Rough Recap

There was a war brewing between Cai and Zhu kingdoms, so the Zhu Emperor wanted to negotiate a marriage. This marriage was to bring peace between the two kingdoms, but Shen Qing's Imperial Father (Cai Kingdom) doesn't agree with this. Yet, Shen Qing and Ke Qiang saw this as an advantage to take down Zhu Kingdom. Thus, they pretended to agree to the political marriage. (The one getting married to the Zhu Princess would be Ke Qiang.) As soon as the plan was all set, Xiang Yun found out about the marriage and immediately followed Shen Qing. (He’s traveling to the Zhu Kingdom with Ke Qiang.)

During the journey, Shen Qing and Ke Qiang were raided by some Zhu merchants. When Xiang Yun saw this, she didn't hesitate and blocked Shen Qing from a sword that was directed at him. Surprised and angry to see Xiang Yun (because he had no idea that she was following him), Shen Qing had no choice but to make sure she's safe. They both got separated from Ke Qiang and his men during the raid. Since she was severely injured, they rested overnight in a cave. This is where Shen Qing finally realized how much pain Xiang Yun had to endure (about punishment she'd received for attempting to abort Consort Fang and poisoning Consort Xue). Without hesitation and a rush of guilt, he embraced her from behind to kiss the scars. But a noise from outside interrupted them. Ruo Xie, who is Xiang Yun's second personal guard and Shen Qing's messenger, found them and brought them back with the others.

They all arrived in the Zhu Palace with a warm welcome, but Shen Qing doesn't buy their hospitability. Shen Qing is a bit furious with the raid especially for harming Xiang Yun, but doesn't do anything about it. The Zhu Princess, Jue Hai, received the news that her future-husband had arrived but doubts that they'll stay true to their agreement. Jue Hai has had recent failures where suitors turned her down because she was disabled. (Ke Qiang agreed to this marriage without knowing that the woman he'll be marrying can't walk, but that doesn't matter. He has an undermined plan which was to use this marriage to destroy her kingdom). During the wait for the wedding, Xiang Yun gets suspicious about what Shen Qing and Ke Qiang is planning. Plus, she starts to re-evaluate how she truly feels about Shen Qing. However, that doesn't go well when Shen Qing clearly told her that he's sorry for not being able to love her.

Ke Qiang decided last minute to not murder the entire family. Instead he negotiated a peace that will make sure both sides won't go into war with another. The truth is that Ke Qiang fell in love with the Zhu Princess named Zhen Jue Hai and so the peace was just an excuse for him to not kill her family. After resolving the alliance, Shen Qing and Xiang Yun headed back home. Xiang Yun again started to question her relationship with Shen Qing while the palace held a banquet to celebrate their success. This is where Xiang Yun got kidnapped by Jiang Yi Chen and he revealed to her about her past and Shen Qing's history with him.

            Yi Chen glared at me briefly and then moved away. Headed towards the window, he gazed outside and formed a fist with his right hand. He seemed lost in his thoughts and I waited for him to give an answer. If I am right, then that makes Shen Qing and Yi Chen step-brothers. Does that mean Yi Chen purposely got close to me, so he can successfully get his revenge? Or is it that he genuinely liked me?

            “Who would want a brother like him? A bloodthirsty beast who only wants the throne?” He answer full of hatred.

            “I’m confused,” I commented.

            “We shared a father, but my mom was just a mistress so I am the bastard son; no title and status. But I was favored by the citizens, which is why Shen Qing wanted to get rid of me because I had the whole city behind me. Eventually he found his way to point false evidence against me like how he murdered your entire family.”

            “What do you mean?” I suddenly felt a tug on my heart as if he has spoke some truth that I had long forgot.

            “He murdered your family, Xiang Yun. He burned your entire family in front of you when you begged him not to and yet he didn’t hesitate. He killed them mercilessly and didn’t even regret it.”

            “Be quiet! I don’t wanna hear!” I turned my head away from him.

            “You must listen!” He rushed to me and grabbed my arms to make me face him directly.   “The man you married killed your family in cold blood. He doesn’t deserve your love, so please leave with me.”

            “Liar! Shen Qing would never do such a thing! He may hate me, but he would never harm my family!”
            “Then where is your family, right now? Why haven’t they come and visit you, huh? That is because they are dead, Xiang Yun!”

