Chapter 2

It has been two years since I enlisted. I trained myself hard to prove my worth and dedication to Wu. The army was growing well. They were able to amass a great amount of soldiers within two years. Even though they were inferior compared to Wei army, I did not mind. This was the army who brought peace into my living land.

I worked hard to maintain peace throughout the area. I have defeated many bandits, or 'bad guys' as Qiaowy usually refers to, and helping those in need. I enjoyed my justice-bringer title without realizing that it has been two years already. Which means...

This day, I became twenty years old.

Xiaoqiao should be sixteen by now.

The age of marriage.

If only I knew about her whereabouts. One time I paid a visit to her house only to find an abandoned mansion. No one was there. Xiaoqiao moved somewhere without telling me? That was kind of odd, but I had to trust her.

I guess she would be proud of me when we were able to meet each other again. I mean, a commander within Wu! Not something that everyone could achieve. I could imagine her happy smile when I tell her that in the future, along with her cute remark.

I was finally able to prove my worth.

Even so, would she look at another man, or would she be taken already?

No, no! I have to believe her.

Back then, she accepted my feelings.

Ah, Qiaowy. If only I could meet you again soon enough, I would properly propose to you as a man.

I went back to my house after finishing up things on my royal office like usual, but from quite a distance I saw a Wu soldier talking with my family. I walked faster to greet him.

"Hello, what's wrong?" I said.

"Ah, sir! Finally you are home! I just want to inform something!"

My heart felt nervous so suddenly.

"What is it?"

"Lady Xiaoqiao personally invited you to come at her wedding banquet."

I could feel my heart stopped for a second.

"P-pardon?"

"Lady Xiaoqiao is now married with Lord Zhou Yu. The banquet will be held by tomorrow. You're invited by Lady Xiaoqiao herself. If I were to relay it exactly like she wanted, she said 'come visit the castle hall tomorrow, I want you to see our wedding!', or so she says."

No...

Qiaowy, my little maiden... was going to marry someone other than me?

I... I need to see this by myself.

"O-okay... I will come. T-tell her... that I pray for her... well being..." I muttered slowly, unable to speak with a clear mind.

This was a complete disaster for me.

I thought she loved me?

I thought she accepted my proposal back then?

No. I better see it by myself tomorrow.

Xiaoqiao, wait for me.

That night, I could not sleep peacefully. I tried hard not to spill any tears from my eyes.

Xiaoqiao, what was the meaning behind all of this?

Did you really... betray my trust?

No... No, that must not be the case!

Her father... It must be her father!

He probably forced her to marry Zhou Yu, and she could not retort.

Why must him, though?

I know that Zhou Yu. A strategist within Wu with unparalleled mind and clever mouth. We talked to each other sometimes, sharing our wisdom night after night in the royal garden, in order to make Wu become a greater army.

His handsome face captivated many women, but he was not the immoral type. He once said to me that he would marry someone which seemed fit for him. He was a loyalist, indee-

... Now I get it.

Her father wanted her to live happily with a known man. Someone who was worthy enough for her from his perspective.

He trusted Zhou Yu her little daughter, so that her life would be ensured in the hand of an important figure.

That must be it! I am sure of it!

Oh, my dear Qiaowy. I thought you betrayed me back there!

My little partner would not actually betray her own feelings to me...

...right?

I rode my horse as quick as I possible so I could visit the banquet early.

I have to rescue my little figurine from the party.

Lord Zhou Yu is not a bad man, dare I say he is better than me, but her heart belongs to me.

Me alone.

The street was bustling as ever, and the fact that someone in the army was planning to get married surely made the road even busier.

When I arrived in the castle, I saw many men and women dressed themselves with fine looking outfit, paying a visit. I only wore my usual clothes in order to stood out among the crowd, hoping that Xiaoqiao would notice me eventually.

"Ah, sir!" said a soldier when looking at me. "You looked like the person whom Lady Xiaoqiao mentioned. The banquet has just started! Just leave your horse to me, sir. I'll park it in the stable behind the castle, you go and visit her!"

Without a word, I jumped from my horse and dashed toward the castle hall. My heart was beating fast, though my mind was an utter mess.

Hold it, Xiaoqiao! I will save you!

I joined the crowd, pushing some people to the side as I made my way to search for her.

Turns out I came at the worst time.

l saw a woman figure sitting in front of the crowd, dressed beautifully in an orange qipao instead of red. Her face was covered with a red handkerchiefs. Beside him, Zhou Yu looked to the guests with a calming smile. If my hunch were correct, that figure would be...

Without warning, the woman raised the handkerchiefs a little bit to peek, revealing the face beneath it.

Xiaoqiao.

Her eyes quickly met with mine. A pair of eyes, reflecting her eagerness, and a smile formed in her face. I chuckled a bit looking at her. That was a big no-no in the custom, but that is Xiaoqiao for you. Naughty girl as ever.

Zhou Yu realized this, as he turned his head to face her. He suddenly raised the handkerchiefs higher, revealing her face more along with her chestnut hair. Qiaowy was surprised by his doing, and he suddenly moved his face closer to her.

I saw an unforgettable sight in my whole life.

He kissed her.

She did not fight back, she even returned his kiss passionately.

The crowd was surprised to see this happening, and so was I.

My hope disappeared.

She... really loved him.

Not just another matchmaking custom.

Tears were starting to fall through my eyes.

She... She promised our marriage back then!

I jerked up from my spot, stumbling to reach the entrance. Xiaoqiao noticed this as she broke the kiss to look at me.

"H-hey, wait!" Xiaoqiao shouted while looking to my pathetic self, causing the crowds to turn their heads toward me.

No, Qiaowy. It was too late. Too damn late.

I was already heartbroken.

You filthy bitch.

I turned my head to look at her one last time.

"I... I REGRET EVER MEETING YOU!"

I let out such claim.

Xiaoqiao looked surprised and scared at the same time. She stood up from her seat to chase me, but I ran faster. I went out from the banquet hall without stopping by for my horse, leaving her standing in the yard, crying as well. Zhou Yu followed her after he realized what happened here. Xiaoqiao rested her crying face on his broad chest, letting him to pat her petite head.

I have never felt this horrible in my whole life. The girl whom I trusted my love life, betrayed my expectation.

The looks she gave to Zhou Yu was a genuine love, not a fake one.

I ran faster and faster with this feeling inside my mind. I stumbled once, but quickly got up and continue running. Somehow, I was not able to feel the pain from that small accident. Today, there was something that took control my body as I kept running.

Rage.

I eventually arrived at my house. I slammed the door open, grabbing my iron staff afterward. Father was surprised to see me acting like this, and he asked what happened.

This was my only and swift reply before leaving the house for good.

"I'm going to join Wei."

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