238 One Night Together (1/2)

Rin sighed. ”An Sun and I are going to Shaoshu. It will only take a day or two.”

”In that case, take me with you instead.” Bai Han frowned.

She shook her head. ”No. You need to stay here and help with the Bai troops.”

”Pah! Your uncle and Jin Yue can take care of that.” Bai Han clicked his tongue and glanced at the man behind him.

General Guo did not answer and only turned back to his work.

”Grandfather…” Rin closed her eyes tiredly. She stood up from her seat and looked down at him. ”Right now, lives are in danger. We need everyone to partake in their roles as quickly as possible. Including me.”

Bai Han pursed his lips and did not speak. Rin sighed and turned to her uncle.

”I've already informed the emperor of our leave. We'll be back tomorrow near dusk.” She said.

General Guo nodded. ”We'll take care of everything here until you return.”

She smiled. ”Thank you.”

Glancing one last time at her grandfather, Rin left the room. Watching the girl leave, General Guo shifted his gaze to Bai Han. The old man was sitting back in his seat, arms crossed with a frown warping his face.

”She's grown a lot. Makes one proud doesn't it?” General Guo commented. His eyes faced away from the old man.

From the corner of his vision, he could see Bai Han stiffen. When the old man tried to speak, he found he could not. His cheeks were flushed with shame, and the skin beneath his eyes were weary.

Meanwhile, just a few steps away from the room, Rin heard the rush of footsteps behind her. Strong arms pulled her forward. Before she could come to her senses, a voice breathed against her ear, a beard tickling her face.

”Be safe kiddo,” Bai Han whispered.

Blinking her jeweled eyes, the edges of Rin's lips curled into a soft smile. She made a gentle hum of agreement and patted her grandfather's back.

”I will.”

…

They left that morning; there was no more reason to stay. Ever dutiful to custom, Emperor Guan Hong came to bid them farewell. The sun slid lower in the sky, and they drew close to the dark shadow of land where they made it to the province, Shaoshu.

As they arrived, the two were surprised by what they saw. Embedded deep within the province wall was wooden spikes. At the top, two men stood, weapons in their hands.

”Hey! Who goes there? State your purpose!” One of the men shouted.

”We're from the Western capital.” An Sun said up to them.

Although unsure of what the two men were thinking, they could see both grew quiet, a complicated expression on both their faces.

”Do you have proof?” The same man asked.

Reaching for the scroll on her side, Rin held it up for them to see.

It was at that they froze and glanced at one another.

”One moment,” The man said before they both disappeared. Perhaps to inform the governor.

Only a few minutes passed before the wooden gates slowly opened. Rin looked at An Sun and drew in a breath. Just from their attitude toward them alone, they could feel the tension. But they were prepared.

Entering the province, the front was thick with people, jostling impatiently, craning their necks towards them. Many of which bore spiteful looks. She could hear their whispers and gasps as they looked at her. Her eyes. They were like nothing they had ever seen before.

Gripping her reins, Rin ignored their stares and looked forward, where she saw an older man's gaze. Stiff blond whiskers covered his cheeks, framing a stern face, a bald head, a hard mouth. His narrow face pinched cold, eyes glittered with a greedy intelligence.

Just from his sharp looks and expression alone, Rin could tell he was their governor, Chi Bingwen.

He stepped forward. ”Where's this letter from the emperor you speak of?”

Rin mounted off her horse and passed the letter to him. Chi Bingwen's eyes went flat. His gaze seemed to be particularly keen on her face, brows wrinkled. Everyone stood and watched as their governor grabbed the scroll and read it.

”It looks authentic enough. But do you think this is enough to make us leave our land?” His smile cut sharply. ”It's a pity you came all this way for nothing.”

”Governor Chi, by order of Emperor Guan Hong, you and your people need to evacuate for your own safety. We have already created a safe place for all of you to settle until we can guarantee your safety.” Rin said. The words came tonelessly, as a statue would speak them.

Contempt spilled across his face. ”There's no need for us to leave. My people and I are capable enough to defend our land against a tribe of dirty barbarians!” The crowd shouted its approval. Pride became them—they would never back down on an enemy.

Rin's eyes followed their expressions with a quiet gaze. Their eyes filled with glory and pride, their governor raising his chin high in pleasure. To her, they looked nothing more than a bunch of sheep soon to be slaughtered.

”If you don't leave now, you and all of your people will die.” An Sun's cold words ran loud.