Chapter 2

 HHYL Fanfic2 chapter 2

The sun was about to rest, leaving the grieving sky, red as if crying tears of blood, seemingly hating to part with the sun. Harsh winds were blowing unfriendly, slapping the face of whoever dared to challenge them by standing upright, not even discouraged by the cold greeting.

Unusual for these parts, the land was now bestowed with a divine presence: a magnificent figure donned in a white Confucian robe gazed upon the faraway foreign land, which was surrounded by over-protective wilderness giving off the sense of an unpenetrated fortress.

Folding both of his hands in front of his chest, his porcelain white face was calm as still water while casting his sharp but shining brightly eyes to the vibrant land, as if daring it to push him away. Deeply within his own world...

"Jing..." His dashing and threatening aura softened a bit upon hearing the call from that much-cherished voice.

Shortly after the call, a figure flew towards him and lightly landed by his side. Joining him in the intimidatingly cold winds, causing them to stop their harsh rejection momentarily.

"Something on your mind?" The voice of the outstandingly handsome man by his side was filled with distinct concern. Jing's heart warmed instantly, and a faint but gentle smile graced his normally stoic visage.

Jing briefly gazed at Lu Cang's elegant stance then brought his eyes back to the front. Looking to the sky, observing its red color as though it had been glazed with cinnabar.

"Not really... but...this kind of crimson sky always makes me uncomfortable."

"How unexpected, even you can feel such a thing as anxiety?" Given his usual high and mighty attitude, completed by his overly-confident self, who would have thought that Jing, usually indifferent to even the fiercest storms, could say such discouraging words? Lu Cang uttered the first thing that came to his mind, not noticing the slight grimace on Jing's face.

"Can't help it when a certain fool is involved." Jing sneered at Lu Cang's sincere reaction.

"Who do you call a fool?" Offended, Lu Cang's personable face distorted with a kind of irritation.

"Oh? I have never stated a name, but if the 'fool' realized it himself, it's a good sign."

"Tch!!"

After a moment of chuckling, Jing turned and looked at Lu Cang with his serious eyes. "I ask you again, stay behind tomorrow."

"And I'll tell you again, I will come along! It was my idea, I should go too." Lu Cang shook his head, unable to fathom Jing's doubt over his abilities.

There was no way Lu Cang would want to be left behind on his own plan. After all he was the one who suggested having this talk about a truce with the Country of Mingdi.

The winds howled restlessly as if reflecting the two magnificent figures' inner thoughts. Blowing their long smooth hair and robes towards the foreign land, accentuating their striking silhouettes, creating such an enormous contrast to the angry howls.

Datong and Mingdi had now been engaged in a battle for almost three months. Both sides suffered similar casualties even though each had their own advantages. Datong had the advantage of numbers, but they lacked the knowledge of Mingdi's landscape. Putting them in a bind and causing them to struggle at the border.

Being a bandit, spilling innocent blood wasn't something new for Lu Cang, but this kind of mass sacrificing battle, nevertheless, made him frown in discomfort. Hence, he suggested something that never crossed anyone's mind, a truce. --- Datong came to conquer, why would anything about a truce cross their minds?

Though Lu Cang was rarely given the opportunity to demonstrate his many good qualities, it was blatantly obvious that this suggestion of his was a good one. In this case, a truce was logically better than defeat.--- Jing considered anything besides total domination as a defeat. However, even Jing knew that if this war were to continue to drag on and stay this way, sooner or later, Datong's forces would be at a huge disadvantage. As the unrelenting battle continued with Mingdi's military forces, day by day, Datong's military power weakened, slowly decreasing its chances to defeat this so called great eastern country of Mingdi... an important conquest to Datong's Eastern Expedition. Jing would not tolerate or accept such a defeat.

Reluctantly, Jing sent Mu Yue as his official messenger. Jing couldn't just send anyone, it could only be one of his most trusted subjects. This matter was crucial after all. To their surprise, Mingdi's Country also agreed to peace negotiations, thus, they would have further talks regarding this truce and any other compromise at a neutral point.

Though inwardly Jing had admitted to Lu Cang's increasing sensibility and capability, --- To fill their free time, Jing taught him about military policies and literature which he easily grasped. Granted, Lu Cang was originally smart to begin with but his naivety overshadowed his true quality. Then again, he was raised by mountain bandits where education was not of the utmost necessity, thus Jing still didn't want to let Lu Cang know what he truly thought of him. Instead, he teased him as a fool most of the time.

Reaching out, Jing pulled Lu Cang closer, trying his best to hold in his uneasiness. Something about this truce didn't sit well with Jing. Mingdi's Country agreed too easily despite being in a slightly advantageous position. Moreover, remained the fact that they knew nothing about this country. --- Damn that Xiang Country for keeping the secret about Mingdi until the very end, causing this whole predicament.

