Author Angel Chua

Adapted from Princess Agents drama series and original novel by Xiao Xiang Dong'er – Chu Qiao Chuan Biography

Lantern Festival (08.12.2021 edited)

The Shen Jin palace once again filled with soothing Harp and Guqin music instruments, the Emperor restless ears listen to every finger strung, it brought tranquil and inner peace in the Golden Palace.

As he listens, he closed his eyes to enjoy the heavenly sound. The Emperor who looks like the father of the gods sits on his misty fragrant throne, sees his guests who have just arrived from the Eastern Empire.

The princes with an assigned royal table facing each other, the Wei's palace maids escorted the metal masked Princes looking grand on their unique fashion from the East.

Everyone who joined the welcome dinner in the Golden Summer Palace came to be noticed and praised for their royal Imperial dresses.

At the same time, all of the lovely princesses of the palace prepared a royal dance to welcome the guests and capture the princes eyes to please the Shen Jin Emperor with their lifetime dance performance, the Wei princesses, like the visitor princes covered their faces with scarves to engage this visitor's in the indulgence of mysteriousness and gracefulness.

Xia Chong is one of them.

Today marks the first day of the most awaited and expensive lantern festival in the land of Wei.

The trade and commerce bloomed as visitors coming from different states of China came to celebrate this year's Festival of lights.

The bustling streets filled with different lanterns, firecrackers, lucky charms, superior quality silk clothing, high-fashion, unique porcelain kitchenware's, and ornaments, tassels made by the Wei's local artists, delicacies including colorful moon cakes, rice cakes, and other Chinese bestseller foods beautifully decorated the streets of Chang'An and the river lake.

There are also magicians and street carnival performers came to showcase their talents. Rich and poor filled the streets together and can buy as long as they have gold and those invited foreigners with visitor's pass are also welcomed to participate and witness the event.

While the city is covered in lantern lights, looking over to a sinister mountain beam, Yan Xun saw layers of terraced fields. His view in awe, Yan Xun for a long time did not open his mouth.

Looking far or near, the terrain presented to him is made up of a small basin that was surrounded by mountains. Yan Xun's wandering eyes to the meandering river he thought of A'Chu.

The west and north sides of the hills seem steep.

The mountain beam that Yan Xun was stationed is also steep; his horse cannot climb down, he must use his gears and set on foot.

This is the Longyin Guan terraces where Xuili army encamps but finds no trace or abandonment in these farmer villages.

The steep is covered with lush wild shrubs and thick thorny bushes.

The mountain in the west of the catch basin relatively flat and some houses made of hay forms a cove-style house scattered among the place. The ambiance on the eastern side of the mountain stream is steamy and foamy.

On both sides of the river, there are fields and meadows. Next, the wheat fields are groves of mulberry trees. Mulberry leaves are yellow, and some village women can see work in the fields. No trace of Xuili armies left or even wounded. As if the farmer village has the usual normal day, none of it marks what Yan Xun is searching for the moment.

A'Jing said: The world, you cannot be trusting the peace of this village and the lack of fierceness in your eyes.

Yan Xun closed his eyes and opened them with inexplicable rage getting what A'jing means; he ordered: "Search for the highest terrain house and use it as the temporary command post."

"Take the autumn breeze air and I will come to encamp there later."

It is done your Highness, said one of the Yan Generals.

Yan Xun is sitting in his horse greedily basking in the air with a scent of wheat and looking down at the mountains, the golden wheat waves rolling in the windy day.

The wheat was ripe.

It was a good harvest year.

Suddenly, from the south of the stone water, in the direction of the mountain pass, a team of soldiers wearing silverish armor appeared at the mouth of the valley.

The soldiers have packed up as if the war had ended but the truth is, it is just about to begin.

The farmer villagers situated in unavoidable war route often dug hiding holes in their homes.

Being acquainted with Wei's or Yanbei's looting armies, the villagers usually hollowed out their kitchen walls enough to stand and hide.

The walls have small holes enough for observing and ventilation.

Only Xuili armies served as their protectors over these years and in turn, had helped them survive above their means and beyond what they can handle.

The two scout rangers of Yan army came back to report to Yan Xun: "Your Highness, this is a late report but we found that there are two separate troops but we aren't sure though if both are Xuili army troops. However, we found these armors heading towards our location and another traces found at TangShui border Southern plains of Liang State."

Yan Xun is taking his time to think and then said: "These armors belong to Wei troops. If Wei troops are heading here and we arrived first, we have time to activate our mines and traps to surround this terrain. Now, go ahead and warn the other troops heading at Tangshui to prepare to siege Xuili army. Do not attack and wait for my command."

As soon as Yan Xun finished speaking, another scout ranger came to report and said, the Yan army who went to Tangshui border lost the battleground.

Yan Xun on his fierce eyes told the young army man: "Yan army lost the battleground with Tang army in TangShui? You better clear your statements."

