Chapter 12 (1/2)

This is the chapter everyone has been waiting for up till now. And no, I don’t mean Xiao Yao gets to make out with the hottie dudes who clearly love her. That may or may not come later, but in chapter 12 of Lost You Forever, Xiao Yao finally gets her real face back and we all get our first glimpse of our darling leading lady being actually, well, a lady. My guess is any drama adaptation of LYF will have the actress playing Xiao Yao also play Xiao Liu in drag and just expect that the audience will take it with a grain of salt anyone thinks she looks like a real man. We’ll cross that bridge when we get there, but I for one am thrilled to finally meet Xiao Yao. She does change once she returns to being a girl since she can’t get away with all the cra.s.s things she does as a guy, but deep down inside she’s still the whatever goes hilarious person we’ve all grown to love. Her return to being a Princess isn’t without its b.u.mps and bruises, and being a Princess again means dealing first and foremost with Ah Nian. I do like that brat, and so does Xiao Yao, but Ah Nian’s gotta grow up sometime and if she doesn’t get over her insecurity and ent.i.tlement complex then she really doesn’t deserve to be adored by everyone in her life. The last chapter was an interesting detour to Little Zhu Rong’s Autumn Tournament and the introduction of new characters, but the action moves back to Gao Xing and we also take a trip to Jade Mountain. The famous Jade Mountain is a holy place that contains all the mysticism and spiritual magic that the G.o.ds are imbued with. It is guarded by the Royal Mother, a position much like the Pope and is pa.s.sed on when one Royal Mother dies and another is chosen to take her place and guard the holy lands with all its mystical powers and enchantments. Like the Vatican, it’s an austere place that no child could possible enjoy, much less one as headstrong and rambunctious as Xiao Yao, so it’s no wonder she ran away. But it’s back to Jade Mountain she goes to start her life again right and proper.

Chapter 12 – A Beauty, At the Edge of the Water:

Today Little Zhu Rong organized a banquet to reward all the victors. Ru So got dressed bright and early and left with his servants. Xiao Liu lazed in bed but was dragged up by Zhuan Xu and Ah Nian to go and check out the festivities.

Zhuan Xu said to Xiao Liu “The last day is actually the most fun at the Autumn Tournament. Before people are nervous before the matches but now the tournament is over and tomorrow everyone is headed home so this is the best time to drink and carouse.”

Arriving at the edge of Chi Sui river, Xiao Liu confirmed Zhuan Xu was right. The river’s edge was blanketed by a lush growth of green gra.s.s and the entire length was set up as a banquet. A lamb was roasting, jugs of wine were being drank, people were already drunk and it wasn’t even afternoon yet. Some were diving into the river, others singing, folks were wresting, gambling was off to the side, and a crowd of people were circled together dancing to song.

The step dance was a celebration of the harvest, for farmers to gather and sing praise to the bounty accompanied by clapping and rhythmic stepping. Xiao Liu and Zhuan Xu walked over with Ah Nian in tow and was surprised to see Sheng Nong Xing Yue leading the girls dancing in the center. She had her hair in two braids wearing a narrow sleeved robe and was dancing hand in hand with other girls.

When Xing Yue saw Zhuan Xu, her eyes twinkled and she flashed him a challenging stare. Someone pushed Zhuan Xu into the dancing group of men, and unlike other n.o.ble scions he spent years living with commoners so he knew how to step dance. Zhuan Xu smiled and naturally danced and sang to the music, his voice and form strong and elegant.

Whether it was being pushed by others or the two of them were interested in each other, Zhuan Xu and Xing Yue gradually started dancing across from each other and became the center of the circle.

Xiao Liu was getting into watching it when Ah Nian stormed off and she rushed after her. Ah Nian rushed to the river’s edge “Shameless! She’s so shameless!”

Xiao Liu said “Sheng Nong tribe may be royalty in the Middle Plains, but now they are all part of the Xuan Yuan Kingdom. The Xuan Yuan tradition is to be pa.s.sionate and wild, and Xing Yue grew up in Xuan Yuan Castle for many years where men and women step dancing together is very common.”

