2022-06-10 18:55:22Meanwhile, Madam Zhou had followed her husband's instructions running through the hidden passage. It was so well hidden and the other side came out in the forest. The forest was big and vast. There was no way they would find them plus all their servants were good and loyal, no one would dare betray their lord and his wife. Glancing around, Madam Zhou searched for the stone her husband had talked about and found it. Using all her might, Madam Zhou tried to lift the rock but it was too heavy.
“Mother, let me do it.” Wu Huan said arranging the bag that had been hung round his shoulders.
“No, Huan'er. You are still a child. This stone is going to be too heavy for you.” Madam Zhou said.
“But you are weak and fragile. There is no way you can lift the stone. What if you hurt little sister?” Zhou Wu Huan asked thinking for his mother.
“Fine. You and I will lift the stone together. Huan'er is so cute. He is already thinking of his mother." Madam Zhou said patting her son's head.
In the ending, the both of them tried to carry the stone but it was impossible to lift. Madam Zhou stepped back sighing. Zhou Wu Huan was already a genius at a young age. He was street smart and clever. Going round the rock, Zhou Wu Huan looked at the rock. It was already night so Zhou Wu Tang had given both his wife and son a flame stick.
Madam Zhou was afraid it might alert the soliders of their positions so she threw it away or so she thought as Zhou Wu Huan lit a foldable fire stick blowing on it. Watching as it lit, Zhou Wu Huan quickly searched around for something. Madam Zhou panicked when she saw Wu Huan put on fire.
“Huan'er, put off the fire. If they see the light, they can find us. Its possible that they are searching for us right now as we speak." Madam Zhou said.
Wu Huan looked around until he found what he was looking for. A palm print. Wu Huan knew his father had planned everything ahead. The hidden passage out of the manor was smooth with no stones or anything. This must have been done so as to avoid any of them slipping. The path were the hidden passage came out to was also cleared. The grasses had been cleared. This must have been done in order to avoid harmful animals from hiding in between them.
“ Mother, I've found it." Zhou Wu Huan said.
Madam Zhou quickly stood up rushing to Wu Huan and discovered placing your hand on the plam mark engraved on the stone was actually the way to move the stone. Watching as the stone moved itself, Madam Zhou gasped Ashe saw the money and valuables her husband had hidden under the stone. It suddenly made her regretful for shouting at him whenever he told her they didn't have money. On top of the valuables was a written letter from her husband. Madam Zhou suddenly started crying as she read the letter.
“Dear wife,
If you have found this letter, it means you have also found the valuables I hid under the stone which means something bad has happened to me. I don't know when it will happen but I have known for a long time that I was a dead man walking. My second brother was raised by my first brother and he has always loved him. Unlike me who was favored by my royal parents. I feel sorry to you for dragging you down with me. In our next life, let's be a normal couple and live our lives with our children. ~Zhao Wu Tang”
Wu Huan sat by his mother's side as she read the letter crying. Seeing flashes of light, Madam Zhou stood up holding Wu Huan tightly.
“We have no time to stay here. Let's go far away from his place." Madam Zhou said running with Wu Huan.
When they were out of the forest, Madam Zhou continued to walk with her son in her hand glancing back from time to time to make sure no one was following them. Out of the forest was the road to the capital. There was no way they could return back there as there would surely be soliders waiting for her and her son so Madam Zhou walked far straying from the main road going to the capital.
“Madam Zhou!" Wu Huan heard someone call his mother and immediately recognizing the person's voice.
“Mother, it's Nanny Zhou." Wu Huan said making Madam Zhou turn around to see her personal maid falling her. She and her husband had sent her and the other maids out of the manor. Nanny Zhou was her personal maid and was a woman in her twenties just like her. Seeing that she came back really touched her heart.
“Madam Zhou. I knew you would be here." Nanny Zhou said.
" You. What are you doing here?” Madam Zhou asked.
“ You are my mistress. You have been very kind to me. How can I just leave you without knowing that you would be safe?” Nanny Zhou asked.
“How are the others?” Madam Zhou asked.
“They are all safe. Some of them returned back to their towns while the others that don't have a family, they are all at the house.” Nanny Zhou said.