General Zhong Yu came and confirmed: "Your Highness, we took some of the armors and helmets of the enemy, and this does not look like it belongs to the Tang army."

Yan Xun looking so sarcastic, said: "Are we also fighting a new army around those borders?"

No one dared to speak. Out of desperation and rage Yan Xun wanting a clear report to draw his strategy and decision.

Yan Xun strangled the neck of the scout ranger and said: "Is it the Turkish guerillas?"

The young scout ranger answered Yan Xun: "Your Highness, we do not have an idea who are they but one thing is clear, it is not the Turkish Guerillas."

Ra Yue, such a beautiful lake calm like no waves, just sat on the royal table and did not drink any of the palace wine.

Inside his metal mask, he squinted his eyes and shook his head and he tapped Yue Qi and said: "Did you made sure that Yan Xun would know who led the Xuili army out of Yanbei through TangShui?"

Yue Qi half of his face is covered with a metal mask, whispered his reply, said: "Your Highness, by now, Yan Xun might be in a serious crises moment. Is it the Turkish guerillas, the barbarians of Bathuja clans, Yuan Che's Wei troops, or another elite army from the east."

On the last option, Ra Yue beamed at what he heard he said: "Awesome. Any reports about the Xuili General?"

Zuo looked at Yue Qi and Yuwen Yue and heard what they are speaking, he whispered too said: "Your Highness, I saw Viper with a woman she calls "Mimi Gongzhu."

Ra Yue slightly felt a sharp pain; he asked: "That whip girl with someone else, the lady covered with that scarf?"

Zuo responded shortly said: "Yes."

Ra Yue looking like a thirsty prince earlier, now heard about Mimi Gongzhu and Viper felt bland and uninterested he asked: "No trace of the Xuili General?"

Yue Qi answered: "Our troops made sure He Xiao will reach the Tang Army gates and hopefully Prince Xiao Ce would allow them to camp on their grounds and be hospitable with them. He Xiao did not mention about the Xuili Generals whereabouts. He intends to keep its location to be secret."

Ra Yue satisfied with their responses, leaned on his seat and went back to watch the dull dance performance, again caught his eyes, this woman whom he longs to engage.

Meanwhile, Chu Qiao and Viper stepped in the Wei ground after her last.

Both women disguised themselves. Chu Qiao wearing her dark brown canvas made material maiden style dress, her worn-out boots, and Viper her usual barbaric and rugged style.

Their faces covered with their scarfs came to the marketplace to scout.

Chu Qiao if not careful may expose her identity and the worst scenario was to be captured by Wei palace guards.

While walking Chu Qiao saw a paper posted in one of the dilapidated marketplaces and read: Chinese Chess Competition, Swordplay Competition, Archery Competition. Rewards in the following order; 1000 taels, 500 taels and 300 taels of gold.

Chu Qiao shook her head because she knows she is not lucky the first time she tried to compete for Chinese Chess.

A tempting reward to whoever shows himself as the contender and who will be the opponent?

She only knew one person who plays and practice Chinese Chess daily, the late fourth young master Yuwen Yue, her husband whom she divorced.

Chu Qiao knows the reward is enough to repair an entire palace and wonders if the Emperor will let go of such treasure. But the rules of the game says this year's theme is only entitled to the royals and foreign royal dignitaries.

When she was still a maidservant in the Yuwen Household, Yuwen Yue opened the chambermaid position for competition.

The competition includes Chinese Chess and she quickly lost this game.

Determined to be promoted, to win for the sake her sister's protection from bully maids of the Yuwen household, she re-invented her tea-making ceremony to win that bought her ticket to join the final test of memorizing and writing of an ancient Buddhist Sanskrit.

For Chu Qiao, she believes she is not new to this fabled Sanskrit presented at that time and this is an advantage that anyone does not know.

Although Yuwen Yue and the entire household underestimated her abilities, due to her low position in the Yuwen household, she did not mind those people spitting her those bitter and skeptical looks.

In the end, Chu Qiao realized her dreams and won the contest.

Aside from being promoted as the Yuwen's bed chambermaid, Yuwen Yue also changed her status from an iron bell to a silver bell servant.

After a moment of recollection, given Xuili army condition, as Xuili General, Chu Qiao needs to re-arm her army and equip them with enough provision and supplies for food, shelter, and armaments. Without it, the survival of his ailing army will fall into six feet under.

"Viper, do you know what I am thinking?" Chu Qiao is full of light in her eyes she poked Viper.

Viper answered: "Which one?"

"I cannot win Chinese Chess, but I can win the swordplay and archery competition." Chu Qiao proud of herself waiting for Viper's reaction.

"Do not even dare to try, we are not here to compete Mimi Gongzhu." Viper's voice is solemn and looked at Chu Qiao.

All of a sudden an old man approached them and said: "Are you going to register yourself? You must read, this competition is strictly for royals."

Viper came close to the old man, said: "If there is whip challenge like this.."

Viper took her whip and whipped it in front of the old man and the old man looks like he is about pee in his pants.

