Yixing

The journey back to Qing was smooth, and about a week later, Yixing spotted the tall roofs of the capital and the Qing flag waving at the city gates. He sailed through both the city gates and the palace’s front gates with ease thanks to the token Yifan gave him, and as soon as he got off his horse Yixing took off running for Princess Feiyan’s palace. He was certain he would be getting quite the earful from his mistress, but he certainly deserved it. Servants scrambled to get out of the way of the running imperial guard, and Yixing was certain news would soon be spreading throughout the palace about his sudden return, but he could care less at the moment. At last, he reached the princess’s quarters and pushed the doors open carefully so as not to startle anyone. His eyes scanned the area carefully for the princess as he strode in, his heart pounding eagerly in his chest to see his mistress again. Then, he finally saw her, and Yixing finally let himself sigh in relief.

My Lady…!

Princess Feiyan sat in the shade of the cherry blossom tree planted in the middle of the garden, her head laid back gently against the tree bark. Her eyes were closed in sleep, and in the light shade of the cherry blossom tree, her long eyelashes cast light shadows against her pale cheeks. She had forgone the usual velvet flower headdress that princesses wore, and so her long hair flowed freely down her back instead. The wind picked up slightly as Yixing watched, sending cherry blossom petals fluttering down from the tree in a cascade around the young princess and falling onto her dress to stand in stark contrast to the silvery white cloth of the dress she was wearing. Yixing felt his chest grow warm as he gazed at Princess Feiyan for a long moment before striding forward. Noting the slightly chilly wind, Yixing untied his cloak from around his shoulders and carefully draped it around Princess Feiyan, then picked up the princess carefully in his arms to avoid waking her up. Maids stared in surprise as he carried Princess Feiyan into her chambers and carefully tucked her into bed. Yixing quickly sent them away before wrapping the blankets around his mistress. As he rose to leave, he heard a soft sigh come from her lips, and he looked down to see the princess open her eyes. He smiled gently at the sleepy look in her half lidded eyes.

“I’m sorry My Lady, did I wake you up?” Yixing asked softly. Princess Feiyan tilted her head slightly then smiled faintly up at him.

“How nice…” She murmured, “I can still see you in my dreams.” Yixing’s chest tightened at the sad smile on Princess Feiyan’s lips.

“My Lady, you’re not asleep.” He chided softly, “You’re not dreaming.” Princess Feiyan frowned slightly, then slowly, Yixing watched as the sleep cleared from her eyes. She froze for a long moment before rising slowly from the bed, her hand reaching out to rest lightly against his cheek. The soft cool touch of her small hand sent a shiver down Yixing’s back, and he couldn’t help but smile warmly at his mistress.

“Zhang...Yixing?” Princess Feiyan said slowly, her voice hesitant. Yixing smiled and nodded.

“I’m home.” He replied softly, “I’m sorry for leaving you alone, My Lady.” Princess Feiyan’s eyes were wide as she reached out and pinched her own cheek hard, eliciting a loud yelp of pain.

“My Lady!” Yixing exclaimed, “What are you doing?” Princess Feiyan stared at him in shock.

“It hurt…” She mused, “Then that means...I’m not dreaming? This is reality?” Yixing sighed and nodded.

“Yes, this is reality.” He replied. Only Princess Feiyan would think to pinch her own cheek to see if she was dreaming or not. Shock still registered over the princess’s face as she stared at Yixing, her lips parted slightly in disbelief.

“You came back?” She asked. Yixing smiled and nodded.

“My Lady, I will never leave your side again.” He said softly. Slowly, a hesitant smile of delight spread across Princess Feiyan’s face before it quickly disappeared. She cleared and threw her legs over the side of the bed, her gaze averted.

“Why did you come back?” She asked, “Weren’t you going to live a life of luxury and comfort? What are you doing here?” Yixing rose to his feet and came to kneel on one knee in front of the princess.

“My Lady, I was wrong.” He said softly, “I shouldn’t have said those cruel words to you and tried to leave. When I reached the border between Qing and Mongolia, I realized that I simply could not leave. The only place I belong is by your side, here in Qing. My Lady, will you forgive me?” Princess Feiyan glared down at him.

“It took you that many days to realize you couldn’t leave me?” She demanded. Yixing blinked in surprise for a moment before he ducked his head shamefully.

“I’m sorry, My Lady.” He mumbled. Princess Feiyan huffed and crossed her arms.

