Chapter 5

HHYL Fanfic chapter 5

Datong Dynasty, Emperor Jing Zong, 11 Year.

The first day of spring.

The entire Empire was lively with celebration and bustling to the utmost. Especially, the Capital of Tong'an, inside the Forbidden City. The whole street was filled with colorful banners embroidered with magnificent dragon and phoenix patterns, as well as strong and fine characters of words to describe their prosperity. Red lanterns to wish good luck were hanging all over the place too.

After their previous Empress, which shocked the entire nation, decided to step down from the throne to enter into a nunnery to pray for her deceased Royal Father, for six years the position of Datong's Empress remained vacant. Finally, today, Datong's Empire would enthrone a new Empress.

Multitudes of people were swarming in the center of the Imperial Capital, waiting for the new Empress to bestow them with her presence after her coronation ceremony, to congratulate her as well as to wish their new 'Mother Figure' of the nation good luck and long life.

In contrast with the magnitude of excitement buzzing all around him, all through the process of the coronation ceremony, Lu Cang's mind was in great chaos. ---He couldn't believe his eyes - they must be playing a cruel trick on him. During the ceremony, he was standing amongst the crowds of Ministers, Officials, and courtiers ---Front row, naturally, a clear view, absolutely no obstruction what-so-ever, of the newly enthroned Empress.

The new Empress, now walking daintily besides the elegant Emperor, on their way to bestow their people with their presence, though looked very different in her fully heavy formal dress, was without doubt, Xiao Wen!

Walking regally, in all their Royal posture, the Emperor and the new Empress, donned in their awfully exquisite Royal Robes, radiating their Royal aura, truly a sight to behold. The Emperor's bright golden yellow Royal Robe was embroidered with a bright red dragon whilst the Empress' Royal Robe, in matching bright golden color with the Emperor's, was embroidered with a bright red phoenix, the symbol of an Empress, the Emperor's destined "mate".

In all her majestic manner, there wasn't a single shred or trace of the usually happy go lucky Xiao Wen, but it was still clearly her. When their eyes briefly crossed path, Xiao Wen dignifiedly gave him a slight smile and acknowledgment whilst her eyes shining brightly, were brimming with a mixture of uncontained happiness and volatility of the world. She was indeed of Royal bearing.

So, all this time, he was wrong yet again?? When would he ever learn from his past mistakes? He repeated the very same stupid mistake as he did before with Jing and Xi Zhen! Xiao Wen was actually not a maid, but the Princess herself? --- Thinking back, Xiao Wen never said that she was a maid. Lu Cang just assumed and concluded based on her simple clothing and carefree attitude. No wonder she acted the way she did – with no sense of fear for someone of the nobility as if she held a higher rank, which she really did! Lu Cang suddenly had this urge to kick himself for his own stupidity, merely judging people by their outer appearance. A blunder that led to today's astonishment and sorrowfulness.

Of course Jing would be attracted, even loved her. Xiao Wen had an uncanny strong resemblance to Xi Zhen, Jing's cousin and his ex-Empress. It was this similar sense of familiarity and friendliness that Lu Cang felt towards this likable and enticing girl. Who knew, perhaps, Jing felt the same way too.

Lu Cang was shaken to the point where his face was drained of all its color. His knees almost gave way. Abruptly, he remembered what Jing had warned him about being too friendly with the new Empress. So, was this what Jing meant?? Given Xiao Wen's strong resemblance to Xi Zhen, Jing anticipated that Lu Cang might try to befriend her? So, Jing did not want him to be close to his new Empress?

What a cruel lover Jing was. He knew exactly how Lu Cang would feel if he took a Xi Zhen look alike to be his Empress. And he even told him in an indifferent tone.

Lu Cang wouldn't care that much if the Empress was some random Concubine. But this was Xiao Wen... The Xiao Wen that he foolishly assumed was a maid. The very same Xiao Wen that he had befriended these several months, --- They met up all through the winter, when the weather was fine. Xiao Wen, the only one apart from his brothers whom he could freely albeit reluctantly talk about his feelings for Jing.

What kind of sick joke was this?? Lu Cang finally could find someone he considered as a dear friend, but again, this ruthless man, --- whether Jing did this purposely or just by pure coincidence, had yet again taken his right to have a friend by making Lu Cang's only friend his Empress.

Gritting his teeth in distress, Lu Cang turned his initial petrified face into a resentful one and glared at Jing before it slowly became melancholy and an expression filled of mortification. He locked his brows into a deep frown. Looked down and hung his head in defeat. Cao Xin was right, why must all the bad luck fall on him?

