Jin Yang Gong

An exhausted YQ and XYZ laid down on their bed. Stifling a yawn, XYZ said tiredly but contently: "That was a wonderful day."

YQ hugged her: "Yes, it was. XYZ, I didn't get a chance to tell you, but that was wonderful sword play. I'm really impressed."

XYZ: "Well, with you, ge, and Qing-er helping, how could I not get it right?"

YQ smiled down at her: "Still, you learned so well. I'm so proud."

XYZ yawned again: "Oh, save it. Now, let me sleep!"

YQ chuckled and extinguished the candle by their bed: "Alright. Good night."

On the way to Fu's

ZW and SY had both fallen asleep, their heads on their husbands' shoulders.

ET said softly: "Ge, I hate to think of all the trouble you all must have gone through."

EK sighed: "Yes, it was a rough time. Sometimes I wonder at the wisdom of our actions. But when I see her (he looked tenderly down at ZW), every decision seemed worthwhile."

ET grinned down at his own wife: "Yes, I know what you mean. When we first married, I just liked Sai Ya and was comforted by the fact that she's a lot like XYZ. But now, I think I have grown to love her for her own person. She's much more considerate actually, once you get to know her. I think I'm glad to leave XYZ's bluntness to YQ. "

EK smiled at his brother: "I'm so happy ET. I will forever be grateful that you helped me out of a difficult situation, so I feel much better that you have found love as well."

ET smiled back but decided to change the topic: "That XJ, he's a marvel. HS seemed really charmed by him."

EK replied: "Yes, HS is not the only one."

ET: "Oh?"

EK: "We all owe him our lives. He is worth more than his weight in gold. But that's not all. Qing-er and him have reached an understanding."

ET: "That is high praise indeed, especially coming from you. But yes, about Qing-er, how did ZW react?"

EK knew ET was referring to the past: "Well, that was actually quite a fiasco, mostly my fault for not being perfectly honest with her. But it's all cleared up now. Qing-er's like my younger sister and she and ZW are now very close friends. All reasons why I want her to be happy with XJ."

ET: "My, but gifted though SJ is, will LFY and HS accept it?"

EK: "That's our chief concern actually."

ET: "Just who is he, really?"

EK: "That, I'm afraid is part of the problem. But it's his secret to tell, so I'm afraid I can't explain further."

ET shook his head: "I see I got home just in time for some new adventures."

EK agreed; "Our story does seem to be endless, doesn't it?"

ET chuckled: "Yes, but now that I'm back, maybe I can exert some influence and no one will be in danger of losing his head. Besides, I wouldn't miss the ride for the world."

Back in the Palace

Because LFY had retired earlier in the evening, Qing-er was left to return to Ci Ning Gong by herself. Xiao Jian decided to accompany her, both to keep her safe and to ask her a question that had been bothering him all night. As they walked through the palace comparing their impressions of Sai Ya and Er Tai, he finally found the courage to ask her.

XJ: "Qing-er. You know the depth of my feelings for you. But I can't help but wonder, what did ET mean when he mentioned you and EK?"

Qing-er paused and said honestly: "Xiao Jian. I won't lie to you. There was a time, years ago now, when I thought I had loved EK. We had stayed up all night looking at the moon and snow and discussed all of Chinese history. LFY had wanted him to marry me instead of ZW, and then later in addition to ZW. But I told her no. I saw how in love they were, and it'd be a shame to break up such a relationship."

XJ remained concerned: "You two stayed up all night?" He couldn't help but think back to the first night they had met.

Qing-er noticed his concern and tried to reassure him: "Yes. But now I know it was the fleeting fancy of youth. I admired him for his intelligence. Besides, HS has his eyes on EK and wanted him as part of the family, I thought I was justified in liking him. But it means nothing now."

XJ: "Qing-er, tell me the truth. Am I EK's replacement? In your heart, do you compare the two of us? What if you find out that I'm not as wonderful as ZW and XYZ's stories say?"

Qing-er laid her hand on his arm and told him earnestly: "Xiao Jian, you're not his replacement. I don't compare the two of you at all. In my heart, there's just you. If anything, now that I know you, I find EK quite lacking. You know so much of the world and introduce so many new ideas to me. EK is very intelligent, but he thinks as a person who grew up in court. You challenge my beliefs and complete me in a way EK never did. As for the stories, I'm the one who's worried that you'll find me lacking compared with their stories. I'm afraid that you'll find me drab and dull."

Xiao Jian looked at her: "Is that really what you think?"

Qing-er nodded.

Xiao Jian sighed: "Qing-er, you're so alive and so reasonable. It's a pleasure to speak with you. You have your own thoughts about the world and it's refreshing to speak with someone who has not been jaded like me. You help me see and appreciate the beauty in life. I'm sorry I doubted you. I just worry, you seem so above me and I fear I'm over-reaching my bounds. I have no position at this court and only visit based on the Emperor's generosity and his liking for my sister. Qing-er, I'm not used to these feelings, to being so out of control." He placed his hand on hers.

Qing-er gave his hand a gentle squeeze: "Xiao Jian, it will be alright, you'll see. Just be patient. Both LFY and HS seem much taken with you, not just because of XYZ, but for you. HS is even entrusting you with the school for his people. You've captivated them, just like you've captivated me."

Xiao Jian smiled at her gratefully: "Thank you Qing-er, for putting my mind at ease."

She smiled back and they resumed their walk back to Ci Ning Gong, a burden shed.