Chapter 44: 44
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Xing looked at Shengli looking at her with his usual expression of affection ,
"What am I asking? I'm definitely weird. I'm even more weirder than before. The other day I rolled out of bed but didn't hurt myself because I was hovering over the floor. I didn't know I can float in air before. What will I do if you got scared of me too? Will you abandon me? You'll prefer someone normal too, right? I'm too much of a bother, not worthy of you.. ", she buried her face in the table.
The last thing she would want in her life is him leaving her.
Shengli looked at Xing who was drunk and being honest and he could not understand her. She has all those amazing powers and why is she feeling as a lesser person? She is the best among the best in everything she does and who can be compared or hold a candle to her? Even he is a step lower in all aspects compared to her.
As far as he knew she was always confident in herself and had the don't care attitude but why is she feeling this way now? Was it because she grew up without a father or a strong background and her confidence was just a facade to protect herself? She always smiled and seemed happy because she never wanted her mother to feel bad, right? Now that she had found a place she belongs, she freely shows her insecurities?
Then it dawned on him...She tells her worries only to me! She only talks non stop about everything to me and me only. And what am I doing? I am ashamed of myself and hiding my past from her making her feel more insecure!
"Xing! I'm the one not worthy of you", he patted her head and she looked at him. He cupped her cheeks,
"My moon! You are what you are. I don't care what you can or cannot do and what others say about you. I love every part of you the same. And abandoning you? Like I can! This life and in all other lives I will only want you and only love you", he said with his eyes misty.
Xing saw the honesty in his eyes and was happy. "That's enough for me!", she said and started to eat the food. As long as you are by my side I can do anything and handle every problem!
" That place had a spirit hanging in there to that white dragon thingy - A young girl and she was staring at General Zhong", Xing said suddenly.
"Oh!", he paused. She can see spirits.. Why am I not surprised? " Those interiors were my Imperial father's preference and looks like my brother didn't change it. So that's why you asked the Emperor to throw everything out?"
"Hmm!" Xing nodded and she saw the slight mocking smile in Shengli's lips, "You know who that is?"
" It should be the previous Empress' daughter",he said dryly.
"Your Sister?", Xing asked surprised but he was more shocked. Obviously that's their relationship but why is he not feeling anything?
Seeing her gossiping mood activated he spoke in a low tone,
"The Zhong's military power is unrivaled right? So throughout history they were made to send their daughters to the harem to ensure their loyalty to the throne. Lord Zhong only had one little sister whom she doted on greatly and he was against the idea of sending his sister to the inner palace. But his father had to send her there to prove his loyalty and soon after entering, as she caught the eye of the Emperor, she died of a 'mysterious illness' within a year and there were proofs pointing to the Empress. It was rumoured that Lord Zhong almost killed the Emperor who stood by the Empress but was stopped by his father. Lord Zhong had vengeance in his heart and he never saw eye to eye with my Imperial father till his death. Later, when Lord Zhong only had two sons, he was glad to have the curse broken but my Imperial father sent an edict for Huojin to be engaged to the Princess. Lord Zhong, who was at the border when he received the news, returned back and threw the edict back at my Imperial father's face. He was not willing to take the daughter of the one who killed his sister become the next Lady of his Zhong household. It was rumoured that the Princess begged Lord Zhong but nothing moved him and no one knows if the Princess killed herself that day at the study or what but when Lord Zhong left everyone saw a smile in his face. My Imperial father who was in the critical situation of depending on the Zhong Military had no way to pursue the matter and no one knows what really happened that day"
Xing remembered what Lady Shaoyao said about women used as tools and gave a snort,
"Seems like it is a trend for fathers to kill their daughters here. Also a daughter for a sister - seems fair"
"Yeah", he paused, he won't have trouble believing that his father killed his daughter to save face, " But, I thought differently of your father...", before Shengli finished Xing interrupted,
"If anything happened to you, I'd at least burn this city. I'd say my father lashing out on me is not excessive especially after I had broken the rules"
"Even if he's grieving... He cannot say such words.. So.. You really don't mind his words?", he asked but seeing her nonchalantly eating without answering made him more confused.
