Next morning

After a quick breakfast, the eight friends wandered out into the city. They tried to appear like normal tourists out for a lively day of sightseeing, but they careful planned their wanderings to creep closer and closer to the area of the city where the prison was. When they got close, however, they were surprised to see a large crowd of citizens there as well.

Puzzled, ET remarked: "Well, so much for avoiding this part of town. I wonder just what is going on."

A passerby overheard ET, stopped in his path, and said: "Ah. Well, normally we avoid this part of town, but we heard that there was going to be a beheading today. No matter how gruesome, this is the biggest excitement we've had recently. Well, go on, get going. Or else you'll not be able to see!" With that, he left hurriedly.

Qing-er grimaced at the man's words: "Beheading? Oh dear…I'm afraid I'm not quite that excited. All I can think of is how scared I was when XYZ and ZW had to face the executioner."

XiaoJian gently wrapped his arm around her shoulders: "If you mind, then we'll stay back here while everyone else goes to see."

ZW agreed with Qing-er: "I'm the same. I'm not quite sure I can watch a beheading. It hits a little too close to home."

Er Kang nodded but said: "While I completely understand, I don't want us to get separated…How's this, we'll go see just what this person did to warrant a beheading but then leave before the actual action? Based on all that I've heard, I can't help but feel that something's not quite right."

XYZ agreed: "You all know I hate not participating in such a large gathering, but I also remember how scared I was. I'm not sure I can watch another beheading, no matter what the crime."

YQ held XYZ's hand: "It's ok. But I'm with Er Kang on this, something's not quite right. It seems too much of an anomaly that this normally avoided section of town would attract such a large crowd."

SaiYa spoke up: "Shouldn't there be an official there at this beheading? Maybe we'll finally get to see this Wang Da Ye, or at least his representative."

Er Tai nodded: "Well then, let us go and see just what is going on."

The group moved forward, following the flow of the crowd. They reached an open space in front of the main entrance to the city jail. A platform in the middle held a mount for the prisoner. An executioner waited ominously with a large ax in his hand. Around a table behind the platform was seated a few official looking men. But what really surprised the group was the sight of a beautiful young woman seated at a side table with an attendant at her side. Her hair ornaments and clothing spoke of someone of high status and wealth. More importantly, the way she held herself spoke of confidence but also a certain distance. Her face was blank as though she really didn't want to be there but was trying hard to hide it.

XJ asked a random person in the crowd: "Who is that young woman? Why is she here at such a bloody event?"

The man replied: "That? That's Wang Da Ye's daughter. She's a beauty she is, and truly caring for us common people. She even influenced her father to set up an orphanage for the abandoned children in this region and constantly visits it to make sure that everything is going smoothly and the children are well taken-care of. She lost her mother at a young age you know. I think that truly had an impact on her."

XJ: "Oh? And is Wang Da Ye here then?"

The man laughed: "Wang Da Ye? Here? Of course not! We haven't seen him in years. See that man in the middle? He's Wang Da Ye's trusted advisor and represents him at all official events now." His face darkened, "He's a clever one, no mistaking that. Whenever he's with Wang Da Ye, he would pretend to be caring, but we know better." He looked around fearfully: "Of course, you didn't hear that from me…"

XJ thanked him and turned to the group to see EK, ET, and YQ with thoughtful looks. The girls looked at each other and then at the young woman. She looked so alone and they wondered how they could become friends with her.

Suddenly, a loud drum sounded and the prisoner was brought into view. He was hunched over and his hair hung wildly around his head. Chains constrained his hands and feet and his cloths hung in tatters. When the charges were read against him, however, the group was startled to see the brief flash of defiance that straightened his posture. He raised his head and they were surprised at his youth. They listened closely to the charges, which included treason for plans to overthrow the city officials. When the man's name and birthplace were named, the group gasped. Here was the son of the older gentleman they had met at the ruined bridge a few days ago.

XYZ gasped: "Oh no! He's innocent! We must do something!"

The eight looked at each other.

ET remarked: "But what? We didn't plan for this! And we have no authority to stop the proceedings."

XYZ: "Authority…Er Tai! That's it!" So saying, she quickly flew out of the crowded and landed in next to the platform. She hurriedly pulled out her golden medallion and cried out: "Stop! In the name of the Emperor, stop!"

The crowd was stunned into silence and the middle official stood up in anger: "And who are you? Guards! Come and get rid of this menace. Lock her up! We'll deal with her later."

Looking at each other, the group quickly joined XYZ at the platform.

YQ said with true royal command: "Who is she? Are you blind? She has the golden medallion of the Emperor and you dare ask who she is? Fine, I'll tell you. This is Huan Zhu Ge Ge, my wife. And we also have Zi Wei Ge Ge, E Fu, Sai Ya Gong Zhu, her husband, Qing Ge Ge, and my wife's brother. We are touring the nation on behalf of the Emperor, you should have been forewarned of our coming. So you better take heed!"