Cards, Love, war, and rebellion
Chapter 9
Authors note: ok sorry for the cliffhanger last chapter but it's necessary to set the scene for this chapter but without further ado let's get going.
POV: 3rd
"You have hurt the one who saved me from death by the demons yesterday! You idiots!" the young man yelled. The Young man is called Prince Huan Liu, he was the pretty boy Tomoyo saved the day before. He was angry because his guards saw the scene where Tomoyo tackled him to the ground in order to save his life but misinterpreted as an offence to the imperial family. Huan Liu is a young man about 15 years of age; he's the youngest son in the imperial family and of course was known for his feminine face. Because of his face many made fun of him saying that he could have been a woman reborn into a man. As the maid released Tomoyo from her binds Huan Liu grabbed the guard leader and his second in command by the ear and dragged them to Tomoyo.
"Now Kotow and apologize to her right now!" Huan Liu ordered.
"We're sorry?" The guards said.
"Mean it!" huan Liu yelled, and they repeatedly apologize banging their head on the floor.
"Please forgive my guards for doing something so stupid Madame, these men can be very overprotective of me." Huan Liu apologized while bowing to his knees.
"It's ok! You realized your mistake and I accept your appology." Tomoyo.
"thank you madam. You two should be thankful that she's giving you mercy." Huan Liu Said to the guards after thanking Tomoyo.
"What's all this comotion?" a voice called.
"Just a misunderstanding brother." Huan Liu called. From the corner Chung Hu the eldest brother of the imperial siblings came into being. Chung Hu is a tall and masculine looking man compared to his brother. He sports a ming style haircut with a shaven top and a braided ponytail at the back of his head. He wears a black and white tangzhua since he's taichi practitioner. He's a god 10 years older and very responsible to his siblings, especially the younger ones which always include Huan Liu since he had the most trouble in his childhood. Huan Liu on the other hand sports a topknot with bangs on left side as well as good portion of his hair going down his back. Huan Liu sports an violet and white hanfu which just goes well with his feminine looks.
"I heard." Chung Hu said as he sees the Kotowing guards.
"Any way I Think you should return to whatever you were doing madam." Huan Liu told Tomoyo.
"thank you sir. My friends will be"
BAM
Tomoyo was interrupted by loud crashing and smashing sounds along with shouting, yelling and screaming as if there was a fight going on. The entire hall didn't know what was going on till a servant came in running.
"your majesty a group of people are forcing their way in!" the servant reported.
"Why?" Chung Hu asked.
"I think to rescue me." Tomoyo answered. Everyone looked at her surprised that a small group would dare to defy the higher ups just to save one persons. Then came a yell from the door.
"Power" came a muffled voice from the door. As everyone looked the main front door it broke and came crashing down as four people were rushing.
"Tomoyo!" the group shouted.
"Sakura chan, Li kun, Meiling chan!" Tomoyo shouted as she ran to her friends. As the group reunite they all hugged each other as they got their friend back. Huan Liu walked up to them and down in apology.
"Sorry for what my guards did to your friend there. But don't worry alright. The misunderstanding has been cleared up."
"You're majesty thank you for understanding. And sorry for bursting in like this." Syaoran said showing his respect.
"No no no you don't have to do that. It's understandable to break into a building just to save your friend." Huan Liu assured.
"Then it's a good thing that her majesty unharmed and you right that wrong your grace." Ryouma added. This causes some confusion among the guards and the two brothers.
"Her majesty?" Chung Hu asked. Tomoyo cleared her throat as she step up to the two brothers and bowed in Ni-hon-kaido fashion.
"Konichiwa, watshi Daidouji Tomoyo desu. Princess of the Daidouji kingdom in the Ni-hon-Kaido archipeligo." Tomoyo intoduced. The faces of the two brothers darkened while keeping the same looks on their face. The guards however gulped in fear knowing what may happen next. Huan Liu looked back arching his back as he stared at the leader while Chung Hu marched towards them. The leader of the guard knew that he was going to take the brunt of it as he twitched and sweated in fear as he was about to wet his pants. Chung Hu grabbed the leader by the collar and lifted him up eye to eye.
