69 Been Played (1/2)

One month later...

In the past month, the entire land was wrapped in a white powder. The previous trees covered in rich green leaves were bare, small piles of snow snuggling in the trees cracks.

The air was crisp and frosty, the bitter winds fluttering with traces of snow inside their chilly gusts.

Inside a room in the governor's estate was the figure of a young boy.

His figure arched over his desk as his body was comfortably covered with a thick royal blue cloak.

The windows to the room were wide open, revealing the deep blue frosty sky.

”Cough! Cough!”

”Young Master, I think you should rest. You've been coughing a lot lately.”

Resting at her desk with a heap of papers in her white hands, was Rin. Her body gently clothed in a soft blue cloak.

Across from her, resting cozily in a soft silk pillow was Ju. Its eyes closed as it rested peacefully.

The incense burner on the side released traces of aromatic smoke until it descended within the room's air.

”I'm fine, it's just a minor cold.” Rin's emerald eyes calmly browsed the written words on the paper.

”If that's so, then I urge you to close the windows. Otherwise, it'll get worse.”

Sighing gently, Rin places the papers in her hands down to pick up a warm cup of tea in front of her.

”Has Governor Tao reported anything yet?”

Seeing as the girl was going to ignore his words, Xu Mujin sighs but continues to reply.

”Not as of yet. He's notified that young Master is to rest until anything happens.”

”All right.”

Quietly sipping her tea, Rin continues to read the official reports in her hands quietly.

A gentle gust of wind flows into the room through the window, fluttering the girl's tied up dark hair as she jotted down some minor notes.

The silent calm air was soon cut short by the sound of a servant's voice on the other side of the door.

”Master Bai, Governor Tao summoned you.”

Lowering the papers down onto the table, Rin stands up from her seat.

”Understood, thank you.”

Softly stroking the falcon's feathered head as it slept comfortably, Rin turns to leave to head to the governor – a few muffled coughs escaping her.

...

In the provincial office, Rin quietly sat down at the square wooden table – her small body leaning close toward the large stone brazier filled with burning charcoal.

Sitting comfortably across from her at the table was Governor Tao, who calmly poured himself tea into a miniature white cup before consuming its contents.

”It's been a month since the Tuhan's men have attacked, I'm sure that commander of theirs is planning something.” Governor Tao bitterly smiles while carefully pouring more tea into his cup.

”Cough! Cough...” Rin's white fists covered her mouth. ”Has Governor Tao looked into their commander?”

”En. Commander An Sun, an adopted son of the great An Clan. Although adopted, he's an exceptionally brave and capable young man. He won his first victory when he was nine-years-old. For the past ten years now, he's been fighting other clans around the Northern Empire and other areas, all which he has won.” Governor sighed gently.

”It seems we have severely underestimated Commander An Sun.”

Rin silently nodded her head in agreement. He was right, she had underestimated him.

It was unwise of her to think that way. But now that she understood his overpowering strength and aggressive tactics, she still couldn't help but find some of his recent moves unusual.

For the past month now, the Tuhan's hadn't made a move toward them. She reported for a few of her scouts to monitor their base, yet all that was stated was that they hadn't made a move.

Rin knew they had the advantage, their tactics were meticulously planned and they possessed higher military strength and troops.

So what exactly was the reason they were holding off?

Already guessing what the boy was thinking, Governor Tao sighs wearily.

”I realize we're slightly at a disadvantage. Even with the help of your grandfather's soldiers, we were still unable to strike them. It's a shame they had to leave so suddenly to head to the Eastern Empire.”

”Yes.” Rin lightly held her chin with her slender white fingers. ”What I don't understand sir, is why? The Tuhan's have stopped attacking, and my grandfather's army was sent to the Eastern Empire. Could they be connected somehow?”

Unless...

Rin's flashing eyes quickly enlarge with hysteria, her complexion paling.