73 The Path To Choose (1/2)
Before Governor Tao's death.
”When the boy wakes up, tell him to take my head to the Tuhan's, it'll ensure the citizen's survival. And if he thinks he's at fault, remind him that this was my choice. When one becomes a ruler over people, big or small, only they will understand what's best for his followers. All lives in this world have a purpose. And mine is to protect the people even if it cost me my life.”
Flashing a gentle smile at the man, Governor Tao directs his gaze toward the unconscious Rin lightly laid out on the floor.
”Serve the boy well, he's an interesting fellow.”
Wei Jingyi widens his eyes before lowering his gaze.
”Yes, Master Tao.”
”En, good.”
Following those words, and without hesitation, Governor Tao raises the sword toward his throat before ending his life.
…
Rin's eyes dulled, tears welling up in her eyes once more after hearing his words.
”A fool…” Rin's voice shook. ”Such a fool.”
His sacrifice, no one would thank him. No one would feel anything, as his or her only concerns would be on themselves. He was a fool!
”Princess, you must understand. Sir Tao, didn't do this to be thanked or to draw emotion out from the people. This was his path and he chose to serve it with honor.”
With pained filled crinkled eyes, Rin stares up at her former servant.
”What do you plan to do from now on?” He asked.
The girl remained silent for a few moments, her eyes slightly widening. Her complexion had lost its previous rosy glow and was now a sickly white, causing her to appear dainty.
Yet, despite her feeble appearance, the girl's eyes burned intensely with strong emotions.
Rin's lips pursed into a firm line and her brows crinkled. ”The path I choose…even if my uncles is a prosperous heavenly path, I will nevertheless serve it and take back my country. If I follow this path, will you still accompany me?”
Silence descended over the two. With Rin kneeling on the floor and Wei Jingyi looking down at her, neither of them said a word – their eyes boring into one another.
”If you're all right with someone frail and old like me, then I'll be willing to serve you on your path, young Master Bai Lan.”
Widening her eyes, Rin's lower lip quivered, however, her eyes remained firm and determined.
”Thank you. From here on, I will request for your aid in supporting my path.”
…
On a snowy cliff, ten miles from the province Guando, two men in shining armor mounted on horses gazed ahead.
The air, bitter and harsh blew soft winds, and drops of light snow fell from the pale sky.
”I have to admit, I'm shocked by how long they're holding up. They must really be desperate.” Manchu hopelessly sighed.
”Should we attack when the snow stops?”
”En.” An Sun, seated on a black gallant horse grunted, his mask covered eyes staring off in the distance.
”Well then, we should head back and drink more of that wine. I heard we got new packages for it and it's high quality from the Western Empire!” Manchu cheerfully drove his horse away from the mountain view.
”Manchu. Their captain…he's from the Bai family, correct?” An Sun's deep voice rumbled.
”Yes, I did say that as it was in his report.” Manchu arched his brow curiously.
An Sun's hidden eyes narrowed as he recalled the small figure on top of the hill watching him and his men from above.
Curling his lips into a mocking blood-thirst sneer, An Sun darkly chuckles. ”So that means out of ten years of fighting in battles, my opponent is a pampered little kid from a prominent military family?”
Manchu, noticing the man's irritation held back a snort.
”He did grow up in a military family, so he must have been trained quite a lot growing up. But I guess you're right. That doesn't change the fact that a kid younger than you by four years was able to win a victory against you.” Manchu's crystal blue eyes flickered with mischief.
Twitching his thick brows, from the corner of his eye, An Sun leers intently at Manchu who continued to smile at him ignorantly.
”Tsk. Let's go.” Disregarding Manchu's smiles, An Sun steers his horse away from the frosty cliff.
”Hey, wait up for me! Sheesh, you always leave without me…” Manchu mumbled as he follows the man away from the mountain's edge.
…