"You realize what you nearly did?" Chung Hu asked cooly.
"An international incident?" whimpered the leader realizing his mistake.
"YOUR TOAST YOU BIG IDIOT!" Chung Hu yelled and dragged him to be punished while he begged for mercy. The rest of the guards followed in suit begging for forgiveness as they knew that they had a part in it. latter on the gang and the prince are on the patio, Huan Liu explained the situation to the gang over what happened earlier today.
"So he decided that Lady Tomoyo here should be punished because and I quote "it's a crime against heaven to touch the emperor or his sons."" Huna Liu explained.
"Is that true?" Sakura asked.
"In this country the emperor are considered as gods or something akin to it, though personally I think that's a load of rubbish." Meiling answered.
"I agree with you there lady Meiling, I personally think the royal family is just like any other family. We're just more privileged and restricted at the same time." Huan Liu added.
"What's going to happen to those guards who took me?" Tomoyo asked.
"They are probably going to be flogged for kidnapping you, they are lucky that you forgave them." Huan Lui said grimly
"What will happen if she didn't?" Ryouma asked.
"They'd probably be beheaded." Huan Liu answered. Everyone shuddered at the thought of having a lash being struck at your back. It hurts allot and it certainly will give you a lot of back pain from the bruises and cuts from the leather. As the group talked throughout their tea time they each get to know one another. They learned that Huan Liu has had trouble with his looks for his entire life. Many of his father's concubines and older sisters find joy in dressing him up like a girl which everyone sweat dropped at. And he was constantly bullied and harassed by other kids and nasty creeps for his face, but they didn't know that he was the emperor's son till it's too late. Because of that his familly have been over protective of him for years.
"That's interesting." Ryouma commented.
"I feel you your majesty. I know what it's like to have women do things like that to you." Syaoran sympathized.
"Hey on the bright side thanks to them I found my talent in fashion design." Huan Liu added.
"You make cloths?" Tomoyo asked
"For my younger sisters mainly but yeah." Huan Liu answered.
"Can you tell me all about these outfits?" Tomoyo beamed with excitement and inspiration in her eyes.
"Better than that, I'll show you." Huan Liu stood proudly. Tomoyo had always made outfits for Sakura during her cardcaptor days and she still made some for the future. The tailor duo looked at the collection Huan Liu made and exchanged ideas on how to make them better and add some more ideas. The rest of the gang watches with amazement and disbelief as they watched the pair talking.
"Somehow I have a bad feeling coming from these two." Ryouma commented.
"Please don't make me wear something frilly or worse." Meiling pleaded.
"Hoe, it's like seeing two Tomoyos planning something." Sakura commented.
"They seem happy." Syaoran said.
"They're like two peas in a pod." Keroberos observed. As the two tailors talked everyone could tell that there was some chemistry between the two. When Chung Hu saw the two he couldn't help but smile. If he guessed it right then his brother may have found a woman who sees him for his personality and talent, though the woman in question maybe give him a rough ride if he wasn't to careful. Little did he know of how right he was, Tomoyo may seem like a sweet ojou-sama but she can be quite manipulative when she needed be, cause after all she schemed some of the dates Sakura and Syaoran had. Heck she even teased him and tricked him so he would be alone with her. By the end of the day the two princes promised to help the gang in their fight to take out the demons once and for all. They have gained a new and powerful ally in the war and the battle is yet to come. Hopefully it will all be over; however there is one who didn't like the news.
"The youngest prince was smarter than I thought." Long Chang sighed disappointedly. "And not only that the Li's have a new ally in this war. The situation is becoming direr than I thought. I must come up with something, but how?"
The next day was a peaceful day for the gang. No demons lurking about and no trouble from them today. But that doesn't mean that there will be trouble for them either. Syaoran was in his room preparing for afternoon tea that he planned to have with Sakura, he's had a long day this morning. The elders asked him if he really wants to be with just Sakura and won't have a second wife or a concubine. His answer was the same all the time, he told them that it was out of the question. If he had taken on 2nd wife, concubine or even a mistress he would be betraying Sakura. And both of them only want each other. As Syaoran was packing a few things a servant came in.
