Author Angel Chua
Adapted from Princess Agents drama series and original novel by Xiao Xiang Dong'er – Chu Qiao Chuan Biography
Must you go to the afterlife (08.12.2021 edited)
After that long passionate kiss, Xinger and Yuwen Yue stayed for the night and gave each other a warm company under the romantic moonlight. Under the falling snowflakes, both lovers embraced each other not knowing any sense of time closed their eyes.
The two tired hearts came to rest, and not many stories told in between for they know when the sun rises, it will be another difficult tomorrow to face.
The crack of dawn formed the foggy and misty forest. A sound of silence found in the river lake Yuwen Yue touched Chu Qiao's chin, she is still asleep.
Yuwen Yue do not want to let go of Chu Qiao, he just wanted to stay there forever, looking at her delicate sleeping figure makes his heart skip a bit.
Chu Qiao slightly woke up, she opened her eyes and saw Yuwen Yue's calm eyes, she slowly rose up.
Yuwen Yue eyes looking at her is giving him another hint to taste the morning kiss. Chu Qiao did not wait for him to do it, she came close to his face and kissed him in his lips.
However, without any words or plans, Chu Qiao quickly took all of her belongings, her cape, her indigo scarf, her crown, her bow and arrows, and her Canhong sword.
Yuwen Yue didn't have the chance to even speak to her when Chu Qiao suddenly is now running away from him.
Yuwen Yue left sitting in the fir tree said: "Is this how the Chu Jing princess greets good morning to her Qinghai prince?"
Chu Qiao happy as a clam turned her face and look at Yuwen Yue she shouted: "You have work to do, and so I do not want to be your distraction." Chu Qiao continued to walk while putting her bow and arrow in her back.
Yuwen Yue shouted too he said: "Is this it, after kissing, petting and then waking up just like this, suddenly walking away from me?"
Chu Qiao, a little bit far she laughed and shouted by putting her two hands in her mouth and formed an "O" she said: "I can't be your fairytale today, back to the real world Qinghai Prince!"
Yuwen Yue did the same, he formed an "O" and shouted in the distance he said: "How am I supposed to meet you again?"
Chu Qiao back to shouting again she said: "You always seem to know where to find me!"
"Sure, I will find you again, you are lucky to walk away from me today but not tomorrow."
"I'll come find you again!" said Yuwen Yue and he started to rise, he put on his metal mask and walk in the opposite direction going back to the Golden Palace.
Chu Qiao fading away from Yuwen Yue's sight, she walked to the river lake to find Viper and found her standing beside the river lake. She came forward and pat Viper's back she said: "I am here, I am okay, you can release them."
Viper looked at Chu Qiao and rolled her eyes said: "Where have you been? And the guy with the metal mask seems he is one of the Qinghai royal princes. Were you hurt?"
I am alright, please you can let these two go. Their master will be worried if they do not meet him now said Chu Qiao. Viper finally let go of the two necks, and they were free like a bird ready to fly.
Chu Qiao saw Yue Qi and was startled for a while she said: "Seventh Yue and Oh, another You!?"
Yue Qi looks at her face, Chu Qiao unveiled her indigo scarf.
Yue Qi little bit unknowing and surprised to see her again said: Xinger! You recognized me! Good thing!
Chu Qiao threw him a happy look she said: "Isn't that hard not to recognize you? And who is this man beside you who really looks like you?"
Viper looking at Zuo, as far her memory can recall, they have fought few times before but has never been this close to knowing their names.
Zuo meets Xinger, said Yue Qi plain and simple.
"Hi, Xinger, I am Yue Qi's eight brother," said Zuo and looked at Viper as if he is going to ask her name, but he did not because he already knows her name.
Chu Qiao replied: Good to meet you. By the way, meet Viper, your lifeline keeper last night.
Zuo was the first to react he faked it, said: Aha finally, the name of the whip girl is Viper!
Viper about to whip Zuo when Yue Qi came in between and said: Miss Viper, my brother is just fond of you, please give him another chance and put down your whip, and Yue Qi beamed at her.
Chu Qiao looked at Viper as if telling her, it won't hurt give another chance, I am with them! Chu Qiao gave Viper wink.