Viper continued: Then I will register, but there is none. Those competition are so easy, very basic. Yet, this is being replayed every year.

The old man stuttering said: "Miss…your whip is a scary thing, you must understand our nomad ancestors formed Wei state."

"We hunt for food, for shelter and even for power. The Sword, the bow and arrow are two basic weapons every household keeps in this place.

"Not only that, but we also perfect those skills, you can try me now."

Finished speaking the old man beamed at her and Viper too insulted bit her lips and showed her teeth, she is about to whip the old man for challenging her skills versus his.

Chu Qiao took Viper's hand and said: "Hey, you do not want this. I will compete to claim our reward not to punish an old man who does not even know what he is saying."

The old man heard, likes to intrude, said: "Again, like I said, this is for royals. Are you a princess?"

Viper about to sway her hand to whip him again when Chu Qiao caught her hand on air then going back to the old man she sarcastically smiled at him, said: "For the seniors like you we have to respect. I am not a princess in this place but in a faraway place."

The old man laughed out loud and said: "Look at you, a pauper princess but maybe you disguised yourself right?"

The old man looked at Chu Qiao waiting for her answer and Chu Qiao did not say any. Still, the old man not convinced she is a princess said: "Very well. The competition will start in an hour. I can watch you to become the champion or watch you end up in Wei garrison prison?"

Viper wants to end this old man's misery she said: "Watch her be your champion and smash this place."

The old man laughed again and said: "If not, do not even think of showing your face here for you lose those beautiful faces."

Viper so irritated, she looked up the skies and raised her brow then back to the old man's face, she replied: "The skies already sealed our fates today. I am sure you will bow three times after you hear the news."

Chu Qiao already put her seal to register to enter the competition.

Back to the Shen Jin palace, after the dance performance, the Emperor divinely rose from his seat and calmly said: "The competition is now open and the final match of the main event which is the Chinese chess will happen the third day."

All the palace ministers and foreign royal dignitaries tossed their jade goblets on air and turned to each other to discuss who will enter the competition.

This year's competition is only open for the royals and foreign royal dignitaries to join.

The poor people, the dog slaves, servants, traders, and the nobles can watch and be their spectators.

Rules are altered as well for the safety of the royal princes or princess who will join the competition.

Ra Zheng and Ra Zhun talked to each other and Ra Zheng said: "I cannot play for Chinese Chess." He is playing his jade goblets looking at Ra Yue who is cold and quiet.

Ra Zhun so confident of himself said: "I don't want to go home with all small wounds in my face or arms. I will play for Chinese Chess."

Ra Zheng insulted his brother he said: "You on Chinese Chess? I will cut my head if you win!" And he laughed out loud.

Ra Zhun twitched his palms for the insult he got from Ra Zheng said: "how about you an old useless prince who can only watch me win!"

"Woah! Look at me, I am not old. I am the most handsome young prince before your butt-wrinkled face!" Ra Zheng said and laughs at his angry brother's face.

While the two are engaged in insultation moment, Ra Yue still quiet and Ra Zheng asked him: "Why so serious there?"

Ra Yue turned his head to look at his two brothers and said: "These might be a trap competition."

Ra Zheng interested to listen and Ra Zhun wanted to drop his brother's warning said: You are making things complicated again, Come on, chill! This is a competition nothing serious!

Ra Yue knows the Emperor well, said: "I will play for Chinese Chess."

"What?!"

Exclaimed by Ra Zhun and about to complain when Ra Zheng said: "You heard the crown prince, he will play Chinese Chess."

"What duh fudge! I was the first to tell, but you take my place!" And points out his finger to Ra Yue.

The Emperor saw the three Qinghai Princes and noticed Ra Zhun's behavior he said: "Looks like there is a little chaos among the three Qinghai Princes."

Ra Zheng replied: "I am the older brother here, I should be respected not insulted."

Ra Zhun is acting like a child in front of his two brothers he said: "You insulted me first! I am the best Chinese Chess player in Qinghai. You will regret this!" Ra Zhun on his anger turned back and walked out of his table to mingle to other foreign royals.

Ra Yue still quiet he did not say anything and looked up to Ra Zheng.

Ra Zheng on his thoughts: "Is this Ra Yue's strategy, real warning or just wants to play chess?"

After Chu Qiao paid the child to deliver her registration for the competition, she did not write as much in the paper but put her seal. She knows it began, this would later shock the world and she needs to transform herself as the princess from the faraway East.

"Viper I have to visit an old friend. Let's go to Xianyang City."

"Mimi Gongzhu, tell me first, are you doing this for Xuili army?"

"If you know the answer then don't ask me again," said Chu Qiao so frankly.

"Fine, who are we visiting this time?" Viper is already preparing their horses.

"We are going to transform ourselves for a while to join the competition." Chu Qiao climb to her horse and Viper followed her, she whipped the ass of her horse and not so long, two horses brushing the autumn leaves runaway fast to Xianyang.

Yah! Yah! Yah!

