In SY and ET's room

Like XYZ, SY was much too excited to sit still. She bustled around the room putting their things away until finally ET stopped her and made her sit at the living room table.

ET: "Sai Ya, stop. You must be tired. We've had a lot of adventures on this trip. Why don't you take this opportunity to rest a little?"

SY retorted: "Are you saying I can't handle a little traveling? When we were going to BeiJing did you once hear me complain?"

ET sighed: "No SaiYa, you know that's not what I meant."

SY's expression softened: "I know you just want to make sure I feel alright with our traveling companions. We weren't exactly the best of friends the last time we met."

ET nodded: "Yes. I'm glad that you and XYZ have become friends and that you've grown close to ZW and Qing-er as well."

SY smiled: "I really like all the girls. I can easily see how you could have fallen for XYZ now."

ET looked startled.

SY nodded: "If I take ZW and Qing-er as the pinnacle of what Manchu ladies should be like, than I can definitely see how XYZ's freshness and spirit would have drawn you to her. I mean, I think ZW and Qing-er are pretty atypical too. But you have to admit, they are more traditional still. They're flowers made from the fire opal my father showed me once; beautiful and polished but resilient and strong with an inner fire. They are much more independent than the other GeGe's I've met. But still, they exist within the dictates of your society. They are respectful and polite and hide their emotions in public settings. The reveal their inner fire to only their close friends and family and project an image of tranquility and duty. But XYZ, she wears her heart on her sleeve. She leaps without thinking or looking. She challenges those around her to be truthful and do the right things for the right reasons. She treats others as they treat her and won't turn the other cheek like ZW and Qing-er."

ET nodded: "You've hit it spot on. When Wu Ah Ge and I first met her properly, I was fascinated by her openness and bluntness. There was a certain innocence about her despite the hardships of her life. I wanted to protect her and preserve that innocence."

SY smiled: "I must say I agree with you. But ET, do you really think she can stay innocent forever? She's married to WAG, there are so many eyes in the Palace looking at her. If what you say about WAG is true, then she could very well become the next Empress. Do you really think she's suited for such a role? And if HS brings it up, you know WAG will refuse if it means giving up what he has with XYZ."

ET sighed: "I agree with you. I actually discussed this trip with my brother, especially in regards to HS's motives. He had just gotten his children back, why would he send them out again? Shouldn't he keep us close? Especially since ZW married my brother and doesn't live in the palace anymore, shouldn't he want to keep her in the city so that she can visit? We thought about it and decided that it may well be that this trip is a test for WAG to see how well he can handle dealing with the various issues that comes with ruling a nation. But we couldn't decide what this meant for XYZ. After they all left home, HS should know what XYZ means to YQ. If he is still determined to make WAG his heir, then he must take her into consideration."

SY: "Did you and EK really think that this trip is a test? (ET nodded.) Then mayhaps this is a test for XJ as well?"

ET looked at her curiously: "Why do you say that?"

SY: "Well, think about it, no matter how much HS or LFY might like XJ and want Qing-er to be happy, do you really think they will let her marry someone without position? I know XJ refused HS when HS first offered him a position. He'll most likely refuse to take the yearly examination as well. But Qing-er is still a Ge Ge. Even if she doesn't care, you know people in the Palace will talk if she marries a common school teacher."

ET replied thoughtfully: "You could very well be right. WAG told me that the test XJ took for his teaching license took a couple of days…I know that a common teaching exam can't take that long. If what you guess is correct…then perhaps XJ actually took the official yearly exam."

SY nodded: "I thought it odd that LFY would let Qing-er come on this trip and agreed so readily to let her be with XJ, especially given the hard time she gave XYZ and ZW regarding their marriages. But if this is their plan, then everything makes much more sense. If HS really wants WAG to be his heir, then mayhaps he has his eye on you, your brother, and XJ to be WAG's future advisors."

ET agreed: "I've always known that EK would someday take my father's place and I was the spare son. To be WAG's school mate was my honor, but my future was always dependent on WAG's future. Since I married you and was given the status of a prince, my future prospects changed. I acquired independence and power."

SY teased him: "Oh? So you owe me a big debt. However will you pay me back?"

ET hugged her: "I will treasure you my whole life and treat you like the princess you are."

