Zhiruo

Zhiruo shifted slightly uncomfortably, plastering a smile onto her face as she watched the rebels feast around her. As she had predicted, they had immediately decided to eat the food she had brought, having been forced to limit consumption due to the lack of trading happening in the closed off city. Just from watching them for the past hour however, Zhiruo was startled by the difference between the two groups of soldiers. While both groups were composed of military men, Prince Yixing’s forces kept to their place, listened to orders, and more or less acted with proper decorum. The rebels however, acted more like mountain bandits than royal soldiers. Zhiruo bit back a sigh.

That just goes to show that the old saying is right. A dog will act like its master.

As if he could hear her thoughts, the rebel leader, General Wei, walked over with a tipsy smile on his face and looped an arm around Zhiruo’s shoulder.

“Pretty maiden, won’t you have a drink with us?” He slurred, “It is no fun for you to just stand there.” Zhiruo smiled politely and ducked subtly out of his grasp.

“My Lord, please enjoy the food. I did not bring it for myself.” She replied smoothly. General Wei laughed drunkenly and put a hand on her face to make her look at him. A shiver ran down Zhiruo’s back at the brute force, and forced herself to remain calm. She couldn’t help but remember the warmth of Prince Yixing’s gentle touch, so different from all the other men she had come across so far. A Before she could react however, another soldier came and pulled the general away.

“Lord General, don’t bother yourself with the commoner!” He slurred, “Let us eat and be merry!” Zhiruo dipped her head politely as the two men headed off. Her gaze trailed carefully around the room at the happy men, cautiously examining the effects of the lily powder. If the books had been right, then the effects should begin settling in around this time. As expected, the men were beginning to slump over and spin around the room, clearly both dizzy and drunk. Zhiruo smiled faintly to herself, then subtly made her way out of the room.

All that is left now is to take care of the guards at the city gates, and then I can release the signal.

Zhiruo was so intent on leaving the room however, that she failed to notice General Wei’s clear gaze following her as she left.

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A little while later, Zhiruo stepped away from the city gates as the guards slumped dizzily at her feet after consuming the food she given them. As planned, she headed for the side of the city away from the soldiers where she planned to release the signal firecracker into the air. Before she could reach the desired spot however, Zhiruo froze as she felt the cool edge of a sword pressed against her neck.

“Where are you going, pretty maiden?” A familiar voice queried. Zhiruo swallowed hard and tamped down on rising panic as she turned her head slightly to see General Wei standing behind her.

“I only intended to return home now that you have all eaten your fill.” She replied calmly, “What are you doing out here, Lord General?” The older man smirked, and immediately Zhiruo could tell that he had not eaten the poisoned food.

“You didn’t eat.” She concluded, narrowing her eyes. General Wei laughed.

“Silly girl, do you think I would have fallen for your childish tricks so easily?” He said, “A pretty maiden says she’s from the villages and came to give us food as a symbol of support. It would be a little too easy for us, if that were the case.” Zhiruo smirked.

“Unfortunately, your men were not smart enough.” She countered, “You alone are clearminded.” General Wei laughed.

“That doesn’t matter.” He replied, “As long as you die here, your master will never be able to succeed.” He sneered as he leaned close.

“Has the Prince of Lanling stooped so low as to send a young woman to do his work?” He asked. Zhiruo smiled calmly, her hand slipping subtly towards her sleeve.

“I do not think you are in a position to judge the prince.” She stated. In one swift movement, she pulled away from the edge of the sword, and at the same time, her fingers ripped apart a small packet of mandala powder she had hidden in her sleeve for self protection. General Wei screamed as she tossed the loose powder in his eyes, sending him stumbling back. Zhiruo smiled in approval, and then hurried towards the city gates. If General Wei was here, the best choice was to get to the city gates before releasing the signal. Either way, Prince Yixing would see it, and then…

Zhiruo gasped as something hard rammed into the back of her shoulders, knocking her to the ground. Before she could grasp what was happening, something slammed into her head as well, sending stars fluttering across her vision.