Since the beginning, he had known the consequences of staying beside the Emperor, so, what was there to complain about. He was in no position to condemn Jing for having an Empress. He had absolutely no right to reprimand Jing for enthroning his only friend, Xiao Wen, as the Empress. Lu Cang sneered. He was even powerless to object if Jing decided to send him back to Hangzhou, after he had enough of him. --- Hurt and saddened by the reality of his own thoughts, Lu Cang closed his eyes tightly. Preventing with all his might the mournful tears that were threatening to spill out.

All of his expressions, without Lu Cang knowing, served as the greatest amusement to Jing. Smiling ever gallantly, from behind his Royal Crown thickened with a layer of beaded veil, --- This kind of Royal Crown was usually worn by Jing in many occasions to hide his shockingly beautiful appearance, Jing didn't miss a beat, he saw each and every one of Lu Cang's fidgety movements and subtle changes on his face. So far, Lu Cang's reactions were as he had predicted. Jing smiled triumphantly.

Seemingly contented, he proceeded with his lenient yet unrestrained step to bestow his people who awaited them at the center of the Imperial Capital. Not even a care to glance at the Empress who walked beside him.

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Far away, in the country near the Eastern borderline, in the Country of Xiang, Xiang Wen's Royal Father, King Li Xiang, and Xiang Wen's Royal Brother, Royal Crown Prince Li Guang Xiang, were having a serious conversation in the Royal Study.

"Royal Father. Ru Yi wrote in her letter, Xiao Wen has successfully become Datong's Empress."

Guang Xiang, the Royal Crown Prince, began his unofficial report to the King of Xiang, His Majesty King Li Xiang.

Instead of being glad with the successful initial step, King Li Xiang was drowned in his own train of thoughts.

"Mm... what else did she say?" His deep powerful voice resounded in an unsure tone.

Guang Xiang stared at his Royal Father. His father's face was still as severe as before. Guang Xiang didn't understand, shouldn't the King be joyful right now?

To send Xiang Wen to Datong was his Royal Father's plan. Xiang Wen was their most precious Princess. Bright, clever, fearless, adorable, and kind-hearted. For a Princess, she was mischievous to the extreme but compassionate at the same time. Cheerful, but very sensitive, loses her temper easily but highly considerate towards other's feeling. Unfeminine but graceful. All in all, Xiang Wen's personality was unique like none other. Betting in all confidence, his Royal Father believed that this unique characteristic of Xiang Wen would win the Datong's mysterious Emperor's heart.

So, why? Obviously this was as his Royal Father had said. Why wasn't there a thread of satisfaction on his dignified countenance? Guang Xiang couldn't comprehend his father. After all, his father was the best strategist he had ever known, so his mind couldn't be figured out that easily.

"Nothing else, Royal Father. Ru Yi only mentioned about Xiao Wen and said that shortly after the coronation, they will begin their 'move'."

King Li Xiang heaved a heavy sigh. "Looks like, this Datong power is not only a display." Frowning even more deeply, he murmured as if speaking to himself.

"Royal Father, what's wrong??"

King Li Xiang firmly looked at his son, the Royal Crown Prince.

Guang Xiang noticeably brilliant for his age. He understood most matters even without being told. However, unfortunately, his talent regarding military strategy was poor.

"Guang Xiang, try to think about it.... Wen Er hasn't been there even half a year. Despite that, she gained the title of Empress, don't you think there is something behind this?"

Guang Xiang was a pacifist. He actually disliked wars or military. But he was the Royal Crowned Prince. He couldn't help but force himself to learn about it.

"Then, isn't it good Royal Father? Doesn't that mean she has successfully fulfilled her duty? Xiang Wen's personality is so endearing that even the Emperor of Datong thinks so." Guang Xiang blurted out what was in his mind.

"Guang Xiang... Think carefully... Recently, Datong sent only 500 of their troops. Despite Captain Wang's ability, this is a very small amount of troops compared to when General Mu Yue came. And General Mu Yue wasn't even bringing half of Datong's military force." Facing his son to teach him more about strategy, King Li Xiang patiently told him the facts for him to ponder.

Royal Crown Prince Guang Xiang nodded his head, agreed with his father and began to see the light. "Indeed... General Mu Yue brought ten thousand. Enough to flatten our country in half a day."