"Xing, what's with you and East? Do you know Lord Chu?", he asked.
Xing stopped munching and looked at him surprised, "You don't know?".
Seeing him more confused made her grin from ear to ear,
"You really don't know. Haru didn't tell you everything after all! Ha! Ha! How does it feel, stupid Prince when you know I have secrets too", she boasted. Only heavens know how happy she was right now and all her drunkenness went away.
"Not good", Shengli muttered. This does not feel good at all. He felt his chest becoming heavy and his throat closed. So Haru knows? He always knew that Haru would always choose Xing if he had to choose between them but this feeling of isolation is agonising.
Also as he thought, she must have caught the eye of Shihong because of this right?
Xing saw Shengli in pain and she felt bad. But she wanted him to suffer a little bit longer and she patted his head, "Don't worry, I can handle him"
Xing then suddenly remembered something and asked him,
"That's right, yesterday you were with me the whole night. So who took care of the other things?". They are the ones who had helped her and her family and she wanted to know.
"Ah! That! Lord Zhong realised I was sick and asked me to rest and he took care of the rest. He always protects your father", Shengli replied and noticed Xing's expression saddening.
"What is it?", he asked.
"Lord Zhong is sick. It is fatal and he does not have long to live", she said.
"So that's why you got that mad at Huojin? You wanted his son to be better to carry on the legacy of his family , right?", Shengli asked and Xing just sighed. It seemes like his sons does not know. But without Lord Zhong how is the kingdom going to face the future?
Xing nodded and asked Shengli,
" Is there any way to get to the mountains? If I get there I can be able to find medicines for the Oldman"
"You know his disease?", Shengli asked.
"No, I don't know medicine... A white peacock god gave me a wish that I can get anything I want, in the mountains, for life. So if I ask for the Old man's medicines, I'll find it", Xing answered.
Shengli replied with an "Oh" and they soon went to the mountains. He wasn't even surprised to hear what she had said as he had always found it amazing that she could always find the right medicine.
Thought the way there were many Manors of Princes not occupied but well maintained through the way. Shengli told her that since there are no prince's left all of these belong to the Emperor.
Whoa! What a way to get rich! Because the previous Emperor killed all his uncles and brothers and with all his children dead, the only child left inherits the throne and all the riches that comes with it without breaking a sweat. Lucky!! Xing thought.
They then cut through the Rui Wang Manor which was in the isolated part of the city and close to the mountains and reached the mountains.
Xing found a nicely carved rosewood box in the mountain which surprised Shengli. If she can find everything she wants here, why does she bother spending money, he thought.
Xing then found a herb and looked deeply at it and sighed deeply,
"Ah! Not this one! An old prostitute in the Heavenly Flowers Palace had the same illness which needed this herb. This herb is not a cure but only helps relieve the symptoms of the disease. Without this herb, they'll be bedridden before their senses fade away slowly and they'll die of starvation as they won't feeI hungry or thirsty. I feel sorry for the Oldman"
Shengli saw the herb Xing gave him and he froze. Xing didn't notice it and went on plucking some more. That was the same herb that was so rare that even a million gold coins could not buy and the one his Imperial father searched for years but to no avail.
In fact Shengli spent a lot of efforts and money to acquire this herb by using many of his connections to give to his Imperial father and here she is - plucking it like a common weed in the backyard. This was said to be only growing in the cliffs of tall snowcapped mountains and each plant takes a hundred years to mature and she is getting it in the bottom slope of their grassy mountain.
Wow! She amazes me everytime! Every time I think I know about her well enough, she throws new things about her right in my face saying 'Fool! You know nothing!' Shengli could not help but smile.
After Xing pulled out some of those plants she could not find anything more and she closed the box in his hands,
"Send it to the Oldman as a thanks for helping the Huang family yesterday", she said naturally.
