Into the Array C17
Thank you Hetalianprincess for the review!
Ivan stood outside Yao's bedroom door. The sun has just risen, and he can still feel the dews in the air, caressing the side of his face as he ponders over his feelings. It is a quiet morning save the chirps of the early birds. But nothing seems to be amiss.
He wanted to ask Yao if it is okay to go to the 11th prince place, he wanted to finish his painting first. He is afraid of going alone though, what if some misunderstanding happens again, he thought.
In the bedroom, a pair of eyes widened. Something is definitely amiss.
He is not here.
More precisely for Yao, the 11th prince is not here.
That's rare, Yao thought. He must be really upset this time.
The 9th prince sat up and stretch his back. Life have been a pleasure since he came back, he could almost get used to this kind of indulgent lifestyle, but it felt like a violation of the strict military lifestyle he held in such high esteem. Perhaps he has no rights to be berating Cheng Chang at all, he wonders.
The movement of shadow against the sunlight distracted Yao from his thoughts, it didn't take much guess for him to know it's Ivan.
He pushed the door and was greeted by the painter.
"You're awake." Ivan utter out in shock, apparently caught off-guard by the opening of the door. His light blonde coloured hair shines against the gradually rising sun, the breeze flies past bringing strands of his luminated hair moving in the air, glittering them. Ivan's face broke into a radiant smile, as beautiful as the sun.
"Stop ruining my sun." Yao said, returning his smile.
Ivan let out a bewildered expression. He turned towards his back and look up at the sun. He turns back to Yao. "Did I block your sun?"
Yao chuckled. "What are you here for?"
"Oh." Ivan let out, "I was hoping you could follow me to the 11th prince's house." Puppy dog eyes silently plead.
"Are you that scared of my brother." He teased, but quickly followed up with: "I better go with you. Wait for me, I'll wash up and get changed."
Ivan continued standing outside of the bedroom, waiting for him. He turned around to the courtyard, the same place overlooking from his bedroom, the same place where Yao danced in that feminine costume, the same place where Yao would practise his martial arts, sword swinging as gracefully and as forceful as when he dances. And breeze will always whisper gently with petals and leaves. It is a courtyard surrounded by nicely trimmed foliage and stone statues of mythical creatures, it was here where it felt as though time flies.
"Stop spacing out." A voice cut through his thick thoughts. A well groomed and casually dressed Yao stood beside him, looking out to the courtyard and back at him.
Ivan slipped right back to his thoughts, he has been wondering for something for so long. "Who taught you how to dance?" he asked, quite distracted to see the bitter smile on Yao's face in response.
"My wife."
"You have a wife?"
"Used to."
"She danced?"
"The best. She was the prima donna amongst the palace's dancers."
"Where is she now?" Ivan blurted out, suddenly realise it might not be a good idea. He looks at Yao, but the 9th prince's eyes are unreadable. The slight snicker that pull at the corner of his mouth seems a little scornful.
"I killed her."
Ivan's eyes widened. He felt as though he has open a pandora's box. It took a moment, but Ivan followed up with: "Are the rumours in the palace true?"
"Maybe." Yao shrugged, before Ivan can continue with anymore questions, he quickly added: "I am not feeling very well. Tell Cheng Chang that I will find him if he starts any trouble again. I.. I'll be taking a rest."
"I'm sorry." Ivan said, guilt evident in his tone.
"It's okay." Yao replied, before disappearing in the room.
Ivan stare after the back of the 9th prince. He has almost forgotten about the darkness that follows so closely to this man.
The Emperor lifted his teacup, drinking down a specially prepared tea from the servants. The table is spread with fruits and snacks and surrounding the big and round table in this heavily decorated room are the Empress, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prince, the 8th princess, Lord Wei and lastly followed by Ivan.
He silently wondered why he is here with them when he should be finding the 11th prince instead.
"Drink. Lord Wei have brought these tea leaves from the Urumqi, they taste good." the Emperor urged.
Everyone cheers with their teacups and drank it as well.
"Aren't you a rare guest here, it's been quite a well since you visited." The Emperor directed his questions to Lord Wei.
Lord Wei let out a hearty laugh. "I've been travelling, else how would I be able to get these rare gifts for Your Majesty."
"Yes yes, you have indeed met some very interesting people. Ivan from Samara here is a great example. I have seen his paintings, beautiful."
Ivan gave a nod of gratitude towards him.
"Of course." Lord Wei replied. His jovial expression turned into a worried one. "There is a reason for coming back of course. I have noticed an unsettling pattern while I was travelling around the cities and I thought it would be best to report it. Certain rumours have been floating around that the countries surrounding us have been bolstering their military might."
The Emperor's face darkened.