"Exactly. That's why we had no choice but to yield to them. We have sent our beloved Xiang Wen, and deceived her by feeding her lies. Placed our hopes in her that one day, she will become a powerful figure in Datong, so she can assist us with Datong's power."

King Li Xiang told Xiang Wen that her sacrifice was necessary to save their people. If King Li Xiang didn't agree with General Mu Yue's terms, then their country would suffer the invasion. The soft-hearted Xiang Wen of course would obey in spite of her initial rejection if it was for the good of many.

Thinking hard, Guang Xiang still confused about what his Royal Father wanted to say. If everything goes smoothly as predicted, why must we trouble over it? Wasn't Xiao Wen the second most important figure in Datong now?

As though he could read what was in Guang Xiang's mind, King Li Xiang began his explanation. "Datong, despite being so powerful, sent their troops consisting of only 500 soldiers. Granted, we only managed to conquer the small countries, but Datong's main objective was to test our ability. Whilst we were plotting on using them, they had used us instead. It is as if they are carefully evaluating us. I can't shake off this bad feeling."

King Li Xiang frowned deeply and slightly shook his head.

"Moreover...." He continued after taking into consideration about the predicament his spies are in. "Ru Yi's unusual letters. All of them contained nothing but general knowledge and an implicit notice, that means, Datong's administers are doing their job diligently. To censor and intercept, if necessary all letters that go out from and come in to Datong. To avoid any spies from sending out or receiving word.Truly admirable.... And here I assumed that for a peaceful and prosperous country like Datong, all the officials would be lazy and corrupted."

What his Royal Father had said was truly reasonable. The Country of Xiang, collected their knowledge about the surrounding countries by sending their Princesses as tributes. But the real spies were their maids. --- Who would have thought that a fragile maid could be a skilled spy? The maids could move about freely, more than the Princesses themselves, to gather important information and passed it as idle chatter as they inquired. Other maids would usually chat happily, and revealed many things unconsciously. Then again, the maids sometimes could use their body as a bribe to the guards, so that they could freely send out word.

Ru Yi and the rest had been in Datong for several months, yet, there was nothing major about Datong that they had communicated so far. Only the trivial daily life of the Princess. Seemingly what the Royal Father had said was the truth after all. To send word out was not an easy thing to do.

"Then, what should we do if sending word in and out is difficult, Royal Father?" Intrigued by this predicament, Guang Xiang, in all earnesty, wanted to know his Royal Father's next plan.

"Mmm... I guess we have no choice...." The King was mumbling, "Using military force is impossible. And from the way they use our military force, I do think they want something from us. We can still use this as our bargaining chip. But most importantly, we need to find out about their internal affairs. As soon as possible. Weakening them from inside is the best option. I need to know their Emperor's weakness."

Guang Xiang finally could understand. Indeed, his Royal Father was truly the best strategist he had ever known, truly impressive.

"How do you plan to execute it?" Guang Xiang gravely had no idea about this plan. How to send in word about their change of plan to Ru Yi and the others if what they wrote would be censored by the Datong's administers.

"Guang Xiang, next summer, you will go to Datong and visit your sister."

Ah! So this was the way. "Obey, Royal Father." Guang Xiang understood what his Father meant by him going to Datong.

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Xiang Wen was sitting all alone in one of the many pavilions in her new residence. She had moved to the Empress' official residence after the coronation. The previous Empress used to live in this deluxe palace as well.

Her current residence was a hundred fold more magnificent than the Ruby Palace. Built on a man-made lake, the scenery was serene and heart-warming. The supposedly hot breeze from the summer tide was softened by the ripple of lake water.

Despite this picturesque scene, Xiang Wen couldn't help but sigh nonstop.

In the beginning, she was so excited to be crowned the Empress. Her naïve mind picturing, she could be with the Emperor every day, most of the time. To behold that beautiful heavenly Emperor.To drown in His Majesty's love and undivided attention. However, whatever she imagined never came to reality. Ever since she became the Empress, His Majesty abruptly lessened his Royal visits, no, scratched that lessened word, His Majesty never came to visit her anymore. The distance from the Royal Palace where the Emperor resided to the Empress' official residence was not that far, but the Emperor had been awfully busy and didn't seem to have any spare time to visit or talk to her.

And what was so puzzling was, despite her mental and physical preparation for their first night of consummation after the ceremony, the Emperor did not touch her at all even though she had implicitly given her consent. --- By asking to have a rest together.