Shengli held the box close to his chest, Does she know the value of this box? How can anyone be trusted with it? His Imperial father had killed people to get at least a leaf from this plant! Oh heavens.,This girl!
"You should deliver it in person", he said not letting go of that box.
"Oh! OK, I see! It is only proper to thank personally, right?", she said nonchalantly.
Shengli nodded and took her to the Zhong Manor as Lord Zhong will only be there past noon.
Both of them reached the Zhong Manor and after asking permission to meet Lord Zhong they were made to wait and some time later a loud voice echoed,
"Ah! Little brat! You really came to see this Oldman. Come in... Come in...",Lord Zhong walked towards her shouting and after giving command to their Manor steward that Xing can enter the Manor whenever she wants to meet him, he slapped her back hard as usual and asked to follow him. Shengli who was carrying the box was only met with a glare and, "Oh! You are here too", from Lord Zhong.
The Military Manor was entirely different from their Manor and there were more guards patrolling too. The corridors were built like a maze and Xing felt, if she ever got lost here, she won't find her way back in this lifetime. Luckily she had Shengli with her and she gripped his hands hard unconsciously in fear of getting lost.
Lord Zhong took them to his study that was simply decorated and contrary to Xing's expectations there were various tea sets kept in those shelves. So the Oldman is a tea enthusiast, Xing thought. There goes my dreams of seeing different weapons.
Xing saw Lady Zhong already there and she saw the Lady so elegant and delicate and she was extremely pretty.
Wow! How elegant she is! How pretty! Wish I had at least half of what she has! Wow! But, How could a bear get a beautiful peacock! This world is so unfair!
Xing didn't see her clearly last night but now she could see the resemblance between Lady Zhong and Seiren and she developed a crush towards this elegant lady who had everything she lacked as a woman.
Xing told her greetings to Lady Zhong and she asked Lord Zhong,
"Is she Xiao Tian's daughter? She's pretty"
Xing grinned widely as such a beautiful lady thought her to be pretty and her face blushed a little.
However... "Brat! Make us some tea", Lord Zhong's order came breaking Xing's happy bubble.
Geez! Oldman! Why is that whether you are in our Manor or I am in your Manor, I am the one serving tea? Can't you afford to have tea maids?
Of course Xing didn't speak that way in front of the elegant Lady Zhong and carefully made tea and served them and was flustered when Lady Zhong praised her tea.
Of course in all these excitement, she forgot about Shengli who was carrying that box and silently standing in the side. Shengli helplessly shook his head to see her almost drooling over Lady Zhong.
Only after downing four cups of her tea, did Lord Zhong realised Shengli with that box and asked,
"Brat! Did you come here for a reason?"
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Xing looked at Shengli looking at her with his usual expression of affection ,
"What am I asking? I'm definitely weird. I'm even more weirder than before. The other day I rolled out of bed but didn't hurt myself because I was hovering over the floor. I didn't know I can float in air before. What will I do if you got scared of me too? Will you abandon me? You'll prefer someone normal too, right? I'm too much of a bother, not worthy of you.. ", she buried her face in the table.
The last thing she would want in her life is him leaving her.
Shengli looked at Xing who was drunk and being honest and he could not understand her. She has all those amazing powers and why is she feeling as a lesser person? She is the best among the best in everything she does and who can be compared or hold a candle to her? Even he is a step lower in all aspects compared to her.
As far as he knew she was always confident in herself and had the don't care attitude but why is she feeling this way now? Was it because she grew up without a father or a strong background and her confidence was just a facade to protect herself? She always smiled and seemed happy because she never wanted her mother to feel bad, right? Now that she had found a place she belongs, she freely shows her insecurities?
Then it dawned on him...She tells her worries only to me! She only talks non stop about everything to me and me only. And what am I doing? I am ashamed of myself and hiding my past from her making her feel more insecure!