Viper let go and did not say as much as he hates Zuo's face.
Today's morning event did not stop the autumn trees to give up some of its leaves and fell on the ground, covered the Golden Palace grass from green pasture mixed yellow-orange leaves, the Banner Commander agreed to start and issued a command.
Shortly, after the calling of the parade of colors, a team of black helmet cavalrymen appeared and marched across its ground.
They took formation and like going in the battle stopped on their posts.
For a while, standing on the stage, the Eunuch signaled the audience to listen, he shouted opened a scroll and reads in front of everybody: "Everyone's attention, please! We will open the competition of Swordplay and Archery respectively. The Emperor is pleased to see 12 different royals from different states and countries, both men and women came to join this year's royal theme competition. The Emperor wishes all his best luck to his players and may you win heaven's favor."
The players came from different China states like from the eastern empires Qinghai princes, the Han Chinese royals, Mongolian royals, Bathuja royal family and some foreign dignitaries like the Turkish princes, Pakistani and Indian royals, middle east royals, and the Thai and Malay royals also present. With their banners and royal guards paraded according to their order gave the Golden palace ground a grand parade of the world.
The spectators who came to watch were seated orderly according to their status from Wei's thousands palace officials to hundred Wei's nobles and royals like the Zhao's, Yuwen and Wei valve nobles, the shrine and temple elders and their selected servants, the traders and businessmen were present as well.
While the dog slaves and other unlucky servants came to watch but can only hear the sounds outside of the palace walls.
But still, they came and put their ears on the wall as if hearing them is as good as watching them in their mind.
The Royal concubines of the Wei palace were present as well, they decorated the Golden palace grounds beautifully, wearing their classic head-dress and imperial dresses.
Xia Chong is followed by hundred palace maids while the ex-princess Chuner followed by no one and still covered her entire face using a hat with a wide veil.
Zhao Song seated on his seat looking proud and saw her crown princess, his eyes mesmerized on her Imperial autumn dress walking towards him.
Yuwen Huai stayed beside her lady and never left, he became the escort of the mysterious lady whom she became the talk of the town from the nobles and other palace ministers.
Yuwen Huai proud and still gave these nobles an evil grin and smirks.
The noble's reactions vary from poker faces to faking smiles taking some stolen glances of the sophisticated and elegant lady beside him.
Zhao Yang and his follower servants took the back corner on his usual courtesies bowed to the Emperor and seats, he didn't pay much any attention to anybody except for himself.
General Bali and Princess Zama were the most oppressive and scariest royals on site wearing their thick furs, the old Batu's servants matched their ivory accessories with animal skin boots and animal leather uniforms and arm guards. Not to mention they smell bloody and smoky, and some of their faces like Indian warriors with black paint on their cheeks and their eyelids in full black eyeliners. Some of the royals noticed the absence of Prince Zaru, but no one dared to inquire to Zama.
The Blackguards were not on site, but they were scattered everywhere ready to kill in time of disaster.
While Zhao Che the prince of sacrifice is absent, he is currently guarding every Wei borders to make sure that the palace ground is safe and protected.
Yan Xun, on the other hand, knows what is going on inside Wei and have not been invited, originally wanted to have his presence felt by sending them an explosive bomb. Unfortunately, his Xuili army did not join his forces and became Yan armies distraction for a while.
A pair of foxy eyes said: "This is good. This is awesome and perfectly done."
Xiao Ce praised Sun Di's paperwork job, it is going to secure Xuili army's future and establish their general to become their Empress. Nearing the end of mourn for the former Emperor, Xiao Ce will take over Liang in less than six months.
And his first job was to secure his future new Empress of Liang lest he is forced to marry his own mother, so her mother's power continues? "That is unthinkable and gross," Xiao Ce said to Sun Di.
Xiao Ce added: "Let her retire, she has done a good job to this State and made it prosperous in her reign."
Sun Di called Xiao Ce he said: Your Highness, Tie You has been busy this day, did he already left something for you to think about?
"About what?"
Xiao Ce still looking on the papers he arranged to establish Chu Qiao a noble and his future Empress.
Initially, Xiao Ce thought about this long ago, and he was motivated by his romantic feelings with her. But as time goes by, the punch prince realized, there is the much bigger picture he must play to expand his influence and rule his empire.