SY hugged him back: "Then I am satisfied my prince."

Qing-er was putting her clothes away in the cupboard when she heard a knock at the door. She opened it and saw XJ standing there. Before she could greet him, he hugged her close.

Qing-er stiffened in surprise and then relaxed and hugged him back.

XJ drew back just as suddenly: "Oh Qing-er, I'm so sorry! I must have startled you!"

Qing-er chuckled: "Yes, you did, but I must say, I didn't mind. Just...what brought that on?"

XJ laughed: "I scarcely know myself. It must be you, you make me loose all my control. I've always kept my emotions at bay but you bring all my feelings and make me lose all aspects of the mask I've so carefully cultivated."

Qing-er laughed at XJ: "Oh? We can't have that can we? How will you roam the world safely now?"

XJ smiled but said seriously: "I don't need to roam anymore, I've found home with you."

Qing-er smiled shyly at him but then said: "Did you want something?"

XJ broke out of his trance: "Oh! Yes! I saw a lovely pagoda in the garden and was wondering if you cared to join me?"

Qing-er nodded and he took her hand and led her away.

In the pagoda

Qing-er looked around at the various flowers: "Wow..you're right, this is quite beautiful. In the Palace, all the gardens are carefully planned out and planted according to plan. I have yet to see a garden such as this, where all the plants are allowed to grow willy-nilly and yet in such perfect harmony." So saying, she bent her head to smell one of the flowers on the vines that grew on the column supporting the pagoda.

XJ smiled at her wonder: "Looking at you like this is like this is like looking at a painting. None of the flowers can match your beauty."

Qing-er blushed but smiled at his praise.

XJ continued: "If you like this, just wait until we get to Da Li! There are fields of wildflowers just waiting for you to enjoy them! I brought you here to get a small taste of the beauty of my homeland."

Qing-er carefully let go of the flower and turned to look at XJ: "Thank you XJ. Thank you for showing me this garden. Thank you for taking me to your home."

XJ sat down next to her and held her hand: "My home is with you Qing-er. Da Li is the place I grew up and my homeland, but you are where my heart is."

Qing-er looked down at their intertwined hands and smiled: "XJ, there's something I need to tell you. I'm glad you're taking me to meet your godparents, but I'm worried. I told this to ZiWei and she recommended that I confide in you. XJ, what if…what if they don't like me?"

XJ looked at her worried face: "How can they not like you? You're so well-mannered, so intelligent, and so kind-hearted. You've made me so happy. Why in the word wouldn't they like you?"

Qing-er still looked worried: "What if..what if they hold my relations against me? What if they don't like that I'm related to HS?"

XJ patted her hand: "It'll be alright Qing-er. Besides, isn't it the plan to figure out just want on so many years ago? It might turn out they your family isn't my family's enemy after all. I think, ever since you told me your idea, I think I've settled in my mind that it's as you say and that someone else harmed my parents. There are so many evil-doers in the world, I of all people should know."

Qing-er sighed: "I noticed that. When we first met the villagers and they mentioned the possibility of torture, I saw your anguish but then your resignation. I can't imagine all the terrible things you must have seen in your wanderings."

To her surprise, XJ smiled: "I did. But I've seen some truly wonderful things. Especially since meeting XYZ and everyone in our large family. I've seen the true meaning of friendship, of family, of love. I think the philosophers had it right. There is a balance in the world. Where there is darkness, there must be light." He turned to her again: "You truly amaze me, Qing-er, you noticed my feelings? I thought I hid my thoughts quite well."

Qing-er nodded: "Of course I noticed. When it comes to you, I'm the one who pays the most attention. Besides, I've had a lot of practice observing others. In that Palace, if you don't pay close attention to those around you, then you would suffer. Life in the palace is not as wonderful as you imagine. Every moment, people struggle to grasp power and hold on to influence. I have the benefit of LFY's love, that is my protection. I am fortunate in that I don't have to share the favor. But all the royal concubines struggle to obtain even a tiny shred of HS's attention. Everyone has their place, even the servants. Lying, bribery, torture, it all happens there too. ZW experienced some of that when she entered the palace as XYZ's maid. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon. She had the fortune of HS's attention. So many other poor girls live in pain and fear, just counting down the days until they can leave the Palace. Other girls have been driven to suicide but received no attention. So, I'm not as innocent as you imagine me to be."