“Foolish little girl.” General Wei’s voice sneered in Zhiruo’s ear as she was pulled roughly to her feet, her head spinning from the blow.

“I told you I wouldn’t fall to your little tricks so easily, didn’t I?” He said coldly, his hand gripping her arm in an iron vise. Powerless to resist, Zhiruo was dragged away and towards the city wall.

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Yixing

Something was wrong. As if Yixing had eaten something bitter, a feeling of dread was creeping up from the back of his throat, warning him to be extra alert. He bit his lip and tightened the reins on his horse as a cold wind blew through the forest where the army was hiding. From further down the sloping hills, the lights of Lanling City twinkled innocently in the darkness.

“Shouldn’t Zhiruo have released the signal by now?” Yifan whispered from next to him. Yixing frowned and nodded. Given what Zhiruo had told him, the signal firecracker should have soared into the sky at least five minutes ago.

“Let’s move a little forward to take a look.” He said, “We can hide in the tall grass.” And so, the army dismounted from their horses and moved cautiously towards the quiet city. As Yixing peered over the edge of the long swaying grass, a male voice boomed out from the city.

“Prince of Lanling!” General Wei called, “I know you are nearby! Come out!” Yixing exchanged an uneasy glance with Yifan. As he peered closer at the city walls, he could just barely make out the rebel general’s tall figure standing on top of the city walls. In his arms, a smaller figure stood frozen in place, his arm looped around her neck. General Wei moved slightly, and Yixing’s eyes widened as the moonlight glistened off the silver blade of the general’s sword to illuminate his captive’s face.

Zhiruo!

The young physician looked dazed and unsteady, and surely would have fallen if General Wei had not been holding her in place. Yixing felt inexplicable anger burn in his chest at the sight.

What did he do to her?

“You can’t go out there.” Yifan warned, “You’ll be too vulnerable in that open ground.” Yixing tore his gaze from Zhiruo to Yifan. Logically, his brother was right. But at the same time, a tiny voice told him to keep his word to Zhiruo, to not betray the trust she had placed in him when she had decided to enter the city alone. In any case, hiding here would not make taking back the city any easier.

“Watch for a chance to shoot.” He ordered Yifan as he rose to his feet. Ignoring Yifan’s soft protests, Yixing slipped his mask over his face and headed for the open ground surrounding the city. General Wei smirked as Yixing appeared in his line of vision.

“Prince of Lanling, how far have you fallen to depend on a woman to win?” He sneered, “This is not your style.” Yixing smirked calmly, although he knew the general couldn’t see it.

“On the contrary, that woman is quite competent.” He countered, “If she wasn’t a woman, I would certainly make her a military advisor and keep her with me at all times.” Yixing lifted his gaze calmly up to the figure on top of the city walls.

“Even if I am depending on a woman, you are little better than I am, to be holding a woman hostage.” He continued, “By now, all your men should be unable to even stand on their feet, much less fight a war. Perhaps if you surrender, I may be able to spare your life.” General Wei barked out a laugh.

“Prince of Lanling, I did not come all this way to just give up a fight because of a woman.” He replied, “Even if I die, this girl is coming with me.” As if to emphasize his point, he pulled the sword blade closer against Zhiruo’s neck, eliciting a soft gasp from the captured woman. Yixing’s eyes narrowed, and he swiftly slipped an arrow into his bow in response.

“Try anything, and I’ll shoot through your heart right here.” He growled. General Wei laughed again.

“You can try to shoot!” He challenged, “What do you think is faster, my sword against your woman’s neck, or your arrow from such a far distance down? Put down your weapon!” Yixing’s grip tightened in anger as he couldn’t help but admit that General Wei was right. By the time his arrow reached the rebel leader, Zhiruo would have long been dead. Slowly, he began to lower his arrow towards the ground.

