c19 (2/2)

When she entered the room, Liu Bing Yi was getting ready to rise, dressing as he asked “Who was here so early?” Xu Ping Jun quickly got busy with ch.o.r.es again “Aunt Yu came to borrow a flame.”

From when the sunrise was a thin line until it was almost morning light, the horse hooves rushed forward. The wind gradually stopped and the sunlight was very lovely. But Yu An felt it was even colder than it was last night. Since she left last night, how could they catch up? And how could the Emperor not know this?

The trees rushed past them and soon they had pa.s.sed Lu Mountain already. The sun started to tilt towards the West but Liu Fu Ling continued to press his horse forward.

An old man carrying a bundle of wood on his back was slowly walking down the mountain. Because his ears weren’t so good, he didn’t hear the horse hooves and walked into the middle of the road. When Liu Fu Ling turned the corner and saw him, it was already almost too late. The old man was rooted in place in shock.

Thank G.o.d Liu Fu Ling was riding a Blood Sweat Horse and at the very last second heeded Liu Fu Ling’s command and halted. Yu An jumped off his horse and pulled the old man aside. The old man was not harmed but his bundle of wood was scattered everywhere. The old man felt his legs weakened but he went to collect the wood anyways.

Liu Fu Ling got off the horse to help the man collect the wood, but he had never done any physical labor before so he had no idea how bundle the wood together properly. The old man glared at Liu Fu Ling “Can tell you don’t do hard work so stop adding more work for me.”

Liu Fu Ling awkwardly stopped and then looked at Yu An, who bowed and whispered “My master didn’t teach me this, so I don’t know how either.”

The two of them could only stand to the side watching an old decrepit man hard at work. They could only bring the wood that had fallen farther away over to him. To lessen the awkwardness, Yu An tried to talk with the old man “Old sir, why are out gathering wood at your age? Don’t you have filial sons and daughters?”

The old man humphed “The full Han Emperor knows not the suffering of his hungry Han citizens! Can I stop paying taxes? Will you take care of me? With a son who does nothing all day long, of course the parents have to keep working. We keep working until the day we can’t move anymore, and hope that the Heavens will take us earlier rather than later.”

In the Palace, Yu An’s position of power is below only one person, and above thousands. Even Huo Guang is polite to Yu An. Yet today Yu An has been berated by a old farmer so shockingly that it left him speechless.

When the old man finished gathering his wood, Yu An took out some money for him as an apology for frightening him. The old man didn’t take all the money, only a few pennies, and even then he looked a bit awkward about it “To buy some sweets for my grandchildren.” He then bowed and turned to leave “You guys don’t seem like bad people. Next time pay more attention to the road when riding your horses.”

Yu An has seen enough greedy grasping people, already wealthy beyond belief and still wanting more money or power. Today a poor old farmer was faced with money and only took a little of what he wanted to make his grandkids happy. Yu An stood there in shock, staring at the figure of the old farmer as he walked away.

After some time, Yu An asked “Your majesty, shall we continue to chase?” Liu Fu Ling stared at the old man’s departing figure and he silently shook his head. He got back on the horse and turned towards the direction of Lu Mountain.

Yun Ge, no matter how much I want to, in the end I cannot throw everything aside and selfishly follow you. I have my people, I have my responsibility.

Yu An breathed a sigh of relief “Don’t worry Your majesty, I will order people to chase her. No matter how fast Ms. Yun Ge is, she can’t be faster than the dynastic gate posts set up on the way to Xi Yu.”

………………………………………

Meng Jue tried to push down all the noise in his mind and heart. He sought an audience with Liu Fu Ling first thing in the morning, wanting to finish this important matter so he could quickly rush to find Yun Ge. He didn’t know how Yun Ge knew about him and Huo Cheng Jun, but based on Yun Ge’s reaction, she must somehow have found out. This is the only thing that could make her so decisively cold towards him.

From dawn until noon, from noon until afternoon. He waited and waited, and Meng Jue couldn’t help but feel annoyed. But the other person is the Emperor, and Meng Jue is the one seeking his help. He had no choice but to wait.

Liu Fu Ling finally appeared around dinner time, looking exhausted and saddened, making him seem quite shaken. The moment he walked in, he didn’t even wait for Meng Jue to kneel before saying “I was delayed by something important.” Despite his casual explanation, it was clear Liu Fu Ling’s words were sincere, and Meng Jue’s annoyance went away some.

He bowed and smiled “When I arrived, I was already told I would not see you until evening time, so I didn’t wait longer than I was told.” Liu Fu Ling lightly nodded his head for Meng Jue to sit and cut to the chase “What is there that Huo Guang can’t give you? What do you want from me?”

Meng Jue startled and then smiled “I am asking Your majesty to protect my worthless life.”

“What crime is Huo Guang planning to saddle you with?”

Meng Jue replied “Treason. Huo Guang has evidence that I a.s.sociated with the Infante of Yen and Shang Guan Jie.”

Liu Fu Ling stared at Meng Jue and calmly asked “What’s wrong with Huo Cheng Jun? I’ve heard she’s quite pretty and Huo Guang favors her greatly. I’m sure her personality is unique enough.”