Xiang Wen, though gained a higher status, her life somehow became even more boring. Boring and suffocating.

Brother Lu also never came to that garden anymore after the coronation. Xiang Wen saw Lu Cang during her coronation, standing in the front row, among the highest officials. --- Apparently, Brother Lu held quite a high rank as he stood in the frontline among those important figures. Eventually, their line of vision met, but Brother Lu was very quick to look away. Xiang Wen was genuinely pleased to see a familiar face during that long and troublesome ceremony, so she didn't give much thought to Brother Lu's weird behavior despite their good friendship all this while.

But it was as His Majesty had said, after Brother Lu found out her status, Brother Lu didn't want to be her friend anymore.

So lonely.......

Even the maids somehow became busier after she became the Empress. They went about doing their own chores and seemed too busy to even hold a light conversation with her.

And her Royal Brother Guang Xiang's recent visitation didn't help at all. He worsened it by reminding Xiang Wen about her used to be so carefree life.

"Arrgggghhhhhh........." Xiang Wen suddenly shouted out loudly. She wanted to lighten her stuffy heart.

"Her Majesty! What are you doing? Screaming like an uneducated commoner." Ru Yi hurriedly came upon hearing her screaming.

"Ru Yiiiiiiii..... I am bored to deeeeath......" Xiang Wen quickly threw herself at Ru Yi. "Nobody talks to me! Nobody plays with me!!"

Ru Yi patted her back. Patiently talked to her about to cry mistress. "Her Majesty, please bear with it... unlike winter when there were so little things to do, summer is the busiest season for the Emperor."

Xiang Wen pouted unsightly. Despite her status as an Empress, Xiang Wen was still a playful youth. Ru Yi understood that much, but she couldn't help it. Another order had come. Through the Royal Crown Prince who used his visitation to his Royal Sister as an excuse. The order was clear. By any means, before the first autumn leaf fell, they all had to find out the Datong Emperor's weakness. King Li Xiang had ordered them to weaken Datong from inside. To make it easier to control Datong from inside.

Ru Yi made a wry smile. The order was simple. But unexpectedly very hard to be carried out.

Datong Empire was well known as a powerful country, great in military force, steady economic growth, and above all, their Emperor, Emperor Jing Zong. Said to be the most excellent Emperor ever, all through the 300 years of the Datong Dynasty's history. Governed the Empire with an iron fist.Received the utmost loyalty from all his subjects.

Ru Yi and the others barely got anything but praises about this beautiful Emperor. It was as if, there weren't anything negative, if not being a huge hushed-up, to talk about regarding the beautiful and mysterious Emperor. Having seen him in person did not help them discover anything either. His Majesty was perfect in all aspects – his god-like appearance, his faultless mannerism, his captivating aura, his everything!!

But there was one thing that Ru Yi discovered, whether this could be counted as a secret or not, but seemingly everybody knew about this but strictly warned not to gossip about it.

Itching to tell Xiang Wen about her new discovery, Ru Yi quickly put a little distance between them.

"Her Majesty, about the Lotus Garden...."

Xiang Wen piqued upon hearing the mention of the Lotus Garden.

Once, she visited His Majesty at His Royal Quarter, and intended to wait for him in the Lotus Garden, but the Palace's maidens and eunuchs suddenly cried out in terror upon hearing her idea, they all fell on their knees, begging and pleading desperately, with all their might, not letting her step foot in that luxurious Lotus Garden. Extremely confusing.

She told the Emperor about the Palace's servant's bizarre behavior, but the Emperor reprimanded her about the same thing. In her confusion, she accidentally revealed the place where she met Brother Lu for the first time as she questioned about why Brother Lu could be there, if that area was strictly prohibited. His Majesty didn't give her a clear answer but instead an icy cold glare that pierced her heart. Made her unable to utter another word.

Continuing her story after smiling at Xiang Wen's expression, Ru Yi put on her serious face. "Apparently, the Lotus Garden is built especially for His Majesty's beloved lover. There are only two people who can step foot in that grandeur Lotus Garden. His Majesty himself and his lover."

"What?? That... That means....." Xiang Wen's body trembled greatly upon this startling news. Her knees gave up on her, making her fall back onto the stone bench. Shivering greatly as she shook her head in astonishment.

"Her Majesty... The person you met back then, in that Lotus Garden, in all highest probability, is the Emperor's lover."

Xiang Wen was speechless. All color left her usually cherry red face as she bit her lip.

