

“No need. The concerns you have should be heard by my loyal subjects.”

“If you insist,” Shen Qing replies, “On our journey here, we came with goods to satisfy the authority and seal our alliance. However, at the borders we were ambushed by a bunch of Zhu merchants. My men and my wife were injured on the journey, so I further investigated the merchant’s background. I found out that the merchants that ambushed us weren’t actually merchants, but trained warriors to defend the borders to get rid of threats,” he explained.

“What are you trying to say, Crown Prince Yan?” the emperor’s eyes narrowed.

“I’m saying that, are you trying to murder me on your land in hope that my kingdom would never know?”

“How dare you!” Zhu Emperor immediately stood and pointed at Shen Qing, “What proof do you have against me?”

“A letter from one of the merchants asking for forgiveness and seeking the help from the Zhu Emperor,” Shen Qing answered and pulled out the written letter.

Zhu Emperor’s eyes flared with anger as he demanded to see the letter. The eunuch took the letter from Shen Qing’s hand and walked it to the Zhu Emperor. He examined the letter and angrily threw the letter at the ground.

“Nonsense!”

“Your Majesty, I came here to ask for justice. Your attempt to murder me is a crime to Cai Kingdom. A letter home can bring war upon your land, but that’s not what I’m asking for.”

“Then what are you asking for?”

“Justice. Find justice for me and my people or else this marriage isn’t happening”

“Okay,” Zhu Emperor sighs, “Eunuch, have the royal commander order his men to capture the merchants that harmed Crown Prince Yan; have them executed in front of the citizens as a model for attacking our alliance” the eunuch nodded and signaled one of the lower class servant to summon the royal commander.

“Thanks, Your Majesty,” Shen Qing bowed.

Jue Hai’s Residence

“Princess!” her maid runs to Jue Hai’s bedroom, “The wedding got canceled!” her maid announced.

“What?” Jue Hai turned her head to her maid, dressed in her wedding robe and had her makeup done. She thought for a bit.

“What happened?”

“I heard the Crown Prince from Cai Kingdom is unhappy with the raid from Zhu merchants, so he wants to punish them for harming his wife and people. And Your Majesty gladly obliged to it without complaining”  

“Imperial Father allowed it?” Jue Hai pondered, “If the wedding isn’t today, then what day it will be? Wouldn’t this be considering a bad omen to my marriage?”

“Not at all!” the maid defensively explained, “heaven is trying to make you and your soon-to-be husband waits for the perfect moment” she smiled.

“Prepare my bath for me” Jue Hai ignored her statement.

“Why?” her maid cocked her head.

“I’m undressing from this robe and leaving”

After Jue Hai was dressed in her silky violet and fuchsia robe, she ordered her maid to stay behind so that she can spend time alone in the water garden. Jue Hai stared at the goldfishes swimming in the pond as she threw them food. Her mind drifted away and pondered about attempted marriages her Imperial Father held. Every banquet failed because as soon as the suitors saw her arriving in a wheelchair, they would fake a smile and then leave. As they leave, they would shame her Imperial Father for raising a disabled daughter. Jue Hai exhaled and placed the bag of fish food on the ground. At the same moment, Ke Qiang strolled from the courtyard and entered the water garden. He slowed his pace and observed the female in the wheelchair, who’s positioned in front of his pathway. He squinted his eyes and eagerness rushed through his legs. But Ke Qiang stopped halfway before reaching her in fear that he’ll disturb her. She stood up with both of her hands gripped on the chair handles. The wind blew softly against Jue Hai as her robe and hair fluttered gracefully with the wind. Ke Qiang’s lips drew to the side as he his head and crossed his arm in front of his chest. Jue Hai released her right hand and extended it to wooden railing. She grasped it and tried to lift her left leg forward. Ke Qiang continued to grin and stepped forward when she was trying to walk. Jue Hai exhaled deeply as she leaped forward, but lost energy on her legs. She fell forward. Ke Qiang dashed to her. He grabbed her arm and pulled her into his chest. Jue Hai’s body leaned on Ke Qiang and heat ascended to her cheeks. She glimpsed to the unknown man and thanked him with a small smile.

“Are you okay?” he glanced down at her.

“I’m fine” she answered and tried to pull herself away, but it was useless. Ke Qiang noticed what she was trying to do, so he instantly grabbed the wheelchair with his other hand. He supported her to the wheelchair and waited for her to say something. He gazed at her while her cheeks were flushed with embarrassment making her unable to face him properly. She fiddled with her fingers and managed to lift her head up.

“Who are you doing in my residence?” She questioned.

“My apologies,” he bowed, “ I was cruising around the palace and was intrigued by the water lilies.”

“You don’t seem to be around here. What’s your name?”

“I’m Ke Qiang, and you?”

“Ju-”

“Princess!” my maid rushed over interrupting them, “What are you doing here? Young Master is looking for you.” Jue Hai angled her head to her maid who arrived on her left side.

“I understand,” Jue Hai signaled her to stand aside, “May we meet again” she smiled at Ke Qiang.

“May we meet again” he smiled back at her.

*I'm sorry for the long hiatus. I got caught up with writer's block, so that's why I haven't updated. 

Thanks for your support though :D