Prologue (1/2)

Prologue:

Xue Xi s.h.i.+ stood on the Watchtower of the Palace and stared at the blood-red sun that would set at any moment.

The Great Desert that separated the kingdoms of Xue Nong and Ming was waiting for the sun to become one with it. Xi s.h.i.+ had heard much about the kingdom of Ming.

But she had never thought that they would come to wage a battle against her own Kingdom.

The Ming’s Crown Prince Ren Yu himself was leading the Imperial Armies against the Xue Nong Kingdom’s Lord Xue Xi Hong. The Crown Prince has a great reputation as a fierce warrior and an invincible opponent, but they were all only legends as not many from the Xue Nong had seen his battle prowess with their own eyes.

But, if he had single-handedly driven Lord Xue Xi Hong himself to the battlefield, then there must be more to him than what the legends speak about him.

The war must almost be over, she thought. But she had trouble in determining who the winner would be.

Unlike her namesake, the Xi s.h.i.+ who was one of the Great Beauties of Ancient World, she was blessed with more brains than beauty. At least, she was not beautiful when compared to her father’s many wives.

The cool evening air that blew from the desert made the veil covering her face flutter.

She thought about her father, who must be fighting with all her brothers beside him. And also, General Chen He Sui and his only son, Chen He Shan must also be there with him.

Her heart tightened at the thought of Chen He Shan, surrounded by enemies. What scared her the most was not the possibility that he might die on the battlefield. The possibility that he might be crippled for the rest of his life scared her.

Please let him be safe, she prayed to the G.o.ds.