“Your Highness!” Zhiruo’s voice reached him from above, and he was surprised to see calm descend over her gaze as she looked directly at him. At the same time, the clouds happened to move away from the moon, and in the newly illuminating light, Yixing could see her right hand moving steadily up her left sleeve.

She must have something in there.

A faint smile crossed Zhiruo’s face as she spoke again.

“I trust you.” She said simply. In one fluid motion, she pulled something small and narrow from up her sleeve, and proceeded to stab the rebel general’s exposed hand with it. In the light of the moon, Yixing could see the soft glimmer of a sliver of metal in Zhiruo’s hand.

One of her acupuncture needles! He realized, an amused smile turning up the corner of his lips. It seemed that Shangguan Zhiruo had entered the city far more prepared than he had imagined. General Wei yelled in surprise and pain, the sword next to Zhiruo’s neck falling away as she kicked him in the shins for good measure. Taking advantage of the enemy’s sudden weakness, Yixing swiftly pulled his arrow back into position and shot it directly at General Wei. The arrow soared through the night air before piercing the general’s side, sending him tumbling away from Zhiruo. Then, before the general could attempt to grab at Zhiruo again, she rushed forward, and leapt over the city wall into the empty night air.

____________________________________________________________________________

Zhiruo

The only direction to go is down.

That had become clear to Zhiruo the moment she had been dragged up to the top of the city wall. Even if she or someone else managed to get the general away from her, there was no saying how far he could chase her should she take the stairs. And so, the fastest and surest way of escape was to jump over the city wall. Of course, that logic would hold assuming that there was something to catch her once she did jump, but there was no turning back now. As the cool night air rushed past her, Zhiruo thought back to Prince Yixing’s care towards his people, even down to the lowest person in his manor. If luck was on her side, then his caring attitude would apply to her as well. After what felt like an eternity, there was a rush of movement near her, and seconds later, a strong arm wrapped around Zhiruo’s waist and slowed her fall.

“Impulsive woman.” A familiar voice murmured in her ear, and Zhiruo opened her eyes cautiously to see a familiar silver mask.

“Your Highness!” She breathed in relief. The prince gazed down at her as they floated slowly down to the ground. An inexplicable emotion seemed to flicker through his eyes, but it was gone before Zhiruo could place what it was. For a moment, Zhiruo felt almost disappointed that they had arrived so soon. Prince Yixing’s arms were strong and warm, and had a strange ability to make her feel completely safe in his grasp.

“Are you injured?” He asked after a few long moments. Zhiruo touched her neck cautiously, wincing slightly as she felt pain.

“Just a small cut.” She reassured him. Prince Yixing lowed her carefully to her feet, his arm remaining on her waist as he turned her head to look at the cut. A soft sigh escaped the prince’s lips as he ran his fingers carefully over the cut. Zhiruo bit her lip at the sound, her chest tightening slightly.

Is he angry?

“Make sure to treat it as soon as we get back.” Prince Yixing said after a few moments. Zhiruo bit her lip and nodded.

“Yes, Your Highness.” She mumbled.

“Yixing!” Zhiruo bowed as Yifan approached, the rest of the army behind him.

“Are both of you alright?” The third prince asked, a concerned expression etched across his handsome face. Yixing nodded, and Yifan blew out his breath in relief. Zhiruo looked at both princes, and curtsied politely.

“I am sure both Your Highnesses have many things to deal with here.” She said, “I would not like to get in the way, so if Your Highnesses will excuse me…” Her voice trailed off as the ground seemed to spin below her feet, causing Zhiruo to slip sideways as her head began to grow dizzy.

“Zhiruo!” Prince Yixing’s arm wrapped around her shoulders as she began to fall, “What’s wrong?” Zhiruo smiled faintly and shook her head.

“I’m just a little dizzy.” She replied, “The general hit me on the back of my head earlier, but I will be fine after some rest.” Prince Yixing’s hand gently probed the back of Zhiruo’s neck, causing her to wince as his long fingers brushed across the bruised area. A low growl sounded in the prince’s throat.