No way...absolutely no way... Xiang Wen would not believe this. She could not accept this. The Emperor's lover was Brother Lu?? But...But.... They both were males... How in the world could two males become lovers??

"Her Majesty??" Ru Yi was worried to see Xiang Wen went silent all of sudden. They knew about Lu Cang from Xiang Wen's story but never met him in person. Besides, nobody wanted to talk about Lu Cang. Not a soul. --- Every time Ru Yi tried to inquire about Lu Cang, the ones she asked would wear a frightened expression and were not willing to open their mouth anymore. It was indeed terribly hard to gather information from Datong's people.

"........ I... I....." Xiang Wen tried to say something, but her shock was too great. She couldn't voice out the thousand disordered knots in her head into the right articulation. Her body was quivering greatly.

So...So... The lover that Brother Lu talked about all this time was actually His Majesty himself?? No wonder Brother Lu could not reveal his lover's identity, no wonder Brother Lu could never leave his lover, no wonder Brother Lu felt so uncertain about their future. What Ru Yi told her completed the puzzle, answering all of her questions about the mystery behind Brother Lu's behavior and Brother Lu's lover.

A surge of jealousy unexpectedly filled her heart.

But, why did the Emperor's lover have to be Brother Lu? If she could, Xiang Wen didn't even want to share the Emperor with other concubines. --- Needless to say - a male lover. Just, why must it be Brother Lu??

Xiang Wen suddenly remembered Brother Lu's pallid and shocked face during the coronation. His very brief eye-contact with her. Was he shocked and jealous too? After knowing that Xiang Wen would be his rival for the Emperor's attention?

Her mind was in a great turmoil. In her mind, the rational Xiang Wen was fighting with the so much in-love Xiang Wen.

His Majesty must favor me more than Brother Lu. He asked me personally to become his Empress despite the fact that he could just send some random official to read the decree. Xiang Wen convinced herself inwardly.

What about the Lotus Garden? --- It must be because His Majesty had made a promise to Brother Lu. His Majesty is a formidable Emperor, so he will always keep his word no matter what.

What about the fact that His Majesty hasn't touched you yet? Even after you are officially an Empress. --- His Majesty had said that he would not touch me without my consent. He must still think that I am not ready yet. Besides I didn't explicitly voice my consent during that night. He valued and treated me as his most precious.

What about the fact that he never comes to visit you anymore? --- Winter and summer are different. While in the winter there was less to do, as Ru Yi said, summer is definitely a busy season. His Majesty must be extremely busy.

There were still many kinds of 'what about' swirling in her mind, but Xiang Wen couldn't think anymore. The shock coupled with jealousy was too tremendous for her already worn out mind due to loneliness.

The bright sky suddenly turned to the dark moonless and starless night sky as Xiang Wen fainted on the pavilion stone bench.

It was indeed too many obstacles and surely hard to be in love with this sinfully perfect Emperor.

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The said Emperor, knowing perfectly well the consequences of his move, was unsurprisingly contented to have most of the things going his way. Lu Cang, as he already could tell, was too embarrassed to meet that little insolent Princess after pouring his heartfelt feelings about Jing to her. --- No one busily came to him to report about Lord Lu anymore. An evil smile threatened to erupt from his perfect mouth.

Mu Yue just handed in a report about the successful Eastern Expedition, and seemingly the Xiang Country, after a long while, was willing to share their important knowledge to Datong. Being accepted as part of Datong truly gave them a boost of confidence.

And there was no more nagging about what Empress and what not from people around him who thought they could dictate to Jing about what to do.

Jing was on his way back from his beloved Xiao Cang's residence, amusing himself with the reminiscence of Xiao Cang's adorable expression. He couldn't control his desire from coming back full force just from the mere thought of Xiao Cang's seductive face!

Jing had to restrain himself with so much difficulty from the temptation of staying the night at Lu Cang's residence.

While lying limply on the magnificent bed, that unspoken grief radiating brightly from Xiao Cang's eyes as he watched Jing, climb out of the bed, dressed up and got ready to leave, was too endearing. To the point it almost made Jing climb back into the bed and savage him all over again until the sun came out.

Alas, Jing could not do that. A little bit more, just a little bit more, his plot would come to its fruition.

He had been restraining himself uncontrollably, tormenting himself with his own unfulfilled desire during this process, to make Lu Cang willingly come to his Royal Quarters. He had plotted this wicked plan to have Lu Cang by his side all the time since winter. To make that stubborn as a mule Lu Cang voluntarily succumb and comply with Jing's wish.