Hee…Hee..hee.

After an hour ride, they arrived at their destination. Chu Qiao slowly pulled the reins of her horse drooling with saliva and the touched the ears to calm the horse. This is a fast trip. Viper is following her back.

The two women stepped outside an old shop and put the horse reins beside the stable post. The two walked slow and Chu Qiao doubled her killer instincts because the last time she went to this place she encountered Liang spies.

Finally, they found Zao Baocung sleeping again on his rattan-made chair with some flies around his nose; the old man clapped his hands while his eyes still closed. He knows someone familiar is coming closer but pretend he is asleep.

Viper so impatient she whipped Zao Baocung's feet.

The old man suddenly woke up and in pain rose up then complained: "Why did you whip my feet? Am I a criminal here? You are a disturbance!"

Chu Qiao broke the silence and laughed: "I am sorry to disturb you, my old friend."

Zao Baocung cleared his eyes and looked at Chu Qiao and then said: "Is it you, Xinger?"

Yes, if you prefer to call me Xinger. Chu Qiao smiled beautifully when he heard him call his Yuwen household name.

"Aha, finally you came to visit an old friend. How are you?"

Then suddenly Zao Baocung saw Viper, he said: "Please do not pick my shop to show your fighting skills. I have seen and experienced enough. Look at my business, almost bankrupt."

Chu Qiao laughed at Zao Baocung's joke she said: "We came together and we will pick your shop to show our fighting skills."

"Wait," said Zao Baocung. "Viper is she…the…the…"

Zao Baocung unable to speak because Viper put her hands on his mouth.

Chu Qiao then came closer and whispered to Zao: "Whatever that question of yours, the answer is yes."

Zao Baocung shows a disturbed face, and he became serious he said: "Come and follow me."

Chu Qiao replied: "No, I can't stay long. And no cave traps this time."

Zao Baocung on his teary eyes answered: "As Xinger, you owe me the wind and cloud decree. But now, like the Mimi Gongzhu, I owe you a lot of stories and heal your Chibi."

Chu Qiao said: "Look, I have not given enough time, but I need your help. We can discuss important matters after I secure Xuili army from their exodus entering Liang State. I cannot let Xiao Ce take part of it all, on behalf of my leadership as the General of Xuili army I must do something to save them."

Zao understands Chu Qiao he said: "Okay, tell me the things you need."

Chu Qiao asked Zao: "I need to transform and become a royal Chu Jing princess, a sword fighting suit, a bow and arrow weapon, and archery attire for my competition."

Viper just closed the shop and Zao went to his warehouse underground to fetch Chu Qiao's requests. After a while, Zao came out with several boxes and Chu Qiao opened them one by one.

Chu Qiao selected a white princess cut flowy dress, some accessories, head crown, and its golden glass shoes. She also took a black tight fitting dress for his swordplay competition, a burgundy colored suit and its accessories like the chest and arm guard for the bow and arrow competition.

Her eyes glued to another side when she saw the black coat with a wide hood. It is chest length in front and at the back, it's a long coat that almost touches the ground.

Zao came back again and this time a large golden box in his hand. On the table, he put down and opened the box then said: "This is called the infinite bow and arrow, an ancient Chu Jing Kingdom treasures fit for a Chu Jing crown princess. Do not use it at daytime for it is just an ordinary golden bow and golden arrow with diamond tip but when used at night, it possesses a power of unlimited light arrows. This is a gift from the God's, use and guard it well."

Chu Qiao fascinated by the bow and arrow, she took the finger tab and inserted in her middle finger then stretched the bowstrings. The golden arrows have diamond tips and the back quiver made of suede still smells fresh leather out of the golden box.

After some time, Chu Qiao came out to show her fashion style. Zao Baocung dropped his jaw and Viper looked at her with amused eyes.

Chu Qiao wearing a simple white silk tube princess cut dress embroidered with gold threads in the middle. Her hair simply arranged in peacock hairstyle enough to hold her crown.

She also wears a very thin stardust gold dress on top of her white imperial dress, on her arms were hanging gold stars beautifully draped on her off-shoulders making some clinging noise as she walks.

On her feet, an almost invisible snow-gold glass shoes without the slightest sound one can hear and feel a gentle breeze of air as she strides.

To complete the look, she topped her clothes with a wide hood and snow white cape-like coat.

Two tassels embroidered in a gold thread at her back to conceal her face and keep her mysterious character as the leader of wind and cloud decree.

"What!? Chu Qiao is showing her disgusted face in front of the amused faces she asked again: "How do I look?"

"I have not seen this Imperial dress used for a long time. Make them pay for what they did to Chu Jing Kingdom," said Zao Baocung who cannot take off her eyes with the divine lady in front of him.

Viper back to her poker face said: "You look stunning, I hope the princes won't ask you for a date after your appearance to the competition today. Please do not forget the rules. You cannot take off your indigo scarf. And that way, my life would be easier."