            “Liar! Quit lying to me just because you’re upset he killed your family!” He stared at me for a brief second and then forced a kiss on my lips. I groaned in disgust and yanked my whole body away from him causing myself to fall on the bed along with him. Our eyes met again and our lips barely touching. I avoided his intense staring and frowned.

            “I am disappointed in you. I thought you were a man, but in the end you’re no different from him.” Yi Chen’s eyes grew larger and he pushed himself off. He sighed and helped me sat up and then grabbed his dagger from his side. He slit the ropes to release my arms and then my ankles.

            “Get out.” He demanded without looking at me. I didn’t hesitate and ran for it. His words were repeated in my mind again as I ran and ran, breathlessly. Comforting myself that his words were lies, I twisted the statements to best fit me. It’s impossible for Shen Qing to have done such a thing, I don’t believe it.

            I don’t remember how long I’ve ran until I reached the palace entrance. As soon as I arrived, the guards allowed me to get inside without questions and didn’t realize that I was the crown princess. The first place I headed to was his residence because I wanted to confirm something and that something was the truth that I have been denying. Once I reached the outside skirts of his residence, I heard giggles of two voices; the familiar voices that always breaks my heart.

            “Come on, try this” Consort Xue said and tried to feed Shen Qing some fruit. I leaned against the wall to provide myself a support and felt my heart being stabbed countlessly. Was he always this happy around her? He didn’t bothered to look for me when I was captured? Why am I pained by this? Why am I in love with a such a heartless man? I know that he can’t possibly love me, right? As these thoughts raced in my mind, my body collapsed and I think I heard his voice shouted at me. Maybe it was just me hoping that he would have.

            There was a light breeze that softly drifts across the plain and causes the long grains to sway; horses neighing and farmers pulling their cart towards the main camp. It is a serene feeling; one that I haven’t experienced unless I was at home. Not the home that had rules and power struggles, but my real home.

            I remember sitting under the big tree of heaven, or so we villagers would call it because it provided spiritual comfort. Swinging back and forth, I giggled at the thought of what my shifu told me; he was picking the right man for my upcoming marriage. Shifu said that the man would be coming from a far away land and I would automatically know who he is when he arrives because he will be wearing the silver bracelet stained with red dots. Shifu described his features as graceful, a true gentlemen with little flaw, and built yet slim. I really wanted to meet him.

            “Eighth Princess! Where are you!?” A’Li shouted and climbed up the hill to reach me. “There’s bad news!” As soon as I heard that, I immediately jumped down from the branch and landed in front of A’Li.

            “What happened?” I asked.

            “A bunch of warriors suddenly barged into the main hall demanding to see Your Majesty.” A’Li was referring to my father.

            “Do you know who they are?”

            “No, I couldn’t tell so that is why I came to get you.”

            “Then let’s get going!” I grabbed her hand and ran.

            All the warriors stood in line, blocking the entrance so that no one can enter or get out. My father sat in the front, unable to move because one of the men had the blade against my father’s neck. Gao Yang, who’s the commander of the troop, stood in front of my father crossing his arms as if waiting for a response. During all this, my adoptive brother Yue Xiao Ming was pinned to kneel as his hands were tied back by Gao Yang’s men.

            “So where is this daughter of your’s?” Gao Yang asked, impatiently.

            “I have too much daughters, which one are you looking for?”

            “You know exactly who I am looking for; the one who’s getting married shortly.”

            “All my daughters are getting married around this time, so be specific Commander Gao Yang” My father answered, purposely angered him. Gao Yang drew his sword and let the tip of the sword pierce my father’s right shoulder.

           “Stop!” I shouted and pushed my way inside, so did A’Li. As soon as Gao Yang turned to see who’s coming, I drew A’Li’s sword and swung it to push Gao Yang’s sword away from my father’s shoulder. Gao Yang smirked and swung his sword towards me. I jerked back and defended myself as the sword struck the blade.

            “Now, who are you?” Gao Yang leaned forward with his sword coming closer to me, so I stepped back. He struck my sword away and with his other hand he pulled me in his arms. With a broad smile, he pressed his lips against my cheek which made A’Li attack him. He released me and fought with A’Li. I took the chance to grab the sword that fell on the ground and threw it towards A’Li so she can use it.

           “Gao Yang! You dare hurt my daughter I won’t spare you at all!” My father yelled, but couldn’t do anything.

