Shuomo's letter
Su said to Yan: "I think I know who's behind the Ghost army." Yan who had just poured two cups of tea walked to Su and handed her a cup, then he sat down on the bed: "Really? Who?"
"I think it's madam Luan. But I'm not completely certain. Have you heard from Shuomo?"
"Why do you think it's madam Luan?" Yan asked, not yet answering Su's question.
"Because of a story from the Bai Liang Clan. According to the story madam Luan had asked her father to arrange a wedding between her and Bai Shen, my father. Then he was still the son of the chief. But my father had already formed an attachment with my mother and wished to marry her. He refused the marriage to madam Luan. Two weeks later my mother was abducted, a week before her marriage to my father. A ransom was asked and the nature of that ransom made my father believe madam Luan had orchestrated the abduction. The ransom was a wedding scarf, with the addition of Beirong symbols amongst which was the sign of Xuan. But this sign was to be hidden. My grandfather asked the court magistrate to help them find my mother. In the end the Marquis helped with the recovery, she was held in the smugglers cave, remember in the mountains near the border town?" Su saw Yan nod and continued: "The ransom was paid, my father did weave the scarf to buy the magistrate time. But my father made subtle changes in some of the Liang symbols denoting long live and happiness. The investigation and my mothers testimony revealed that not only Beirong citizens had taken part in the abduction but also soldiers from Fan Yan Na. Liu Xuan knew this history, which is why he had doubts over the letter in which the corroboration between Bai Liang and Fan Yan Na was set. He knew Bai Liang would never corroborate with Fan Yan Na. And this is why Bai Liang stopped trade with Beirong, which was sanctioned by the then emperor of Liang. I've seen Madam Luan wear the scarf." Su finished the story. Yan could see she was very emotional as always when it concerned her parents of the Bai Liang Clan, but he had to remain logical: "But why does this make you believe she is behind the Ghost Army."
"Because of something my mother said in her testimony, but I want to check that. I haven't read it yet. According to the story she said that she had heard Madam Luan say that this was a very successful first action of the Risen Army of Empress Xuan. As this meant nothing to anyone during that time everyone thought she'd heard it wrong. I know it isn't much, but she's abducted someone before and tried again this time. Criminals often repeat their methods. We should at least notify Shuomo and ask him about madam Luan."
"There is no need to notify Shuomo. He sent this letter, which I received when I looked for you in Pei Mansion." Yan handed the letter to Su who immediately started reading:
My friends,
I have finally discovered who the mastermind behind the mark of Xuan is. It is madam Luan, you might remember her from your time here. She is my mother's closest friend and confidante. Though I had my suspicions, with clear evidence they are confirmed and it is a shock to know she is the one who has build the Ghost Army. Please let my sister read this letter. I don't know yet what the trigger was for the Ghost Army to come out of it's shadow. I've been able to place a spy in their ranks and he has reported to me that specific movements have been done earlier than planned. Especially the attack on the border and the rebel army. According to my source that plan was to be next year. He also said the army is not yet ready to march. We should move swiftly and eliminate them before they reach their full potential. I therefore hope that you've been successful in organizing your army according to our plan. I am almost ready, I'll need two more weeks.
Please heed this caution: madam Luan might be an older woman, but I know her now to be a ruthless and cruel woman. I've seen evidence of her cruel nature myself: yesterday I left to visit Xunan and Xian. While I rode I noticed black smoke rising above the canopy. Fearing the worst I went to their house in a dead run. Each canter of my horse brought me closer to Xunan, but the smoke become thicker and I knew it was their house that was on fire…
…He knew in his heart it was their house and now he only hoped they weren't home. Shuomo rounded the last corner and what he saw froze his heart. There on the clearing, before the house, which was indeed billowing smoke and covered in flames licking the timber, stood Xunan and Xian. Two warriors held Xian and Xunan stood opposite the threesome. One glance at Xunan told Shuomo she was angry, her mouth tightly shut and clenched fists were clear indications. But Shuomo knew her heart would be beating rapidly with an all encompassing fear. Fear for her sister. One of the two warriors reached behind him and showed the knife, flickering in the light coming from the raging fire behind him. "Tell prince Shuomo to reflect on his sins." The warrior said as he let the knife pierce Xian's stomach. Shuomo had never before shot an arrow so swiftly, but it hit its target and the warrior fell to the ground. Fast as lightning Shuomo placed another arrow and shot the other warrior. He then galloped to Xunan and Xian. Xunan ran to her sister, who had fallen to the ground and was shaking. The knife was still in her abdomen, Xian had placed her hands around the knife. "Were they the only ones?" Shuomo asked as he stood next to the kneeling Xunan. "No, four more went to the garden and…" She didn't need to finish the sentences. Shuomo bent forward and quickly picked Xian up. "Take the bow, you'll need to sit behind me, come." Shuomo quickly walked to his horse and with some shifting sat in the saddle with Xian cradled against him. He held out his hand to help Xunan climb on. He felt Xunan swing her leg over the back of his horse. He gave Xunan no time to get comfortable, as he immediately urged his horse to run. With one hand he held the reins and the other held Xian secured against his chest. "Hold on to me." He ordered and then he felt Xunan firmly grasp his middle, she leaned against his back. Unfortunately there was no time to enjoy the warmth of her body against his back. "They don't appear to have horses, I can see them running after us." Xunan commented as she looked back at her burning house. Silently thanking the heavens Shuomo urged his horse to go faster. He had never before reached the inn as quickly as this day. The reins were quickly handed over to a stableboy and Shuomo ordered two rooms from the proprietor. "The closest physician is in the capital sir." The proprietor said when he saw the bloodied Xian.