Meng Jue smiled “I don’t claim to be a virtuous person, and I admit I am seeking power. But even with the prospect of power, I will not be forced into something. If I want something, I will achieve it myself.” Liu Fu Ling asked “Since you came to see me, you must already have a plan then.”

“Yes. If Lord Huo wants to nominate me for an official position, will Your majesty appoint me the position of Sir Dong Lian.” Liu Fu Ling thought about it and stood up “I grant your request. If you need anything but can’t come see him, you can find Yu An.” Meng Jue walked Liu Fu Ling out “Thank you, Your majesty, for this trust in me.”

Yu An walked behind Liu Fu Ling and finally couldn’t hold it in any longer “Your majesty, I’m stupid so can I ask what is going on? Huo Guang is cautious and until he completely trusts Meng Jue, he won’t give him an important position. But it would definitely still be a position more powerful than Sir Dong Lian. In our dynasty, the official positions were created by the first Emperor, and in the first hundred official positions created, it didn’t include the position of Sir Dong Lian. This position was created only recently by the last Emperor and hasn’t even been listed in the official registers of ranking. The position Meng Jue is asking for appears to be one that no one seeking power would aspire to. Can Your majesty trust him?’

Liu Fu Ling explained “One: Sir Dong Lian may be a lowly ranked position, but it was created by my father as a guardian of the interests of the common people. It is a position with one purpose “Outside of the official one hundred, within the hearts of the people, enforcing laws, punis.h.i.+ng violations, overseeing all of the court officials, listening to all the grievances of the people.” Meng Jue wants this position because of this very purpose. With it, it will be hard for Huo Guang to deal with him later on. Two: right now all positions in Chang An pa.s.s through Huo Guang’s hands. If its an important position, Huo Guang won’t agree readily. Meng Jue knows the situation well in Chang An and in asking this of me, he’s not putting me in a difficult position.”

Yu An thought about it and suddenly was overjoyed “No wonder Huo Guang wants Meng Jue so much, and if he can’t get Meng Jue on his side, he’ll destroy Meng Jue rather than risk him becoming an opponent. Congratulations to Your majesty for getting such talent on your side!” Yu An went off to prepare dinner.

Despite having no appet.i.te, he didn’t eat all day and needed to stay up late to go through official doc.u.ments. Liu Fu Ling intended to force himself to eat, but when he saw the dishes brought out, he thought about the person cooking for him at the Princess’s Estate. He thought about solving the riddles and how happy he felt to feel this kindred understanding with the chef. His heart sank and he couldn’t bring himself to eat a bite. He quickly got up and went to his study.

It was past 2 am by the time Liu Fu Ling finished his work. Yu An carried a lantern and accompanied Liu Fu Ling back to his sleeping residence.

When they stepped outside, it was a night full of stars. Perhaps it was the wild winds from last night, so tonight there wasn’t even a cloud in the sky and the stars s.h.i.+ned clearly.

The sky was as brilliant as blue black crystals, with each star extra visible. Liu Fu Ling halted in his steps and craned his head to look towards the sky. Yu An silently sighed. As usual, he quietly stepped back and blended in the darkness, leaving Liu Fu Ling s.p.a.ce and time that genuinely belonged to himself.

After some time, Yu An came back wanting to encourage Liu Fu Ling to continue to bed, but he heard Liu Fu Ling appear to be talking to himself. After he listened carefully, he realized that Liu Fu Ling was reciting a poem, and it was the same phrases “Traveling to traveling, a parting with a gentleman. The parting is thousands of miles, each at a corner of this world. The road block is long, unknown when to meet again………….. The days parted is growing longer, the clothing grows shorter…………..The floating clouds cover the sky, a traveler does not return…………Missing you spurs on aging, time waits for no one.”

Yu An purposely made his footsteps heavy and the voice immediately stopped. Liu Fu Ling turned and walked towards his residence. The little eunuch lit the way ahead while Yu An followed behind. “Your majesty, I have ordered people to check the roads and toll gates from Chang An to Xi Yu.” Liu Fu Ling lightly nodded and said “Please be careful.”

“Your servant I understand. And……your servant I am useless. That a.s.sa.s.sin we captured is heavily injured and lays in a high fever and unconscious. We have not been able to interrogate her. From her body we only found some empty pouches and no clue to her ident.i.ty. I am worried the a.s.sa.s.sin won’t survive the next few days, and then all clues will die off………..”

Liu Fu Ling calmly said “It’s doesn’t matter. There is only someone who can track my movement in such a short time and send a.s.sa.s.sins. And that attempt didn’t appear to be trying to kill me. At this point, he won’t try anything rashly. Yesterday’s attempt might have been a testing of the waters. Yu An, you may need to protect me, but right now you need to be more careful about your own safety. If someone wanted to control a flying bird, the first thing he needs to do is pluck the feathers off the birds wing so the bird cannot fly. To me, you are more important than flying is to a bird.”

Yu An stumbled and croaked out “Your majesty need not worry, I will forever serve Your majesty. I plan to serve your sons and grandsons, and train great servants for them as well…….”