If something went wrong, at the least, Lu Cang would be able to do something if he stayed behind. As usual, Lu Cang misunderstood Jing's intention and thought that Jing took him as a weak and useless man again. Jing chose to remain silent, unwilling to waste time explaining himself, at this moment, he only wished to draw comfort from holding Lu Cang tightly.

"Alright.... Just be sure to be fully on guard. We are in the enemy's territory after all...." Jing gave him his concern and warning before pulling him even closer for a kiss. Having Lu Cang close to him usually assuaged his anxieties, but this time, a trace of them remained.

"I know... I will stand by your side, alright?"

"Good that you understand..."

They engaged in another deep and passionate kiss under the endless crimson sky. Casting their worries and everyone aside, in this moment of serenity, it was as if only the two of them existed. Making the two guards, who were positioned to protect them, upon accidentally witnessing the Emperor and his lover kissing so passionately, frantically blush, as they didn't know how to react. They just looked at each other awkwardly.

-----

Mingdi's Country, bordered by a vast wilderness, provided them with the best natural fortress from any attacks by invading enemies around the country. But Datong wasn't one of those surrounding countries. Datong was a very strong Empire. Very well-known throughout the land. A mere mention of their military force could make a small country bend on their knee and admit defeat.

Although Mingdi wasn't as strong as Datong or even as flourishing as Datong, but in this Eastern Area, Mingdi was the strongest as well as the most prosperous. In this Eastern part, no other country would dare to challenge them. Instead, they had formed a very strong bond with the surrounding countries, allowing them to concentrate on their economic growth.

Mingdi had heard about Datong's ambition in conquering the Eastern lands and to make them a part of the expanding Datong Empire. Among all the conquests, the most mysterious one was about Xiang's Country. Granted, Xiang was only a small country, not even on par with one tenth of Datong's military force, however, their King, King Li Xiang was also not a weak King. He had led his country in such a way and had survived many assaults. Moreover, wasn't Xiang on good terms with Datong? Their youngest Princess was Datong's Empress and Datong had admitted them as part of their Empire, so why did Datong suddenly change its position and annihilate the Country of Xiang? What kind of Emperor is this Emperor Jing Zong?

For not having any second thoughts in eradicating another country despite being on good terms, for not having any remorse in annihilating the whole Royal Family without leaving anyone behind, Huan Shu Cheng could only make a wild guess as to what kind of Emperor he was facing. He knew almost nothing regarding The Great Datong Empire's Emperor, Emperor Jing Zong.

Huan Shu Cheng had only heard his name, and his marvelous achievements, nothing else. But soon, he would see for himself as he was due to meet this Emperor Jing Zong in person. Emperor Jing Zong had personally set out to conquer their country. Fortunately, Datong underestimated them and brought only a third of their military force, not to mention they had zero knowledge about Mingdi. Huan Shu Cheng was truly grateful for this natural environment they had.

Looking around him, Huan Shu Cheng couldn't help a sigh from escaping and a light weight to settle in his heart. Part of the greenery carried the scars of the battlefield. Some of the trees were lying helplessly, covering the traces of blood on the ground. The faint scent of blood being carried by the wind made Huan Shu Cheng knit his brow a bit. Datong was truly a force to behold, able to inflict such damage despite relying solely on their military force. The truth was, Mingdi had also lost more than half of their military force due to Datong's attack. Their only benefit was their landscape, nothing more. That was why, he was more than grateful and slightly relieved when Datong's General came and offered a truce negotiation.

"Royal Crown Prince, the King has summoned your presence..."A guard sent by his Royal Father, came to fetch him by his father's order.

His Royal Father, King Huan Hu Tong was calling him. Asking him to come back to the tent. Apparently the party from Datong had arrived. He clamped down his growing curiosity and calmly followed behind the guard.

The moment he entered the magnificent tent, Huan Shu Cheng could immediately feel an overwhelmingly dangerous and strong presence. The air in the tent felt cooler than outside.

"Adviser Shu Cheng..." His Father called him over to join their party. By his father's side, were General Yan Li, their most powerful man in their military and his younger brother, Royal Guard Yan Yi, both of them were his father's most trusted subjects. But they were never on good terms with Huan Shu Cheng as they were afraid that their comfortable positions would be revoked by Huan Shu Cheng once he ascended the throne.

"Your Majesty..." To analyze things better, Shu Cheng rarely revealed his nobility as the Royal Crown Prince. He would use his second title as the strategist, Military Adviser. ---People tended to treat him differently once they found out about his Royal status.