"That won't be a problem. The house in the woods with the poison garden is burning, please arrange for some of your workers to extinguish it. Let them pass the small military guard. Hand them this note. The guard will accompany them." Shuomo carefully placed Xian on a stone bench and followed the proprietor to a study where Shuomo quickly wrote a message. "Shall I also send for a doctor to treat the lady?"
"No, but I would like a fresh horse and cart. We won't stay here, only for a short rest and to dress her wound. Her sister can manage that. After our rest, we'll continue on to the capital." The proprietor nodded and called a worker to show the three a room. Hurrying after the worker Shuomo still didn't have time to properly look at Xunan, he simply assumed that she followed him. In the room he carefully laid Xian down, he heard Xunan request certain supplies from the worker. He saw Xian shiver, she had fainted in his arms during the ride and now she shivered and moaned. He removed her shoes and placed a blanket over her feet, by now Xunan had joined him at Xian's side. "Xian, Xian, we're here. Wake up. Xian wake up!" but she didn't open her eyes. Xunan then turned to the wound and then looked up at Shuomo: "We need to remove the knife, after I removed it you need to press down on the wound. Then I'll dress the wound. Talk to her, try to get her to open her eyes." For the next hour Xunan and Shuomo worked together to make sure Xian received the best care they could provide now. Finally the proprietor came and told them a horse and cart were ready. Shuomo picked Xian up again and that finally got her to open her eyes. She moaned and placed her hands over her wound. "Xunan, what happened?""
"Ssh, my little sister. I'll tell you later. We have to leave now." Shuomo placed Xian on the cart, Xunan came to sit next to her and held her hand. Shuomo placed a blanket over Xian and Xunan, then he and Xunan looked at each other holding their gaze. The worry in Xunan's eyes compelled Sho moto gently place his hand on her cheek. He didn't have to say anything, his childhood friend and sweetheart knew exactly what he meant. "Take us home." Xunan said, Shuomo nodded and then jumped on the seat taking the reins from the young men holding them. From the corner of his eye he saw a few guards walk up to the inn, relieved that the inn would also receive some protection Shuomo flicked the reins.
The journey to the capital was horrendous, Shuomo tried to go as fast as he could without jarring the cart too much which proofed near impossible. The moans and groans were painful to listen to, but Shuomo knew they had to hurry, light was already fading. He thanked the heavens that his own house was close to this border of the city so they would reach it quickly. As always when he went to visit Xunan he'd had worn simple peasant clothing, which would now be invaluable to get entry to the city without anyone really realizing he was the prince. As he predicted entry went smooth and he quickly steered to a little back entrance to his house. His loyal butler opened on the second knock, already expecting his master through this entrance. True to form he didn't comment on the horse drawn cart and the two ladies. He simply closed the door behind Xunan and ordered two young stable lads to take care of the horse and cart. Not many in the capital were aware of the relationship between Shuomo and Xunan, only their parents knew of their wishes. Staff of the mansion had their suspicions, but wisely kept quiet, though one room was always kept ready to receive Xunan. Shuomo now hurried to that room, as he told his butler to get Xunan's and Xian's father to his mansion in disguise. The ever efficient staff made sure water and other supplies were placed in the room and two maids got clean clothes for the sisters, helping Xunan to change the clothes of Cian. Seeing the help Xunan received Shuomo told her he would change and then return to her. Xunan nodded, her focus was on her sister. Shuomo quickly told one of the maids to make sure that anything Xunan requested was done without question. One last glance to the one he loved most and then he retreated to his own rooms where one of his lieutenants came to discuss these events.
"Why did they target those two ladies? Have they seen something they shouldn't have?" Shuomo shook his head: "I already spoke with Xunan but nothing has happened in the forest that made her wonder. There is only one reason why this has happened. The warriors said that I had to think on my sins."
"Do you mean that the ones behind the mark of Xuan know that you are friends with the ladies?"