Ah Nian turned around abruptly and was about to say something when Zhuan Xu ran over. Ah Nian’s anger faded a bit “Gege seemed to be having a lot of fun. Why stop now?”

Zhuan Xu smiled easily “No matter how fun, nothing is more important than my little sister’s safety.”

Ah Nian smiled while Zhuan Xu admonished Xiao Liu “There are a lot of people here, don’t run off.”

Xiao Liu nodded – she and Ah Nian were definitely the least safe combo. Ah Nian was a trouble magnet and Xiao Liu had zero faith she could protect both of them.

They three went to buy roasted venison and was in the middle of eating when Xing Yue brought a young man over. He looked a lot like her, but the similar features were different enough to lend a very different impression. Xing Yue was spirited and saucy, the young man was reserved and mature. Zhuan Xu smiled and said to Xiao Liu and Ah Nian “This is Chi Sui Feng Long, Xing Yue’s twin older brother.”

Ah Nian realized his powerful background so smiled and curtsied politely. Chi Sui Feng Long noticed her perfect manners and knew she didn’t grow up in an ordinary family so was equally polite back.

Xiao Liu had a mouth stuffed full of venison and was grabbing more with her oily hands so waved casually, leaving both Ah Nian and Xing Yue to glare at her. One blamed her for not giving Zhuan Xu gege face, the other for not being polite to her Feng Long gege.

Feng Long said to Zhuan Xu “Do you guys know Tu Shan Jing?”

Zhuan Xu breezily said “Of course we’ve heard the famous name of the Young Master of Qing Qiu.”

Feng Long explained “My grandfather sent me to study with Jing at Qing Qiu so we learned together and are good friends. Jing can be considered both my master and my bosom buddy.”

Xiao Liu now connected that the man she saw on the boat with Jing a few days ago must’ve been Feng Long.

Xing Yue added “Yi Yang is also my good friend. Before she got engaged, I traveled with her even. Jing gege and Yi Yang jiejie are good friends to both my Gege and me. So much has happened these past years so it’s really precious that they have reunited. We want to throw a party to celebrate for them.”

Feng Long explained “Not just to celebrate only, I also wanted to express how happy I am to see Jing again.” Xing Yue explained “Tonight our dad Little Zhu Rong is throwing a huge farewell banquet while we two are having a party for Jing and Yi Yang on our s.h.i.+p.”

Feng Long said “We are inviting our close friends only and Yi Yang suggested extending the invitation to you guys. We would be very happy if you can join us, and our friends would like meeting you all.”

Xiao Liu looked at Feng Long and could see the invitation was clearly Feng Long indicating he wanted to bring Zhuan Xu into the group. Looks like Zhuan Xu didn’t waste his recuperating stay at the Chi Sui residence.

Zhuan Xu understood as well “Thank you and we would be delighted.” Feng Long and Xing Yue took their leave to prepare for the party. Zhuan Xu and Ah Nian bid them farewell, and Feng Long glanced back at Ah Nian again before leaving with his sister.

Ah Nian sat down and glared at Xiao Liu “Look at you! It’s like you’ve never eaten venison before in your life.”

Xiao Liu said to Zhuan Xu “You guys go, I’m going back to sleep.”

Zhuan Xu cut a piece of meat and said very casually “I would rather that you go and see for yourself.”

Xiao Liu laughed and stole the cut piece from him and shoved it in her mouth “I am fully aware. Don’t worry, nothing will happen that you are worried about.”

Ah Nian looked at Xiao Liu and then Zhuan Xu “What are you two talking about?”

Zhuan Xu said to Ah Nian “We’re talking about how all men are glib-tongued flirts and not to get tricked by them.”

Ah Nian rolled her eyes and then asked Zhuan Xu “Does that include you?”

Zhuan Xu smiled “Me too!”

Zhuan Xu pulled Xiao Liu up “Let’s go over there to see.”

When the sun was setting, Zhuan Xu had to take Ah Nian to the party and wanted to find Ru So to escort Xiao Liu back but she said in annoyance “Do you think I’m a hothouse flower? I need to be carried everywhere? Without Ah Nian around I can go anywhere so you guys be off and I’ll make my way back.”

Zhuan Xu rapped her on the head “Don’t go back too late.”