He took the time to think and look at his palace concubines, sure all of them are beautiful and came from noble families, but none of them passed his standards to become the next Liang's Empress.
Qiao Qiao was his perfect candidate, although Xiao Ce does not know the outcome yet if Qiao Qiao will accept his proposal of marriage, it is not solely for becoming lovers, but Xiao Ce hopes to establish them both as rulers of the Liang Empire state.
But Sun Di asked him once: Is it really just for the sake of the Liang state and Xuili army's security? Or is it a package deal your Highness?
"Marry me, and you take all including the Emperor's heart." Sun Di teased Xiao Ce.
Xiao Ce flushed, he smiled on his foxy eyes, said: "I am single and available, who knows this might be fate's only chance to tie the foxy prince to a foxier general."
Xiao Ce not wanting to expose his feelings inside but heard what he really likes to hear from Sun Di, a beam of hope rose in his heart.
The punch prince looking at every angle seems everything is taken care of. What he needs to do is to sit back and observe the Empress Yuan's next moves.
After the death of his father, the prince visited by the Jianghu spies in his palace in secret. He wasn't surprised at all but expected their shadow to pay him a one-night visit, the Jianghu spies opened his past and revealed his future.
The Jianghu spies left him a piece of jade for him to discover who is his real mother and that his imminent death will happen soon. This made the princes succumb into the sleepless night. Xiao Ce can only rest a bit when Chu Qiao is summoned to come to his palace.
The Liang officials fetch her and let her enter his bedchamber. Xiao Ce sleeps on her lap, and Chu Qiao understands his condition sleeps beside the Prince and Viper looks after them at night she always stays in the roof of the crown prince palace until he dismisses Chu Qiao at dawn.
Xiao Ce sealed his lips as warned by Jianghu spies not to tell anybody if he wants not to fulfill Liang Empire's drastic downfall.
Chu Qiao trying to decode the prince who won't tell her any about what he feels, aside from mourning from the death of his father Emperor Tang, Chu Qiao could only hope that Xiao Ce is able to surpass the waiting period until it reaches the day of enthronement.
Viper can only be Chu Qiao's lead when Viper confessed that she has experienced discord in her internal chi flow the day the Liang Emperor died.
Viper said: Do you what this means your Highness?
Chu Qiao asked: No. What is this all about?
Viper answered: It means the Jianghu spies are just around Liang Empire.
Chu Qiao asked: Jianghu? These were the underworld spies we left at Chu Jing Kingdom.
Viper answered: "After Chu Jing Kingdom's downfall, the underworld spies divided when your Highness your mother Lou He died. The Sand drizzle is the second-best spy leader next to your mother, Luo He. Sand Drizzle took the wind underworld spies led by Zhong Yu while the cloud spies including me were under your control about to unite it again, but it did not happen. After it, you lost your memories during your cliff battle with the Yuwen Hao the former master of the eyes of God, and I have looked for you and your brothers and sisters."
Viper helping Chu Qiao recover her memories about the lost Chu Jing Kingdom said: "Viper, I cannot just go back to Chu Jing kingdom without helping Xuili army. You must understand where I am coming from."
Viper renewing her vows told Chu Qiao: "I vowed to protect you and whatever your battles are, they're my battles too. We secure Xuili army and save them from Yanbei's cold king and merciless heart." The two decided to track Xuili army by going to the west and surprise Xiao Ce to expose his heart and his feelings, his decision about this matter without the help of Chu Qiao.
In this way, Chu Qiao will know Xiao Ce's sealed lips and if he is willing to help and give temporary command post for Xuili army.
Empress Yuan never felt so ineffective after the last Bureaucrats meeting held in her palace, when the interim Emperor crashed her palace gates and ambushed all the votes in favor of Xuili army versus Liang Empire Empress seat.
She felt useless in her position and failed to exercise her authority now that she has given temporary powers to bestow the seal of the Emperor.
She called one of the eunuchs and said: "I think the Bureaucrats of this empire forgot some of its principles they live by, the people are always defenseless with abuse, and heaven is even difficult to accuse. The palace ministers should know their place, they do not act as the parent of the people. It is the people who is the parent of the people, and the officials of this palace are the children, it's the people who pay for their homage articles, including their salaries, homes, and other benefits that come from the power of their seats. They need to be reminded."
