Chapter 1: Qiao's Arrival
The arrow sliced through the target and prompted a group of young men hollering and cheering in victory. "Looks like we win again!" Tong high fived the rest of his team mates.
"Gong Ji." His teacher and also his father folded his arms across his chest, "What have I told you about your boastfulness?"
"It'll come and haunt me one day." He rolled is eyes while saying.
"You're 19 years old and still acting like a child." Ling Cao shook his head but smiled proudly at his son. "Alright, that's enough for class today. We should all get ready for the banquet." The students saluted their teacher and watched him walk away.
"Hey, hey." One of Tong's classmates jumped on his shoulder while they were heading back to their quarters, "Have you actually seen any of the Qiao's?"
"I heard they were hidden from view from the rest of the generals until tonight. Only Lord Sun and Master Zhou has seen them."
"I heard their beauty was so great, that any man who laid eyes would want them instantly."
"Which is why we are introduced to them after they're married." They looked over at the quiet Tong, "Gong Ji, aren't you listening?"
"Yeah yeah, beautiful woman." He made a yapping motion with his hands.
"Always the suave one." His friends scoffed. Tong laughed and continued walking ahead. Inside he was just as excited to see the legendary beauty of the Qiao's. Who wouldn't? But by being the son of Ling Cao, he had to show much reserve in everything he did. He was representing the Ling name now, after all.
"Hey I'll see you guys later." Tong said to his friends, before entering his own quarters in the academy. He had promised his mom he would be there early, and sadly, he was already late.
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The banquet hall was packed with various people wanting to get a glimpse at the exotic Qiao sisters. Only a select few had been invited to the actual wedding that had happened over a month ago. Now the rest of the castle goers were invited to see what the big deal was about. There were officers from all ranks, toting their wives who were dressed heavier in their make up and accessories. Tong strolled around, feigning smiles and compliments to all the women who asked until he spotted his parents. Seeing his mother wave, he joined them and the group they were talking to. "Oh, Gong Ji." Cao patted his sons shoulder, "This is Master and Lady Qiao." He referred to the couple in front. "This is my son, Ling Gong Ji."
"It's an honor to meet you." Everyone bowed and exchanged pleasantries. Tong looked over beside Lady Qiao, where a young maiden was standing. Her eyes fixed on him.
"Is this?" he asked his mother.
"Oh no, this is the Qiao sisters cousin. Lady Shen."
"Lady Shen." Tong bowed, the young girl did the same.
"Gong Ji, won't you be a dear and escort Lady Shen today? It is better for her to find people her age than walk around with old people like us."
"Please, Master Ling. You surely jest." She smiled, "It would be an honor to escorted by your fine son."
"Then so be it." Lady Ling clapped her hands, a little too happy for the public to see. She cleared her throat and patted her son on the back. "Be a gentlemen." Her eyes narrowed when she said it and the group walked away, leaving the two young ones alone.
"Who did you think I was?" she suddenly said, prompting his mouth to go dry.
"I. Uh. Nothing."
"Did you think I was one of my cousins?"
"Nono. Of course not. You're obviously neither of the Qiao's." the words had come out of his mouth before registering in his brain. Lady Shen's face changed instantly and her face grew dark.
"Are you calling me ugly?"
"No. No! I'm just saying…" he blinked, "You are obviously not one of the Qiao's because you are not with Master Zhou and Lord Sun."
"Hey! Hey! Who is this?" Tong's classmate saved him the humiliation. "Why, what is Tong doing with such a gorgeous woman like you?"
"Flattered." She said coldly. "If you excuse me." She said and turned to leave.
"But Lady Shen, I'm in charge of you today." Tong called out after her. Lady Shen turned around and glared.
"I am in the care of no one." She snapped and hurried off.
"Tough cookie." One classmate cooed, another followed with,
"Pretty though."
---
She rummaged through her belongings and threw clothes left and right. It was a habit she had picked up whenever she was angry and could not express it. Make a mess now. Have someone clean it up for her later. Grabbing her shoes, she aimed them at the front door and threw it with all her might. She didn't expect the door to open and strike her cousin in the face. "Oh my god."