Jing could see that Lu Cang was already at his limit. Day by day, the anxiousness in his eyes was growing and growing. Whenever Jing was about to leave his place, Lu Cang would make this complicated face, as if he was conflicted, whether he wanted to ask Jing to stay or just let Jing go to his new beloved Empress' place.

Lu Cang might still try to resist, but Jing knew so well that Lu Cang was about to breakdown. At this point, just a little bit more pushing from Jing, with his coaxing honey sweet words, a gentle voice, and a tender touch, Lu Cang would most definitely yield and give in to Jing.

Jing realized that he was having too much fun at Lu Cang's expense and couldn't help his guilty conscience when he saw Lu Cang's miserable looks. But that's all Lu Cang's fault. Why did he have to be so stubborn? What's the harm in staying in His Royal Quarters? Jing had to resort to this kind of trick to get him to comply. But then again, Jing could not really put all the blame on Lu Cang. His stubbornness was actually Lu Cang's prominent quality that caused Jing to fall head over heels in love with him.

Jing merely wanted Lu Cang to willingly come to him. He could use force to coerce Lu Cang again, but he didn't want to push his dearest Lu Cang too far and have him chose to leave him again. He couldn't risk it. His heart was throbbing painfully and couldn't feel any warmth when Lu Cang left him just because Jing mistreated his brothers a little. Jing just couldn't imagine what would become of him if Lu Cang were to leave him again. Shuddering at his own thought, Jing frowned his brows.

Unexpectedly, Jing's love for Lu Cang had unbelievably become so deep, but that dense and unobservant Lu Cang didn't even know it because he was too busy drowning in his own self-pity. Never realizing his esteem in the Emperor's heart.

Jing let out another unrestrained scheming smile.

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Lu Cang, standing in front of the window, mused over his endangered relationship with Jing.

After taking the Empress, Jing practically never stayed at his residence anymore. Every time, after they were finished with their passionate sessions, Jing quickly jumped out and headed back to Xiao Wen. More than once Lu Cang considered pulling Jing back into the bed and spending an even more vigorous night with him yet again...

But....

Jing would dislike this kind of thing. Jing hated to be pushed around. Jing's natural high and mighty self wouldn't allow him to comply with Lu Cang's needs or wants. Besides, Jing was no longer exclusively his, not that he ever was to start with. What's more, now, he was no longer Jing's most beloved. Jing had got the adorable Xiang Wen now.

Lu Cang's heart seized.

"Hey! You are not to complain if I don't pay as much attention to you anymore."

Indeed.... Jing had said that to him before. He also remembered clearly how he had answered Jing. The sudden stream of regrets flew from the bottom of his heart, rushing up and creating a gushing steam, leaking out from the corner of his eyes, droplets of unrestrained regrets.

Staring at the incomplete moon, Lu Cang couldn't help thinking about his lover. His cruel but dearest lover, Jing.

That thin crescent of the moon, somehow represented Jing's lip when he smiled coldly. His seeming disgusted at Lu Cang's smile when Lu Cang unconsciously grabbed his wrist as a gesture to ask him to stay.

Another surge of hot steam threatened to flow out from his eyes. Blinking a couple times to hold back his tears, Lu Cang wondered, how long it would be before Jing completely got tired of him and sent him back to Hangzhou.

The rapping sound on the door pulled him out from his river of self-pity.

"Come In." Without turning his head, Lu Cang knew, the one who rapped on his door must be Xiao Sang as Jing never seemed to know the function of a door.

Xiao Sang entered with his whole face flustered.

"What is it?" Lu Cang baffled by his unusual expression. Xiao Sang always wore the Saint of Mercy face as long as Lu Cang knew him.

Seemingly hesitant, he inched closer to Lu Cang and whispered to him. Lu Cang's face gradually changed to one that was in shock too.

"What do they want?" Lu Cang couldn't help but asked the question he already knew the obvious answer to.

"I don't know, Master...." Of course Xiao Sang wouldn't know. To other people, Xiao Sang was merely an attendant, so they gave him almost no respect except when Lu Cang was there.

Frowning while having a disturbing mixed feeling, Lu Cang went with Xiao Sang to meet his guests.

A couple hours later.........

In the dead of the night, two horses left the Marquis' resident.

In a rush. Lu Cang, together with Xiao Sang. Left behind the gust of wind blended with earth dust as they galloped away............

End of Chapter 5.