“House?” Madam Zhou asked surprised.
“His Highness had planned everything. There is a house in the forest. It is secluded and safe. No one would know they are there. Including you. You can stay there. You are pregnant. You cannot be wandering around." Nanny Zhou said.
" That's good. That's good.” Madam Zhou said as Nanny Zhou took Wu Huan's hand carrying them to the house.
Meanwhile in the palace, the emperor received news of another battle been won. He was super happy as he remembered his brother would be returning.
“When did he say he would be returning?” The emperor asked.
“The day after tomorrow, Your Majesty." Ying Fu said.
" This great. Since he is coming back with such a powerful victory, I should reward him. I think it's time he gets married. He is always fighting on the battlefield. Although I know he loves it, he isn't getting any younger. I want him to have a son so that Ming'er can play with him.” The emperor said laughing.
“As you wish, Your Majesty. General Zhou has truly won the love and respect of the people, his marriage would be a big blessing from the heavens." Ying Fu said.
" Ask the astrology department when it would be a good time to get married. I want to know.” The emperor said watching as Ying Fu nodded his head and left.
Few days later, Zhou Dong who was the second brother of the emperor arrived in the capital receiving praise from everywhere as he entered riding on his horse. While he entered, Madam Zhou was standing among the crowd disguised watching him with Wu Huan. Pointing at him, Madam Zhou showed Wu Huan.
“That man. You have not seen him before, right? He is your uncle. Your second uncle. He and the emperor are the ones who killed your father. You must remember to stay away from him.” Madam Zhou said before looking down and watching as Wu Huan nodded his head promising.
Wu Huan continued to look at the man his mother had pointed out to be his uncle. He had not had time to mourn for his father because he didn't want to make his mother sad. He knew it was also for the same reason that his mother had not yet mourned her husband. Looking at the middle aged man, Wu Huan saw as everyone praised him on his way to the palace.
Few minutes later, Zhou Dong arrived at the court hall standing in the middle of the officials and before the emperor. Dusting hjs unifomy, Zhou Dong fell to his knees mamjng the emperor happy.
“Your Majesty, I have calmed the rebellion and won.” Zhou Dong said
“Congratulations, Your Majesty.” The rest officials said.
The emperor got up from his seat and went to help his brother rise. To him, this was his real brother. They had grown up depending on each other and knew each other's secrets. If there was anyone he was sure won't betray him, it would be Zhou Dong.
“You have achieved a great merit this time. You deserve to be rewarded. Apart from rewarding you, I have the best gift for you.” The emperor said as he wrapped his arm round his brother's neck .
“Whatever Your Majesty gives me must be something good. I have no doubt about it.” Zhou Dong said.
The emperor thought of telling Zhou Dong about the marriage proposal he had set up for him but looked around and realized the court officials were still there. Glancing at Ying Fu, the emperor signaled him as he he turned to leave with his brother.
“The emperor is leaving!" Ying Fu announced.
All the officials turned around facing the emperor as he left and bid him goodbye. Few minutes later, both brothers sat down together.
“Your Majesty, what is this good reward that you said you had for me?” Zhou Dong asked as he sipped his tea.
“Dong'er, you have been fighting in battle since when our late father was alive. Although I was crown prince, I wasn't able to help you and call you back from the border till I became king. When I finally wanted to, you said you liked fighting in battle and making a name for yourself. This time, I want you to settle down." The emperor said.
" Settle down?” Zhou Dong asked surprised.
“Yes. Marriage. You are not getting any younger. Even our third brother got married before you.” The emperor said.
“What is it? Are you starting to suspect me too? Do you think that I would actually betray you?” Zhou Dong asked.
“Of course not. You are the brother that I raised. You and I are just alike. We have overcomed a lot of things just by depending on each other. I know you will never betray me. Its just that you need to settle down now." The emperor said.
"What's the rush?” Zhou Dong asked.
“Zhou Wu Tang is dead.” The emperor said making Zhou Dong's eyes go wide.
“What do you mean our brother is dead? You killed him?” Zhou Dong asked.
“He is a traitor that embezzled a lot of money! Because of him, the soliders on the battlefield didn't have enough food to eat, you should know he got what he deserved!” The emperor said angrily.
