Chapter 14 - Framed (1/2)

Framed

Ever since they have chosen their own martial art masters, both Qin YiJun and Li FangMing’s day became busy. They would have lessons in the morning, then practice in the afternoon. At first, the two children had trouble keeping up but after repeating such harsh schedule for months, even a weak chicken would turn strong. Occasionally, they would spar with each other whenever they are free. As for the bird that Li FangMing found before, they had decided to release it when it was healed up.

The bird left, only to return the next spring with its mate. The two birds even made a nest on the tree within YueXing Palace so Qin YiJun simply decided to keep them. Seasons continued to change and the two young boys grew up. Soon, ten years has passed and the two children had grown up to be strong young teens.

The two were currently sparring when Hao Shuren came over to pick Li FangMing up. Unlike Qin YiJun’s master, Hao Shuren would always bring Li FangMing out at night as a practical training. Qin YiJun doesn’t know what the training entails and Li FangMing didn’t tell him either. Whenever the prince asked this brother of his, Li FangMing would avoid answering it, telling him that it was a secret.

“Will you be back before dinner?” Qin YiJun asked Li FangMing who is about to leave.

Li FangMing, didn’t know the answer so he turned to Hao Shuren. Hao Shuren saw the questioning look from both teen and finally answered. “Your Highness, this lowly one is planning to bring his disciple to the forest nearby.”

“Forest? At this time?” Qin YiJun frowned before he looked up to the sky which now had a tint of orange. “It’s too dangerous. This prince doesn’t allow it.”

“Your Highness…” Hao Shuren felt helpless. Whenever he brought Li FangMing out for training, the crown prince would always object it. “This is the last step for Li FangMing’s training on this technique. Once he mastered this technique, the rest of his training will be over. There will be nothing else for me to teach.”

“Can’t it be done during the day? This Prince still remember last time that FangMing ends up with a lot of bruise and cuts on his body. Old Pan even had him rest for few days because of that…”

“Your Highness, this technique can only be practiced during night time. What use is it during the day?”

“But—“

Li FangMing decided that he should intervene now before Qin YiJun delay them even further. He tugged on Qin YiJun’s sleeves and gestured with his head that they should talk elsewhere. When Qin YiJun agreed, Li FangMing just smiled at Hao Shuren before he walked away with Qin YiJun.

“YiJun, you have to trust me. Don’t worry. I won’t let myself get injured again,” Li FangMing said with a smile, trying to assure the prince. “Once I mastered this technique, I’ll have more free time. Then I can keep you company during dinner. But if you continued to delay…”

“Alright, alright. This is the last time, right? I’ll wait for you to come back,” Qin YiJun finally relented. He pulled Li FangMing into a hug and buried his face on the other’s shoulder. “Stay safe.”

“I will. Thank you, Jun-ge~” Li FangMing replied playfully only to have Qin YiJun hug him tighter.

“You only call me that when you asked me for something or when you got what you wanted out of me. Ming-er is too playful.”

Li FangMing let out a small laughter as he hugged Qin YiJun back. After a while, they pulled away and Qin YiJun can only watch as Li FangMing left with Hao Shuren. With nothing else to do, Qin YiJun decided to end his training and went back to YueXing Palace and settled for the day.

Night came, and Li FangMing’s training began. The reason why Li FangMing never told Qin YiJun about his training was because of the nature if his training. He held the dagger in his hand tightly as he heightened his focus. At night, it was hard to see, so he needed to make use of his other sense, especially his hearing.

Usually, Hao Shuren would catch some wild animals for Li FangMing to use as practice. It began with a harmless rabbit, and Li FangMing will need to catch it in the dark. Then the animal he caught would go bigger and fiercer. Last time, Li FangMing had to kill a wolf which ends up with him getting injured. Now, since it was the last lessons, Li FangMing’s opponent is none other than his own master, Hao Shuren.

Unlike wild animals who act on instinct, Hao Shuren would conceal himself and made plan before launching an attack. Li FangMing knew this so he had made a mental preparation. ‘One chance. I’ll treat this as real life and death battle…’ Li FangMing thought as he tried to find out where Hao Shuren currently is. Li FangMing had his back against the tree so that Hao Shuren cannot strike him from behind.

Unfortunately, Hao Shuren is still the experienced one so he knew what Li FangMing is planning. He even managed to guess which tree Li FangMing would choose so he had long climbed onto it. The moment Li FangMing stood under the tree, he made his move. In his hand is a long, thin string and he had already tied one of his leg to the tree branch. He then dived down and with one swift movement; he wrapped the string around Li FangMing’s neck.

Li FangMing was also quick to react and lifted his dagger but the moment he felt the string around his neck tightened, he knew it was over.