She wrote a letter to Prince Luo to form a military revolt and help her dethrone the interim emperor on or before his enthronement date.
She also revealed that if Prince Luo does not agree to help her, it will be okay, she had other means and method but did not reveal to Prince Luo.
Zhan Ziyu is the dark backup plan. What the Empress does not know if she hired a killing master and not a killing machine who can still draw some emotions and conscience at the last ray of hope or mercy for Xiao Ce's life.
It is also true that whoever sits on the throne is not an entirely happy place to grow. On the opposite, it is where the unquenchable wild weeds thrive swallowing the good seeds, it is where the hard-to-die evil vines that creep until it can fully tug the flint of power and can dictate the fangs of who will live or die on earth.
Back to Wei Empire, the sword competition started to run.
Surprisingly, Ra Zheng was chosen to be one of the judges.
The Emperor hand-picked him as one of the judges because he is an esteemed legendary sword master from the East. Ra Zheng and two other foreign royals came to sit in front of a massive yin-yang circle of fight. The circle of the fight made of white and black alabaster stone.
Like of that yin-yang symbol, its middle a curve-line form marks two corners with two flat mini-fountain circles in the middle of each side. The fountains are turned off, making the two circles a small body of water inside the ring of the fight. The rules are clear, if one of the player's lands on these small circles, it will score against the opponent. If one of the player's lands outside the circle of fight, the game is over.
Every player wears a light breastplate armor, and withdrawal is allowed. Lucky for those who know Gongfu, they would be able to win this competition but who knows these foreign royals may also display a different kind of talent and counter-attack Chinese martial arts.
Ra Yue and Ra Zhun left together in their royal seats were sitting beside each other. No one from the three princes joined the swordplay because Ra Zheng is one of the judges who will cut biases later.
Winning each match, not one of the foreign royal dignitaries were able to sustain their games and lands outside of the circle of fight.
After series of swordplay fight, Xia Chong was the first to enter to play for the championship round and waiting for the announcement of the contender.
Finally, the eunuchs announced: "the crown princess of Wei versus the crown princess of far away East."
The audience in awe, still do not have an idea who is this brave crown princess of the faraway east, though they have seen the fight she executed to her contenders, she is the least expected among all players to win, and now, finally enters the championship round.
Chu Qiao on her normal fighting stance did not display much effort or impossible moves to surprise the people. She counts on one, and two strikes and the game is over.
She bows to the Great Emperor she loathes and smirks to the noble crowd. Nobody recognizes her because her face covered with her white scarf.
Ra Yue squinted his eyes when he heard about the crown princess of the faraway east.
While Ra Zhun murmurs: "What is this? Two royal women defeated all royal men? Unbelievable!"
"And who is this crown princess who seems to represent the faraway East?"
Ra Zhun threw a funny look to Ra Yue and then chuckles he said: "Seems all of the royal men have soft hands and trembles their knees after they see the face of the beautiful crown princesses!"
Ra Yue still quiet, is excited and curious to see how this mysterious far away crown princess from the East covered with white scarf should break Wei crown princess.
He breathes and finally uttered: "we underestimate these princesses talents long enough, did you know that behind a strong King, is always a smarter Queen?"
"These crown princesses aren't strong enough, but their wits and promptitude work for their advantage, and before you knew it, they have already overtaken you!"
Yuwen Yue recalled last night's encounter with Chu Qiao when she fell on his arms like a thin snowflake, so fragile yet agile, he can't put his guard down. But the moment of helplessness made him want to save Chu Qiao, and it seems
Yuwen Yue no longer fights her.
It switched to this side in which he sees himself fighting for himself.
Whether he would save her or kill her no longer matters.
The moment of his encounter with the Chu Jing Princess blocked all of his reasons and made him surrender to her helplessness, his gentleman side cannot hide anymore, and before he knew it, his soft spot is exposed.
The Wei Emperor looking proud for Wei crown princess victory finally enters the final match, he thinks this is working to his advantage.