“At least tell me you allowed him to be buried in the royal tomb. He is a prince after all.” Zhou Dong said.
“You are right. He was a prince. Don't worry. I did allow him to be buried with our parents. He died in front of their tablets, how could I not allow him to be buried with them? It was his last only wish. Dong'er, you and I are the only remaining descendants of our father. We will stay together and look after one another, right?” The emperor asked staring right into Zhou Dong's eyes as he leaned over the table.
“Of course. His Majesty raised and took care of me. We are going to be together.” Zhou Dong said.
“Good. Her name is Shi Heng. She is the daughter of the Marquis. You know him. I think the both of you will make a perfect couple.” The emperor said.
Zhou Dong stood up and bowed his head. There was indeed no escaping it.
“Thank you, Your Majesty." Zhou Dong said.
The marriage preparation didn't take long. Zhou Dong and Shi Heng got married between a month. Everyone thought that the emperor loved his brother so much that he found him a good wife. Meanwhile, Zhou Dong knew his brother was just trying to cut off his wings. The earlier the better.
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Hearing Nan Cheng talk, Han Ying became even more nervous. The more Nan Cheng talked, the more he was revealing too many things. Things that she didn't want the world to know. Signaling a guard with her hand behind her back, Han Ying collected his sword. Tightening her hand around the sword, Han Ying threw the sword aiming for Nan Cheng. The rest members of Liming gasped in shock as they saw me that Nan Cheng was about to be killed. Luckily, Nan Cheng has seen it coming and jumped up into the air to avoid the sword. Even when she saw that she had failed, Han Ying didn't stop. “Kill him. Make sure you kill him!" Han Ying said exposing herself while Han Ling remained calm. The royal guards that she had come with, immediately brought out their arrows showing their true intentions. Wu Huan saw the arrows being fired at Nan Cheng and immediately went to block it for him. The two of them blocked all the arrows watching it fall to the ground. But the more they blocked the arrows fired at
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“What? What did you say? Wu Huan is holding Duke Chengzhou hostage for his deed?” Han Ying asked as she stood up. Staring at her toys, Han Ling heard everything yet she didn't say anything and continued to play with her toys as if she wasn't concerned. “Has he gone mad? Let's go immediately." Han Ying said about to leave but stopped when she realized that her daughter was not with her. Turning back, Han Ying signaled her daughter to get in line and Han Ling stood up obeying immediately. Few minutes later, they all arrived at Duke Chengzhou's manor where Wu Huan was still holding Duke Chengzhou hostage. He had alreadygotten the deed and was coming out of the manor when Han Ying's carriage stopped iln front. Holding her maid's hand, Han Ying came down and Han Ling followed. “Wu Huan." Wu Huan heard his name and stopped watching as the royal guards that had followed Han Ying rounded him. “Wu Huan. Stop this madness immediately and drop the deed. You have finally exposed yourself in
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Few seconds later, Wu Huan was rushing out of the house in order to go and find who had been behind everything from the beginning. This unknown person was finally ready to show his face which meant that Han Ling's suspicions had been correct. Anger blinded his eyes and all he wanted to do was to destroy that person. But just as angry as he was, he was also afraid. “Wu Huan." Wu Huan heard his name only after he had felt something grab him. Lifting his head up, Wu Huan turned and saw Zhi Hao. He had already forgotten about Zhi Hao who had followed him. Unlike Wu Huan who was blinded with rage, Zhi Hao was not. Therefore, Zhi Hao could see that it was a huge set up. “Where are you going? Don't you know that it's a trap?" Zhi Hao asked. " Trap or not, do you expect me to leave my sister and allow her to get killed?” Wu Huan asked. Hearing what Wu Huan said, Zhi Hao sighed knowing that there was actually no way that he could stop Wu Huan. Later that evening, Zhi Hao sent a message