Liu Fu Ling’s expression shuttered and Yu An realized immediately he said something wrong and shut right up. After they turned the corner, a few night s.h.i.+ft eunuchs were chatting under the awning. Liu Fu Ling heard a few scatterred sentences “………So funny………eyes hurt……all thought it was poison………just some harmless spices…………..” The voices were low and punctuated with laughter.

A thought flashed through Liu Fu Ling’s mind. His entire body stiffened. Years ago, Yun Ge tossed spices into the eyes of those soldiers. Yesterday’s spicy sensation was smoke that wasn’t poisonous. And that young woman said Yun Ge left Chang An last night………yesterday night?

Thoughts about the past and present swirled in his mind. Yu An thought the Emperor was upset at the eunuchs joking and immediately kneeled down “Your majesty, your servant I failed to train them properly…….”

Liu Fu Ling cut him off “Yu An, yesterday’s spicy smoke was just spices?” Yu An hesitated and had the eunuch Qi Xi called over to answer. The eunuch who arrived was there last night chasing Meng Jue and Yun Ge “Your majesty, because there was a fire afterwards, we don’t have any residue to investigate. So we can’t be certain what the smoke was last night. But the smoke that came later was indeed poison, and very powerful poison concocted by a master.”

Liu Fu Ling asked “What did you guys mean about the spices then?” “Your majesty, an a.s.sa.s.sin tossed some spices at us and hollered that it was poison. So we are all jokingly suspecting that the first spicy smoke was likely made from spices as well.”

Liu Fu Ling’s body teetered and he had to hold on to the railing for support. His low voice was filled with despair “The a.s.sa.s.sin who tossed spices at you……has she……..has she been killed?”

Based on the Emperor’s reaction, Yu An immediately realized what had happened. His face turned ashen and he kicked Qi Xi down “Why didn’t you tell me these things!” Qi Xi was in pain and nervous “I didn’t think it was anything important. All the a.s.sa.s.sins were wrapped snuggly from head to toe, it was pitch dark and there was smoke everywhere and we were tearing up from the smoke. We couldn’t tell who was who, so we didn’t know who threw the spices at us.”

Yu An hollered “Get out of here!” He then took out a few embroidered pouches and handed it to Liu Fu Ling, explaining with a shaky voice “Your….Your majesty. I heard from the interrogators that the a.s.sa.s.sin in the jail cell is…..a girl. Your servant I am such a fool. When I saw the embroidered pouches I never even considered that possibility. It really was a stretch to connect Ms. Yun Ge with the a.s.sa.s.sin. But…..your servant I am a such a fool!” Yu An slapped himself on both cheeks “Your majesty, Ms. Yun Ge is likely in the jail cell right now.”

Liu Fu Ling reached for the embroidered pouches. He saw one was embroidered with white clouds and his heart shrank into a knot. He put a pouch under his nose and smelled the scent of cooking spices. How many girls would put cooking spices instead of perfumed flowers in their embroidered pouches? He tightly grasped the pouches and said with a scratchy voice “What are you waiting for?”

Yu An stopped hesitating and immediately started running as he led the way. To prevent prisoners from escaping, the stairs leading down to the prison are very narrow and steep. It was hidden deep inside the ground, never seeing any sunlight or ventilation. The damp prison quarters smelled sour and foul.

Every step Liu Fu Ling took, his heart shrank another circle.

Yun Ge, Yun Ge, I was the one who caused you to be imprisoned in a place like this? I was the one who caused you to be gravely injured?

From last night until now, for an entire day, I’ve left you here to await death?

Liu Fu Ling……just what have you done?

Yu An’s voice was as tiny as a mosquito “Because we want to interrogate her, a doctor has tended to her injury. She’s been kept in the best prison cell, and given a mattress……….” Yu An could no longer explain when he saw what the “best prison cell” looked like. He immediately shut up.

A coa.r.s.e blanket was wrapped around a completely lifeless girl. Her hair was scattered around her in the mud. Her face was completely white, so white that even her lips didn’t appear to have a drop of blood.

Liu Fu Ling kneeled down next to her as his cold hand caressed her cheek.

It was burning hot…..not…..not icy cold……..

Thank G.o.d it was not icy cold………but why was it so burning hot?

Yun Ge? Yun Ge?

He touched her neck but could not find the hair rope. But the whistle around her neck was the same one he always remembered.

Liu Fu Ling trembled and he tenderly and gingerly cradled Yun Ge in his embrace, just like when they were kids.

One of Yun Ge’s shoes was completely soaked through with blood, and the other shoe was missing, leaving only an exposed foot covered in mud.

Liu Fu Ling used his sleeve to wipe, but he could not wipe clean the blood and dirt from her foot.

On the back of a Sky Mountain snow camel, a little girl’s smile was as brilliant as a flower.

Her white exposed foot was half dangling out of a pearl embroidered shoe as it swayed under the hem of her green woven skirt.

His hand holding the whistle clenched into a tight fist. He used such strength that the whistle dug into the palm of his hand, drawing blood.

Yun Ge! Yun Ge!

Nine years later, how can it be that this is how we are reunited!

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