It got rowdier and rowdier the later it got and Xiao Liu drank and made merry with the crowds. But she felt like she was wearing a mask, the exterior being happy while the interior watched dispa.s.sionately. But there was no one around her so who was she acting for?

Xiao Liu laughed – it’s really quite hard to fool oneself.

Fireworks suddenly hit up over the Chi Sui river and Xiao Liu squeezed to the edge to watch. Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple……all sorts of colors were rising from the sky from a s.h.i.+p. It illuminated two people standing at the bow of the s.h.i.+p very clearly. The man was wearing a blue robe, standing still and calm, like a bamboo in a forest. The woman was tall and wearing a red robe and appeared to be drunk. She looked up at the fireworks and teetered a few steps and almost tripped. The man reached out to stead her and she curled into his body like a beautiful vine flower.

The s.h.i.+p gradually moved off into the distance along with the fireworks so the spectators all dispersed. Xiao Liu remained at the river’s edge staring at the darkened river. It was strange, Yi Yang was not the most beautiful woman Xiao Liu had ever seen, but under the fireworks and the way she almost fell and then leaned into Jing, there was a woman’s elegance and beauty that struck Xiao Liu deeply. It made Xiao Liu, who had been living as a man for two hundred years, feel ashamed and envious.

It was deep into the night when Xiao Liu returned to the residence. When she walked in, Zhuan Xu was sitting under a lamp light reading a book and waiting for her. He patted the seat next to him “Where did you go?”

Xiao Liu smiled “I suddenly want to find a beautiful skirt to wear.”

Zhuan Xu said “Our grandmother is the most revered seamstress G.o.ddess in the entire world. All the most talented seamstresses and artisans have come from her disciples. I’ll have people make you countless beautiful skirts.”

Xiao Liu softly said “But I’m afraid that I won’t be used to it since it’s been so long since I wore a skirt.”

Zhuan Xu stared “What are you scared of?”

“I’m afraid of disappointing you guys. And with your disappointment in me, I’ll be disappointed in you.”

“Who are the you guys? Me and Master? We will never be disappointed in you. If it includes other men….Xiao Liu…..” Zhuan Xu’s hand was on Xiao Liu’s shoulder “Don’t give yourself hope, then you won’t be disappointed.”

Xiao Liu burst out laughing “I thought you have a better tactic up your sleeve.”

Zhuan Xu patted her “Stop over thinking it, get a good rest and when we get back to Gao Xing, Master has a surprise for you.”

Xiao Liu nodded.

Zhuan Xu walked out of her room and lightly closed the door.

The next day as they were departing for Gao Xing, Xing Yue and Feng Long surprisingly came to send them off, a clear sign of how their group had accepted Zhuan Xu. Ah Nian was happy and annoyed but Xiao Liu was just happy. No matter what, Zhuan Xu accomplished what he set out to do when he came to the Autumn Tournament.

Before the s.h.i.+p departed, a servant rushed up and bowed to Zhuan Xu before handing over a big basket “My lord bade me to give this as a parting gift for your journey home. If you visit Qing Qiu in the future, please contact the Tu Shan clan.”

Zhuan Xu accepted the gift “Please thank your master for me.”

Feng Long laughed “It’s a surprise to see you hit it off with Jing. That’s great!”

The two men bid farewell and the s.h.i.+p slowly pulled away from the dock. Gradually land became further and further away, but Xing Yue remained standing by the dock.

Ah Nian scrunched up her nose and humphed before turning to Zhuan Xu “That Young Master of Qing Qiu seems rather aloof but he’s really warm to Gege. Last night when some other rich sons were purposely being rude to Gege, both Feng Long and Jing helped Gege.” Ah Nian understood that in such a setting, if one made a wrong first impression then it would be very difficult later to be accepted into the group.

Zhuan Xu couldn’t see the dock anymore and then turned to look for Xiao Liu who had already found a place under the sun and away from the wind to rest. Zhuan Xu pulled Ah Nian over to sit down and Ah Nian pulled the hat off Xiao Liu “You really are whatever no matter where you are.”