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“ Who am I?" Han Ling asked as she laughed walking across the room. Wu Huan and Zhi Hao who had been watching her stood suprised as they watched Han Ling move to the window. Just then, the doors opened and the guards came in leading Duke Fenghao. After leading him inside, they left leaving him alone with Wu Huan and Zhi Hao. Glancing at the room, Duke Fenghao already knew something was wrong. “Your Majesty, what is happening here? Do you mind telling me?” Duke Fenghao asked as he looked around the room. “Duke Fenghao, Wu Huan is saying that someone kidnapped Princess Zhao Yao. Did you do it? I believe that you might be the one since you have a grudge against his family for stealing your family's deed.” Han Ling said. “Your Majesty, that's impossible. I would never do such a thing. At all. Even though it is true that he did steal our family's deed, I have no reason to kidnap his sister.” Duke Fenghao said. “But it won't be the first time you have done that. As I have heard, the pr
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Han Ling walked from her royal chair where she was supposed to be and walked to the window gazing through it. “In this palace, there are a lot of things that cannot be said. I only hope on others till I can gain my own power. There are a lot of things happening but I can't do anyone about it. Please help me.” Wu Huan heard Han Ling say. After remembering what Han Ling said, Wu Huan left the palace gate about to enter his carriage when he saw Zhao Yao hiding by a corner. Glancing around confused, Wu Huan stepped away from his carriage walking to where Zhao Yao was. “ What are you doing here? Hiding like that.” Wu Huan asked Zhao Yao. Few seconds later, Wu Huan and Zhao Yao stood in an alley talking. Wu Huan had dragged her hand immediately he saw that she had been holding a bag. “Where are you going?” Wu Huan asked Zhao Yao even though he he already knew the answer. Zhao Yao was leaving so suddenly. It could only he because she had heard something about Song Huo. At this moment,
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Shao Wen's eyes widened as he heard what Zhao Yao had said. Hearing that it was about the gate of heaven, Shao Wen drew closer near to Zhao Yao and glanced around to make sure no one was around. “Gate of heaven? Did you just say the gate of heaven? How is that possible? You don't think that Brother Song has something to do with this, do you? I can sincerely vouch for him. He would never do such a thing.” Shao Wen said immediately trying to convince Zhao Yao. Shaking her head, Zhao Yao sipped her tea before glancing at her cup as she dropped it down. She already knew that Song Huo wasn't behind it. “I know that he isn't the one behind it. You don't need to convince me otherwise.” Zhao Yao said. “Are you really not going to return back to Chu with me?” Shao Wen asked. Zhao Yao looked at Shao Wen and sighed not knowing if she was doing the right thing. At this moment, she knew it was better to reason with her head rather than her heart yet, she couldn't find herself doing it at al
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Glancing up at the ceiling, Han Ying took a deep breath before putting her head down. Lately, she was losing a lot to Zhi Hao and she didn't like it at all. Not wanting to comprise, Han Ying opened her mouth to speak but looked at her personal maid and saw her signal her to not do it. This was more than them just accepting whatever Zhi Hao said, her pride was slowly diminishing. Deciding to heed to her personal maid's warning, Han Ying looked at Han Ling and nodded her head. “Thank you, mother." Han Ying heard Han Ling say as her daughter jumped into her arms hugging her. “Thank you, Queen Mother." Zhi Hao said bowing his head as he smiled. Leaving the palace, Zhi Hao smiled as a part of his plan had worked. He was one step away from revealing the truth. Few days later, Zhi Hao set the trap he wanted in the palace without anyone knowing. Meanwhile, Han Ying was getting anxious by the minute every single day. Zhi Hao had told them that he was going to set a trap but he had not told
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Few minutes later, Song Huo woke up with blurry vision as he opened his eyes for the first time. Glancing around, Song Huo looked and saw that he wws still in the same room as his unconscious father. Seeing his father in a coffin, Song Huo immediately got the idea of had really happened. Although their royal family had learned the magic that could be used to preserve a person in between the gate of life and death, there was a price to be paid for it. Sitting up, Song Huo looked to trying to avoid Nan Cheng's gaze as he knew his younger brother very well“There is no need for you to continue staring at me. I know very well what I am doing." Song Huo said" What you are doing? I don't think you know at all. The price of you performing such magic, you must know yourself.” Nan Cheng said making Song Huo stand up immediately. “Enough. You don't need to continue telling me about such trival matters. I will handle myself. Just make sure that you help me perseve my father's body.” Song Huo