"Sir Wu Chang Shi Qui Huang has come to see you." The servant said
"Let him in" Syaoran ordered. Wu Chang Shi Qui Huang is the full name of the Wu clans eldest son. Many call him Chang or Chang Shi for short. Chang Shi walked in wearing a white hanfu this day. He always has a bone to pick with Syaoran.
"Li." Wu Chang bowed in greeting.
"If it's about the garden I truly apologize but we were in a chase." Syaoran explained.
"No need Li I understand, I've already send the bill to the Long clan since they were the ones who caused the trouble." Wu explained.
"Whatever it is you want please make it quick or do it later, because I've got some important business to go to." Syaoran explained.
"No it can't cause it's very important. Whatever business you have today I'm sure you can cancel it." Wu answered.
"I can't, and why do you think that this is more important?" Syaoran asked.
"Cause it's about the future Li, I'm sure you are aware of the one important thing the heir to the clan must do one day for the prosperity of the clan." Wu explained. With that Syaoran knew where this was going and is starting to regret letting this pompous man in.
"Explain." Syaoran continued.
"It has come to my attention that you are at the age where you will find interest in women and I'm sure that there are women who are all over you. Probably not as much as me since I'm quite a handsome and talented individual myself." Wu gloated. Syaoran sight in anoyance as Wu continues his speech.
"However I may have found one woman you might be interested in and I'm sure that my clan and your clan will agree that this union will be a perfect one and that it would benefit us both in more ways than one. . . Daiyu!" Wu called after his speech. By then Daiyu came into the room. She was dressed in a beautiful white and blue daxiushan dress and she made sure that she looked beautiful enough to impress Syaoran she even smiled at the thought of it. She has already impressed the elders but she wanted to hear Syaorans words first before having the elders accept it. She felt tension with the elders but she doesn't know why but she didn't care. She wanted to hear Syaorans words of acceptance first before the elders accept her.
"Greetings Xiao lang, it is an honor to have finally met you, I hope that we will have a splendid life together soon." Daiyu said courteously. She smiled a dazzling smile, her hopes of marrying Syaoran were within reach and she hoped that he would agree.
"I have prepared myself to become your wife My lord. I've learned the play Guzheng, done flower arrangements and many more. I hope that someday we will have a good life together." Daiyu added still smiling. Syaoran looked at Daiyu then at Wu Chang then at Daiyu again, he gave it a good thought and answered as quickly as he thought about it.
"No thank you." Syaoran answered and walked right passed the two dumbfounded siblings. Wu Chang looked at the departing Syaoran and ran over infront of him.
"Wait a minute Li!" He shouted.
"Please move Wu, I've got somewhere to be." Syaoran told Wu Chang
"Why would you decline a marriage offer from my sister? She's obviously a beautiful maiden and has worked hard to get you to see her! Why would you do that?" Wu Chang ranted.
"Because I already have someone else who I want to marry." Syaoran retorted.
"What?" Daiyu asked surprised.
"I'm planning to marry her and only her. No second wife, no concubine, and no mistress. Now if you excuse me I have to meet up with her. I'm late as it is." With him having the last word, Syaoran walked away from the dumbfounded siblings. As Syaoran was out of ear shot and eye sight Daiyu began to throw a fit.
"It's not true! How can he already have found a woman to marry? I have asked his mother and the elders for their blessings and he just declined?" Daiyu shouted
"Dear sister calm down! I'm sure we can investigate this matter." Wu Chang said while trying to calm his sister. Daiyu has always rejected suitor because she wanted to marry Syaoran and now she was being rejected herself. She had never been rejected by anyone let alone Syaoran.