"It's the final piece of evidence. I know who's behind the mark." But knowing didn't make the task before them easier. Lady Luan was trusted by the empress, convincing her old friend is causing mayhem and chaos would be very difficult and it would hurt his mother, something Shuomo didn't want to happen. Now he had urgent matters to deal with, so he went to his desk, got his writing implements and started writing. When he was finished he looked at his lieutenant: "Arrange for four guards to escort the two ladies to Liang, when you've crossed the border you go on ahead and hand deliver this to Prince Qi of Liang Make sure he reads the letter before you return." The man took the letter and left. Shuomo quickly changed his clothes and went to Xunan's room where he found the two sisters and their father, who immediately rose, stepped to Shuomo and bowed for him: "Thank you for rescuing my daughters."
"How is Xian?" Shuomo asked in response, the father looked over to where his youngest daughter was sleeping Sunan sat next to her and held her hand. "She suffered a severe wound, we've done what we could. Now her body needs to do the rest"
"Can she be moved?"
"It wouldn't be wis, I would like to ask you to let her remain here for the night, but tomorrow you can send her home." Shuomo shook his head: "I wish to send them to Liang tomorrow. For their protection I know who's done this, I would feel more at ease if we could send them to Liang in disguise."
"Sure she can regain her strength in our own home?"
"Those that are behind this won't stop." Shuomo said decisively, thinking they wouldn't stop, because he wouldn't stop opposing them. Then Shuomo continued: "Sending them to Liang is safer, can Xian make the journey?"
"Xunan can take care of her, so she could make the journey, if they travel slowly. If you deem it safer I'll sanction this trip. I'll return home and send some supplies." Shuomo arranged for one of his staff to accompany Xunan's father and return with the supplies. Then he returned, this time Xunan and a sleeping Xian were in the room. He slowly walked to Xunan and took her in his arms. He knew she was tired he'd seen it in the slump of her shoulders. "Come." He said as he stroked her hair and he felt her arms tighten around his waist and her head pressed lightly against his shoulder. He tightened his hug, giving her his strength letting her know he would protect her and be her strength. They stood in silence hugging each other, until a few maids came in carrying the food. "Let's eat something first." Shuomo caressed her cheek wiping a few tears away. He kept his arm around her shoulder, guiding her to a seat. He sat down next to her and put some food in her bowl. After a few bites Xunan seemed to recover. She sighed and looked up at Shuomo. "They came unexpectantly, they must have figured out the tripwires. They came directly to the poison garden an threw their torches into the garden. We came out but those two were hidden and grasped Xian before I could do anything. Then they set the house on fire and pushed us out to the front of the house… I've never seen those men before. We've never seen them. What did they mean when they said you should think on your sins?"
"I've told you about the mark of Xuan, they were part of the Ghost Army. I'm sure those behind the mark want to send me a warning."
"Do you know the master is?"
"Apart from your father and my parents, the only other who knows of our connections is madam Luan."
"Madam Luan! But she's always been a great support to the emperor and empress. Why would she do this?" Xunan asked, shocked at Shuomo's revelation.
"I've managed to get someone inside and the goal seems to be to conquer Liang or part of Liang to increase the Beirong empire. This is getting dangerous and I need you to be safe. I'm sending you and Xian to Liang." Shuomo took Xunan's hands in his softly caressing them with his thumbs. Xunan looked up and slightly surprised asked: ""Why Liang?"
"Do you remember my friends when I visited the forbidden shrine last?" Xunan nodded. Shuomo fed her another bite and then continued: "They were actually the Prince and Princess Qi. I've been working with them to uncover the truth about the mark and prevent a war between Beirong and Liang. We can trust them and it will take you and Xian away and out of her reach. You'll be safer there."
"Alright, but I fear for my sister, we can't travel fast." Shuomo reassured Xunan as much as he could. Then they finished their dinner and took a stroll through the gardens. Despite everything that had happened and the looming war the two lovers managed to cherish and enjoy their rare evening alone…
Su folded the letter and looked up at Yan: "When do you expect them to arrive?"
"A week, a week and a half. I've sent our men in disguise to meet them and provide protection. With an injured person I estimate it will take ten days to reach the capital. We'll stay here a few days, so you can recover and then leave so we'll be home when the misses Yi arrive." At that moment the little baby woke up. Yan walked to the crib and carried his daughter to Su. "do you want me to call a maid?"
"No, she might be hungry, let me try to feed her first." Su held out her arms and with some shuffling and help from Yan managed to feed the little girl. As had been tradition in the Bai Liang Clan Su had declared she would feed her baby herself, so no wetnurse had been needed accordin to her. Smiling Yan cam e to sit next to Su and placed his arm around her shoulder. Content Su leaned her head against his shoulder and they both enjoyed this time for just the three of them.