"Do not forget your crown," said he and Zao Baocung took a clear glass-like box and presented the Chu Jing Kingdom crown princess tiara. Chu Qiao slightly bent to receive the crown on her head.

Zao Baocung added when he said: "This is the only thing I can give you. The five white jades represent the five realms of the Moon Kingdom. The small indigo crystal represents the star of the Moon Kingdom. Your indigo scarf should be worn at all times to ward off any evil and save your life from poisons."

"Thank You, my friend, now I owe you a lot," said Chu Qiao.

Zao Baocung beamed at her and said: "Go before you arrive late at the competition."

Chu Qiao and Viper walked outside and climb to their horses and went back to Wei state.

By the time they arrived, it is almost late in the afternoon.

The grand opening of the competition started and the city of Zhen Huang once again remembered their nomadic roots and gave tribute to their ancestors, and then the royal hunting was opened to the royal princes.

The Yuwen household dressed on their hunting gears and coat of arms, they took pride in their achievements and paraded their young nobles and skilled servants.

Yuan Song on her full hunting attire looks fierce and behind him a hundred servants following the Crown prince. While Yuan Yang looks at him with so much hatred in his heart he started to run with a few but skillful men, men with exceptional talent of hunting and killing.

On the other side were the dazzling and stunning foreign dignitary royals who are excited to join the cold hunting ground for the first time. Another protectorate state and ally is also present in the royal hunting.

The Bathuja family's representative General Bali and Shi Da was the only royal family who came to represent the north.

While the Liang state, in its recent mourn, did not send an envoy to represent its Lee Cecilia, the interim Emperor of Liang.

As the cold snowflakes start to shower the green wetlands of northwestern plains, another bloody day seemed to have been carried out brutally.

The royal hunting is over, and dead bodies start to decay on the ground.

The bloody rotten smell brings the royals into diverse opinions, reactions, and realization.

Some of the foreign princes even debated, retreated and condemned about this Wei culture of royal hunting.

They perceived this activity is heartless, brutal and cold when innocent lives shed their blood to honor their ancestors and display their superior hunting skills.

Yuan Che and his men did not stop their military activity to force Yan's army to leave Longyin Guan. But it is not going to be an overnight success.

Yuan Che with years of experience will have to exhaust all his time-tested strategies to win from 200,000 Yan troops. Yan Xun not only has the local Yanbei citizens but hired foreign mercenaries to advance his troops and teach them new tactics and strategies to win.

Yan Xun's heart became so bloodthirsty that he even persecuted his own Xuili army that resulted in their flight to Tangshui, the most southern part of Yanbei.

Xuili retreated from their Xuili mountains to protect the low lands who supported them where Yan Xun found out where their provisions are coming from. Yan Xun raided their crops and harvests and put enmity between them.

He spread the word that Xuili army revealed their help and this is a direct attack to the Yan Throne and the citizens helping a forsaken and independent army is equivalent to treason.

The setting of the sun blazed Chu Qiao's eyes and saw the golden to orange hues she walks down beside the clear water of the famous river and lake, serene and calm body of water.

The wide river surface is bright red, the world was magnificent, the ripples were excellent throwing some stone in it, and there was an upsurge of heat in her chest.

She could not help but shout and shout, but no words ever came out of her mouth, she said softly: "Against the crown, all odds conquered and those beautiful one's eye goes into the twilight skies, intensely grows, from eight thousand miles of road, of moon and stars, I wish you were here just like the good old days, just like when the time you said, I need you too, can you feel it?"

She idly tilts her head, empties and cuts her hopes and dreams tonight, is she holding a lantern to let go or a lantern to travel to the far side. Is she drunk with the anticipation that someone may respond to her by what she did on the lantern she said: "Viper isn't it a fantastic light more than a hundred firecracker in the skies?"

Viper sees what Chu Qiao did to her small lanterns she shouted: "This is insane, what did you just do?"

Chu Qiao wanting to celebrate this lantern festival by herself bought thirty-six small rabbit lanterns. She also asks some kids to help her light these small rabbit lanterns and place them in a small bamboo flat floaters.

Until one by one Chu Qiao slowly put them in the river lake. After all thirty-six small rabbit lanterns are freely floating above the river lake, a strong wind blew on the river, and some of its light turned off. Chu Qiao said: "its been thirty-six months and yet have not seen your goddamn face. "Didn't I say that if you were dead, I'd light up a hundred firecrackers to celebrate?"

Testing her golden bow and arrows, Chu Qiao put some lights to those small rabbits lanterns. At first, she was disgusted to see and experience how to use its power.

Amazing stardusts filled the air.

Like a hundred falling stars, one shot of her diamond arrows magically showered fire brilliance that went to burn the small rabbit's lantern.

Until one can almost smell or see the hot smoke in the distance.

Suddenly a pair of cold and distant eyes locked on a target and a whistling sound heard.

Bang!

One of the small rabbit lanterns sank in the river; its cold waters turned off its light.

Zuo shook his head from left to right he said: "Are you angry? Why did you sink the small rabbit lantern?"