The Emperor's far eyes never took it off observing Ra Yue and Ra Zhun talking.
The Wei Emperor felt confident and underestimated the skills of a faraway crown princess from the East did not think of any chance for her to win this match, he knows Chu Qiao (which is Xia Chong at the moment) can't have the slightest mistake.
The 13th crown prince Yuan Song on the other side feels like he is the winner for his wife when all of the foreign royal dignitaries have one comment in common said: "She is a trophy wife, a secret weapon exposed."
It is a strong remark rather than a sincere compliment.
The swordplay starts to run, Xia Chong stands in the black side (Yin part of the circle of fight), and the far away crown princess of the East stands in the white side (Yang part of the circle of the fight).
No one dared to move, and Xia Chong sensed her opponent is stronger than her, she felt the opponent controls the wind and external elements that surround them. Chu Qiao, on the other hand, knows she is the puppet princess of Xiao Yu who replaced her at the eve of her engagement.
The same energy flows on her opponent and not to mention they have same facial features she thought: "No wonder why Ra Yue fell for her that night and seduced him."
Unclear of what really happened that night between Ra Yue and Xia Chong, Chu Qiao gathered this amount of time to take revenge on both trespassers of her heart. What Chu Qiao did not know was Ra Yue the peddler man is Ra Yue the Qinghai crown prince he met on the eve of her engagement to Yuan Song.
She recalls, Xiao Chong helped her escaped that night, but she is not aware of what she intends to do and whoever is behind it, will pay it big time tonight.
Her thoughts are racing because aside from discovering the fact that Ra Yue is the crown prince from the East, Ra Yue also revealed that he is Yuwen Yue, the fourth young master of the Yuwen Household and seems that nobody knows except her, Yuwen Yue hiding in that metal mask.
She asked herself: "how did this happen?" The mortal memories recollected that night she ordered to go back in the past that almost killed her, showed that Yuwen Yue died at the frozen lake and revealed his face, like crystal-clear water.
Yuwen Yue made her feel that passionate kiss is sincere, full of comfort and love.
However, if she fails to search for the truth and settle for that fleeting moment of romance, she may lose herself again in the process and fall for him once again. What she needs is a heart made of iron, especially in this time of great caution, any mistake will cost Xuili army and even Chu Jing Kingdom.
She can't believe everything she sees and falls for him just because Ra Yue looks like Yuwen Yue. Ra Yue needs to prove himself that he is Yuwen Yue and maybe if it happens, it is the only time she is going to accept him again.
Xia Chong cannot read the mind of the opponent and cannot even predict her next moves when suddenly Chu Qiao flew to the other side and landed on her back used her Canhong sword to attack her. Xia Chong runs out of space, forced to go to the white side, back tumbled and almost lost control of her feet about to fall in the small circle water.
The water inside the small circle created ripple effects and Chu Qiao's ears ten times sharper she heard the ripples, used it to calm herself. She counted: "one."
While Xia Chong wakes up on her rage, she summoned the rain. The audience has no idea of what is going over the clouds suddenly thin drops of rain started to fall.
But everyone's eyes were still in the height of the show, nobody moved while their servants and dog slaves came to surround them and opened their umbrellas.
Ra Yue did not move.
Ra Zhun in a gawky face when a servant disturb him by opening the umbrella to protect his master, kicked him and said: "Did I ask you to come here and disturb this ultimate duel at my sight?"
The servant cried in silent pain, he apologized to his master and stood up limping.
The Emperor watching in the distance stood up, and the eunuchs put on his furry coat and put on his hood and look like a scary fowl ready to scourge and devour.
Chu Qiao aware that this is not a natural rainfall, she knew her opponent possess the power of the wind. Determined not to use her kungfu of ice powers, she opted to use her Canhong sword to continue the fight.
Xiao Chong started to use her sword, the sword of elegance and invisibility, her husband, lend her.
This time the fight advanced into another level where both have used their magical swords, two shining blades tossed on air.
The Cheng Yin sword became invisible swiftly cut Chu Qiao's scarf but she twirled and able to hold her mask using her left hand, she knelt while her right hand holding the Canhong sword stuck in the alabaster white stone. The Cheng Yin sword fell in front of her she said: "two."