“Yifan.” He ordered coldly.

“Yes?” The elder prince asked. Prince Yixing’s gaze narrowed as he looked up at his brother.

“Send my order around our army. If the rebel soldiers are willing to join my army and work off their guilt under my command, then spare their lives. If they resist, then execute them on the spot.”

“Does that include General Wei?” Prince Yifan asked. Prince Yixing’s voice grew dangerously low as he responded.

“Tie that man to four horses and rip him to pieces.” He ordered, “I will not tolerate him living for a second longer!” Zhiruo’s eyes widened at the order, and despite her dizziness, she looked up at the prince in shock. The expression on his face was terrifying, one of pure anger and hatred. Zhiruo knew that it was not her place to question the prince’s order, but just imagining the rebel leader’s punishment was enough to make her blood run cold.

“Highness, would it not be better for him to submit to your leadership?” She asked, “I thought General Wei was a capable man.” A cold smirk tugged at the corner of Prince Yixing’s lips.

“A man who dares to touch one of my people does not deserve to live.” He responded simply.

__________________________________________________________________________

Later that night

The final rebel soldiers were rounded up as the first early morning rays of sun peeked over the horizon. The Lanling army gathered up their horses and began preparing for the trip back to camp. Zhiruo looked up in surprise as Prince Yixing drew his horse up beside her and extended a hand towards her.

“Your Highness?” She asked in confusion.

“Come up.” Prince Yixing ordered. Zhiruo bit her lip and shook her head.

“It wouldn’t be very proper.” She protested. Prince Yixing chuckled and shook his head.

“In my military, things are proper if I say they are.” He replied, “Come on. Or do you intend to walk all the way back to camp?” Zhiruo hesitated as she looked at the prince’s outstretched hand. She had ridden her own horse when she had come to Lanling City, but the horse had been taken away back to camp in order to avoid drawing unnecessary attention. The prince was right; unless she wanted to walk by foot, her only option was to ride with him.

“Then, I will have to trouble Your Highness.” She replied. Taking a deep breath, Zhiruo grasped the prince’s offered hand. He swung her up neatly into the space in front of him on the saddle, his arms closing down on either side of her protectively.

“Good choice.” Prince Yixing murmured teasingly. Zhiruo felt her heart pound at their proximity, his breath tickling past her ear as he spoke.

“Pardon?” She squeaked, unsure of how to respond. Prince Yixing laughed and without answering, urged his horse into a gallop and led the army back to their camp. Zhiruo felt her eyes growing heavy as the warmth of the morning sun shone down on them, her head lolling forward slightly as she started dozing off. After dozing off a few times, Zhiruo felt a gentle hand tap against the side of her head, and her eyes widened as Prince Yixing pulled her against him so that her head rested on his chest.

“If you are tired, then sleep.” He said. Zhiruo’s heart began to pound again.

“I could not possibly sleep this way.” She protested softly, but the prince’s arm tightened around her waist as she attempted to sit back up again.

“Would you rather prefer falling off the horse?” He countered smoothly, “I’m sure your head would not appreciate that.” Zhiruo frowned as she turned her head to look at the prince.

“Would Your Highness allow this servant to fall?” She asked, a soft pout on her lips. An amused smile flickered across the prince’s face.

“Who knows?” He replied nonchalantly. Zhiruo’s eyes widened, a soft huff escaping her lips as she looked back down at her hands.

He’s toying with me!

The prince did have a point though; sleeping, even against his body, was far more preferable to either falling to the ground or getting a sore neck from falling forward the whole way back to camp.

“Then, I will thank you, Your Highness.” She huffed before returning to her original position with her head against his chest. A soft chuckle rumbled through Prince Yixing’s chest, sending a soft flutter through Zhiruo’s heart.

What is this funny feeling in my chest?

Despite her reservations however, Zhiruo found her eyes drooping again as they continued traveling, and before long, her eyes closed and she fell asleep to the soft thump of Prince Yixing’s heartbeat.