"Xing! I'm the one not worthy of you", he patted her head and she looked at him. He cupped her cheeks,
"My moon! You are what you are. I don't care what you can or cannot do and what others say about you. I love every part of you the same. And abandoning you? Like I can! This life and in all other lives I will only want you and only love you", he said with his eyes misty.
Xing saw the honesty in his eyes and was happy. "That's enough for me!", she said and started to eat the food. As long as you are by my side I can do anything and handle every problem!
" That place had a spirit hanging in there to that white dragon thingy - A young girl and she was staring at General Zhong", Xing said suddenly.
"Oh!", he paused. She can see spirits.. Why am I not surprised? " Those interiors were my Imperial father's preference and looks like my brother didn't change it. So that's why you asked the Emperor to throw everything out?"
"Hmm!" Xing nodded and she saw the slight mocking smile in Shengli's lips, "You know who that is?"
" It should be the previous Empress' daughter",he said dryly.
"Your Sister?", Xing asked surprised but he was more shocked. Obviously that's their relationship but why is he not feeling anything?
Seeing her gossiping mood activated he spoke in a low tone,
"The Zhong's military power is unrivaled right? So throughout history they were made to send their daughters to the harem to ensure their loyalty to the throne. Lord Zhong only had one little sister whom she doted on greatly and he was against the idea of sending his sister to the inner palace. But his father had to send her there to prove his loyalty and soon after entering, as she caught the eye of the Emperor, she died of a 'mysterious illness' within a year and there were proofs pointing to the Empress. It was rumoured that Lord Zhong almost killed the Emperor who stood by the Empress but was stopped by his father. Lord Zhong had vengeance in his heart and he never saw eye to eye with my Imperial father till his death. Later, when Lord Zhong only had two sons, he was glad to have the curse broken but my Imperial father sent an edict for Huojin to be engaged to the Princess. Lord Zhong, who was at the border when he received the news, returned back and threw the edict back at my Imperial father's face. He was not willing to take the daughter of the one who killed his sister become the next Lady of his Zhong household. It was rumoured that the Princess begged Lord Zhong but nothing moved him and no one knows if the Princess killed herself that day at the study or what but when Lord Zhong left everyone saw a smile in his face. My Imperial father who was in the critical situation of depending on the Zhong Military had no way to pursue the matter and no one knows what really happened that day"
Xing remembered what Lady Shaoyao said about women used as tools and gave a snort,
"Seems like it is a trend for fathers to kill their daughters here. Also a daughter for a sister - seems fair"
"Yeah", he paused, he won't have trouble believing that his father killed his daughter to save face, " But, I thought differently of your father...", before Shengli finished Xing interrupted,
"If anything happened to you, I'd at least burn this city. I'd say my father lashing out on me is not excessive especially after I had broken the rules"
"Even if he's grieving... He cannot say such words.. So.. You really don't mind his words?", he asked but seeing her nonchalantly eating without answering made him more confused.
"Xing, what's with you and East? Do you know Lord Chu?", he asked.
Xing stopped munching and looked at him surprised, "You don't know?".
Seeing him more confused made her grin from ear to ear,
"You really don't know. Haru didn't tell you everything after all! Ha! Ha! How does it feel, stupid Prince when you know I have secrets too", she boasted. Only heavens know how happy she was right now and all her drunkenness went away.
"Not good", Shengli muttered. This does not feel good at all. He felt his chest becoming heavy and his throat closed. So Haru knows? He always knew that Haru would always choose Xing if he had to choose between them but this feeling of isolation is agonising.
Also as he thought, she must have caught the eye of Shihong because of this right?
Xing saw Shengli in pain and she felt bad. But she wanted him to suffer a little bit longer and she patted his head, "Don't worry, I can handle him"
Xing then suddenly remembered something and asked him,
"That's right, yesterday you were with me the whole night. So who took care of the other things?". They are the ones who had helped her and her family and she wanted to know.
"Ah! That! Lord Zhong realised I was sick and asked me to rest and he took care of the rest. He always protects your father", Shengli replied and noticed Xing's expression saddening.