While Xia Chong haunted by the Canhong sword produced howling fox sounds and suddenly find herself surrounded by fire and half of the black circle of the fight is burning.
Chu Qiao with a sarcastic smile and smirk she said: "How are you going to get your borrowed sword now when you have to pass a ring of fire?"
Xia Chong trying to deceive for a moment said: "Your grace, I am a tool used in this palace and without me, you will be in danger and will be hunted. I am not the enemy!"
The audience still has no idea, was delighted to see a magical swordplay performance and even murmured.
"Where did the fire come from? This is now fire swordplay. I love the fire effects, superb performance."
Some of the audience clapped and rose to look at Xia Chong while Chu Qiao still kneeling looking down on the white stone ground.
While the Emperor clapped his hands and said: "This is an awesome performance, is this part of the swordplay?"
And no one among his servants responded while the eunuchs looked at each other unable to answer his question.
The Emperor is full of happiness in his face for the things he did not expect came out to surprise his sleepy mood.
The audience cannot tell if one of them got hurt.
Chu Qiao asked Xia Chong: Are you a servant of the Sand Drizzle Jianghu spies?"
Xia Chong replied: "No your grace, I work for the lotus flower."
Chu Qiao knew Xia Chong is telling white lies she said: "Who? Xiao Ce? Or are you under Xiao Yu's control?"
Xia Chong is a double agent who works for Xiao Yu and Xiao Ce, however facing Chu Qiao her real master today, remembered her former master Lou He's last words: "Protect her no matter what happens."
Xia Chong is now turning the tables she used her energy to call for heavy rain, and the ring of fire died as the thunder and lightning came to sweep over the circle of the fight.
The audience turned to see Xia Chong, and as if she died on the surface, she did not.
While Chu Qiao stood up and took out her stuck Canhong sword from the white stone and on her left hand pick up the Cheng Yin sword.
Chu Qiao moved closer to Xia Chong, and the next scene made the audience marvel at what they saw.
Ra Yue stood up, in his cold eyes saw the crown princess from the faraway east.
The results are clear, the Wei princess lost in this game.
Chu Qiao's face is cold but compassionate kneel beside Xia Chong and gave her Cheng Yin sword.
She gave her hand, and Xia Chong accepted it and helped her stand up. Chu Qiao wasn't really after winning the competition but winning her opponent and knowing who is behind her, she gave an example that everybody may follow.
The Wei Emperor stood up and saw the scene in the circle of the fight, sees the new champion showing them a cold but gallantry of heart he said.
"This is not just swordplay."
"The faraway crown princess from the East exemplified our ancestor's heroism, the true blood of the heroes, a noble-minded behavior. She deserves an honor of welcome from this Empire."
Everyone's jaw dropped outside the fortified walls were every slaves and servant listening with their ears, and the audience inside clapped their hands and welcomes their champion.
Although Ra Yue pretended not to know Chu Qiao earlier when he saw her how she used her sword, took his breath away.
Ra Yue knows she is Chu Qiao, the Chu Jing crown princess and it is dangerous to expose her face to the Emperor.
Ra Yue walked towards Chu Qiao, but Ra Zheng came in front of him and said: "Can you not wait until the banquet to meet her later?"
Ra Yue looked at him and said: "Do we have to wait and miss this opportunity to meet her?"
Ra Zheng handsome face smiled and said: "Oh my brother, I have been looking at you in this entire competition. Truth is, I have never seen your eyes breakaway from her even for a moment. Save the moment later!"
Ra Zhun came in between them and said: "You take the faraway crown princess champion and I am taking my crown princess archer champion later!"
Ra Zheng replied: "It seems you two have a date and I am left alone. Too bad for me."
Ra Yue joked to Ra Zheng and said: "Maybe I'll set-up a date for you with the whip girl later?"
"Who is this whip girl?" Ra Zheng left in befuddlement, Ra Yue smiled at him and answered: "See you later my brothers!"
After the competition, the Emperor invited all guests to join their moveable feast prepared by the Golden Palace.
Two chests of gold were at the feet of the Emperor's throne ready for his disposal.
The champion of the archery contest came in her Imperial dress and claims that she is a royal princess of the West and covered her face with a mask.