Zhuan Xu opened the large basket sent by Jing and inside was all sorts of snacks and four jugs of wine. Ah Nian laughed “This appears to be perfectly tailored for Xiao Liu that lazy cat.”

Xiao Liu lazily propped herself up “Give me a duck neck.”

Zhuan Xu put the plate of duck neck where Xiao Liu could reach it and she grabbed one and munched. It tasted just like the flavor in Qing Shui Town, exactly the way Lao Mu made it. Xiao Liu picked up a jug of wine and tried it to discover it was her favorite plum wine from before. Xiao Liu sighed, unsure of whether her sigh was meant for herself or for Jing.

The trip home was very enjoyable, sleeping soundly at night, snacking during the day and playing dice and sunning under the sky. In what felt like no time at all, they were back at Five G.o.ds Mountain.

Ru So took everyone to report to the Grand Emperor but Ah Nian went to see her mom. Zhuan Xu and Xiao Liu went back to Hua Yin Court.

It was already quite cool in the Middle Plains but here in Gao Xing it was still warm as to be muggy. After Zhuan Xu and Xiao Liu washed up, they changed into cool Summer robes and sat in the courtyard catching a breeze. Xiao Liu laid on the pallet and chatted with Zhuan Xu until she fell asleep.

When she woke up, she heard voices talking. She opened her eyes and saw her dad and Zhuan Xu, and then two other people as well. She quickly sat up and saw that the two others were strangers. One was a young man wearing all black, very handsome with a pair of beautiful fox eyes that ought to have been rather seductive but on him looked very refined. The other was a young man all in white who wasn’t fully adult yet in height, his features delicate with a pair of green eyes that were filled with anger.

Xiao Liu’s heart was thundering and she was too scared to say anything. She nervously looked towards the Grand Emperor.

Before the Grand Emperor could say anything, the white robed young man transformed into a white swallow and rushed towards Xiao Liu, viciously pecking her on the head. She clutched her head and tried to run and ended up running into the Grand Emperor’s arms “Daddy, save me.”

The Grand Emperor stopped the swallow and said “Lie Yang, that’s enough.”

Lie Yang stopped and flew to the shoulder of the man in black who looked at Xiao Liu with tears in his eyes. Xiao Liu leaned on the Grand Emperor and asked “Are you Ah Bi?”

The man nodded and transformed into his original form that was a winged fox. Xiao Liu knew the demons who achieved human form were very reluctant to transform into their true form in front of people. But Ah Bi willingly transformed back to his true form so that Xiao Liu wouldn’t feel distant.

Xiao Liu kneeled down wrapped her arms around Ah Bi’s neck “Sorry I worried you guys.”

Ah Bi said “We’re the ones who didn’t take good care of you. All that matters is that you’re back safe and sound.” Ah Bi’s voice was famous within the fox clans for being so melodious because it was low with a soothing timbre.

Xiao Liu remembered that he was now a man so felt embarra.s.sed and let Ah Bi go.

Ah Bi and Lie Yang both felt a twinge of deep sorrow – Xiao Yao was the extension of Ah Heng’s life, but she was still not her mother.

Ah Bi said to Xiao Liu “The Grand Emperor told the Royal Mother about your situation. You have a magical spiritual object called the Face Forming Flower in your body. That is an object that was created through tens of thousands of years of power acc.u.mulated in the peach blossom forest of Jade Mountain. It allows a person to forever be beautiful, but it can also be used for transformation.”

Xiao Liu quickly asked “Can the Royal Mother remove the Face Forming Flower for me?”

Ah Bi shook his head “She cannot remove it but she can help you find your true face.”

Xiao Liu sucked in her breath for a moment and then turned and burst into tears in her dad’s shoulder. After a few moments she wiped her tears away and turned to Ah Bi “Are we headed to Jade Mountain to see the Royal Mother then?”

“Yes.”

Xiao Liu said to the Grand Emperor “I want to go immediately.”

He nodded “Let Zhuan Xu go with you. When you come back I will make an official proclamation to the world that the Eldest Princess of Gao Xing has safely returned.”

Xiao Liu nodded.

Ah Bi said “I’ll take you and Lie Yang can take Zhuan Xu.”