______________________________________________________________________

Zhiruo wasn’t sure how long she slept for, but when she awoke, she found herself ensconced in soft blankets on a large bed in the middle of one of the military tents. She was still in her commoner clothing, but someone had dressed the wound on her neck so that the pain had dulled to a small throb. Zhiruo looked around curiously as she sat up. The tent was massive, including a large table near the front, a set of weapons hanging on the side, and a familiar set of silver armor carefully cleaned and hung next to it. Zhiruo’s eyes widened as she recognized the armor.

I’m in the prince’s tent! Which means...this is the prince’s bed!

Before Zhiruo could let that thought sink in, there was a rustle of movement from the entrance, and Zhiruo turned to see Prince Yixing step in. He had shed his armor for a more practical red robe, his long hair released from his topknot to run down his back. With the bright morning sun illuminating him from behind, the prince looked more like a god than ever. He smiled as he caught her gaze.

“Did you sleep well?” He asked, coming to sit down next to her bedside. Zhiruo nodded politely and bowed her head.

“But why am I in your bed, Your Highness?” She asked, “Certainly this is not very proper.” Prince Yixing chuckled.

“Zhiruo, you helped me crush the rebellion without sacrificing a single of my men's’ lives.” He said, “Allowing you to sleep in the biggest bed in the camp is the least that I can do.” He leaned close to check on her cut, his warm fingers sending a slight tingle down Zhiruo’s neck.

“It seems like your cut will be just fine.” He declared. Prince Yixing paused as he pulled away, leaving their faces in close proximity to each other. Zhiruo’s eyes widened as she stared into his dark brown eyes. The prince’s gaze was mesmerizing, the bright morning sun sending soft flecks of silver into their deep depths. Due to their close distance, Zhiruo could smell the faint scent of sun and grass floating off his skin and clothing.

He must have been outside practicing with the soldiers. I wonder what they were doing out there?

“Zhiruo?” The prince’s voice brought Zhiruo out of her thoughts, and she cleared awkwardly as she realized she had been staring.

“My apologies, Your Highness.” She mumbled. A soft chuckle rose from Prince Yixing’s throat.

“What are you thinking about in that head of yours?” He asked, tilting her chin up with one slender finger.

“N-nothing.” Zhiruo stammered, embarrassed. A soft squeak of surprise escaped her lips as the prince leaned close again.

“You’re blushing, Lady Shangguan.” He noted, “Do you have a fever?” Zhiruo clapped a hand over her cheeks in horror as she realized that they were indeed flushed warm.

“Of course not, I am fine, Your Highness.” She responded quickly. After a few long seconds, the prince nodded in approval and finally pulled away.

“I have something for you.” He said, pulling a small box from inside his robes. Zhiruo opened the box curiously and picked up the small ring that lay nestled in purple velvet inside.

“What is this?” She asked. The ring was simple, only decorated with an image of an orchid flower on the top with its petals elegantly spread into a small circle. Prince Yixing took the ring from her and held it between his index finger and thumb.

“Shangguan Zhiruo, this ring is a symbol of loyalty to me from those who will wear it.” He said, “From your actions last night, I have decided to trust your loyalty and keep you by my side for as long as I can, and so am granting you this orchid ring.” An earnest gaze filled his beautiful face as the prince looked at Zhiruo.

“Will you accept this, Lady Shangguan?” He asked hopefully. Zhiruo hesitated for a moment. With loyalty came many other things, and who knew what troubles her promised loyalty would bring in the future? And then there was still her family matters that she had to care for…

But, as Zhiruo looked at the hopeful expression on the young prince’s face, she knew that there was no way she could refuse his request. In any case, at the moment, pledging her loyalty to arguably the most powerful prince in the nation would bring her no harm. Taking a deep breath, she pulled the ring from Prince Yixing’s grasp and slipped it onto her right hand.

“Your Highness, I will not disappoint you.”

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Author's note: Let the flirting commence! (Or at least, Yixing will try to flirt...)