She won on the first day by knocking off royal prince's archery skills and her final round match with Princess Zama from the Bathuja family and won it with her equestrian and archery skills.
You cannot even draw the face of Princess Zama when she lost in one point, and the mysterious princess won it so easy.
Even Ra Zhun who joined the archery lost to this mysterious princess in just one point, a competition he will never forget.
When the awarding started, the Eunuch called for the princess from the West with her covered face, and she walked down at the middle, on her perfect strides she reached the feet of the throne.
The Emperor wanted to see her face he ordered.
"Show your face to the nobles and receive your reward."
The princess took off her scarf and showed her face to the nobles and everyone shocked except for Yuwen Huai and Zhao Song.
Xiao Ce monitoring Chu Qiao and Viper receives an intelligence report from his spies.
He ordered Tie You to secure Chu Qiao and let Viper stay to receive the reward and tell the Emperor that the faraway princess is not feeling well and wants to travel back to her kingdom.
Chu Qiao did not hesitate, Viper stayed.
Chu Qiao about to go to meet Tie You who disguised himself, the Wei valve guards did not even recognize the men came from Liang state. Their disguise worked well and was able to fetch Chu Qiao safely.
The cavalrymen turned their horses and ran away from Wei valve gates with Chu Qiao. Near to Wei Valve gate but outside Chang'An city, a man with sturdy stature is waiting, he appeared and stopped the cavalrymen.
Ra Yue suddenly out of nowhere stopped in front of Chu Qiao and unsheathed his Poe Yue Jian sword. While Zuo and Yue Qi was standing nearby ready for a quick response.
Chu Qiao put down her wide white hood and said to him: "An unsheathed sword is dangerous. It can kill or let me pass by in peace."
Ra Yue on his calm face wanting to steal more time for them he said in a husky voice: "I can't possibly let you go but won't kill you either."
Tie You and the rest of the spies from Liang pull their swords and ready to protect the Chu Jing princess but Chu Qiao on her powerful voice said: "Spare him!"
"I will continue to walk and will trust your sword won't kill me."
"Try me," said Ra Yue twitching his hands off his Poe Yue Jian sword until Chu Qiao reached him face to face, for a moment Chu Qiao looked into his eyes but never said any words, she walked and passed through his side unharmed.
Ra Yue like a rock stood out there, catching every breath of his lungs slowly put down his Poe Yue Jian sword, time passed so is the love of his life, on his calm eyes and dry red lips he spoke at his back: "I will find you, until then, wait for me!"
Chu Qiao continued to walk at his back took those words in her heart, her eyes dropping tears as she walks away from him. Yesterday was full of an unspeakable moment of love but tonight speaks of unbreakable hearts walking away from each other.
When Chu Qiao was safe, Tie You and Liang spies put back their swords to their waists whipped their horses and continued to run into the woods with ease until they reached the Wei and Liang borders.
Ra Yue back to the royal banquet, drunk and numb, no longer has the interest of cheering the winners or even pay attention to what is happening.
The crowd in awe, all their attention to the princess from the West who revealed its lovely but stern face.
Father, please forgive me said Chun'er in a gentle and soft voice. She threw herself in kowtow and remained there.
The Wei Emperor stuck on his face cannot seem to move his lips to speak.
Zhao Song at this moment expected it to happen. It is a plan that Yuwen Huai and her sister frame up their father to force him to receive his daughter again and restore her status as Wei crown princess. Though this is a dangerous situation, Zhao Song is ready to intercede if their Father will not be in their favor.
The awarding ceremony turned into a father-and-daughter forgiveness moment, and the Emperor baffled for a while cannot say no. In front of the noble crowd is a distressed shark's tank waiting for the Emperor's reply.
In a calm voice, the Emperor slowly said to everyone: "Can a father turn away from His daughter?"
The Wei Emperor gave a hand signal to his servants, and the Eunuchs came to Chun'er and let her rise to see the face of the Emperor.
The Emperor smiled in his eyes and gave a slight muse in his face he said: "Receive your very own champion, Princess Chun'er of Wei!"
And just like that, the ex-princess was restored back to her royal status, and all her fortune came back that night.