King Huan Hu Tong nodded his head. "Here are the Honorable Datong's Emperor, Emperor Jing Zong and his party." Shu Cheng shifted his attention discreetly towards the direction where his Royal Father was pointing. Successfully holding in his surprise, showing nothing but his usual smiles.

Jing did not react at all. Just sat there regally. The one who reacted was Lu Cang.

Lu Cang practically gasped when he saw Huan Shu Cheng. Though his beauty was not as perfect as Jing's, this Adviser still held his own extreme grace. His smiling face was radiating with such righteous aura. His prudent eyes shone brightly showing his intelligence. His tall and slender body elegantly stood by the King's side. Ready to advise the King about the situation. And the congeniality he showed, --- He nodded slightly at Lu Cang when their eyes met, was definitely not the same level of arrogance shown by a certain Emperor he knew. Lu Cang wondered if it was common in these countries for such a high position to be filled by an advisor who was so young. In spite of his youth and beauty, he obviously did not lack for wisdom. Such a Royal Advisor was a departure from the older courtiers he was accustomed to in Jing's court.

Of course, Jing heard his soft gasp and was irked greatly by it. Signaling Lu Cang to get closer, he whispered his warning to Lu Cang, his eyes reflecting the same threat. "Look anymore...I will certainly make sure you skip even your lunch tomorrow."

Even though he delivered his threat in a soft and low tone, nonetheless, it was still within Mu Yue and Ding Peng's earshots. Both of them glanced at each other with amused smiles. --- Embarrassed Lu Cang to the utmost.

Trying really hard to suppress his anger and his feelings of humiliation, Lu Cang nodded while smiling with his hidden irritation, the most discreet smile he could manage and casted his eyes elsewhere.

All of their interaction was being observed closely by Shu Cheng. His Father had briefed him about them. To the right of the Emperor was the Royal Bodyguard, Commander Ding Peng. A mature man with sharp eyes, strong and well-built, befitting his position as the Commander of the Royal Guards. To the far left of the Emperor was General Mu Yue, hailed as the fiercest General in the land. At one glance, he was a lot smaller in build than the Commander, but his fierce and severe eyes were the distinct proof of his bright quality as a General. Not to mention his snobbish attitude when he glared at them.

Shu Cheng couldn't have a clear look at Emperor Jing Zong's face as the Emperor was wearing a veiled crown. But by his majestic and glorious manner, Shu Cheng could immediately conclude that Emperor Jing Zong was a much better ruler than his Father, King Huan Hu Tong.

The most interesting amongst the impressive party was the man who stood closest by the Emperor's side despite his position as the Military's Second-in-Command. His height was about the same as Shu Cheng, but his face did not seem to belong to one from the military force, those faces were usually fierce and rude. On the contrary, his face was outstandingly handsome. His face didn't show any indication of someone who was used to being in a harsh battlefield. Indeed, his sword shaped brows were showing his pride and a hint of arrogance, but the most captivating of all were his eyes, they showed nothing but his pure and genuine soul. And the way he interacted with the Emperor convinced Shu Cheng that he must be the Emperor's most trusted man.

For some unknown reasons, Shu Cheng just couldn't take his eyes off this intriguing Second-in-Command. His presence somehow stirred Shu Cheng's interest. At all times, Shu Cheng found that his attention kept drifting back to him. Even when the Second-in-Command furrowed his brows, concentrating on the truce negotiation, he found him enticing. All the more when he noticed that their formation was not to protect the Emperor, rather, the General and the Commander was being protective of him. Shu Cheng couldn't help but to become more and more curious.

Naturally, all of Shu Cheng attentions directed at Lu Cang wouldn't escape Jing's smart eyes. Jing was extremely annoyed. Jing discreetly glanced at Lu Cang and was awarded with the sight of Lu Cang's deep concentration on the negotiation. He secretly smirked but that didn't ease his irritation. Jing was at his limit. On one side, this King Huan Hu Tong uttered nothing smart. ---Only flowery words about their not so much a big deal country, which made their negotiation progress at a very slow rate. On the other side, the Adviser, who was obviously much more important than just that, was eyeing his Lu Cang with a distinct interest in his eyes. If not for the fact that they were in the middle of an important negotiation, Jing would be sorely tempted to gouge this Advisor's eyes out.

A sudden noise from outside disrupted their meeting. Breaking Jing out of his murderous state. Obviously, it was the sound of soldiers engaged in a battle.

Jing swiftly and gracefully stood up and faced King Huan Hu Tong. With an intimidating and accusing tone, he asked, "King Huan Hu Tong, are you responsible for this?"