            “Speak all you want; you denied my wedding proposal so I must force her to marry me” Gao Yang said and avoid A’Li so he can come for me. I dodge his hand from grabbing me as I took the advantage to kick him on the back of the knee so I can make him kneel. He dropped to one knee as A’Li helped me attack him by coming from behind and had the blade on his neck.

            “Don’t move!” A’Li demanded as his men all stepped forward. Gao Yang scoffed.

            “Let go of my father and brother!” I ordered, “If not, I’ll have Gao Yang’s head cut off and brought back to your nation!” I threatened and they all surrender.

            I rushed over to my father and helped him sit up properly. My father embraced and checked if I was alright. I reassured him and turned to face Gao Yang.

            “I won’t ever marry you, so return home.”

            “That’s not an option” he responded.

            “Gao Yang, don’t be stubborn. Ah Yun would never love you even if you had her as your wife. So save yourself and leave.” Xiao Ming said as he approached Gao Yang. Xiao Ming gestured A’Li to release him and retreated back.

            “I suggest you to leave right now before I lose my patience with you” my father said.

            “We are not done here. I will be back to ruin you” Gao Yang said and left.

            I exhaled in relief and nodded at A’Li as a sign that she needs to go prepare medicine for my father and my brother. Once I escorted my father back to his room so that he can rest, I headed to my brother’s living residence.

            “Xiao Ming,” I knocked on his doors, “It’s me.” One of Xiao Ming’s servants opened the door to let me in as the servant left. I closed the door behind me as Xiao Ming attempted to stand up from where he was sitting. However, as soon as he stood he fell back on the seat.

            “Why force yourself, brother?” I helped him, “You need to rest.”

            “You didn’t have to come check on me, Xiang Yun.”

            “Of course I do, you’re my brother and if I don’t look out for you who will?” I questioned and started to pour him a cup of tea. Xiao Ming smiled briefly and glanced down. “What’s wrong, brother? In pain again?” I frowned at him and set the teapot on the table.

            “I’m fine, just some minor pain,” he tried to reassure me and reached for the cup of tea. “Is father alright?”

            “He’s good. He fell asleep before I came here,” I answered. “But what about Gao Yang? Do you think he’ll continue to cause problems?”

          “He’s obsessed with having you as his wife, but trust me as long as I am alive he will never have or hurt you.” I smiled at him and grabbed Xiao Ming’s hand.

            Two days had passed and Gao Yang didn’t come back to stir up problems. However, more suitors visited my father and asked for my hand in marriage. Obviously, I denied their proposal and patiently waited for the man that shifu suggested me to meet. He never came though. After the two days, three days had passed and shortly a week had gone by. Tomorrow would be the competition among the suitors and if he doesn’t show up I would end up marrying one of the princes. I gathered my items and took the side window to leave my room. As soon as I was in the neighboring town away from the main city and palace, I entered one of the tavern to rest.

            “Waiter!” I shouted as I sat at one of the tables near the window.

            “Coming!” the waiter responded and rushed over to me, “what can I get for you?”

            “Can I have a bowl of noodles?” I asked, politely. The waiter smiled and rushed away to prepare my meal. I glanced outside and noticed a commotion. There was a young lady getting beaten by a strong physique; he pushed her to the ground and held her by her arm. On her knees, she pleaded him to let her go but he refused. I exhaled and slam my palm on the table and stood up. Taking the shortcut, I jumped out from the window at the same time the man raised his hand to slap her on the face. Automatically, I reached for my sword and pulled it out to strike the man’s wrist. He yanks his hand away and glared at me.

            “Who are you?!” he yelled.

            “Didn’t your parents taught you to not hit a lady?” I questioned and held my sword out at him.

            “Scram before it’s not only her who will get hurt, but also you.” he threatened. I scoffed and quickly placed the blade against his neck when he stepped forward. He glared and swung his arm to strike me. I dodged and pulled my sword away making him able to grab the lady, holding her hostage in front of me.

            “Let her go!” I demanded.

            “This issue is between me and her, so leave.” He gripped tight on her neck. I pulled my sword at him and tried threatening him, but it was useless.

            “What do you want in order to leave her?” I asked. He laughed,

            “If you really want to save her young miss, then come with me and be my slave.” The lady looked at me with despair and gradually loses her breathe. I bit my lower lips and clutched tight onto the sword before releasing it.

            “Fine.”