The 2nd and 3rd prince look at each other, somehow managed to communicate without talking.
"Li Shi, Rong Chao. What do you think?"
"Ah?" Li Shi replied, nudging the brother sitting closely beside him.
"We have our 9th brother. As much as Father wants to deny it, he is a brilliant strategist. There's 11th brother, and even Huan huan here is good enough. We have a strong army with advance weapons. Why are you worried?" Rong Chao added with a smile.
Lord Wei nodded, he gave a glance over to Ivan. Took a deep breath. Thousands of thoughts and decision have flashes pass in his mind, and one of them is to reveal the dirty linen of the royal family. He turned to Ivan and said: "Ivan, haven't you arranged a painting session with anyone today?"
"Regarding that, I can't seem to find the 11th prince in his place. And I was invited by Your Majesty to join him for some tea." Ivan explains.
"Right." Lord Wei mutter.
"You can speak your mind here, Lord Wei." The Emperor stated.
Lord Wei hesitated. He knows that Ivan is not just anybody, and revealing it now is akin to dropping a stone on his own foot. "Your Majesty, the unsettling part of the rumours is that someone in the palace are behind this chain of events. Somebody is trying to start a rebellion."
A collective drew back of breath resonated around the table.
Zhu En is the first to snap out of the news, and he asked Lord Wei: "Did the rumours you heard points to anyone in the palace?"
"I do not think that is necessary. It will only drive wedges amongst the Royal family." Lord Wei answered.
"The Royal Family?" the Empress repeated scornfully. "You must absolutely say it then. We can't have this family killing each other again."
"Yes. Spill the names. I will send people to investigate and the clear the name if necessary." The Emperor added, backing the Empress up.
Lord Wei let out a sigh. "It's the 9th prince, Your Majesty."
Blood drain from all the prince's face. Li Shi and Rong Chao look at each other again, this time with knitted brows and worried eyes. Their collective eyes then look at Zhu En, as though there's something going on with them. The only one person seemingly unaffected is the 8th princess, her scarred face grim and firm, void of any expression before and after the news.
"Li Shi, Rong Chao. Look into it. Send people to investigate."
"Yes Father."
"What investigation. He is a jinx. He will bring bloodshed to this family just like he always has." The Empress cried.
"My dear. Get a hold of yourself, I will investigate. Zhu En bring your mother to her room. I will see you later in the meeting."
"Yes Father."
"Father." Huang Huang said. "I feel that Yao should not go back to the battlefield in the meantime. Rumours like this will dampen the morale of the soldiers. I am willing to take over him in the meantime."
"There no need to. I think Cheng Chang will do just fine for now." He waved his hands dismissively. "Ivan, in addition to inviting you for tea today, would also inform you that Cheng Chang will not be in the palace for some time."
"Pardon me but if I may ask where have the 11th prince gone to?"
"A scout came in through the imperial gates slightly before the break of dawn requesting the presence of their leaders in the front lines. Cheng Chang is on the way there, he will be back soon."
Ivan nodded understandingly. "What about the 9th prince?"
"He will stay. They are all capable people, they are just too used to Yao. Wean them off getting the easy way out. We can't all just depend on one person."
Ivan smiled politely. However, it is obvious even to Ivan that the Emperor does not want to depend on the 9th prince. He knows, because he can see Viktor in the Emperor's eyes, that same pair of eyes whenever he comes home, or whenever praises from their subjects pour in from his suggestion. "Your Majesty, is there anyone who would like to be painted next? I have already completed the 12th prince's painting. Half done with the 11th prince's."
"Perhaps you would fare well with my 4th daughter. I believe she will be free for the next 5 days."
"The 4th princess?"
"Yes. My 4th daughter is a talented musician, you are in for a treat when you are painting for her."
"Ah, I've heard. They are indeed beautiful, it would be an honour to meet her."
The Emperor laugh, and with a gesture, he commands the servants all standing around to bring Ivan to his new subject. "Great, Lord Wei have business with me, we shall continue our tea. Now go on."
"Father, I believe it is best to keep 9th brother away from the front lines in the meantime this investigation takes place. In any case, 8th sister can take his place."
"No, this will bring in whispers. Huang Huan cannot go back."
The exchange between the prince and the Emperor fade off into the distance as Ivan moved further and further away from the room. He must inform Yao of today's tea meeting, but the 9th prince is hiding in his room.
The gate opens to a large courtyard and various buildings in the house. From one of the buildings are sounds of chattering, the Emperor's servant led Ivan to another more obscure and slightly smaller building at the back. The door opens and they are greeted by a lady in soft blue scrutinizing over a musical instrument on her hand, standing behind her is another woman dressed in white scrutinizing the instrument as well.