“Weren’t you in love with Princess Sarnai?” She demanded, “You were quite protective of her.” Yixing gulped and fell silent. If he told her the truth now, then all of her question for him would certainly be answered. But at the same time, Yixing was not sure if he wanted to reveal the emperor’s role in his attempt to leave. He had no doubt that as soon as he told her, Princess Feiyan would go running off to her father in fury, and then all chaos would break loose. As he continued to hesitate, Princess Feiyan growled and pointed at the door.

“Get out.” She snapped, "I am not your Lady." Yixing sighed in frustration.

“My Lady…” He began, but Princess Feiyan pursed her lips together firmly and pointed at the door.

“Zhang Yixing, don’t you know how I’ve felt this whole time while you were gone?” She demanded, “Don’t you know how much it hurt to see you go? Don’t think that you can simply come back easily and return without so much as a thorough explanation!”

“My Lady, I know I hurt you! I-!” The look in Princess Feiyan’s eyes stopped his protests at his lips, and he sighed and rose to his feet.

“I will be outside if you need me.” He said. Yixing sighed deeply as he stepped outside and shut the doors behind him. It was only natural for Princess Feiyan to still be angry. After all, his actions had been unexcusable, and she didn’t know the real reason behind it all. Yixing turned his head and gazed at the door behind him, behind which he knew stood his beloved mistress.

I will have to continue trying to obtain her forgiveness.

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Feiyan

In a way, Feiyan knew that she was being childish when she kicked Yixing out of her room and refused to give him her forgiveness. After all, he had chosen to return in the end, and for a brief second Feiyan had felt delighted at the sight of his return. But after all he had said and done, she struggled to find the ability in her to forgive him. It was not like she could just forget how he had suddenly favored Princess Sarnai and showered the care he should have had for her on the foreign princess. When he had told her he would leave, it felt like her heart had shattered into a million pieces. And now, he was expecting her to forgive him without telling her why he had suddenly changed his attitude within a week? It was not possible. Yixing was still standing outside her door the next morning, as Feiyan had expected. When he wasn’t keeping secrets from her, he was still the ever devoted imperial guard she had known. Around early afternoon, General Wu Yifan came to visit Feiyan in her chambers.

“Your Highness.” He greeted with a bow after Feiyan let him in.

“General Wu, what brings you here?” Feiyan asked curiously. The general cast a glance towards the door and  sighed.

“I came to tell you what that fool Zhang Yixing is unwilling to say.” He replied. Feiyan frowned in confusion.

“What are you talking about?” She said, “You mean you know why he tried to leave and told me he loved Princess Sarnai?” Yifan sighed and nodded.

“That fool thinks that by staying silent he can protect you.” He said, “But he is far from being correct, and now that he’s returned, I think it’s time you know what happened.” And so, the young general told Feiyan everything behind Yixing’s odd behavior, from Emperor Kangxi’s order for Yixing to leave to Yixing’s decision to ask Princess Sarnai to help him, and his thinking behind the decision. By the end of it all, Feiyan was dumbfounded.

“Why...would Royal Father ask for something like that?” She demanded, “That is completely unreasonable!” Yifan shook his head.

“It is unreasonable.” He agreed, “But think about it, Princess. You are of marriage age already, but you are completely dependant on and attached to a young man. Any father would be worried it would damage your marriage prospects.” Feiyan huffed and crossed her arms.

“There are many ways to deal with that issue!” She protested, “How could he-?” She cut off as a maid came running into the room.

“Your Highness!” The maid exclaimed, “Imperial Guard Zhang has been taken away by soldiers! I think he is being taken to the emperor!” Feiyan’s eyes widened.

“Wu Yifan, how many people know Yixing returned?” She asked. Yifan thought for a moment and bit his lip.

“Well, he wasn’t exactly subtle when he came rushing back to the palace.” He said at last, “Many people saw him coming back. It was only a matter of time before the emperor heard about it. By returning, Yixing is defying imperial order, so…” He let the end of the sentence trail off, but Feiyan had a very good idea why her father wanted to see Yixing. Without another word, Feiyan rushed out the door and ran for Mentality Hall.

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Yixing

Yixing was pushed into Mentality Hall by a legion of soldiers and forced to his knees before a very familiar figure. Taking a deep breath, Yixing looked up and was met with the furious gaze of Emperor Kangxi.

“Your Majesty.” Yixing said, quickly ducking his head.

“Oh?” Emperor Kangxi said, “Zhang Yixing, you still remember that I am your emperor?” Yixing gulped.