Judging from the clear confusion on the stupid King's face, Jing knew at once that he was not involved in this ambush. Lu Cang, Mu Yue and Ding Peng quickly surrounded him in a protective formation.

Lu Cang positioned himself in front of Jing now. He could hear Jing's voice telling him to be cautious of the other three rather than the King. Therefore, for some unknown reasons, Lu Cang shifted his concentration on the King's Royal Guard instead. ---They were also in the protective formation, surrounding the King.

The noise was getting louder. A soldier from Mingdi rushed in to report. "Your Majesty, a sudden......" Without letting him finished his report, General Yan Li was already on the move and killed him instantly.

"He was not one of us. Be careful... looks like the enemies have disguised themselves among us!"

Mu Yue couldn't help but admire this General. He could distinguish his own soldiers from the enemies. Even Mu Yue would not know most of his soldiers by their names, only the Commanders and Captains, needless to say their faces.

A group of skilled fighters entered the tent. They charged to kill both leaders who were in the middle of negotiations. They parted themselves into two groups. One group attacked Datong, the other confronted Mingdi.

Both Generals and Bodyguards very soon engaged in a fight to protect their leaders. Lu Cang and Jing were back to back, protecting each other.

Making sure that Lu Cang was still stuck close to him, he warned Lu Cang. "Stay on guard. Don't leave my side."

"Will do." Lu Cang's eyes were not leaving Mingdi's Royal Guard with accordance to Jing's instructions. Skill-wise, this Royal Guard wasn't half bad, but he was not as skillful as Ding Peng or Mu Yue, and maybe slightly lower than Lu Cang. His movements were way too careful.

In the middle of this commotion, Shu Cheng still couldn't tear his eyes off Lu Cang. He was perplexed. Why was the Second-in-Command the one to protect the Emperor rather than the Royal Bodyguard? Obviously his martial arts skills were fairly high level and he had a very impressive technique, but it was not higher than Commander Ding's.

Shu Cheng himself was not someone unlearnt in martial arts. His skill was already on a fairly high level too. His duty was to protect his Royal Father. That was why he stayed as close as possible to his Royal Father. Was that the case with the Second-in-Command as well? Shu Cheng couldn't help pondering over this mystery. His thought was broken by a sudden shout from the very person occupying his thought.

"Watch out!!" Lu Cang's suddenly cried out, and with a swift unpredicted move, --- Lu Cang frantically pushed Jing to the side with all his strength when he saw something coming their way. Without any regard he tried to block the arrow, but the arrow still managed to scratch his left palm.

In a split second, Lu Cang was down.

Momentarily Jing was caught off guard by Lu Cang's strong push. It seemed like his worst nightmare played out right in front of his eyes, before he could even ascertain what had happened and run to the fallen Lu Cang---Out of nowhere, as fast as a flash of light, a black shadow emerged, picked Lu Cang from the floor and carried him out.

Shu Cheng saw the entire commotion but was too far to react when another black shadow materialized and tried the same trick with King Huan Hu Tong. However, Shu Cheng quickly turned their position around, as a result, it was Shu Cheng who was captured by the enemy.

"Shu Cheng!!!!" The King could only call out in panic, without knowing what to do.

Everything happened so suddenly. Only within the period of a millisecond. A thousand feelings came crushing into Jing all at once, rendering him too shocked by the sudden disappearance of Lu Cang --- he stood still in a daze for a while before snapping out of it and hastened to give chase. But he was too late. Lu Cang and that intolerable Adviser had already disappeared. Taken away by the hooded enemies.

Shuddering from extreme anger, Jing advanced and faced Mingdi's useless King. His murderous aura was seeping out from every single pore of his body. His voice was cold and harsh as an iceberg. The threat was in clear and obvious articulation.

"IF– If anything happens to my Second-in-Command, I swear!! Mingdi will be nothing but history!!"

Everyone shuddered at hearing his threat. Though King Huan Hu Tong couldn't see Emperor Jing Zong's face clearly, he still could understand the clear menace this dangerous Emperor was emitting.

Forgetting that his own Royal Crown Prince was also a victim, he nodded his head under Jing's tremendously intimidating air and unashamedly stammered...

"We... I... I will order a search as quick as possible."

Jing gritted his teeth, eyes emanating pure anger. "I give you one day... One day to find him. More than that....trust me.... I will do what I have said!!"

All of them could feel the pure danger in his explicit words. Emperor Jing Zong meant what he said. They didn't doubt him, not the least bit. Everyone, Generals and Royal Guards alike, lightly shuddered in their stance. Simultaneously, Mu Yue and Ding Peng felt a heavy burden lodging in their hearts. They quickly followed after their Emperor without even a backwards glance at the people of Mingdi.

End of HHYL Fanfic2 chapter 2.