Their heads look up at Ivan in shock, the lady in blue breaks out into a small laugh. She turned to the lady in white and said: "That scares me Shu San."
"That scares me too, Lady Fang."
"My apologies, but your servants have been informed to not announce our presence." The Emperor's servant explained.
"It's okay. Announcing your presence is going to disrupt the dance practise."
Princess Fang turns back to Ivan and asked: "What brings our esteem painter to this humble place?"
With his palm over his heart, Ivan gave a bow. "Good morning, Princess. Your Father have requested for your portrait to be painted next."
"Sure. Perhaps we can move this session to the pavilion outside. It overlooks my courtyard so that I can monitor my dancers." The 4th princess suggested, accompanied by a good-natured smile.
"I'll prepare." Shu San said.
The princess let out an even bigger smile, eyes trailing the lady until she is out of the room. Her pleasant disposition makes Ivan felt comfortable, he is already looking forward to painting for her already.
"How was it like painting for my 9th brother?"
"Everyone seems to be pretty obsessed with him in this family." Ivan noted.
The 4th princess giggled, the back of her hands covering the lips unable to hide the bells tinkering in her laugh. "Of course, we are. Have you ever seen anyone as breath-taking as him?"
"You are right."
"So, how was it?"
"He was, unexpected. Always doing things that are unexpected."
"That sounds just like him alright."
A knock on the door interrupted their conversation, Shu San came in informing them that everything is ready and led them all to the pavilion. The part surrounding the pavilion is filled with bamboo trees, giving a cooling shade to the already cooling air. Teas and fruits are served at the table while Ivan prepares himself.
Girls dressed in whites started flowing out of a building, squealing and chattering away. Shu San leads them along and they seem to follow, they are warming up and practising. And the 4th princess's eyes still followed Shu San's every move with admiration.
Ivan noticed that. "I'm going to ask Shu San to stand behind me if you continue looking at her like that." He teased.
Fang looked back at him. Light shades of red surfaced across her cheeks. She smiled and said: "I heard from Hsiao Zheng you love a good story."
"You are right."
"Anything you would like to know then?"
"Your music is well known beyond these palace walls. But I think you are not just someone who plays music in this palace aren't you?"
"Perceptive. I work with the prima donna of the palace's dancers to provide music and dance for my Father. So, I guess you could say I am the one in charge of everything regarding music and dance in this palace."
"You like her, don't you?" Ivan asked, eyes on the canvas. But he already knew Fang's eyes unknowingly glanced over to the prima donna again.
The 4th princess smiled again, "I guess there's no use for me to hide. My family… are always this straightforward with our love. "
"Tell me your story with her then."
"There's nothing much to talk about. I just met her when I was collaborating with the previous prima donna and we just hit it off from there. There's nothing particular, I guess somewhere along the way I just long to stay beside her forever."
"That sounds nice."
Fang nodded. Then she looks back at the Ivan sketching in front of him, "What about you? Do you like our brother then? You don't need to hide, I heard it from Hsiao Zheng already."
"Why is he spreading such weird gossip." Ivan commented, knitting his brow in amusement.
The smile on her face is gone, and she looked serious all the sudden. "Ivan." She uttered, as though she has something to say. But then she stopped and said: "Nothing."
"You can tell me anything, I promise I won't tell."
"I'm sorry I don't have much stories to share with you."
"That's okay."
Not long after the 4th princess felt it was right that her favourite musical instrument should be drawn together with her, and she requested it to be brought in. Between a friendly banter and exchange of ideas, the music that touches hearts flows through the air and Ivan finally realise the reason why people felt for them, because they are meant for someone. Wordless, are music and dance, but they speak the loudest to the people they want to.
Unwittingly, Ivan thought back about that one time he caught him dancing.
Frozen armour clank and rattle, the men on the horses ride through the road in the rain. The cold chills them to the bone, but they kept on riding hoping to reach their destination in the morning.
"Second in Command. We need to stop. Even if we can take it, the horses won't be." A soldier called out.
Cheng Chang halt his horse to a stop, turning around, his grim face relented when he saw the exhaustion on his soldier's face. "Where's the nearest town?"
"Xiangju, Sir."
"Let's go there."
"B-But Sir.. Are you sure?"
Cheng Chang ignored him and ordered another soldier to lead the way.
The soldiers soon arrive in the bustling town. And it becomes clear why that soldier warned against it, bright lanterns lined the skies while red lanterns are hung on every two houses they past by. Traders with goods and madams with girls all fly towards the group of armour-clad soldiers like bees to honey.
Cheng Chang and his group of soldiers knew better and settled for an inn for rooms. However, it's filled. And they went to the next inn, but it was filled. So are the next and the next and the next, all the inns they went to are filled.