Her words chilled XJ: "I've never thought of it that way. I know there must be competition, but I didn't think the women would stoop so low. Aren't they all from important families? Didn't their fathers learn all about justice and ethics?"

Qing-er shook her head: "So what if they're from such backgrounds? More likely than not, they're taught since young to fight. If not for their own sake, then for their families. If HS favors them, then they bring good fortune to their families and their agendas as well."

XJ sighed: "So I was right in rejecting HS's offer? I can't imagine myself turning a blind eye to all the corruption."

Qing-er, however, took another view: "I don't know. Personally, I think you would be a great official. From the stories, you have friends in worlds both light and dark. I think you'd handle everything just fine. Besides, ZW told me that on the inspection tour, XYZ gave HS the idea to send under-cover agents around the country and report back on any corruption. I don't know if HS has followed through on that idea, but I think you would be an ideal candidate for the role. There's a certain frankness about you that gets people to tell you their secrets and enough mystique that people won't ask about your secrets."

XJ chuckled: "And based on what I've seen and heard of your abilities, I think you would make quite the spy as well…Qing-er, based on what you say of palace life, is XYZ safe there? Will all the competition hurt her? Was I right letting her marry YQ?"

Qing-er replied: "XYZ has this ability to get everyone to like her. You should have seen all the Ah Ge's and Ge Ge's kneel in front of HS when they begged for her life. Even all the Niang Niang's, Huang Hou, and LFY greet her with a smile. Personally, I think it's partially because she is who and her caring personality. I know Ling-Fei Niang Niang truly like her as a daughter. But I think others are nice to her because they see her marriage to WAG as removing a threat to their sons' chances of becoming Emperor. Additionally, XYZ also has no family and so does not have any hidden agendas."

XJ asked curiously: "What do you mean by the chances of becoming Emperor?"

Qing-er replied honestly: "It's been well known that HS had his eye on YQ to be his successor some day. All the concubines were jealous but couldn't do anything to hurt him. Even Huang Hou could do nothing but keep her thoughts in her mind. But now, they know WAG will never suit the role because he will never take a concubine after marrying XYZ. So, they think HS will pick someone else. The fight regarding that area can begin again."

XJ: "Who would have thought my sister could potentially disrupt the fate of a nation? While I am relieved that XYZ is safe, I can't help but hope that whoever is the successor will be good like YQ. He truly has the capabilities of being a good Emperor."

Qing-er nodded: "I think so too. But I don't think he would have been happy. Living your life for duty's sake isn't really a life at all. Besides, whoever HS picks, I'm sure he will have YQ tutor him and teach him to be a good Emperor."

XJ: "What about you Qing-er, do you wish that I were a court official?"

Qing-er laughed: "You silly. Why would I wish that? Then you wouldn't be you. I am worried though, that HS and LFY will force you to become one as a condition to our marriage. No matter if they like you, they still have to consider how it would look for me to marry someone without status. They must preserve face for the Royal Family."

XJ said thoughtfully: "The main reason I denied HS's request is because of the vengeance I sought. I couldn't bear the thought of working for the man who murdered my parents. But if our idea is correct, then I don't have that reason anymore. If HS does take XYZ's suggestion, then I think that role would suit me very well. Then you can have the status you deserve as well. I know you don't care about status, but I think it will make it easier for me to help the people if I had held some level of power."

Qing-er was surprised: "Really? You would consider it?"

XJ nodded: "Actually, I've thought about it for a while. When I took the examination for the teacher's license, I had my suspicions that the test was really the one for the yearly examination. But I decided not to say anything since I thought it might help ease our road to being together. Now I think maybe it's heaven's sign for a new path for me. What better way to fight corruption then hitting it from the inside?"

Qing-er: "And I will be by your side. You'll need someone to calm you, make sure you don't lose your temper, and not turn away true friends. We will be a team."

XJ nodded, drew her close, and said: "That we will, Xiao Fu Ren (Madam Xiao)."

Qing-er laughed: "Aren't you jumping the gun a little there?"

XJ shook his head: "I don't think so. I can't think of anyone better to hold that title."

So saying, he gently kissed her. Qing-er smiled and enjoyed the feeling of being in his arms.