“Your Majesty, you will always be my ruler.” He replied quickly, then jumped as Emperor Kangxi slammed his hand against the table.

“If I am your ruler, why do you dare to defy my orders?” He demanded, “Did I not tell you to leave for Mongolia? How dare you return, and so openly as well!” Yixing swallowed hard before raising his gaze to look at the emperor.

“Your Majesty, I know I have committed a grave crime in defying your orders.” He said, “And I understand exactly why you ordered me to leave. However, during this past week away from Qing, I have had many chances to reflect and think, and in the end, I could only come to one conclusion: I cannot possibly leave the princess. Princess Rongxian gave me all that I have and am today, and I swore to repay that with the rest of my life. To me, the princess is like the center of my life; without her there, I have no purpose.” Yixing knew that his words were bordering on taboo, but he charged on anyway. If the emperor was going to kill him then and there, he might as well put all his thoughts out there now.

“I know Princess Rongxian was unhappy while I was gone as well. I am her imperial guard, and I will continue to play that role no matter where I am; how could I fill that role properly if I knowingly allow her to be so sad?” He charged on, “I am not only responsible for her physical safety, but her emotional happiness as well. If My Lady is unhappy, then I surely will not stand on the sidelines and do nothing. Your Majesty, you may be furious with me, but I can never leave My Lady’s side.” Emperor Kangxi rose slowly from his seat and walked down to where Yixing was kneeling.

“Zhang Yixing.” He said after a long pause, “Are you in love with my daughter?” Yixing’s eyes widened at the question, and his heart began pounding in his ears. In love? No, it was impossible. Yixing knew his place in life, and he would never dare to desire anything beyond that. He simply wanted Princess Feiyan to be happy.

“I...I would never dare to have feelings for my master.” He said quickly, although a tiny voice in his head seemed to be saying otherwise, a voice which he mentally silenced quickly. Yixing’s breath caught in his throat as the emperor drew his sword and pointed it at Yixing.

“Zhang Yixing, no matter what thoughts you have towards Rongxian, I cannot allow you to live.” He declared, “I gave you a chance to leave and live a different life, but you chose to return here instead. In order to ensure that my daughter will have a good future, I cannot allow you to see the next sunrise.” Yixing bit back a sigh and closed his eyes. He had expected this when he came back; it simply was not possible that the emperor would spare him lightly.

“I thank Your Majesty for a quick death.” He said quietly, “Please find a good replacement for me to stay by My Lady’s side.” Yixing heard the sound of steel cutting through air in the silence of Mentality Hall, and braced himself for impending death as the sword came closer to him. Then, at the last second, he heard a female voice cry out.

“Father! Father, stop!” Yixing felt a soft breeze blow past his cheek as someone ran by him, and the final blow he had expected never came. He opened his eyes slowly, then gasped at the sight in front of him.

“My Lady!” He cried. Princess Feiyan had run up to her father and grabbed onto his arm to stop him from killing Yixing. The sword had stopped barely inches away from Yixing’s neck, so close that Yixing could see his reflection in the sword’s silver surface.

“Rongxian, what are you doing?” Emperor Kangxi demanded as he threw his sword away from the princess, “You could have been hurt!” Princess Feiyan’s gaze was firm as she looked up at her father.

“Royal Father, you cannot kill him!” She declared, “I know everything now, and this time, I won’t let you do as you want!” Yixing’s eyes widened. She knew everything? Then, did that mean…?

“Rongxian! This is not the time for you to be so stubborn!” Emperor Kangxi scolded, “This man must die today!” Princess Feiyan let go of her father’s arm and planted herself firmly in front of Yixing.

“Zhang Yixing is mine!” She declared, “I was the one who gave him his name, and I am his master! Whether he lives or dies, I must be the one who makes the final decision!” Her gaze was fiery as she glared at the emperor.

“Royal Father, let me tell you this!” She said firmly, “If Zhang Yixing is dead, I will never be happy. You have seen how unhappy I have been this past week. If he is not by my side, I swear I will never marry!”

“Aisin-Goro Rongxian!” Emperor Kangxi snapped, “You are a princess! You cannot throw everything to the winds for an imperial guard!”

“He is my imperial guard!” Princess Feiyan retorted, “Zhang Yixing is the man who has put his life on the line to protect me for ten years, and I will not have him be repaid with death for a ridiculous reason like the one you are giving! I will only ever accept him alone as my imperial guard! There is nothing you can do to change that, Father!” Before Emperor Kangxi could respond, Princess Feiyan grabbed Yixing by the arm and tugged him to his feet.