"What is it?", he asked.
"Lord Zhong is sick. It is fatal and he does not have long to live", she said.
"So that's why you got that mad at Huojin? You wanted his son to be better to carry on the legacy of his family , right?", Shengli asked and Xing just sighed. It seemes like his sons does not know. But without Lord Zhong how is the kingdom going to face the future?
Xing nodded and asked Shengli,
" Is there any way to get to the mountains? If I get there I can be able to find medicines for the Oldman"
"You know his disease?", Shengli asked.
"No, I don't know medicine... A white peacock god gave me a wish that I can get anything I want, in the mountains, for life. So if I ask for the Old man's medicines, I'll find it", Xing answered.
Shengli replied with an "Oh" and they soon went to the mountains. He wasn't even surprised to hear what she had said as he had always found it amazing that she could always find the right medicine.
Thought the way there were many Manors of Princes not occupied but well maintained through the way. Shengli told her that since there are no prince's left all of these belong to the Emperor.
Whoa! What a way to get rich! Because the previous Emperor killed all his uncles and brothers and with all his children dead, the only child left inherits the throne and all the riches that comes with it without breaking a sweat. Lucky!! Xing thought.
They then cut through the Rui Wang Manor which was in the isolated part of the city and close to the mountains and reached the mountains.
Xing found a nicely carved rosewood box in the mountain which surprised Shengli. If she can find everything she wants here, why does she bother spending money, he thought.
Xing then found a herb and looked deeply at it and sighed deeply,
"Ah! Not this one! An old prostitute in the Heavenly Flowers Palace had the same illness which needed this herb. This herb is not a cure but only helps relieve the symptoms of the disease. Without this herb, they'll be bedridden before their senses fade away slowly and they'll die of starvation as they won't feeI hungry or thirsty. I feel sorry for the Oldman"
Shengli saw the herb Xing gave him and he froze. Xing didn't notice it and went on plucking some more. That was the same herb that was so rare that even a million gold coins could not buy and the one his Imperial father searched for years but to no avail.
In fact Shengli spent a lot of efforts and money to acquire this herb by using many of his connections to give to his Imperial father and here she is - plucking it like a common weed in the backyard. This was said to be only growing in the cliffs of tall snowcapped mountains and each plant takes a hundred years to mature and she is getting it in the bottom slope of their grassy mountain.
Wow! She amazes me everytime! Every time I think I know about her well enough, she throws new things about her right in my face saying 'Fool! You know nothing!' Shengli could not help but smile.
After Xing pulled out some of those plants she could not find anything more and she closed the box in his hands,
"Send it to the Oldman as a thanks for helping the Huang family yesterday", she said naturally.
Shengli held the box close to his chest, Does she know the value of this box? How can anyone be trusted with it? His Imperial father had killed people to get at least a leaf from this plant! Oh heavens.,This girl!
"You should deliver it in person", he said not letting go of that box.
"Oh! OK, I see! It is only proper to thank personally, right?", she said nonchalantly.
Shengli nodded and took her to the Zhong Manor as Lord Zhong will only be there past noon.
Both of them reached the Zhong Manor and after asking permission to meet Lord Zhong they were made to wait and some time later a loud voice echoed,
"Ah! Little brat! You really came to see this Oldman. Come in... Come in...",Lord Zhong walked towards her shouting and after giving command to their Manor steward that Xing can enter the Manor whenever she wants to meet him, he slapped her back hard as usual and asked to follow him. Shengli who was carrying the box was only met with a glare and, "Oh! You are here too", from Lord Zhong.
The Military Manor was entirely different from their Manor and there were more guards patrolling too. The corridors were built like a maze and Xing felt, if she ever got lost here, she won't find her way back in this lifetime. Luckily she had Shengli with her and she gripped his hands hard unconsciously in fear of getting lost.