"No we must find that out our selves. Let's see who would steal him from me." Daiyu said while a shadow cast over her eyes as she smiled a deadly smile. With that the 2 sibling started to follow Syaoran to the garden. As syaoran arrived at a pavilion the siblings saw a girl with short brown hair admiring at the view infront of he. Wu chang noticed that the girls is wearing a purple Hakama which is popular in the Ni-hon-kaido archipelago. Daiyu noticed that the girl has pink transparent wings on her back.
'A flower fairy? And look at her clothes, are the rumours true?' Daiyu thought.
'A girl from the archipelago? Has Li gone insane? We are on bad terms with these people!' Wu Chang thought. When Syaoran stepped onto the pavilion he sat at the table.
"Sorry I'm late Sakura, had to take care of some persistent guest." Syaoran apologized. Sakura turned to face him; she was smiling a cute smile that melted Syaorans heart to the point of blushing. When the siblings saw Sakuras face, Wu Changs face went red from blushing as he was mesmerized by the emeralds the girl has for eyes. Daiyu felt a conflicted pang of jealousy and admiration for the girl. She loved flower fairies to the point of worship. And now she's seeing one courting the man she wants to marry. What surprises them more was that he spoke in the tongue of the archipelago.
"Don't worry Syaoran kun I just got here myself." Salura answered.
"I'm happy that it's us two for the first time in a while." Syaoran said. The siblings noticed that those two were quite intimate with each other and hold a strong bond. Daiyu felt that Syaoran was driffting farther away from her to the point she can't reach out to him. A pang of sadness fills her heart as she realized something, but she hopes that the head mistress may do something about it. Daiyu and Wu Chang looked at each other and agreed to go to the mistress of the clan to see what she has to say. When they arrived at the office they practically said the same thing they told Syaoran and asked about the letter Daiyu has send.
"A saw and read the letter and I took it into consideration. However when my son came home with a girl in tow and saw the close bond they share as well as their intimate relationship and dedication I accepted Sakura as a potential bride for my son. Staus wise she's a distant relative of royalty and a flower fairy to boot. Also she's got a promising future ahead of her." Yelan explained. This shocked the sibling, Daiyu more than any of the two.
"Eh?" Daiyu said speachless.
"Look Wu Daiyu you are a fine looking and I'm sure that my son would have a nice wife like but he made up his mind. Also I've discussed with him and I'm preparing a dowry for her plus I've already accepted her as a daughter. I hope that someday she would bear me grandchildren." Yelan added. With that Daiyu dropped to her knees as she felt defeated. Not only did she lost the man she wants to marry his mother already accepted her and that Sakura was way out of their league. With that she gave up. An hour later at the pavilion Syaoran and Sakura were enjoying tea and sweets as well as their time together. All of a sudden Daiyu walked up to the with a wooden box in hand. She looked sad yet apologetic at the same time. The couple looked at Daiyu questioningly wondering why she's here. Then she went to her knees head looking down to the ground and offering the box to the couple.
"Esteemed goddess I'm sorry for trying to take your mortal lover. I hope this offering will appease you. Please forgive me for any blasphemy I may have tried to commit to take away your lover. Please take good care of lord Xiao lang when you decide to take his soul back to the heavans with you." Daiyu pleaded in a opologetic yet worshiping tone.
"Hoe?" Sakura yelled not knowing what to do. Syaoran was just as surprised. Daiyu's attitude has changed drastically and they were worried for the futur. Meanwhile at a certain residence in the compound a family meeting was being held, but this one has a tense atmosphere to it. Meiling was with her parents with Ryouma by her side. Her father was wearing a poker face while her mother smiled at the fact that her daughter had brought a handsome man with her. Ryouma was dressed in his best clothing which he cleaned and dusted beforehand. He also washed himself up to get rid of the sea smell and sweat that he had when he arrived to port. The couple is so nervous that they didn't look at the eyes of Meiling parents. Ryouma had introduced himself to Meilings parents; he told them his plans for the future as well as his family and how He met Meiling and how their relationship grew.
"I know that status wise I'm not a rich man but someday when I have my business running I will be. But I'm only doing it to bring prosperity to my home town. But please let me court your daughter with marriage in mind. I like her for who she is and I won't let you down." Ryouma pleaded to Meilings parents as he bowed his head.