After that moment, the Emperor said to one of his eunuchs that Zhao Song will continue to announce the winners for the faraway crown princess to receive its award.
And the Emperor stood up and without any courtesies walked away from the banquet.
The next morning, Chu Qiao woke up in the Yehua palace at Liang state when suddenly Sun Di came to knock at its doors to report to her, Xiao Ce was lying unconscious.
Chu Qiao's heart went fast that she would like to fly to come to see him at Jinwu Palace.
Still, on her night robes, she took her horse and whipped it so hard. Sun Di followed her behind.
Chu Qiao arrive in time, unsheathed her sword, and everyone in his palace, not even his guards are able to stop her, she saw the body of the frail punch prince lying in his expensive carpet.
Chu Qiao for the first time does not know what to do. Seeing his friend like this makes her heart skip a bit. She tried to wake up Xiao Ce, but the punch prince did not respond.
Chu Qiao checked his pulse, it is weak. She looked at his mouth, came closer to feel any air but smelled a poison in it. Chu Qiao cried and hugged Xiao Ce, she shouted to Sun Di, the brazier, throw it out!
Xiao Ce was poisoned using the brazier, but Chu Qiao thinks it is not yet too late. Suddenly Sun Di ordered the palace in total shutdown and seize all its palace maids and guards.
Chu Qiao ordered everyone to get out of Xiao Ce's room and lock the door. Sun Di totally does not understand, and Tie You is confused. Chu Qiao shouted: "If you do not obey my orders, Xiao Ce may not be able to come back anymore. Go! All of you out!"
Chu Qiao said: "Tie You stay! On your back turn around and guard the door!"
Chu Qiao out of time tore her night robes and ordered her Hing Ba Na powers to grant her command. She did not even think twice to use it, she knows the consequences and knows where it is leading.
She just gained back her memories now she is trading it again for the sake of saving Xiao Ce. She hopes Xiao Ce has not crossed the forgotten river yet.
No! Whatever the cost, she will pull back Xiao Ce's soul consciousness into the mortal world.
Chu Qiao out of the mortal world and running through the nick of time came to the underworld once again.
After walking from the dark castle of underworld spies, she stepped on the most beautiful paradise slopes, and some of the flowers are swayed by divine winds.
Some butterflies came to her shoulders and kissed her skin, she took one of the biggest butterflies and look at it.
The butterfly as if knows what the Mimi Gongzhu is missing, it flew, and Chu Qiao understood to follow it. After a short while, Mimi Gongzhu saw two men in the river.
One old and one adult man.
Suddenly looked at her. In a dreamy state world, words do not matter, and only the echoes of the heart are heard.
Chu Qiao reached the two men and the butterfly suddenly like stardust disappeared.
Xiao Ce saw Chu Qiao for the first time in this suspended time of nowhere took her hands. Not even a word was said, only eyes flashing at her eyes as if saying: "I am okay, this is my path now."
Chu Qiao spoke in the stillness of her heart, without any words coming out of her lips means: "No, this is not your time yet. You cannot go. I won't allow you to go…"
Xiao Ce out of his solemn eyes and his calm heart echoed: "Is this how you save a soul?"
The old man in the boat said: "Time is running out, the Mimi Gongzhu is coming to the other side to trade her mortal memories."
Xiao Ce understood it looked at Chu Qiao for the last time. Chu Qiao on her compassionate eyes gave a Higanbana flower to Xiao Ce, and after it, Xiao Ce's soul went back to the mortal world, but Chu Qiao stayed and crossed the forgotten river.
After six months, Empress Lu Zhi is playing with her grandsons. She taught them some of the wisdom of King Tang and at night tell them bedtime stories.
The deposed Queen, the real mother of Xiao Ce, was reinstated to her seat of power, and Xiao Ce enthroned became the rightful ruler of Liang.
The handsome Emperor is quietly sitting in his garden, on his usual musing, cut some of the branches of the flower stems.
Suddenly he was mesmerized by the beautiful woman walking towards him.
He stopped trimming and drop the flower stem when the beautiful woman wearing her Imperial dress said.
"How lovely to see the Emperor trimming his bed of roses again. Come let's eat, the turkey is ready and perfectly roasted on-fire."