Lord Zhong took them to his study that was simply decorated and contrary to Xing's expectations there were various tea sets kept in those shelves. So the Oldman is a tea enthusiast, Xing thought. There goes my dreams of seeing different weapons.
Xing saw Lady Zhong already there and she saw the Lady so elegant and delicate and she was extremely pretty.
Wow! How elegant she is! How pretty! Wish I had at least half of what she has! Wow! But, How could a bear get a beautiful peacock! This world is so unfair!
Xing didn't see her clearly last night but now she could see the resemblance between Lady Zhong and Seiren and she developed a crush towards this elegant lady who had everything she lacked as a woman.
Xing told her greetings to Lady Zhong and she asked Lord Zhong,
"Is she Xiao Tian's daughter? She's pretty"
Xing grinned widely as such a beautiful lady thought her to be pretty and her face blushed a little.
However... "Brat! Make us some tea", Lord Zhong's order came breaking Xing's happy bubble.
Geez! Oldman! Why is that whether you are in our Manor or I am in your Manor, I am the one serving tea? Can't you afford to have tea maids?
Of course Xing didn't speak that way in front of the elegant Lady Zhong and carefully made tea and served them and was flustered when Lady Zhong praised her tea.
Of course in all these excitement, she forgot about Shengli who was carrying that box and silently standing in the side. Shengli helplessly shook his head to see her almost drooling over Lady Zhong.
Only after downing four cups of her tea, did Lord Zhong realised Shengli with that box and asked,
"Brat! Did you come here for a reason?"
Xing looked at Shengli looking at her with his usual expression of affection , "What am I asking? I'm definitely weird. I'm even more weirder than before. The other day I rolled out of bed but didn't hurt myself because I was hovering over the floor. I didn't know I can float in air before. What will I do if you got scared of me too? Will you abandon me? You'll prefer someone normal too, right? I'm too much of a bother, not worthy of you.. ", she buried her face in the table. The last thing she would want in her life is him leaving her. Shengli looked at Xing who was drunk and being honest and he could not understand her. She has all those amazing powers and why is she feeling as a lesser person? She is the best among the best in everything she does and who can be compared or hold a candle to her? Even he is a step lower in all aspects compared to her. As far as he knew she was always confident in herself and had the don't care attitude but why is she feeling this way now? Was it because she grew up without a father or a strong background and her confidence was just a facade to protect herself? She always smiled and seemed happy because she never wanted her mother to feel bad, right? Now that she had found a place she belongs, she freely shows her insecurities? Then it dawned on him...She tells her worries only to me! She only talks non stop about everything to me and me only. And what am I doing? I am ashamed of myself and hiding my past from her making her feel more insecure! "Xing! I'm the one not worthy of you", he patted her head and she looked at him. He cupped her cheeks, "My moon! You are what you are. I don't care what you can or cannot do and what others say about you. I love every part of you the same. And abandoning you? Like I can! This life and in all other lives I will only want you and only love you", he said with his eyes misty. Xing saw the honesty in his eyes and was happy. "That's enough for me!", she said and started to eat the food. As long as you are by my side I can do anything and handle every problem! " That place had a spirit hanging in there to that white dragon thingy - A young girl and she was staring at General Zhong", Xing said suddenly. "Oh!", he paused. She can see spirits.. Why am I not surprised? " Those interiors were my Imperial father's preference and looks like my brother didn't change it. So that's why you asked the Emperor to throw everything out?" "Hmm!" Xing nodded and she saw the slight mocking smile in Shengli's lips, "You know who that is?" " It should be the previous Empress' daughter",he said dryly. "Your Sister?", Xing asked surprised but he was more shocked. Obviously that's their relationship but why is he not feeling anything? Seeing her gossiping mood activated he spoke in a low tone, "The Zhong's military power is unrivaled right? So throughout history they were made to send their daughters to the harem to ensure their loyalty to the throne. Lord Zhong only had one little sister whom she doted on greatly and he was against the idea of sending his sister to the