Lie Yang’s body grew larger and Zhuan Xu bowed respectfully “If you please” before vaulting on his back. Ah Bi and Lie Yang rose to the sky at the same time and flew towards Jade Mountain.

Arriving at Jade Mountain, Xiao Liu was very nervous but she found it exactly as she left it. She couldn’t help but smile and all her nervousness dissipated. Jade Mountain was remote from the entire world and time appeared to be stopped there. It was covered in miles and miles of peach blossom forests. The dawn and dusk shone brightly to create an enchanting view, but it was the same view day after day, year after year. Even the temperature remained constant in the last thousands and tens of thousands of years.

They walked through the peach blossom corridors quietly because the Royal Mother didn’t like noise. There were few maids and none looked at them strangely, only giving a curtsy before departing, leaving only reverberating silence.

Xiao Liu couldn’t help but want to create noise and said “Gege, do you see? If I could choose again, I would still choose to run away from here. I would rather wander the world alone in conflict rather than living a peaceful life resembling death.”

Zhuan Xu said in a low voice “Don’t talk nonsense.”

The Royal Mother was standing by the edge of the pool with the thousands of miles of peach blossoms behind her and a valley before her. She turned and saw Zhuan Xu and Xiao Liu, and her face was weathered and her eyes filled with desolation as if to cause the entire mountain to wither in one glance.

Zhuan Xu and Xiao Liu walked up to her and Xiao Liu felt her heart ache and knelt down. Zhuan Xu knelt down with her.

The Royal Mother coldly said “You can get up.”

Xiao Liu and Zhuan Xu bowed a few times before getting up.

The Royal Mother grabbed Xiao Liu’s arm and examined her body. She let go and said coolly “If you stay in Jade Mountain, I might be able to help you regain your lost powers. My remaining life span is at most one to two hundred years. If you want, you can be the next Royal Mother and control Jade Mountain.”

Perhaps controlling Jade Mountain was the greatest dream of many people in the vast wilderness, but Xiao Liu knew exactly what being chained to this mountain was like. She didn’t hesitate and said “I would rather remain this way. Knowing what tomorrow will bring but not knowing what next year will bring. Not too exciting, not too boring.”

The Royal Mother merely nodded her head but her expression never changed, as if nothing in the world or time could ever affect her. A peach blossom branch grew her the tip of her finger and she used it to touch Xiao Liu’s forehead. A bright red peach blossom birthmark appeared in the middle of her forehead.

Xiao Liu asked “The Face Forming Flower is a magical object from Jade Mountain, why can’t you take it out?”

The Royal Mother said coldly “There is much in this world I cannot do.”

Xiao Liu asked “Who put this magical object in my body? Wasn’t it you?”

The Royal Mother replied “Who put it in you doesn’t matter. You need only care that I can help you now. Your body may be unique but your powers are weak now so in the future you will need this to keep your face from aging faster than the other G.o.ddesses. The Face Forming Flower remaining in your body won’t have any harm.”

Xiao Liu asked “When can I regain my true form?”

The Royal Mother said “Take off your clothes and jump into the pool.”

Xiao Liu glanced at Zhuan Xu who bowed to the Royal Mother before retreating along with Lie Yang and Ah Bi into the dense forest.

Xiao Liu took off her clothes and jumped into the pool naked as if to await a rebirth.

The Royal Mother started chanting as her hands made a seal. The pool started rippling and thousands of peach blossoms flew towards the pool, dancing in the air and creating a giant blanket that covered the entire pool.

Gradually the peach blossom blanket shrank and shrank until finally it became one peach blossom waiting to bloom.

The ripples in the pool ceased and the one peach blossom rose to the surface, its peach petals ringed by verdant green leaves wrapping it snugly. The Royal Mother touched the blossom and it opened to reveal a naked girl curled into a ball like a baby. She was sleeping in the middle, her black hair spread over her dewy white skin, making her seem even more fresh than the just bloomed flower.

The Royal Mother called “Xiao Yao, it’s time to wake up.”

Xiao Yao opened her eyes and slowly sat up. She looked down and wondered if this was herself? She touched her face, is this really me? She leaned over to look at her reflection in the pool but the water was rippling so she couldn’t see.