"Please father, please let me court him. He's a promising man and I love him!" Meiling pleaded. Meilings father looked at the couple with his poker face still intact. He looked to his wife who was smiling.
"Oh let them dear, he seems like a good man." Meilings mother told her husband. Meilings father stared at Ryouma and then in happy tone he spoke.
"Alright I accept." Meilings father said smiling.
"Nani?" Ryouma looked up surprised.
"Eh?" Meiling said speechless.
"Your right you lack status Ryouma but I can tell you are a promising young man. And Meiling you could have chosen worse but he seems alright." Meilings father voiced still smiling. This comment still hurts the young couple but they are relieved by his words.
"Arigato Sir, I promise I won't let you down!" Ryouma expressed boldly.
"Don't thank me yet young man, now did you mention that you wish to open a trading company right?" Meilings father asked.
"Yes I do." Ryouma answered.
"He does and he wishes to do it so he could make the lives of his village better." Meiling added.
"Well then let me help you out!" Meilings father declared as he stood up from his seat.
"Sir you don't have to do that! I am already starting to get new contracts from a new crewmate of mine." Ryouma tried to explaine.
"No no no no no son, I will give you more opportunities and with my contacts I will get you rich within a few months' time. And along with your crew mates' contacts and previous ones, you will become rich enough to own or hire a fleet of trading ships, and while we're at it I'll turn you into a worthy husband for my daughter." Meilings father assured. With that he helped Ryouma to his feet and set off to do business.
"Now let me get things clear when it comes to women, I'll allow up to four women total. Two wives including my daughter and two concubines. And Meiling must be the head of the harem. If you wish to only have Meiling in your life that's fine to. But remember she's an emotional girl alright so please take good care of her." Meilings father advised as they walked to the door.
"you don't need tell me that sir I only wish to have one wife in my life." Ryouma explained.
"Good. Now as for the children if you wish to have them before marriage it's fine to but please be responsible for them." Meilings father started as they walked out the door. There was a bit of shouting but there was an embarrassed tone in it. Meiling listened to her father's conversation with Ryouma. She was blushing red at the mention of children. Sure she wanted to marry Ryouma and have kids with him but that's further on in the future after she graduate from school.
"Don't worry dear, your father is just concerned about your future is all." Meiling mother explained. Meiling looked up at her mother still red with embarrassment.
"But you know I would love to have grandchildren from you two as soon as possible though, why not seduce him with that outfit you use to catch that Ping scoundrel with. I'm sure he would snap if he saw you" Meilings mother teased with a mischievous smile.
"MOTHER" Meiling Yelled with anger and embarassment.
"Oh ho ho!" Meilings mother laughed as she scurried off leaving behind a steaming red Meiling.
"Can't this day get any worse?" Meiling said to no one in particular. However sometime in the future not only will Ryouma have a successful business, he would also have a great family with Meiling as well. However they still felt that their parents not only helped but manipulated their love life to a spicy one to the point they can't live without each other. And as for Daiyu, well let's just say that she went on a pilgrimage of penance since she felt guilty for trying to steal a man from who she considered a goddess. She even build a shrine dedicated to Sakura. As people walked by the shrine some say that the idol with the depiction of Sakura as a fairy having conquered syaoran as he layed his head on her lap indicating that he surrendered his body and soul to divine goddess However that was further from the truth. But Daiyu did find happiness with a man of a good family, but that is another story.
Authors note: Ok now let me get things clear. I know I have two characters named chang and yes I know that Chang is a common name and a bit of a stereotype for a chinese name. But I'll make sure to diferentiate them. The Main baddy here will be Long Chang while our Narcissistic rich boy will be Wu Chang. They are two different people in both appearance and personality. Wu Change is and arrogant man with a lot of talent and he knows it and he hates the fact that he's arrogant. While Long Chang is a malevolent as he is ambitious. And for those who are looking for Eriol don't worry he's commingin sooner or later. See ya next chapter.