inner palace. But his father had to send her there to prove his loyalty and soon after entering, as she caught the eye of the Emperor, she died of a 'mysterious illness' within a year and there were proofs pointing to the Empress. It was rumoured that Lord Zhong almost killed the Emperor who stood by the Empress but was stopped by his father. Lord Zhong had vengeance in his heart and he never saw eye to eye with my Imperial father till his death. Later, when Lord Zhong only had two sons, he was glad to have the curse broken but my Imperial father sent an edict for Huojin to be engaged to the Princess. Lord Zhong, who was at the border when he received the news, returned back and threw the edict back at my Imperial father's face. He was not willing to take the daughter of the one who killed his sister become the next Lady of his Zhong household. It was rumoured that the Princess begged Lord Zhong but nothing moved him and no one knows if the Princess killed herself that day at the study or what but when Lord Zhong left everyone saw a smile in his face. My Imperial father who was in the critical situation of depending on the Zhong Military had no way to pursue the matter and no one knows what really happened that day" Xing remembered what Lady Shaoyao said about women used as tools and gave a snort, "Seems like it is a trend for fathers to kill their daughters here. Also a daughter for a sister - seems fair" "Yeah", he paused, he won't have trouble believing that his father killed his daughter to save face, " But, I thought differently of your father...", before Shengli finished Xing interrupted, "If anything happened to you, I'd at least burn this city. I'd say my father lashing out on me is not excessive especially after I had broken the rules" "Even if he's grieving... He cannot say such words.. So.. You really don't mind his words?", he asked but seeing her nonchalantly eating without answering made him more confused. "Xing, what's with you and East? Do you know Lord Chu?", he asked. Xing stopped munching and looked at him surprised, "You don't know?". Seeing him more confused made her grin from ear to ear, "You really don't know. Haru didn't tell you everything after all! Ha! Ha! How does it feel, stupid Prince when you know I have secrets too", she boasted. Only heavens know how happy she was right now and all her drunkenness went away. "Not good", Shengli muttered. This does not feel good at all. He felt his chest becoming heavy and his throat closed. So Haru knows? He always knew that Haru would always choose Xing if he had to choose between them but this feeling of isolation is agonising. Also as he thought, she must have caught the eye of Shihong because of this right? Xing saw Shengli in pain and she felt bad. But she wanted him to suffer a little bit longer and she patted his head, "Don't worry, I can handle him" Xing then suddenly remembered something and asked him, "That's right, yesterday you were with me the whole night. So who took care of the other things?". They are the ones who had helped her and her family and she wanted to know. "Ah! That! Lord Zhong realised I was sick and asked me to rest and he took care of the rest. He always protects your father", Shengli replied and noticed Xing's expression saddening. "What is it?", he asked. "Lord Zhong is sick. It is fatal and he does not have long to live", she said. "So that's why you got that mad at Huojin? You wanted his son to be better to carry on the legacy of his family , right?", Shengli asked and Xing just sighed. It seemes like his sons does not know. But without Lord Zhong how is the kingdom going to face the future? Xing nodded and asked Shengli, " Is there any way to get to the mountains? If I get there I can be able to find medicines for the Oldman" "You know his disease?", Shengli asked. "No, I don't know medicine... A white peacock god gave me a wish that I can get anything I want, in the mountains, for life. So if I ask for the Old man's medicines, I'll find it", Xing answered. Shengli replied with an "Oh" and they soon went to the mountains. He wasn't even surprised to hear what she had said as he had always found it amazing that she could always find the right medicine. Thought the way there were many Manors of Princes not occupied but well maintained through the way. Shengli told her that since there are no prince's left all of these belong to the Emperor. Whoa! What a way to get rich! Because the previous Emperor killed all his uncles and brothers and with all his children dead, the only child left inherits the throne and all the riches that comes with it without breaking a sweat. Lucky!! Xing thought. They then cut through the Rui Wang Manor which was