Yue Qi about to rerelease an arrow but before he did, he said: "It is a pity to look at those rabbit lanterns burned by its owner, it will never reach the other side."

Yue Qi sinking those small rabbits lantern one by one is making Zuo crazy he said: "If the owner is just around, you won't have a chance to escape."

"I dare not to escape, if it's mother, I would offer to put handcuffs in my hand," said Yue Qi.

He loaded a triple arrow with small rocks tied to its arrow shaft and then suddenly whizzed away to the river lake, he asked: "What's the count?"

Zuo shouted: "Twelve! you have twenty-four more, can you handle it?"

Zuo mocked Yue Qi, and Yue Qi answered: "This is a triple target at one shot!"

Chu Qiao suddenly sees that one by one her rabbit lanterns is sinking in the river lake.

The light in the river lake is becoming thin, and she was curious on who might be the man sinking her burning ships she said: "The beauty who launched these thousand ships will not let go of you tonight!"

Chu Qiao hid in the distance and watched the directions of the arrows. As smart as she is, she ran and found two men standing on the other side of the river lake.

She heard them say: "That is awesome. Eighteen! Almost there! Wait I am out of arrows!"

Viper sitting in a pile of rocks somewhere besides the river lake did not mind her Mimi Gongzhu's temporary insanity moment when she discovered the new weapon Zao gave her. Viper cut a grass stem put it in her mouth, chewing it like a rabbit. She saw their rabbit lanterns were sinking and she just shook her head in dismay.

Chu Qiao wrinkled her forehead when she saw two men making fun of her rabbit lanterns she loaded her bow and arrow and released them on air.

Suddenly the two men were hit on their butts, and they cried in pain. What's worst was to see the fire spreading towards their backs they threw their bodies in the river lake.

While Chu Qiao hid and laughed somewhere, suddenly a man holding a large rabbit lantern, his face angry like thunder, his dark brows and his eyes is as calm as the seven seas came closer at her back.

Chu Qiao unaware of the man in her back, cannot stop laughing and the angry man took her delicate arms.

Chu Qiao quickly got one of those gold stars in her arms to cut the hands of the man and let her go.

The man sharp with his senses and sees the woman is lethal, he took out his Poe Yue Jian sword and counter-attacked it.

At this time, thin snowflakes began to fall on the river lake, and the two gentlemen sinking lanterns were sent to the river lake to wash the fire at the back of their clothes.

Suddenly heard the soft knocker coming from the other side, Viper put down her whip, wondered, then shouted: "Can't you wait for the sun to rise to swim in this river lake? What the hell are you doing there your Highness?"

Viper thought Chu Qiao is swimming on the other side of the river lake.

It is dark and night befall the beautiful river lake, where thin snowflakes suddenly came rushing to Chu Qiao's hot cheeks, it almost burned her skin. Chu Qiao hears the sound of crickets and cicada insects, but she is focusing on hearing the next moves of this dangerous man in front of her, who looks innocent and calm.

Yuwen Yue holding the Poe Yue Jian sword on his right hand and his left the gigantic rabbit lantern, he looks rather harmless he asked: "Why did you shoot the back of my two brothers and let them drown in the river lake?"

Chu Qiao cannot see his face in the dark, she answered him honestly: "They sank 18 out of my 36 rabbit lanterns. This is the punishment they deserve."

Yuwen Yue on his curious handsome face, is trying to look at Chu Qiao's face in this dark place and only a waxing moon serves as their light, realized what happened, he said: "Now if you would excuse me, I have to save my brothers and please take this lantern instead as a payment for my brothers inconvenience to a woman whose shots are very accurate and familiar with Yuwen's bow and arrow shooting skills."

Chu Qiao heard what the man said, she loaded her bow with arrows and about to release it when Viper shouted: "Mimi Gongzhu I found the criminals!" Chu Qiao put back her bow and looked at Viper.

Yuwen Yue heard the name finally said: "So it is you! Meeting the secret princess of Chu Jing Kingdom who just sent my two brothers in the river lake, who also took my band of brothers! You can't escape me tonight!"

All Chu Qiao could do is to shoot Yuwen Yue but Yuwen Yue counter attacked it fast, she suddenly felt powerless in his presence. Yuwen Yue took Chu Qiao by force, he tucked her in front of his body, put the Poe Yue Jian sword in her neck and Chu Qiao like his hostage for the night to defend Yue Qi and Zuo from Viper.

Viper wet all over seems she did not think twice to swim at night and caught two big sharks and she is not letting go of the two necks. Her whip a glowed in the dark and they saw two neck cuffs. The two gentlemen are trying to move but only hurts their neck twice the pain of their small backburns.

Yuwen Yue accidentally sniffed Chu Qiao's scarf, and the plum blossom gave the Qinghai prince an aroma of his childhood memories. It took him back on time. Senses were disarmed. Chu Qiao feeling weak in her guts, she went blackout.