“Come on, let’s go.” She declared, and promptly pulled him out of Mentality Hall.

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Yixing was silent as he followed Princess Feiyan out of Mentality Hall and back to her palace. Surprisingly, the emperor did not send guards to block them. Somehow, it seemed like Princess Feiyan’s words had worked. After they entered her chambers, Princess Feiyan turned and glared at Yixing.

“So? What do you have to say for yourself?” She demanded. Yixing swallowed and ducked his head.

“I was wrong, Your Highness.” He said quietly. Princess Feiyan raised an eyebrow.

“Wrong for what?” She pressed. Yixing bit his lip.

“I should not have tried to leave and lied to you about having feelings for Princess Sarnai.” He replied. Princess Feiyan scowled.

“And?” She asked. Yixing looked up hesitantly.

“There is another reason?” He asked. Princess Feiyan crossed her arms and stamped her foot.

“Can’t I have more than one reason to be angry?” She asked. Yixing ducked his head quickly.

“I...I am not sure what the other reason is.” He admitted after taking a moment to think. Princess Feiyan sighed and stepped forward. A slender finger reached out and tilted his chin up so he was looking at the young princess.

“I’m still angry because you kept secrets from me.” She said quietly, “Zhang Yixing, I am your mistress, but I am also your friend. If there is anything troubling you, you can tell me, and we will think of a solution together. I know you were trying to protect me when you chose not to tell me why you tried to leave, but I am not a child that needs to be coddled in front of everything. If you keep secrets from me, to me that is a sign that you don’t trust me.” Yixing opened his mouth to protest the last statement, but the princess pressed a finger to his lips to silence him.

“Zhang Yixing, promise me.” Princess Feiyan said, “In the future, no matter what troubles you come across, tell me about them, whether or not they have to do with me. Don’t keep any secrets from me, and don’t ever try to leave me again. Do you understand?” Yixing felt his chest grow warm at the princess’s words. While Princess Feiyan sometimes acted like a spoiled child, this was a mature side of her that he rarely saw. It seemed like the week away from him had made some changes in the princess.

“I promise.” He said simply, a small smile on his lips, “As long as Your Highness will forgive me, I will do all I can to make up for my wrongs as well.” Princess Feiyan raised an eyebrow at him.

“What did you just call me?” She asked. Yixing blinked in confusion, then chuckled as he realized what she wanted. He knelt down on one knee and bowed to the princess, one arm clasped across his chest.

“My Lady, your imperial guard, Zhang Yixing has returned.” He said, his smile widening. Princess Feiyan smiled at him, and Yixing felt like his world lit up at the sight of her happy smile. She reached down, and Yixing’s breath caught in his throat as the princess hugged him tightly.

“Welcome home, Imperial Guard Zhang.” She said softly, “I have missed you so much.” Yixing hesitated for a moment, then boldly allowed himself to return the hug.

“I have missed you as well, My Lady.” He responded softly.

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That night, a figure slipped stealthily into Flowing River Hall, the home of Imperial Noble Consort Wen. The young man was quickly ushered in to where the consort was waiting, and she turned to him with a furious look as he came in.

“How could you encourage Zhang Yixing to return to Princess Rongxian’s side?” She demanded, “Without him there, killing her becomes many times easier!” The young man shook his head.

“No, our goal now should not be Princess Rongxian.” He said, “She is only a small player in this game. If we want to drag down Emperor Kangxi, it is him and his crown prince that we should target next.” Imperial Noble Consort Wen frowned.

“Oh? Then do you have a plan in mind?” She asked. Wu Yifan smiled and patted the consort on her hand.

“Don’t worry, my sister.” He said, “I will make sure it all works in our favor in the end.”

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Author's note: More revelations! I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter, and if you did, please leave a nice comment and/or subscribe! I'm going to give a slight spoiler of sorts at the moment because I want to get some opinions.....

What does everyone think of a pregnancy before official marriage sort of thing happening here? I know we're in an ancient storyline, but I'm asking because I've been thinking of how to end this story and (Spoiler!) Feiyan and Yixing will get separated again near the end for various reasons, and SOMETHING may or may not happen before then depending on how planning goes. It won't affect the ending, but I have a sequence of events planned right before the ending which will differ slightly depending on whether or not Feiyan and Yixing have a child before official marriage. Thoughts? Too scandalous? It's fine? I could also write both storylines and just put them as alternative chapters so people can read them as they like.