in the isolated part of the city and close to the mountains and reached the mountains. Xing found a nicely carved rosewood box in the mountain which surprised Shengli. If she can find everything she wants here, why does she bother spending money, he thought. Xing then found a herb and looked deeply at it and sighed deeply, "Ah! Not this one! An old prostitute in the Heavenly Flowers Palace had the same illness which needed this herb. This herb is not a cure but only helps relieve the symptoms of the disease. Without this herb, they'll be bedridden before their senses fade away slowly and they'll die of starvation as they won't feeI hungry or thirsty. I feel sorry for the Oldman" Shengli saw the herb Xing gave him and he froze. Xing didn't notice it and went on plucking some more. That was the same herb that was so rare that even a million gold coins could not buy and the one his Imperial father searched for years but to no avail. In fact Shengli spent a lot of efforts and money to acquire this herb by using many of his connections to give to his Imperial father and here she is - plucking it like a common weed in the backyard. This was said to be only growing in the cliffs of tall snowcapped mountains and each plant takes a hundred years to mature and she is getting it in the bottom slope of their grassy mountain. Wow! She amazes me everytime! Every time I think I know about her well enough, she throws new things about her right in my face saying 'Fool! You know nothing!' Shengli could not help but smile. After Xing pulled out some of those plants she could not find anything more and she closed the box in his hands, "Send it to the Oldman as a thanks for helping the Huang family yesterday", she said naturally. Shengli held the box close to his chest, Does she know the value of this box? How can anyone be trusted with it? His Imperial father had killed people to get at least a leaf from this plant! Oh heavens.,This girl! "You should deliver it in person", he said not letting go of that box. "Oh! OK, I see! It is only proper to thank personally, right?", she said nonchalantly. Shengli nodded and took her to the Zhong Manor as Lord Zhong will only be there past noon. Both of them reached the Zhong Manor and after asking permission to meet Lord Zhong they were made to wait and some time later a loud voice echoed, "Ah! Little brat! You really came to see this Oldman. Come in... Come in...",Lord Zhong walked towards her shouting and after giving command to their Manor steward that Xing can enter the Manor whenever she wants to meet him, he slapped her back hard as usual and asked to follow him. Shengli who was carrying the box was only met with a glare and, "Oh! You are here too", from Lord Zhong. The Military Manor was entirely different from their Manor and there were more guards patrolling too. The corridors were built like a maze and Xing felt, if she ever got lost here, she won't find her way back in this lifetime. Luckily she had Shengli with her and she gripped his hands hard unconsciously in fear of getting lost. Lord Zhong took them to his study that was simply decorated and contrary to Xing's expectations there were various tea sets kept in those shelves. So the Oldman is a tea enthusiast, Xing thought. There goes my dreams of seeing different weapons. Xing saw Lady Zhong already there and she saw the Lady so elegant and delicate and she was extremely pretty. Wow! How elegant she is! How pretty! Wish I had at least half of what she has! Wow! But, How could a bear get a beautiful peacock! This world is so unfair! Xing didn't see her clearly last night but now she could see the resemblance between Lady Zhong and Seiren and she developed a crush towards this elegant lady who had everything she lacked as a woman. Xing told her greetings to Lady Zhong and she asked Lord Zhong, "Is she Xiao Tian's daughter? She's pretty" Xing grinned widely as such a beautiful lady thought her to be pretty and her face blushed a little. However... "Brat! Make us some tea", Lord Zhong's order came breaking Xing's happy bubble. Geez! Oldman! Why is that whether you are in our Manor or I am in your Manor, I am the one serving tea? Can't you afford to have tea maids? Of course Xing didn't speak that way in front of the elegant Lady Zhong and carefully made tea and served them and was flustered when Lady Zhong praised her tea. Of course in all these excitement, she forgot about Shengli who was carrying that box and silently standing in the side. Shengli helplessly shook his head to see her almost drooling over Lady Zhong. Only after downing four cups of her tea, did Lord Zhong realised Shengli with that box and asked, "Brat! Did you come here for a reason?"