Yuwen Yue caught the lethal woman, now sweetly sleeping in his arms. He thought she is dead. He gently took her head and scooped her body into his arms. Yuwen Yue ran towards his horse, and in the nearby rainforest finds refuge to stay for the night.

The Lantern Festival is like a carnival by this time. The sights of the city are magnificent were playing fire, riddles, wine and dine foods are everywhere.

Playing rabbit and dragon lanterns, lantern gazing and so on.

Not only will the divine palace female leave the palace to watch the lanterns fest.

The Great Summer emperor will also come and be exposed in public to visit the people and enjoy music.

Viper and the two gentlemen left alone when Yuwen Yue like a flash took Chu Qiao into the woods.

"Miss Hell, "Zuo getting the attention of Viper and she turned her head to him.

"Will you please take off your whip in our necks?" Zuo on his sweet voice of plea.

Viper on her angst, do not have plans of freeing these two necks tonight, asked them: "Where did your brother take my master?"

Zuo locked his eyes to Viper and saw her lips like hell, suddenly throws himself to feel so attracted in there, he said: "Easy…I am sorry for bothering your private lantern session; my brother thinks these lanterns are a pity as they burn in the lake."

Yue Qi also rebutted and said: "We were waiting for our brother to come. Now we did not know he bought the biggest rabbit lantern. Look at it so big!"

Zuo Zong added: "Yeah if you do not let go of our necks and miss this opportunity to put this gigantic rabbit lantern tonight, it'll be a waste."

Viper looked at the river lake and saw the little rabbits floating far she decided: "Okay, I'll give you one chance to take this abandoned lantern and let it float to the river but on one condition, you will cooperate with me to find my master. If something happens to her, you will never escape my wrath."

"Wait…" said Yue Qi and added: "My mother told me, you can make a wish or write a letter and burn it in the lantern and it will soon happen."

Viper took Yue Qi's neck and dragged him in front of the giant rabbit lantern and said: "Okay, as you wish, go ahead, say your childish wish!"

Yue Qi feeling so gagged in his throat said: "I do not have a wish except for my neck out of your whip!"

Zuo laughed, and Viper looked at him she tightened the whip in his throat said: "If you are thinking of deceiving me by telling me bedtime stories, you won't last tonight!"

And the two gentlemen obeyed Viper's permission for them to float the huge rabbit lantern and it sailed away beautifully on the calm serene river lake. Then bumped to the small rabbit lanterns. Viper is enjoying the sight while the two gentlemen still cuffed in their necks, like a dog, followed Viper along.

The indigo scarf of the secret princess only reveals a pair of swift and bright eyes. A golden kilt of plum blossom flowers wrapped a graceful figure and did not show half an inch of skin.

When Yuwen Yue approached her and spotted, her head is rising. Yuwen Yue did not look her and gave her a look of reluctance.

A bonfire has been set in the middle, and their bodies are across each other.

Chu Qiao recovered, she rose her head, her face still covered with their indigo scarf and looked at the masked metal man beside him, she quickly took her dagger out and said: "I will kill you if you do not drop your mask!"

Yuwen Yue explained: "Maybe your kind of people originally had all kinds of etiquette and killer instincts, and when they arrived at the place of the hunter barbarians, they exposed their true nature. I wasn't entirely happy about the headlines tomorrow when the local newspaper accuses me of kidnapping a lethal princess like you. But you won't stand a chance to escape unless…"

Yuwen Yue paused and waited for Chu Qiao to ask.

"Unless what? Then why did you take me here? This is not where I am supposed to be!"

Yuwen Yue said: "Maybe we start to take off our masks first and reveal ourselves of who we are. We missed a proper introduction earlier."

Yuwen Yue threw a stone in the bonfire waiting for the beauty to agree. But no words came. And the cold wind blew between their space. Yuwen Yue ranting like a child said:

"After I went to buy a good evening rabbit lantern, like a madman patrolling the streets today, this is what I get? A lethal rough woman…"

Yuwen Yue paused and changed his temperament into a rug, and his long hair and face ready to be exposed.

However, the beauty in front of him had her eyes on the parade of the small rabbit lanterns and on its tail end is a floating gigantic rabbit lantern.

The forest trees stood above the south of the Golden Summer palace. The brightness of rabbit lanterns in this era is so high, so much for the awkward beauty, and the viewing of the lanterns is also a good time for these two lovers.

Chu Qiao wanting to steal some space and time told Yuwen Yue to let him look at the gigantic rabbit lantern slowly passing by their sight.

By the time Chu Qiao finished looking at the parade of the rabbit lanterns, Yuwen Yue like on his scribe-look, his long hair had fallen down, looks like a god who came down to earth at this moment, his calm eyes, most handsome face, thin red kissable lips, took off the mask from his face.

Chu Qiao's eyes full of amusement, she isn't sure if she was amused looking on the huge rabbit lantern or fascinated by this scribe-like man in front of her. Only the bonfire flickering lights and sound served as their beam.

