Empress Ying

VII

I wasn't completely unaware of that story. However, this story has some details that fill the loopholes of the story I had been told. I was told that only powerful people were able to use the Yansu. That was a deliberate lie. But why are common people like me not able to yield the Yansu? I had to find an answer to this question. 

[...]

I passed the entrance exam and started to attend my lessons. The classrooms were filled with sons of influential families. It seemed like not many girls were interested in war stuff. 

School was fun and I hung out a lot in my free time. My foster parents didn't reprimand me except if I was in danger. They gave me a monthly allowance to buy clothes, accessories and so on. I was surprised since the allowance was high, high enough to buy yourself a mansion if you save that money for a year. I managed to get along with my siblings. We are good friends now. In a nutshell, I was well and happy. I still ask myself why they are treating me so well.

[...]

When I turned 13, I decided to pay a visit to my dad. I hoped he was well. I was also hoping to meet Ying Xi, so I brought Ying Yi with me. 

I arrived at my old house. It was broken down and torn apart. In front, a notice that said, my father is a sinner and everyone who comes in contact with him is a sinner as well.

I didn't know how to react. All I understood is that, I will never get to see my father again.

-...

Ying Yi: what did your father do? If I'm allowed to ask.

- I have no idea. It is pretty common here to suddenly become a sinner for a small thing. Just because we are commoners. I'm so sad he had to die this way.

Ying Yi:...

My eyes started to tear. He was such a good man. He took care of me even though he wasn't my biological father. 

Ying Yi: I'm so sorry for your loss, Kairi.

He was always calling me that name. Everybody at the duke's mansion called me that way to not arouse suspicion or unwanted questions. Kairi was a more common name there than Ying Yi.

- I have to find out who did this.

I asked around to know why he got executed.

Stranger: Don't stay around here. I heard he offended some big fish. His daughter was nowhere to be found after committing an unspeakable act. He also refused to sell his wife to make up for his daughter's mistake. Those people are crazy. They have no proof that the daughter is guilty but still dare to sentence people. No wonder since our government is so corrupted. Don't stay here for long. You may also get yourself punished.

Ying Yi: ... Thank you

He protected me until his last moments. I felt so guilty and indebted. Why did he care so much for me? He could have just reported me to save his life. I will never forget his kind words, love and care. He didn't deserve what happened to him. Hopefully, he is now in a better place, far from the injustice and woes of this world. He deserves the best and will always be my father.

The woman left. Ying Yi looked at me. I knew alone through his look what he wanted.

- ... I... I may have killed my master when I was a slave.

Ying Yi looked at me surprised and confused.

Ying Yi: You... what...?

I had no choice but to tell him what happened back then. It felt very painful talking about it. I had enough. How can such people be so horrible and bear no consequences? It is just unfair. I hate this country. I hate the royal family, the officials, everything. 

- I swear that one day, I will overthrow this dynasty and bring justice to its people.

A very familiar voice uttered these words:

...: I believe you can do it.

- Ying Xi.

Ying Xi: How have you been? I'm sorry I couldn't contact you. And this is...

He looked at Ying Yi. 

Xi: ... Akari.

Ying Yi: How does he know my name?

- He is my brother. -I stopped - Our brother.