"Sir, why don't you try the brothels. It might cost more but there should be some spaces for the night." An inn keeper suggested.
"Imprudent!" Cheng Chang said sternly, slapping the table in agitation.
"No no no, please forgive me. It was only a suggestion because it's late." The inn keeper quickly begged.
"Sir, please reconsider." The same soldier told the 11th prince this town said. "Our men and horses are exhausted. It would be best if we can take a rest."
Cheng Chang knit his brow. After a short while, he gestured his approval.
The soldier brought them all to a grand brothel. The insides are vast, the lanterns are built lining with gemstones where it amplifies and glitter the lights within. Three rows of round tables are on either side of a long carpet that stretches to the start of a stage. Thick, intoxicating mix of smoke, alcohol and perfumes fills the air, the loud noises of men and women on either side drowns out the music coming from the stage.
Loud, playful screams screech out from the room, the door opens and naked girls covering themselves in blanket ran out laughing, chased by lecherous men in blindfolds.
Cheng Chang furrowed his brows in distaste. He turns to the soldier and demanded: "Xiao He, this the best you can find?"
"I am sorry Sir, but this is the only brothel with enough rooms for all of us." Xiao He bowed.
"Hmpf" Cheng Chang let out in irritation.
The Madam of the brothel quickly welcome them, gesturing and bringing them to their room and in the meantime, tried to persuade them to take a lady. The soldiers know better, so did Cheng Chang.
As Cheng Chang disappears into his room, Xiao He, the last one to go into the room, quickly pull the Madam aside and whispers: "I'll pass you the things later, do everything according to the plan and you will be rewarded heavily."
"Of course, Sir. Anything for you." The Madam chuckled.
A gentle knock tore Cheng Chang away from his letters, "Who is it?"
"I'm sent from my Madam."
"Go away."
"Please Sir." The lady outside said, before audaciously open and closed the door after her.
"Are you deaf?" Cheng Chang shouted, but his eyes flare with anger at the sight of a pink dress on the lady and the smell of that all too familiar scent. "Where did you get your dress and your perfume?" he demanded displeasure.
"I..I.. The…" the lady stuttered pitifully.
"Get out!" he shouted again. "I do not wish to be rough on women."
"I'm sorry. Please let me stay." She cried, tears falling down her cheeks, her hands too busy carrying a tray of wine to wipe it away. "Madam will beat me if I don't earn my stay. I promise I won't do anything. J-Just this wine. Please." The lady slowly walks towards the table and gently let the tray down. "Please, this wine is the best in the house. Just let me stay and watch you drink, so that there's something for me to account to the Madam."
Biting down his lips in vexation, Cheng Chang reaches out to the bottle of wine and chug it all down. He wiped off his lips with the back of his hand and throw the bottle across the room in anger. The action startled the lady.
"Get more wine in here." He demanded.
"Yes Sir." The lady quickly said and slip out of the room.
The Madam saw her coming out of the room and block her way, "How did it go?"
The lady let out a smirk and replied confidently: "Everything is under control. There is no man I can't tame."
"Good. After this, you will be free, with a huge sum of gold. Use it for your treatment or spend it out in your last days."
"Oh, I will Madam. Serve all these men right."
The lady quickly went in with more wine bottles, and it takes so much to make him drunk that the Madam is delighted with the money she is going to charge to this group of soldiers. Slowly but surely, every single time she went out and goes in the room, she sat one seat closer to the prince.
Cheng Chang takes in gulps after gulps of the burning alcohol, the scent from the women fills his heart with an unexplainable amount of sadness. Each time he closes his eyes, the same image burns his mind just like how the alcohol burns his throat, they are all the same, they are all him, the 9th prince.
"Are you okay?" The lady asked in concern, wrapping her arms around the 11th prince's shoulder. Her face leans in close to his burning ones. The veil of inebriation finally wrap itself around him, he opens his eyes to the question and see the same person he wishes to see.
"Why are you here?" he slurs gently, heart skipping that same beat.
"To look after you."
"I don't need you to take care of me."
"Then I'll just stay here with you."
"Go back, I can go to bed myself." Cheng Chang replied, and tried to stand up. The whole room moved down heavily, and he slipped a little, yet held on tightly by the lady.
"Look at you." She snickers teasingly. "Come, I'll bring you to bed." She held the heavy man and move towards the bed nearby. Cheng Chang immediately push the lady down onto the bed, the lady drew back a breath in shock, and slowly, the 11th prince leaned down, as though he is afraid that she, or rather he, will run away again.
But this time round he didn't run, and as the 11th prince deepen that kiss, he felt happy, so happy tears fell from his eyes. Discarded robes strewn across the floor, the drawn down bed curtain hides the acts, but the loud moaning becomes the testament of mirage.