Yuwen Yue still looking down, not aware of Chu Qiao, like a cold woman full of goosebumps on her skin, tamed and speechless is looking at him.

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Yuwen Yue turned his head to look at Chu Qiao when suddenly Chu Qiao like a rock staring at him. Yuwen Yue feeling so nervous at her steady stare, more prolonged, and lingering…

Her delicate index finger is wearing the killer ring, she slowly took all the time to unveil her face gracefully and took off the crown in her head.

Yuwen Yue is unmoved.

Those stares they gave to each other at this moment in time, for how long, we do not know.

One thing is for sure, it surely stopped time, as if all the clocks in the world were broken, as they listen to the beats of their hearts.

Chu Qiao did not blink her eyes, she unveiled her face in front of Yuwen Yue, and revealed a white supple young skin. Her eyes full of longingness, her lips wanting the spring waters of March, her skin wishing to feel his touch…

How many years have gone by, and this feeling did not subside.

It grew colder when they were apart, but now they are near, it starts to fan that fire that kept burning the desires of their hearts.

Chu Qiao intends to flash her index finger in front of Yuwen Yue, and the man got what she is doing.

Hoping the man on his mesmerizing eyes and handsome godly face should not fail to remember Xinger and an estranged wife he married a year ago.

Yuwen Yue about to say a word but went speechless when Chu Qiao took off the cover all veil of her head and revealed her peacock hairstyle.

Yuwen Yue on his silent cold eyes is watching the beauty reveal it all under the slow fire burning, and in front of them, thin snowflakes, again, started to fall.

Chu Qiao is wanting Yuwen Yue to remember it all, she untied her hair, slowly pulling it down. She also unfastened her long white cape then took her Canhong sword from her waist and put it in front of her.

Yuwen Yue about to speak when Chu Qiao came closer to him and softly said: "Stop!"

Chu Qiao on her serious face, flashed her ring in front of him, and she broke the silence first, said:" Do I have a lifetime to know who you are?"

She paused and then spoke again: "Ra Yue the peddler man or Ra Yue the crown prince of Qinghai?"

Yuwen Yue did not answer her questions, and Chu Qiao continued to speak to him she said: "Or should I call you the fourth young master of the Yuwen Household, Yuwen Yue?"

Yuwen Yue did not speak, on his untamable lips cannot wait any longer, he grabbed her delicate face, closed his eyes and kissed Xinger passionately.

Under the moonlight, two figures shadow became one, as they kissed each other, Yuwen Yue let go of his words, stopping in between and then going back kissing her again and again and again.

And Xinger did not have the slightest hesitation, she responded well into this kiss, long and full of pain.

Yuwen Yue is saying words in between as they gasp their breaths close to each other, Yuwen Yue like a violent man gently lay her head down to the cold mossy forest ground.

Xinger prevailed on her emotions from painful to ecstatic one, Yuwen Yue did not stop to kiss her and Xinger moaned grabbing some air in between Yuwen Yue's breathless words.

More than a lovemaking scene, an endless passionate kiss and suddenly on his gentleness, slowly let go of her sweet mouth.

Yuwen Yue again for the last kiss, gently stole one more kiss, blissfully and gracefully ended like there is nobody in the world. Only Xinger, and Yuwen Yue.

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Yuwen Yue opened his eyes and stared at her, his peak of emotions gradually cool down asked her calmly: "Why did you leave me alone?"

Chu Qiao still on her closed eyes opened them, and her angelic eyes brighten and met Yuwen Yue's handsome eyes is forcing her to give him an answer.

Chu Qiao still in the height of her emotions said: "I left because I only knew Ra Yue and not Yuwen Yue. My memories were traded in a place you are not allowed to go and saved the soul of the only man I loved I realized it too late, sank at the frozen lake."

Chu Qiao suddenly cried, her eyes on painful tears and Yuwen Yue looked at her with so much pain but in his cold heart could feel all the thorny paths she has been through he said: "We are together and you are in yourself now. I will do my best to make you remember who is Xinger to me and who is Yuwen Yue to you."

Hearing Yuwen Yue's voice like this is like cold water in Chu Qiao's dry and tired heart.

Is it wrong to be greedy, when all her life she gave her service to the people and saved the impossible persons to love?

Yuwen Yue sat in this position like when he first landed on the icy lake after he drowned in the frozen lake, leaned in the sturdy bark of fir tree, and this beautiful woman beside him, he took Chu Qiao's head and put it near his chest.

They continued to watch the faraway rabbit lanterns floating in the glistening foggy river lake, under the hazy moonlight and falling snowflakes.

"That big rabbit lantern is huge, where did you buy it?" Chu Qiao smelled Yuwen Yue's fresh plum blossom scent leaning in his cotton-silk Hanfu clothes and took her breath away.

Yuwen Yue replied: "That huge rabbit is made to order lantern, now I know, who bought all small rabbit lanterns in the marketplace and put it out of stock. Such a pity, you burned them all in the river lake."