"My nose!" Xiao Qiao, the younger of the Qiao siblings shouted. "Xiang Wan!"
"I'm so sorry Xiao Qiao." She went up to her and checked to see if anything was broken. "Is Master Zhou not going to take you anymore? I'll explain to him! I'm so sorry!"
"She's fine." Da Qiao laughed gently from behind, her sleeve covering her mouth. They walked into her room and noticed the mess. "I'm guessing your reunion with the young man did not go well?"
"Did he not recognize you at all?" Xiao Qiao sat down on a stool.
"Of course not." Her sister reminded her, "Do you not remember, the last time our Xiang Wan saw him, she was named Xi Won and was a boy."
"Oh right." Xiang Wan bit her lower lip. After a bout with her Father, her mother successfully sent her to the Qiao household where she had been residing and growing up in the past nine years. After so long, the Qiao's had decided to treat her like family, informing others that she was the girls cousin.
"I'm still named Xi Won. Legally anyways."
"Well, I talked it over with our new husbands," Da Qiao gushed a bit, not believing that she was married. "You are welcome to stay here as long as you wish."
"Really?"
"Of course." Xiao Qiao grinned, "That's what we came here to tell you anyways. But then we got sidetracked. We always get sidetracked…isn't that weird?"
"Master Zhou is going to have a handful with you." Da Qiao shook her head.
---
As both Da and Xiao Qiao's husbands were quite busy with uniting China and such, they spent most of their days in Wu with Xiang Wan. Today, they were being toured around the training grounds. "Look, archery!" Xiao Qiao pointed to the field where a group of men were showing off their skills. Tong was among the group of men and he was up to the plate. With his arms perfectly positioned, he pulled his arm back and let go, the arrow going straight through the straw and piercing the wall behind it. "Amazing!" Xiao Qiao clapped, gaining the attention of the students.
"Lady Sun, Lady Zhou, Lady Shen." Everyone bowed.
"What brings you ladies here today?"
"General Ling." The girls bowed, "We just wanted to see the training grounds that you run." Da Qiao explained diplomatically. "Is that young man your son?"
"Why yes. This is the first time you've see him." Cao said happily. "He is one of the top students in archery. None next to the young Master Lu though."
"My cousin Xiang Wan is also very skilled in archery." Da Qiao suddenly said, prompting Xiang Wan to look up in horror.
"Oh really? It is rare for a young woman to take up these arts."
"She's been our bodyguard all our life. She's very gifted in self-defense and martial arts. Why don't you let her have a try?"
"Da Qiao!" she said.
"Okay!" Cao turned to his son and students, "Gong Ji, bring Lady Shen a bow and a quiver."
"What?" Tong raised his eyebrow.
Xiang Wan's arm shook a little in nervousness as everyone watched her from the sidelines. Surely she had confidence in her own ability, but it was a little awkward with Tong watching. Then she remembered all the times he beat her up and her arm went a little straighter and her vision a lot clearer. "Eat this." She stuck her tongue out a little and let go. The arrow went at an immense speed, cutting through the same stack of hay and hitting the wall with a plunk.
"Ah not as strong as Tong to pierce the wall." The students all whispered to each other, but they were still very impressed at her accuracy and strength.
"It's alright. Not everyone can pierce the wall." Tong crossed his arms beside Xiang Wan and smirked. "It's because you're a girl." Small gasps came from the Qiao's. Xiang Wei opened her mouth to retaliate but was quickly held down by her cousins.
"Calm." Da Qiao whispered into her ear. "Lady like." Taking a deep breath. Xiang Wan shoved the bow into Tong's arm.
"Check the wall for yourself. Master Ling." She barked, stomping off in another direction. The students all hurried over behind the wall and held their breaths, speechless.
"Holy!" they shouted. Tong dropped the bow on the ground and rushed to them.
"Unbelievable…" he stuttered, as her arrow had not pierced through the wall, but had gotten there by slicing through his.
Jya. Not much happening now. But still early! ANYWAYS, thanks and have a great day!
